Great to see that Princess Cruises is adding a Sanctuary area to all its ships over the next couple of years.
The Sanctuary is an area on the top deck of Crown and Emerald Princess (it will also be on Ruby Princess when that launches in November) where only adults are allowed.
There's a canopy over the top to keep out the harsh rays of the sun, bushes that look real enough and rustle in the gentle breeze, cushioned sunbeds (including a few where couples can snuggle up), MP3 players to borrow and private cabanas where you can have a massage. It's all very indulgent and wonderfully exclusive because numbers are controlled and - isn't there always a catch - you have to pay for your piece of pampering.
To me, the Sanctuary is close to heaven, but I have to confess I didn't think it would catch on - cruisers are notorious for not wanting to pay for anything once they have splashed out on their cruise, especially things they reckon they have already paid for in the price.
Just this time, I'm truly happy to have been proved wrong.
Jane Archer
