1. The Piazza. Elegant and spacious, this three-deck-high atrium is the central hub of the ship, and — like a piazza in a small Italian town — the perfect place to meet up for a morning coffee or late-afternoon aperitif. Wider and more venue-filled than the atriums on most Princess vessel, it features a larger-than-normal version of the International Cafe that has become a Princess staple, with plenty of “outdoor” piazza seating; a seafood bar called Ocean Terrace; an expanded version of Princess pizzeria Alfredo’s; one of the line’s signature Vines wine and tapas bars; a large version of Princess piano bar Crooner’s; a gelato eatery; and more. As with the piazzas on other Princess ships, the space is enlivened throughout the day with pop-up entertainment and activities.

2. The Retreat Pool and Bar. Looking to get away from the kids? This stylish adults-only pool area offers a peaceful retreat from the hubbub of the main Fountain pool, and unlike the nearby adults-only Sanctuary — a Princess staple — it’s accessible at no extra charge. Come nighttime, meanwhile, the Retreat turns into what Princess is calling the Chill Lounge, a relaxed outdoor space to enjoy the evening with drinks and music.

3. The Lotus Spa. One of the biggest spas at sea, this super-serene hideaway offers just about any treatment you could imagine. It’s also home to The Enclave, a sumptuous thermal suite that is triple the size of any other found on a Princess ship with the exception of the Royal Princess. A retreat-within-a-retreat, The Enclave is home to a hydro-therapy pool, heated stone beds, water beds and four “sensory showers” that offer varying water streams, temperatures, aromas and lighting. Rounding out the options are a Relaxation Lounge with ocean views and a full-service salon.

4. Sabatini’s. A signature of Princess Ships, this Tuscan-inspired restaurant is one of the best Italian eateries at sea. Starters range from a twice-baked artichoke soufflé to soft shell crab over arugula; the choices of hand-made pastas change nightly; and main courses include such specialties as baked striped bass in an herbed salt crust (for two) and a grilled veal chop with mushroom ragout. Located in an elegant space just off the ship’s Piazza, Sabatini’s also offers an impressive selection of Italian wines from the Tuscany region.

5. The Horizon Court and Bistro buffet. One of the largest buffet eateries at sea, this well-designed and airy complex offers an impressive range of culinary options morning through night. Like the buffet on sister ship Royal Princess, it is more than twice the size of those on earlier Princess vessels and offers a bevy of new action stations such as a rotisserie and a Japanese Hibachi grill. “Grab & Go” items are available for passengers in a hurry, and dinnertime brings a themed “crab shack” seafood extravaganza as well as a fondue experience.

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As a special feature the six original cast members of The Love Boat television show rode on the ship’s bow and “cruised” down the five-and-a-half mile parade route. In addition to paying tribute to the television show that made Princess Cruises one of the most famous names in cruising, the Rose Parade float depicted the line’s newest cruise ship Regal Princess symbolically sailing through the world’s fascinating destinations and iconic landmarks that guests have experienced with Princess for the past 50 years.

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Cunard celebrated 175 years of history, tradition, and industrial achievement in Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday 12 July starting with a special invitation to Captain Kevin Oprey, Master of Queen Mary 2, to throw the ceremonial first pitch at the Boston Red Sox vs New York Yankees game at Fenway Park.

The day-long celebrations marked Cunard’s 175th anniversary Transatlantic Crossing, commemorating the creation of the first scheduled mail and passenger service across the Atlantic.

In July 1840, the company’s first flagship, Britannia, set sail from Liverpool for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston, with Samuel Cunard and his daughter on board. The Britannia’s crossing of the Atlantic in a fortnight marked a revolution in communication in an era when mail and newspapers could take six weeks to reach their destination.

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