about princess cruises

The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships and itineraries

Call it the cruise line for people who want a big, amenity-filled ship that isn't a floating amusement park.

Princess Cruises operates relatively large, reasonably priced vessels. However, unlike many of its competitors in that space — most notably Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises — it doesn't load them up with sprawling waterparks, go-kart tracks, laser tag courses and other flashy, family-focused diversions.

Compared to most of its big ship-operating rivals, Princess is known for a more serene, almost "old school" sort of cruising that isn't about a lot of gee-whiz attractions.

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As Princess executives like to say, the line is all about warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance designed to spark connections between passengers.

Instead of bustling attractions, its top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without a lot of hustle and bustle. Inside, the experience revolves around dining, classic showroom entertainment and a classy bar and music scene — just as it has on Princess ships for years.

This is, notably, just the way Princess customers like it. Popular with middle-aged couples, retirees and multigenerational families, the "Love Boat" line caters to people who like a more traditional type of cruising than you'll find on the vessels of most other big-ship lines.

Related: Which cruise brand is right for you?

3 things TPG loves about Princess Cruises

• The abundance of outdoor pool and lounge areas on its ships.
• Its expansive spas.
• Its far-flung itineraries.

What we could do without

• The lack of big suites on its vessels.

The Princess Cruises fleet

Princess has downsized the size of its fleet considerably over the past few years with the removal of five vessels. However, it's still the world's fifth-biggest cruise line by passenger capacity, with 15 ships that together offer more than 46,000 berths.

In general, Princess operates big ships, though they're not quite as big as the vessels operated by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and MSC Cruises — the three lines best known for giant ships. The biggest Princess vessels, the line's six Royal Class ships, measure around 145,000 tons. That's about 35% smaller than the biggest ships operated by Royal Caribbean.

The Royal Class ships are the belles of the ball in the Princess fleet. Newer and more amenity-filled than the line's nine other ships, they began rolling out in 2013 and carry about 3,600 passengers a piece at double occupancy.

(In case you're curious, the name of the series ties to the godmother of the initial Royal Class vessel. Dubbed Royal Princess, it was famously christened by a royal, the U.K.'s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. The cruise line's first Royal Princess, which debuted in 1984, was christened by Diana, Princess of Wales.)

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Still, just as much at the core of the Princess fleet are its seven Grand Class vessels. Unveiled between 1998 and 2008, the ships are smaller than the Royal Class vessels at around 107,000 to 116,000 tons in size. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Royal Class ships. However, they're still big enough to feature a lot of onboard venues. The Grand Class ships carry between 2,600 to 3,100 passengers at double occupancy.

Princess also has two even smaller vessels that measure around 92,000 tons a piece. Named Coral Princess and Island Princess, they are sister ships that make up the line's small Coral Class of vessels. They each carry around 2,000 passengers at double occupancy.

The downsizing of the Princess fleet over the past few years had a lot to do with the COVID-19 pandemic. Three ships left the line's fleet starting in 2020 as part of an effort to cut costs during the line's coronavirus-caused global shutdown. Another two vessels — Golden Princess and Star Princess — had been scheduled to leave the Princess fleet even before the pandemic began. They were transferred to one of the line's sister companies, P&O Cruises Australia.

The line currently has two more vessels on order that, at around 175,000 tons, will be its biggest ships ever. The first of the vessels (to be called Sun Princess) is due to debut in 2024, followed by an as-yet-unnamed sister due in 2025.

Related: TPG goes on board the new Sky Princess

Destinations and itineraries

Princess Cruises sails to more than 100 countries on seven continents, from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia , and it offers a wide range of itineraries — around 170 in a typical year. The line's ships visit more than 380 different ports and destinations and take passengers to more than 100 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Among the line's voyages, you'll find everything from three-day sampler cruises along the West Coast of the U.S. to 111-day around-the-world voyages.

Princess is particularly known for cruises to Alaska , where it dominates the market for cruises along with sister line Holland America. In a typical year, Princess deploys seven or eight ships to Alaska in the summer — far more than most other lines. It also operates its own wilderness lodges in the state, as well as tourist trains and buses. It uses the lodges, trains and buses to offer a range of 10- to 17-night Alaska "cruisetours" that combine a cruise with land-based touring.

Princess also deploys as many as eight ships to Europe in the summer, and it has a big presence in Australia, where it can deploy as many as six ships for parts of each year. In recent years, it has also become a major player in cruises around Japan that cater to both American and Japanese travelers, as well as Australians.

In North America, Princess ships sail out of Fort Lauderdale; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego; Seattle; Galveston; Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska, with some sailings from New York City, Quebec City and Honolulu.

In Europe, Princess ships mostly sail out of Southampton in the U.K.; Copenhagen, Denmark; Barcelona, Spain ; Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens); and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome ).

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Who sails Princess Cruises

Princess appeals to an older demographic than lines such as Carnival and Norwegian. The average age of passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see a lot of couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

As noted above, these aren't people necessarily craving go-kart tracks and ropes courses at sea. They're people looking to explore the world in a comfortable, classy sort of way that also is relatively affordable. That last part is key. Princess offers a lot of globe-circling itineraries of the sort often offered by high-end luxury lines. However, it does so at a much lower price.

While not the biggest line for families with young children, Princess does draw a lot of multigenerational family groups. It's the line you take if you want an affordable ship that'll appeal to your 70-year-old parents as much as your 12-year-old kid.

Princess also draws a lot of passengers celebrating milestones. The line markets heavily to people marking birthdays and anniversaries with special packages and programs. It's also a huge player in the market for destination weddings at sea, with a division that will help you arrange a ceremony on board or at an exotic location on land during a port call.

Princess was, notably, the first cruise line to host modern-day weddings on ships, offering ceremonies officiated by the ships' captains hosted in onboard chapels.

It is, after all, the "Love Boat" line.

Cabins and suites

When it comes to rooms, Princess is sort of the Marriott of the big-ship cruise world. Its rooms are comfortable and functional but a bit bland. Avant-garde style is not a Princess thing.

The vast majority of the accommodations on Princess ships fall into one of three broad categories: windowless inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins. Balcony cabins, in particular, are widespread on Princess ships. Among mass-market lines, Princess was the pioneer in adding large numbers of balcony cabins to ships.

While balcony cabins are common on Princess ships, you'll find relatively few suites on them. Just 46 of the 1,830 rooms on the line's 3-year-old Sky Princess are suites, and — believe it or not — that's an improvement from earlier vessels in the same series, which had just 36 suites.

What this means is there aren't a lot of ways to live large on a Princess ship or to pack a lot of people into a single accommodation. Until the debut of Sky Princess in 2019, the line didn't have a single cabin that could accommodate more than four people.

That said, the Grand Class vessels each offer two "Family Suites" that can be created by connecting a Mini-Suite with an adjacent inside stateroom to create a six- to eight-person complex.

Sky Princess featured the line's first truly large stand-alone suites, dubbed Sky Suites, when that ship debuted in 2019. Such suites have also been added to the line's new Discovery Princess.

There are two of the suites on each of the ships, and they measure a generous 1,800 square feet (though more than half of that space is taken up by a huge wraparound balcony). With two bedrooms plus a living room with a pullout sofa, they're designed for up to five people.

Still, even the Sky Suites on Sky Princess aren't the truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that you'll find on the latest Royal Caribbean or Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships. If that's what you're after, Princess isn't your line.

Related: The new, $11,000-a-night cruise ship suite that's bigger than a house

Restaurants and dining

Every Princess vessel has one to three main dining rooms where meals are included in the fare, and these dining rooms are at the heart of the dining experience on Princess ships. Many passengers have all or most of their dinners in a main dining room.

For dinners in a main dining room, you can make a reservation for any time, provided a table at the time you want is available. To ensure the time you want, it's best to reserve a table far in advance of your sailing, which you can do online once you've paid for the cruise in full. But you also can make reservations on board ships during your cruise or even show up to a dining room without a reservation (in which case, you will be seated on a space-available basis).

Note that Princess no longer offers a fixed-time "traditional" seating option where you can request the same table at the same time every night of a cruise.

Every vessel also has a casual buffet eatery where meals are included in the fare. Near the main pool area on ships, it's usually called Horizon Court but is also known as the World Fresh Market or Panorama Buffet on some vessels.

Other included-in-the-fare options on at least some Princess ships include poolside pizza outlets and poolside grills serving burgers. Also, on sea days, Princess transforms a bar or dining venue at lunchtime into an included-in-the-fare English-style pub. It serves traditional pub food such as fish and chips and cottage pie, along with (for an extra charge) Bass Ale or Guinness.

Every Princess ship also has at least a couple of extra-charge eateries. On most ships, you'll find the line's signature Italian restaurant, Sabatini's. It serves homemade pasta, seafood and other Italian specialties in an elegant setting and comes with a flat fee of $35 per person.

Most Princess ships also have a signature steakhouse. On most vessels, it's called Crown Grill and offers premium beef and seafood cooked to order in an open, theater-style kitchen. On two ships — Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess — it's called Sterling Steakhouse, where passengers choose their cut of steak from a tray presented by their waiter.

On two ships — Coral Princess and Island Princess — the steakhouse has a Cajun and Creole twist. In addition to steak dishes, the menu features New Orleans-style peel-and-eat shrimp, alligator ribs and gumbo. On those vessels, it's called the Bayou Café and Steakhouse.

All the steakhouses come with a flat fee of $39 per person.

Princess ships also offer a Chef's Table experience — a concept the line pioneered in the cruise world. Costing $95 to $115 per person, it includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the ship's galley with the executive chef before a main dining experience at a private table in the dining room.

Another dining option that recently began popping up on Princess ships is a French eatery called Bistro Sur La Mer. The restaurant is only on Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess. It offers dishes created by star chef Emmanuel Renaut, whose restaurant in the French Alps boasts three Michelin stars. Like the Princess steakhouses, it has a $39 per person cover charge.

Related: The 7 best meals you can have at sea

Entertainment and activities

Princess ships are loaded with entertainment that ranges from Broadway-style theater shows to "street entertainers" who appear in each vessel's central piazza. They're not floating amusement parks, though. Unlike some big-ship lines, Princess isn't topping its vessels with waterslides, go-kart tracks, ropes courses and other family-focused attractions.

Theaters and shows

There's no shortage of theater and lounge entertainment on Princess ships. On a typical night, you might find a flashy, fast-paced production show playing in the main theater, a comedian performing in a secondary lounge and live music on offer in several more venues.

In many cases, the main theaters on Princess ships are quite elaborate, with Broadway-show-level lighting and special effects, and the productions housed within the theaters are elaborate, too.

Princess has upped its game with its theater productions in recent years through a partnership with Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-winning composer of "Wicked," "Godspell" and "Pippin."

Among new productions that Schwartz has worked on is "The Secret Silk," which features life-size puppetry from Jim Henson's Creature Shop, dance and special effects. It was created and directed by John Tartaglia, a star of Broadway's "Avenue Q" and "Beauty and the Beast."

Schwartz also provided the score for "Magic to Do," a musical revue paired with onstage illusions that features many of his best-known songs, as well as an original number he created just for Princess.

Princess is also known for its karaoke nights, and it recently began holding a new "The Voice of the Ocean" competition during cruises that is a spinoff of the TV show. Passengers compete in a live performance after karaoke auditions and rehearsal sessions with the shipboard band and backup singers. A team of coaches sits in giant "I Want You" chairs just like on the show, and passengers vote to choose the winner.

Other interior attractions and activities

In addition to entertainment spaces, the interiors of Princess ships are filled with other venues where passengers can kick back and let loose day and night, including a range of bars, lounges and nightspots.

On many ships, the hub of activity is the Piazza, a sprawling, multilevel space designed to resemble a square in Italy. The configuration of the Piazza varies by ship, but the area typically offers several shops, a coffee bar called International Cafe, a wine bar called Vines and (on some vessels) additional bars and eateries. The Piazza is also home to roving "street performers."

Every Princess ship also has a casino, often just off the Piazza, and spas are big on Princess ships. The Lotus Spa complexes on the line's Royal Class ships offer nearly two dozen treatment rooms, an extensive beauty salon and a thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone beds, Turkish-style steam bath and other steam chambers.

The recently unveiled Sky Princess was home to the first jazz club on a Princess ship (called Take 5), and a similar venue has since been added to Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess.

In addition to such venues, Princess offers a lot of enrichment activities on its ships. The line has partnered with Discovery to offer a Discovery at Sea program on vessels that includes activities like stargazing with a specialist from a top deck. The program also brings destination specialists and naturalists on board in places such as Alaska to offer insights.

Inspired by Discovery's popular Shark Week, Princess has also created Shark Week at Sea programming that runs on select sailings in the summer with activities and games designed to challenge both adults and kids on the myths and interesting facts about sharks.

Culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and dance classes also are big on Princess ships.

Top-deck attractions

The top decks of Princess ships are notable for what they don't have: There are no pedal-powered sky rides or ropes courses like you'll find on Carnival ships or the go-kart tracks that top some Norwegian vessels . There are no surfing simulators, sky diving simulators, rock climbing walls or zip lines of the sort found on Royal Caribbean vessels. For the most part, there aren't even waterslides or watery splash zones (one vessel, Caribbean Princess, now offers the Reef Splash Zone for families).

Princess executives long ago decided not to engage in what they call the "amusement park arms race" taking place between lines operating big, resort-like ships.

Instead, the line has stuck to the basics with its top decks. They are covered with relaxing pool and lounge zones — and lots of them.

On the last three Royal-class ships, for instance, there's a main pool area at the center of the top deck with two full pools and three hot tubs, and a secondary pool area at the back of the ship with another pool. There's also an adults-only pool area toward the front of the vessel, along with an extra-charge, adults-only relaxation area called the Sanctuary.

Between all these pool and lounge areas, running along the sides of the ship, are additional sunning areas with lounge chairs and four more hot tubs.

In short, there is a ton of space for relaxing on the top deck of these newest Princess vessels — more than you'll find on any other ship of comparable size, save for their earlier sisters in the Royal class.

The one big "attraction" that you will find on the top deck of Princess ships, always at the main pool area, is a giant Movies Under the Stars movie screen. A growing number of cruise ships now have movie screens on their pool decks, but Princess pioneered the concept.

The screens show movies, concerts and sporting events during the day, but at night they really shine. In a longtime Princess tradition, the line turns the main pool areas of its ships into outdoor movie theaters at night by reconfiguring lounge chairs to face the screen and bringing out blankets to ward off the evening chill. They even serve popcorn.

Some ships also feature basketball courts, miniature golf putting courses, shuffleboard games and ping-pong tables tucked into corners of their top decks.

Children's programs

While it doesn't draw as many families with young children as Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Princess offers an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents.

The Princess Youth and Teen centers were recently rebranded "Camp Discovery" as part of the line's partnership with Discovery Communications, and offer free, supervised activities daily for children ages 3-17.

The line splits children in the program into three age groups: the Treehouse (ages 3 to 7 years), the Lodge (ages 8 to 12 years) and the Beach House (ages 13 to 17 years). Each age group often has its own separate facilities on ships. On some ships, the age groups may be further divided based on available space.

Each group has its own age-appropriate activities, with newly revamped experiences designed to "help young Princess explorers learn, play and create fun memories."

While the free programming for children ages 3 to 12 ends at 10 p.m., you can pay extra to leave your kids at shipboard Youth and Teen centers past 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. During those hours, they're supervised in what is essentially a group child-sitting service.

The Youth and Teen centers also welcome children under the age of 3 if they are accompanied by an adult.

Related: The 12 cruise ships with the most spectacular attractions at sea

What to know before you go

Required documents.

A passport is required for all international itineraries, including sailings to Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, India, Central and South America, Panama Canal (partial and full transit), Caribbean voyages that visit Martinique or Guadeloupe, South Pacific, Tahiti and World Cruises.

If you're a U.S. citizen, you don't need a passport for many domestic itineraries (including Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico sailings). You can instead travel with an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, are also acceptable. That said, Princess strongly recommends that all travelers bring a passport.

Passports must be valid for at least six months. The name on your reservation must be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Princess adds an automatic service gratuity of $16 to $18 per person per day to final bills, depending on your cabin category. If you are unhappy with the service you receive, you can adjust this amount at the Guest Services desk before disembarking. (You can also increase the tip amount if so desired.) Also, an 18% gratuity is added to bills at bars, dining room wine accounts and spas.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on a cruise ship

Princess has been rolling out faster Wi-Fi systems with land-like speeds across its fleet in recent years, such that you now can stream video on some ships. Pricing changes over time, but the line recently charged $9.99 per day to hook up a single device. In February 2023, the rate for a single device is scheduled to rise to $15.

The faster Princess Wi-Fi system is called MedallionNet, and it's one of several technological upgrades that Princess is rolling out to ships under an umbrella called MedallionClass. MedallionClass also brings expedited embarkation, keyless cabin entry, on-demand food and beverage delivery, and the ability to locate friends and family on board — all via several apps for mobile devices and a Princess-issued medallion that passengers carry while traveling.

Related: Wi-Fi on ships really is getting better

Carry-on drinks policy

Princess allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per person onto ships at boarding at no charge (for consuming in your room; you'll be charged a $15 corkage fee if you want to bring it to an onboard restaurant or bar to drink). You can bring even more bottles of wine on board, but you will pay a $15 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking policy

On all ships, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is only allowed in designated outdoor areas and in cigar lounges, designated sections within nightclubs and at designated slot machines within casinos (for those who are playing). It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. Passengers caught smoking in their cabins will be charged a $250 fine per occurrence. One exception to the above rule is that e-cigarettes are allowed in cabins (but not on cabin balconies).

Princess ships have self-serve launderettes on cabin decks with washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. There's a $3 per load charge to use a washer or dryer. The launderettes also have vending machines that dispense small boxes of detergent and water softener at $1.50 per box. In addition, vessels offer extra-charge laundry and dry cleaning services.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

All vessels have standard North American-style, 110-volt outlets in rooms, and some also have European-style, 220-volt outlets and USB ports in cabins.

The currency used on most Princess itineraries is U.S. dollars. The exceptions are select sailings on ships based in Australia, where pricing is listed in Australian dollars. All vessels operate on a "cashless system," with any onboard purchases you make posting automatically to your onboard account. You'll receive a medallion that you can use to make charges. This same card or medallion also is what lets you into your cabin.

Drinking age

You must be 21 to consume alcohol on many Princess itineraries. The exceptions include sailings between ports in Europe, China, Australia and New Zealand, and Singapore, where the drinking age is 18. For cruises between Japan ports, the drinking age is 20.

During the day, there is no specific dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, that means looking like you're going to the beach — T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, there is an official dress code that is enforced when entering restaurants. Most nights are designated "smart casual," which Princess takes to mean pants and an open-neck shirt for men and skirts and dresses or slacks for women.

Beach attire, shorts, baseball caps and casual jeans (think the fraying kind or those with holes) are not allowed. One or more nights per cruise, depending on the cruise length, will be designated as a "formal" night when men are expected to turn out in dark suits with a tie or even a tuxedo. The suggested attire for women on such nights is evening gowns or cocktail dresses.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Princess Cruises' loyalty program

Princess has a four-tier frequent cruiser program, the Captain's Circle, that is worth joining for the perks — if you're willing to bear with its convoluted tier qualifying structure.

You reach the first tier, Gold, by taking a single cruise. However, from there, you move to each successive tier either by accruing a certain number of "cruise credits" (which aren't necessarily the same as the number of cruises you've taken) or by sailing a certain number of days.

To reach the Ruby level, for instance, requires three cruise credits (more on those in a moment) or 30 days on Princess ships. Platinum status kicks in after five cruise credits or 50 days on ships.

Related: The Princess loyalty program in detail

In most cases, members earn one cruise credit for every cruise they take. However, members who book a suite or travel solo in a cabin meant for two will receive two cruise credits for the voyage. The number of cruise credits you have earned is thus often the same as the number of cruises you have taken, but not always.

As is typical with cruise line loyalty programs, lower tiers don't bring all that much in terms of truly valuable benefits. You'll receive things like an invite to a private party (at the Gold tier) and a free upgrade to your travel insurance package when buying it through the line (at the Ruby tier). However, higher levels of the program start to be enticing.

The second-to-highest tier, Platinum, brings such perks as priority check-in and boarding, and a free internet package.

The top Elite level (15 cruise credits or 151 cruise days) adds such things as an exclusive window to preview and book new itineraries, priority ship-to-shore water shuttle service, complimentary laundry and a complimentary minibar setup.

Members at all tier levels get access to special pricing on certain cruises. They also receive a monthly newsletter and membership pin.

Note that, in contrast to airline frequent flyer programs, cruise line loyalty programs do not require you to requalify for status every year. So, yes, the perks with lower tiers aren't great. However, it's not as difficult as it might at first seem to hit the more rewarding higher-level tiers in just a few years if you're cruising a lot.

A Princess passenger staying in suites will hit the Platinum level after just three cruises. The top Elite level is reachable within just eight cruises for someone staying in suites.

Related: The TPG guide to cruise line loyalty programs

How much does a Princess cruise cost?

Princess ships are very reasonably priced. They're not the least expensive vessels out there, but they're not pricey by any means. It's possible to find Princess voyages to the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico starting under $100 per person, per night, including all taxes and fees — at least in the offseason.

As of the date of this story's posting, for instance, seven-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to the Eastern Caribbean in May started at just $571 per person, not including taxes and fees of $140. That works out to just $102 per night, per person, with taxes and fees for a package that includes your lodging, transportation and meals.

As you might expect, pricing for ships will generally be lower during offseason periods such as September, October, November (not including Thanksgiving week) and parts of December.

When you book can also matter. Cruises book up much further in advance than airplanes or hotels. Many cruisers will tell you that the best pricing for any given sailing is often available when cruises first go on sale (which can be a good two years before a departure). Booking far in advance also gives you the best chance of getting your preferred cabin type and location on a ship.

Once on board a Princess ship, you'll pay extra for most drinks, extra-charge restaurants, spa services, shore excursions, internet service and a few other things — unless you've bought a package for some of these items in advance.

Specifically, the line recently unveiled new bundle pricing for extra-charge items such as gratuity fees, Wi-Fi fees and a few other fees for onboard items if passengers pay for them in advance.

The line's new Princess Plus plan gives passengers pre-paid gratuities, a single-device Wi-Fi plan and a basic beverage package for a bundled price of $50 per person per day.

The line also recently launched an enhanced version of the above plan called Princess Premier, which adds a photo package and two free meals at restaurants that normally have an extra charge. The Princess Premier plan costs $75 per person per day.

Most onboard activities, such as theater shows, are included in the fare.

Related: 15 ways that first-time cruisers waste money on a cruise

How to book

If you're sure you know what sort of cabin you want, on which ship, on which itinerary — and about a dozen other things — you can head over to Princess.com to make a booking directly.

That said, given the complexity of booking a cruise — there are a lot of decisions to make during the booking process, trust us — we recommend that you use a seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises.

A good travel agent will quiz you about your particular interests, travel style and preferences, and steer you to the perfect cruise line, ship, itinerary and cabin for you. They can also help you if something goes wrong just before, during or after your voyage.

If you're sure that Princess is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Princess cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins first hand.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

Whether you use a travel agent or not, make sure to maximize your credit card points when paying for the cruise by using a credit card that offers extra points for travel purchases . This could be the Chase Sapphire Reserve , which offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and dining (excluding the annual up-to-$300 travel credit). There's also the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which brings 2 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel and 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on dining.

Bottom line

Princess offers big, amenity-filled ships that are comfortable and classy, at an affordable price.

If you're looking for a lot of deck-top pizzazz — waterslides, go-kart tracks and the like — it's probably not the line for you. However, if you're on the hunt for not-too-expensive vessels that will take you to the farthest corners of the world in comfort, the ships of Princess should be on your shortlist.

It's also a great line if you're trying to put together a multigenerational trip, as its ships are designed to appeal to a wide range of age groups.

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All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

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The Complete Guide to Princess Cruises

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Table of Contents

About Princess Cruises

What’s included in a princess cruise, princess cruises loyalty program: captain’s circle.

Princess Cruises is a U.S. cruise line owned by Carnival Corp., which also owns and operates other lines including Carnival, Holland America and Cunard.

First launched in 1965, Princess Cruises offers passengers the opportunity to sail all over the world, including to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.

Here’s a quick overview of some of Princess Cruises' key features.

Cabin types: Princess Cruises ships feature room types that are standard across most cruise lines. These include interior, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite and suite rooms. Princess Cruises’ inside rooms are contemporary and well-furnished, as are its higher-end offerings. 

Main U.S. routes: You’ll find Princess Cruise ships throughout the U.S., though routes are heavily season-dependent. Look for Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and for destinations along the West Coast, out of Los Angeles.  

Loyalty program: Captain’s Circle is the name of Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, which provides elite benefits based on how much you’ve cruised with the line. 

Princess Cruises destinations

Princess Cruise offers a large array of itineraries and destinations. Its sailings range in length from two-day getaways to a 116-day journey that travels around the globe, and it stops in seven continents and 330 ports of call.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

Princess Cruises prices

Princess ships tend to be a little more upscale than some other options, which means it can be more expensive to travel on one. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be paying luxury prices.

Prices for rooms can vary dramatically based on when you travel. The cost is higher during the holidays. For example, a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale can cost as little as $548 for an interior room. However, if you’re traveling during the winter holidays, the price skyrockets up to $1,178 for the same room.

What is the best Princess cruise ship?

There are a total of 15 vessels on this cruise line, with two more ships planned for sailings in 2024 or later.

Many of the line’s ships score well with reviewers, including the Discovery Princess ship, which is one of six Royal Class vessels. These vessels feature a larger atrium (the social hub of the ship), private poolside cabanas, a glass-bottomed over-water SeaWalk and more staterooms with balconies.

» Learn more: How to plan a cruise in 6 steps

What is the newest Princess Cruises ship?

The Discovery Princess is the newest ship. It debuted in 2022 and can carry up to 3,660 guests. However, according to Princess Cruises news, the Sun Princess will soon take the title of newest ship with its inaugural voyage in 2024.

While most cruises include many services and amenities with the base fare, not everything comes at that rate. There are some extras that you may need to pay more for.

Here’s what comes with each fare package on a Princess cruise:

The Princess Standard fare includes your cabin, use of facilities, all meals, snacks and entertainment. 

The Princess Plus fare includes all the amenities of the Princess Standard fare but also provides Wi-Fi service to one device, crew gratuities, premium beverages (including most alcoholic drinks), fitness classes, food delivery and two nights of dining at a casual sit-down restaurant.

The Princess Premier package includes all of the above, with Wi-Fi available on multiple devices, a superior drink package, two nights of specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, a photo package and reserved seating at shows. 

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

The Captain’s Circle is the loyalty program for Princess Cruises, and after you complete your first cruise, you’re automatically a member with Gold tier status.

Captain’s Circle levels

The Captain’s Circle levels are Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Here’s how to reach each tier as well as the benefits you’ll receive.

How to earn: Complete one Princess cruise. 

Best benefits: Preferential pricing, members-only events. 

How to earn: Complete three cruises or 30 cruise days.

Best benefits: Vacation protection upgrade, shoreside access to priority phone line.

How to earn: Complete five cruises or 50 cruise days. 

Best benefits: 50% off Wi-Fi package, priority boarding, early access to dining reservations, exclusive member lounge, 10% discount on spa treatments. 

How to earn: Complete 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. 

Best benefits: Early access to new itineraries, 10% off-shore excursions, complimentary mini-bar setup, complimentary laundry services, priority embarkation and disembarkation.

(Top photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

12 Reasons We Love Princess Cruises

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Over the years we’ve been on quite a few cruises, but we always get excited about cruising again with Princess Cruises. We just know that we’ll have a great time, with a combination of activities and relax time that fits our vacation style.

In this post, I’ll go through some of the best reasons to cruise with Princess, and what we really love and enjoy. Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what to expect if you’re thinking of booking a Princess Cruise in the future.

About Princess Cruises

Full disclosure: I LOVE “The Love Boat” and this is my bias 😉

Princess has been around for more than 50 years, and for many of us, they were our first introduction to “cruise life”.

THE LOVE BOAT

Do you remember the scenes and images?

Streamers and Bon Voyage Parties. That glamorous, but oh-so-friendly cruise experience that we watched every week. Fine dining, new friendship and love, and the best crew and ship staff!

“The Love Boat, promises something for everyone…” Did you sing it with me ;-)?

I know I’m totally dating myself. If you haven’t watched an episode, check them out on YouTube!

Fun facts: The original Pacific Princess and Island Princess were both the starring ships of the Love Boat TV show, 1977-1987. The original cast of the Love Boat are the the Godparents of the “new” Regal Princess.

Princess Cruises Today

While cruising has certainly changed and The Love Boat was a fictional TV show, Princess retains some of that nostalgia and romance, while actually being very modern and forward thinking.

We started cruising with Princess more than 10 years ago, both on our own as a couple, and with our kids when they were young, and later as teenagers. It’s crazy to think how our family grew up on Princess!

Now, Princess Cruises is a very modern cruise line, using the Ocean Medallion technology to uplevel the cruise experience. However the sense of tradition and elegance remain.

12 Things to LOVE about Princess Cruises

What makes Princess Cruises different? In this post I share 12 reasons we love to sail with Princess. I also include a recent video with 10 best things about Princess Cruises, if you’d like to know more.

Of course, this is subjective. Please let me know your own experience and what you enjoy most on a Princess cruise in the comments below.

1. Elegant Cruise Ships

Princess Ships are so elegant. A few years ago went on a wonderful cruise on the Regal Princess , and I can honestly say she’s the most beautiful ship we’ve cruised on.

Now, in all fairness, we haven’t been on every ship in the world, but I’m not kidding when I say that she gleamed! I love the glamorous golds and crystal and glass highlights found throughout the Piazza. 

Beyond the Piazza, there’s attention to detail on the pool decks and lounges and other public spaces. Princess just has really beautiful cruise ships.

2. The Piazza

While other cruise lines have atriums, Princess Cruises has a Piazza. This center area in the middle interior of the ship house bars, shops, guest services and casual restaurants.

What makes it unique, is that it takes on a bit of a town square type of feel. This is where you can sit and meet others for a coffee or glass of wine. You can also see one of the many entertainers that will perform there throughout the week.

The Piazza is one of our favorite places to be on a Princess Cruise.

Whether we want to sit and watch one of game-show style contests, dance to an amazing live band, or just sit and read while drinking coffee on a rainy sea day (yup – did that) – the Piazza is cruise ship heaven.

Plus, the Piazza houses the well-loved International Cafe, an included restaurant on Princess cruises. At the International Cafe, you’ll find quick breakfast options, as well as lunch, snacks and delicious desserts.

The coffee at International Cafe is not included , however you can purchase a beverage package or opt for Princess Plus , which includes the Premium beverage package.

On certain ships, you’ll also have Alfredo’s Pizzeria , a casual sit down Italian restaurant that’s amazing! 

Aldredo’s info:   Alfredo’s Pizzeria: Menus and review

3. Princess Cruise Ship Cabin Design

The cruise cabin layout might be the most practical reason to love cruising with Princess. While not the largest or most luxurious staterooms I’ve ever seen, we LOVE the practical spacious design of these cabins.

When you enter the cabin, there’s a separate area which includes your washroom and a sort of open closet area, sectioned off from the main bedroom by the closet wall. There’s both shelving and loads of space for hanging cruise outfits. Plus, 2 full length mirrors.

This area feels spacious and makes a perfect dressing area when getting ready in the evening especially.

I like to hang my clothes as much as possible while on a cruise, and there is so much room for both clothes and shoes. As a bit of an over-packer, this takes some of the cruise packing stress away ;-).

4. Princess Cruise Food (YUM!)

In my opinion, Princess has some of the best food at sea . In particular, we love the casual food options.

From the International Cafe in the Piazza, to the Pizza by the pool, and everything in between. It is so good!

There are even special food experiences (that are actually included with your cruise fare) like the British Pub Lunch on sea days. We look forward to the fish and chips and prawns and chips every cruise!

For more detailed information about the food on Princess, as well as other tips specific to Princess Cruises, bookmark this post to read for later:  Princess Cruises: 15 Best Tips for First Timers

5. Princess Movies Under the Stars

Did you know that Princess Cruises were the originators of the Movies Under the Stars experience, also known as MUTS? While many cruise ships today have a big screen by the pool, in my opinion, Princess does outdoor movies better than anyone.

With Princess, MUTS is an experience. The pool deck transforms at night as lounge chairs are covered with Movies Under the Stars chair coverings. Cozy blankets are provided, popcorn is ready, plus, there’s amazing pizza at almost an arm’s reach.

I LOVE Princess Pizza (who doesn’t?).

Catching a movie on the pool deck under the stars is a great entertainment option when you’re not feeling up to one of the theater shows or a disco.

Give it a try on your next Princess cruise – it may become one of your favorite cruise ship activities . You never know ;-).

6. Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion

As Princess Cruises return to service, all ships in the fleet are now MedallionClass, which means you’ll have the Ocean Medallion and Medallion Net.

The Ocean Medallion is a wearable disk that replaces the cruise card, however it does quite a lot more. It adds a lot of convenience to the cruise experience, and helps you to stay connected with the people you’re traveling with.

On top of this, there’s an entertainment component to Ocean Medallion in interactive games, interesting original programming, as well casino games.

We first experienced Ocean Medallion on the Regal Princess and enjoyed it (especially Find Your Shipmates – our story here if you’re curious why , lol.)

Read about the latest updates to Ocean Medallion here .

7. Medallion Net (Cruise Ship Internet)

Through the technology upgrades to the Princess cruise ships, it’s also facilitated internet connectivity that’s fast, reliable and reasonably priced. If you’re a cruiser, you know how this seemed impossible just a couple of years ago.

More info and FAQ’s about Ocean Medallion? Check THIS popular post.  

8. Princess Lido Decks and Pools

One of the things we really love when we cruise with Princess, is the pool and deck space. Now, I know everyone is different, and not everyone who cruises loves to hang out by the pool.

But I live in Canada where are seasons are winter, pre-winter, post-winter, and about 8 weeks of summer in a good year – so when I go on a cruise vacation, I NEED my Vitamin Sea and D ;-).

We love relaxing by one of the gorgeous Princess pools. Whether it’s the aft or Terrace pool on the Crown Princess, the adult only Retreat pool on Regal Princess, or one of the main pools on any Princess ship where we can hear the calypso band play while drinking Pina Coladas, they are awesome!

Most Princess cruise ships have 3-4 pools, and ample deck chairs all along the lido and top decks. I love not having to even worry about the dreaded “chair hogs” .

If you enjoy your sea days by the pool, you’ll love cruising with Princess!

9. Princess Romance: The Love Boat, Vow Renewals and More

Perhaps it’s just in their DNA, but Princess Cruises are romantic!

Did you know you can get married at sea by a Princess Cruise Captain? If that’s not possible, perhaps a vow renewal at sea?

Vow renewals

While you can opt for a very special, intimate vow renewal ceremony (check your cruise personalizer for details – I’ve heard it’s wonderful), you might want to join in one of the group vow renewals that appear to be happening on several Princess Cruise ships.

I can’t recall this in past years, but my parents were recently on a beautiful Mediterranean cruise on the Emerald Princess, and raved about the group vow renewal which was done in the Piazza.

This wasn’t something they planned, but it was really meaningful to them. They have their certificate and took photos, and messaged us all back home from the ship. It’s a very special memory.

I hope one day to be able to do this… I wonder if it’s on every cruise ship? If you’re aware, please let me know in the comments below.

The Love Boat

Did you know that Princess Cruises is going for the world’s record for the “World Largest Renewal of Wows Ceremony at Sea” during a cruise on February 9-16 (Valentine’s day – see… romance!?!).

It will be officiated by The Love Boat’s Gavin McLeod, AKA Captain Stubing and Jill Whelan, AKA Vicki, the Captain’s daughter, who will be matron of honor to the Princess couples.

I so love this!! If only I had more vacation time….

*Update – this did happen and was said to be wonderful! It was before the pause in cruising of course.

Balcony Dining

Although there are many romantic experiences that can be had on your Princess Cruise , having breakfast or dinner set up and served to you and your love, on your private balcony… WOW!

Just imagine… now that’s romantic!

10. Princess Value

When we looked at cruise vacation options, even when our children were young, we always considered the value.

In the early years, we used to joke we were cruising on a camping budget. We drove to cruise ports when we could (still do as I don’t love to fly), took inside cabins, and budgeted for once-a-year cruises.

We truly believe that vacations and travel experiences are important and meaningful and lived this with our family.

We looked at the overall value, which meant that Princess wasn’t always the cheapest option. But for us, we always felt we got more than our money’s worth for our vacation dollars.

Even today, Princess offers quite a lot included in their cruise fare. If you’re not a super fan of the “nickel and diming”, I think you’ll appreciate this.

Room service

For instance, room service is included with Princess. I love this! It’s a little luxury that can actually be super convenient on port days and even for late night snacks for the teen boys and hubby.

Fair shore excursion pricing

One thing we don’t do, is skimp on shore excursions and experiences. Now, this doesn’t mean that we never DIY in a port when we can, or that we don’t sometimes use a local tour operator.

However, there are times when we prefer to have the reassurance of using a ship sponsored excursion, and we find Princess’ tours to be reasonably priced.

Plus, when you do find the same excursion with another tour operator online for less, Princess has a Best Shore Excursion Price Guarantee and will actually match the lower price and refund you an additional 10% of the difference as an OBC .

Past passenger benefits/Captain’s Circle Program

The loyalty program on Princess is generous, with some of the best perks, in my opinion, for past passengers.

From past passenger discounts even in early membership tiers, growing to free internet minutes, free mini-bar and complimentary laundry services at higher tiers. If you’re cruising with kids, Princess extends loyalty benefits to young cruisers as well.

Truthfully, I could go on and on about ways to get extra OBCs, the quality food and entertainment that’s included… but I have all that info in this blog post :  Princess Cruises: 15 Best Tips for First Timers

If you’re cruising with Princess for the first time, or even if you’re already a Princess fan and want to make sure you know all the tricks, it’s a must-read (if I do say so myself lol). I’ll leave a link at the end of this post as well.

11. Princess Cruises Multi-generational Travel

If you’re a family planning a large group cruise, I can’t recommend Princess highly enough. The fact is, Princess truly has something for everyone.

We celebrated my parents 50th anniversary with a Caribbean cruise over New Year’s with family and friends ages 7-75.

The kids had a blast in the kid’s club as well as participating in family activities, like scavenger hunts and family movies. The teens loved the cool, relaxed vibe of the teen club where they could come and go as they pleased, but also have organized parties in the disco and hot tub nights.

Adults enjoyed trivia, being part of a fashion show on board, participating in painting class, hanging out by the pool eating nachos and drinking Mango Coladas (oh that’s me;-).

If you’re thinking about a way to travel with a large group of people, this is the way to go!

Read our review:  Princess Cruises New Year’s Eve Multi-Generational Cruise Review

What Makes Princess Cruises Special?

In this video we share 10 things that we, and many cruisers love about sailing with Princess Cruises. If you enjoy cruise related content, please consider subscribing to our channel, Life Well Cruised, on YouTube .

12. Friendly Crew

Finally, this probably goes without saying, but the Princess Cruises crew are friendly and accommodating. It’s nice to be on holiday and really feel so taken care of, and… ok this sounds corny, but a little bit like family.

We experienced this feeling on our last cruise, even when chatting with the musicians on board (who were so fabulous btw!!). There was a feeling of genuine friendliness.

We always know that when we cruise with Princess, we feel at home.

Recap: 12 Top Reasons to Cruise with Princess Cruises

In this post, we’ve gone over some of the best things about cruising with Princess. As a premium cruise line, Princess Cruises offers a good quality cruise experience, with beautiful ships, great food, and quality entertainment for a wide variety of cruisers.

*Here are the links I mentioned in this blog post, as well as some NEW Princess Cruises information. If you’re going on a Princess Cruise in the near future, these will be helpful to plan your cruise .

• Princess Cruises: 15 Best Tips for First Timers
• 21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion
• Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion: Updates & New Features 2021
• Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)
• Princess Cruises Alfredo’s Pizzeria; the Best Pizza at Sea
• Regal Princess Cruise Review; A Back to Back Holiday Sailing
• Princess Cruises New Year’s Eve Multi-Generational Cruise Review
• 9 Reasons To Be Excited To Cruise on the Regal Princess
• Princess Cruises: What Food is Included and What’s Extra?

Are you planning a Princess cruise or have you cruised with Princess in the past? What do you like best or are you most looking forward to? 

Happy Cruising!!

P.S. If you’ve enjoyed this, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-)! Please share it with a friend, on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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I agree with you. We have sailed with a few other cruise lines and, even one cruise ship was a former Princess ship, but we have realized that our loyalty to Princess has been well-earned by their staff and policies. That said, # 13 for me (and my veteran and military clients) is that Princess provides OBC for active and retired military and veterans which I have not seen from other cruise lines. That speaks volumes for Princess Cruises, in my humble opinion.

Hi Claudia,

Thanks so much for mentioning the Military and Veterans benefits. I agree it is wonderful that Princess does this on a regular basis and definately a good point for people to know. I’ll actually go into my 15 Tips for First Time Princess Cruisers and make sure that I’ve highlighted this.

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment

Oh my goodness!!! I was an employee on the Emerald on my last contract and I REMEMBER SEEING YOUR PARENTS!! They are so cute!!! Bless them 🙂

Awe! Thanks for letting me know. I hope you’re doing ok during this time and are well. Bless you for all you do for each one of us!

What a delightful review, Ilana!

I agree completely! We are currently very eagerly looking forward to boarding the Sky Princess just five weeks from today! And to date, our past two cruises aboard the Regal Princess have established her as our favorite ship at sea — so far. 🙂

We have tried other lines, with mixed results. Celebrity was nice, but we didn’t ‘connect’ with the warmth and ‘personality’ you’ve described here with Princess (There really is a kind of ‘family’ or ‘at-home’ feeling on Princess that’s hard to describe.). NCL was ‘okay’. (Funny thing is, that was our first cruise, and we picked them because my wife is from Norway. So we assumed there would be at least some Norwegians, and some ‘Norwegian flavor” aboard. My wife and the Captain were the only ones! And he wasn’t at all friendly or engaging…) :'( Carnival is a ‘never again’ — the drunken frat-party scene wasn’t our tribe, and the tacky, garish ship’s decor didn’t please. We are looking forward to giving HAL a try with a cruise we have booked deep into the Eastern Caribbean a year from now aboard the Nieuw Statendam. While we imagine we will really enjoy that ship, we don’t imagine it supplanting Princess as our ‘cruising home’…

As a veteran, I especially appreciate Princess’ generosity in that regard. I have noted fare-discounts at booking, in addition to fairly substantial OBC. I was a little surprised at a complete lack of any such offerings when booking our upcoming HAL cruise. Not complaining, mind you. But just one more feather in Princess’ cap! It is nice to feel appreciated.

I sincerely love the amazing balance Princess strikes with Elegance, Beauty, Community Spaces (such as the Piazza), Quiet Getaways (Retreat, Sanctuary, Enclave, Vines, Wheelhouse, many hidden nooks with seating here and there, and of course your BALCONY!), as well as Enjoyable Activities and Entertainment. So far, Princess easily strikes the best balance to please our preferences — and handily provides the very finest return on our vacation dollar that we can imagine!

Again, thanks for such a delightfully informative blog!

Wow, I loved reading your comments about your Princess experiences! I smiled the whole time!!

Thank you as well for your kind words. I’m letting me husband know that I’m delightfully informative. I love it!

Have a great upcoming cruise! I’d love to hear your thoughts on HAL in the future. I’ve heard a lot of good things.

I love that Princess has a laundromat on every deck! Such a savings when we can wash a few times during a cruise!

Very handy! Thanks Bev

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Home » Cruise » Princess Cruises » Everything You Need to Know About Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience

Everything You Need to Know About Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience

If you are planning a cruise, read our guide to everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises MedallionClass experience.

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Disclaimer: We were hosted guests of Princess Cruises on Discovery Princess; however, as always, all opinions are our own. To make guests’ cruise vacations as effortless and contactless as possible, Princess Cruises has introduced its MedallionClass Experience fleetwide. This technological advancement is designed to make every aspect of your cruise vacation easier. From the pre-cruise check-in, to the embarkation process, to daily activities while on your cruise, a simple wearable device and connected technologies (smartphone app, portals throughout the ship, and stateroom televisions) allow you to customize and maximize your Princess cruise vacation. In this post, we detail everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises MedallionClass experience so you can have the best vacation possible.

What is the Princess Cruises MedallionClass and the Wearable Medallion?

The Princess Cruises’ fleet is outfitted with MedallionClass technology, similar to geolocation technology, that allows for a host of features to enhance your cruise with a more personalized level of service.

All this is possible with two simple elements, a smartphone app (or other connected technologies on the ship) and a small wearable device called the Medallion.

Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Princess Medallion

The Medallion is a free wearable device provided to all guests cruising with the brand. It is personalized with your name and sail date, and it makes for a great keepsake.

This medallion essentially replaces the traditional cruise ship key card. Further, it is waterproof, heat resistant, and does not require charging. It can also be worn in a variety of ways making it convenient for everyone.

The Medallion comes in a complimentary lanyard. Or, you can purchase additional accessories like a clip, watch band, or pendant for varying prices. You can also pay for an upgraded medallion with various logos, designs, and even your favorite NBA team if you wish.

Guests residing in the United States can have the Medallion and accompanying accessories mailed to their homes prior to their cruises, or they can retrieve them at the cruise terminal during the check-in process.

This Medallion works in conjunction with the MedallionClass smartphone app. So, you should download this app to your phone prior to sailing with Princess Cruises.

However, those who are not tech-savvy or don’t want to take their phones around the ship can still enjoy the MedallionClass experience by utilizing portals around the ship or their stateroom televisions.

Don’t worry, you can still use the app and its functionality even if you do not purchase an internet package. Simply put your phone in airplane mode and connect to the ship’s MedallionNet WiFi.

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How Does the Princess Cruises MedallionClass Elevate the Cruise Experience?

A Princess Cruises MedallionClass vacation begins as soon as you book your cruise. You can begin to personalize your cruise by downloading the MedallionClass app or utilizing the web version equivalent.

Once you have made your final payment on the trip, you can begin to get OceanReady. This process entails uploading travel documents like your passport, a security photo, and ordering your Medallion. You can also add any food allergies, accessibility needs, or other customizations to your Ocean Profile.

During the check-in process, you will choose an arrival time to allow for a staggered embarkation process. Once “ocean ready”, you can proceed to the “green lane” at the terminal on embarkation day. This expedited embarkation allows for a contactless and streamlined boarding process. This way, you can board the ship quicker and get your vacation started sooner.

Like many cruise lines, Princess Cruises has also implemented a digital muster drill. This mandatory safety briefing can now be completed primarily on your phone (or stateroom television) on embarkation day. Simply watch the required video, make a quick visit to your muster station, and listen to the ship-wide announcement.

While some of the app’s functionality is available pre-cruise, you won’t fully appreciate all the MedallionClass features until you are onboard the ship. It truly is a “smart ship”.

Perhaps one of the best technological features is keyless stateroom entry. That’s right, there is no need to insert or swipe a card to enter your stateroom. Through the use of sensors, your Medallion will activate the keyless entry system as you approach the room, and the small screen outside your cabin door will welcome you home.

OceanCompass

This technology allows for other features as well. When you walk up to the International Café to get your morning coffee, the staff will greet you by name. It’s also an easy way for staff to identify you are the person linked to the Medallion.

With the use of OceanCompass, you can also find your shipmates’ locations. While this can initially sound a little creepy, it can be a great tool to easily stay connected to your travel party (or newly made friends) while on the ship. Unless, you don’t want your spouse to know you are in the casino again! (Don’t worry, you can hide your location.)

You can even message each other in the app without paying for WiFi.

The OceanCompass feature also provides a point to point wayfinding system and digital deck plans, so you can easily locate venues and even get step by step directions to help you get here. This feature is available in the app as well as on certain digital portals throughout the ship.

Lounging by the pool and want to order a drink? Doing work on your balcony and want to order some lunch? You can do all this and more with the Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience.

With OceanNow, you can order food and drinks from an on-demand menu, and staff will deliver them to your exact location on the ship, with no delivery service fee. There are several complimentary food items as well as some up-charge items. The drinks are included in the Premier beverage package as well.

Further, you can order more than just food and beverages. You can request extra towels delivered to your stateroom or various other merchandise and services. The app will also provide real-time updates to let you know when your order is on its way.

You can even chat with crew via CrewCall Chat instead of visiting Guest Services.

The OceanNow section in the app, also allows you to custom your Dine My Way. With this feature, you can choose to reserve the same dining time each night or book individual reservations. This allows you to choose different dining times, different dining venues, and different dining parties. Also, you have the option to dine at a private table or a table with other guests.

JourneyView

The JourneyView section of the Princess Cruises MedallionClass app allows you to view the daily activities and to bookmark your favorites in an interactive timeline format. From gameshows and events in Princess Live!, to signature performances in the main theater, classes, Movies Under the Stars, and more, you can review all of the day’s highlights right from your smartphone (or ship portal) instead of carrying around a paper copy of the Princess Patter.

Related Post: Is Princess Plus Worth It?

MedallionPay

With the MedallionPay feature, guests not only have access to contactless payment on the ship but also while ashore, allowing for secure transactions in ports of call.

In select destinations, you can use your Medallion to make purchases at participating shops, restaurants, and bars. This new feature even includes 7% back on shoreside purchases as onboard credit. If you do not spend it all during your trip, it will be converted to Future Cruise Credit.

MedallionPay currently is available in St. Thomas, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, and Puerta Vallarta. More destinations and merchants are being added in the near future, including Alaska ports of call.

Further, you can easily monitor your family’s spending and onboard account balance.

PlayOcean gives guests access to free games, both on their devices and on the digital screens throughout the ship. From Trivia on Deck to Games Under the Stars, these are activities that the whole family can enjoy.

With this feature, you can also create your very own Ocean Tagalong. This digital avatar will display on the portals throughout the ship for more interactive fun. You can even take a selfie with your customized digital companion!

OceanCasino

While PlayOcean might be fun for the little ones, adults might enjoy OceanCasino. If you like gambling but would rather avoid the crowds in the casino, this app is for you. Once onboard the ship, you can play slots, poker, bingo, and even sports betting from anywhere on the ship. Yes, you can wager for real money.

The OceanView feature allows guests to access free movies and tv shows, as well as Ocean Originals from anywhere on the ship (or their stateroom television). These Ocean Originals include GO. highlighting bucket list destinations, Ocean Treks taking you on various adventures with Jeff Corwin, Good Spirits highlighting the cocktails, food, and culture of destinations, and many more.

What Is MedallionNet WiFi?

Princess Cruises claims to have the “Best WiFi at Sea”, its MedallionNet service.

This is achieved by accessing multiple satellites at any point in time to minimize the distance from ship to satellite and minimize the impacts of weather and geographical features.

Now, you do not need to purchase MedallionNet to enjoy all the other features of Princess Cruises MedallionClass experience. However, if you are like most modern day travelers who want to stay connected, you will need to purchase this upgraded feature.

With MedallionNet WiFi, you can stay in touch with family back home, jump on a Teams or Zoom call for work (gasp!), check email or social media, and stream movies and music from anywhere on the ship. The WiFi also works on the cruise line’s private destination of Princess Cays.

While the price can vary, a full voyage, multi-device (up to 4 devices) unlimited plan for our recent cruise was $139.93 or $69.93 ($9.99 per day) for one device if purchased pre-cruise.

If you have status in Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, there are even further discounts.

Even better, WiFi is part of the Princess Plus fare!

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Our Final Thoughts on Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience

Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience is truly a game changer in the cruise industry! While other cruise lines have attempted similar concepts, Princess has been successful at rolling it out fleetwide.

We love not having to carry around a key card and the fact that the Medallion is wearable. The touchless cabin entry is extremely helpful, especially when you have your hands full with morning coffee or with beach gear after a long day ashore. The paperless transactions make ordering at the various onboard venues more efficient. Not to mention, the ability to order right from your smartphone app is extremely convenient. Also, we love the new digital muster drills.

While the Medallion itself works great, the MedallionClass app had some glitches during our cruise. Still, these technological advancements do help to make your cruise vacation more streamlined and personalized.

Did you find our guide on the Princess Cruises MedallionClass helpful? Have you sailed on a MedallionClass ship recently? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences sailing with Princess Cruises.

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Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

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Sail with ‘the love boat’ famous original tv cast on princess cruises.

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Feeling the love? Seas the day and time travel to yesteryear with future-forward Princess Cruises , when the original cast of TV’s iconic The Love Boat show—which aired for a decade on ABC; now streaming on Paramount Plus , Apple TV+ and other channels—sets sail from New York City on a round-trip voyage that anchors at picturesque ports in New England and Canada aboard the Enchanted Princess, August 31 - September 7, 2024 .

Original cast of The Love Boat.

This romance-themed rendezvous reunites actors Jill Whelan (whose role as Vicki Stubing, the ship captain’s daughter, was delightful), Bernie Kopell (as Doc), Fred Grandy (as purser Gopher) and Ted Lange (as bartender Isaac). They will interact with passengers at multiple events: a jubilant sail-away; a meet-and-greet, photo-and-autograph session; guests’ activities replete with prizes; and Q&A gatherings. There will also be a symbolic renewal of passengers’ wedding vows, officiated by the cast, with commemorative certificates.

Princess Cruises arranges wedding vow renewals.

In addition, classic comedy-drama episodes of The Love Boat will be shown at its Movies Under The Stars program outdoors on a gargantuan screen. The Love Boat trivia contests will be cheered. And cocktails to complement The Love Boat vibe will be toasted. Ezra Freeman, Princess Cruises’ real-life bartender who starred on The Real Love Boat —a reality-dating series that premiered on CBS in 2022; now streaming on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime —will join this spirited celebration.

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The Reel Thing: Movies Under the Stars poolside.

The Love Boat: A Top Travel Influencer

This popular series (from the 1970s and ‘80s) introduced millions of American TV viewers to cruising, propelling the rise of passenger ships by showcasing life on the high seas as a fun, festive, fashionable, family-friendly and romantic vacation choice. It transformed travel horizons. Episodes spotlit a lively array of well-known guest-star celebrities. Story lines varied, but plots always concluded happily, further solidifying its audience draw. Now in worldwide syndication, reaching more than 90 countries, original The Love Boat episodes have been translated into more than 30 languages.

Ship-Shape Interview: Jill Whelan

Actor Jill Whelan, who is now a Celebrations Ambassador for Princess Cruises, and I talked about her passion for sailing.

Laura Manske: Two years ago, Princess Cruises orchestrated its first The Love Boat theme reunion, which sailed the Mexican Riviera. There continues to be strong sentimentality for its original cast.

Jill Whelan: Anytime I get together with my cast mates, it’s like coming home because we’re family. I truly mean that. This will be our second theme cruise since 2022. We were all touched and overwhelmed by the incredible response from guests. Nostalgia for the show still gets people excited. Princess was the ocean-going co-star of The Love Boat. That is unique.

Manske: Your key anticipated moments with passengers ahead?

Whelan: Well, certainly our cast reunion in the Princess Theater, when we will share our favorite memories, laugh a lot and take questions from the audience. The renewal of vows we host is also incredibly sweet. So many couples renew their love for one another on The Love Boat . We get to play a part in their special day.

Jill Whelan (as Vicki Stubing) with the late Gavin MacLeod (as Captain Stubing), her TV dad.

Manske: You starred on The Love Boat aboard the Pacific Princess from the age of 11 onward.

Whelan: I was so young. Gavin MacLeod welcomed me with open arms and such warmth and love, as I was playing his daughter. Remember, I was coming into an already hit show and I was the youngest. So romance wasn’t a cornerstone of my storyline just yet. But Gavin made me feel at ease, as did all of the cast members. I remember trying to take it all in, learn from everyone who came on set and appreciate the places we visited on our Princess cruises.

Manske: How did the show influence your views about romantic love as a teen growing up with this series.

Whelan: I did have my first kiss on The Love Boat . Let’s just say it wasn’t as magical as I’d hoped. As Gavin always said: ‘The show gave people something to dream about.’ I did fall in love with the romance of the sea and connecting with people on vacation. I guess as any teenager would, I did have fantasies about falling in love and sailing off into the sunset. And that did happen for me when I met my husband, Jeff, in 2016. We can’t cruise enough these days. We absolutely love it!

Manske: Share something, perhaps surprising, that brings you joy.

Whelan: Many of the Princess ships’ horns play The Love Boat theme song. I hear people singing the theme song when I’m onboard—and it makes me smile.

Enchanted Princess.

The 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess ’s round-trip reunion itinerary from New York City includes days in Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Rockland, Maine; Saint John, Canada (for the Bay of Fundy); and Halifax, Canada.

The Love Boat reunion trip embarks and disembarks in New York City.

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Hannah Waddingham Shares This 'Beautiful Honor' with Princess Diana, Kate Middleton: 'Pinch Me' (Exclusive)

The ‘Ted Lasso’ star opened up to PEOPLE about being named Godmother of Princess Cruises’ newest and biggest ship ever, the Sun Princess

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Mackenzie Schmidt is the Home and Travel Editor for PEOPLE. She's worked at PEOPLE for over five years as a writer and editor on the Lifestyle team.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises

Hannah Waddingham is following in the footsteps of a few famous royals in her newest role.

The Ted Lasso star has officially been named Godmother of Princess Cruise Line 's new Sun Princess ship following its maiden voyage in February, PEOPLE can exclusively reveal. As part of the cruising tradition , the actress will take on the responsibility of “christening” the new ship with luck as it embarks on its many voyages across the high seas. 

Waddingham tells PEOPLE exclusively how meaningful it is to be the ship’s Godmother, especially because of the women who also share the same title.

“I couldn’t believe I have been asked to be a ship Godmother, having grown up around boats all my life and my grandfather was in the Atlantic Convoy in the Navy,” says the actress, who next stars in The Fall Guy . “To be asked to be a part of this beautiful honor is a ‘pinch me’ moment.”

Frazer Harrison/Getty; Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty; Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

She continues: “I am also honored to be in the esteemed company with previous Godparents to Princess Ships including Diana , Princess of Wales, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton , Audrey Hepburn , Martha Stewart , and many others.” 

The Emmy-nominated actress adds that a big “privilege and pleasure” for her as Godmother is sending the 4,300 guests that the ship can hold “on their way safely with a big hug.” 

James Morgan/Getty Images for Princess Cruises

The Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas actress has recently been celebrating a raucous awards season with her Ted Lasso co-stars after the beloved show's third season concluded  last May. Asked which character would be the biggest cruiser in real life, Waddingham says Ted ( Jason Sudeikis ) is the perfect fit. 

“I think Ted would be the biggest cruiser,” she says, adding that “his positive, warm, loving, can-do attitude” would thrive on the getaway and calls out "trivia in Princess Live" and "Spellbound by Magic Castle" as experiences the ever-optimistic soccer coach would easily get on board with.

The next potential cruise lover that comes to mind for Waddingham is Keely, played by Juno Temple , thanks to her “positive and warm disposition,” she says. 

She adds that the stars of the hit Apple TV+ sports comedy would be the best company on any group vacation — especially on a cruise. 

“Anywhere the cast of Ted Lasso goes, we would have the best kind of party! We would all be down for a party on a beautiful ship. We love each other so much we would have fun being trapped together in an elevator,” she jokes.  

The Sun Princess officially set sail on its 10-day maiden voyage through the Mediterranean on Feb. 28. The massive ship, which weighs 177,882 tons, departed from Rome and made stops in Naples; Crete, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; Athens; Sicily; Mallorca; and Barcelona. 

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As the largest ship in Princess Cruises history, the Sun Princess is equipped with eye-catching features like the glass Dome “inspired by the terraces of Santorini,” a press release from the cruise line states. 

In the suspended Sphere Atrium, guests can enjoy indoor/outdoor living and soak in stunning views of the endless ocean. Additional breathtaking features include the three-story main dining room, two-level Lotus Spa and the casino, which is the cruise line’s largest to date.

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'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]