When Star Princess launched in October 2025, it became Princess Cruises’ 17th ship in operation. And with a capacity of 4,300 guests at double occupancy, it also joined its Sphere Class sister ship, Sun Princess, as the largest vessel in the fleet.
While the Sphere Class marked the new chapter in the evolution of Princess Cruises, it’s too easy to forget that one of the strengths – and charms – of the fleet is its diversity. The smallest Princess Cruises ship, Coral Princess, boasts a capacity of less than half that of Star Princess and Sun Princess.
With so much choice available, you may be asking yourself what’s the right Princess Cruises ship for you. In this guide, we will review the entire fleet, the individual strengths of each ship, and why you should choose them for your next cruise.
Best for: a more intimate cruising experience
Ships to choose:
- Grand Princess: 2,600 guests | launched 1998 (refurbished 2025)
- Coral Princess: 2,000 guests | launched 2002 (refurbished 2024)
- Island Princess: 2,200 guests | launched 2003 (refurbished 2024)
- Diamond Princess: 2,670 guests | launched 2004 (refurbished 2024)
- Sapphire Princess: 2,706 guests | launched 2004 (refurbished 2025)
More traditional, with quieter public spaces, these five ships suit travellers who prefer a classic and more intimate cruise experience.
They’re also vessels where Princess Cruises’ signature style shines: live music in elegant lounges, polished evening entertainment, quiet corners for a cocktail, and plenty of time for spa days or for enjoying sea views. Expect a sophisticated onboard rhythm, with a strong focus on dining, service and comfortable surroundings.
Across all five, you’ll find many of the line’s key staples, including speciality restaurants, multiple dining rooms, theatres and show lounges, adults-only retreat spaces like The Sanctuary, pools and whirlpools, fitness facilities, and the much-loved Movies Under the Stars experience.
Coral Princess and Island Princess have a key point of difference. These two Coral Class ships were purpose-built as Panamax vessels, meaning they can transit the Panama Canal through the historic locks – something that sets them apart within the wider Princess fleet and makes them especially well-suited to scenic, destination-focused itineraries.
Did you know: Although only Coral Princess and Island Princess can transit the Panama Canal using the historic locks, all other Princess Cruises ships can still transit the canal using the new locks opened in 2016. Check out how to make the most of a Panama Canal voyage with Princess Cruises.
Best for: classic cruising with a dash of big-ship energy
Ships to choose:
- Caribbean Princess: 3,140 passengers | launched 2004 (refurbished 2024)
- Crown Princess: 3,080 passengers | launched 2006 (refurbished 2025)
- Emerald Princess: 3,080 passengers | launched 2007 (refurbished 2025)
- Ruby Princess: 3,080 passengers | launched 2008 (refurbished 2023)
These medium-sized ships belong to the Grand Class and sit in the sweet spot between the line’s most intimate vessels and the newer, larger ships. Carrying between 3,080 and 3,140 guests, they feel noticeably larger, but still retain the familiar, traditional Princess Cruises atmosphere.
With higher passenger capacity comes more choice: additional dining venues, more expansive pool decks, a greater number of bars and lounges, and a varied programme of entertainment across the day and evening.
They’re ideal if you want the classic Princess Cruises experience – live music, theatre shows, spa time and relaxed sea days – but with a little more buzz and more options at any given moment.
Compared to the smaller ships, public areas are broader, the nightlife is livelier, and there’s often more room for families, groups and travellers who enjoy a wider mix of activities between port days.
These ships also tend to operate on some of Princess Cruises’ more mainstream itineraries, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, where a slightly larger ship suits the scale of the route.
Choose Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess or Caribbean Princess if you want a cruise that blends classic cruising elegance with more dining, entertainment and space to spread out.
Best for: a perfect blend of classic and modern cruising
Ships to choose:
- Royal Princess: 3,560 passengers | launched 2013 (refurbished 2022)
- Regal Princess: 3,560 passengers | launched 2014 (refurbished 2025)
- Majestic Princess: 3,560 passengers | launched 2017 (refurbished 2025)
- Sky Princess: 3,660 passengers | launched 2019 (refurbished 2023)
- Enchanted Princess: 3,660 passengers | launched 2021 (refurbished 2023)
- Discovery Princess: 3,660 passengers | launched 2022 (refurbished 2025)
These six ships are part of Princess Cruises’ Royal Class, which debuted in 2014. Carrying between 3,560 and 3,660 guests, they were the largest in the fleet until the arrival of the Sphere Class vessels; they also introduced innovative design and more spacious public areas while still retaining the Princess Cruises elegance.
What unites these six ships is their blend of scale and sophistication. Guests can enjoy multiple pools and whirlpools, a wide variety of bars and lounges, expanded dining options including numerous speciality restaurants, and theatres and entertainment spaces designed to accommodate larger audiences.
Signature Royal Class features include The SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending over the ocean and extra outdoor leisure and dining areas, offering more ways to relax and take in the view. These ships maintain Princess Cruises’ classic cruising style: live music, spa facilities, polished service and an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.
Compared with medium-sized vessels, Royal Class ships provide greater choice and flexibility. Public spaces feel more expansive, staterooms tend to be larger, and there’s more variety in onboard activities and entertainment. The scale allows them to host larger groups, families, or multi-generational travellers, while still offering quiet corners for couples or solo guests seeking relaxation.
READ MORE: World of Cruising reviews Discovery Princess
Best for: sophisticated, cutting-edge cruising
Ships to choose:
- Sun Princess: 4,300 passengers | launched 2024
- Star Princess: 4,300 passengers | launched 2025
The Sphere Class vessels – the newest and most technologically advanced in the fleet – are Princess Cruises’ largest and most feature-rich ships. They represent a step change in size and design compared with the Royal Class, combining cutting-edge innovation, striking public spaces, and a host of new experiences while retaining the sophistication and polish that defines Princess Cruises.
Sun Princess and Star Princess focus on modern luxury on a larger scale. Guests can enjoy multiple pools and 30 dining and drinking venues – the most in the fleet. New speciality restaurants include Love by Britto, created in partnership with artist Romero Britto; and The Butcher’s Block by Dario, a collaboration with renowned butcher Dario Cecchini, who featured in Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
The Sphere Class introduces major design innovations. The Dome is a striking, versatile structure that serves as a poolside retreat during the day and an entertainment venue in the evenings.
The traditional Piazza has evolved, now framed by The Sphere, a multi-deck glass sphere that brings natural light and a feeling of space to the ship’s atrium.
Also new to the Sphere Class is the Sanctuary Collection. This new option includes accommodation in a Sanctuary Collection Stateroom or Suite, access to the exclusive Sanctuary Retreat and Sanctuary Restaurant, and comes with the all-inclusive Princess Premier Package.
Choose a Sphere Class ship if you want a cruise that maximises onboard variety, modern design and innovative experiences, all while keeping the classic Princess service, style and sophistication.
Sun Princess and Star Princess are perfect for travellers who enjoy a dynamic, bustling atmosphere, multiple dining and entertainment options, and the newest innovations in cruising.
READ MORE: World of Cruising reviews Star Princess
Why sail with Princess Cruises?
Whichever ship you choose, sailing with Princess Cruises means a high-end, sophisticated cruise experience that remains casual and relaxed. While the size and facilities vary, the core experience remains the same: polished service, excellent dining, carefully crafted itineraries, varied activities and top-end entertainment.
Princess Cruises is well known for delivering classic cruising at its best, with welcoming lounges, live music in the evenings, well-produced theatre shows and plenty of quiet spaces to unwind at sea. Add in signature touches like Movies Under the Stars, peaceful spa facilities and adults-only retreat areas, and the atmosphere feels refined and easy-going.
Ultimately, there are only good choices in the Princess Cruises fleet. Whether you pick a smaller ship for intimacy, a mid-sized vessel for balance, or a newer class for innovation and scale, you can expect the same blend of comfort, style and classic cruising charm.
Further reading
- Princess Cruises: our ultimate guide
- Sailing the Alaska Inside Passage with Princess Cruises
- Princess Cruises's excursions explained
- Exploring South America & Antarctica with Princess Cruises
- Make the most of your Princess Cruises Panama Canal transit
- 10 reasons to sail the Caribbean with Princess Cruises
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