emerald princess cruise rooms

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Emerald Princess cabins and suites

Emerald princess staterooms review, floor plans, photos.

Emerald Princess cabins and suites review at CruiseMapper provides detailed information on cruise accommodations , including floor plans, photos, room types and categories, cabin sizes, furniture details and included by Princess Cruises en-suite amenities and services.

The Emerald Princess cruise ship cabins page is conveniently interlinked with its deck plans showing deck layouts combined with a legend and review of all onboard venues.

2-Bedroom Family Suite

Layout (floor plan), balcony suite, balcony cabin, oceanview cabin, interior cabin, emerald princess cabins review.

Emerald Princess cabins with balconies are 881 (80% of all the 1103 outside rooms). Wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers) are 31 (of which 1 suite, 4 mini-suites, 16 balconies, 4 outsides, 6 insides).

Follows the review of Emerald Princess staterooms as amenities, furniture and included (complimentary) services:

Emerald Princess Suites have a walk-in closet (ample storage space), living room (sofa bed, desk), vanity, table, armchairs, bathroom (WC, shower stall, whirlpool bathtub, double sinks).

Family Suites are with 3 connected rooms (the living room is in between). Both bedrooms are with ample closet space, bathroom (shower, bathtub), desk, drawer. The living room has a sofa bed, floor-ceiling sliding doors leading to a large balcony.

Bonus amenities in all Suites are the deluxe mattress/pillows, 2 smart HDTVs, CD/DVD player, upgraded bathroom amenities (massage showerheads, luxury bath products), luxury furniture on the balcony, complimentary services (Spa Thermal Suite, Internet Cafe, laundry/dry cleaning, one-time minibar).

All balcony accommodations feature sliding glass doors (floor-ceiling) opening to a private verandah, equipped with a round table and patio chairs.

Balcony cabins have ample closet space, bathroom (shower), desk, drawer, and some have additional beds for 3rd/4th person.

Oceanview cabins have picture window (category OE have Porthole Window, and category OV are with an obstructed view.

Inside cabins have the same size and amenities as Ocean-View rooms but lack the window.

All Emerald Princess cabins as amenities have living area (vanity, desk, seating), 2 twin beds (convertible to queen), deluxe bedding sets (Egyptian cotton linens), closet, desk, smart HDTV (infotainment system, Internet, on-demand-movies), direct-dial phone, electronic safe box and lifejackets (in the closet), hairdryer, bath products (shampoo, body lotion, conditioner), mini-bar/fridge, individual air-conditioning, evening turndown service, complimentary 24-hour room service.

During drydock 2019 refurbishment, all Emerald Princess staterooms were upgraded with the company’s new signature “Princess Luxury Bed”. The new “cruise bed” was developed in collaboration with PhD Michael Breus (commonly known as “The Sleep Doctor”) and the designer Candice Olson. The new beds feature a luxury pillow-top mattress, individually wrapped coils (reducing surface sway) and hypoallergenic duvets.

“Club Class Mini-Suite” is a new cabin category to be rolled out across the entire fleet through September 2017. The new (VIP-guest) Mini-Suite cabins include the following complimentary services and amenities – “Club Class Dining”, Elite Lounge exclusive access, complimentary in-cabin dining (hours d’ oeuvres), priority embarkation/disembarkation/tendering. Club Class Dining includes a separate area part of the MDR (main dining room) reserved for Club Suite guests only. The exclusive dining experience includes expedited seating, dedicated waiter staff service, exclusive menu (featuring chef’s specials) and tableside preparation of some dishes. Club Class Dining is available for breakfast and dinner every day, plus for lunch on sea days only. The new suites replace a number of existing mini-suites. Their cabin size and layouts remain the same as the other mini suite grades.

Emerald Princess cabin and suite plans are property of Princess Cruises . All floor plans are for informational purposes only and CruiseMapper is not responsible for their accuracy.

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Emerald Princess Staterooms

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• Emerald Princess®
• Emerald Princess Ship Features

Emerald Princess Cabins, Honest Reviews and Cabins To Avoid (Real Photos)

If you are taking a cruise on the Emerald, Crown or Ruby Princess you may be wondering which cabin to pick.

I have just disembarked the Emerald Princess, after a wonderful cruise around the British Isles, Channel Islands, Ireland and France.

Whilst I stayed in a midship balcony cabin, I had family who stayed in an aft balcony. I’ve also stayed in the past in inside cabins on a sister ship, meaning that the design is identical.

This post is based on my experience cruising in these cabins.

Many Ships Are Similar to The Emerald Princess

Emerald Princess was originally built in 2007 and was last refurbished in 2019.  It has that “traditional cruise ship” feeling, unlike the more modern Royal Class ships.  She holds up to 3,080 passengers and weighs 113,561 tonnes.

This post is relevant to cabins on the Emerald Princess, Crown Princess, Ruby Princess, P&O Ventura and P&O Azura.

Emerald Princess is part of the Grand Class of cruise ships operated by Princess and has sister ships Crown Princess and Ruby Princess.

It is also worth noting that P&O operate the Ventura and Azura, and those ships are also virtually identical. 

I travelled on P&O’s Ventura for a Christmas Cruise, so felt I already knew my way around as soon as I boarded the Emerald Princess! 

In This Post We Explore:

• Inside Cabins
• Outside Cabins
• Balcony Cabins
• Aft Balcony Cabins
• Mini Suites
• Cabins with Premier Service (Suites)

We will also look at cabins to avoid.

Inside Cabins – Emerald Princess Review

Inside Cabins normally sleep two people, and are between 162 and 234 sq feet.  Some rooms can accommodate 4 guests.  These are normally the cheapest cabins available.

The majority of cabins are around 162 sq feet, but the wheelchair-friendly inside cabins are far more spacious.

My family stayed in an inside cabin for 12 nights onboard P&O’s Ventura and this review is based on that cabin which is identical to those found on Emerald Princess.

Cabins normally have a double bed, which can easily be converted to two twins, depending on your needs. 

Just speak to your cabin steward, they are always happy to help.

Some cabins have two Pullman beds that can be pulled down from the ceiling, making them a good, budget option for families.  

They can support the weight of adults, but are far better suited to children!

What We Loved About The Cabin:

• The separate closet/storage area outside the bathroom.
• The storage space and drawers within the main cabin itself.
• The beds were super comfy.

What We Didn’t love: 

• The older style of traditional cruise ship décor.  Lots of wood and beige.  Personal choice of course, but I prefer the décor of more modern ships like those of the MSC fleet or the newer Royal Class ships.  On Emerald Princess upgrades such as new TVs are noticeable.  In the cabins on P&O’s Ventura, which are identical, the TV are older, small and are wedged on top of a display cabinet.

• Small shower with shower curtains which meant lots of water on the bathroom floor after you have had a shower.  Manageable for someone my height (5ft 6) but tricky for someone taller.

I am a big fan of inside cabins, as it saves money that can be spent on a soda package, excursions, speciality dining – or another cruise!

One problem people mention is that it is easy to sleep – and sleep – and sleep in an inside cabin.  There is no daylight to wake you up. 

I now pack my daylight alarm clock, which gently wakes me up in the morning.  To learn more about daylight alarm clocks, check out my review here: emmacruises.com/lamp .

Outside Cabins – Emerald Princess Review

The outside cabins on the Emerald Princess are almost identical to the inside cabins in style and design. The average size is slightly bigger, at 179 sq ft. They can also sleep up to four people, with some cabins having pull-down/Pullman beds.

They have either a porthole or a bigger, square window, depending on which deck you are on. 

Oceanview cabins are the next step up to an inside cabin and are a good choice if you think you would miss having natural light in your cabin. 

It is a cheaper option than a balcony, but still gives you views of the ocean – albeit with no actual outside space.

All cabins have a closet/wardrobe area like below:

Balcony Cabins – Emerald Princess Review

A standard balcony cabin is 231 sq ft.  Some balcony cabins can accommodate four guests with one bed coming down from the ceiling and one “rollaway” bed. 

We had the room set up as two twin beds.

I stayed in a standard balcony cabin during my cruise on the Emerald Princess. We were onboard for Christmas day!

To see the cabin in more detail, watch this video:

What I Loved About My Balcony Cabins On Board The Emerald Princess

• Super comfy Princess twin or double beds.
• Lots of mirrors.

What I Didn’t Love About My Balcony Cabins On Board The Emerald Princess

• The balconies on Princess Cruise ships are rather cramped and narrow.  There is enough room for two chairs and a coffee table, plenty big enough for two average-sized people – but with little room to spare.
• The lights outside the bathroom/closet areas were operated by a sensor.  When I got up to go to the bathroom in the night, it was so bright! Also when I was choosing clothes from the wardrobe, the light would go out and I had to move about to get the light to come back on. I saw many people that said that they had stuck something over the sensor to stop it.

Aft Balcony Cabins – Emerald Princess Review

On our cruise, my parents had an aft balcony cabin, suggested to us by the group travel agent, Emma Otter .  This cost no more than a standard balcony cabin, but had one major drawback, an obstructed review.

What We Did Love About Our Aft Balcony Cabins On Board The Emerald Princess

• Little disturbance from other passengers, right at the back of the ship, no passing traffic.
• Huge balcony, around three times the size of the standard balcony.
• No views of other balconies or lifeboats when you looked down – just an uninterrupted view of the wake.

What We Didn’t Love About Our Aft Balcony Cabins On Board The Emerald Princess

Our balcony had a structural beam on it.  This obscured the view from inside the cabin.  Once outside on the balcony plenty of room to sit in front of the beam – or behind it if more shade was needed.

• Some vibrations when docking, (but none when sailing.)

Here’s the video review I made of the cabin:

Mini Suite Cabins – Emerald Princess Review

The Mini Suites on Emerald Princess are the middle ground between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite.  Although we didn’t stay in a Mini-Suite Cabin, I was lucky enough to stay in one during a Press Trip on the Sky Princess. 

I really enjoyed it, particularly the luxury of having a bath instead of a shower! 

 The specification was the same, although with more modern decor than that on the Emerald Princess.

You get more space a few  extra benefits , but not as many as if you were paying for a suite. For many it is an affordable upgrade without paying suite prices.  They are usually around 323 sq ft.

Mini Suite on Emerald Princess have:

• A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
• A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
• An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
• A better bathroom that has a bath and a massage shower
• An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
• Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)

Club Class Mini Suites

These premium Mini Suites that have some additional perks, but are not any larger.

Emerald Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:

• Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
• An even comfier bed
• Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise*
• A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
• Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
• Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.

Emerald Princess Suites

If you want to treat yourself you can upgrade to a Princess Suite.  Emerald Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini-Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.

The size of these suites varies a great deal, from around 460 sq ft for a Vista suite to a huge 777 Sq Ft for an Owners Suite.  

I have never stayed in a suite on a cruise ship, although I have been lucky enough to be invited to look at the suites of friends who have been lucky enough to stay in them!

Emerald Princess Suite Perks include:

• Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
• Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
• Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
• Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
• Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
• An upgraded room service menu to choose from
• A free mini bar in you room, a fruit bowl
• Tea served in your suite

Do Princess Cruises Provide Bathrobes ?

* Worth noting that Princess advertises bathrobes as being a perk in some cabins.  We had no bathrobes in our balcony cabins but discovered that you can order bathrobes to your room via the App at no extra cost.  Shame it took us about a week to discover this – there is no mention of it in the room

Do The Cabins on Emerald Princess have TVs?

All cabins on the Emerald Princess come with TVs. There are flat-screen TVs on the wall at the foot of the bed.  They have a good range of films and box sets and a selection of live TV channels, like CNN or BBC News.

These TVs were probably upgraded in the ship’s last refurbishment in 2019. 

When I travelled on the P&O Ventura, which is virtually identical, the TVs were old, small and balanced on the top of the storage unit.  Much less satisfactory!

Do The Cabins on The Emerald Princess have Kettles?

All the cabins on Emerald Princess came with a kettle and some tea/coffee-making facilities.

If there aren’t the tea bags that you’d like, feel free to take them from the buffet back to your room, I always do.

Do The Cabins on The Emerald Princess have Safes?

All cabins on Emerald Princess have safes. These are a good size and can be found on one of the shelves in the wardrobe/closet area outside the bathroom.

Cabins to Avoid – Emerald Princess

We had no problems with any of the cabins my family stayed in on the Emerald Princess. 

I normally would choose a “guaranteed cabin” to save money and the cruise line pick the location. 

I am perfectly happy and able to walk great distances, and nothing much disturbs my sleep! 

Not everyone is the same though, and I perfectly understand people choosing their cabins very carefully.

Deck 14 – Below The Buffet

The buffet is situated towards the back of deck 15.  You may find additional noise – chairs scraping etc if you have a cabin on deck 14 (Riviera Deck) that is below the buffet. 

The buffet shuts at 10 pm in the evening though, so late-night noise is unlikely – but you may be woken earlier than you would like.  You may also experience noise from crew members cleaning/preparing food or cleaning away at the end of the day.

Deck 14 – Below The Pool Deck

Facebook groups about cruise ships often mention problems with the noise from pool decks. Again, the “problem cabins” are on deck 14 (Riviera Deck).

There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves a deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position. 

That noise can carry and disturb you if you are trying to sleep. 

Other complaints concerned cruise members cleaning the lido area late at night, or early in the morning.

Deck 8 – Above The Theatre

Deck 8 (Emerald Deck) at the front is directly above the theatre, so may not suit those who wish to go to bed earlier or have children whose sleep may be disturbed.

Balcony Cabins at The Front of The Ship

Emerald Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), but it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship.

These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them, people complain that they are too windy to sit out on. 

It may be worth avoiding the very front cabins if possible.

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Emerald Princess Aloha deck plan

• 7 Promenade
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Cruisedeckplans provides full interactive deck plans for the Emerald Princess Aloha deck. Just move your mouse over any cabin and a pop up will appear with detail information, including a full description and floor layout, and a link to pictures and/or videos. These are the newest deck plans for Emerald Princess Aloha deck plan showing public venues and cabin numbers and locations.

You are viewing deck: 12 Aloha plan

Click on another deck below to view more deck plans.   Click here for LIVE SHIP TRACKING

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Cabin Check Tool

Looking for aloha (deck) actual cabin pics and videos, sub categories on aloha, click links below to view category info including cabin pics and videos for that category on the emerald princess..

This tool will help you see what is on the deck above and the deck below your stateroom. Don't be surprised by loud chair scraping noise above you.

Accessible cabins on Aloha

These cabins are on the Emerald Princess

Cabin A301 BB Category Balcony

Cabin A302 BB Category Balcony

Cabin A303 BB Category Balcony

Cabin A304 BB Category Balcony

Cabin A312 IB Category Interior

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Type: Balcony

Cabin is 168 ft 2 , Balcony is 46 ft 2

Balcony size ranges from 46 to 89 square feet. Caribe deck balconies are sized 9 ft. wide x 9 ft. deep and have ceiling overhang/balcony cover over the first 5 ft.

*Actual cabin size and layout may differ from size and diagram shown.

CDP Code: Balcony

- Two twin beds that convert to a queen - refrigerator - safe - phone - hairdryer - television - large closet - desk - bathroom with shower.

Type: Interior

Cabin is 160 ft 2

CDP Code: Interior

- Two twin beds that convert to a queen - refrigerator - safe - phone - hairdryer - television - closet - bathroom with shower.

Owners Suite

Type: Suite

Cabin is 329 ft 2 , Balcony is 166 ft 2

Vista Suite (S5, S6) 329 square feet plus 166 square foot balcony (16.6x10), Premium Suite (S4) 304 square feet plus 169 square foot balcony (15.2x11.11), Penthouse Suite (S3) 381 square feet plus 155 square foot balcony (17.11x9.10), Owner Suite (S2) 411 square feet plus 180 square foot balcony (15x12).

CDP Code: Suite

- Two twin beds that convert to a queen - separate sitting area - sofa bed - desk - two televisions - combined DVD/CD/MP3-CD player with free access to a DVD library - halo light magnifying mirror - safe - phone - hairdryer - refrigerator - wet bar - walk-in closet - tub with massage shower head.

Penthouse Suite

• Princess Cruises

Best dining room on Emerald Princess

By SSAtlantic , September 1, 2023 in Princess Cruises

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We have only done 1 Princess cruise since the start of DMW. That was in Reserve Class which is unavailable for an upcoming cruise. What is the best dining room on the Emerald for a private table for 2 with same wait staff?

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Rick&Jeannie

"Best" is certainly a very subjective term.  It depends on what you are considering in your criteria.  The menus are the same in all *main* dining rooms.  And...you have the ability to arrange for the same table/wait staff at any MDR...so, not sure how to give you an answer that means anything.  Basically, only the decor will be different.

Have you tried making reservations yet? If you are able to book a private table for 2 on every evening in one of the dining rooms, that would be a good start. Once onboard you can ask the hostess or dining room manager if it’s possible to be seated with the same wait staff every night.

 Duplicate post

5 hours ago, Rick&Jeannie said: And...you have the ability to arrange for the same table/wait staff at any MDR...so, not sure how to give you an answer that means anything.

This was not true recently.  On my sailing on the Emerald in July, the DR manager in DaVinci said I could only have the same table and staff if I asked in Botticelli.  

10 minutes ago, theloo said: This was not true recently.  On my sailing on the Emerald in July, the DR manager in DaVinci said I could only have the same table and staff if I asked in Botticelli.  

Did you get same table every night in Botticelli if your reservation was in DaVinci?

Just now, Solara said: Did you get same table every night in Botticelli if your reservation was in DaVinci?

No, I decided just to come to my reservation in DaVinci and roll the dice with staff.

1 minute ago, theloo said:   No, I decided just to come to my reservation in DaVinci and roll the dice with staff.

And how did that work out?

1 hour ago, Solara said: And how did that work out?

It was fine.  Some days service was slower, but overall, it was pretty good.  Probably depended on how much people (including us, because it varied) were ordering?

How were the lines each night to get your table assignment.  On the Caribbean Princess, the line was a 20 minute wait each night... 

22 hours ago, theloo said: This was not true recently.  On my sailing on the Emerald in July, the DR manager in DaVinci said I could only have the same table and staff if I asked in Botticelli.  

And that is fine IMO.  You ask anywhere and if they can give what you want in another one, the TD experience has been met, IMO. 

22 hours ago, Solara said: Did you get same table every night in Botticelli if your reservation was in DaVinci?

It would be changed in the System and Da Vinci res should be removed from DMW app if the change was made.

1 hour ago, mphouston said: How were the lines each night to get your table assignment.  On the Caribbean Princess, the line was a 20 minute wait each night... 

I presume you are not writing about having the same table and waiters each night.  In this case, you just walk to table and do not wait in line.

2 hours ago, mphouston said: How were the lines each night to get your table assignment.  On the Caribbean Princess, the line was a 20 minute wait each night... 

We were just on the Caribbean Princess and almost never waited. There were a couple of evenings when the people at our requested table were later than normal finishing dinner but for the most part there were no lines in the Palm dining room. I think the location is inconvenient but it may be less busy

sammyjoanne

Loved all three MDR. The menus are the same but it was nice to do different dining rooms as we got to meet lots of different waiters and waitresses who are all absolutely lovely.

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12 of the best Princess cruise ships

Those who sail on princess ships can look forward to magic shows, whizzy technology and thrilling shows.

A mysterious black door, tucked away from the rest of the ship, swings open and I enter a dark room. I’m introduced to Isabella, the ethereal resident spirit, and handed a cocktail from a smoking casket as the magical evening in Spellbound unfolds. For me, one of the things that makes Princess Cruises stand out from the crowd is the ever-evolving entertainment scene on its ships.

The 16-strong Princess fleet — which will become 17 in 2025 with the launch of Star Princess — is divided into four classes. Fans of big ships will prefer the Royal and new Sphere class vessels, while anyone who favours smaller vessels can choose the Grand and Coral class. Princess sails the globe and is particularly well-known for Alaska sailings, with seven ships sailing there in 2024 — more than any other line. Here are 12 of our favourites.

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1. Sun Princess

Launched in 2024, this 4,300-passenger ship is the largest in the fleet and marks the first of the all-new Sphere class. The name comes from the spectacular one-of-a-kind multi-level glass dome, that is a pool area by day and entertainment venue at night, and the two spheres on each side which span nine decks and contain public areas and cabins. Prepare to be enchanted at the Spellbound by Magic Castle experience with its secret entrance and logic-defying stage show. Sun Princess is spending its maiden season in the Mediterranean and Caribbean .

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2. royal princess.

This 3,560-passenger Royal class ship made headlines when it was christened in Southampton in 2013 by the Princess of Wales; her last engagement before the birth of Prince George. Today the ship, which carries 3,560 guests, can be found much further afield in Australia , New Zealand and the South Pacific. Providing a traditional cruise experience, Royal Princess introduced SeaWalk, a 128ft glass platform extending from the side of the ship.

3. Enchanted Princess

Another of the six Royal class ships, Enchanted Princess mainly sails in the Caribbean but can whisk you across to the Mediterranean at the same time in the 360 dining experience, also on Discovery Princess. Here, a seven-course menu is served against a backdrop of culinary storytelling and clever visual entertainment. The 3,660-passenger vessel visits Princess Cays, the line’s private resort on the white sand island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas . Back onboard, there’s plenty of outdoor deck space to make the most of the sunshine.

4. Ruby Princess

Launched in 2008, and given a multi-million dollar facelift in 2018, Ruby Princess is the last of the seven Grand class ships that make up the majority of the Princess fleet. Catering to 3,080 guests, it’s among the Princess vessels sailing to Alaska and has plenty of indoor activities and facilities suited to sailing in cooler climates. Like all Princess ships, it has MedallionClass technology. The wearable device, the size of a coin, can be used to open cabin doors, order food and drink, keep in touch with fellow passengers and more.

5. Coral Princess

The baby of the Princess fleet is the 1,970-passenger Coral Princess, conceived in 2002 to be nimble enough to navigate the Panama Canal. Alongside Island Princess, it’s one of two Coral class ships. A refurbishment in 2019 gave it a fresh look which puts it on par with the rest of the fleet. With fewer amenities than its larger siblings, it appeals to guests who prefer a quieter cruise experience. Cruises include longer 22-night sailings out of the US and Canada with a Panama Canal transit.

6. Sky Princess

When Sky Princess debuted in 2019 it was the first ship in the fleet with supersize Sky Suites that sleep up to five. In a prime spot overlooking the main pool area, with huge wraparound balconies and 270-degree views, they provide the best seats in the house for watching films under the stars. In fact, a novel perk for passengers staying in the suites is being able to pick the film that will be screened one night. The 3,660-passenger Royal class ship’s schedule includes no-fly cruises out of Southampton.

• Best transatlantic cruises • Best cruises from Newcastle

7. Discovery Princess

If you fancy a trip Down Under, the sixth Royal class ship Discovery Princess will be based in Australia and New Zealand in 2025. The 3,660-guest vessel, launched in 2022, will be the biggest Princess ship ever to sail in Australian waters and has 22 itineraries, which will offer 11 departures from Sydney . Speciality dining on Discovery Princess includes the line’s signature seafood restaurant, the Catch by Rudi, which can also be found on Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess.

8. Caribbean Princess

One of the ships that sails out of Southampton, along with cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, Caribbean Princess is from the Grand class stable. Where it differs significantly from the rest of its fleet mates is having a family-focused pool deck, making it a top choice for anyone travelling with youngsters. The Reef Splash Zone was upgraded during a refurbishment in 2019, which modernised the 2004 vessel. Elsewhere, the 3,140-passenger ship has familiar Princess favourites such as Sabatini’s Italian restaurant.

9. Island Princess

Island Princess, which caters for 2,200 guests, is the second smallest in the fleet so doesn’t feel overwhelming for first-time cruisers. Like its sibling, it was custom-built to offer transit through the Panama Canal. If you’ve got time to spare, Island Princess sails on many long and port-intensive itineraries including world cruises — including segments of the global voyages — and epic trips such as a 53-night South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand cruise.

10. Majestic Princess

Originally designed for the Chinese market on cruises out of Shanghai , Majestic Princess now plies the waters of the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and Californian coast. Thanks to its heritage, the 2017 ship has some marked differences from other Royal class vessels. It is the only Princess ship to have the speciality restaurant Harmony, created in collaboration with Wing Lei, the first Chinese restaurant in the US to be awarded a Michelin star. There’s a tasty noodle bar too.

11. Emerald Princess

If you prefer not to fly, look out for Emerald Princess which will be sailing out of Southampton in 2025 on trips including Norway ’s northern lights. The Grand class ship, launched in 2007 and extensively renovated in 2019, carries 3,080 passengers. Like other ships in the fleet, the central hub is the multi-deck piazza with places to eat, drink and watch live entertainment. Wine-lovers can head to Vines for wine flights and to enjoy tapas-style bites.

12. Grand Princess

When Grand Princess set sail in 1998 it was billed as the biggest and fastest cruise ship at sea. Of course, time moves on and the line’s first Grand class vessel is now the smallest in the category and the oldest ship in the fleet. Despite its advancing years, following a 2019 revamp, the grande dame wears its age well. It offers good value cruises to some of the line’s most popular destinations such as Alaska, Australia and the Californian coast, including short taster sailings which are ideal for first timers.

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• Best budget cruises in the Caribbean • Best no-fly cruises • Best cruise lines for every kind of traveller

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

B ooked on a Princess cruise ? Then it's time to start figuring out your dining strategy. With everything from casual seafood shacks and barbecue joints to refined steakhouses, sushi bars and even experiential, sensory dining, the food on Princess Cruises has something to pique everyone's palate, from those looking to indulge to guests who want to stick to a healthy diet at sea .

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Alfredo's/Gigi's Pizzeria by Alfredo/Alfredo's Pizzeria

Fixed price or a la carte

If one pizzeria isn't enough, Princess has another option. Alfredo's and Gigi's are sit-down pizzerias with decor inspired by the colors and vibe of Amalfi Coast. The venues serve authentic Neapolitan pizza made from scratch.

Available on: Coral, Diamond, Discovery, Enchanted, Grand, Island, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sapphire, Sky, Sun Princess

Related: Which line has the best cruise pizza? I tasted slices from 7 brands

Burger & Hot Dog Grill

Included, but a la carte pricing applies for a few menu items on select ships

This poolside American grill serves up hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries.

Available on: Coral, Diamond, Island, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sapphire

Chopsticks Noodle Bar

Chopsticks is a casual spot with a rotating menu of cooked-to-order Asian fare. Options include wonton noodle soup and wok-fried dishes like Sichuan dan-dan noodles.

Available on: Majestic Princess

Horizon Court/World Fresh Marketplace

All Princess cruise ships feature a buffet restaurant, called World Fresh Marketplace on some ships and Horizon Court on others. Either way, the buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ever-changing options include regional specialties, comfort food, fresh fruit, salads, vegetables and desserts.

Available on: All ships

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Sushi and sashimi specialties, appetizers, nigiri and maki rolls including tempura shrimp, spicy tuna and hamachi scallion are available separately or in a set menu or combination at Kai Sushi.

Available on: Diamond Princess, Sun Princess

Main dining room

Princess Cruises' main dining rooms offer a waiter-served, sit-down dining experience. Multicourse menus of global cuisine are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some options change daily, but a selection of "Princess Favorites" signature dishes is always available.

Ocean Terrace Sushi/Seafood Bar

Overlooking the Piazza, this sushi and sashimi bar was inspired by the view of the ocean. Starters, sushi, sashimi, raw, cooked and torched rolls are available a la carte.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess

O'Malley's Irish Pub

A contemporary Irish pub with traditional tunes and interactive entertainment, O'Malley's serves pub fare like pan-fried Guinness chicken, ribeye burgers, Scotch eggs and fried pickles.

Available on: Enchanted Princess, Sun Princess

This casual, rustic eatery serves ample portions of barbecued meats, including pulled pork, tri-top, smoked sausage, smoked chicken and pork ribs, along with sides, sauces, salads and more.

Available on: Caribbean Princess, Emerald Princess

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Reserve Collection dining

Included for guests in Reserve Collection cabins

Passengers booked in Reserve Collection cabins can access an exclusive area of the main dining room with a private entrance, expedited seating, no reservations required and a dedicated waitstaff. On Star Princess and Sun Princess, Reserve Collection Dining also includes access to a private restaurant.

Salty Dog Gastropub

The Salty Dog Gastropub features handhelds like burgers, chicken sandwiches and grilled cheese, as well as elevated takes on comfort food including lobster mac and cheese and stout-braised short ribs. It's located inside the Wheelhouse Bar on certain days.

Available on: Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Ruby Princess, Sapphire, Grand, Coral, Island Princess

Salty Dog Grille/Cafe

The famous Hilton Head, South Carolina eatery takes to the seas on Princess Cruises. This casual poolside restaurant is a great pitstop between dips. Order from their menu of craft burgers (including a veggie burger), sandwiches, chicken strips, street tacos, loaded fries and hot dogs.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Ruby, Sky Princess

Related: Which line has the best cruise burger? Here are TPG's top picks

This poolside pizzeria has plenty of pie options, including thin crust and deep dish, as well as stromboli and avocado and caprese toasts.

Steamers Seafood

At this casual eatery, you can satisfy your seafood craving with steamed shellfish pots with mussels, scallops, kielbasa and corn on the cob. The most popular pot arrives with broiled scallops, shrimp and crab-stuffed flounder; lobster and crab can be added to any dish.

Vines Wine Bar

Located in the Atrium, with an extensive list of wines and Champagnes, Vines Wine Bar serves light bites, including antipasti and tapas.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Grand, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky Princess

Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse

Fixed price

Prime steaks and seafood are served in a laid-back, New Orleans-inspired setting, with live music on select nights. Highlights include Chilean sea bass with king prawns, New York strip and New Zealand rosemary double lamb chops.

Available on: Coral Princess, Island Princess

Related: The best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

The Catch by Rudi

Seafood-focused collaboration with renowned Austrian chef Rudi Sodamin featuring playful takes on sustainable seafood like Asian-fried calamari, lobster with garlic butter crust and tiered shellfish towers. Order the Salzburger Nockerl for dessert; it's a can't-miss Austrian souffle baked over tangy fruit jam.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Sky, Sun Princess

Churrascaria Brazilian Grill

Servers carve grilled meats including picanha, sirloin, lamb, linguica and sausage tableside at this South American-inspired steakhouse. Round out your meal with options from the teeming salad bar.

Available on: Diamond Princess

A rustic seafood pop-up, Crab Shack will serve casual starters including popcorn shrimp and Manhattan clam chowder, as well as steamed and boiled pots of shellfish, potatoes, corn and herbs.

Available on: Forthcoming, ships to be announced

Crown Grill

Princess' signature steak and seafood house with a theater-style open kitchen is a perennial favorite with guests. On the menu are aged and hand-cut steaks and chops, seafood and a selection of salts curated from around the world to sprinkle on dishes.

Available on: Caribbean, Crown, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sky, Sun Princess

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Harmony is a contemporary Chinese restaurant with a five-course menu of dishes. Highlights include Peking duck salad, braised pork belly ribs with star anise and fried rice with scallops.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

At the cruise line's signature Italian restaurant, traditional flavors meld with regional influences. Handmade pastas like pappardelle alla Bolognese are joined by ossobuco Milanese, heirloom cheeses and air-cured salume.

Available on: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Discovery, Emerald, Enchanted, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sky, Sun Princess

Sterling Steakhouse

This premium chophouse features high-quality cuts of meat from corn-fed beef, including Kansas City strip, filet mignon, Madeira-glazed veal and surf and turf, served with shareable sides like loaded baked potatoes and sauteed wild mushrooms. (Sterling Steakhouse is similar to the Crown Grill, but the two steakhouses have different menus.)

Available on: Sapphire Princess

Love by Britto

Princess Cruises has collaborated with Romero Britto, the Brazilian artist known for his bold and joyful style, to create a seven-course, prix fixe artistic-inspired dining experience on its newest ship. Standout dishes include oysters with Champagne pearls, Wagyu Chateaubriand Rossini and hot chocolate souffle with hot Bing cherries.

Available on: Sun Princess

Umai Teppanyaki

Your meal at Umai Teppanyaki is a three-act show of Japanese cuisine prepared on an iron teppan grill. Starters include pork belly yakitori and spicy tuna on the rocks, followed by dishes like black cod in soy reduction and filet mignon with Champagne Cognac flambe and a chocolate bento box.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

The Butcher's Block by Dario

The Butcher's Block is another collaboration, this time a partnership with renowned eighth-generation butcher Dario Cecchini, who owns a butcher shop and restaurants in the Tuscan village of Panzano, Italy. Enjoy a meal of his signature cuts of meat at one large shared table with friends old and new.

360: An Extraordinary Experience

This seven-course, wine-paired dinner is enhanced by immersive technology, including a 360-degree projection screen displaying scenes of the Mediterranean and additional images projected onto the tabletop. You'll find yourself as captivated by the food as the music and storytelling that will virtually transport you to Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, Barcelona and Provence. The dining experience is invite-only, so if you're not some kind of VIP (suite guest, top-tier loyalty program member, casino high roller and the like), don't expect you will be able to dine here.

Available on: Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess

Chef's Table/Chef's Table Lumiere

Fixed price (with or without wine)

The Chef's Table is a unique culinary experience that kicks off with Champagne and hors d'oeuvres and a stroll through the kitchen to meet the executive chef, followed by a multicourse dinner paired with wines. For Chef's Table Lumiere, the table is surrounded by a curtain of lights after guests are seated.

Available on: Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire Princess (Chef's Table); Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess (Chef's Table Lumiere)

Balcony Breakfast/Dinner

Start or end the day with an intimate, romantic meal for two served on your cabin balcony. Dinner is a four-course affair including hors d'oeuvres, lobster and steak and your choice of beverages.

Caymus Winemaker's Dinner

During this intimate dining event, a five-course dinner is paired with wines from Chuck Wagner's Napa Valley winery, Caymus Vineyards. This recently launched experience for just 12 guests is offered two to three times per sailing.

Silverado Winemaker's Dinner

A collaboration with winemaker Jon Emmerich of Silverado Vineyards, this dinner pairs five courses (not including a palate cleanser) with the Napa Valley winery's sauvignon blanc and cabernet sauvignon.

Available on: Discovery, Enchanted, Majestic, Regal, Royal, Sky Princess

Princess cruise dining FAQ

Is food on princess cruises included.

Sit-down meals in the main dining room, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, are always included on a Princess cruise, and the menu varies somewhat daily. Also included is a buffet, either called World Fresh Marketplace or Horizon Court, depending on the ship, as well as fast casual and grab-and-go spots on board that serve pizza, tacos, burgers, pastries and ice cream.

Specialty restaurants including Crown Grill, Princess's steak and seafood house, and Sabatini's, the signature Italian restaurant, require a surcharge that's priced at a flat rate per adult or child; some menu items also require an additional surcharge no matter the age of the guest.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

Are drinks included on Princess cruise ships?

Select beverages are always included: iced tea, hot tea, brewed coffee, hot chocolate, milk, fruit juice, lemonade and tap water. Everything else, including soft drinks, wine, beer, cocktails, spirits and specialty coffees, must either be purchased a la carte or through one of the cruise line's beverage packages .

Do I need reservations?

Reservations are encouraged for the main dining room and the specialty restaurants, and it's best to make them as early as possible ; walk-in parties will be accommodated on a space-available basis. Guests can make reservations via the Princess MedallionClass app or at guest services once you're on board. If you wish to eat at the same time every night, you can do so by reserving your tables in advance.

Platinum and Elite Captain's Circle members have early access to reservations. Passengers booked in a Full Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-Suite don't need to make dining reservations as they will always be accommodated; they also have access to a dedicated space in the main dining room with expedited seating and an expanded menu.

Does Princess Cruises have an evening dress code?

"Smart casual" attire will be appropriate for the main dining room, buffet and fast-casual restaurants. You might want to pack something dressier for the specialty restaurants or one of the more upscale dining experiences like Chef's Table, 360 or a winemaker dinner.

On sailings that are five nights or longer, there will be one or more formal nights, which do require adhering to a dress code in the dining venues . Cocktail dresses, evening gowns or dressy pantsuits are appropriate for women, while dark suits, tuxedos or dinner jackets and slacks are required for men , along with dressy footwear. If you don't want to dress up or forgot appropriate attire, you're welcome to dine at the buffet or any of the other casual dining options on board during formal night.

Is there assigned seating in the main dining room?

There is no assigned seating at any dining venues on board Princess ships. However, if you are a solo diner or part of a couple or small group, your host might ask if you would like to sit with another party of a similar size in the main dining room; the choice is up to you.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

You can use the Cruise Personalizer to indicate your dietary preferences, including requests for low-sodium, low-fat, low-sugar and vegetarian diets. Kosher meals and baby food are available with advanced written requests. If you have allergies or medical needs related to food, you must inform Princess in writing — check the line's website for more details. Princess Cruises also recently introduced a series of vegan menus for dinner in the main dining room, including starters, soups, salads, pastas and main dishes.

Where can I get snacks on board?

You'll find lots of spots to grab a quick bite, dessert or coffee, including Coffee & Cones, Patisserie, Swirls Ice Cream Bar, The Pastry Shop, International Cafe and Gelateria — options vary depending on the ship. Food at these venues is included, but there is a charge for specialty coffees and teas unless you have a beverage package.

Is room service included on Princess Cruises?

Guests can use the designated button on their cabin's phone to order room service 24 hours a day; each order incurs a $5 delivery fee, which is waived for those with Princess Plus or Princess Premier status.

You can also use the OceanNow feature in the Princess Medallion Class app to order food to be delivered to your cabin or anywhere else on the ship, like the pool deck. This feature is included with Princess Plus and Princess Premium; otherwise, there is a one-time access fee of $14.99 per person per voyage and a $5 delivery fee per order. Food and beverage surcharges may apply for some items ordered via room service.

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
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• 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
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

This hidden bar on a cruise ship comes complete with its own ghost

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Cruise lines are really pulling some tricks out of their hat with their offerings, as they attempt to entice younger and more diverse audiences onto their ships.

From ice grottos to ultimate booze cruises , other-worldly expeditions and *checks notes * robot bartenders , we’ve come a long way from hopping on board to spend a week simply sipping pina coladas on the lido deck (but, hey, we also won’t turn that down, let’s be honest).

Princess Cruises has recently launched a pretty impressive hidden gem on its newest ship the Sun Princess, called Spellbound.

And, as the name suggests, it’s got magic at its core.

Magic shows on a boat? Just about as groundbreaking as florals for spring, right? Been there, abracadabra that, we hear you.

This bar takes things to another level, though – first of all, it’s a hidden bar, tucked behind a nondescript black door on board. You’d be forgiven for walking straight past it on the way to the buffet and having no idea of the wonder that sits on the other side.

It’s also Victorian-themed, to give it that real added zest, with mind-bending entertainment performed by magicians as they (the travellers, not the magicians) sip on theatrical cocktails served with sleight of hand.

Spellbound has been created in conjunction with the reknown Magic Castle, a private club in Hollywood for magicians and enthusiasts, which specialises in teaching and performing magic. It’s this crop of spellbinding men and women who will be performing on the cruise line’s latest ship, too.

With its ornate décor that includes magical artefacts, vintage curiosities, and interactive special effects, the bar, and its series of themed rooms, is meticulously designed to capture the essence of this exclusive club (which will set you back $149 (£118) to enter for an evening).

For instance, in the Music Room, guests will meet the spirit of Isabella (of course) who will share her stories of sailing on Sun Princess. The venue will also feature a vintage Parlor Bar featuring Artemis the owl who is revealed through interaction with skilled illusionists before entering the intimate 30-seat, Spellbound theatre, to experience close-up magic that will blow guests’ minds.

So, knowing all this, it perhaps comes as no surprise Princess Cruise is up for a gong in Sailawaze’s Excellence Awards in the entertainment category.

But, it’s got some strong competition.

It’s up against Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Prima, which features the world’s first venue that transforms from a three-story theatre into a Vegas-style nightclub, the world’s first freefall dry slide and a three-level racetrack at sea. Add the legendary GLOW party with DJs on decks, fantastic dance music and glow sticks, and the Norwegian Aqua, due 2025, which will boast Aqua Slidecoaster, the first rollercoaster and waterslide hybrid.

Then there’s P&O’s Mission Control – the cruise line’s first multi-sensory immersive submarine simulation game, exclusive to Arvia. Navigate through danger, mysteries, and puzzles in incredibly realistic 3D ocean environments in one of two one-hour experiences: a family-friendly adventure suitable for all ages and an adult-oriented adventure.

Marella Cruises’ Exchange Speakeasy Bar is an exclusive, hidden-away adult-only venue that’s also nominated. It’s got a unique cocktail menu not found elsewhere on the ship with live music and immersive entertainment in the evenings.

Over to Carnival Cruise Lines, and its new ship Carnival Jubilee, which features Currents, a technology-rich underwater-themed area spanning two decks. Its promenade also transforms into an immersive experience with evening showcases of otherworldly destinations during drinks and dinner, while Soundwaves Jukebox, a music-activated visualiser, brings guest-chosen songs to life through images and light displays. That’s before we even get to the interactive gameshow…

The other nominations

Food & beverage.

Virgin Voyages

Aqua Expeditions

TUI River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Explora Journeys

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

P&O Cruises

Riverside Luxury Cruises

Emerald Cruises

Amawaterways

Swan Hellenic

Princess Cruises

MSC Cruises

Royal Caribbean

COLLABORATIONS

Ambassador Cruise Line

A-Rosa Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Oceania Cruises

Havila Voyages

Pandaw Expeditions

Holland America Line

CroisiEurope

Hurtigruten

Celebrity Cruises

VIVA Cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Saga Cruises

A- Rosa Cruises

SUSTAINABILITY

AE Expeditions

The Majestic Line

Portsmouth International Port

Royal Caribbean’s nomination includes AquaTheater, which showcases acrobatics, synchronised swimming and high-dives, plus an ice arena that displays spins, lifts and jumps by world-class professional figure skaters. On board cruisers can also enjoy Broadway musicals, including the first rendition of The Wizard of Oz at sea.

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Best Christmas Cruises

The best Christmas cruises are the ones that give you the gift of adventure and wonder. When you cruise during the holidays, choose from global destinations teeming with Yuletide spirit and wintery conditions. Or say goodbye to snow-filled roads and cruise to warmer winter lands. With Princess, the choice is yours. Here are our top Christmas cruise destinations.

Christmas Cruise Destinations Worth Celebrating

New Zealand

After a few months of cold temperatures and snowstorms, you may not be dreaming of a white Christmas after all. Embark on one of our top Christmas cruises to New Zealand and surround yourself with vibrant landscapes — like emerald hills and turquoise waters — that show no signs of wintertime. With our winter overlapping with the Kiwi summer, the only white you might see this season are the charming sailboats that decorate the coast. If you sail into Akaroa on December 25, experience the holidays with a hint of French flair. The city is home to delicious regional fare — like warm bread, fresh fish and ratatouille — inviting you to feast on a unique Christmas meal. Get a taste of sun, sea and sand on a trip to New Zealand with Princess.

Perforated paper banners, known as papel picado, in bright whites, greens and reds, are strung across buildings from window to window. Vendors line the roads below with artisanal gifts for your loved ones. Welcome to Christmas in Mexico. When you cruise into Puerto Vallarta, attend a morning service at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where Mexican culture and regal architecture fill the room. Then, head to the shore and savor seasonal favorites — like turkey, gravy and cranberry sauce — with a beachside view. Or opt for a holiday adventure with a catamaran ride to Banderas Bay. With a deep appreciation for family and fun, Mexico is one of the best Christmas cruise destinations to spice up your season.

Upon arriving in Japan, you’d never know that Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in these regions. Streets are adorned with bright white lights while a radiant tree — several stories high — acts as a beacon at the center of the Kyoto. On December 25, streets will be just as lively as every other day of the year, as locals do not spend this holiday with their families at home. Instead, many residents associate Christmas Day with date night. Join in this season of love by dining at Osaka’s best restaurants, savoring festive regional favorites like fried chicken. With a Christmas cruise destination as unique as Japan, you won’t miss the candy canes and stockings back home.

Best Christmas Cruises to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

For those who prefer celebrating the holidays at home, you can still experience the top Christmas cruise destinations to help you get in the spirit of the season. Sail to Spain in December and shop their iconic Christmas markets. When you visit Barcelona, grab a warming cup of hot chocolate and stroll through hundreds of festive stalls featuring wooden toy soldiers and hand-painted ornaments. On a cruise to Southampton in November, make your way to London’s Regent Street to see a spectacle of lights that decorate windows of some of the world’s most famous stores. Or stay close to home and explore Los Angeles, where Universal Studios and Third Street Promenade are embellished with decorations and holiday-themed food. No matter where you choose to travel, spread Yuletide cheer and explore the world before sailing home for the big day.

Why You Should Take a Christmas Cruise

Enjoy the Christmas traditions you love — like family time and delicious food — without the chores you don’t, like cooking and cleaning. When you step aboard, walk into your very own winter wonderland at sea. Find poinsettias blooming around every corner, garland woven around the railings and a decorated Christmas tree in the middle of it all. Enjoy your favorite holiday dishes prepared by our chefs alongside eggnog and cookies. Build gingerbread houses with your loved ones, watch life-like snow flurry throughout the Atrium and meet the man of the hour — Santa Claus.