PRINCESS CRUISES is the quintessential mainstream cruise line, offering the full resort-at-sea experience along with a number of distinctive features. Now part of the Carnival family, Princess operates a fleet of 17 ships that visit more than 300 ports worldwide. Except for the smaller 670-passenger Pacific Princess, most vessels accommodate between 2,000 and 3,500 guests and provide a wide range of onboard amenities: casinos and spas, multiple pools and deck lounges, Broadway-style shows, shops, cinemas, activity centers, and an array of dining choices from buffets and casual bistros to specialty and fine-dining restaurants.
Princess aims to appeal to a broad audience. Families can choose connecting staterooms and two-bedroom family suites, and the line offers three distinct youth activity centers tailored to ages 3–7, 8–12, and 13–17. Adults looking for quiet and relaxation can retreat to The Sanctuary, an adults-only space featuring private lounge chairs and cabanas.
Alongside traditional cruise offerings, Princess is recognized for a number of innovations. Its Movies Under the Stars program projects films on a 300-square-foot poolside screen, and the same venue has been used for large-scale game-day events. Princess also presents large Broadway productions and has sponsored original theatrical works by composer Stephen Schwartz. A more recent technological innovation is the OceanMedallion, a wearable device that serves as a shipboard ID, payment method, and stateroom key to streamline the onboard experience.
Princess is not an all-inclusive luxury line, so many onboard extras carry additional charges. From time to time the line offers bundled packages; for select sailings passengers may find inclusive beverage or other promotional packages that reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
The line offers an extensive variety of itineraries, covering Europe, South America, New England and Canada, and more. Princess’ newest megaship, the 3,560-passenger Majestic Princess, typically sails Asia-Australia routes, spending summers based in Shanghai and winters in Sydney. Princess has also maintained a presence in the Caribbean, with summer departures from Fort Lauderdale and a number of itineraries that include transits of the Panama Canal.
Alaska remains one of Princess’ signature regions. Seven ships provide roughly 130 departures that embark from ports such as Anchorage, Seattle, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. As the largest operator in Alaska, Princess offers in-depth regional knowledge and popular Cruisetours that combine a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with land extensions of three to eight days. These land tours often include travel on Princess’ dedicated Alaska rail service and stays at the company’s Princess Wilderness Lodges. With increased capacity for Alaska sailings in recent years, demand still runs high for May-through-September departures, and popular dates often sell out well in advance.
Delivering well-rounded vacations with a broad choice of itineraries and onboard amenities, Princess Cruises remains a strong option for travelers seeking dependable service, varied entertainment, and a full complement of resort-style facilities at sea.