The history of Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises was founded in Los Angeles in 1965. From the start, the company focused on cruises to Mexico before quickly expanding its sea cruise itineraries to include Alaska, the Caribbean, and Europe. Known for its understated elegance and strong value, Princess Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation. Its modern fleet sails to more than 300 destinations worldwide, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, Asia, and Northern Europe. On board, guests enjoy upscale amenities, fine dining, outdoor movie screenings, and tranquil adults-only wellness areas.
The Princess Cruises fleet
Sun Princess and Star Princess
Launched in 2024 and 2025 respectively, the Sun Princess and Star Princess are the first ships of Princess Cruises’ new Sphere Class, ushering in a new era of cruising with cutting-edge technology and an open, light-filled design. These sister ships are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and feature expansive spaces bathed in natural light thanks to their glass architecture. The Dome, a massive panoramic structure located at the front of the ship, hosts immersive shows and includes a pool that transforms into a stage. The Princess Arena, a next-generation theater space, offers flexible configurations that reinvent the live entertainment experience. Dining is a highlight, with over 30 restaurants and bars on board, including Love by Britto, an art-inspired dining venue, and The Catch by Rudi, dedicated to fresh seafood. These ships also offer large Signature Collection suites with access to private areas—perfect for guests seeking privacy and upscale comfort.
Enchanted Princess
The Enchanted Princess, the fifth ship in the Royal Class and launched in 2020, charms guests with its contemporary elegance and thoughtful innovations focused on comfort and entertainment. It features a wide array of elevated dining options, including Crown Grill for premium grilled specialties and Sabatini’s for a modern Italian dining experience. At the rear of the ship, the Infinity Wake Pool offers breathtaking views of the ocean, perfect for a peaceful escape. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat, offers private cabanas, personalized service, and a relaxing open-air environment. Entertainment lovers will appreciate the Princess Theater and its Broadway-style productions. Cabins are spacious and tastefully decorated, with a range of Club Class suites that come with exclusive perks.
Sky Princess
Sky Princess, part of the Royal Class and introduced in 2019, combines modern comfort with a high-end cruise experience. One of its most distinctive features is the SeaWalk, a glass walkway suspended over the ocean that provides a thrilling view below. Guests can dine at signature venues such as Bistro Sur La Mer by Chef Emmanuel Renaut or enjoy a classic bite at Alfredo’s Pizzeria. Adults can unwind at The Sanctuary or indulge in luxury treatments at the Lotus Spa. Entertainment includes Music Under the Stars performances and open-air Movies Under the Stars on a giant screen—adding magic to evenings at sea.
What makes Princess Cruises stand out
Princess Cruises is known for its refined, relaxed atmosphere, making it a great choice for travelers seeking comfort and sophistication. The line is celebrated for its adults-only areas like the open-air Sanctuary, its outdoor movie experiences under the stars, and high-quality entertainment that rivals Broadway productions. On board, guests also enjoy destination-focused experiences such as menus inspired by the ports of call, cultural workshops, guest lectures, and themed evenings. It’s all presented in an elegant setting designed to create a peaceful, enriching cruise.
Awards and recognition
Princess Cruises has been named Best Cruise Line in Alaska multiple times by the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards, including in 2023—reinforcing its reputation for excellence in this iconic region. At the 2024 World Cruise Awards, the company was honored with two major titles: World’s Best Cruise Ship for Dining for the Sun Princess and World’s Best Cruise Ship for Gambling for the Enchanted Princess. Also in 2024, Princess received several Gold Awards at the Magellan Awards, highlighting the quality of its entertainment, itineraries, and onboard innovation.
Princess Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and social responsibility
As a cruise line mindful of environmental concerns, Princess Cruises is committed to reducing its ecological footprint, as reflected in its ISO 14001 certification. Several of its ships are equipped for shore power in ports like Vancouver, Seattle, and Los Angeles. The fleet also features exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) and onboard facilities for waste sorting, biodigestion, and recycling. Through its Planet Princess program—active since 1993—the company raises environmental awareness among crew and passengers alike.
Princess Cruises destinations
Caribbean and West Indies cruises
Princess Cruises offers a wide range of itineraries in the Caribbean, combining dreamy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and cultural excursions. A highlight of these cruises is the stop at Princess Cays, the company’s private island in the Bahamas. Exclusively reserved for Princess guests, the island is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing on quiet, secluded beaches. Guests can book beachfront bungalows for added privacy, lounge in hammocks strung between palm trees, or enjoy an adults-only area designed for a peaceful retreat. For more adventurous experiences, excursions include buggy rides to the wild beaches of Eleuthera or tours aboard glass-bottom boats to admire coral reefs without getting wet.
Princess Cruises' Caribbean itineraries also include iconic stops such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, and Grand Turk, as well as cruise stops in Mexico’s Riviera Maya like Cozumel and Costa Maya. Longer itineraries venture into the Dutch Caribbean, with Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao—the ABC islands—famous for their vibrant marine life and colorful towns. These cruises offer a balanced mix of relaxation, water sports, and cultural discovery, with options ranging from one to two weeks.
Mediterranean cruises
Princess Cruises’ Mediterranean cruises allow guests to explore a wide variety of iconic destinations. In Rome, travelers can visit ancient landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. Naples serves as a gateway to the ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri. In Barcelona, must-sees include the Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter, and the bustling Ramblas. La Spezia opens the door to the hillside villages and coastal trails of Cinque Terre National Park. Itineraries also include island stops such as Palma de Mallorca in the Balearics, Messina in Sicily, and Valletta in Malta—all celebrated for their rich history, coastal scenery, and diverse cultural influences.
Northern Europe cruises
Princess Cruises' Northern Europe cruises offer an impressive blend of landscapes and cultures, with stops in Nordic capitals, historic ports, and stunning natural settings. Many itineraries include Norway’s fjords, with visits to Geiranger, Olden, or Bergen—where travelers are treated to breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls, and glacier-carved valleys. In the British Isles, cruises stop in Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, or Edinburgh, where travelers can explore castles, rugged coastlines, and Celtic heritage. Other itineraries explore Scandinavia with stops in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Oslo, known for their modern architecture, royal history, and relaxed lifestyle. A variety of cruises in the Baltic Sea are also available. Some extended routes even reach Iceland or the northernmost point of Europe, North Cape, offering a deep dive into Arctic landscapes. These cruises generally sail from May to August, the ideal time to enjoy long daylight hours and mild temperatures.
Alaska cruises
Princess Cruises’ Alaska voyages immerse travelers in grand natural landscapes and rich local traditions. These itineraries typically cruise through the Inside Passage, passing by majestic glaciers such as Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm and the ice fields of Glacier Bay National Park. Key stops include Ketchikan, famous for its Native totems and salmon fishing; Juneau, the capital accessible only by sea or air, set against the backdrop of the Mendenhall Glacier; and Skagway, a historic town from the Gold Rush era, home to the iconic White Pass scenic railway. Some itineraries also include Whittier or Seward, gateways to Anchorage and Alaska’s untouched wilderness, as well as Victoria, British Columbia, offering a charming final stop before heading back. These 7- to 12-night cruises, offered from May to September, combine glaciers, wildlife sightings (bears, whales, eagles), and cultural heritage for a fully immersive experience in Alaska’s rugged beauty.
Asia cruises
Princess Cruises’ Asia itineraries span modern cities, dramatic landscapes, and world-renowned cultural sites. From Tokyo, travelers can explore traditional temples, vibrant neighborhoods like Shibuya, and views of Mount Fuji. The port of Kobe offers access to Kyoto, the former imperial capital known for its Zen gardens and historic shrines. In Southeast Asia, cruises stop in Singapore, with its futuristic Marina Bay and lush gardens, and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where bustling markets and colonial-era architecture await. Other highlights include Bangkok, accessible via Laem Chabang port, and UNESCO-listed Hạ Long Bay. Some Asia cruises also visit Taiwan, Malaysia, or the Japanese island of Okinawa—delivering a rich mix of cultural and natural discovery across the Asian continent.
Most popular departure ports for a Princess Cruises voyage
Princess Cruises offers Bahamas cruises and Caribbean cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale, cruises departing from San Juan, and cruises departing from Port Canaveral.
You can also embark on a Mediterranean cruise departing from Rome–Civitavecchia or a cruise departing from Barcelona, providing access to the region’s most iconic destinations.
In Northern Europe, cruises departing from Southampton explore the fjords and the British Isles.
For Alaska, Princess Cruises offers many cruises departing from Vancouver and cruises departing from San Francisco.
In Asia, cruises departing from Yokohama—Japan’s primary cruise port—open the door to exploring Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Services offered on board Princess Cruises ships
Dining on Princess Cruises ships
The dining experience aboard Princess Cruises ships is known for its variety and quality. Main meals are served in elegant, sit-down restaurants where menus change daily and feature refined international cuisine. Depending on the ship, guests may dine in venues such as the Concerto, Allegro, or Symphony Dining Room. For more casual options, buffets like the World Fresh Marketplace are open throughout the day, offering a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, salads, desserts, and international specialties. Additional dining spots like the International Café, Salty Dog Grill, or Slice Pizzeria serve snacks, coffee, and grab-and-go meals.
In addition to the included restaurants, Princess Cruises ships also feature specialty dining venues available at an extra charge. These include the Crown Grill for steak lovers, Sabatini’s for authentic Italian cuisine, and The Catch by Rudi, focused on seafood. These specialty experiences offer a more exclusive atmosphere and a more elaborate menu for those looking to elevate their culinary journey during the cruise.
Princess Cruises drink packages
Princess Cruises offers a range of beverage packages to suit every guest’s preferences. Basic beverages such as water, brewed coffee, tea, lemonade, and breakfast juices are included in the standard cruise fare. For a more extensive selection, guests can opt for a beverage package.
The Classic Soda Package offers unlimited fountain sodas, iced teas, juices, and other non-alcoholic drinks.
The Plus Beverage Package includes all of the above, plus a selection of beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, and specialty coffees—up to a certain per-drink value.
The Premier Beverage Package, the most comprehensive, covers an even wider variety of spirits, premium wines, top-shelf cocktails, bottled water, and unlimited gourmet coffees. These packages are accepted at most bars, restaurants, and lounges across the ship, allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite drinks throughout their voyage.
Cabins and onboard activities on Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises ships offer a wide selection of cabins and suites, designed to suit every traveler’s needs and style.
Interior cabins provide a functional and comfortable space for those seeking simplicity. Oceanview cabins and Balcony cabins offer sea views—with the latter including a private outdoor space ideal for relaxing at any time of day.
Mini-Suites provide more comfort, with a separate sitting area and a larger bathroom, while Club Class Mini-Suites include exclusive benefits like priority embarkation and access to a reserved dining area.
For a premium experience, guests can book signature accommodations such as the Sky Suites, featuring a large private terrace, or the luxurious Penthouse Suites for the highest level of comfort.
As for onboard activities, passengers can enjoy theater productions, live music, outdoor movies, pools, a full-service spa (Lotus Spa), and a wide range of classes (dance, cooking, wellness), along with a well-equipped fitness center. The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat, offers peace and tranquility. Children and teens can take part in supervised age-appropriate clubs, such as Camp Discovery, which features games, creative workshops, and fun educational activities—ensuring entertainment for the whole family.
Frequently asked questions about Princess Cruises
What services are included in the cruise fare?
A Princess Cruises fare includes accommodations, full board meals in the main dining venues, shows, onboard entertainment, access to pools and sports facilities, and select beverages such as water, tea, brewed coffee, lemonade, and breakfast juices. Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, Wi-Fi, excursions, spa treatments, and specialty dining are not included and come at an extra cost.
What is the dress code on a Princess cruise?
During the day, casual wear is perfectly acceptable. In the evening, smart casual attire is expected in the dining venues, and there are several formal nights scheduled throughout the cruise. On these nights, guests are encouraged to wear elegant clothing—such as suits for men and dresses for women.
Does Princess Cruises have a loyalty program?
Yes, Princess Cruises offers the Captain’s Circle loyalty program, available from your very first cruise. Members earn benefits based on the number of cruises taken or total days at sea. Perks include discounts on Wi-Fi, spa treatments, and onboard photography, priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, complimentary laundry, and welcome gifts for Elite members—the highest tier in the program.
Are pets allowed on board?
Pets are not allowed on Princess Cruises ships. Only officially recognized service animals are permitted onboard, provided they are registered in advance and comply with the company’s health and safety regulations.
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