Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess / Kristen Boatright
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Aft Pool on Diamond Princess
Aft Pool on Diamond Princess / Princess Cruises
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Adults-only Sanctuary
Adults-only Sanctuary / Princess Cruises
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Royal Princess' Atrium
Royal Princess' Atrium / Princess Cruises
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Kids club activities in Alaska
Kids club activities in Alaska / Princess Cruises
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Curtis Stone's Share
Curtis Stone's Share / Princess Cruises
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Burrata and tomatoes at Share
Burrata and tomatoes at Share / Princess Cruises
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Prego pizzeria
Prego pizzeria / Princess Cruises
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Sabatini's on Royal Princess
Sabatini's on Royal Princess / Princess Cruises
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Short rib poutine at Salty Dog Gastropub
Short rib poutine at Salty Dog Gastropub / Princess Cruises
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Chocolate cake with raspberry creme brûlée
Chocolate cake with raspberry creme brûlée / Princess Cruises
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Royal Princess' Lotus Spa
Royal Princess' Lotus Spa / Princess Cruises
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Sun Princess' Balcony Stateroom
Sun Princess' Balcony Stateroom / Princess Cruises
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Oceanview Cabin on Coral Princess
Oceanview Cabin on Coral Princess / Princess Cruises
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Royal Princess's Sea View Bar
Royal Princess's Sea View Bar / Princess Cruises / Steve Dunlop
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"Magic to Do"
"Magic to Do" / Princess Cruises
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The Voice of the Ocean
The Voice of the Ocean / Princess Cruises
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Movies Under the Stars
Movies Under the Stars / Princess Cruises
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Coral Princess' "On the Bayou"
Coral Princess' "On the Bayou" / Princess Cruises
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Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess / Princess Cruises
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Princess Cruises

Our Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

This line may have been made famous by the TV show “The Love Boat,” but it isn’t just for honeymooners and singles looking to make connections. Instead, while Princess does try to offer a romantic experience for couples, these large mainstream ships also aim to appeal to the widest range of age groups. The demographic does vary depending on the time of year; in the summertime and on holidays, the number of kids on board soars, and the number of teens and tweens running around the pool deck and lining up for soft serve seems to skyrocket. And while there's little that's innovative here, everything from food to service and even design is well executed and tasteful on board. 

The ships themselves — especially the six Royal Class vessels: Royal Princess, Regal  Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Discovery Princess — are quite pretty, with plenty of light, modern decor, and activities that range from computer classes to wine tastings. With the debut of its largest ship ever, the 4,300-guest Sun Princess, in early 2024, the cruise line is introducing not only a new class of ships but also a host of new onboard features. These include Park19, a three-deck family fun zone with nine different activities, and The Dome, a Santorini-inspired enclosed pool and nighttime entertainment venue. Princess has also transformed the Princess Theater into the multi-configuration Princess Arena and has upped its suite game by creating two tiers of accommodations, the Signature Collection and the Reserve Collection, featuring exclusive onboard spaces and amenities.

What We Love

Impressive Original Stage Shows: The line has partnered with Oscar-, Tony- and Grammy-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin,” and “Godspell”) to create original stage shows, including "Magic to Do," a musical centered around some of history’s greatest magical illusions. Princess also presents other Broadway-style original productions created by a roster of theatrical talents from New York and London.

Movies Under the Stars: Princess Cruises invented the concept of a drive-in movie at sea, and it’s a great one. Don’t miss the opportunity to snuggle under a blanket on a lounge chair (with a soda and a bucket of hot popcorn, of course) and watch a movie on the giant outdoor screen as you sail to the next port.

The Piazza: This glittering, three-deck central atrium is the setting for cocktails accompanied by evening music or acrobatic performances as well the place to be for Puppies in the Piazza, a popular activity featuring local husky puppies during Alaska port calls.

Italian-Style Pizza: The line outshines the competition with its delicious Neapolitan-style pizza made with hand-tossed dough, house-made marinara sauce, and fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese. The pies at poolside Slices are complimentary, and you can also get yours delivered to your cabin for a small added fee. However, the made-to-order personal pizzas at Alfredo’s and Gigi’s, the sit-down eateries located on the Piazza, are no longer free for everyone on board. Guests who book Princess Plus or Princess Premier packages  (which include a beverage package, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and more) can enjoy these pizzas for free, but those who just book a basic cruise fare will be required to pay a $14.99 fee for a three-course meal at Alfredo’s or Gigi’s.

Best Known For

Dining-Style Choices: Princess offers guests the option of two different types of dining experiences via Dine My Way. You can choose the traditional way, at the same table at a set time every night with the same wait staff. Or, you can customize your dining for each day of your cruise and eat whenever you want and with whomever you choose.

The Sanctuary: This beautiful top-of-ship sun area is reserved for adults and is as quiet as the main pool deck can be boisterous. For a fee, you can lounge in a cushy quiet space in the shade while a butler serves you snacks and cucumber water.

MedallionClass: Guests who book MedallionClass receive a quarter-size, medallion-shaped wearable device, which replaces a key card and allows for everything from touch-free boarding and stateroom entry (your door unlocks as you approach) to having food and drinks delivered to wherever you are on board. The device is waterproof and guests can purchase accessories (sports bands, pendants, bracelets) that incorporate the Medallion.

Who It's Best For

Couples, Young and Old: The ships aren’t as party-focused as some mainstream competitors, but there’s just enough action for thirtysomethings to be entertained and seniors to find the scene not too loud or too overwhelming.

Families with Kids: The creative kids programming (including nature-focused activities and partnerships with Discovery and Animal Planet) and playrooms attract multigenerational families. Couples Looking to Marry: Princess works harder than some other lines to help couples tie the knot, whether on board or while in port. You can choose from predesigned packages, making the whole process easy to plan from start to finish. 

Couples Looking to Marry: Princess works harder than some other lines to help couples tie the knot, whether on board or while in port. You can choose from predesigned packages, making the whole process easy to plan from start to finish. 

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

There Are No Waterslides: Your fun in the sun will not include a daring plunge down a corkscrew waterslide because Princess ships do not have them. Sun Princess does, however, have a Splash Pad water play area as part of the Park19 active zone; there’s also a climbing wall, ropes course, and the Sea Breeze Rollglider offering a suspended hang-gliding-style ride.

Fran Golden
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger