Princess Cruises

The Vibe: Upscale Cruising, But Not Uptight

Princess Cruises strikes a balance between mainstream and luxury. The atmosphere is generally more relaxed and subdued compared to high-energy, contemporary cruise lines. You'll find a focus on elegant dining, attentive service, and a sophisticated ambiance. The onboard experience is geared towards relaxation and destination exploration rather than constant stimulation with thrill rides and attractions.

Princess Cruises is renowned for its global itineraries. You can find sailings to an extensive list of destinations, including:

Alaska: Princess has a very strong presence in Alaska and is often considered a top choice for these itineraries.
Caribbean: Both Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises are popular options.
Europe: Sailings to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and the Baltic Sea.
Australia & New Zealand
Hawaii
Mexico
Panama Canal
South America
Asia
Transatlantic voyages
World Cruises

Departure Ports

Princess Cruises sails from a wide variety of ports around the world. Some of the most popular departure ports in the United States and internationally include:

United States: Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York City, Boston, Port Canaveral (Orlando).
International: Southampton (England), Vancouver (Canada), Sydney (Australia), Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona (Spain).

The Fleet: A Wide Range To Choose From

As of 2025, Princess Cruises has a fleet of 17 ships, with new, larger vessels like the Star Princess and Sun Princess joining the fleet. The ships vary in size, with passenger capacities ranging from around 2,000 to over 4,300 guests. While some of the older ships may have more traditional layouts, the newer ships feature more modern designs and amenities.

The Cabins: Comfortable And Clean On Any Budget

Princess offers a range of cabin types to fit different budgets and preferences. All cabins come with amenities like a dedicated stateroom attendant, a Princess Luxury Bed, and the use of the MedallionClass technology.

Interior: The most budget-friendly option, with no window or balcony.
Oceanview: Features a porthole or picture window with a view of the sea.
Balcony: Includes a private balcony with seating, allowing you to enjoy fresh air and ocean views.
Mini-Suites: A more spacious option with a separate seating area and a larger balcony, offering more comfort than a standard balcony cabin.
Suites: The largest and most luxurious accommodations, with a spacious living area and enhanced amenities, including priority services and complimentary perks.

What Is Included

Princess Cruises is generally considered a good value, falling into the "premium" category of cruise lines. They offer three main fare options that help you manage your budget:

Standard Fare: This is the basic cruise fare and includes your accommodation, meals in the main dining rooms and buffet, and most onboard activities and entertainment. It does not include gratuities, Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, or shore excursions.
Princess Plus: This package bundles popular amenities for a single daily price, typically including Wi-Fi, drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and gratuities. It often provides significant savings compared to buying each item separately.
Princess Premier: This is the most comprehensive package, offering all the benefits of Princess Plus, but with an upgraded drink package, unlimited specialty dining, and more.

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What Is NOT Included

Shore Excursions
Spa Treatments
Specialty Dining (unless included in Princess Premium Package)
Gratuities (unless included in Princess Plus or Premium Package)
WiFi ( unless included in Princess Plus or Premium Package)

Onboard Activities & Entertainment

While Princess ships may not have water slides or go-kart tracks, they offer a wide variety of activities and entertainment for a more classic cruising experience.

Entertainment: Broadway-style production shows in the Princess Theater, live music in various lounges, and comedy shows.
Movies Under the Stars®: An open-air, poolside amphitheater featuring movies, concerts, and sporting events on a giant screen.
Relaxation: Multiple pools and hot tubs, the tranquil Lotus Spa, and The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat.
Classes and Enrichment: Cooking classes, art history lectures, and other enrichment programs through ScholarShip@Sea®.
Interactive Fun: The Piazza, a European-style public square with live music and performers, casino gaming, and game shows like "The Voice of the Ocean."
MedallionClass Technology: A key feature that enhances the onboard experience, allowing for keyless stateroom entry, finding family and friends on the ship, and ordering food and drinks for delivery anywhere on board.

Pros

Classic and Relaxed Vibe: Ideal for those who prefer a more traditional and refined cruising experience without the high-energy bells and whistles.
Excellent Itineraries: A wide variety of global destinations, particularly strong in Alaska.
Great Value Packages: The Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages offer significant savings on popular add-ons like drinks and Wi-Fi.
Strong Dining Options: The main dining rooms are highly rated, and specialty restaurants like Crown Grill are praised by many guests.
MedallionClass Technology: This innovative technology streamlines the onboard experience and provides a high level of convenience.

Cons

Fewer Thrill Attractions: If you're looking for elaborate water parks, rock climbing walls, or go-kart tracks, Princess may not be the best fit.
Older Ships: While well-maintained, some older ships in the fleet may feel a bit dated compared to the newest vessels from other lines.
Limited Kid-Focused Activities: While there are kids' clubs, the overall atmosphere and entertainment are more geared towards adults and couples.
Not an All-Inclusive Fare: The base fare is not all-inclusive, and extras like drinks and Wi-Fi can add up unless you purchase one of the bundled packages.