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FTF's cruise specialist rates a new Caribbean-bound Princess ship to see how well it fares with families.

Today’s cruise lines draw rave reviews for appealing to children and even moody teens, but what about that even more elusive subset – tweens aged 10 to 12? With this in mind, I embarked on a recent seven-day voyage with my 12-year-old daughter Chloe aboard the Caribbean Princess, where together and separately, we explored the various nooks and crannies in this year-old ship, which managed to convey an intimate ambience despite the fact that it holds some 3,000-plus passengers.

Check-in

Breezy and quick. Cruisers who have waited interminably in the broiling sun for their turn to check in for other cruises will appreciate the shady and expansive waiting area in the Ft. Lauderdale cruise port.

Tip: Single parents (or those – like myself – traveling without their spouse) need to have notarized permission from the child’s other parent or legal guardian to travel outside of the country. I always travel with such a form, but this is only the third time in 12 years I’ve ever been asked for it and the first time by a cruise line.

Décor

Open, airy and full of natural light. This is not a ship modeled after a Las Vegas nightclub, nor does the art reach out and grab you by the throat on every stairwell and public room. If you like glitz and glamour, you may be disappointed, but those who enjoy a fresh décor with unpretentious furnishings will feel right at home.

Staterooms

Spring for a balcony if you can. Our balcony room on Aloha Deck (12) offered some 285-square-feet of living space, complete with two single beds (that can be combined), a TV, minifridge and desk/vanity area and the must-have balcony just big enough for a table and two chairs. After the veranda, the best feature of the stateroom was the walk-in closet complete with shelves, plenty of hanging space, a mini-safe and a full-length mirror.