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All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

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Why Cruise With Princess?

Set sail to incredible destinations with service you’ll love, at an unmatched value.

Come feel the love on a Princess® cruise. We’ll give you the MedallionClass® experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Not to mention sharing all our favorite destinations and bringing you the best experiences around each and every one of them. With multicourse meals to remember, Broadway-style shows, comedy acts and bands, and comfortable staterooms featuring the Princess Luxury Bed – all included in one of the best vacation values around. Because The Love Boat® promises something for everyone.

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A cruise with Princess isn’t just a chance to connect with your favorite people and the world. It’s one of the best vacation values around. Exploring multiple destinations yet only unpacking once. Multicourse meals to remember. Broadway-style shows, comedy acts and bands. A comfortable stateroom perfect for unwinding. And the best part? You get it all for a fraction of what you'd spend on a land-based vacation.

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Dine on fresh regional cuisine that gives you a better appreciation of the places you visit. Savor sauces made from scratch, breads baked fresh 24-7 and homemade ice cream created every day. Food is a big part of the travel experience, and we want each meal to be a celebration of your vacation.

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Entertainment for everyone

Fill your days and nights with events that match your interests. Original programs from award-winning talent. Family-friendly activities based on hit Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ TV shows. Destination-themed offerings. Make the most of every moment at sea.

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Take in all-new musicals produced with by the Grammy and Academy award-winning composer of  Wicked  and Pippin.

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Royal Princess® Cruise Ship

A welcoming ambience and innovative offerings create the perfect way to see the world.

• Inaugural Cruise: June 16, 2013
• Christener: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge
• Guest Cabins: 1,780 total
• Number of Decks: 19
• Tonnage: 142,229
• Length: 1,083 feet
• Height: 217 feet

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From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

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Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, spectacular views from your room, front row seat for beautiful scenery, our most affordable option, for guests with limited mobility, dining options.

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

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A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

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Horizon Court

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International Café

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Trident Grill

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Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

A Dazzling Dining Adventure

A taste of italy, enjoyed in luxury, timeless steakhouse traditions, wines from around the world, celebrate seafood, a private breakfast with a view, a sweet treat from italy.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

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Afternoon Tea

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Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

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A reel treat day or night.

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Great venues large and small.

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Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

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Step into the lodge, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

Call it the cruise line for people who want a big, amenity-filled ship that isn't a floating amusement park.

Princess Cruises operates relatively large, reasonably priced vessels. But unlike many of its competitors in that space — most notably Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — it doesn't load them up with sprawling water parks, go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and other flashy, family-focused diversions.

Compared to most of its big ship-operating rivals, Princess is known for a more serene, almost old-school style of cruising that isn't about a lot of gee-whiz attractions.

As Princess executives like to say, the line is all about warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance designed to spark connections among passengers.

Instead of bustling attractions, the top decks on the typical Princess ships offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without a lot of hustle and bustle. Inside, the experience revolves around dining, classic showroom entertainment and a classy bar and music scene — just as it has on Princess ships for years.

This is, notably, just the way Princess customers like it. Popular with middle-aged couples, retirees and multigenerational families, the "Love Boat" line caters to people who like a more traditional type of cruising than you'll find on the vessels of most other big-ship lines.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you? A guide to the most popular lines

3 things TPG loves about Princess Cruises

• The abundance of outdoor pool and lounge areas on its ships
• Its expansive spas
• Its far-flung itineraries

What we could do without

• The lack of big suites on most of its vessels

The Princess Cruises fleet

Princess has downsized its fleet considerably in recent years with the removal of five vessels, but it's still the world's fifth-biggest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 16 ships that together offer roughly 50,000 berths.

In general, Princess operates big ships, though they're not quite as big as the vessels operated by Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises — the two lines best known for giant ships. The biggest Princess vessel, the line's new Sun Princess , measures around 177,000 tons. That's about 29% smaller than the biggest ship operated by Royal Caribbean. The line's Royal Class vessels are more than 40% smaller than the biggest Royal Caribbean ships.

Sun Princess is, without a doubt, the belle of the ball in the Princess fleet. Newer, bigger and more venue-filled than the line's other ships, it debuted in early 2024 and carries 4,300 passengers at double occupancy.

Also relatively new and chock-full of lots of venues are the line's five Royal Class ships, which measure between 142,229 and 145,281 tons. These vessels began rolling out in 2013 and carry about 3,600 passengers apiece at double occupancy.

Still, the biggest cohort of ships in the Princess fleet is its seven Grand Class vessels. Unveiled between 1998 and 2008, the vessels in this class are smaller than Sun Princess and the Royal Class ships at around 107,000 to 116,000 tons in size. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Royal Class ships, but they're still big enough to offer a lot of onboard venues. The Grand Class ships carry between 2,600 and 3,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Related: The 4 classes of Princess Cruises ships, explained

Rounding out the Princess fleet are its two Coral Class ships, which, at around 92,000 tons, are the smallest of the line's ships. They each carry around 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

The downsizing of the Princess fleet over the past few years had a lot to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. Three ships left the Princess fleet starting in 2020 as part of an effort to cut costs during the line's coronavirus-caused global shutdown. Another two vessels — Golden Princess and Star Princess — had been scheduled to leave the Princess fleet even before the pandemic began. They were transferred to one of the line's sister companies, P&O Cruises Australia.

The line currently has one more vessel on order that will be a sister to the recently unveiled Sun Princess. To be called Star Princess, it's due to debut in October 2025 .

Destinations and itineraries

Princess Cruises sails to more than 100 countries on seven continents, from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia, and it offers a wide range of itineraries — around 170 in a typical year. The line's ships visit more than 380 different ports and destinations and take passengers to more than 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Among the line's voyages, you'll find everything from three-day sampler cruises down the Pacific Coast to 116-day around-the-world voyages.

Princess is particularly known for cruises to Alaska , where it dominates the market for cruises along with sister line Holland America . In a typical year, Princess deploys seven or eight ships to Alaska in the summer — far more than most other lines. It also operates its own wilderness lodges in the state, as well as tourist trains and buses. It uses the lodges, trains and buses to offer a range of 10- to 17-night Alaska cruisetours that combine a cruise with land-based touring.

Princess also typically deploys five to seven ships to Europe in the summer, and it has a big presence in Australia, where it can deploy as many as six ships for parts of each year. In recent years, it has also become a major player in cruises around Japan that cater to both American and Japanese travelers, as well as Australians.

In North America, Princess ships sail out of Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Port Canaveral , Florida; Boston; New York City; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; Seattle; Galveston, Texas; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whittier, Alaska. There are also some sailings that depart from New York City, Quebec City and Honolulu.

In Europe, Princess ships mostly sail out of Southampton, England; Copenhagen; Barcelona; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome).

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess Cruises ship

Who sails Princess Cruises?

Princess appeals to an older demographic than lines such as Carnival and Norwegian. The average age of passengers is around 54, and you'll usually see a lot of couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

As noted above, these aren't people necessarily craving go-kart tracks and ropes courses at sea. They're people looking to explore the world in a comfortable, classy sort of way that also is relatively affordable. That last part is key. Princess offers a lot of globe-circling itineraries of the sort often available from high-end luxury lines. However, it does so at a much lower price.

While not the biggest line for families with young children, Princess does draw a lot of multigenerational family groups. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Princess also draws a lot of passengers celebrating milestones. The line markets heavily to people marking birthdays and anniversaries with special packages and programs. It's also a huge player in the market for destination weddings at sea, with a division that will help you arrange a ceremony on board or at an exotic location on land during a port call.

Princess was, notably, the first cruise line to host modern-day weddings on ships, offering ceremonies officiated by the ships' captains hosted in onboard chapels.

It is, after all, the "Love Boat" line.

Cabins and suites

When it comes to rooms, Princess is sort of the Marriott of the big-ship cruise world. Its rooms are comfortable and functional but a bit bland. Avant-garde style is not a Princess thing.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Princess ships fall into one of three broad categories: windowless inside cabins, ocean-view cabins and balcony cabins. Balcony cabins, in particular, are widespread on Princess ships. Among mass-market lines, Princess was the pioneer in adding large numbers of balcony cabins to ships.

While balcony cabins are common on Princess ships, you'll find relatively few suites on them. Just 50 of the 2,162 cabins on the line's new Sun Princess are suites, for instance, and that's a lot more suites than you'll find on most other Princess ships.

What this means is there aren't a lot of ways to live large on a Princess ship or to pack a lot of people into a single accommodation. Until the debut of Sky Princess in 2019, the line didn't have a single cabin that could accommodate more than four people.

That said, the Grand Class vessels each offer two Family Suites that can be created by connecting a Mini-Suite with an adjacent inside cabin to form a six- to eight-person complex.

Unveiled five years ago, Sky Princess featured the line's first truly large stand-alone suites, dubbed Sky Suites. Such suites were later added to the line's Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess, too.

There are two of the suites on each of the ships, and they measure a generous 1,800 square feet (though more than half of that space is taken up by a huge wraparound balcony). With two bedrooms plus a living room with a pullout sofa bed, they're designed for up to five people.

The line's new Sun Princess also has several large suites that measure as much as 1,260 square feet.

Still, even the biggest suites on Sky Princess, Discovery Princess and Sun Princess aren't the truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that you'll find on the latest Royal Caribbean or Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. If that's what you're after, Princess isn't your line.

Related: Everything you want to know about Princess cabins and suites

Restaurants and dining

Every Princess vessel has three main dining rooms where meals are included in the fare, and these dining rooms are at the heart of the dining experience on Princess ships. Many passengers have all or most of their dinners in a main dining room.

As of this year, the three main dining rooms on each Princess ship operate under different formats. At one of the main rooms, you can make a reservation for any time, provided a table at the time you want is available. To ensure you get the time you want, it's best to reserve a table far in advance of your sailing, which you can do online once you've paid for the cruise in full. You also can make reservations on board ships during your cruise.

At another of the main dining rooms, you can just show up for dinner at any time without a reservation and be seated on a space-available basis.

The third main dining room on every Princess ship offers a fixed-time "traditional" seating option where you can request the same table at the same time with the same waiter every night of a cruise.

Every vessel also has a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. Near the main pool area on most ships, it's usually called Horizon Court but is also known as the World Fresh Market or Panorama Buffet on some vessels.

Other covered options on at least some Princess ships include poolside pizza outlets and poolside grills serving burgers. Also, on sea days, Princess transforms a bar or dining venue at lunchtime into an included-in-the-fare English-style pub. It serves traditional pub food such as fish-and-chips and cottage pie, along with Bass Ale or Guinness (for an extra charge).

Every Princess ship also has at least a couple of extra-charge eateries. On most ships, you'll find the line's signature Italian restaurant, Sabatini's. It serves homemade pasta, seafood and other Italian specialties in an elegant setting and comes with a flat fee of $45 per person.

Most Princess ships also have a signature steakhouse. On most vessels, it's called Crown Grill and offers premium beef and seafood cooked to order in an open, theater-style kitchen. On two ships — Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess — it's called Churrascaria Grill and is a Brazilian-style steakhouse with meat presented by waiters.

On two ships — Coral Princess and Island Princess — the steakhouse has a Cajun and Creole twist. In addition to steak dishes, the menu features New Orleans-style peel-and-eat shrimp, alligator ribs and gumbo. On those vessels, it's called the Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse.

Princess ships also offer a chef's table experience — a concept the line pioneered in the cruise world. Costing $95 to $115 per person, it includes predinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the ship's galley with the executive chef before a main dining experience at a private table in the dining room.

Another dining option that recently began popping up on Princess ships is a seafood eatery called The Catch by Rudi, designed by Princess' head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin. (Holland America fans will remember Sodamin as that line's longtime master chef.)

The Catch by Rudi is only on Sun Princess, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Princess steakhouses, it has a cover charge of $45 per person.

Related: Princess cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

Entertainment and activities

Princess ships are loaded with entertainment that ranges from Broadway-style theater shows to street entertainers who appear in each vessel's central piazza. That said, they're not floating amusement parks. Unlike some big-ship lines, Princess isn't topping its vessels with waterslides, go-kart tracks, ropes courses and other family-focused attractions.

Theaters and shows

There's no shortage of theater and lounge entertainment on Princess ships. On a typical night, you might find a flashy, fast-paced production show playing in the main theater, a comedian performing in a secondary lounge and live music on offer in several more venues.

In many cases, the main theaters on Princess ships are quite elaborate, with Broadway show-level lighting and special effects, and the productions housed within the theaters are elaborate, too.

Princess has upped its game with its theater productions in recent years through a partnership with Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-winning composer of "Wicked," "Godspell" and "Pippin."

Among new productions that Schwartz has worked on is "The Secret Silk," which features life-size puppetry from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, dancing and special effects. It was created and directed by John Tartaglia, a star of Broadway's "Avenue Q" and "Beauty and the Beast."

Princess is also known for its karaoke nights, and it holds a "The Voice of the Ocean" competition during cruises, which is a spinoff of the TV show. Passengers compete in a live performance after karaoke auditions and rehearsal sessions with the shipboard band and backup singers. A team of coaches sits in giant "I Want You" chairs, just like on the show, and passengers vote to choose the winner.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Princess ships are filled with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a range of bars, lounges and nightspots.

On many ships, the hub of activity is the Piazza, a sprawling, multilevel space that serves as a central gathering place, like a square in Italy. The configuration of the Piazza varies by ship, but the area typically offers several shops, a coffee bar called International Cafe, a wine bar called Vines, and (on some vessels) additional bars and eateries. The Piazza is also home to roving street performers.

Every Princess ship also has a casino, often just off the Piazza, and spas are big on Princess ships. The Lotus Spa complexes on the line's Royal Class ships offer nearly two dozen treatment rooms, an extensive beauty salon, and a thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, a Turkish-style steam bath and other steam chambers.

Several of the newer Princess ships, including Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess, have jazz clubs called Take 5.

In addition to such venues, Princess offers a lot of enrichment activities on its ships. The line has partnered with Discovery to offer a Discovery at Sea program on vessels that includes activities like stargazing from a top deck with a specialist. The program also brings destination specialists and naturalists on board in places such as Alaska to offer insights.

Inspired by Discovery's popular "Shark Week," Princess has also created Shark Week at Sea programming that runs on select sailings in the summer with activities and games designed to challenge both adults and kids on the myths and interesting facts about sharks.

Culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and dance classes also are popular on Princess ships.

Top-deck attractions

The top decks of most Princess ships are notable for what they don't have: There are no roller coasters or pedal-powered sky rides like you'll find on Carnival ships or the go-kart tracks that top some Norwegian vessels. There are no surfing simulators, sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls or zip lines of the sort found on Royal Caribbean vessels. For the most part, there aren't even waterslides or watery splash zones (two vessels, Caribbean Princess and Sun Princess, do have splash zones).

Princess executives long ago decided not to engage in what they call the "amusement park arms race" taking place among lines operating big resort-like ships.

Instead, the line has mostly stuck to the basics with its top decks. They are covered with relaxing pool and lounge zones — and lots of them.

On the last three Royal Class ships, for instance, there's a main pool area at the center of the top deck with two full pools and three hot tubs, plus a secondary pool area at the back of the ship with another pool. There's also an adults-only pool area toward the front of the vessel, along with an extra-charge, adults-only relaxation area called the Sanctuary.

Between all these pool and lounge areas running along the sides of the ship are additional sunning areas with lounge chairs and four more hot tubs.

In short, there is a ton of space for relaxing on the top deck of these newest Princess vessels — more than you'll find on any other ship of comparable size, save for their earlier sisters in the Royal Class.

The one big attraction that you will find on the top deck of Princess ships, always at the main pool area, is a giant Movies Under the Stars movie screen. A growing number of cruise ships now have movie screens on their pool decks, but Princess pioneered the concept.

The screens show movies, concerts and sporting events during the day, but at night, they really shine. In a longtime Princess tradition, the line turns the main pool areas of its ships into outdoor movie theaters at night by reconfiguring lounge chairs to face the screen and bringing out blankets to ward off the evening chill. It even serves popcorn.

Some ships also feature basketball courts, miniature golf putting courses, shuffleboard games and pingpong tables tucked into corners of their top decks.

Children's programs

While it doesn't draw as many families with young children as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Princess offers an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents.

The Princess Youth and Teen centers were recently rebranded "Camp Discovery" as part of the line's partnership with Discovery Communications and offer free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

The line splits children in the program into three age groups: the Treehouse (ages 3 to 7 years), the Lodge (ages 8 to 12 years) and the Beach House (ages 13 to 17 years). Each age group often has its own separate facilities on ships. On some ships, the age groups may be further divided based on available space.

Each group has its own age-appropriate activities, with newly revamped experiences designed to "help young Princess explorers learn, play and create fun memories."

While the free programming for children ages 3 to 12 ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at shipboard Youth and Teen centers from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. During those hours, they're supervised in what is essentially a group child-sitting service.

The Youth and Teen centers also welcome children under the age of 3 if they are accompanied by an adult.

Related: The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all international itineraries, including world cruises and sailings to Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, the Panama Canal (partial and full transit), Caribbean voyages that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe, the South Pacific and Tahiti.

If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for many domestic itineraries (including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico sailings). You can instead travel with an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, are also acceptable. That said, Princess strongly recommends that all travelers bring a passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Where can I cruise without a passport?

Princess adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person, per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bills at bars, dining room wine accounts and spas.

Related: Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

Princess has rolled out faster Wi-Fi systems with landlike speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can stream video on ships. That's the upside. The downside is that such service costs a lot more than Wi-Fi access did in the past. Pricing changes over time, but the line was recently charging $24.99 per day to hook up a single device. That's an enormous increase from as recently as early 2023, when Wi-Fi access was available for just $9.99.

The faster Princess Wi-Fi system is called MedallionNet Classic , and it's one of several technological upgrades that Princess has made to its ships in recent years under an umbrella called MedallionClass. MedallionClass also brings expedited embarkation, keyless cabin entry, on-demand food and beverage delivery, and the ability to locate friends and family on board — all via an app for mobile devices and a Princess-issued medallion that passengers carry while traveling.

Princess also recently began offering an even faster Wi-Fi service called MedallionNet Max that only is available to those paying for one of the line's add-on extras packages known as Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Princess allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto ships at boarding at no charge (for consuming in your room; you'll be charged a $20 corkage fee if you want to bring it to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink). You can bring even more bottles of wine on board, but you will pay a $20 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in cigar lounges, designated sections within nightclubs and at designated slot machines within casinos (for those who are playing). It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a $250 fine per occurrence. One exception to the above rule is that e-cigarettes are allowed in cabins (but not on cabin balconies).

Princess ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a charge of $3 per load to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box. Additionally, vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, and some also have European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on most Princess itineraries is dollars. The exceptions are select sailings on ships based in Australia, where pricing is listed in Australian dollars. All vessels operate on a cashless system, with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a medallion that you can use to make charges. This same card or medallion also is what lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on many Princess itineraries. The exceptions include sailings between ports in Europe, China, Australia and New Zealand, and Singapore, where the drinking age is 18. For cruises between Japanese ports, the drinking age is 20.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

At night, there is an official dress code that is enforced when entering restaurants. Most nights are designated as "smart casual," which Princess takes to mean pants and an open-neck shirt for men and skirts and dresses or slacks for women.

Beach attire, shorts, baseball caps and casual jeans (think: the fraying kind or those with holes) are not allowed. One or more nights per cruise, depending on the cruise length, will be designated as a "formal" night when men are expected to turn out in dark suits with a tie or even a tuxedo. The suggested attire for women on such nights is evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

Related: Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Princess Cruises' loyalty program

Princess has a four-tier frequent cruiser program, the Captain's Circle, that is worth joining for the perks — if you're willing to bear with its convoluted tier qualifying structure.

You reach the first tier, Gold, by taking a single cruise. However, from there, you move to each successive tier either by accruing a certain number of "cruise credits" (which aren't necessarily the same as the number of cruises you've taken) or by sailing a certain number of days.

Reaching the Ruby level, for instance, requires three cruise credits (more on those in a moment) or 30 days on Princess ships. Platinum status kicks in after five cruise credits or 50 days on ships.

Related: Princess Cruises' Captain's Circle loyalty program: Everything you need to know

In most cases, members earn one cruise credit for every cruise they take. However, members who book a suite or travel solo in a cabin meant for two will receive two cruise credits for the voyage. The number of cruise credits you have earned is thus often the same as the number of cruises you have taken, but not always.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll receive things like an invite to a private party (at the Gold tier) and a free upgrade for your travel insurance package when buying it through the line (at the Ruby tier). However, higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum, brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, and a free internet package.

The top Elite level (15 cruise credits or 150 cruise days) adds such things as an exclusive window to preview and book new itineraries, priority ship-to-shore water shuttle service, complimentary laundry, and a complimentary minibar setup.

Members at all tier levels get access to special pricing on certain cruises. They also receive a monthly newsletter and a membership pin.

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A Princess passenger staying in suites will hit the Platinum level after just three cruises. The top Elite level is reachable within just eight cruises for someone staying in suites.

Related: A beginners guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Princess cruise cost?

Princess ships are very reasonably priced. They're not the least expensive vessels out there, but they're not pricey by any means. It's possible to find Princess voyages to the Caribbean, the Bahamas or Mexico starting under $100 per person, per night, including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

For instance, as of the date of this story's posting, six-night sailings from Galveston, Texas, to the Western Caribbean in February 2025 started at just $418 per person, not including taxes and fees of $138. That works out to just $93 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October, November (not including Thanksgiving week) and parts of December.

When you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Princess ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance.

Specifically, the line now offers bundle pricing for several extra-charge add-on items including gratuities, a Wi-Fi package, a specialty dining package and a drink package — if passengers pay for them in advance.

The line's Princess Plus plan gives passengers included gratuities, a single-device Wi-Fi plan, a basic beverage package and a few other freebies for a bundled price of $60 per person, per day.

An enhanced version of the above plan called Princess Premier gives you gratuities, Wi-Fi access on more devices, an unlimited drink package and an unlimited dining package for $90 per person, per day.

Most onboard activities, such as theater shows, are included in the fare.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to princess.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Princess is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Princess cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand.

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , which offers 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and dining (excluding the annual up-to-$300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on dining.

Bottom line

Princess offers big, amenity-filled ships that are comfortable and classy at an affordable price.

If you're looking for a lot of top-deck fun zones — waterslides, go-kart tracks and the like — it's probably not the line for you. However, if you're on the hunt for not-too-expensive vessels that will take you to the farthest corners of the world in comfort, Princess ships should be on your shortlist.

It's also a great line if you're trying to put together a multigenerational trip, as its ships are designed to appeal to a wide range of age groups.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Princess Cruises

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Find a Cruise on Princess Cruises

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Cruising with Princess

Princess Cruises' claim to fame may be its starring role in the 1977 hit TV series "The Love Boat," but since its Hollywood debut, the cruise line has continued making waves with enriching onboard activities and versatile itineraries. Princess' 15-ship fleet traverses the globe, with popular sailings covering  Alaska ,  Mexico ,  Europe , Hawaii and the  Caribbean , among other locations. Princess Cruises' fleet, which departs from several U.S. cities, including  Los Angeles  and Fort Lauderdale, Florida , features both midsize ships and larger ships, so you can select your ship according to your style and size preferences.

Whatever ship you choose, you can count on a refined atmosphere and personalized service, with approximately one crew member per every two or three passengers. Cruises last between two and 116 days and feature everything from specialist-guided stargazing to stage shows to "Movies Under the Stars" poolside screenings.

When the ship docks, you can choose from a variety of shore excursions, including guided sightseeing tours in  Barcelona, Spain , and rum tastings in Barbados . Prefer extra time for land exploration? Select sailings offer Cruisetours, vacation packages that allow you to spend a few extra nights in a destination before or after your cruise.

Book a Princess Cruises cruise deal with GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Pros & Cons

Flexible dining times and a variety of culinary options

Wheelchair-accessible cabins available, with special features like lowered closet railings and bath distress alarms

Groups can coordinate their travel plans with Celebration Group packages

Some onboard amenities not covered by cruise rates

High-capacity ships can usher in heavy crowds

Shore excursions can be pricey

• Expert Rating » 3.8
• Traveler Rating » 4.0
• Health Rating » 4.3

Princess Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

• # 3 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money
• # 7 in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean
• # 11 in Best Cruise Lines for Couples

Explore Photos

Princess Cruises Ships

Sky Princess

Regal Princess

Enchanted Princess

Grand Princess

Royal Princess

Discovery Princess

Ruby Princess

Crown Princess

Majestic Princess

Caribbean Princess

Emerald Princess

Coral Princess

Diamond Princess

Island Princess

Sapphire Princess

Before You Book

• Princess Cruises requires a 20% deposit for all cruises. Final payment is due 75 to 90 days before your departure date, depending on your specific cruise.
• Cancellation fees vary by cruise duration and whether or not you purchase the cruise line's Vacation Protection or Platinum Vacation Protection package. For voyages lasting 6 to 24 days, you'll receive a full refund if you cancel and notify Princess at least 90 days prior to your scheduled departure date. For voyages lasting 25 days or longer, you must notify Princess at least 120 days in advance for a full refund. For more information regarding cancellation penalties, visit Princess'  Passage Contract  page.
• With Princess Cruises' EZair program, you can view competitive airfare prices. Princess guarantees that you'll reach your cruise's next port for no additional cost if you miss your original departure port due to a flight delay or disruption. Note: Fees may apply if you change your original flight reservation fewer than 45 days before your scheduled departure date.
• To coordinate medical and special needs services, contact the Health Services Team at [email protected] before your departure date. Requests for special medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and scooters, must be noted when booking your cruise. You can bring your own equipment or reserve it through Special Needs at Sea. Guests should also fill out Princess' mobility questionnaire at least 60 days before departure. This form indicates which device(s) they will need during their cruise.

Before You Board

• For cruises that begin and end in the United States, you must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document at check-in. Acceptable documents include your passport, a government-issued photo ID and a U.S. passport card. Travelers may also bring an original birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID for these "closed-loop" voyages. Princess strongly recommends you bring your passport in case you decide to disembark the ship before reaching your final destination. You will need a valid passport for international cruises, as well as a visa for select international port destinations.
• Vaccination requirements vary by cruise destination. Check the  World Health Organization (WHO)  and  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  websites for the necessary vaccines and current travel health notices.
• Travelers can check in for their cruise up to 75 days prior to embarkation through the MedallionClass app on their mobile device. From the app, you'll be able to upload all necessary information to help streamline the embarkation process on the day you leave. Cruisers who do not complete check-in through the app will check in on embarkation day (which will be a slower, more manual process). Visit Princess' website for more details.
• No quantity or weight limits apply for baggage, however, if you are arriving to your departure destination by plane, be sure to consult airline luggage policies before your trip.
• Shore excursions may be reserved from the time you book your cruise to five days before departure.  
• Reservations for specialty restaurants are suggested and can be made in advance through the MedallionClass mobile app.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Table of Contents

About Princess Cruises

What’s included in a princess cruise, princess cruises loyalty program: captain’s circle.

Princess Cruises is a U.S. cruise line owned by Carnival Corp., which also owns and operates other lines including Carnival, Holland America and Cunard.

First launched in 1965, Princess Cruises offers passengers the opportunity to sail all over the world, including to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.

Here’s a quick overview of some of Princess Cruises' key features.

Cabin types: Princess Cruises ships feature room types that are standard across most cruise lines. These include interior, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite and suite rooms. Princess Cruises’ inside rooms are contemporary and well-furnished, as are its higher-end offerings. 

Main U.S. routes: You’ll find Princess Cruise ships throughout the U.S., though routes are heavily season-dependent. Look for Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and for destinations along the West Coast, out of Los Angeles.  

Loyalty program: Captain’s Circle is the name of Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, which provides elite benefits based on how much you’ve cruised with the line. 

Princess Cruises destinations

Princess Cruise offers a large array of itineraries and destinations. Its sailings range in length from two-day getaways to a 116-day journey that travels around the globe, and it stops in seven continents and 330 ports of call.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

Princess Cruises prices

Princess ships tend to be a little more upscale than some other options, which means it can be more expensive to travel on one. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be paying luxury prices.

Prices for rooms can vary dramatically based on when you travel. The cost is higher during the holidays. For example, a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale can cost as little as $548 for an interior room. However, if you’re traveling during the winter holidays, the price skyrockets up to $1,178 for the same room.

What is the best Princess cruise ship?

There are a total of 16 vessels currently operating — each with the word Princess in the name. When Star Princess enters service in 2025, it'll make that number 17.

Many of the line’s ships score well with reviewers, including the Discovery Princess ship, which is one of six Royal Class vessels. These vessels feature a larger atrium (the social hub of the ship), private poolside cabanas, a glass-bottomed over-water SeaWalk and more staterooms with balconies.

» Learn more: How to plan a cruise in 6 steps

What is the newest Princess Cruises ship?

For now, Sun Princess is the newest ship, having debuted just in 2024. But it won't be the newest for long. Star Princess is set to take its maiden voyage in 2025.

Both Sun Princess and Star Princess tie for largest Princess Cruise ship in the fleet. Both have a capacity of 4,310. That beats out the old record for largest ship, which was held in a tie across a few ships — Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discover Princess. Each of those ships have a capacity of 3,660.

While most cruises include many services and amenities with the base fare, not everything comes at that rate. There are some extras that you may need to pay more for. That includes:

Specialty dining.

Premium drinks (like sodas, handcrafted coffee drinks and alcohol).

Spa treatments.

Short excursions.

Sure, you technically could get away with not paying much more than the base fare. But it's best to leave some wiggle room in your vacation budget. Many of the star attractions of a Princess cruise incur an extra fee.

Spellbound by Magic Castle. (Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

That includes Spellbound by Magic Castle , which is considered one of the best cruise line bars anywhere at sea. The floating recreation of the iconic Hollywood institution, The Magic Castle, serves up dinner and unlimited drinks — many of which are theatrical in nature. For example, a tequila-based drink called "The Magician" transforms from blue to purple as the server pours it into the glass. That's on top of entertainment — which is top-notch as far as magic shows go. But it won't come cheap. Admission costs $149 on top of your cruise fare.

Princess Cruise packages

That said, you can sometimes make those extra services more affordable by purchasing a package. Though these incur an extra fee, they can usually net cheaper than purchasing items a la carte once you start adding a few to your budget.

The Princess Standard fare includes your cabin, use of most facilities, all standard meals, snacks and entertainment. But, to upgrade to fancier meals and other luxurious, you might consider one of two packages.

The Princess Plus fare includes all the amenities of the Princess Standard fare but also provides Wi-Fi service to one device, crew gratuities, premium beverages (including most alcoholic drinks), fitness classes, food delivery and two nights of dining at a casual sit-down restaurant.

Meanwhile, the Princess Premier package includes all of the above, with Wi-Fi available on multiple devices, a superior drink package, two nights of specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, a photo package and reserved seating at shows.

Here’s a glimpse at what comes with each fare package on a Princess cruise:

Among the most recent highlights of booking either of those two packages is improved cruise Wi-Fi .

Princess is an industry leader with its MedallionNet Max service. Its 5G and Starlink access means speeds fast enough for FaceTime and streaming. But here's where those two aforementioned packages are critical: you only get access to MedallionNet Max if you purchase one of those two bundles.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

The Captain’s Circle is the loyalty program for Princess Cruises, and after you complete your first cruise, you’re automatically a member with Gold tier status.

Captain’s Circle levels

The Captain’s Circle levels are Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Here’s how to reach each tier as well as the benefits you’ll receive.

How to earn: Complete one Princess cruise. 

Best benefits: Preferential pricing, members-only events. 

How to earn: Complete three cruises or 30 cruise days.

Best benefits: Vacation protection upgrade, shoreside access to priority phone line.

How to earn: Complete five cruises or 50 cruise days. 

Best benefits: 50% off Wi-Fi package, priority boarding, early access to dining reservations, exclusive member lounge, 10% discount on spa treatments. 

How to earn: Complete 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. 

Best benefits: Early access to new itineraries, 10% off-shore excursions, complimentary mini-bar setup, complimentary laundry services, priority embarkation and disembarkation.

(Top photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

How to maximize your rewards

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Consistently a top choice for cruisers and industry experts, Princess offers quality, contemporary cruising with a balance of tradition and innovation. Spectacular ships sail to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and many more of the world's most fascinating places. Now you can do more of what you love with Princess® MedallionClass™ Vacations, offering a more effortless, personalized vacation than you could ever imagine. Enjoy Wi-Fi at sea, expedited boarding, drinks on demand, and more on select sailings. Discover the next wave of vacation travel, exclusively on Princess. The MedallionClass™ experience is currently available on the entire Princess® fleet.

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Explore Princess Cruises Ships

Caribbean Princess

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Exciting adventures await aboard Caribbean Princess following her multi-million-dollar array of luxurious enhancements. From staterooms that offer a more restful sleep, to endless tempting new dining options, the newly reimagined Reef Splash Zone for kids and families plus other upgrades, you’ll find Caribbean Princess herself has come back new.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess® offers 90% ocean-view staterooms - with over 700 balconies and a wrap-around Promenade Deck. The ship features an array of dining options, such as the Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse, as well as a European-themed casino and Crooners martini bar.

Crown Princess

Highlights of the Crown Princess® include the piazza style atrium, Crown Grill, modeled after a classic steakhouse, the Sanctuary deck area, reserved just for adults, and Movies Under the Stars, the poolside movie theater.

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess® is a luxury destination in itself. Take in the view from one of nearly 750 balcony staterooms. Indulge in a hot stone massage at the renowned Lotus Spa®, enjoy fine dining in a formal or relaxed atmosphere and make it a cruise to remember.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess®, the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass® and the final Royal-class ship, will continue to deliver an array of innovative new experiences. Enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary, and indulge your senses with world-class dining options from Michelin-star and renowned chefs. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents spectacular new productions that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theater.

Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess® is everything you expect from a modern, luxurious ship. Featuring multiple dining options, including Traditional and Anytime Dining, and specialty venues like the popular Sabatini's Italian restaurant. The Lotus Spa® offers a myriad of treatments, and the Lotus Fitness Center helps you stay trim from the delicious cuisine. Enjoy Movies Under the Stars® and choose from nearly 900 balcony staterooms.

Enchanted Princess

Enchanted Princess, the fifth in line of Princess Cruises Royal-class ships, shares all of their spectacular style and luxury, and introduces new attractions all her own. Get ready for exquisite, one-of-a-kind dining experiences and world-class entertainment venues hosting dazzling performances. Images of exterior of ship are an artist rendering.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess® is a consummate host at sea, rivaling the most luxurious resorts on land. Included among the myriad of features are more than 700 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of mini-suites, the Lotus Spa®, Movies Under the Stars®, and dozens of dining and entertainment options.

Island Princess

Island Princess® is a fabulous floating resort designed to make your stay onboard truly memorable. This vessel has 90 percent ocean-view staterooms, with more than 700 balconies and a wraparound Promenade Deck. After being mesmerized by the scenery off the bow, become dazzled by the entertainment in the state-of-the-art lounges and choose from a myriad of dining options.

Majestic Princess

Sail aboard Majestic Princess® and enjoy the signature favorites you’ve always loved, like Movies Under the Stars®, the SeaWalk® and the Lotus Spa®, as well as exciting additions including two specialty restaurants with dinner menus crafted by two Michelin-star awarded chefs.

Regal Princess

Enjoy sweeping views from one of more than 1,400 balconies on Regal Princess® or stroll on the SeaWalk®, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship! From the tranquil Sanctuary, a retreat reserved for adults, to the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show and more, you'll find diversions for every mood.

Royal Princess

From its breathtaking piazza-style Atrium to the dramatic views from the glass-floored SeaWalk®, Royal Princess® is sure to delight. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, watch the mesmerizing Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, or dine on tantalizing cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess® made her debut in 2008 and includes a piazza-style atrium featuring small-bite eateries and performing street entertainers. Enjoy an array of dining venues, including The Salty Dog Gastropub and the Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant, plus a relaxing oasis just for adults called The Sanctuary. Additional amenities include Movies Under the Stars®, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining, Lotus Spa® with fitness center, a kids' and teens' center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies.

Sapphire Princess

Swim in one of four sparkling pools, shop the boutiques or get a massage in the Lotus Spa®. Dine casually on pizza and burgers or more elegantly in one of the many formal dining rooms and specialty restaurants. And with nearly 750 balcony staterooms, there's a room with a view for you.

Sky Princess

Sky Princess offers the best of the incredible features found on sister ships Regal Princess®, Royal Princess® and Majestic Princess®; from the relaxing Sanctuary to the expansive three-deck Atrium, to some of the newest dining venues with updated décor and design throughout the ship.

Star Princess

A Star is born. The second of Princess' next generation of cruise ships, Star Princess®, arriving 2025. She'll feature the new Dome, out-of-this-world views in the Piazza, Signature Collection Suites and more.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess® is the first ship in the fleet to be powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). This cleaner burning fuel will significantly reduce air emissions and marine gasoil to minimize the environmental footprint. Offering more than 29 bars and restaurants and the most balconies on any Princess ship, this new Sphere class generation cruise ship boasts expansive venues, contemporary entertainment and next-level stateroom accommodations.

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An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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Disney Cruise Line vs Princess Cruises: A Detailed Comparison for Your Next Cruise Adventure

Are you torn between Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises for your next adventure at sea? Picture this: you’re dreaming of the perfect cruise, but you’re unsure which one will truly make your vacation unforgettable. How do you decide between the magic of Disney and the elegance of Princess?

In this article, you’ll discover the key differences between Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, helping you make an informed choice for your upcoming voyage. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a more refined experience, we’ll guide you through the unique offerings of each cruise line. Get ready to set sail with confidence as we compare the enchanting worlds of Disney and the sophisticated charm of Princess Cruises.

Key Takeaways

• Disney Cruise Line: Known for its family-friendly entertainment, themed deck parties, character interactions, and immersive storytelling, making it ideal for those seeking a magical experience with Disney magic.
• Princess Cruises: Offers a more refined and elegant experience with diverse dining options, sophisticated entertainment, upscale amenities, and outstanding service, catering to travelers looking for sophistication at sea.
• Accommodations: Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed with a touch of magic, while Princess Cruises’ staterooms focus on elegance and luxury, each offering a unique experience tailored to different preferences.
• Onboard Activities: Disney Cruise Line stands out for its engaging activities and Broadway-style shows, while Princess Cruises offers more diverse entertainment options with a sophisticated touch.
• Destinations: Disney Cruise Line offers exclusive destinations with a blend of Disney magic, while Princess Cruises specializes in elegant itineraries to exotic locations, catering to different travel styles.
• Customer Service: Disney Cruise Line is praised for exceptional guest service, while Princess Cruises has received awards for its refined elegance and outstanding passenger satisfaction.

Disney Cruise Line vs Princess Cruises: An Overview

Key features of disney cruise line.

When considering Disney Cruise Line for your next voyage, you’re choosing a sailing experience imbued with the magic of Disney. With themed deck parties, character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and fireworks at sea, Disney Cruise Line is all about creating unforgettable memories for families and Disney fans of all ages. It offers immersive storytelling, kids clubs for various age groups, first-run movies, and rotational dining in uniquely themed restaurants. If you’re looking for a cruise that seamlessly combines entertainment with family-friendly experiences, Disney Cruise Line is an excellent choice.

Key Features of Princess Cruises

On the other hand, Princess Cruises caters to travelers seeking a more refined and elegant cruise experience. With a focus on sophisticated entertainment, diverse dining options, and a variety of enrichment programs, Princess Cruises appeal to those looking for a touch of luxury at sea. Enjoy culinary experiences curated by award-winning chefs, relaxing spa treatments, Movies Under the Stars, and standout service that caters to your every need. If you desire a cruise that offers a blend of relaxation, entertainment, and upscale amenities, Princess Cruises might be the ideal option for your next getaway.

Onboard Experience

Family friendliness.

When considering the family friendliness of Disney Cruise Line versus Princess Cruises, it’s evident that Disney Cruise Line excels in creating a magical experience for both children and adults. Disney Cruise Line emphasizes creating a magical experience through themed parties, character interactions, and immersive storytelling . On the other hand, Princess Cruises still offers a family-friendly environment but focuses more on providing a sophisticated and refined experience .

Entertainment and Activities

For entertainment and activities onboard, Disney Cruise Line stands out for its engaging and immersive experiences tailored for families and Disney enthusiasts . You can enjoy Broadway-style shows, deck parties with your favorite Disney characters, first-run movies, and interactive game shows . On the contrary, Princess Cruises offers diverse entertainment options with a touch of elegance . You’ll find live musical performances, comedy shows, dance classes, and enrichment programs like culinary demonstrations and art auctions .

Dining Options

In terms of dining options, both Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises provide a variety of culinary experiences . Disney Cruise Line offers themed dining areas, rotational dining, and the opportunity to dine with Disney characters . On the other hand, Princess Cruises boasts of diverse dining venues ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants . You can savor international cuisines, gourmet dishes, and indulge in specialty dining experiences .

Accommodations and Amenities

When it comes to accommodations and amenities aboard Disney Cruise Line versus Princess Cruises, each offers unique features that cater to different preferences. Let’s delve into the specifics of staterooms and the distinctive amenities you can expect on each cruise line.

Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are designed with a touch of magic to provide a comfortable and immersive experience for guests of all ages. Whether you opt for an inside stateroom, oceanview room, or a luxurious suite, you’ll find that Disney’s attention to detail shines through in every accommodation option.

• Themed Decor: Immerse yourself in Disney magic with staterooms featuring subtle nods to your favorite characters or Disney themes.
• Spacious Layouts: Even in the coziest rooms, Disney ensures that there’s ample space for you to relax and unwind.
• In-Room Entertainment: Enjoy a selection of Disney movies and shows right in your stateroom for a relaxing evening in.

Princess Cruises Staterooms

Princess Cruises takes a more refined approach to stateroom accommodations, focusing on elegance and sophistication. From comfortable interior cabins to luxurious suites with panoramic ocean views, Princess Cruises offers a range of options to suit different preferences.

Highlights:

• Modern Design: Experience contemporary decor and furnishings that exude a sense of luxury and style.
• Private Balconies: Many staterooms on Princess Cruises come with private balconies, allowing you to enjoy stunning ocean views from the comfort of your room.
• Luxury Amenities: Indulge in plush bedding, upscale toiletries, and personalized service that elevate your cruising experience.

Unique Amenities on Each Line

Both Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises offer a host of unique amenities that set them apart in the cruising world. While Disney focuses on creating a magical experience for families and Disney fans, Princess Cruises caters to travelers seeking refined entertainment and relaxation.

Disney Cruise Line’s Special Amenities:

• Themed Deck Parties: Join lively deck parties with your favorite Disney characters, complete with music, dancing, and fireworks at sea.
• Broadway-Style Shows: Be entertained by world-class performances, including musicals and stage productions that cater to guests of all ages.
• Character Interactions: Meet beloved Disney characters throughout the ship for photo opportunities and magical moments.
• Enrichment Programs: Engage in educational and enriching activities such as cooking classes, art workshops, and lectures by experts in various fields.
• Live Performances: Enjoy live music, comedy shows, and theatrical performances that showcase top-tier talent and entertainment.
• International Dining Options: Explore a diverse range of dining options with cuisines from around the world, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.

By understanding the stateroom options and unique amenities offered by Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, you can choose the cruise line that aligns best with your preferences for accommodations and onboard experiences. Whether you prioritize Disney-themed magic or sophisticated luxury, both cruise lines have something special to offer for your next sea adventure.

Destinations and Itineraries

When considering Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises for your upcoming voyage, the destinations and itineraries play a crucial role in shaping your experience. Let’s explore the distinct offerings of each cruise line to help you make an informed choice.

Disney Cruise Exclusive Destinations

Disney Cruise Line has carved a niche for itself by offering unique and exclusive destinations that cater to families and Disney enthusiasts. Embark on a magical journey to Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, where you can enjoy pristine beaches, waterslides, and even interact with your favorite Disney characters in a tropical paradise.

In addition to Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line sails to popular destinations in the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond. Whether you’re looking to explore historic European cities like Rome and Barcelona or relax on the stunning beaches of the Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line offers a diverse range of destinations that combine Disney magic with captivating locales.

Princess Cruises Unique Itineraries

Princess Cruises prides itself on offering a wide array of unique itineraries that cater to travelers seeking an elegant and enriching cruise experience. Embark on a journey to exotic destinations like the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, and beyond, all while enjoying Princess Cruises’ signature elegance and outstanding service.

One of the standout features of Princess Cruises is its focus on world voyages and grand cruises that take you on extensive journeys across continents. From exploring ancient ruins in Athens to marveling at the natural beauty of New Zealand, Princess Cruises’ itineraries are designed to offer a blend of cultural immersion and luxury travel.

Whether you prefer the magical charm of Disney’s exclusive destinations or the refined elegance of Princess Cruises’ unique itineraries, both cruise lines promise unforgettable experiences that cater to different preferences and travel styles. Consider your destination desires and embark on a cruise adventure that resonates with your sense of wanderlust and exploration.

Cost Comparison

Pricing Structure for Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers a pricing structure that typically includes the base fare for the cruise, with additional costs for optional extras like shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty dining, and alcoholic beverages. The base fare covers onboard activities, entertainment, meals (excluding specialty dining), and accommodation in your chosen stateroom category. By booking early or taking advantage of promotions, you can often secure lower fares and discounts on select sailings. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the time of booking, stateroom category, itinerary, and cruise length.

Pricing Structure for Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises follows a similar pricing structure to Disney Cruise Line, with the base fare covering accommodation, meals in the main dining venues, onboard activities, and entertainment. Additional costs may apply for specialty dining, shore excursions, spa services, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Like Disney, Princess Cruises also offers promotions and discounts for early bookings or specific sailings, allowing you to save on your overall cruise expenses. It’s essential to consider factors such as cabin selection, sailing dates, itinerary, and any included perks when evaluating the total cost of your Princess Cruises experience.

Value for Money

When comparing the overall value for money between Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, it’s essential to consider what each cruise line offers in relation to the price you pay. Disney Cruise Line is known for its immersive entertainment experiences, family-friendly amenities, exceptional service, and unique character interactions, all of which contribute to the overall cruise cost. On the other hand, Princess Cruises prides itself on its refined elegance, diverse itineraries, culinary experiences, and onboard activities tailored to adult travelers, balancing luxury with affordability.

To determine which cruise line provides better value for your preferences, consider factors such as included amenities, entertainment options, dining experiences, cabin comforts, destinations visited, and overall atmosphere. By weighing the offerings against the total cost, you can make an informed decision based on what matters most to you and ensure a memorable cruise experience that aligns with your budget and expectations.

Customer Service and Reputation

In your quest to choose between Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, considering their customer service and reputation is vital. Below, we delve into the customer service experiences of Disney Cruise Line and the awards and recognition earned by Princess Cruises.

Disney Cruise Line Customer Service

When it comes to customer service, Disney Cruise Line is renowned for its exceptional guest experience. The dedicated crew members go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels valued and well taken care of throughout their voyage. From attentive service in the dining areas to personalized interactions with characters on board, Disney Cruise Line prioritizes making each guest feel special.

For instance, if you have any special requests or requirements, the crew is known for accommodating them to the best of their ability. Whether you’re traveling with children, seniors, or individuals with specific dietary needs, Disney Cruise Line strives to cater to all guests’ needs with a smile. The prompt and courteous responses to inquiries, as well as the friendly and approachable staff, contribute to the overall positive customer service experience on Disney Cruise Line.

Princess Cruises Awards and Recognition

Princess Cruises has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its commitment to providing exceptional cruise experiences. With a focus on elegance, luxury, and attention to detail, Princess Cruises has been recognized for its outstanding service and dedication to passenger satisfaction. Awards such as “Best Cruise Line for Romance” and “Best Itineraries” showcase Princess Cruises’ reputation for creating unforgettable journeys for travelers seeking a refined and sophisticated cruise experience.

Additionally, Princess Cruises’ dedication to environmental sustainability has earned the cruise line recognition for its eco-friendly practices, further solidifying its positive reputation among environmentally conscious travelers. By prioritizing guest satisfaction, sustainability, and innovation, Princess Cruises has established itself as a top choice for travelers looking for a high-quality cruising experience with a touch of sophistication.

Who Should Choose Disney Cruise Line?

When considering a cruise experience, you should opt for Disney Cruise Line if you are searching for a family-friendly atmosphere that caters to both adults and children. Disney Cruise Line excels in providing top-notch entertainment that keeps guests of all ages engaged throughout the voyage. The onboard activities, shows, and character meet-and-greets make it an ideal choice for families looking to create magical memories together.

If you appreciate exceptional guest service and personalized attention, Disney Cruise Line is the perfect fit for you. The crew members go above and beyond to ensure your stay is nothing short of spectacular. From dining preferences to special accommodations, they strive to make your cruise experience unforgettable.

For those who seek a cruise that offers a wide range of entertainment options, including Broadway-style shows, deck parties, and movie screenings, Disney Cruise Line is a fantastic option. The variety of activities ensures that there is never a dull moment on board, catering to different preferences and tastes.

Additionally, if you are a Disney enthusiast or have children who adore Disney characters, choosing Disney Cruise Line will add an extra layer of magic to your vacation. The themed experiences, character interactions, and overall Disney ambiance create a unique and enchanting atmosphere that sets it apart from other cruise lines.

So, if you are looking for a cruise experience that combines family-friendly entertainment, exceptional service, diverse entertainment offerings, and a touch of Disney magic, Disney Cruise Line is the ideal choice for you. It promises a memorable voyage filled with joy, excitement, and wonder for guests of all ages.

Who Should Choose Princess Cruises?

If you appreciate refined experiences with a touch of luxury, Princess Cruises might be the perfect fit for you. With their outstanding service that focuses on personalized attention and impeccable hospitality, you can expect a voyage filled with sophistication and elegance. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a group of friends seeking a more mature ambiance, Princess Cruises caters to a diverse array of guests.

Why Princess Cruises?

• Luxurious Amenities : Princess Cruises is well-known for its upscale amenities that exude elegance and comfort. From spacious staterooms to top-notch dining options and serene spa facilities, every aspect of your cruise experience is designed to pamper you in style.
• Exceptional Service : The crew on board Princess Cruises ships are trained to provide a high level of service, ensuring that your every need is met promptly and professionally. Whether it’s a special dietary request or assistance with planning shore excursions, you can rely on their attentive staff.
• Environmental Sustainability : If you value environmentally conscious practices, Princess Cruises’ commitment to sustainability may resonate with you. They prioritize eco-friendly initiatives to minimize their impact on the environment, allowing you to cruise with a peace of mind.

Is Princess Cruises Right for You?

If you seek a refined cruise experience that combines luxury with exceptional service and a focus on sustainability, Princess Cruises is an excellent choice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking for a sophisticated travel adventure, or simply wanting to relax in an upscale setting, Princess Cruises caters to travelers seeking a more refined and elegant cruise experience.

Choosing between Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises ultimately depends on your preferences and travel style. If you’re looking for a magical and family-oriented experience with a touch of Disney charm, Disney Cruise Line offers a wide range of entertainment options and exceptional service tailored to families and Disney fans. On the other hand, if you prefer a luxurious and refined cruise experience with a focus on sustainability and upscale amenities, Princess Cruises provides outstanding service and a sophisticated atmosphere that appeals to solo travelers, couples, and groups seeking elegance and personalized attention. Both cruise lines excel in their own unique ways, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable voyage for different types of travelers. Make your choice based on what suits your preferences and desired cruise experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line offers family-friendly entertainment and magical onboard activities.

Disney Cruise Line stands out for its family-friendly entertainment and magical onboard activities, catering to families and Disney enthusiasts with diverse entertainment options and character interactions.

What does Princess Cruises focus on in terms of guest experience?

Princess Cruises emphasizes outstanding service, luxury amenities, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, appealing to those seeking refined and upscale cruise experiences.

Who is Disney Cruise Line ideal for?

Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families and Disney enthusiasts looking for exceptional guest service, personalized attention, and diverse entertainment options on board.

What type of travelers does Princess Cruises cater to?

Princess Cruises caters to solo travelers, couples, and groups seeking sophistication and refined experiences, offering upscale amenities, exceptional service, and a focus on sustainability.

Which cruise line offers a more elegant and luxurious cruise experience?

Princess Cruises is known for its emphasis on luxury, personalized attention, and eco-friendly initiatives, making it a top choice for travelers seeking sophistication and elegance.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

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