Caribbean Princess will soon become the first of the Princess Cruises’ fleet to feature a waterpark. The new Reef Family Splash Zone will debut following the ship’s return from drydock this summer.
Family Fun (But Not Thrills)
Don’t expect the thrill-a-minute, sometimes frenetic theme park attractions that accompany waterparks on many mega-ships. According to Travel Weekly, Gordon Ho, senior vice president of global marketing and North American sales at Princess, says “A waterslide at this point is not part of our DNA.”
Instead, the new feature will be built on Deck 17 in a space that currently offers several smaller water features. The Reef Family Splash Zone will prominently feature “Splashpad with Whale,” a splash pool with a whale whose fluke spurts water.
The renovated area will also boast oversized backyard games such as cornhole, Jenga, and Connect Four. Adults can lounge on new patio furniture, plus families can enjoy refreshments from a kid-friendly bar. A destination-themed water table for kids at the Camp Discovery outdoor area will feature iconic port city landmarks such as the Panama Canal locks, the Golden Gate Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said the new waterpark “invites families and kids to experience a multi-functional area to engage, play and reconnect. The Reef is the ultimate spot for families of all ages to enjoy spending time together with new water features, recreational activities, and lounge areas.”
Updates to the pool area during the ship’s drydock also include upgraded lights and music, refurbished pools, shade canopies and wind panels, among other items.
As Travel Agent Central points out, the new waterpark continues a trend over the past few years to augment Caribbean Princess with more features designed to welcome parents and children, such as family accommodations. Meanwhile, it’s designed to offer something unique to Princess, as opposed to the high-energy attractions found on some other lines.
Caribbean Princess Schedule
Caribbean Princess currently sails from Fort Lauderdale. Shortly after emerging from drydock in June, the ship will sail Canada and New England itineraries this summer and fall from New York City and Quebec City. Caribbean Princess will then return to Fort Lauderdale in late 2019.
What’s your take on the new Princess water park? Do you think you’d enjoy Princess’ family-friendly features?
If Princess wants to compete with other “family cruises, they need to add water slides and other activities for kids ages 5-12. Kids and parents need those activities like are available on Royal Caribbean and Carnival…even Norwegian offers more than Princess. I like your ships but you need to address the needs of families on “some” voyages