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 The Youth Center on Regal Princess
A PARNAMI Cruise Page
Sitmar's original plans for Regal Princess called for an "Off Limits" children's center similar to that built on Star Princess 1. Princess, at the time of the acquisition, had not considered itself to be a "family cruise line" so, with the additional time they had until completion, the space designated for children's centers on Crown and Regal Princess was reassigned as passenger cabins. At a time when family cruising was building momentum, Princess was building ships that proved to be family unfriendly. The error was corrected in 2000.
Unwilling to lose the cabins it gained by the original displacement of the children's center, the task with which Princess was presented was: Where to put it? Ideally, space adjoining the health center down on Holiday Deck could suffice. BUT, this space is at or below the water line, a location not considered appropriate for children. Lacking any other suitable alternatives, a new area was created by lowering onto Sun Deck an entirely new prefabricated facility.
Added without any attempt to integrate into the existing facility, there is no interior access to the youth center! All guests must use the aft located doors overlooking the ship's wake many decks below. Once inside, passengers will find the space suitably bright with floor to ceiling windows enveloping three sides. There's nothing particularly special about the decor, it being similar in style and ambiance to the typical, land based day care center. Tables and chairs are provided in a variety of sizes to make kids comfortably welcome. Games, toys and facilities are clean and well maintained.
While this may not be one of the most spectacular appearing kids facilities afloat, it does correct a glaring deficiency of Regal Princess and, as a result, passengers cruising as families no longer have need to avoid her.
Copyright © 2001 Mel Litzenberger. All Rights Reserved
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