Calypso Reef and Pool on Star Princess

Calypso Reef Pool is the second of Star Princess' pool areas specially designated for families. Similar in design and form to the larger Neptune's Reef, Calypso provides the added benefit of having a retractable glass domed roof. When closed, the dome soars over three decks above, providing the open airiness for which areas such as these should be noted. Unfortunately, on many other modern ships, often that is NOT the case where domes may be too low for comfortable occupancy.

Calypso bathers are well protected from inclement weather, although, design defects make it undesirable for swimming in cold weather. The Starboard entrance feeding from the Neptune Pool is a HUGE glass sliding door. When it opens, which it does with regularity, it funnels uncomfortably cold outside air directly into and onto the half-clothed bathers at Calypso. HOWEVER, that is not all: the doors leading from the elevator lobby often are blown open by the rushing wind caused by the ships forward motion, also funneling cold air from the outside Neptune Pool area into Calypso. So, while Calypso is indoors it providers bathers with little insulation from the outside. While this could have been a great area in cool weather, if you are cold blooded, forget using the pool!

Once again, a shallow "reef" borders the pool area, with the water contained by an undulating surrounding fiberglass dyke. Bridges again provide passengers access over the dyke and onto the reef and pool area. HOWEVER, since this is a family area, often occupied by active people and children, the bridges, as often as not, will be ignored. Instead, in the spirit of pool fun, it is typical to see passengers sprint over the dykes, using its top edge for propulsion. IT'S FIBERGLASS: It is easily damaged! Although Princess is doing it's best to keep on top of the damage caused by such actions, the repairs, readily, are evident by mismatched colors and textures of the patches. The same problem is evident with the other family pool, Neptune. Ironically, Princess has chosen to forgo the fiberglass for the adult pools where no similar problems exist. Princess needs to seek out a more durable material for the containing dyke than the fiberglass now used, or, it needs to revert to a more conventional style dyke similar to those used on ships of Royal Caribbean.

Pool access is provided via ladders feeding from the shallows, not the steps preferred by passengers with mobility impairments. An Oxford Dipper DOES provide pool access for passengers confined to wheelchairs. Somewhat rare for shipboard pools are the varying depths ranging between 5 feet 2 inches and 7 feet. For some reason, the Oxford Dipper dips wheelchairs into the 7-foot area. Go figure!

The Dome is of a modern design, with a lighter structure than that used for older versions. The numerous columns supporting it are quite thick though, somewhat detracting from the overall appearance of the space. Decks are surfaced in tile and teakwood and filled with sturdy, thick cushioned metal loungers.

Upstairs lies what Princess calls the Conservatory. Virtually surrounded in glass, the conservatory's, heavy, thick cushioned patio style furniture makes this an ideal spot for reading and relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee. Additional loungers can also be found up here if things are a bit congested surrounding the pool itself. A couple ping-pong tables are located along the forward edges, far enough away as to not be annoying, but close enough to provide some entertainment for passengers engaged in people watching.

HINT: Freshly squeezed Orange Juice is available from the Calypso Bar for a fee of $2.75. Nowhere else on the ship is it listed on a menu. HOWEVER, if you ask for a glass in the main dining rooms it should be provided at NO CHARGE. Ask for "large" otherwise, it will be served in a mini juice glass.


	Calypso Reef and Pool on Star Princess A PARNAMI Cruise Page Calypso Reef Pool is the second of Star Princess' pool areas specially designated for families. Similar in design and form to the larger Neptune's Reef, Calypso provides the added benefit of having a retractable glass domed roof. When closed, the dome soars over three decks above, providing the open airiness for which areas such as these should be noted. Unfortunately, on many other modern ships, often that is NOT the case where domes may be too low for comfortable occupancy. Calypso bathers are well protected from inclement weather, although, design defects make it undesirable for swimming in cold weather. The Starboard entrance feeding from the Neptune Pool is a HUGE glass sliding door. When it opens, which it does with regularity, it funnels uncomfortably cold outside air directly into and onto the half-clothed bathers at Calypso. HOWEVER, that is not all: the doors leading from the elevator lobby often are blown open by the rushing wind caused by the ships forward motion, also funneling cold air from the outside Neptune Pool area into Calypso. So, while Calypso is indoors it providers bathers with little insulation from the outside. While this could have been a great area in cool weather, if you are cold blooded, forget using the pool! Once again, a shallow "reef" borders the pool area, with the water contained by an undulating surrounding fiberglass dyke. Bridges again provide passengers access over the dyke and onto the reef and pool area. HOWEVER, since this is a family area, often occupied by active people and children, the bridges, as often as not, will be ignored. Instead, in the spirit of pool fun, it is typical to see passengers sprint over the dykes, using its top edge for propulsion. IT'S FIBERGLASS: It is easily damaged! Although Princess is doing it's best to keep on top of the damage caused by such actions, the repairs, readily, are evident by mismatched colors and textures of the patches. The same problem is evident with the other family pool, Neptune. Ironically, Princess has chosen to forgo the fiberglass for the adult pools where no similar problems exist. Princess needs to seek out a more durable material for the containing dyke than the fiberglass now used, or, it needs to revert to a more conventional style dyke similar to those used on ships of Royal Caribbean. Pool access is provided via ladders feeding from the shallows, not the steps preferred by passengers with mobility impairments. An Oxford Dipper DOES provide pool access for passengers confined to wheelchairs. Somewhat rare for shipboard pools are the varying depths ranging between 5 feet 2 inches and 7 feet. For some reason, the Oxford Dipper dips wheelchairs into the 7-foot area. Go figure! Two hot tubs flank the pool and reef area on both sides. The Dome is of a modern design, with a lighter structure than that used for older versions. The numerous columns supporting it are quite thick though, somewhat detracting from the overall appearance of the space. Decks are surfaced in tile and teakwood and filled with sturdy, thick cushioned metal loungers. Upstairs lies what Princess calls the Conservatory. Virtually surrounded in glass, the conservatory's, heavy, thick cushioned patio style furniture makes this an ideal spot for reading and relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee. Additional loungers can also be found up here if things are a bit congested surrounding the pool itself. A couple ping-pong tables are located along the forward edges, far enough away as to not be annoying, but close enough to provide some entertainment for passengers engaged in people watching. The pool is filled with fresh water, as are all pools on Star Princess, and remains open 24 hours! Bar service is provided from the Calypso Bar opening at 7 AM and remaining open throughout the day until 2 AM. HINT: Freshly squeezed Orange Juice is available from the Calypso Bar for a fee of $2.75. Nowhere else on the ship is it listed on a menu. HOWEVER, if you ask for a glass in the main dining rooms it should be provided at NO CHARGE. Ask for "large" otherwise, it will be served in a mini juice glass. Copyright © 2002 Mel Litzenberger. All Rights Reserved Continue Tour: Horizon Court on Star Princess Reverse Tour: Scoops Ice Cream Bar on Star Princess Return to Star Princess: Star Princess E-mail: PARNAMI@aol.com