• Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Newsletters
  • Sweepstakes

All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

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

princess cruise royal class ships

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

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

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

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

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

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

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

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

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

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

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

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

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

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

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

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

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

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

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

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

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

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

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

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

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

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

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

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

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

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

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

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

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

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

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

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

Related Articles

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

All about the Princess Cruises Royal Princess

Princess Cruises Royal Princess cruise ship

The Princess Cruises Royal Princess was built in 2013. It was renovated in 2018. It's considered a medium size ship. Coming in at 1,083 ft long and 126 ft wide, it's roughly the length of 3 football fields, as wide as 2.4 tractor trailers, and the same height as a 19-story building. This ship is the third to carry the Royal Princess name. It's also one of 3 ships that feature Princess' Watercolor Fantasy Show, an outdoor dancing fountain show.

Royal Princess Overview

  • Ship and Passengers
  • Food and Restaurants
  • Bars and Drinks
  • Pools and Hot Tubs
  • Ship Features and Activities

Cruise Costs

  • Onboard Costs

Royal Princess Size and Passengers

The Royal Princess can hold 3,560 based on double occupancy (two people per room) and more when you take into account 3rd and 4th passengers. When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, the Royal Princess has a space ratio of 40. Depending on the ship, this number can range from 30 to 52 (with a bigger number meaning more space per person) so this ship's space-to-person ratio is about average.

The Royal Princess is one of six Royal-class ships currently sailing with Princess Cruises. Royal-class ships are known for the Seawalk. This 60 feet long glass walkway is cantilevered over the side of the ship, 128 feet above the ocean. On the other side of the ship, you can stop by a bar with a glass floor. The Royal Princess is very similar to its sister-ships; Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess, although each ship may have some differences.

Royal Princess Food and Restaurants

Chefs Table Lumiere on the Princess Cruises Royal Princess

Food is a big part of any cruise, and there will plenty on the Princess Cruises Royal Princess. You have 15 different dining options to choose from. Of those options, 6 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 7 options have an additional fee. Some of those options are a set price and some have a la cart menu pricing. 53% of the dining options are included which means if you're watching your budget, you won't feel like you're missing out by not going to a lot of extra fee dining places.

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Princess Cruises serves the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship.

There are also plenty of bars available on this ship. Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Pools and Hot Tubs on Royal Princess

The main pool on the Royal Princess

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day in a pool, a cruise might not be the right choice. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Princess Cruises Royal Princess has a total of 3 pools and 7 hot tubs.

Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are adults only.

Royal Princess Features and Activities

There are quite a few things to do on the Royal Princess. These are the main amenities that are available. Some are included in the cost of the cruise, while others have an additional charge.

Princess Cruises is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year.

Royal Princess Onboard Costs

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Princess Cruises ship.

Princess Cruises offers two packages to bundle onboard expenses. The Princess Plus package includes daily gratuities, the basic beverage package, 2 fitness classes, 2 casual dining meals, and internet for $60 per day per guest. The Princess Premier package upgrades to the premiere beverage package, wifi for up to 4 devices per guest, two specialty dining meals, unlimited casual dining meals, unlimited fitness classes, and a photo package for $80 per guest per day.

Want to Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Cruising?

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Threads , or subscribe to our monthly newsletter .

Compare the Royal Princess to Another Ship

First ship:

Second ship:

International Clients Icon

  • Cruise Lines

Princess Cruises

Royal Princess

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

  • 60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Instant Savings + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • 50% OFF Cruises + Take All FREE + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

  • Up to 45% OFF + Up to $1,000 Onboard Crerdit + 50% Reduced Deposit + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE
  • Up to 35% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guest FREE + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

  • Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE Amenities Included: FREE Beverage Package + Basic Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

  • Last Minute Cruise Deals
  • Land Tour Deals
  • View Golf Vacations
  • Shop by Destination
  • Shop by Cruise Line
  • Cruise From Port Near You
  • Holiday Sailings
  • Luxury Cruises

Royal Princess

About Royal Princess

Majestic and beautiful, the 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new generation ship for Princess Cruises. Innovative, there is an over-water walkway, a bar that extends beyond her side, an adults-only retreat with private cabanas and pool, a spectacular light and sound show and a live TV studio. Designed for spaciousness, she is filled with fabulous amenities and unique dining experiences .

Highlighting the magnificent Royal Princess, is the exciting Atrium, designed to give the impression of having floating levels, with lots of bars and casual eateries throughout. Boasting dramatic back-lit spiral staircases, this spectacular spot is the perfect place to dine, lounge and enjoy entertainment. The International Café, open 24-hours is conveniently located here.

Across the ship is the SeaView Bar, which also extends over the side, a unique over-water venue for cocktails. Choose from 75 types of martinis at the popular Bellini's, an Italian cocktail bar. Lounge in the luxurious poolside cabanas at The Sanctuary or enjoy a massage, spa cuisine and the most relaxing experience at this relaxing retreat. Start your day with a morning breakfast show broadcast on your TV and go shopping at the many stores. Families will love the ship, with Youth and Teen Centers , offering a variety of activities for all age groups.

Recharge yourself at the Lotus Spa, with 18 treatment rooms, including two Couples Villas with side-by-side massage tables and a whirlpool bath. Let your cares melt away at The Enclave, a tranquil thermal suite with a variety of relaxing and soothing options, such as the herbal steam room, dry heat sauna and hydro-therapy pool. Play basketball, volley ball and tennis at the Center Court and work out at the Fitness Center, with treadmills, recumbent bicycles, free weights and a private aerobics studio. Try your swing at the batting cage, the indoor golf driving range and at croquet.

Savor mouthwatering cuisine the two elegant main dining rooms, Symphony and Allegro. Feel like you are on a white cloud at Chef's Table Lumiere, where you are surrounded by a special curtain of light as you savor exquisite cuisine, hosted by the Executive Chef. Enjoy a romantic dining experience with Ultimate Balcony Dining, where you are served a delicious meal by your own dedicated staff on your private balcony.

Head to Tuscan-inspired Sabatini's, for authentic traditional Italian cuisine or The Crown Grill for fresh seafood. Enjoy a classic pub lunch at the Wheelhouse Bar. Casual options are offered at the Horizon Court buffet, with a variety of food stations, with such offerings as a Mexican taqueria and Japanese hibachi. There is also an area for fondue, a first for a cruise ship, as well as a crab shack. Open 24-hours, the International Café, located at the Piazza, serves scrumptious freshly baked pastries, warm cookies and scrumptious paninis. Get a piping hot hand-tossed pizza fresh from the oven served at Alfredo's Pizzeria. Try the fabulous seafood bar at Ocean Terrace. The always popular Vines, is a fabulous wine, sushi and tapas bar.

Experience the utmost of comfort in the tranquility of the staterooms, designed to provide a soothing haven. Featured on all outside staterooms, are balconies, which make up about 80 percent of all the ship's total accommodations. Also introduced, are pillow-top mattresses and upholstered headboards, plus larger TV screens, with key card slots that turn lights on and off. Access to the stunning Concierge Lounge is available to suite guests.

Nighttime entertainment is exciting, as the top deck comes alive with a spectacular water and light show of computerized water jets and water shooting in the air. Afterward, munch on popcorn as you watch Movies Under the Stars® on a screen 30 percent larger than on previous Princess ships. On select evenings, head to the Ultimate Deck Party. Enjoy theme rock n' roll dances, cabaret performances, lavish productions at the stunning Princess Theater and live dance bands at the Vista Lounge. Princess Live! is a TV studio — the first at sea — broadcasting culinary shows, live concerts and late-night comedy. Step out of the dazzling Princess Casino and into the trendy nightclub, Club 6, where you dance and enjoy a drink prepared tableside. You will think the Rat Pack is about to show up at the 1960's styled Crooners Lounge, where you can watch the pianists on the "dueling glass pianos."

Escape completely on the spectacular, exciting and innovative Royal Princess.

Princess Cruises

Penthouse Suite with Balcony

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code S4 (Penthouse Suite with Balcony)

Premium Suite with Balcony

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code M6 (Premium Mini-Suite)

Premium Mini-Suite

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a welcome glass of bubbly. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code M1 (Club Class Mini-Suite)

Club Class Mini-Suite

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code MA (Mini-Suite)

Mini-Suite with Balcony

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code MC (Mini-Suite)

Premium Deluxe Balcony

Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code DA (Deluxe Balcony)

Deluxe Balcony

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code DB (Deluxe Balcony)

Deluxe Balcony (obstructed view)

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code BA (Balcony)

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast. This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code BB (Balcony)

Balcony (Obstructed view)

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code IA (Interior)

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Sample Cabin Image for Category Code IB (Interior)

View Deck Plan

Plan for 19 - Sky Deck

Alfredo's Pizzeria

Deck: 6 - Fiesta

Allegro Dining Room

Allegro Dining Room

Allegro Dining Room.

Chef's Table Lumiere

Chef's Table Lumiere

Chef's Table Lumiere.

Concerto Dining Room

Concerto Dining Room

Concerto Dining Room.

Crown Grill

Crown Grill

Deck: 7 - Promenade

Crown Grill.

Gelato

Deck: 5 - Plaza

Horizon Court

Horizon Court

Deck: 16 - Lido

Horizon Court.

International Cafe

International Cafe

Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.

Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar

Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar

Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar.

Prego Pizzeria

Prego Pizzeria

Prego Pizzeria.

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

Sabatini's Italian Trattoria.

Symphony Dining Rooms

Symphony Dining Rooms

Symphony Dining Rooms.

The Pastry Shop

The Pastry Shop

The Pastry Shop.

Trident Grill

Trident Grill

Trident Grill.

Horizon Bistro

Horizon Bistro

Horizon Bistro.

Princess live cafe

Princess live cafe

Princess live cafe.

Swirls

Medical Center

Deck: 4 - Gala

Medical Center.

Movies Under the Stars

Movies Under the Stars

Deck: 18 - Sports

Movies Under the Stars.

Princess Theater

Princess Theater

Decks: 6 - Fiesta 7 - Promenade

Princess Theater.

Stage

Princess Casino

Princess Casino.

The Library

The Library

The Library.

The Piazza

The Piazza.

Club 6

Internet Café

Internet Café.

Fountain Pool

Fountain Pool

Fountain Pool.

Hot tub

Decks: 16 - Lido 17 - Sun

Retreat Pool

Retreat Pool

Deck: 17 - Sun

Retreat Pool.

Table Tennis

Table Tennis

Table Tennis.

The Shops of Princess

The Shops of Princess

Decks: 7 - Promenade 5 - Plaza

The Shops of Princess.

Shore Excursions Desk

Shore Excursions Desk

Shore Excursions Desk.

Beauty Salon

Beauty Salon

Beauty Salon.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center

Fitness Center.

Lotus Spa & Salon

Lotus Spa & Salon

Lotus Spa & Salon.

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery

Photo Gallery.

Fine Arts Gallery

Fine Arts Gallery

Fine Arts Gallery.

Guest Services

Guest Services

Guest Services.

Bar

Decks: 7 - Promenade 17 - Sun 6 - Fiesta

Bellini's

Mermaid's Tail Bar

Mermaid's Tail Bar.

Seaview Bar

Seaview Bar

Seaview Bar.

Vines Wine Bar

Vines Wine Bar

Vines Wine Bar.

Wheelhouse Bar

Wheelhouse Bar

Wheelhouse Bar.

Concierge Lounge

Concierge Lounge

Deck: 14 - Riviera

Concierge Lounge.

Crooner's Bar

Crooner's Bar

Crooner's Bar.

Horizon Terrace

Horizon Terrace

Horizon Terrace.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary

Vista Lounge

Vista Lounge

Vista Lounge.

Lawn Court

Deck: 19 - Sky

Lawn Court.

Jogging Track

Jogging Track

Jogging Track.

Outrigger Bar

Outrigger Bar

Outrigger Bar.

Plunge Pool

Plunge Pool

Plunge Pool.

Future Cruise Planning

Future Cruise Planning

Future Cruise Planning .

Wedding Chapel

Wedding Chapel

Wedding Chapel.

Skylight

Center Court

Center Court.

Princess Sports Central

Princess Sports Central

Princess Sports Central.

The Driving Range

The Driving Range

The Driving Range.

SeaWalk

Bullseye Laser Range

Bullseye Laser Range.

The Game Lounge

The Game Lounge

The Game Lounge.

The Greens

The Greens.

Churchill's

Churchill's

Churchill's.

Wine Cellar

Wine Cellar

Decks: 6 - Fiesta 5 - Plaza

Wine Cellar.

Bandstand

Princess live

Princess live.

The Enclave

The Enclave

The Enclave.

Treatment Room

Treatment Room

Good Spirits At Sea

Good Spirits At Sea

Cigar Lounge

Cigar Lounge

Cigar Lounge.

Retreat Bar

Retreat Bar

Retreat Bar.

Beach House Deck

Beach House Deck

Beach House Deck.

The Beach House Teen Lounge

The Beach House Teen Lounge

The Beach House Teen Lounge.

The Lodge at Camp Discovery

The Lodge at Camp Discovery

The Tree House at Camp Discovery

The Tree House at Camp Discovery

The Tree House at Camp Discovery.

iPhone App

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

Become a Member

  • Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

  • Exclusive Rates
  • Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

Princess Cruises ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Gene Sloan

Is a balcony cabin a must for you when you cruise? Princess Cruises could be your line.

The California-based brand was a pioneer in adding a large number of balcony cabins to ships, and even its oldest vessels are loaded with balcony cabins — something that can't be said for many of its rivals.

On the flip side, Princess offers relatively few suites on its ships compared to some of the big-ship lines with which it most directly competes, including Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Just 46 of the 1,830 rooms on the line's recently unveiled Discovery Princess are suites, for instance. Believe it or not, that's an improvement from earlier vessels in the same series, some of which have as few as 36 suites.

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

Princess also isn't known for enormous and amenity-filled suites.

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

That said, on Princess ships, you can often create larger living spaces by booking two connecting cabins.

A Princess Cruises cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Princess vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

As noted above, a significant portion of cabins on all Princess ships are balcony cabins — the category of cabin that everyone wants these days. About 80% of the 1,834 cabins on Princess's six-month-old Enchanted Princess are balcony cabins or suites with balconies, for instance. Compare that to the 72% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's four-year-old Symphony of the Seas that are balcony cabins or suites with balconies.

princess cruise royal class ships

Notably, every single cabin facing the sea on three of the newest Princess ships — Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess — has a balcony. These three vessels are completely devoid of ocean-view cabins (cabins facing the sea that only have a window). That's relatively unusual in the world of big mass-market ships — the niche of cruising in which Princess plays. It's more common with luxury cruise vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships

At the same time, as noted above, Princess vessels have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships operated by such big-ship brands as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Royal Princess, which is typical of the line's newer ships (it's the prototype vessel for the line's new, six-ship Royal Class series):

Inside cabins: 342 (19%) Ocean-view cabins: 0 (0%) Balcony cabins (including mini-suites): 1,402 (79%) Suites: 36 (2%)

On older Princess ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer balcony cabins. However, the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins is much higher on older Princess ships than it is on older vessels at many other big-ship lines. An impressive 72% of the 1,000 cabins on Princess's 2003-built Coral Princess, for instance, are balcony cabins.

On Coral Princess, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins only make up 26% of all rooms. A breakdown of the cabin categories on that ship:

Inside cabins: 108 (11%) Ocean-view cabins: 157 (16%) Balcony cabins (including mini-suites): 719 (72%) Suites: 16 (2%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have an easier time locking down a balcony cabin on a Princess ship — even an older Princess ship — than you will when booking many of the ships operated by competing big-ship lines.

Just note that you'll want to book early if you're aiming for a suite on a Princess ship since there are so few of them. Note, also, that suites tend to sell out early on cruise ships in general. An old saying in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and then the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The mid-priced "middle" cabins sell last.

Design-wise, Princess's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish.

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

Inside cabins on Princess Cruises ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Princess ship, they are almost always the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin. You often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

princess cruise royal class ships

You'll also be in a relatively small room. The typical inside cabin on the new Discovery Princess measures 166 square feet, with some as big as 175 square feet. By comparison, the typical balcony cabin on Discovery Princess measures 181 square feet, not including a 41-square-foot balcony (for a total of 222 square feet).

Still, the inside cabins on Princess ships are bigger than the inside cabins on ships operated by some of the line's main competitors.

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

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, for instance, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Discovery Princess.

princess cruise royal class ships

Note that older Princess ships sometimes have smaller inside cabins than newer Princess ships. On the line's 2003-built Coral Princess, inside cabins measure just 156 to 166 square feet. On the line's 1998-built Grand Princess, most inside cabins are 160 square feet (some wheelchair-accessible inside cabins on Grand Princess measure 182 square feet).

Many inside cabins on Princess ships have pull-down bunks that will allow for up to four people to stay in the rooms.

Ocean-view cabins on Princess Cruises ships

With an ocean-view cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea, but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

As noted above, three of Princess's newest vessels — Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess — don't have a single ocean-view cabin. Every outward-facing cabin has a balcony. However, you'll find ocean-view cabins on the line's older vessels and also on the line's three newest ships, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess.

In general, ocean-view cabins on the Princess ships that have them are a tad bigger than the inside cabins found on the same vessels. On the line's Emerald Princess, for instance, the typical ocean-view cabin measures 178 square feet. The typical inside cabin on Emerald Princess measures 163 square feet.

princess cruise royal class ships

On many Princess ships that have ocean-view cabins, the rooms are mostly found just above the promenade deck, where the lifeboats hang, and have obstructed views. You'll also sometimes find a few ocean-view cabins at the back of Princess vessels, facing the wake.

Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained

On the line's two Coral Class ships — Coral Princess and Island Princess — there are a few "premium" ocean-view cabins that measure a more spacious 212 square feet. If you're the kind of traveler who needs a lot of space, these rooms can be a good choice.

princess cruise royal class ships

There also are a handful of "premium" ocean-view cabins on the new Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess that measure 172 square feet and have unusual slanting windows.

Balcony cabins on Princess Cruises ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Princess is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships. On the line's new Royal Class series of ships, which began debuting in 2013, nearly 80% of rooms are balcony cabins.

On these newer vessels — Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — the typical balcony cabin has an interior space of 181 square feet plus a balcony that measures 41 square feet (for a total of 222 square feet). However, there also are bigger "premium deluxe balcony" cabins that can measure as much as 233 square feet on the inside (not including the balcony). Some of these have larger-than-normal balconies that can stretch the total square footage to 312 square feet.

princess cruise royal class ships

In addition, the Royal Class vessels have even larger balcony cabins that Princess calls mini-suites. Including their balcony space, these cabins measure anywhere from 299 to 329 square feet. While these mini-suite cabins have the word "suite" in their name, we are including them in the balcony cabin category as they generally resemble very large balcony cabins vs. true suites.

Related: Everything to know about the Princess Captain's Club loyalty program

The typical Princess balcony cabin has twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk with a chair and a built-in miniature refrigerator. In addition to beds, a desk and a miniature fridge, premium balcony cabins have a seating area with a sofa bed that can be used for a third passenger in the room. Some also have a pull-down bunk that can accommodate a fourth person.

Suites on Princess Cruises ships

As mentioned above, Princess ships generally have fewer suites than the ships operated by some of its biggest competitors. The line also isn't known for particularly giant suites.

Princess's three newest ships — Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess — have the line's first truly large standalone suites, dubbed Sky Suites. There are two of them on each of the vessels, and they measure a generous 1,792 square feet (though more than half of that space is taken up by a huge wraparound balcony). With two bedrooms plus a living room with a pullout sofa, the Sky Suites are the first Princess accommodations designed for up to five people.

Still, even the Sky Suites on Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess aren't the sort of truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that you'll find on the latest ships from such competitors as Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. The latest Celebrity vessels, for instance, offer so-called Iconic Suites that have twice as much interior space as the Sky Suites.

princess cruise royal class ships

If you're the kind of cruiser who is only happy in a cabin of truly giant proportions (and are willing to pay up for it), Princess probably isn't your line.

Still, you'll find at least a few suites of a decent size on every Princess ship. The line's seven Grand Class vessels each offer two "family suites" at their fronts that can be created by connecting a mini-suite with an adjacent inside cabin to create a six- to eight-person complex.

Each of the line's Royal Class ships (the line's six newest ships) has at least 36 suites.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise

Bottom line

Princess offers a relatively wide range of cabins on its ships, including lots of the sort of cabins that everyone wants — balcony cabins. If you're a fan of balcony cabins, you'll find plenty of options on Princess ships, including standard size balcony cabins and bigger "premium" balcony cabins. You'll also find a lot of larger "mini-suite" balcony cabins on Princess ships. However, you won't find a lot of truly large suites with multiple rooms.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • 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
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

  • Pre-Cruise FAQ
  • Onboard FAQ
  • Post-Cruise FAQ
  • Cruisetours FAQ
  • Special Offers Sign Up
  • Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Princess Cruises Named Official Cruise Line Partner of the 
Academy of Country Music

Groundbreaking partnership includes onboard performances by emerging country stars.

By downloading this image you agree to the Princess asset use terms and conditions

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., (June 5, 2024) – Princess Cruises, the world’s most iconic cruise brand, today was named as the exclusive cruise line partner for the famed Academy of Country Music ® (ACM ® ). Kicking off May 16 at the 59 th ACM Awards Show hosted by Reba McEntire, Princess celebrated Country Music’s Party of the Year at the ACM Awards red carpet, interviewing artists and nominees live from the Princess Stage.

As part of this groundbreaking partnership, Princess Cruises will be the presenting sponsor for the recently introduced “ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge” series taking place at the Academy’s Headquarters in Nashville this summer, featuring exclusive performances introducing viewers to new and emerging country artists. The collaboration will feature special performances by some of the talented artists from the Red Barrel Lounge, welcoming them onboard select future Princess voyages.

“Princess is incredibly proud to partner with the ACM and to showcase the next big country stars,” said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. “Country music has a special place in the hearts of many of our guests, and this partnership allows us to bring unparalleled experiences onboard to combine that love for cruising and country music in a unique and memorable way."

In addition, Princess will be on site supporting the ACM Honors in August, celebrating special award honorees, off-camera category winners and the ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1964, and still the longest-running Country Music awards show, the ACM made history in 2022 as the first major award ceremony to exclusively livestream on Amazon Prime. The ACM has grown from a regional Southern California trade organization to a national powerhouse with its sights set on a higher purpose – improving lives by connecting fans, artists, and the industry. Today, the ACM is dedicated more than ever to promoting new artists, artists on the rise and established superstars, while supporting the good work of charitable causes nationwide through ACM Lifting Lives ® .

Since the first cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera in 1965, Princess Cruises has become the most iconic cruise brand in the world, from its co-starring role as the setting of the beloved “Love Boat” television series to now sailing 16 luxurious and innovative cruise ships to 330 global destinations, captivating the hearts of travelers worldwide.

All 16 ships in the Princess fleet offer well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities. No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess Medallion Class experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization.

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 .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

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).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

  • CruiseMapper
  • Cruise news
  • Cruise Industry
  • Princess Cruises named exclusive partner of Academy of Country...

Princess Cruises named exclusive partner of Academy of Country Music

CruiseMapper logo

Princess Cruises , a leading name in the cruise industry, has been named the exclusive cruise line partner for the Academy of Country Music (ACM). This collaboration was inaugurated on May 16 at the 59th ACM Awards Show, hosted by Reba McEntire. Princess Cruises celebrated the event by interviewing artists and nominees live from the Princess Stage at the ACM Awards red carpet.

As part of this partnership, Princess Cruises will be the presenting sponsor for the "ACM Live from the Red Barrel Lounge" series, held at the Academy's Headquarters in Nashville this summer. This series will feature exclusive performances introducing new and emerging country artists. Select future Princess voyages will include special performances by some of the talented artists from the Red Barrel Lounge. Additionally, Princess Cruises will support the ACM Honors in August, celebrating special award honorees, off-camera category winners, and the ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards.

The Academy of Country Music, founded in Los Angeles in 1964, is the longest-running Country Music awards show. In 2022, the ACM made history as the first major award ceremony to exclusively livestream on Amazon Prime. Initially a regional Southern California trade organization, the ACM has grown into a national entity focused on improving lives by connecting fans, artists, and the industry. The ACM promotes new and established artists while supporting charitable causes through ACM Lifting Lives.

Since its first cruise from Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera in 1965, Princess Cruises has become a global cruise brand, known for its role in the "Love Boat" television series. Today, Princess Cruises operates 16 luxurious ships visiting 330 destinations worldwide, offering travelers well-appointed staterooms, world-class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences, and a wide range of activities. Every cruise features the signature Princess Medallion Class experience , delivering unparalleled service and personalization.

princess cruise royal class ships

The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Even with a season that only runs from April through October, there are some 40 big ships and dozens of small ships cruising Alaska , making it one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world after the Caribbean and Europe. The best Alaska cruises range from off-the-beaten-path voyages on vessels carrying fewer than 100 passengers to weeklong jaunts through the Inside Passage aboard megaships that hold thousands.

The itinerary choices are numerous in Alaska. Some ships stick to tried-and-true ports, sailing through Southeast Alaska and into western Canada. Others wander deeper along the Alaska coastline to places such as the Kenai Peninsula, north to Nome and Barrow and even deep into the Bering Sea.

Some trips hit multiple national parks; others dive into Alaska culture, allowing guests to learn the stories told by totem poles or hear about “the big one” from a fisherman at a dive bar.

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

It can be hard to figure out which ship will deliver your idea of a “bucket list” experience in The Last Frontier. A lot comes down to your travel style, preferences and budget. Some travelers demand luxury, while others don’t mind going less fancy if it means close encounters with bears and other creatures in the wilderness. Some look for romance, while others want to introduce the kids or grandkids to glaciers and eagles, gold panning and sled dogs.

The good news is there’s a ship in Alaska for you no matter your taste or style. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the best Alaska cruises to help you narrow down your choices.

Best for megaresort fans

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean both sail some of their largest ships in Alaska. They are floating megaresorts, carrying thousands, and are big on amenities, glitz and a certain amount of glamor — think flashy casinos, Broadway shows, lavish spas. Dining and drinking venues number in the dozens, while amusement park features thrill the kids and adrenaline-seekers.

Norwegian Encore

On Norwegian Encore, you can race along a go-kart racetrack, compete in outdoor laser tag and zoom down slides at the water park while you traverse Alaska’s Inside Passage. The ship sails seven-night cruises from Seattle, visiting Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan in Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, and Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve .

Related: A beginner’s guide to picking a cruise line

Ovation of the Seas

On Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships, you can order a drink from a robotic bartender, try simulated skydiving or surfing experiences and take a ride in a glass capsule that travels high above your ship on a mechanical arm — a weird and wonderful way to see the Alaska scenery.

Ovation of the Seas sails round-trip from Seattle on seven-night cruises, but the exact itinerary varies by week. The ship cruises Endicott Arm for scenic views of Dawes Glacier and typically visits three Alaska ports and Victoria.

Best for land and sea adventures

You’ve traveled far to get to Alaska, and it would be a shame to miss inland sights such as Denali National Park and Preserve and the sight of Denali, North America’s largest peak — so big it’s often shrouded in clouds caused by its own weather system.

Market leaders Holland America Line and Princess Cruises both send a half-dozen ships to Alaska each year, and they have 75 and 55 years in the market, respectively.

They top the list in terms of cruises, as well as cruise tours, which combine time sailing with overnight stays on land. The companies operate their own lodges, rail cars and motorcoaches for exploration of Alaska’s interior and beyond. Many of the ships have permission to sail in Glacier Bay.

Related: The coolest things to do on an Alaska cruise

Choose from 10- to 17-night land tours that combine a standard weeklong cruise (sometimes half a cruise) with time spent exploring Alaska’s interior by bus, train or even plane.

Holland America will base six ships in Alaska in 2024, with tour offerings to Denali, Fairbanks and Anchorage.

However, it also offers nine- to 14-night cruise tours on Koningsdam that head into the Canadian Yukon, following the route of the Klondike Gold Rush from Alaska to northwestern Canada. Disembark your cruise ship in Skagway, then travel to Whitehorse and Dawson City in the Yukon before continuing on to Fairbanks (the gateway to Arctic Alaska), Denali National Park and Anchorage.

Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises offers a cruise tour where you visit four national parks: Glacier Bay, Denali, the Kenai Fjords and America’s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias. The 15- and 17-night trips combine a seven-night cruise on Sapphire Princess from Vancouver to Whittier, Alaska, with another week or more on land, ending in Fairbanks or Anchorage.

Best for travelers on a budget

Older ships in Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s fleets tend to offer more reduced prices than you’ll find on the lines’ larger and newer ships, based on the fact the older ships don’t have as many bells and whistles.

Since they have so many ships in the market, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises also tend to offer frequent sales — especially on their older tonnage. These ships have a loyal following and tend to have fewer families on board, which some couples find particularly appealing.

Related: Best time to cruise Alaska

If you’re looking for other surefire ways to save, consider sailings in the area’s shoulder season. You’ll find better deals from April to early June and in September than you will in the height of summer.

Also, in Alaska, balcony cabins are highly desirable, with everyone seeking views of the wilderness, snow-capped peaks and glaciers. As those reserves get low, the prices tend to get higher. Bargain seekers should either book early for these accommodations or choose inside, outside or guarantee cabins (where you don’t pick your room location) to save more.

Radiance of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and outside cabins on many departures.

However, its early-season May 2024 sailing from Seward to Vancouver is the cheapest Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise of the season. It starts at $368 per person for an inside cabin.

Grand Princess and Sapphire Princess

Princess Cruises has so many ships based in Alaska that you’re bound to find deals, especially on shoulder-season cruises. Both Grand and Sapphire Princess offer weeklong Alaska cruises in May 2024 starting from $548 per person for inside cabins. The itinerary starts in Vancouver and ends in Whittier, Alaska, with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and scenic cruising in Glacier Bay and College Fjord.

Best for off-the-beaten-path travel

Want to see and deeply experience coastal Alaska, and don’t mind a mellower environment where lectures and impromptu guitar singalongs replace casinos and show productions? Consider lines such as UnCruise Adventures , Lindblad Expeditions and Alaskan Dream Cruises, all with ships that carry fewer than 100 passengers (and in the case of Alaskan Dream, even under 20 passengers).

On these small ships, captains have the flexibility to alter itineraries and linger if the naturalist onboard spots a pod of whales or bears digging for clams on a beach.

Small ships can go places bigger ships can’t, so itineraries stretch far beyond the traditional ports. You’ll visit more remote places such as Petersburg, a fishing town with strong Norwegian roots, and Wrangell, one of Alaska’s oldest communities. Some itineraries are conducted entirely in the wild, with no port calls at all.

UnCruise Adventures

UnCruise Adventures explores Southeast Alaska on seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries. A day might start with a morning birding expedition, continue with a kayaking adventure and end with an evening campfire ashore. You might visit LeConte and Baird Glaciers (where the big ships don’t go), plus UnCruise has the only permits for hiking and biking adventures on Chichagof Island.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions frequents off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Alaska and British Columbia, with itineraries ranging from six to 15 nights.

Guests might explore the small fishing town of Petersburg or discover native petroglyphs on the beaches of Wrangell Island in Alaska, or search for grizzly bears in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest. Lindblad has special permits to bring passengers into the wilderness of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve and the Tongass National Forest, beyond what the big ships can offer.

Alaskan Dream Cruises

Alaskan-owned Alaskan Dream Cruises’ ships carry 12 to 76 passengers to remote Native villages that rarely see visitors, with plenty of time for wildlife viewing far from the cruise ship crowds. Itineraries range from five to nine nights, from departure ports such as Sitka, Ketchikan and Juneau.

Best for families

If you’re traveling with your kids or grandkids in Alaska and want an activity- and entertainment-packed experience, target the newest and biggest ships of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and especially Disney Cruise Line. All have excellent camp-like activity programs for kids, plus eye-popping amusement attractions.

Disney Wonder

On Disney ships, Goofy might make an appearance as you admire soaring eagles, blue icebergs and glaciers. The extensive children’s program, entertainment and such activities as water slides and play areas deliver what you would expect from the purveyor of dreams. Bonus: Cabins are designed with families in mind and include split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other with a shower/tub combo and sink).

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

Discovery Princess

While lacking in whiz-bang attractions, Princess Cruises is another good choice, both for its children’s and teens program, complete with spacious facilities, and for such programming as bringing sled dogs on board, which is a hit with young passengers. The line’s newest ship, Discovery Princess, sails round trip from Seattle, a convenient U.S. home port for families to fly or drive to.

Carnival Spirit

Water slides, a partnership with Dr. Seuss and three hangouts for kids and teens make Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit a great bet for families in Alaska.

The ship’s huge array of included quick eats — pizza, tacos, Guy Fieri’s burgers and unlimited soft serve ice cream — and casual atmosphere take the stress out of dining with the family. The ship sails round trip from Seattle on seven-night itineraries that call in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Victoria, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

Best for luxury lovers

If you envision sipping Champagne as you watch a glacier thunderously calve into the sea, consider booking one of the all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in Alaska: Seabourn , Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea .

All these lines include ships that are experts at delivering gourmet cuisine and the other finer things in life in intimate, cushy floating environments. Additionally, all the lines are big on featuring lectures by experts, which provides passengers with a deeper insight into Alaska.

Itineraries tend to include the popular ports and beyond. You might, for instance, visit Wrangell and Prince Rupert, a port city in Canada, and linger in places such as the Misty Fjords and Prince William Sound. Seven- to 14-night sailings embark from ports such as Vancouver, Seward and Juneau.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent’s 750-passenger Seven Seas Explorer is an all-suite ship offering guests in Alaska multiple gourmet onboard restaurants, all-inclusive beverages, free airfare and included gratuities. Many shore excursions are complimentary. Enjoy little luxuries, like an afternoon in the thermal suite of the two-story spa-and-fitness center, or really splurge out by booking the Regent Suite, the most lavish suite you’ll find at sea.

Seabourn Odyssey

The 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey boasts an onboard expedition team and does a posh version of expedition cruising in Alaska, using inflatable Zodiac craft and kayaks.

Seabourn calls its program Ventures by Seabourn. Experts onboard these sailings include naturalists, biologists and other scientists who are members of the expedition team. Once guests finish communing with nature, they can indulge in complimentary Champagne and caviar on board or relish a meal created by famed chef, Thomas Keller.

Related: The 4 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Best for solo travelers

Solo travelers don’t always have to pay double to cruise Alaska on their own. Several ships feature cabins designed and priced for one. Single cruisers should also note that luxury lines Silversea and Seabourn, while not cheap, do a great job of taking care of single cruisers, hosting them at dinner and providing easy opportunities to meet and mingle with other travelers.

Norwegian Bliss

The ships in Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway and Getaway classes all have cozy studio cabins designed and priced for one person. Additionally, they’re located in a complex where a private lounge encourages mingling. Norwegian Bliss offers 82 solo rooms on its round-trip Seattle cruises that visit Dawes Glacier, Sitka and Icy Strait Point.

Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s studio staterooms, on its Quantum-class ships in Alaska, give solo travelers the benefits of both decent space and balconies.

On Quantum of the Seas, choose a 101-square-foot inside cabin or a 119-square-foot ocean-view room with a 55-square-foot balcony. Either way, you get a full-size bed and plenty of space for one person. The ship sails a similar weeklong itinerary to sister ship Ovation of the Seas, round-trip from Seattle with scenic sailing along Endicott Arm.

Holland America offers ocean-view accommodations for one in Alaska only on Koningsdam. Measuring 127 to 172 square feet, these rooms come with a full-size bed and a picture window.

Koningsdam sails round trip from Vancouver to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising in Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay. Its cruises can be combined into nine- to 14-night cruise tours to the Yukon and Denali.

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
  • 15 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

Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

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

The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

IMAGES

  1. The Royal Class Ships of Princess Cruises

    princess cruise royal class ships

  2. Royal Princess Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review

    princess cruise royal class ships

  3. Princess Cruises

    princess cruise royal class ships

  4. A Guide to Princess Cruises' Royal Class Ships

    princess cruise royal class ships

  5. Princess Cruises Orders 4th Royal Class Cruise Ship

    princess cruise royal class ships

  6. Princess has trio of Royal-class ships in UK/Europe in 2021

    princess cruise royal class ships

COMMENTS

  1. Princess Cruises' Royal-Class Ships

    Princess is known for its understated elegance, but as the cruise line began designing for the Royal Class, which debuted in 2014 with Regal Princess, it looked for new ways to wow passengers.

  2. Royal Princess

    Princess offers a selection of staterooms that provide full wheelchair-turning space. In addition, these staterooms include a roll-in shower equipped with grab bars and a fold-down bench seat, an easy access closet and accessible writing desk. Note: ADA accessible stateroom shown is on board Royal Princess®.

  3. The 4 classes of Princess Cruises ships, explained

    The six Royal Class vessels at Princess Cruises include Sky Princess, which debuted in 2019. PRINCESS CRUISES. The six Royal Class ships in the Princess fleet aren't as big as Sun Princess. But they're still significantly bigger than the rest of the line's vessels and, like Sun Princess, offer more of everything — more lounge space, more ...

  4. Royal-class cruise ship

    The Royal-class cruise ship is a class of cruise ships constructed by Fincantieri of Italy and operated by Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises, both subsidiaries of Carnival Corporation & plc.There are seven Royal-class ships, with six operated by Princess and one by P&O.The lead vessel of the class, Royal Princess, debuted in June 2013 for Princess. MV Britannia is a derivation of design from ...

  5. Royal Princess

    Learn about the amenities available onboard Royal Princess, featuring an evolutionary design and new features to help our passengers escape. Check out this award winning cruise ship today! ... Most Popular Cruise Ship. Cruise Critic. Deck plans. Bridge cams. Find Cruises. Guests 3,560 Crew 1,346 Refurbished Dec 2018 More Facts Less Facts

  6. Sky Princess

    Travel + Leisure. Sky Princess® elevates the distinctive, contemporary design and luxurious attractions of our renowned Royal-class ships to even loftier heights. You can look forward to our most exciting entertainment venues yet, our newest dining choices and award-winning chef partnerships, as well as more staterooms than ever to relax in.

  7. Expert ship review of Princess Cruises Royal Princess

    4.0. Very Good. Overall. Chris Gray Faust. Executive Editor, U.S. Like other Princess Cruises ships, Royal Princess embraces many traditional components cruisers love and, through partnerships and ...

  8. Royal Princess Fact Sheet

    Class: Royal Class (#1) Guest Capacity: 3,560 Tonnage: 142,229 Builder: Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Monfalcone Naming Ceremony: June 13, 2013 Inaugural Cruise: June 16, 2013 Christener: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Length: 1,083 feet Height: 217 feet Beam: 155 feet (including SeaWalk); 126 feet (excluding SeaWalk) Draft: 28 feet Number of Decks: 19

  9. Royal Princess Reviews, Ship Details & Photos

    Princess Cruises' Royal-class ships feature an extensive selection of mini-suites and balcony cabins in standard and deluxe configurations. The ship has 1,780 staterooms in 35 categories. Budget-stretching interior staterooms feature a compact layout with an assortment of premium amenities and features, including user-friendly showers, spacious ...

  10. 9 Reasons to Get Excited About Enchanted Princess

    Launched in late 2021, Princess Cruises' fifth Royal-class ship is sailing a mix of cruises to Scandinavia, Iceland, the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.

  11. Royal Princess Fact Sheet

    Class: Royal Class (#1). Guest Capacity: 3,560 Tonnage: 142,229 Builder: Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani, Monfalcone Naming Ceremony: June 13, 2013 Inaugural Cruise: June 16, 2013 Christener: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Length: 1,083 feet Height: 217 feet Beam: 155 feet (including SeaWalk); 126 feet (excluding SeaWalk) Draft: 28 feet Number of Decks: 19

  12. All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

    Courtesy of Princess Cruises. Inaugural Year: 2024. Ship Class: Sphere. Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests. The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and ...

  13. ROYAL PRINCESS

    Welcome aboard Royal Princess. This is the first of the Royal Class of cruise ships, built for Princess Cruises by Fincantieri. The ship is 330m long, has a ...

  14. Princess Cruises ships from newest to oldest

    The Sphere Class is the newest class of Princess ships. It'll be made up of at least two vessels, the first of which (Sun Princess) is already sailing. At 177,882 tons, Sun Princess is about 22% bigger than the previous biggest ships in the Princess fleet — a significant jump in size for the line. And yet, while it's 22% bigger, it's designed ...

  15. Royal Princess (2012)

    Royal Princess is a Royal -class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, and is the third ship to sail for the cruise line under that name. The largest ship to have been built for Princess at the time of delivery in 2013, she became the flagship of Princess. [8]

  16. A Guide to Princess Cruises' Royal Class Ships

    Despite the variations, the basics are largely the same, with each Royal Class ship ranging from 142,714 to 145,281 gross tons and carrying between 3,560 and 3,660 guests. All six ships have the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway that projects over the sea from Deck 16, and the vessels all share a similar layout.

  17. Princess Cruises Royal Princess Ship Details

    The Princess Cruises Royal Princess was built in 2013. It was renovated in 2018. It's considered a medium size ship. Coming in at 1,083 ft long and 126 ft wide, it's roughly the length of 3 football fields, as wide as 2.4 tractor trailers, and the same height as a 19-story building. This ship is the third to carry the Royal Princess name.

  18. Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess®, our third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess MedallionClass® and the final Royal-class ship, will continue to deliver an array of innovative new experiences. Enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from our largest balconies at sea, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary, and indulge your senses with world ...

  19. Princess Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst (Using Real Reviews)

    Which Princess cruise ship is the best? According to customer reviews, the best Princess Cruises ship is the Regal Princess, the second of the Royal-class ships to launch when she debuted in 2014. Her sister ship Enchanted Princess is actually rated the worst of the cruise line's ships. The best Princess ships by reviews

  20. Royal Princess Cruise Ship from Princess Cruises

    Majestic and beautiful, the 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new generation ship for Princess Cruises. Innovative, there is an over-water walkway, a bar that extends beyond her side, an adults-only retreat with private cabanas and pool, a spectacular light and sound show and a live TV studio. Designed for spaciousness, she is filled with ...

  21. Princess Cruise Ship Classes

    Princess Cruises' fleet consists of 17 ships (with an 18th coming at the end of 2019) spread across five physical ship classes, plus an additional class -- MedallionClass -- tied to the use of ...

  22. Princess Cruises ship cabin and suite guide

    Balcony cabins on Princess Cruises ships. Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Princess is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships. On the line's new Royal Class series of ships, which began debuting in 2013, nearly 80% of rooms are balcony cabins.

  23. Princess Cruise Ships

    Condé Nast Traveler. 2011-2014. Every Princess ship is a destination in itself with wide-ranging amenities, elevated culinary experiences and delightful activities. Below you'll find the deck plans, stateroom details, ship dining information and more for every vessel in our fleet. Visit the links, and get to know what we offer and what makes ...

  24. Regal Princess Cruise: Expert Review (2023)

    Very Good. Overall. Colleen McDaniel. Editor-In-Chief. Regal Princess is unmistakably elegant, accomplishing something mainstream cruise ships occasionally struggle with: finding a balance between ...

  25. Princess Cruises ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest

    Sun Princess measures 177,882 gross tons, which is about 22% bigger than the biggest ship in the Royal Class (the 145,000-ton Discovery Princess). Royal Class ships range in size from 142,229 to ...

  26. Princess Cruises Named Official Cruise Line Partner of the Academy of

    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 ...

  27. Princess Cruises named exclusive partner of Academy of ...

    Princess Cruises, a leading name in the cruise industry, has been named the exclusive cruise line partner for the Academy of Country Music (ACM).This collaboration was inaugurated on May 16 at the 59th ACM Awards Show, hosted by Reba McEntire. Princess Cruises celebrated the event by interviewing artists and nominees live from the Princess Stage at the ACM Awards red carpet.

  28. MSC Cruises Reportedly In Talks for Record-Breaking New Ships

    MSC World Europa is the cruise line's largest ship at 215,863 gross tons, the seventh largest active ship in the world - behind Icon of the Seas and every Oasis-class ship, all in the Royal ...

  29. The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

    Royal Caribbean's 20-year-old ship Radiance of the Seas mainly sails weeklong, one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska, with prices below $100 per person, per night, for inside and ...

  30. US Navy style cruise missile and special forces SSGNs for the Royal

    The Dreadnought class is, of course, the Royal Navy's new class of nuclear ballistic-missile deterrent submarine.The Royal Navy is building four Dreadnoughts - each displacing 19,000 tons and ...