hawaii princess cruise reviews

The Ultimate Princess Cruises Hawaii Review: Island Adventures And Luxury

by Judith Eve | Jun 17, 2023 | Cruise Lines & Cruise Types

If you've ever dreamt of taking a captivating cruise around the Hawaiian Islands, there's no doubt you've come across the name Princess Cruises. Synonymous with luxury, outstanding service, and unforgettable experiences, the renowned cruise line has attracted the attention of travel enthusiasts from around the globe. But is it the right choice for your Hawaiian voyage? Let's dive into a detailed Princess Cruise Hawaii review.

Discovering Paradise with Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers multiple options for Hawaiian getaways. From round-trip cruises departing from the West Coast of the United States to local island-hopping adventures, there's a cruise experience tailored to every traveler's desires.

The "Hawaii, Tahiti, and South Pacific Crossing" cruise is a favorite among long-haul travelers. This extended cruise promises a tropical treat, stopping at Hawaii's Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai, as well as other exotic locations in the South Pacific. For those with less time, Princess Cruises' " Hawaii & French Polynesia" itinerary still provides plenty of Hawaiian charm, covering most of the archipelago's main islands in a shorter time frame.

Exquisite Onboard Experiences

What sets Princess Cruises apart from other cruise lines are the exceptional onboard amenities and experiences. From spacious staterooms boasting breathtaking ocean views to gourmet dining options that tantalize your taste buds with global cuisines, every aspect of your journey radiates luxury and comfort.

The "Movies Under the Stars" outdoor cinema experience is a guest favorite. Imagine lounging on a comfortable deck chair, tropical breeze lightly tickling your skin, while watching a blockbuster movie against a backdrop of twinkling stars and infinite ocean.

Princess Cruises also offers an unparalleled enrichment program. You can dive into Hawaiian culture with lei-making classes, ukulele lessons, and traditional hula dance performances. For fitness enthusiasts, the state-of-the-art gym, yoga sessions, and sports facilities ensure you keep up with your wellness routine, even while on vacation.

Hawaiian Excursions to Remember

An undeniable highlight of any Princess Cruise Hawaii vacation is the extensive list of shore excursions. Explore the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park on Big Island, or take a helicopter ride over the lush, emerald landscapes of Kauai. If you're an adventure seeker, you might prefer a snorkeling trip in the crystalline waters off Maui, teeming with vibrant marine life.

Princess Cruises’ excursions are carefully curated to provide an authentic glimpse into Hawaiian culture and nature. The well-organized trips offer peace of mind and the promise of unique, Instagram-worthy moments.

First-Class Service and Hospitality

Undeniably, one of the most crucial elements of a Princess Cruise Hawaii review is the level of service. The staff aboard Princess Cruises embody the Aloha spirit of Hawaii, greeting every guest with genuine warmth and friendliness. The attention to detail in their service, from ensuring your room is immaculate to remembering your favorite cocktail, sets the benchmark for hospitality.

Practical Tips for Your Princess Cruise to Hawaii

Now that you're excited about embarking on a Hawaiian voyage with Princess Cruises, it's time to share a few handy tips to make the most of your journey.

Booking and Timing

When planning your Princess Cruise to Hawaii, consider booking during the shoulder seasons - April to May or September to mid-December. The weather is still favorable, but the cruises are less crowded and often more affordable. Remember to book your cruise well in advance to secure the best stateroom and take advantage of early-bird discounts.

Packing the right items is crucial to a comfortable cruise. Don't forget essentials like a swimsuit, sunscreen, a good pair of walking shoes for excursions, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Formal wear is required for some dining venues onboard, so pack accordingly.

Onboard Experience

Plan your onboard activities early to avoid disappointment, as some classes or workshops can fill up quickly. Don't forget to make reservations for specialty dining experiences. While you're at it, ensure you indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience by booking a spa treatment.

When it comes to shore excursions, Princess Cruises offer an array of options. Do some research before your cruise to identify which activities align with your interests and book them in advance.

Health and Safety

Princess Cruises take health and safety very seriously. The cruise line's comprehensive protocols ensure a worry-free, safe voyage without compromising on the fun. However, travel insurance is always a good idea for peace of mind.

Post-Cruise Experience

Once your Princess Cruise Hawaii adventure comes to an end, consider spending a few days on the mainland to readjust before heading home. The vibrant city of Los Angeles or the serene landscapes of San Francisco make for perfect post-cruise stays.

Princess Cruise to Hawaii: The Ideal Cruise for Every Traveler

As our Princess Cruise Hawaii review continues, we delve into why Princess Cruises is the ideal choice for various types of travelers.

For families, Princess Cruises offers a plethora of activities that cater to all ages. With dedicated youth and teen programs, your children can engage in entertaining, age-appropriate activities under the careful supervision of experienced staff. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation, knowing their children are safe and having fun.

Romantic Retreat

Couples in search of a romantic retreat will find Princess Cruises to be the perfect backdrop for love and connection. Enjoy intimate dining experiences, couples' spa treatments, and breathtaking sunsets from the privacy of your own balcony. Princess Cruises has also mastered the art of creating romantic surprises – imagine renewing your vows in the middle of the Pacific!

Solo Explorer

Solo travelers are well catered for on Princess Cruises. With a welcoming environment, numerous social events, and a variety of activities, you're bound to forge friendships while enjoying your Hawaiian voyage. Plus, Princess Cruises offers a roommate matching service, making it easier and more affordable for solo travelers.

Unforgettable Group Getaways

Planning a reunion or group getaway? Princess Cruises delivers unforgettable shared experiences. The Cruise line can cater to your group's unique needs and preferences, ensuring everyone has the time of their lives.

Retirees and Senior Travelers

Retirees and senior travelers often favor Princess Cruises for their excellent service, accessibility features, and enriching onboard programs. From historical lectures to computer classes, seniors can enjoy a myriad of educational and engaging activities.

Luxury Seekers

Luxury seekers will be delighted by Princess Cruises’ exquisite suites, gourmet dining options, and exclusive access to private lounges and deck areas. The cruise line's emphasis on sophisticated elegance guarantees a lavish cruise experience unlike any other.

Final Thoughts

Princess Cruises' dedication to guest satisfaction, immersive experiences, and exceptional quality shines through in every aspect of their Hawaiian voyages. Every traveler, regardless of their needs or desires, can find something to love about a Princess Cruise to Hawaii.

With this extensive Princess Cruise Hawaii review in hand, your journey towards an unforgettable Hawaiian adventure has just begun. Embrace the island spirit, say Aloha to new experiences, and let Princess Cruises guide you through the magical Hawaiian archipelago.

I visited Hawaii on my honeymoon quite a few years ago. I always wanted to visit the Hawaiian islands at that time. If I would have had a cruise like this available back then, I would have most certainly been onboard!

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.

Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.

Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

Cruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

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Princess Cruise Review: Visiting Hawaii on a Cruise

Hawaii cruise review: visiting hawaii on a cruise.

Adults only pool for those of us wanting peace before the storm. 😉

Visiting Hawaii on a cruise is a lot more fun than some might think!

Visiting Hawaii on a cruise? Afraid that you will not have enough time to enjoy the islands or that the cruise will be too long or boring… fear not!

I will share with you my experience and how to best enjoy a cruise with 9 total sea days.

Is cruising boring?

First of all, if you are afraid that the cruise will be too long, or boring… It’s not . At least in my experience. We had a grand time both on and off the ship. Let me start from the beginning….

We sailed from San Pedro port in Los Angeles, and it took an entire 4.5 days to reach our first Hawaiian destination. Our entire cruise was 15 days , and we chose to sail with Princess Cruises because we had never sailed with them, and had heard wonderful reviews. Also, since I became a certified travel agent I have been taking the trainings from companies I like, so I can better inform my clients about them. Princess is a great company, and upon completion of their highest ranked certification you are offered a graduation cruise. Initially I thought of doing a Caribbean one, but sailing the pacific ocean had been a dream of mine for a long time.

If you’d like to know more about becoming an independent travel agent, owning your own travel business, and making a living as you travel the world, CLICK HERE and message me. I’ll make sure to share the HOW TO with you.

If you would like more information on princess cruises, or would like to inquire about booking a princess vacation message me by CLICKING HERE and I will make sure to help you plan your best cruise yet!

The Star Princess cruise left on the 13th of January, 2020 and arrived in Hilo the 18th of January . During those initial 4 days, we never had a dull moment. We took this cruise as our baby moon , and it certainly served us well, especially because the food on the cruise is delicious and by now it seems eating is all I ever want to do .

>>Read my blog post on why cruises are the best BABYMOON vacation idea <<<

What is there to do onboard?

We attended many art auctions, galleries, raffles, fun events and activities, lectures on Hawaiian culture, flora, fauna and saw some pretty amazing shows . Aside from this, we were lucky enough to have two full days of sun and warmth before we arrived in Hawaii, which helped me with my tan.

There is an indoor pool and an outdoor one. There is a giant screen where they play concerts and movies throughout the day. It’s actually pretty entertaining to lounge on the deck above the pool, sunbathe, and watch a movie or concert on the giant screen. It’s never hot, and there were always more than enough loungers and towels for everyone. Additionally, each pool has two hot tubs, so those are always available as well in case the weather is too cold. For those that prefer to lounge away from the sun, the upper decks offer plenty of indoor lounging areas with comfortable cushioned loungers that have ocean view and get plenty of indirect sunlight.

Are there kids everywhere?

Princess cruises are great for both adults and children, and even though we did not see many kids around our cruise, we kept seeing them when we got off the ships on shore days. We spent most of our pool time in the Spa pool, which is an adults only pool, and in the Sanctuary; which is a section of the cruise that is reserved only for adults and requires a nominal fee. It is secluded from the rest of the ship and actually feels like you’ve gone elsewhere. As my goal was to try and enjoy as much of the cruise as I could, I made sure to check out the other pools as well.

The Tables were all so nicely set up. It almost made us feel bad to eat. Almost!

What about the food?

Princess cruises also has anytime dining, aka eat at your own leisure. Anytime. The ship offers several specialty dining restaurants, as well as several buffet areas. The pool grill serves more relaxed fares such as pizza, burgers and the likes. And there are plenty of lounges and bars around the ship both on upper and lower decks. Additionally, there are the dining rooms, which are plentiful and never have a wait longer than a few minutes. I am mentioning all this, because with a 2400+ passenger cruise, I truly expected longer waits. But the truth is that Princess does a phenomenal job of keeping everyone happy.

What is the entertainment like?

The theater sits about 650 passengers and the shows were always sold out. One couple next to us mentioned they should add a third show, to accommodate everyone. The next day, we noticed they had added a third time of the previous two shows. It was as if they had heard us! The shows were excellent, and varied as can be. We saw dance shows, musical theater, instrumentalists and even comedians.

Throughout the day, they offer all kinds of lectures and lessons as well. They offered Ukulele lessons, fitness classes, and Hawaiian crafts. They had demonstrations, and of course plenty of sales and shopping events for those interested. Every event seemed to be accompanied by complimentary champagne, so this was also a perk!

Is there internet onboard?

There is also wifi available for purchase, but even if you don’t purchase any, you can access free wifi to browse around the princess cruise app which allows you to see all the events taking place on board, check your account balance, the itinerary, and other useful cruise information.

Because I graduated from my commodore training, Princess treated me to the highest level of perks they offer. This meant complimentary wifi, access to priority embarkation, and to the exclusive sky walkers lounge with canapés every night. We even got access to the captain’s circle; which included free wine tasting and an invitation to the Captain’s dinner. I could not have asked for better service and treatment. Their request? That I partake in as many activities as I wanted to, so I could better inform my future clients…. Don’t mind if I do!

Conclusion:

Overall, I thought the cruise was great fun, and before I knew it we had arrived in hawaii.

I would recommend a Princess cruise to anyone wanting a fun and relaxing vacation. Even if you’re not a fan of ships, they are usually so big you barely notice you’re on one. And they really do a great job of making sure everyone has a great time. The customer service onboard is excellent and the itineraries can’t be better!

16 Day Hawaii - A Couple of Questions from a Newbie to Princesss

By cruisinmama! , September 2, 2023 in Princess Cruises

cruisinmama!

This will be our very first cruise on Princess. We have done several on RCCL over the past 10 years (and a couple on Carnival many eons ago) but those are the only lines we have been on so far. We decided to try Princess out and are on the 16 day Hawaii itinerary in November and I have tried every search I can think of to figure these out on my own but I don't seem to be finding the answers, so forgive me if these have been asked before and I just haven't found it.

- Do any of you know what nights will be the formal nights? We want to set up our Speciality dining ahead of time and pick what night to go to Chef's Table but I can't figure out when to expect the formal nights.

- How formal is formal? My husband is allergic to suits LOL and on RCCL he can get away with a nice pair of slacks and a nice Hawaiian shirt. Wil that cut it on Princess or should he plan on a tie ensemble? Can I get away with a nice blouse and slacks or does it need to be a dress every night? We would like to go as relaxed as possible but don't want to feel out of place or underdressed

- WIth respect to the Crown Princess specifically, is the Thermal spa worth the price? Or are we better off springing for more days in the Sanctuary?

- Lastly, hopefully this doesn't sound snooty at all or anything as that is totally not how we are at all, but on RCCL we tend to avoid the buffet and most nights we go to the specialty restaurants in lieu of the MDR mostly because of the multiple options and the quality of the food vs the MDR. However, the Crown only has 2 speciality options and we are there for 16 nights. We have 2 specialtiy dinners regardless, but for those of you who've been on the Crown, is the MDR good for the other 14 nights? Or should we plan on repeating the specialty options (Crown Grill & Sabatinis) more than once? And which would you recommend for the formal nights?

Thank you all SO much and I am again sorry if these are old questions but I promise I did try to fnd the answers on my own before asking.

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Our Hawaii cruise last December was very casual ,slacks and shirt totally OK.

Thermal suite on Crown I suspect is just heated beds and steam rooms ,no pool . The Royal Class have the Thermal suites with pool.

Sanctuary was not busy on our cruise as weather was chilly .

Sorry no clue on specialty restaurants , as long as I am not cooking or washing up I am pretty content.

NavyVeteran

Welcome to Princess.

You cannot pick what night to go to the Chef's Table. The ship will schedule it. If you want to go to the Chef's Table, you need to request it first thing after you get on the ship.

In my opinion, format nights are not the best ones to go to specialty restaurants. Princess usually has their fancier meals (lobstar, surf & turf, etc.) on formal nights.

I would recommend looking at the MDR menus before deciding. I don't know when they will be available on the app, but they will certainly all be available when you're onboard. If they're not all on the app, ask a head waiter in the MDR, and he can show them to you.

The MDR has more variety than the specialty restaurants, since it has a different menu each night. The specialty restaurants. I recommend you try the MDR and both specialty restaurants and then decide what you want to do for the rest of the cruse.

Since you said you have two specialty restaurant dinners, I suspect you have booked the Premier Fare, including alcoholic beverages up to $20 each. If you drink wine with dinner, I recommend you go to Vines Wine Bar on Deck 5 before dinner. They have a better selection of wine than the MDR or the specialty restaurants. Have a glass of wine before dinner, and then take another one to go to and carry it in to dinner with you. They will pour it into a different glass to carry out, since they have special glasses in Vines that you can't take elsewhere. If you are eating in the Michelangelo Dining Room on Deck 5, then it's a short walk from Vines to the dining room.

Easiest call is formal. I have not worn a tie on formal night for several years

You mention, "...the other 14 nights." There are 3 formal nights on a 16 night sailing.

We just got back from Hawaii, The first "formal" night was the second full sea day. The second was the first sea day out from Hawaii and the last was the night before Ensenada, but as you are returning to San Francisco instead of LA, the last may differ.

As far as making a reservation. Sabatini's and Crown Grill, (and Salty Dog on our ship) had just a couple tables taken each time we looked. I'd just make reservations the day you want to go. Few are buying at the increased prices. If you've got included dining, good for you.

Formal nights, eat in the MDR. Food is better. What you describe wearing is acceptable. But you'll still see some older Princess loyals in jackets and ties. Please avoid wearing shorts, t-shirts and ball caps in the MDR.

travelin.sisters

we did the Crown to Hawai'i in March & I did a live from the cruise with copies of menus, patters, photos & lots of stuff...it's long, but if you look on page 19 post 436 there is an index of which posts have what (this might take you there or just to the live (I am never sure when I copy the link, sometimes it goes to the exact post & others to the thread):

If you have other questions I will try to answer but it should give you an idea when the formal nights would be, what to expect in the MDR, etc...

First, I would like to provide you with some additional information that was not in your query. ELUA, Tiki Dave and Leialoha, are scheduled to be on your cruise. They are Hawaiian ambassadors, providing ukulele lessons for beginners, hula sessions, Hawaiian crafts (small fee), entertainment. They are very good. If you have a uke bring it along. If not there are a limited number of instruments on board. Arrive very early for the first session to be assigned a uke. Participants perform a uke & hula theater show at the end of the cruise.

The weather crossing to Hawaii is not tropical. The first two to three days can be cool and you could encounter choppy seas. Be prepared with layered clothing and motion sickness meds. It normally isn't sit around the pool weather like the Caribbean until you cross the Tropic of Cancer into the tropics on the 3rd day. It is not quite as cool on the return as the ship takes a more southern route to Ensenada.

Formal is anything from long pants/slacks with an Hawaiian shirt to jacket with or without a tie to suits. Very few in true formal wear.

The buffet is open from around 6am until 11pm. Never closes during that time. Some of the selections are quite good. It's a good option when you wish to plan your evening dining around your evening shows & activities rather than the reverse. Menus in the specialty restaurants never change. There are a few selections in each one. The MDR has a different menu each evening which for your cruise will be on a 16 night rotation. Some selections will repeat on different menus, and there are a few always available items. You mention that you have 2 specialty dinners which sounds like the premier fare. You probably also have access to casual dinning locations. The Crown has the Salty Dog Gastropub and I believe it will have a casual dining selection at Vines. These can be a nice dinner or maybe lunch if open alternative. There will be pizza by the slice as well as selections at the grill in the Lido Pool area. These are no charge. The International Cafe also offers continental selections for breakfast and paninis, salads, desserts from late morning into the evening hours. It is always open and there is no charge for food items. A specialty coffee location is also adjacent to the International Cafe.

On 9/1/2023 at 7:39 PM, DUCHESSRN said: Our Hawaii cruise last December was very casual ,slacks and shirt totally OK. Thermal suite on Crown I suspect is just heated beds and steam rooms ,no pool . The Royal Class have the Thermal suites with pool. Sanctuary was not busy on our cruise as weather was chilly . Sorry no clue on specialty restaurants , as long as I am not cooking or washing up I am pretty content.

Thanks for the info!

On 9/1/2023 at 8:28 PM, NavyVeteran said: Welcome to Princess. You cannot pick what night to go to the Chef's Table. The ship will schedule it. If you want to go to the Chef's Table, you need to request it first thing after you get on the ship. In my opinion, format nights are not the best ones to go to specialty restaurants. Princess usually has their fancier meals (lobstar, surf & turf, etc.) on formal nights. I would recommend looking at the MDR menus before deciding. I don't know when they will be available on the app, but they will certainly all be available when you're onboard. If they're not all on the app, ask a head waiter in the MDR, and he can show them to you. The MDR has more variety than the specialty restaurants, since it has a different menu each night. The specialty restaurants. I recommend you try the MDR and both specialty restaurants and then decide what you want to do for the rest of the cruse. Since you said you have two specialty restaurant dinners, I suspect you have booked the Premier Fare, including alcoholic beverages up to $20 each. If you drink wine with dinner, I recommend you go to Vines Wine Bar on Deck 5 before dinner. They have a better selection of wine than the MDR or the specialty restaurants. Have a glass of wine before dinner, and then take another one to go to and carry it in to dinner with you. They will pour it into a different glass to carry out, since they have special glasses in Vines that you can't take elsewhere. If you are eating in the Michelangelo Dining Room on Deck 5, then it's a short walk from Vines to the dining room.

THank you so much for all of the tips, especially the Vines info. I will defintiely be doing that 🙂

On 9/1/2023 at 10:09 PM, mtnesterz said: You mention, "...the other 14 nights." There are 3 formal nights on a 16 night sailing. We just got back from Hawaii, The first "formal" night was the second full sea day. The second was the first sea day out from Hawaii and the last was the night before Ensenada, but as you are returning to San Francisco instead of LA, the last may differ. As far as making a reservation. Sabatini's and Crown Grill, (and Salty Dog on our ship) had just a couple tables taken each time we looked. I'd just make reservations the day you want to go. Few are buying at the increased prices. If you've got included dining, good for you. Formal nights, eat in the MDR. Food is better. What you describe wearing is acceptable. But you'll still see some older Princess loyals in jackets and ties. Please avoid wearing shorts, t-shirts and ball caps in the MDR.

Thanks for the heads up on the 3 rd formal night. I hadn't caught that. ANd my husband will be thrileld to not ahve to be in a suit

On 9/2/2023 at 7:41 AM, skynight said: First, I would like to provide you with some additional information that was not in your query. ELUA, Tiki Dave and Leialoha, are scheduled to be on your cruise. They are Hawaiian ambassadors, providing ukulele lessons for beginners, hula sessions, Hawaiian crafts (small fee), entertainment. They are very good. If you have a uke bring it along. If not there are a limited number of instruments on board. Arrive very early for the first session to be assigned a uke. Participants perform a uke & hula theater show at the end of the cruise. The weather crossing to Hawaii is not tropical. The first two to three days can be cool and you could encounter choppy seas. Be prepared with layered clothing and motion sickness meds. It normally isn't sit around the pool weather like the Caribbean until you cross the Tropic of Cancer into the tropics on the 3rd day. It is not quite as cool on the return as the ship takes a more southern route to Ensenada. Formal is anything from long pants/slacks with an Hawaiian shirt to jacket with or without a tie to suits. Very few in true formal wear. The buffet is open from around 6am until 11pm. Never closes during that time. Some of the selections are quite good. It's a good option when you wish to plan your evening dining around your evening shows & activities rather than the reverse. Menus in the specialty restaurants never change. There are a few selections in each one. The MDR has a different menu each evening which for your cruise will be on a 16 night rotation. Some selections will repeat on different menus, and there are a few always available items. You mention that you have 2 specialty dinners which sounds like the premier fare. You probably also have access to casual dinning locations. The Crown has the Salty Dog Gastropub and I believe it will have a casual dining selection at Vines. These can be a nice dinner or maybe lunch if open alternative. There will be pizza by the slice as well as selections at the grill in the Lido Pool area. These are no charge. The International Cafe also offers continental selections for breakfast and paninis, salads, desserts from late morning into the evening hours. It is always open and there is no charge for food items. A specialty coffee location is also adjacent to the International Cafe.

Thank you so much for all of these tips. I really appreciate it!

On 9/2/2023 at 2:55 AM, travelin.sisters said: we did the Crown to Hawai'i in March & I did a live from the cruise with copies of menus, patters, photos & lots of stuff...it's long, but if you look on page 19 post 436 there is an index of which posts have what (this might take you there or just to the live (I am never sure when I copy the link, sometimes it goes to the exact post & others to the thread): If you have other questions I will try to answer but it should give you an idea when the formal nights would be, what to expect in the MDR, etc...

Wow! This is exactly what I need - thank you!

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Star Princess – Hawaii – Christmas Cruise Review

GUEST POST: Moe

Hawaii for Christmas and new year – 15 nights with princess cruises – January 2018

First major cruise trip

Spending the holidays away from home.

This was my second consecutive year that I haven’t spent the Christmas and New Year period at my family’s home. And only the second cruise I’ve ever taken and my first BIG one. The first one was several years ago to the Bahamas on a very short, two-night cruise. Now, I was about to embark on a 15-night cruise with 4 days at sea going out to Hawai’i and 5 days at sea on the way back to LA.

star princess hawaii christmas cruise review

Preparations

Stugeron, acupressure bands and motion sickness stick-ons.

All-Inclusive

My friend and I chose to book everything with Princess Cruises. Flights, pre-cruise hotel stay, transfers, shore excursions. The organisation of all of this was top-notch. Especially with the flights and transfers as we required additional assistance at the airports, embarkation and disembarkation.

Star Princess

A lovely ship. We were informed that it had just come out of dry dock and we were the first group to get back on the ship after some uplifts.

We had an ocean view stateroom on Emerald Deck 8, aft. Very nice.

What nobody tells you about the big cruise ships: how much you have to walk to get anywhere. There’s no need for a gym, just walking from our stateroom to the laundromat was a decent warm-up. Then walking back to your room with your clean laundry, getting to one of the dining options and walking to the next activity was the main workout. I didn’t put on any weight but I didn’t lose any either… My friend developed muscles!

Plenty of things going on to keep you busy as a bee spread across decks 5 to 17. Ukulele, hula dancing, ballroom dancing, line dancing, Zumba, trivia, karaoke, films (inside and outside), lei making, bingo (I played!), production shows in the main theatre and other venues, sports on TV, meet-ups for various groups like the military, knitting and book clubs, nature talks geared towards our ports of calls, sports court, huge chessboard, shuffleboard, spa, bars, musical sessions, carol singing, Christmas and New Year celebrations, nightclub, wine tasting, youth and teen centres and more activities that I didn’t take part in. O! The casino, how could I forget…?

One of my favourite places was the Vista Lounge. The decor is how I would imagine a Vegas show lounge to be like. Plush seating and an intimate atmosphere.

I was disappointed, unfortunately. Especially in the traditional dining rooms. The food did get better in the second week but I think that was due to people feeding back to the serving staff, as I also noticed an increase in being asked if the food was fine (not that I wasn’t already being asked, but it had now increased to being asked after almost every dish).

I watched the food videos on Princess’ website, read their marketing blurb and read that Princess was known for having good food. I would say that 65% of the food was of a good standard. The food wasn’t SO bad that it wasn’t edible but under-seasoned dishes and overcooked meat, more than three times? Meh. I only remember a handful of dishes that were very good.

They offer traditional dining options, buffet option, cafe and room service. I didn’t try the 2 specialty restaurants (Italian and steak) but heard that they were very good.

I must say, the Crab Shack evening was excellent. Fresh and big seafood. The crab claws were as long as my lower arm!

Shore Excursions

The best one was on Kaua’i. We had the Hollywood Movies tour with Aunty Wendy and Chubby and it exceeded expectations. We saw half of the island, had lunch at a great, local restaurant and experienced wet and dry areas of the island. The knowledge and personal touch of Aunty Wendy was the heart of this excursion. A film buff who was clearly proud of her island and the history of it. My friend and I had a blast and were so happy we’d chosen this tour.

In Honolulu, it was Christmas Day; so beware that none of the main attractions will be open as is expected. We whale watched which was great as we were lucky enough to see a pod of them and a mother and child. We then went into Waikiki (it was buzzing) and shopped our hearts out in an ABC store where we got all of our souvenir gifts for our family and friends. Didn’t know what an ABC store was before the 25 th December 2017, I do now.

We visited a volcano and walked on lava on the Big Island in the Volcano National Park (Thomas A. Jaggar Museum and Volcano Observatory, Thurston Lava Tube) and survived! That volcano was smoking.

Mau’i

Our last port of call in Hawai’i was Mau’i. We visited the Ocean Centre and Tropical Plantation. Unfortunately, this was rushed as we were collected late to start the tour and had to beat the traffic back to the port. The 2 sites were interesting to learn about the marine life and a working plantation (we had a 45 minute tram trolley tour which was excellent, the guide was extremely knowledgeable) but if the timings had been better, we would have had more time to explore the plantation and the area around the port terminal.

We visited Ensenada in Mexico on a city drive and saw La Bufadora (a natural, occurring blowhole). The guide was excellent. Knowledgeable about his city, country and history of both. Very entertaining with all of his stories. We visited the main municipal building, sampled margaritas, ate fish tacos (delicious), and haggled with the stall owners on the way to the blowhole. I’d never been to South America and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great atmosphere.

Outstanding and very hardworking. From the stateroom steward, dining room waiters/waitresses, entertainment crew to the Passenger Services Desk – faultless. They couldn’t have done anything more for us and always asked if we were happy with what we were receiving. Attentive without being intrusive and always having the time to listen and ask.

Christmas and New Years celebrations

Such great fun. Princess Cruises really get into the spirit with decorations and events around the ship. My friend and I had left Christmas behind us and hadn’t brought any festive clothing or decorations with us. Seeing an entire family dressed up as Santa’s helpers was a sight to behold on Christmas Eve morning.

christmas new year princess crusies celebrations

Post cruise thoughts

I had a bunch of fun. If you didn‘t want to do so much, you could. If you wanted to be busy from sunrise to sunset, you could. I loved the atmosphere of the cruise and we met some very nice and fascinating people on board. To the point that we’ve exchanged emails.

I will be doing more research on booking my own excursions next time to save money.

Was it for old people?

Yes, there were a lot of old people (we met a 93 year old woman who’d gone on 103 cruises) who all looked at least 10 to 20 years younger than their actual age. The takeaway we got from them was the stress-free life of cruising. Their stories were interesting, the travelling and why they decide to go away for Christmas. I want to be away because I want to do something different at that time of year and being in a warmer part of the world was a bonus.

And because of this, I have finally been persuaded to go on an Alaskan cruise in 2019 which has been booked and deposit paid.

emma cruises cruising isnt just for old people

Emma says: Thanks for this one Moe! This cruise sounds like an absolute dream come true. Hawaii is one of the most amazing destinations and cruising over Christmas is one of my favourite things in the world.

I’m really excited to try my first Princess cruise which is coming up in a couple of months time. You’ve really got me in the mood. So thanks! 😀

Moe has officially caught the cruising bug: 3rd one already booked. Currently living at large in London town, travelling the world in my heart (but slowly making it a reality). I can be found on Instagram where I like to take photos: @moehomerha

Check out the Princess section of our site here for more info: Princess .

Other Princess bits and bobs:

Royal princess – british isles.

I recently took a British Isle’s cruise onboard the Royal Princess which was INCREDIBLE. To read more about my adventure around the British Isles click here: British Isles – Excursion review .

Golden Princess – Asia

I was recently onboard the Golden Princess where I really fell in love with cruising with Princess. This was my first Princess cruise and they exceeded all of my expectations. To find out why I loved Princess so much click here: Golden Princess, Asia cruise.

Golden Princess Balcony Cabin Tour Girl Happy Sunglass Cruise Hair Blowing in the wind

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Are Cruises Worth It?

Imagine setting sail on a seamless vacation where every detail is taken care of, from your meals to your itinerary, leaving you free to soak in the sun and enjoy new views. Welcome to the world of cruising, where your vacation dreams can turn into reality with ease. If you have found yourself asking “Are cruises fun?”, you don’t need to wonder any longer.

Cruises offer a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, all alongside unparalleled convenience. But is a cruise worth it for your next getaway? Let’s dive into what makes cruising a perfect match for your travel desires, comparing it to traditional vacations and unpacking the hassle-free nature of a cruise journey. This could be just the effortless escape you’ve been searching for

What Is Included in a Cruise Experience?

Embarking on a cruise is so much more than a simple journey on the ocean. It’s a gateway to a world of ease and unforgettable experiences. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is crafted to ensure a seamless and indulgent adventure. Whether you are sailing to vibrant city ports or serene island retreats, a cruise is designed to be the epitome of convenient travel. All you need to do is relax and enjoy the voyage—after all, everything from transportation to accommodation is handled with impeccable attention to detail on a cruise.

At the heart of the Princess Cruises experience are the staterooms and suites , your private havens of comfort and style. Each is thoughtfully designed to be a peaceful retreat where you can unwind after a day of exploration or bask in the tranquility of the sea. From cozy interior rooms to expansive balconies offering panoramic ocean views, there’s a perfect space for every traveler’s need and budget.

Of course, the journey isn’t just about where you’ll sleep. It’s about where you'll wake up—each morning presents a new port, each one an exciting or beautiful destination. Whether it’s the historic European capitals, pristine Caribbean beaches, or the glaciers of Alaska , Princess Cruises selects ports that enrich your travel experience with their unique charm and character.

What truly sets a Princess Cruise apart are the endless opportunities, whether it’s kid-focused events or adult-only enjoyment and relaxation it’s available at your fingertips. Dining on board is a delight with a range of culinary options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, all offering dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Entertainment is just as varied and thrilling, featuring Broadway-style performances, live music, and cinema under the stars. For those looking to unwind, spa facilities and multiple pools offer a peaceful escape, while the fitness center and sports courts keep active travelers engaged. Each day on a Princess Cruise is as fulfilling and exciting as you choose, making it an all-inclusive experience that caters to tastes and preferences of all kinds.

This comprehensive approach to cruising ensures that every guest can find their perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, the inclusive, high-quality, and diverse offerings aboard a Princess Cruise make it an unmatched vacation choice.

Sun Princess Cabana Suite

The catch by rudi dining experience, saint kitts coast, island in saint kitts and nevis, blackstone glacier, alaska, pros and cons of cruising.

Deciding whether a cruise vacation is right for you can be a complex choice, filled with considerations about what you value most in your travel experiences. Cruises offer a unique blend of convenience, variety, and entertainment, but they also come with certain limitations.

To help you navigate this decision, let's explore some of the most significant pros and cons of embarking on a cruise adventure. Understanding these aspects will guide you in making an informed choice that best suits your travel desires.

Less Planning, Less Stress: One of the standout benefits of choosing a Princess Cruise is the drastically reduced need for planning. When you book a cruise, all of the major aspects of your vacation—from destinations to dining and entertainment—are pre-arranged and included. This means you can focus more on enjoying your holiday and less on the logistics of planning every detail.
Easy to Budget and All-Inclusive: Cruising with Princess offers exceptional value with its all-inclusive pricing. Your accommodations, meals, and onboard entertainment are all covered in one upfront cost. This not only makes it easier to budget without worrying about unexpected expenses but also ensures a world of options at no extra charge.
Fun for Everyone: Whether you're traveling as a family, a couple, or a large group, cruises provide a versatile vacation solution that caters to everyone. With a variety of activities, kids' clubs, adult-only areas, and entertainment that spans all ages, everyone can find something to love without having to split up.
See Multiple Exciting Places in One Trip: A cruise allows you to wake up in a new destination almost every day. From the bustling streets of Barcelona to the serene beaches of the Caribbean, you can experience a variety of cultures and locations in a single journey, making every day an adventure.
Meet New People: Cruises are a fantastic way to meet new people from around the world. With group excursions and onboard activities designed to foster interaction, you’re likely to make new friends and share memorable experiences together.
Choppy Seas and Seasickness: While modern cruise ships are designed to minimize the feeling of being at sea, choppy waters can still be a challenge for some. Seasickness can affect many travelers, although remedies and preventive measures are available to help mitigate this.
Limited Time at On-Shore Locations: Although cruises allow you to visit multiple destinations, the time spent in each port is often limited. This can be a downside for those who prefer to deeply explore a new place, as you might only have a few hours to see the sights before returning to the ship.
Lack of Control Over Itinerary: When you choose a cruise, you are committing to a pre-set schedule and route. This can be less flexible compared to other types of vacations where you can change your plans on the fly or decide to stay longer in a place that captures your heart.
Often Crowded Ships: Especially during peak seasons, cruise ships can be quite crowded. This can mean more time waiting in lines and difficulty securing spots at popular events or venues on the ship, which might detract from the relaxation aspect of a vacation.
Hidden Costs: While many aspects of your cruise are included in the initial price, there are often additional costs for things like specialty dining, certain beverages, internet access, and spa services. These can add up, affecting your overall budget.
Pricey On-Shore Excursions: While exploring the ports, you might find that organized excursions through the cruise line can be expensive. These activities are an additional cost and can quickly increase your total spending on the trip.

How Cruises Compare to Other Vacations

When planning a vacation, the choices are often as varied as the destinations themselves. So are cruises worth it? Although traditional vacations offer a tailored experience, cruising presents a unique all-inclusive package that can simplify travel planning significantly. Understanding the differences between these options in terms of scheduling, cost, flexibility, and logistical requirements can help travelers make the best decision for their needs.

Scheduling and Itinerary Planning

Traditional vacations require meticulous scheduling. From selecting flights to align with your available days, to planning each day’s activities, the flexibility comes with the need for detailed preparation. This can be exhilarating for some but daunting for others.

In contrast, cruises offer a predetermined schedule where the itinerary is set before you even pack your bags. You know your departure and return dates, and the ports you’ll visit, without the hassle of coordinating these details yourself. This can be particularly appealing for those looking for a more relaxed approach to vacation planning.

Cost Considerations

Budgeting for a traditional vacation involves several separate expenses: flights, hotels, meals, local transportation, entertainment, and more. These costs vary widely depending on the destination and your choices, and they can add up quickly and unpredictably.

Cruises, however, often come at a fixed price that includes most of your travel needs. While there are additional charges for certain services like specialty dining or excursions, the overall cost is generally more predictable and can offer significant savings compared to piecing together the elements of a traditional vacation.

Flexibility and Personalization

Flexibility is one area where traditional vacations shine. Travelers can choose every aspect of their trip, from the type of accommodation to the dining venues and daily activities. This allows for a highly personalized experience tailored to individual interests. Cruises, while less flexible in terms of itinerary changes, still offer a range of activities and excursions that can cater to diverse interests, from adventure sports to cultural tours or relaxation on pristine beaches.

Flights and Accommodations

Booking flights and hotels can be one of the most time-consuming parts of planning a traditional vacation, with prices fluctuating and options varying by destination. This complexity also increases with the need to align multiple flights or accommodations if visiting several locations.

Cruises eliminate these concerns by providing your transportation and lodging in one. Once on board, your floating hotel transports you from one destination to another without the need to constantly pack and unpack.

Planning Meals

Meal planning on a traditional vacation can be both an adventure and a challenge, especially in unfamiliar destinations where food options might be unknown or unsuitable. In contrast, cruises offer a variety of dining options that are included in the price, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. This serves to both simplify budgeting and ensure that dining out remains a pleasure, not a chore.

While both traditional vacations and cruises offer their own sets of advantages, cruises ultimately stand out for their exceptional convenience and value. The all-inclusive nature of cruises, where accommodations, transportation, meals, and entertainment are all taken care of for one price, provides a hassle-free way to explore multiple destinations. This, combined with eliminating the need to coordinate flights, hotels, and meal planning, makes cruising a compelling and cost-effective vacation option. For many, the simplicity of planning and the breadth of experiences offered make cruises not just an alternative but a preferable choice compared to the complexities of planning a traditional vacation.

Is a Cruise for You?

Ultimately, there are numerous benefits to Princess Cruises, as well as certain considerations that come with this style of vacation. From the ease and convenience of having a pre-planned itinerary and all-inclusive pricing to the excitement of waking up in a new destination almost daily, cruising presents a unique vacation format that appeals to many.

You can expect a variety of advantages, including minimal planning and cost-effectiveness. Even the potential downsides pale in comparison to the many conveniences of a cruise. With everything from luxurious staterooms to fine dining and entertainment just steps away from your door, the value proposition of a cruise becomes clear. It's not just about seeing the world, but about making the journey as delightful and effortless as the destinations themselves.

Now that you know everything about cruising, what do you think? Are cruises worth it? Does the idea of unpacking once and having everything taken care of sound like the perfect vacation? If you're nodding yes, then why not consider making your next vacation a cruise?

A cruise with Princess Cruises could very well be the best fit for your next adventure. Embark on an experience you’ll love with Princess Cruises, make sure to check out our current cruise deals when booking your adventure.

6 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Cruise

Enjoying meals on board is a great way to save money on a cruise

When Is the Best Time to Go Cruising?

A number of destinations are beautiful throughout the year, and Princess Cruises takes full advantage of warmer locales that boast ideal temperatures even in the middle of February

I tried Princess Cruise's premier package. At just $80 a day, it's one of the best deals at sea.

I paid about $80 a day for a premier package on a recent Princess Cruise .
The fee got me unlimited room service, onboard WiFi, premium desserts, and more.
The package was an incredible value and it made my trip feel luxurious.

I've been on 18 cruises and I absolutely love them.

I wake up in a new place every morning and unpack only once. Most of my meals are planned and paid for in advance, and I feel the ocean breeze every time I step out onto my cabin's balcony .

The only letdown is when the bill that arrives the night before each cruise ends contains more charges than I'd kept track of in my head.

I hate the wallet-wrenching surprise of that final invoice, filled with a few more drinks than I remember ordering, the WiFi I couldn't live without, and the specialty dining restaurants I splurged on.

But all that changed the moment I discovered the Premier Cruises' Premier Princess package on Princess Cruises during a family vacation on the Regal Princess in December.

Although my parents, brother, and brother's girlfriend went à la carte with their onboard purchases, my fiancé and I ordered the premier package.

It gave us a huge leg up throughout the trip. Here's why it may be worth considering if you're planning to sail with Princess Cruises.

For just $80 per person per day, we got tons of perks

The premier package costs $80 per day per guest, which amounts to $560 per person on a seven-day sailing (or $1,120 per couple).

At first glance, that sounds like a significant additional line item — but not when you compare the included items to the cruise's à la carte costs.

Princess Cruises' Premier Princess package includes:

WiFi: Up to four devices per guest
Beverages: Premium drinks (up to $20 each), bottled water, specialty coffee and juice bar
Crew appreciation: Mandatory prepaid tips
Professional photos: Unlimited digital photos and three prints
Specialty multi-course meals: Two per sailing
Meals at casual-dining restaurants: Unlimited
Premium desserts: Unlimited treats from specialty venues
OceanNow: Fee waived for food and drink delivery anywhere on board
Room service delivery: Unlimited
Fitness classes: Unlimited classes by Xpotential (Pure Barre, Yoga Six, and Stretch Lab)
Reserved theatre seating
Princess Prizes: Win prizes like wine tasting, onboard credit, and more by opening your door during certain hours

I didn't indulge a ton on my trip but I still saved money with the premier package

Right off the bat, passengers must pay $16/day for crew appreciation (read: gratuities). Crew appreciation is included in my package, so that's $112 of the $560 I paid for the package accounted for.

I'm a light drinker, so I only ordered two alcoholic drinks a day: usually a pre-dinner cocktail ($15 to $20 à la carte) and a glass of wine with dinner ($10).

With our savings already more than accounted for, everything else was a bonus

For instance, I enjoy breaking up the monotony of eating in the main dining room with visits to such specialty restaurants as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, or The Catch by Rudi. Cover charges at these eateries range from $35 to $39 per person. I dined at two during my sailing, which would have totaled $74 without the package.

Because this was our first family vacation in about a decade, getting family photos was also a priority. So most nights before dinner, we visited the various portrait stations around the ship.

With the premier package, I was given an unlimited number of digital images, so we didn't have to make difficult decisions about which photos to keep and which to discard.

We ended up with more than a dozen digital photos and six prints. On the other hand, my brother and his girlfriend bought some of their couples-only photos and paid $191.75 for five digital photos.

Plus, my fiancé and I indulged in a few premium desserts ($10 each à la carte), I took a fitness class to help balance them out ($30 à la carte), and we made use of the OceanNow service that delivers food or drinks to you anywhere on board ($15 one-time fee).

Overall, my package basically paid for itself, and then some

Overall, I'd estimate we saved at least $275 per person by choosing this package — and we used the included perks rather conservatively since we just aren't big drinkers.

But even if you only plan to have two drinks a day like we did, this package basically pays for itself.

It's worth noting that you can only order the package before you board or through the second day of your sailing. Both passengers in a stateroom must sign up for it.

If one of you doesn't drink alcohol or doesn't care to be connected to WiFi, it probably won't make financial sense to purchase this package.

But the best part of having this package was that I never felt nickeled and dimed and was able to just enjoy a week with my family in the Caribbean .

I didn't stress about putting any extras "on my tab" because I knew my final bill would be a fixed cost I'd already made peace with. And by doing so, I certainly came out ahead.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

Main content

Where can I cruise without a passport?

At TPG, we always recommend cruising with a passport, but there are many reasons why you might want to set sail without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don't have a passport yet? Or what if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it's only a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or, maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can't justify paying for passports that will only be good for five years.

First of all, do you even need a passport to cruise ? The answer is often but not always. You have options to cruise without a passport because not every sailing requires them. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver's license) and proof of citizenship (like a government-issued birth certificate).

The cruises that you don't need a passport for are closed-loop sailings, which depart from and return to the same port within the U.S. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another or from a U.S. port to a foreign one would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let's clarify that when we talk about cruising without a passport, we're referring to pricey passport books that some travelers do not wish to purchase. Passport cards can also be used for identification when cruising in all the places we are about to discuss; these cards are a low-cost alternative to traveling with your driver's license and birth certificate.

Let's look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You'll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife; stroll the streets of charming coastal towns; eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon; and enjoy nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you're interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports, such as Los Angeles or Long Beach, California. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season might be only four or five nights, and trips departing from LA are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one-way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required as long as they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver's license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, Sentri and Fast.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise — as long as you don't have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. White Pass and Yukon Route allows cruise passengers to go on the three-hour train excursion without a passport but doesn't allow them to take any longer routes. That's their policy, not a legal requirement.

This means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It's easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean: Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports like Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it's always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don't forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories, so visits never require passports for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop on a cruise ship for a direct route to the island's famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral (near Orlando) and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the subtropical sun, the Bahamas are the ideal destination for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three- to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round-trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale's Port Everglades and Miami.

A few longer, seven- to 15-night itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean; however, cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico's Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico's eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progreso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises with several major lines depart San Diego, San Pedro port in LA and Long Beach for voyages lasting anywhere from three to 10 nights.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there's a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part might be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America. This is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise options consist of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, LA (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. You won't need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don't require passports. Most of these cruises don't work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, which means they're required for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America's East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate numerous cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coasts that don't require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan, Brooklyn and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong fall sailings; however, a handful depart at other times of the year or are a touch longer, ranging from eight to 10 nights.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Some cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, might be possible without a passport book. This is the case as long as your plans don't include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but they allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up one-way possibilities, assuming you aren't flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it's not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean countries — which is the primary reason most travel advisers urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we've shown, you have plenty of options for where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather or an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country. This would put you in an awkward position if you didn't have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don't dismiss registering for a passport, even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
Top ways cruisers waste money
12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

The Disney Wonder cruise ship sails past glaciers in Tracy Arm Fjord as part of its Alaska itinerary. Nestled between 3,000-foot high granite walls, the narrow, twisting Tracy Arm Fjord weaves through the Tongass National Forest for roughly 35 miles. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

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Princess cruises to sail largest-ever europe cruise and cruisetour season in 2026.

New Sun Princess One of Five to Sail Region

Season Also Features Total Solar Eclipse Cruise - Return to Copenhagen – Plus New Roundtrip Rome Itineraries

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises is going big in Europe for 2026. The "Love Boat" line today announced that its 2026 European cruise and cruisetour season will be its biggest ever, with five Princess cruise ships sailing the region, including the sensational new Sun Princess. Set to sail on a record-breaking 222 cruises, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to explore the beauty and diversity of Europe .

Running March through November 2026 , the European season features 59 unique itineraries, visiting 101 destinations across 29 countries, ranging from five to 42 nights. Highlights of the upcoming season include an opportunity to experience the 2026 total solar eclipse; sail on the newest Princess ship – Sun Princess; the return of roundtrip cruises from Copenhagen and new itineraries from Rome . The robust season goes on sale May 23, 2024 .

"There's incredible demand for European vacations and we don't see that slowing down anytime soon," said Terry Thornton , chief commercial officer for Princess Cruises. "Guests should book early as our best pricing will be when these cruises first go on sale. Our 2026 season delivers the best of Europe with incredible voyages visiting a mix of marquee ports, as well as smaller, off-the-beaten-path spots offering guests their very own personalized journey."

2026 Europe Highlights Sun Princess , the next-level Love Boat from Princess, will sail 7-, 14- and 21-night Mediterranean voyages departing from Civitavecchia ( Rome ), Piraeus ( Athens ), and Barcelona . Guests on a 14- and 21-night voyage can enjoy an itinerary without calling to the same port twice for a Grand Mediterranean Adventure .

Itinerary Sample: A seven-night Mediterranean voyage sails roundtrip from Piraeus ( Athens ) to Barcelona , calling at Santorini, Kotor, Corfu, and Messina ( Sicily ).

The newest Princess ship is a true engineering marvel, offering an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. With 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences, Sun Princess has something for every guest to love.

The 3,660-guest Sky Princess will return for its sixth year to home port in Southampton . Sky Princess takes guests on itineraries ranging from seven to 28 nights to destinations including Northern Europe , the Canary Islands, and the Mediterranean.

On August 12, 2026 , Sky Princess will sail directly into the "path of totality" on a special 14-night Total Solar Eclipse Cruise which also visits France , Spain and Portugal . The cruise departs Southampton August 8, 2026 .

NEW for 2026 is a 28-night Northern Europe and Mediterranean itinerary sailing roundtrip Southampton and calling to Skagen, Copenhagen , Warnemunde (for Berlin ), Stockholm (overnight), Helsinki , Tallinn , Visby, Zeebrugge (for Brussels /Bruges), Southampton , Vigo, Cadiz (for Seville ), Malaga, Cartagena, Gibraltar , Lisbon , Bilbao , Le Verdon (for Bordeaux ). Departs September 12, 2026 .

NEW for 2026, the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess offers Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Civitavecchia ( Rome ), ranging from five, seven, eight, and 14-nights.

Itinerary Sample: A seven-night Mediterranean & Adriatic sailing roundtrip Rome (Civitavecchia) to Dubrovnik, Kotor and Corfu.

For the first time-ever, the 3,560-guest Majestic Princess is sailing roundtrip from Southampton , offering British Isles and Northern Europe itineraries ranging from 11, 12 and 14 nights. British Isles voyages take guests to historic ports across England , Wales , Ireland , Northern Ireland and Scotland , while the Northern Europe itineraries include stops in Scandinavia, Iceland , the Netherlands , Germany , and Belgium .

Itinerary Sample: A 14-night Northern Europe cruise visits Haugesund ( Norway ), Skjolden/Sognefjord ( Norway ), Olden/Nordfjord ( Norway ), Aalesund ( Norway ), Reykjavik ( Iceland ), Isafjordur ( Iceland ), Akureyri ( Iceland ).

Princess Cruises returns to Copenhagen after six years with the 2,670-guest Sapphire Princess , providing 12-night Northern Europe itineraries.

Itinerary Sample: Visits to Skagen, Oslo , Gdynia, Klaipeda, Riga , Tallinn , Helsinki , Nynashamn (for Stockholm ), and Visby.

Prior to sailing from Copenhagen , Sapphire Princess sails in the Mediterranean for two months between March and April 2026 , from Barcelona , plus itineraries sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia ( Rome ).

Cruisetours: Guests can combine a Europe cruise with multiple days on land to experience more of the region with five cruisetours to choose from. Guests can choose to sightsee in the cosmopolitan city of Madrid on the Highlights of Spain cruisetour, visit Florence and Rome on the Classic Italy cruisetour, explore Mediterranean treasures on the Best of Greece cruisetour or take in the spectacular landscapes of Ireland on the Ring of Kerry cruisetour.

Grand Adventures and Passages: All five ships sail ultimate transatlantic crossings, offering voyages ranging between 14- and 29-nights.

More Ashore: 19 ports include 'More Ashore' late-night stays on select itineraries, and three ports provide overnight stays – Alta, Hamburg and Stockholm .

With Princess Plus and Premier inclusive packages guests enjoy the ultimate in savings by adding popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when amenities are purchased separately.

Princess Captain's Circle members can take advantage of an early booking window starting May 16, 2024 , and are eligible for a special discount if booking before August 31, 2024 .

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean , Alaska , Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe , South America , Australia / New Zealand , the South Pacific, Hawaii , Asia , Canada /New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK).

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/princess-cruises-to-sail-largest-ever-europe-cruise-and-cruisetour-season-in-2026-302141810.html

SOURCE Princess Cruises

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1 - 10 of 789 Princess Hawaii Cruise Reviews. Goodbye Princess. Review for a Hawaii Cruise on Crown Princess. Noyojim6277. 2-5 Cruises • Age 80s. Read More. Sail Date: April 2024. Helpful. I ...
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My partner and I tried Princess Cruise's Premier Package. We got drink packages, WiFi, professional photos, and other perks for a low price. ... Review by Jill Schildhouse. 2024-05-17T15:55:47Z An ...
Princess Cruises Details Upcoming 'Historic America' Cruisetour
Princess Cruises has announced a new Historic America cruisetour launching just in time for America's 250th anniversary. ... Hawaii; Mexico; United States; ... first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise ...
11 Best Cruise Lines to Book in 2024
Despite a rocky couple of years due to the pandemic, cruising is back, and it's stronger than ever.In fact, travel insurance comparison site SquareMouth.com reported a 41% increase in the number ...
Where can I cruise without a passport?
Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don't require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Pride of America.
Princess Cruises to Sail Largest-Ever Europe Cruise and Cruisetour
Princess Cruises is going big in Europe for 2026. The "Love Boat" line today announced that its 2026 European cruise and cruisetour season will be its biggest ever, with five Princess cruise ships ...
Princess Cruises Announces Largest-Ever Europe Season for 2026
Princess Cruises has unveiled details for its 2026 Europe cruise and cruise tour season. Five Princess ships, including the brand-new Sun Princess, will sail a record 222 cruises, visiting 101 destinations across 29 countries from March through November that year.. The expansive 2026 program features 59 unique itineraries ranging from five to 42 nights.