The course, girdled by a jogging track, also is illuminated for nighttime play. According to Royal Caribbean, the courses are designed for real golfers, not for kids, but the line does offer exclusive children's tee times. In 1990, Royal Caribbean also introduced a golf simulator aboard the Nordic Empress, but eventually the line ditched the technology because it was too slow. As of now, the cruise line harnessing the latest leading-edge simulator technology is Princess, which has fully computerized golf simulators on both the Dawn Princess and the Sun Princess. An electronic caddy can recommend which club to use.
Players can opt for ladies', men's or championship tees.
They also can choose wind velocity, ranging from a light breeze to a strong one. The course offers a driving range complete with ball tracking and tracing, although several passengers who have played it report that there is more emphasis on the ball's velocity than on its direction. It may be more fun for computer enthusiasts than for serious golfers. When the Grand Princess debuts next spring, its onboard golf simulator will be similar to those on Sun and Dawn, but it will be situated 125 feet above the sea, above and between the ship's two main pool areas. It will cover about 2,000 square feet and will have spectator seating.