Everything you need to know about Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises has been sailing the world's oceans for more than half a century. Founded in 1965 and propelled to fame through The Love Boat television series in the late 1970s, it now operates a fleet of seventeen ships sailing to more than 345 destinations across all seven continents.

At its core, Princess Cruises excels at the fundamentals of cruising. Itineraries are carefully constructed to maximise time ashore and incorporate scenic cruising wherever geography allows. The journey is a key part of the experience, whether you're watching glaciers calve into the sea in Alaska's Inside Passage, tracing ancient trade routes through the Mediterranean, or crossing the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica.

That focus on the key aspects of cruising extends to life on board. The Princess Cruises experience feels sophisticated yet casual rather than theatrical or fussy. The food is excellent with plenty of options. The crew is friendly and attentive. The ships are large enough to offer a varied experience but are designed to retain an intimate feel.

Over the years, Princess Cruises has continued to honour cruising's golden-age traditions while embracing contemporary ship design and on-board technology. Recent fleet additions underscore this forward momentum.

The Sphere Class, beginning with Sun Princess in February 2024, introduced vessels powered by liquefied natural gas and featuring design innovations that prioritise connection to the sea and sky. At the same time, they retained everything people love about Princess Cruises. The Sphere Class illustrates how Princess Cruises continues evolving while staying anchored to the values that have defined it for decades.

Who should sail with Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises is best suited for travellers who share a similar mindset rather than a specific demographic. It suits couples, families and multi-generational groups equally well, thanks to an onboard atmosphere that delivers sophistication with a contemporary edge.

The experience is undeniably premium. Princess Cruises isn’t about go-kart tracks or surf simulators. Rather, it leans on extremely well-designed ships with serene spas, inviting pool areas, elegant lounges, and thoughtfully programmed days at sea. It’s a style that favours quality, comfort and atmosphere over novelty.

That doesn’t mean life on board lacks energy. Evenings are lively and social. Live music, comedy, theatre productions and the well-loved Movies Under the Stars programme, an outdoor cinema experience, create plenty of opportunities to let your hair down.

Princess Cruises appeals to travellers who enjoy engaging more deeply with the destinations they visit. Enrichment programmes, guest speakers and culturally informed shore experiences add context and meaning.

Families are well catered for through well-run children’s clubs and programming, delivered in a way that feels integrated into the overall sophisticated experience. The result is an onboard environment where different generations and travel styles coexist comfortably, allowing everyone to enjoy cruising in their own way.

READ MORE: The Princess Cruises onboard experience

What destinations and itineraries do Princess Cruises offer?

Princess Cruises' global reach is one of its defining strengths. Its impressive fleet and itinerary-led approach, with longer port stays and overnights through the More Ashore programme, create a distinct experience.

Princess Cruises is particularly renowned for its Alaska programme, operating there for nearly five decades. That experience translates into meticulously planned itineraries prioritising scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord and Tracy Arm, with calls at ports including Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Guests can also select a cruisetour, which combines a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with a ride on the Direct to the Wilderness glass-domed train and stays at multiple Princess Cruises-owned wilderness lodges, purposefully built near National Parks.

The Caribbean are also a highlight. With immersive excursions, year-round itineraries and Princess Cays (an exclusive Bahamian resort), Princess Cruises has made the Caribbean one of its signature destinations. From November 2026, select sailings will also include calls at Celebration Key, a new private destination on Grand Bahama Island.

In Europe, Princess Cruises maintains an extensive presence throughout the Mediterranean. Barcelona, Rome, the French Riviera, Greece, Turkey and the Croatian coast are all regular stops.

Northern Europe programmes explore the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic capitals, Iceland's dramatic landscapes and the British Isles, weaving together natural beauty with culturally rich cities.

Princess Cruises is also an excellent choice for voyages to Asia. In Japan, itineraries venture beyond Tokyo and Osaka to smaller ports such as Toba, Omaezaki and Kagoshima. Other Asia routes can include stops in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

In Oceania, Princess Cruises offers a range of shorter and longer voyages. Shorter trips can include Great Barrier Reef sailings from Brisbane or Tasmania cruises from Sydney. Longer voyages can combine Australia with New Zealand, often featuring scenic cruising in the Fiordland National Park.

For those with more time, world cruises present an opportunity to spend months at sea on immersive journeys. South America, the South Pacific and Antarctica complete a programme designed to give repeat guests ample scope to explore new regions without switching cruise lines.

READ MORE: Discover Princess Cruises’ range of destinations

What is the Princess Cruises fleet like?

A strength of the Princess Cruises fleet is the variety of ship sizes. With a capacity for around 2,000 passengers, for example, the Coral Class ships – Coral Princess and Island Princess – were designed to transit the old locks of the Panama Canal, and offer a peaceful, more intimate onboard atmosphere.

Slightly larger, the Grand Class ships, such as Grand Princess and Ruby Princess, have a capacity of about 2,600 guests; they appeal to traditionalists with wraparound promenade decks creating a strong connection to maritime heritage.

The Royal Class forms the fleet's backbone. Vessels including Regal Princess, Sky Princess and Discovery Princess carry around 3,600 guests, and feature the signature SeaWalk – a glass-floored walkway cantilevered 128 feet above the water. Multiple pools, generous dining options and spacious balcony accommodation define these ships.

The Sphere Class represents an ambitious leap forward. Carrying 4,300 guests, these next-generation vessels – Sun Princess launched in February 2024 and Star Princess in October 2025 – are powered by liquefied natural gas, a significant step forward in reducing emissions.

One of the defining features of the Sphere Class is The Dome, a spectacular glass-canopied structure inspired by Mediterranean piazzas that functions as a serene pool area by day and transforms into an entertainment venue with immersive experiences by night.

READ MORE: Discover the Princess Cruises fleet

What is dining like on Princess Cruises?

Dining on Princess Cruises is a highlight of the onboard experience, blending variety, quality and freedom of choice to suit every mood and appetite.

Princess Cruises divides its food offering into four categories:

• Complimentary dining forms the foundation. In the Main Dining Rooms, you’ll find chef-designed menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner, rotating nightly with classic and contemporary dishes, and menus that reflect the regions visited. World Fresh Marketplace (or The Eatery on the Sphere Class ships) is the buffet option and offers global flavours with live cooking stations and plenty of choice throughout the day.
• Casual dining provides a reasonably priced and chilled atmosphere away from formal dining. Think burgers and hot dogs at Trident Grill, thin-crust pizzas at Alfredo’s, or pub-style fare at Salty Dog Gastropub and O’Malley’s.
• Speciality dining elevates the evenings. Crown Grill is an acclaimed steakhouse serving aged cuts and seafood; Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria delivers handcrafted pasta and regional Italian dishes; The Catch by Rudi focuses on seasonal seafood; Makoto Ocean brings premium sushi crafted to perfection; and Love by Britto makes for the perfect romantic meals. Ultimate Balcony Dining is an intimate experience, available for breakfast and dinner, and served on your stateroom balcony. Cover charges apply unless you’ve chosen an inclusive package.
• Experiential dining is where meals become memorable events. The 360: An Extraordinary Experience and Chef’s Table Lumiere create immersive multi-course journeys that combine storytelling, wine pairings and theatrical presentation.

In addition, Princess Cruises’ OceanNow technology lets you order food and drinks from select areas of the ship, so you can have a bite pretty much anywhere.

READ MORE: Our Princess Cruises guide to dining

World of Cruising tip: If you like to be in control of your costs, Princess Cruises’ all-inclusive packages include a dining element. The Princess Plus package includes four casual meals, while the Princess Premier package includes unlimited casual and speciality dining.

Both packages include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and free OceanNow and room service delivery.

READ MORE: Our guide to Princess Cruises’ all-inclusive packages

What is Princess Cruises entertainment like?

Entertainment on Princess Cruises strikes a balance between sophistication and fun, offering something for every taste.

A standout feature is Movies Under the Stars, a 300-square-foot poolside cinema with a 69,000-watt sound system, where guests watch recent films under blankets while enjoying complimentary popcorn and snacks.

In the main theatres, Broadway-style productions feature stunning sets, costumes and music. Shows such as Fiera, 5-SKIES, The Secret Silk and Meridian wouldn't feel out of place at a bustling West End theatre.

Beyond the theatre, there are many more entertainment options. Live music ranges from solo pianists in intimate lounges to party bands on deck. Game shows include The Voice of the Ocean and Deal or No Deal at Sea, where audience members can win prizes. Comedy shows, magic performances at Spellbound by Magic Castle (on Star Princess and Sun Princess), and celebrations in the Piazza, including a Champagne waterfall, round out the offerings.

READ MORE: Discover the full range of Princess Cruises entertainment

What accommodation options are available on Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises offers a wide range of accommodation options that suit different tastes, budgets and levels of space and comfort. At the most accessible end are Interior staterooms, cosy cabins without windows that include all essentials and are perfect if you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ship and ports. One step up are Oceanview cabins, with large windows that let in natural light and sea views. Balcony staterooms are among the most popular choices, giving you your own outdoor space to watch sunrises, sunsets and everything in between.

Mini-Suites offer a separate sitting area and a private balcony, ideal for couples or small families who want extra space without moving into a full-suite category. New and exclusive to Sun Princess and Star Princess, the Cabana Mini Suites also include a cabana area betweek the suite and balcony that features seating and an additional television.

At the top of the range are Suites, with spacious layouts, generous balconies and access to exclusive amenities. The largest option is the Sky Suite with an extra balcony, two bedrooms and bathrooms. The Grand Suites have a large balcony, a separate sitting area, and a bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. Other options include the Vista Suites, Signature Suites, Penthouse Suites, Premium Suites and Window Suites.

The Reserve Collection suites are in premium ship locations. Guests also enjoy access to an exclusive area of the Dining Room, a bottle of wine in their suite on arrival, priority speciality dining reservations, evening canapes and upgraded bathrobes.

Princess has also introduced its Sanctuary Collection on Sun Princess and Star Princess, which includes Sanctuary Suites, Sanctuary Mini-Suites and Sanctuary Balcony cabins. These come with exclusive access to the peaceful Sanctuary Club and private Sanctuary Restaurant. The Princess Premier package is also included.

READ MORE: Stateroom and suite options with Princess Cruises

What are Princess Cruises excursions like?

Princess Cruises excursions bring your ports of call to life with carefully curated, destination-focused adventures that make stops meaningful and memorable. Princess Cruises offers a wide range of shore trips that suit different interests and activity levels, from immersive Local Connections tours with expert local guides to small-group and private options that feel personal and insightful.

Expect excursions that immerse you in culture and history, like walking the ancient streets of Pompeii or exploring colonial architecture in the Caribbean, and nature and wildlife adventures such as whale watching in Alaska or rainforest hikes in St Lucia.

Food lovers can dive into culinary excursions, sampling regional cuisine at family-run farms, markets and vineyards, while active travellers can choose hiking, kayaking or scenic drives. Princess Cruises excursions also come with a guaranteed return to ship, giving peace of mind.

Another feature of Princess Cruises' approach to destinations is the More Ashore programme. Sailings part of the More Ashore programme include late departures (9pm or later) and overnight stays at select ports.

READ MORE: Princess Cruises excursions

Is Princess Cruises family-friendly?

Princess Cruises has a range of age-appropriate kids’ clubs. For children from six months to two years, there are dedicated parent-accompanied times at the Youth and Teen Club on Sun Princess and Star Princess. The Treehouse is a forest-themed centre for little ones between the ages of three and seven, while The Lodge is dedicated to pre-teens aged from eight to 12.

There are scavenger hunts, games like dodgeball and skeeball, dance parties, game consoles, craft stations and more. There are also destination-specific events like the Wild Alaska Festival and Rhythm of the Caribbean.

Teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are also well catered for, with The Beach House, a beach-themed lounge. Expect video game tournaments, outdoor sports activities and dance classes. The Rock the Boat Party is a fun evening for teens with a red carpet, VIP badges and mocktails.

It’s not all about the kids’ clubs, however. Events such as Movies Under the Stars or the Broadway-style shows are perfect for quality family time. And thanks to the MedallionClass technology, you can see where your children are on the ship using the Princess Cruises app, which is fantastic for peace of mind.

READ MORE: Princess Cruises for families

Does Princess Cruises have a loyalty programme?

The Captain's Circle loyalty programme rewards repeat guests across four tiers: Gold (after your first cruise), Ruby (after three cruises or 30 days at sea), Platinum (after five cruises or 50 days at sea) and Elite (after fifteen cruises or 150 days at sea).

Each tier comes with greater benefits, starting with savings and onboard member events at the Gold level, all the way to free mini bar and wine tastings, and discounts at the spa, shops and on excursions at the Elite Level.

Did you know… Your Medallion, Princess Cruises access pass for your stateroom and on-board services, matches the colour of your tier.

READ MORE: Check out the full list of Captain Circle’s benefits for every tier

Does Princess Cruises cater to guests with accessibility and mobility needs?

Princess Cruises has made considerable efforts to accommodate guests with mobility needs. All ships have fully accessible staterooms with wider doorways, roll-in showers, fold-down bench seats, grab bars and more. Ambulatory accessible staterooms are ideal if you use a cane or a walker.

The design of public areas, both indoors and on deck, is also mindful of the needs of passengers with accessibility and mobility needs. There is an Accessibility Lane for easier check-in, and guests indicating they require wheelchair assistance are automatically assigned a crew member to help in an emergency.

The MedallionClass technology makes unlocking stateroom doors contactless as you approach, perfect for guests with accessibility or mobility needs.

READ MORE: Princess Cruises accessibility-at-sea guide

How much does Princess Cruises cost?

Princess Cruises occupies the premium segment of the market. The Princess Standard fare typically covers accommodation, all main dining venues, entertainment, fitness facilities and most onboard activities.

Princess Cruises also offers two all-inclusive packages – Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These packages include drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities - and cost significantly less than purchasing these add-ons individually, simplifying onboard budgeting. The Princess Plus also covers four meals at casual dining venues, and the Princess Premier package includes unlimited casual and speciality dining.

The Princess Plus package costs £50 per person, per day (£55 for Sun Princess and Star Princess); the Princess Premier package costs £75 per person, per day (£80 for Sun Princess and Star Princess).

Pricing varies based on destination, ship, season and cabin category. At the time of writing, you can find a seven-night no-fly Spain and France cruise from Southampton from about £700pp* for an Interior Stateroom and £800pp* for a Balcony Stateroom.

Excluding flights, cruise-only fares for a week-long Caribbean cruise start from about £350pp* for an Interior Stateroom and £550pp* for a Balcony Stateroom. Expect Alaska fares from about £450pp* for an Interior Stateroom and from about £850pp* for a Balcony Stateroom.

For travellers who appreciate classic cruising delivered with modern design, thoughtful itineraries, genuine destination focus and a calm, polished onboard atmosphere, Princess Cruises strikes an excellent balance. It's cruising that feels grown-up without being stuffy, global in reach yet attentive to detail, and rooted in tradition while embracing the future.

For more information, visit the Princess Cruises website.

*All prices correct at time of publication.

Further reading

• Ship review: Star Princess
• Ship review: Discovery Princess
• 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