The Vibe
Sophisticated yet comfortable, relaxing, and engaging. Princess strikes a "sweet spot" in the cruise industry—it is a step up from mass-market lines (like Carnival or Royal Caribbean) without the stiffness or high price tag of luxury lines. It is widely considered beginner-friendly and offers excellent value for money.
Best For: Literally anyone.
Service Style: Traditional and attentive. They maintain the "old school" standard of twice-daily cabin housekeeping (morning cleaning and evening turndown), which many other lines have cut back on.
Unique Perk: All ships feature self-service laundry rooms on passenger decks, a huge convenience for long voyages.
Fun Facts
💡West Coast Origins: Unlike many competitors based in Miami, Princess was born on the West Coast. They are the pioneers of the Mexican Riviera and launched their first Alaska season in 1969, making them the undisputed leaders in the region.
💡The "Love Boat" Legacy: From 1977–1986, the hit TV show The Love Boat was filmed on Princess ships (Pacific Princess and Island Princess). This show introduced the concept of cruising to the American public and remains a core part of the brand's identity today.
💡 The "Mitsubishi Sisters": Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess were built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan. They are the only mainstream cruise ships built there and feature unique Japanese-style bathtubs and layouts not found on the other ships in this class.
Where Princess Shines (Pros)
✅ MedallionClass Technology: Princess uses a wearable quarter-sized device called the OceanMedallion instead of a key card. It unlocks doors as you approach, tracks your shipmates, allows for on-demand delivery of food/drinks anywhere on the ship, and enables touchless payments ashore in some ports.
✅ Future Cruise Deposit (FCD): Their onboard future cruise deposit policy is widely considered one of the best in the industry. It is fully refundable and locks in onboard credit for your next trip without requiring you to pick a specific date immediately.
Good to Know (Cons)
⚠️ The "Sphere Class" Shift (Sun & Star Princess): The newest ships represent a major change in direction, with a more "commercial" atmosphere, including:
- Extra Costs: There are 12 specialized restaurants, and the complimentary buffet has been downsized.
New entertainment like the Spellbound magic show requires an extra fee.
- Class Separation: There is a more distinct "rich" zone (Sanctuary Club) and separate areas that can make the ship
feel segmented.
New entertainment like the Spellbound magic show requires an extra fee.
- Class Separation: There is a more distinct "rich" zone (Sanctuary Club) and separate areas that can make the ship
feel segmented.
⚠️ Package Value (Do the Math): Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages available. Verdict: Plus package usually don't worth to buy. Premier package is best for those who want a truly "all-inclusive" feeling and don't want to calculate costs onboard, or most of the itinerary is "at sea". Premier package usually worth it on Sun/Star Princess.
Featured Destinations
📍Alaska: The industry leader with the most permits for Glacier Bay and exclusive wilderness lodges.
📍Mexican Riviera: Classic round-trip itineraries from Los Angeles
📍Japan: A unique product that mixes Japanese culture (baths, food) with Western cruising comforts. Passenger demographics are a mix of locals and Westerners.
📍Europe: Strong presence in the West Mediterranean, British Isles, and Scandinavia.
📍Panama Canal: One of the few lines that can take you through the original locks (on Coral/Island Princess).
📍Other Strongholds: Canada & New England, New Zealand, South America.
20-Day Ultimate Alaska Solstice (2026)
19-Day Alaska & North Pacific Crossing (2026)
14-Day Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure
16-Day Inside Passage
16-Day Panama Canal
10-Day Canada & New England
12-Day British Isles with France & Belfast
15-Day Cape Horn & Glaciers of Patagonia
14-Day Grand Japan with Fall Foliage
Fleet Guide
Princess ships are divided into classes, each with a distinct personality.
Sphere Class (Newest & Largest)
- Ships: Sun Princess (2024), Star Princess (2025)
- A massive shift for Princess: These ships are larger, more commercial, and feature distinct "zones."
- The Dome: A glass-enclosed entertainment space.
- Spellbound: A Victorian-themed magic experience in partnership with the famous Magic Castle (extra charge).
- Dining: A shift to more specialty dining (12+ paid restaurants) and a smaller main buffet.
- Cove Balcony (Deck 6): Located lower down with lifeboats overhead. Pros: Great connection to the ocean, less motion in rough seas.
- Cabana Mini-Suite (Deck 9): Features a private "cabana" (sunroom) between the room and the balcony. Cabana Mini-Suite Deck rooms have access to the private Cabana Deck.
- Sanctuary Collection: A dedicated "ship-within-a-ship" area for suite guests with exclusive dining and sundecks.
- A massive shift for Princess: These ships are larger, more commercial, and feature distinct "zones."
- The Dome: A glass-enclosed entertainment space.
- Spellbound: A Victorian-themed magic experience in partnership with the famous Magic Castle (extra charge).
- Dining: A shift to more specialty dining (12+ paid restaurants) and a smaller main buffet.
- Cove Balcony (Deck 6): Located lower down with lifeboats overhead. Pros: Great connection to the ocean, less motion in rough seas.
- Cabana Mini-Suite (Deck 9): Features a private "cabana" (sunroom) between the room and the balcony. Cabana Mini-Suite Deck rooms have access to the private Cabana Deck.
- Sanctuary Collection: A dedicated "ship-within-a-ship" area for suite guests with exclusive dining and sundecks.
Royal Class
- Ships: Royal, Regal, Majestic, Sky, Enchanted, Discovery
- The Vibe: The modern standard of Princess. Elegant atriums (Piazza), SeaWalk (glass walkway over the ocean), and great buffet layouts.
- The Vibe: The modern standard of Princess. Elegant atriums (Piazza), SeaWalk (glass walkway over the ocean), and great buffet layouts.
Grand / Crown Class
- Ships: Grand, Caribbean, Diamond, Sapphire, Crown, Emerald, Ruby
- The Vibe: Mid-sized classics with a loyal following.
- The Vibe: Mid-sized classics with a loyal following.
Panamax Class
- Ships: Coral Princess, Island Princess
- The Vibe: Slim ships designed specifically to fit through the original Panama Canal locks. Great service quality.
- Best For: Panama Canal transits and world cruises where size restrictions apply.
- The Vibe: Slim ships designed specifically to fit through the original Panama Canal locks. Great service quality.
- Best For: Panama Canal transits and world cruises where size restrictions apply.
Video Gallery
The following videos are highly recommended viewing. Most of the tips, facts, and insights on this page were gathered from these comprehensive guides.
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