carnival vs princess alaska cruise

Carnival vs Princess Cruise Lines Compared (Which is Best for You?)

If you’re looking to book a cruise, many options are available. Two of the most popular cruise lines are Princess and Carnival Cruise. Both have pros and cons, so it can be difficult to determine the best fit for you.

In this post, we compare carnival cruise vs princess cruise lines in a head-to-head and help you decide which one is right for you.

Princess vs Carnival Cruises Comparison

Regarding the onboard experience, both Princess and Carnival offer various activities and amenities. Both cruise lines have excellent dining options, pools, spas, gyms, and casinos.

Princess offers a more upscale experience with better quality food and more neutral decor.

Carnival is known for its bright decor and its all-around fun and lively atmosphere. Carnival is the way to go if you’re looking for a party at sea. 

When it comes to price, Carnival is the more affordable option. Carnival is a great choice if you’re working with a tight budget.

Princess cruise prices are typically higher priced, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting less bang for your buck, there are considered very good value for what you pay.

You’ll have to weigh up your priorities to decide which cruise line is the best value for you.

Below we compare the two cruise lines in more detail.

Who Owns Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines ?

The first thing to establish is who owns each of the cruise lines

Princess Cruises and Carnival cruise lines are owned by the same parent company, the British-American Carnival Corporation & plc, which owns 10 well-known cruise line brands, including Princess, Holland America, and P&O Cruises Australia, Costa Cruises, and AIDA Cruises.

However, each brand is designed to appeal to a different target audience. Princess is marketed as a more upscale and luxurious cruise line, while Carnival is considered more budget-friendly and focuses on fun.

Hence why Carnival cruise ships call themselves the “Fun Ships”!

So, which one should you choose? Let’s take a closer look at each cruise line and compare them.

Below is a table of bullet points to highlight which cruise line is generally more suited for the following categories.

Cruise Ships (Size and Ages of Fleet)

Ship sizes compared.

Carnival offers a wide range of large and mid-sized ships in their current fleet, with 23 in total compared to Princess cruise’s fleet of 18.

If you think larger, the better, Carnival comes out ahead with their newest vessels, Carnival Celebration (2022) and sister ship Carnival Mardi Gras (2020), Both of which come in at up 183,000 tonnes and can hold over 5000 passengers each.

The tonnage of the next largest Carnival ships (Panorama, Horizon, Vista, Breeze, Magic, and Dream)are similar to Princess Cruises’ largest vessels (SkyPrincess, Enchanted, Discovery, Majestic Princess, Royal, and Regal Princess). 

We do this to highlight another size tother factor: there are a lot more passengers on Carnival ships compared to similar size vessels in the Princess fleet. 

Princess has the highest passenger-to-space ratio of not just Carnival but also its other main competitor Royal Caribbean.

Therefore you can expect the Princess cruise experience, in general, to be a lot less crowded.  If you prefer a bit of downtime or quieter moments, you are likelier to find them on Princess.

Carnival cruises can feel cramped for some passengers, especially at busy times.

Carnival cruises’ fleet is, on average, around 14 years old. The newest Carnival ships are the Celebration (2022), Mardi Gras (2020), and Panorama (2019).

The oldest vessels in their fleet include the Carnival Sunshine (1996) (formerly Destiny), Carnival Elation (1998), and Carnival Paradise (1998), (Carnival Elation and Paradise are also the smallest carnival cruise ships ).

When booking an older vessel, it’s always worth checking to see if it has been upgraded in the last 5 years and checking reviews to see what other passengers have thought of their experience.

In contrast, the average age of a Princess cruise ship is 17 years old. The

In contrast, Princess Cruises’ fleet average is around 12 years old.

The newest ships in their fleet are the  Discovery Princess (2022),  Enchanted Princess (2021), and Sky Princess (2019).

Their oldest vessels include the Grand Princess (2019), Coral Princess (2002), and Island Princess (2003).

As of 2022, all Princess cruise ships older than 5 years had been refurbished within the last 5 years.

Regarding decor, the two cruise lines could not be more different. Princess offers a more upscale and luxurious experience with better quality furnishings and materials throughout the ship.

The Princess cruise’s color scheme is very neutral and calming in its tones.

Carnival’s decor is still good quality, but it’s more fun, flashy and much brighter.  It’s often compared to a Vegas-style.

If your onboard experience is affected by the decor, this is a factor worth considering.

If you are superstitious, you’ll be pleased to know that neither Carnival nor Princess cruises have a deck 13.

Here we have covered some of the deck names both Carnival and Princess cruises use.

When it comes to service, you can expect to be treated more like a responsible adult on a Princess Cruise, which offers a more all-around refined experience.

For example, on a Carnival cruise, if you borrow a towel, you are responsible for returning it, or you’ll face a small charge.  On Princess, they’ll just lend you a towel, so if you lose it or someone mistakenly takes it, there’s no problem. They’ll get it back eventually.

Demographics

Carnival cruises are best suited to families and young couples or singles in their 20s and 30s looking for a party atmosphere.

Although whatever your age, if you are older and like to party you’ll like Carnival.

As with any party and the fun, you can also expect to see passengers who have had too much to drink, possibly being sick or even passed out.

If you are a solo traveler, we have some extra information on the best Carnival singles cruises .

On the other hand, Princess cruises are a better choice for an older, more mature crowd between 30 and 70 and families with children of all ages.

Princess cruises are also popular with older solo cruise travelers, typically over 50, who like to socialize and make new like-minded friends on their cruise. Although Princess cruises doesn’t particular cater towards the singles market.

Seasonality Variance

Princess Cruises expects to have many more kids on board during summer vacation. Whereas in January you can expect a lot more older people.

Seasonality doesn’t play such an important aspect on Carnival Cruises, and you can expect to find the same sort of crowd throughout the year.

Passenger Nationalities

Carnival attracts American cruisers, while Princess tends to have a more international flavor with passengers from the US, Britain, and other countries.

Princess Cruises vs Carnival Food and Drinks

Regarding food, Princess offers a more upscale experience with a broader range of better-quality dining options with specialty restaurants from around the world.   So although it mostly caters to the US markets, there are plenty of options for European passengers.

It’s particularly popular for its pizza from Alfredo’s Pizzeria and voted by many for offering the “Best Pizza at Sea.”

Princess, Slice, and Prego Pizzerias are also well worth checking out.

Carnival is still good regarding food, but it is more casual and heavily focused on the US market, offering your typical burger, chicken, and steak-like menus.

Both cruise lines offer buffets.

Some Carnival ships will have extra dining options for the more selective passenger.

Another difference that may appeal to some passengers is how much wine you can bring on cruise ships. Carnival restricts each passenger to just one bottle of wine. In contrast, Princess allows passengers to bring as many bottles of wine and champagne as they want, subject to a $15 fee for each bottle after the first free bottle.

Another difference is the drinking age s for cruises outside the US. Carnival maintains a flat minimum 21 years of age for drinking no matter where you are sailing. However, Princess Cruises allow 18 years to drink alcohol on their rest of the world cruises.

Activities / Pools/ Entertainment

Carnival cruise ships are renowned for their wide range of entertainment facilities, pools, and outdoor activities.

Carnival also offers a variety of stage shows, musicals, comedians, and other live entertainment to keep you entertained during your cruise.

If you’re looking for a more low-key onboard experience, Princess Cruises offers enrichment programs, cooking classes, art auctions, and wine tastings.

Pools on Carnival ships are typically larger and more numerous than those found on Princess’s vessels. 

Carnival offers outdoor activities such as waterslides, minigolf, and sports courts.

If you’re a fan of gambling, then Carnival cruise ships are the way to go as they offer a wide variety of gaming options.

Carnival’s casinos are typically much larger than those on Princess cruise ships.

When it comes to nightlife, you can expect the parties to be in full swing. Expect late-night DJ parties, a range of other decks, and various themed parties to be happening every night.

There’s also:

• Caribbean-themed pubs
• Comedy acts
• Well-known celebrity acts (comedians etc.)

On Princess ships, the nightlife is more subdued, with lower-key bars and lounges that close earlier than those on Carnival.

There’s live entertainment every evening and a range of cafes and bars to choose from to enjoy a cocktail or bottle of champagne.

Destinations / Itinerary in Group

Both Carnival and Princess Cruises offer various destinations to choose from when planning your cruise vacation.

Choose the cruise line that offers ports of call that interest you most.

Both lines also have a wide variety of itineraries, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Princess Cruises is considered particularly good for Alaska excursions.

Destinations offered by Carnival Cruises include:

• Australia and New Zealand
• Panama Canal
•  and the Carnival “Cruise to Nowhere”

Princess Cruises sail worldwide and offer cruises to:

• British Isles
• Mexican Riviera
• South Americ
• South Pacific

Private Islands

Carnival Corporation owns two private islands, Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay, which can be visited by certain cruise lines and ships in the fleets.

Princess Cays

Both Carnival and Princess cruises offer access to the privately owned island of Princess Cays.

However, only the Princess Cruise drinks package can be used on the island, whereas the Carnival cruise drinks package cannot be used.

Half Moon Cay

Of the two cruise lines, only Carnival ships offer visits to Half Moon Cayanother, privately owned island by  Carnival Corporation plc. This island is also used by Holland American cruise line.

Ports of Departures

The port’s location is an important factor to consider when choosing a cruise line.

Carnival departs from the following North American ports:

• Baltimore, MD
• Charleston, SC
• Galveston, TX
• Jacksonville, FL
• Long Beach, CA
• New Orleans, LA
• New York, NY
• Norfolk, VA
• Port Canaveral, FL
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA

From the UK, Carnival departs from these ports:

• Southampton

From Australia, Carnival departs from:

Princess cruises depart from the following North American ports:

• Anchorage, AK
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Los Angeles, CA
• San Diego, CA

From the UK, you can depart from:

(The same two UK ports as Carnival)

From Australia and New Zealand, you can depart from:

• Auckland (New Zealand) 

For Kids and Families

Both cruise lines have plenty on board to keep the kids entertained.

Both Carnival and Princess cruise ships have several supervised youth clubs and activity programs to keep them entertained. 

Carnival has Camp Ocean which splits into groups into ages:

• Penguins for ages 2 to 5
• Stingrays for ages 6 to 8
• Sharks for ages 9 to 11
• Circle “C” for ages 12 to 14
• Club O2 for ages 15 to 17

Carnival also offers babysitting services for an additional fee so that you can enjoy some time to yourselves.

Princess Cruises also have youth clubs and activity programs for kids. However, they are not as extensive as those offered by Carnival.

On Princess Cruises, kids are split into 3 activity age groups:

• The Treehouse for ages 3 to 7
• The Lodge for ages 8 to 12
• The Beach House for ages 13 to 17

Baby Sitting & Child Minding Services

Carnival cruise offers Camp Ocean for children between 2 to 5 years old.

The evening’s Carnival also offers the Night Owls babysitting service for children aged 6 months to 11 years old.   So parents can enjoy some time to themselves.

Princess Cruises offer group child minding services via Camp Discovery and, for older children, the Beach House Teen Lounge, which is open daily.

From 10 pm to 1 am, they offer group babysitting in the centers for kids between the ages of 3 and 11.

The dress code for a Carnival cruise is more casual than for a Princess cruise. You can expect to see people in shorts and t-shirts during the day, and jeans or nice slacks in the evening.  In short, the Carnival cruise dress code is about as casual as you can get.

On a Princess cruise, you’ll see people dressing up more for dinner, especially on formal nights when people might wear dinner jackets and tuxedos for men and elegant cocktail dresses, evening gowns, or pantsuits for women.

Carnival is the more affordable option. Carnival is a great choice if you’re working with a tight budget.

Princess cruise prices are typically higher, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting less bang for your buck. They are considered very good value for money.

You’ll have to weigh your other priorities to decide which cruise line is the best value for you based on the other criteria set out above and then work out which fits your budget.

Carnival or Princess First-Hand Video Comparision

Tony and his wife Jenny give an in-depth, honest, and thorough comparison breakdown across a wide range of categories with some great insights as to whether they think Carnival or Princess Cruises is the best cruise line of the two.

In Short : Carnival or Princess Cruise

In short, it quickly covers how a passenger might describe either a Carnival or Princess cruise in just one of two words to give you a quick impression of the comparable experiences to one another.

Carnival Cruise Pros :

• Fun, fun, fun

Princess Cruise Pros

• Comfortable
• Neutral colors

Is Princess Cruises owned by Carnival?

Princess Cruises is owned by the British-American Carnival Corporation & plc. This is the parent company that owns a total of 10 cruise lines, including both Carnival Cruise line and Princess Cruises.

Carnival Cruise line does not, therefore, own Princess Cruises, both are subsidiaries of Carnival Corporation, which does own Princess Cruises.

What is the difference between Princess and Carnival?

Princess is marketed as a more upscale and luxurious cruise line, while Carnival is considered more budget-friendly and focuses on fun.

Does Carnival own Princess Cruises?

Yes, Carnival owns Princess Cruises. They are both subsidiaries of the British-American Carnival Corporation & plc. 

Carnival or Princess Cruise for Alaska?

When it comes to a cruising to Alaska,  Princess comes out as a clear winner offering one of the best and largest cruise experiences in the region.  They offer more and wider itineraries;

Some Princess cruise ships have permission to sail in the Glacier Bay National Park.

While Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska, it’s not what they are best known for.

Carnival or Princess Cruises for Formal Nights

If you enjoy dressing smart for formal nights and like to see other guests dressing up too, then Princess would suit you better.  Carnival has a more relaxed dress code on formal nights, and some passengers may not dress up.

Is Princess Better Than Carnival for Families?

Both cruise lines are ideal for families. If you are a large family group who likes to enjoy yourself and not be conscious of whether you are making too much noise, then Carnival is the better option as the ships are generally a lot louder and crowded with other people also in fun mode.

Princess cruises are great for families, but they are generally calmer and quieter. 

Is Princess Cruise Better Than Carnival for Seniors?

In general, Princess cruises, passengers are typically a lot older than those sailing with Carnival, especially outside of the summer vacation months when there will be many more passengers in the 50 to 70 years of age range.

Carnival or Princess Cruises for the Caribbean?

The majority of the Carnival cruise itineraries are well known for Caribean cruises, especially with their affordable budget prices. 

Princess or Carnival – Which is Best for You?

Out of Carnival and Princess Cruises, there is no definite winner. It depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in a cruise, including factors we have covered above, where you want to go, your budget, food tastes, and the level of partying you are looking for.

However, if I had to summarize a Carnival Princess Cruise line comparison:

Princess is probably a better fit if you want a more luxurious experience .

Carnival is the way to go if you’re looking to save money and party hard.

Either way, rest assured you are in good company with both cruise lines.

Have you traveled on Carnival and Princess cruises? 

If so, feel free to share your opinions and insights in the comments.

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Carnival or Princess cruiselines to Alaska - Alaska Forum

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We are looking at a balcony room. We are in our 40s, ( no kids joining us) enjoy good entertainment, adventures and excursions, nature, food and yes even partying it up, but we enjoy quiet relaxing time too.

So, let me hear your thoughts on cruises you may have done with Carnival or Princess. Pros and cons. How was the staff. The rooms, the cleanliness, etc. Any tips or recommendations? I know both lines are owned by Carnival, but I also know there remains many differences between the two.

The two ships offered for this time period/ departing port are the Ruby Princess or the Carnival Miracle .

Thanks! Any insight is welcomed. And yes, all in our party vaccinated, and take every covid extra measure possible....

I would look at the ports and times in ports in deciding which ship to take. What do you want to do? See?

I have been on the ruby princess. On the older side. Lectures were pretty decent and they brought puppies on board in skagway.

Carnival cons: Life of the party rules on board, I’ve heard it’s quite crazy. I don’t think they stop in Glacier Bay

Princess pros: Visits Glacier Bay, one of the big three cruise liners and known for good service (from what I understand)

Princess cons; Has the biggest cruise ships of all cruise lines that go to Alaska (3082 passenger capacity last I heard). This means more people on board and more people to contend with during port calls.

Definitely pick Glacier Bay.

Not only is Carnival more of a party ship, in the summer there will be far more kids. When my husband and I traveled without kids, having someone else's kids around is a downer.

Found the food and service on HAL to be superior to Carnival. An older crowd and tends to be earlier bedtimes, but there is so much to see and do in Alaska that we were tired earlier and got a great nights sleep to be ready for the next adventure.

The OP wants to sail from San Francisco - HAL do not do that.

@ bringmetoAlaska,

Princess do not have the biggest ships cruising Alaska . Both NCL and RCI have a few of their ships scheduled for in Alaska for 2022 with 4/5000 passenger capacity.

Take a look at the times in port on cruise from SF—you want to pick an itinerary that maximizes your time in a port. For example, you may not in port long enough to do some excursions such as the Adventure Bound Tracy Arm Excursion from Juneau (which we loved!). If you have a “must-do” in Alaska, make sure you can do! I strongly recommend a visit to Glacier Bay . During a visit to Glacier Bay, park employees board with exhibits and narrate your passage through those waters.

Princess does a nice job onboard focusing on the Alaskan experience—nature and culture lectures, music, local artists are brought on board, special foods and drinks, lumberjack and axe-throwing, canoes being carved, and the opportunity to interact with puppies!

We were on the Grand Princess (which is a sister ship of the Ruby). We sailed in both an inside cabin and a balcony. Had a great time both times—we tend to use our cabins only for sleeping. Hubby prefers an inside on an Alaska cruise because he can truly get a completely dark room! Lots of public areas to get out and experience Alaska. I know people always say that a balcony cabin is a must for an Alaskan cruise but it’s usually too cold for me to enjoy!

Have cruised to Alaska with Princess, NCL and Disney. Our preference is Princess since we cruise now without our kids. Low key, good food and service.

Enjoy your planning!

Thanks everyone!

I cruised once with Carnival and over 30 times (to various world destinations) with Princess for very good reasons. Princess attracts a quieter, older crowd. Carnival is cheaper.

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Explained: Major Differences Between Princess & Other Cruise Lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, & More)

What’s the difference between Princess and other cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Norwegian?

When it comes to cruise lines, it’s almost like car companies. There are different brands, and each one has its own specialty and personality. Even so, just like cars, there are still a lot of similarities between cruise lines. In fact, for the most part the experience will be largely similar. Expect lots of the cruise to revolve around the pool, dining, and generally having a good time with onboard entertainment.

Still, there are major differences between Princess and other lines that do set it apart. And while the experience overall might feel familiar, these differences could make it the ideal cruise line for you.

Princess Is More Adult-Oriented

First and foremost, if you’re used to sailing mass-market cruise lines like Carnival or Royal Caribbean then the first thing you’ll notice aboard Princess is that there is less focus on children and families

That’s not to say families or kids aren’t welcomed on the ship. In fact, it’s the opposite as Princess has a kids area that can provide supervision while parents go to enjoy the ship. But as opposed to other lines that offer lots of programming and activities geared toward children, that’s not the case on Princess. In fact, we’ve heard other passengers during a trip on Princess mention specifically how they enjoyed having fewer kids on the ship.

Instead, the focus is definitely more on adult vacationers.

Less Focus on “Active” Activities on the Ship

In line with more of an adult focus, another difference with Princess is there is less focus on activities on the ship. Specifically, we’re talking about built-in entertainment options common on many lines like go-kart tracks, roller coasters, rock climbing walls, waterslides, and more.

That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to do. There are a lot of options for entertainment that’s put on by the staff, just as with other cruise lines. But as mentioned, Princess doesn’t focus as much on families, meaning there are fewer options for the sort of active things that have become commonplace on other cruise lines. So if you (or your kids) are expecting to see a pool deck with tons of active things to do like a ropes course or bumper cars, that’s not the case.

This also extends to other areas as well. For example, during our cruise the ship didn’t have an arcade, another staple common on many ships.

More Relaxing Atmosphere & Less Party Vibe

Are you the sort of person that likes to relax on a cruise? If so, then Princess might be right up your alley. In general the atmosphere on the ship is considerably calmer and relaxing than what you find with other lines.

For instance, if you are out by the pool deck, you aren’t going to hear music blaring or have “World’s Sexiest Man” competitions. And around the ship there are fewer announcements from the Cruise Director interrupting the day to tell you about sales on the ship or shows coming up that day. Meanwhile, your other passengers are also less likely to be less looking for a party.

That’s not to say it’s boring or quiet. There’s still that “vacation energy” around the ship where everyone is in a good mood and enjoying themselves. And there’s lots of things to do put on by the staff including stage shows, trivia, karaoke, comedy, and more.

Medallions Instead of Key Cards

One of the first things you’ll notice is that Princess — unlike other cruise lines — doesn’t use a keycard. Instead, Princess uses what it calls the Medallion.

If you’ve cruised before, the Medallion works similarly to the keycard, with some important differences. First, the Medallion uses RF technology, similar to what you see with a credit card that has “tap to pay” service. So when you need to use the card, you simply touch it to one of the readers, like when you are boarding or debarking the ship.

But the wearable item can also be used to unlock your cabin door automatically as you approach. And perhaps the biggest difference is that it can track your location around the ship. So if you step up to the bar, your account information is already pulled up and your identity is confirmed with a photograph. You can also see where your cabin mates are on the ship through the Princess app based on the location of their Medallion.

Cheaper Drinks on the Ship

While we would classify Princess as a more upscale cruise line, that doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot more to sail. In fact, we found 7-day round trip cruises starting at about $400 per person (before taxes and fees).

But even once you’re on the ship you may be surprised by some prices. In particular, we noticed that drinks on the ship seem considerably less expensive than other cruise lines. One of our favorites — mojitos — were priced at just $7.50 on a recent Princess cruise while they are often $10-12 on other lines. In fact, across the board beverages seemed to be less expensive than what you might find elsewhere.

Princess Plus & Princess Premier Packages

While some cruise lines are moving toward more all-inclusive offers like NCL’s “Free at Sea” or Celebrity’s “All Included” that offers extras included in your fare, the norm is still for you to pay your cruise fare and then anything else costs more on the ship.

Princess offers two packages that make the cruise more all-inclusive. This includes Princess Plus and Princess Premier . Depending on which you choose (or you can just book the base fare), you have things like gratuities, wi-fi, and drink package included, along with other perks like specialty dining, and reserved theater seating.

The rates offered for these packages are considerably less than the cost of booking them individually and give passengers a chance to enjoy their cruise without worrying about being nickeled and dimed.

Global Focus on Cruising

Some cruise lines focus heavily on a region such as Europe, North America, or the Caribbean. Princess is truly global in nature.

You can sail from ports in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. There are classic Caribbean trips, Alaska cruises, Mediterranean cruises, and even cruises to Antarctica.

Then there are cruises that last as little as two days all the way to stunning 111-day world cruises (with 50 ports of call) that literally circles the planet.

So no matter what sort of cruise you’re wanting to take, it’s likely that Princess has something that will appeal.

Best Pizza at Sea?

It may seem silly to point out pizza as a way that Princess is different from other cruise lines, but if you think that, it may be because you’ve never eaten the pie on the cruise line.

We’ll be honest, just about every cruise line offers grab and go pizza. And on many lines, it’s just not that good. Princess is completely different.

For one, you have a couple of options. If you just want a slice, you can grab one from the spot near the pool (our favorite). They are large, foldable slices that are unbelievably good and best of all, they are included with your fare.

If you want something a little fancier, there is Gigi’s or Alfredo’s Pizzeria — another included spot that’s a sit-down restaurant and serves up freshly-made pizzas, pasta, and calzones.

A Less Crowded Feel on the Ship

We don’t claim to have sailed every Princess cruise and maybe some ships are different from others. But when we have sailed, one thing we noticed is that the cruise had a less crowded feel. Maybe it’s the actual number of people on the ship, or maybe it’s the layout and design. No matter, the amount of elbow room was definitely noticeable.

To us, it made the cruise much more enjoyable. There was always space by the pool, in the restaurants, and for shows (if you got there just a few minutes early). As well, elevators were relatively quick and weren’t always packed like what’s seen on other ships.

Princess Compared to Other Cruise Lines

The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a cruise experience that’s higher-end than many other lines (without being “stuffy), then Princess is ideal. It offers a more upscale experience that’s focused on adults, with a surprisingly affordable price tag.

This isn’t a wild, party cruise. It’s more of a place to relax and pamper yourself a bit. But it’s also not a bore if you’re someone that likes to have things to do. Our takeaway is that many cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival are similar to theme parks at sea. Princess seems more like “date night” on the ocean.

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My wife and I literally just did a Princess cruise on the Caribbean Princess ship a few days ago. It was our first cruise and we had minimal complaints. It was the perfect mix of what we wanted. We partied hard for a few nights and when we didn’t want to party….we didn’t! We enjoyed the trivia nights, dance classes, informational classes and the production shows were really good. The announcements for excursions/ship events were minimal (twice a day maybe) and we were waited on hand and foot. Buffet food was good but the main dining was really good. We will try other cruise lines but we really enjoyed our first experience with Princess cruises.

I beg to differ. My cruise on Princess was one of the most boring weeks of my life. Also, constant lineups for the dining room, despite having reservations. I won’t do it again.

On our last cruise, 12/22, on princess we stated after 24 cruises on the line it was the last one. Noise was deafening on pool deck and all the seats were saved with no one around. People were rude and inconsiderate. You could not dance on the crowded dance floors and forget finding a seat in the at

We beg to differ on the quiet atmosphere on the pool deck. On our last Princess cruise, (October-November, 2022) movies were shown at the pool area and the sound track was deafening. I asked more the once to have the volume turned down, but that request fell on “deaf” ears. Most of the passengers around the area were ignoring the movie since most of the films were geared to younger cruisers and were simply uninteresting. And this went on every sea day. Plus the pizza was not that great.

The one thing I was disappointed with was not one theatrical show on my cruise on the Majestic not enough variety with the food not a lot of shops and the duties free alcohol shop didn’t have much variety I will not go on the Majestic again but I will go on Princess cruises In the future would like to try a newest ship that sails from Sydney to where ever

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Princess Cruises vs Carnival Compared

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Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are popular choices for cruise vacations. Both cruise lines are owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. , but they offer very different experiences for passengers.

It’s easy to become stuck when choosing a cruise line for your next cruise vacation. This guide serves to help you determine which factors are most important to you and help you choose the right cruise line.

Table of Contents

Princess Cruises vs Carnival: At a Glance

Princess Cruises offers a more sophisticated and upscale feel. The cruise line is traditional yet easygoing. They strike a balance between luxury and mainstream vacationing that works to create a calming vacation.

Carnival Cruise Line is a family-friendly cruise line with budget-friendly prices. The high-energy atmosphere and family-friendly offerings are popular with families and young couples. The cruise line promotes a casual approach that’s popular with American families.

Cruise Ships

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises operates a fleet of 15 cruise ships ranging from 91,627 GT to 145,000 GT. The oldest cruise ship in the fleet is Grand Princess , built in 1998, while the newest cruise ship, Discovery Princess , debuted in January 2022.

The cruise ships have upscale, elegant decor and a more intimate atmosphere.

Princess fleet consists mainly of mid-sized ships. While there aren’t as many bells and whistles, the cruise ships offer quieter, more relaxed sailings with a bit of elegance.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line operates a fleet of 24 cruise ships. The oldest cruise ship in the fleet, Carnival Sunshine , was built in 1996 while the newest ship, Carnival Celebration launched in 2022.

Carnival’s cruise ships range in size from the smallest vessel Carnival Elation at 71,909 GT, to the largest, Carnival Celebration, at 181,808 GT.

The fleet of large cruise ships offers plenty to see and do. The bright color decor is reflective of the party atmosphere aboard Carnival cruises.

Carnival’s ships are an excellent choice for those looking for adventure or an all-night party.

Which to Choose

Both cruise lines offer plenty of medium and large ships. If you like big ships with lots of thrills and amenities, Carnival’s largest cruise ships are some of the biggest and most innovative.

But if you prefer quieter, more intimate vacations, you’ll want to choose Princess Cruises. Their upscale decor and smaller ships provide a quieter, more relaxing vacation.

Demographics

Princess Cruises caters to a more mature demographic, attracting older couples, friends, and families. Their popular Alaskan cruises are a big draw for older couples.

While you will find families and younger kids sailing with Princess, the cruise line’s primary demographic is the 50+ market.

Carnival Cruise Line’s demographic consists mostly of families and couples. They’re known as the “fun cruise line” and are a popular choice for young families with kids and teens.

You can expect the cruises to be full of families and kids during the summer and Christmas break.

The average age of passengers on a Carnival cruise is less than 50 years.

Who to Choose

Carnival and Princess cater to different demographics. If you’re looking for a party or a younger crowd with kids and teens, you’ll want to stick with Carnival. For a quieter, more mature crowd, choose Princess.

Activities & Entertainment

Princess Cruises offers plenty of traditional cruise activities like dance lessons, live music, casinos, shopping, pools, and hot tubs.

The cruise line also offers enrichment programs like cooking classes, wine tastings, seminars, and art auctions.

The cruise line has nightly shows featuring comedians, magic acts, and their take on The Voice, properly named “Voice of the Ocean.”

Princess Cruises has a partnership with Oscar winner Stephen Schwartz which delivers three Princess exclusive shows. The shows are only available on select ships but offer an incredible experience.

Carnival cruise ships offer various activities and entertainment options for passengers of all ages. As a family-focused cruise line, Carnival offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Their ships offer mini-golf, water parks, pool-side movies, water slides, rope courses, casinos, sports courts, karaoke, and live game shows.

The newest ships in the Excel-class feature Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea.

The Playlist Production theater feature 30-minute musical performances twice a day. And every ship has a Punchliner Comedy Club with evening family-friendly routines and adult-only, late-night laughs.

Older adults will fit right in with the more sophisticated and laid-back activities on Princess Cruises. The activities and entertainment on Carnival are a perfect fit for young adults and families.

Princess Cruises offers a sophisticated dining experience. Every Princess cruise ship has a traditional main dining room with early and late dinner seatings.

The food on Princess Cruises is outstanding, with authentic and locally inspired dishes and traditional favorites.

Like other mainstream cruise lines, Princess cruise ships have specialty restaurants, also known as for-a-fee dining. Specialty restaurants like Crown Grill and Kai Sushi provide a more upscale dining experience with menu options not found in the complimentary restaurants.

Though foodies may prefer specialty restaurants, the complimentary restaurants provide excellent quality food. Unless you really want to try a specialty restaurant, you won’t go hungry sticking to the complimentary dining venues like the World Fresh Marketplace and International Café.

For a more intimate experience, guests staying in a balcony cabin receive a free Ultimate Balcony Dining experience.

Every Princess cruise has at least one formal night requiring passengers to dress up for dinner in the main dining rooms.

Carnival Cruise Line is known as “America’s cruise line,” and it’s reflected in their menus. The restaurants on Carnival cruise ships offer plenty of American favorites. Think burgers, pizza, wings, and steak.

Unlike other cruise lines, most of the alternative restaurants are free.

Specialty dining at Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina are included with your cruise fare. However, some alternative restaurants, such as Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, and The Steakhouse, have an added fee.

Carnival has partnerships with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to produce menus for Guy’s Burger Joint and Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que.

There’s also the Big Chicken by Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neil.

This one comes down to personal preference. Carnival Cruise Line is for you if you prefer to dress casually and enjoy fried foods and American favorites. Princess Cruises is best for passengers looking for fine dining and upscale menus with better food quality.

You’ll find live entertainment around the ship. There’s live music at nearly every bar and lounge, from laid-back piano to small-act music shows.

Every Princess cruise ship has a nighttime dance club.

Carnival is definitely a party ship.

The ship comes to life at night with live music, singing, and dancing.

If you’re not a partier, you can find quiet spaces around the ship or enjoy an evening movie on the pool deck.

Princess Cruises is best for those looking for low-key nightlife. If enjoying a drink while listening to live jazz piano sounds like a fun night, Princess is for you.

Carnival is best for partygoers. The ship becomes quite loud and crowded at night as passengers drink and dance the night away.

Kids & Families

Princess Cruises has a surprisingly good offering for families with kids. The cruise line’s partnership with Discover Channel provides educational programs for kids with themes around Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, the Science Channel, and the Learning Channel.

Children can participate in the kid’s clubs, where they are divided into age groups. The kid’s clubs are led by expertly trained crew members who provide age-appropriate activities for kids and teens.

Some cruise ships have teen-only hot tubs. And all of Princess’ cruise ships offer a kids’ splash pool.

Carnival’s family approach provides plenty of activities for kids. The cruise line is often voted one of the best cruise lines for families .

Their ships have water slides, video arcades, mini-golf, and kid’s clubs.

The kid’s clubs divide children into three age groups; Camp Ocean for kids aged 2 to 11, Circle ‘C’ for tweens aged 12 to 14, and Club O2 for teens aged 15 to 17.

Carnival partnered with Dr. Suess, which provides the kid’s program Dr. Seuss at Sea. The program includes various activities with themes from Dr. Suess’ popular kid’s books.

Some activities include Story Time, the Suess-a-palooza Parade, and a special Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.

Teens can get saloon treatments a the teens-only ZSPA or learn to DJ at Spin U.

Nighttime babysitting is available through the Night Owls program for an added fee.

Carnival Cruise Line consistently offers fun vacations for the whole family with nonstop fun and entertainment. They’ve made a name for themselves with their impressive offering for families and kids.

But Princess Cruises shouldn’t be ignored. They offer an incredible kids club, with educational components for kids of all ages. If your kid prefers quieter vacations, Princess Cruises is an excellent choice.

Cabins and Accommodations

The cruise line offers a large selection of cabin styles with upscale decor inspired by high-end hotels.

Guests booked in suite accommodations receive exclusive perks and privileges, including a free dinner at a specialty restaurant, priority embarkation and debarkation, free laundry services, and more.

Princess has limited family cabin cabins making it difficult for families to book single-stateroom accommodations. Select Princess cruise ships offer adjoining cabins with connecting doors as an alternative option for families. However, families must book two cabins to use the connecting doors.

Carnival offers large standard cabin sizes with brightly colored decor.

The decor on most Carnival cruise ships feels a bit tacky and outdated. Thankfully, the cabins on new Carnival cruise ships like Mardi Gras offer a significantly improved style.

The newest ships offer almost 30 different cabin categories, including many family cabins. Families can book family-specific cabins or adjoining cabins with connecting doors.

Several cruise ships offer Cloud 9 Spa rooms which include access to the spa’s thermal suites, thalassotherapy pool, free fitness classes, and discounts on spa treatments.

Unlike Princess Cruises, the special perks for guests with suite accommodations only include priority boarding and debarkation.

The cabins on Princess Cruises tend to be more comfortable with modern, upscale decor. However, the sizes of standard cabins are smaller than those on Carnival, and families have limited options.

Carnival’s cabin accommodations are slightly larger, with several family-sized stateroom options. The decor on older ships is a bit outdated, but you’ll find a comfortable experience on the newest ships.

Itineraries

Princess Cruises offers itineraries around the world. They offer one of the largest Alaska cruise programs in the industry, along with Caribbean, Bahamas, European, and Australian itineraries.

The cruise line offers world cruises that span multiple months visiting several dozen ports and countries.

They offer year-round sailings in Australia and Asia and more exotic cruises to South America, India, Africa, and the South Pacific.

Carnival cruises departing from ports around the globe, but they primarily sail Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexican itineraries.

The vast majority of their sailings depart from the mainland USA.

The cruise line doesn’t offer any world cruises or exotic sailings but does provide a handful of Alaskan and European itineraries.

Carnival has two cruise ships that sail year-round Australian itineraries.

Princess Cruises offers more destinations and itineraries, including several exotic destinations and world cruises. Princess Cruises is an excellent choice if you’re looking to explore more remote, less-traveled destinations.

Princess Cruises are one of the most popular cruise lines for Alaskan sailings, with one of the largest itinerary selections in the cruise industry.

Carnival Cruise Line offers more Caribbean sailings than any other cruise line. Carnival offers the largest selection of itineraries if you’re looking for a Caribbean or Bahamas cruise.

Princess cruise fares are in line with the industry average. The cruise line runs frequent sails throughout the year, including discounts on beverage packages, specialty dining, and additional booking incentives like onboard credit.

The cruise fare includes dining in most shipboard restaurants, standard drinks, and most activities and entertainment.

Specialty dining restaurants and Princess Cruises drink packages cost extra.

Carnival Cruise Line offers some of the lowest fares in the cruise industry, especially on shorter sailings.

Like Princess, Carnival’s cruise fare includes meals at standard restaurants, basic drinks, and most entertainment and activities on the ship. But Carnival also provides several alternative restaurants at no extra charge.

But the base cruise fare covers almost everything you need on a Carnival cruise. Despite the low fares, very few items cost extra on a Carnival Cruise.

You will need to pay extra for things like the CHEERS! beverage package , WiFi, and IMAX theatres.

There’s no debate here. Carnival Cruise Line offers some of the lowest cruise fares in the industry. But what makes Carnival the clear winner is the lack of upsells, additional packages, and overall nickel and diming found on other cruise lines.

The price of a Princess cruise isn’t far behind. But there may be more upsells than on Carnival.

Overall: Who Wins?

There’s no clear winner in the battle of Princess Cruises vs Carnival.

Both cruise lines offer completely different experiences. Choosing the best cruise line depends on your vacation preferences and personality.

Princess Cruises is best for quieter, more sophisticated vacations. The cruise line offers a higher level of service, food quality, and an upscale atmosphere.

Carnival Cruise Line is best for families, young couples, and active travelers. Their ships are high energy with a party atmosphere and a wide range of entertainment options. They offer plenty of fun and games for children and teens and offer one of the best kid’s programs in the cruise industry.

Marcello De Lio

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I’m going on my first Princess in2023. I have been on Carnival twice and was looking for a less party atmosphere and attitude. I enjoyed both cruises but would like to try a different experience. I hope my 18 yr. Goddaughter will have a good time but this is here first cruise so she will have no point of reference.

It sounds like Princess is exactly what you’re looking for! My first cruise was with Princess when I was 12, and I had a blast. I’m sure your 18-year-old goddaughter will love it. Princess offers less thrills and partying, but there’s still plenty to see and do.

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Carnival vs. Princess Cruise Line Showdown

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When considering a cruise vacation, two renowned names often emerge: Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line. Both lines are celebrated for their distinctive approaches to cruising, catering to different types of travellers. 

This article delves into the unique characteristics of each, helping you work out which might be the ideal choice for your next cruise adventure. Join me as we explore the nuances that set these two popular cruise lines apart, from their onboard amenities and dining experiences to their entertainment options and overall cruising ethos.

Key Features: Princess vs Carnival

Before going into each section, here are the key features to know about each cruise line.

Princess Cruise Line

• Sophisticated Experience: Known for its refined, somewhat British ambience.
• Diverse Passenger Base: Attracts both British and American passengers.
• Elegant and Tranquil: Focuses on providing a relaxed, upscale cruise experience.
• Educational Partnerships: Collaborates with Discovery and Animal Planet for enriching experiences.
• Varied Entertainment: Offers activities like art auctions, wine tastings, and unique shows.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Vibrant and Fun-Focused: Designed for a lively, fun-filled atmosphere.
• Young and Family-Oriented: Appeals mainly to young American couples, families, and friend groups.
• Energetic Entertainment: Features non-stop activities, including water parks and live shows.
• Casual Dining Style: Offers a range of American-style dining venues.
• Adventurous Activities: Includes unique attractions like SkyRide and Bolt rollercoaster.

…and here are the quick takeaways in the table below if you don’t have time to read the whole thing.

Princess Cruise Line has a total of 15 ships, with two more on the horizon, either currently being built or in the planning phase. Their ships are spread across four distinct classes: the Sphere Class as the latest, accommodating around 4,300 guests; the Royal Class featuring six large ships with a capacity of 3,560 to 3,660 passengers; the Grand Class, with eight mid-sized ships for 2,600 to 3,140 guests; and the Coral Class, the oldest in the fleet, each hosting 2,000 to 2,220 guests. 

The range of ships in Princess Cruises extends from the Grand Princess, their oldest, launched in 1998, to the newest, the Discovery Princess, which joined the fleet in January 2022.

Carnival Cruise Line Fleet is larger, with 26 ships and one more in the pipeline. The Carnival fleet is categorised into eight classes, from the oldest, the Fantasy Class, to the newest and largest, the Excel Class. 

Their ships range in size and capacity, accommodating guests from 2,606 up to an impressive 6,500. The age of their ships spans from the Carnival Ecstasy, launched in 1991, to their latest addition, the Carnival Jubilee, introduced in 2023.

Recommended reading: The Best Carnival Cruise Ship (For Every Kind of Cruiser!)

Key Takeaway:

• While Princess Cruises offers a smaller, more class-diversified fleet focusing on a range of guest capacities and experiences, Carnival Cruise Line boasts a larger fleet with a wider range of ship sizes, accommodating a more extensive range of passengers, from the smaller, older ships to the newer, larger ones.

Itineraries

Princess’s destinations.

Princess Cruises sets sail from 30 different ports globally, with Fort Lauderdale, Southampton, Sydney, and Yokohama being among the most frequented. The cruise line is particularly noted for its array of Australian itineraries, boasting seven embarkation ports in the country, surpassed only by their 12 in North America and closely followed by six in Europe.

Carnival’s Destinations

Carnival Cruise Line, on the other hand, operates out of 21 ports, primarily in the United States, including Fort Lauderdale, Miami , Port Canaveral, and Galveston. Carnival is renowned for its Caribbean cruises, which form the bulk of its itineraries, alongside routes to the Bahamas, the South Pacific, and Europe.

• Princess Cruises offers many UK departures from Southampton (March-November), while Carnival has fewer from Dover. Princess is better for Asia or the Pacific Coast, which Carnival doesn’t typically cover. Carnival excels in Florida departures to Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. Both lines visit Princess Cays, and Carnival also accesses Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.

Dining Options

Princess’s dining experience.

Princess Cruises offers a refined dining experience, highlighting authentic and locally influenced dishes. While casual dining options like the World Fresh Marketplace, International Café, pizzerias, and grills are available, the culinary highlights are in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, including Kai Sushi, Bistro Sur La Mer, and the Crown Grill. 

Unique experiences like the Chef’s Table and Chocolate Journeys program elevate the dining experience further. Princess is also renowned for what many consider ‘the best pizza at sea’.

Carnival’s Dining Experience

Carnival Cruise Line caters to American tastes, featuring casual and hearty dining choices. Dining venues range from 24-hour pizza parlours and soft-serve ice cream at Swirls to burger joints, Mexican cantinas, street food, and the Lido Marketplace. 

Celebrity-endorsed options on select ships include Guy Fieri’s Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que and Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant. For more formal dining, specialty venues like Emeril’s Bistro 1396 and Bonsai Teppanyaki are available at an additional cost.

Key Takeaway: 

• For an elegant and fine dining experience, Princess Cruises is the ideal choice, offering sophisticated venues and unique culinary encounters. Conversely, if casual dining focusing on American favourites like burgers, hot dogs, and fried chicken is more your style, Carnival Cruise Line is the perfect match.

Cabins and Suites

Princess cruise line cabins.

Princess Cruises offers a range of cabin options across their fleet, including interior cabins, balcony staterooms, and suites. Balcony rooms on the Discovery Princess, while maintaining a design similar to those from the past two decades, feature upscale furnishings, open-concept closets with ample storage, and a large flat-panel television with complimentary on-demand movies and TV shows. 

Mini-suites on the ship include a full sitting area, an expanded bathroom with a tub and shower combo, and a larger balcony. Standard suites are comfortably spacious and well-appointed, while inside cabins provide a more economical option. Discovery Princess also includes unique Sky Suites, offering exceptional space and amenities​​.

All rooms aboard Discovery Princess are equipped with a safe, interactive flat-panel television, private bathroom with shower, a small desk, and a closet. Bathrooms feature eco-friendly Lotus Spa bath products in dispensers. Cabins are also equipped with electrical and USB outlets for charging devices

Carnival Cruise Line Cabins

Carnival Cruise Line’s staterooms cater to various tastes and preferences, offering interior, ocean view, balcony, suite, Family Harbor, Cloud 9 Spa, Havana, and Terrazza room types. This diversity ensures that Carnival can accommodate different guests, from those seeking a simple and cosy room to those looking for more luxurious and themed accommodations​​.

Every Carnival stateroom comes standard with a dedicated attendant, soft linens, climate control, ample storage space, a television, and an in-room safe. Additional comforts like bathrobes are available upon request, ensuring guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.

Related reading: Carnival Suite vs Balcony Staterooms

• Princess Cruises offers a variety of cabin types, with an emphasis on upscale furnishings and spacious designs, including unique Sky Suites, alongside eco-friendly amenities. Carnival Cruise Line provides a wide range of stateroom options, from standard to themed accommodations, all featuring essential comforts and attentive service to accommodate diverse guest preferences.

Child-Friendly Activities

Princess cruise line kids clubs.

Princess Cruises offers educational and enriching experiences for children through its partnerships with Discovery and Animal Planet, including unique shore excursions and themed activities. Their kids’ clubs cater to various age groups from 6 months to 20 years, all supervised by trained staff, with special dining events like pizza and ice cream parties for children to enjoy with their peers.

Carnival Cruise Line Kids Clubs

Carnival Cruise Line is packed with family fun, featuring waterslides, mini-golf, live entertainment, and all-day youth activities. With kids’ clubs divided into age-specific programs for 2-11, 12-14, and 15-17 years, Carnival also offers the WaterWorks water park, video arcades, a Build-a-Bear workshop, and the Dr Seuss at Sea program, complete with story times, parades, and themed breakfasts.

Related reading: Best carnival ship for kids

• Carnival cruises are a haven for kids with their array of activities and dedicated entertainment programs, ideal for families seeking constant fun and engagement. Princess Cruises, on the other hand, provide more educational and age-tailored experiences, suitable for families who prefer a mix of fun and learning or more relaxed activities for younger children and teenagers.

Entertainment and Activities

Princess cruise line entertainment.

Princess provides an array of daily activities such as dance lessons, wine-tasting seminars, art auctions, casino gaming, shopping, and relaxing in pools and hot tubs.

They also feature outdoor cinema screenings with Movies under the Stars, comedians, magic shows, and diverse performances in modern theatres. A unique highlight is the ‘Voice of the Ocean,’ a take on the popular TV show where guests can participate and compete.

Carnival Cruise Line Entertainment

Carnival, renowned for its ‘fun ships,’ offers non-stop entertainment. Expect activities like mini-golf, water parks, poolside competitions, game shows, casinos, karaoke, and live music, extending well into the night. 

For thrill-seekers, there’s the SkyRide, a high-flying bike track above the ocean, the Bolt rollercoaster, and numerous exciting waterslides.

Recommended reading: 25 Unforgettable Things to Do on Carnival Cruise

• Carnival Cruise Line is ideal for young adults and those seeking constant fun and excitement, like during Spring Break, with its array of non-stop activities. In contrast, Princess Cruises suits those who prefer a more sophisticated, tranquil cruise experience, offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment. For younger couples, the choice depends on their preference for either the lively atmosphere of Carnival or the more subdued ambience of Princess Cruises.

Pricing and Value

Princess cruise line pricing.

A typical 7-night Caribbean cruise with Princess in a Balcony stateroom averages $1,153 per person. Additional costs include $112 for gratuities and about $525 for a drinks package, bringing the total to approximately $1,780 per person. 

However, Princess offers the ‘Princess Plus’ or ‘Princess Premier Fare’ packages, which, for an additional $60 per person per day, provide an all-inclusive experience with a free drinks package, unlimited wifi, and pre-paid gratuities.

Carnival Cruise Line Pricing

Carnival’s average price for a similar 7-night Caribbean cruise in a Balcony room is around $963 per person. Additional expenses, including $112 for gratuities and $420 for a drinks package, bring the total average cost to about $1,485 per person.

• While the base prices for both Carnival and Princess Cruises are comparable, Carnival generally offers slightly cheaper options, particularly for budget-conscious travellers in the US seeking short cruises departing from Florida. Princess, on the other hand, provides value through its inclusive package options for those looking for a more comprehensive cruise experience.

You May Also Be Interested In…

If you’re comparing Carnival to other cruise lines, you may also be interested in these articles: Carnival vs MSC , Norwegian vs Carnival , Carnival vs Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise vs Carnival .

Final Thoughts

Deciding between Princess Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line hinges on personal preferences and the type of cruise experience you’re seeking. 

Princess offers a more sophisticated, tranquil experience with an emphasis on educational partnerships and elegant entertainment, making it ideal for those seeking a refined holiday. 

On the other hand, Carnival is perfect for those looking for a vibrant, fun-filled vacation, focusing on energetic entertainment and casual, family-friendly activities. 

Whether you’re drawn to the serene charm of Princess or the lively spirit of Carnival, both cruise lines promise memorable experiences tailored to their unique offerings.

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2 thoughts on “Carnival vs. Princess Cruise Line Showdown”

Hi. I left you another note. Can you send me an article on which website to book for the best price and onboard credit please.

Thank you and I like reading your articles

Hi Alfred, I’m pleased to hear you like the articles. Unfortunately I do not have an article on this. It’s best to look at the different travel agencies and see which one will offer the best deal. Cruise Critic is also a good resouce to see the latest deals.

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Princess Cruises vs Carnival Cruises

Thursday, April 25th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Princess Cruises
• Best for retirees
• 16 ships in the fleet
• Sails to destinations worldwide
• Choose between Standard (cruise-only) and Princess Plus (includes drink package, Wi-Fi, and "Crew Appreciation" gratuities) fares

Princess Cruises tends to attract older guests on its sailings to destinations around the world. The 16 ships on this cruise line range from intimately-sized to large, from the petite Pacific Princess to the super-sized Royal Princess. The company offers Standard and Princess Plus fares, with the latter including a drink package, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Princess Cruises is known for its excellent food and beverage offerings, with a variety of dining options to suit all tastes and preferences. While families with children are certainly welcome on Princess sailings, the onboard activities are definitely geared towards the more "seasoned" guests. However, this cruise line is still a reliable option with many desirable itineraries to choose from.

• Carnival Cruises
• Best for a party atmosphere and cruising on a budget
• Good for US port departures, with additional destinations in Europe

Carnival Cruise Line is a popular and affordable American cruise line that operates 24 ships sailing to destinations all over the world, catering to families, couples, and groups of friends. The defining characteristic of Carnival is its focus on fun and entertainment, all for less money than its rivals in the industry. However, Carnival cruises have a party atmosphere - great for some adults, not as desirable for cruising with children - and lower safety rankings, with several incidents involving Carnival ships, including fires, power outages, and mechanical failures. You'll get more for your money, and a better overall onboard experience, with a higher-ranked cruise line.

More Cruise Line Reviews

• Royal Caribbean

• Disney Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruises

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Holland America

• MSC Cruises

The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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The best cruises to Alaska from Seattle for every type of traveler

What are the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle ? It depends on what kind of traveler you are.

If you're a parent traveling with teens and tweens, you'll probably want to pick a voyage on one of the big, family activity-filled cruise ships operated by Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line that sail out of Seattle each summer.

If you're looking to get away from families with young children — maybe you're a retiree looking to travel with people your own age — you'd want to check out the itineraries operated by cruise lines that cater more to couples without kids, most notably Holland America and Princess Cruises.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other cruises might be best for solo travelers or travelers on a tight budget.

Here we list our top picks for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for six different types of travelers.

Best for families: Ovation of the Seas

It isn't easy picking the best Alaska cruise out of Seattle for families. There are four world-class family-focused cruise ships in the market, each of which is a contender for the best for families title: Royal Caribbean 's Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas, and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.

All four ships are loaded with all sorts of gee-whiz family attractions, from bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators on the Royal Caribbean vessels to go-kart tracks and laser tag courses on the Norwegian ships.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean ships, the Norwegian ships also have epic waterslides on their top decks, which in theory, might put them over the top in any listing of the best cruise ships for families based in Seattle.

However, keep in mind that Alaska can be chilly, even at the height of summer, and rainy, too. For that reason, we discount the value of some of the family-friendly attractions on the Norwegian ships, which are open to the elements, and consider the Royal Caribbean ships the best of the bunch for Alaska cruises from Seattle.

Both of the Royal Caribbean ships sailing to Alaska from Seattle are loaded with attractions that are protected from the elements, including those bumper car pavilions and skydiving simulators. In fact, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas were specifically built to operate in areas of inclement weather.

Of the two ships, which are nearly identical and part of the relatively new Quantum class of vessels, we give the 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas the nod for best Alaska family cruise ship sailing from Seattle only because it's a couple of years newer. Newer is almost always better in the cruise world.

Related: The 6 types of Royal Caribbean ships, explained

A cavernous indoor activity area on each of the two Quantum-class ships called the SeaPlex is home to the aforementioned bumper cars, as well as such family-friendly activities as roller skating, basketball and even trapeze lessons. The two-level complex also has upstairs nooks for playing Xbox, ping pong and foosball. It's like one big play zone for families that will keep your kids busy for hours.

Each of the ships also offers one of the most unusual attractions you'll find at sea: A glass-enclosed capsule mounted on a mechanical arm that will take you and your family soaring into the sky for bird's-eye views. It's called the North Star ride.

All the above come in addition to many of the core Royal Caribbean attractions you'll find on most of the brand's ships, including pools, rock climbing walls, casinos, spas and Broadway-style shows, plus lots of eateries and bars.

Related: The 9 craziest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Of particular note, given Alaska's weather, is that one of the two main pool areas on each of these Quantum-class ships is enclosed.

Best for budget travelers: Eurodam

Our pick for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers may come as a surprise to many cruise aficionados. That's because it's not the Alaska voyages from Seattle offered by the North American cruise line best known for budget sailings — Carnival Cruise Line .

Carnival does offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle regularly with two ships: Carnival Spirit and Carnival Luminosa. However, while Carnival is the low-cost leader in many cruise destinations, that's not always the case in the market for Alaska cruises from Seattle. Often, the lowest starting prices you'll find on cruises to Alaska from Seattle, on both an absolute and per-day basis, are the cruises offered by Holland America .

For the coming year, for instance, as of this guide's posting, there were lots of Holland America sailings to Alaska from Seattle available for under $750 per person for seven nights — some as low as $429 per person for seven nights.

There were very few Carnival sailings available for under $750 per person, with most Carnival sailings starting around $800 per person or more for seven nights.

We suspect the lower starting prices for Holland America ships as compared to Carnival ships on Alaska sailings out of Seattle is because Alaska cruises from Seattle are round-trip voyages. Many Holland America fans who cruise to Alaska choose a one-way voyage to or from the state that lets them add extra days for touring in Alaska at the start or end of the voyage. Such one-way voyages only are available out of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Holland America — the longtime leader in Alaska cruises, along with its sister company Princess Cruises — is particularly known for "cruisetours" to Alaska that combine a one-way cruise to or from the state with multiple days touring Alaska by motorcoach and train.

Holland America bases two ships in Seattle for cruises to Alaska: the 2,104-passenger Eurodam and 1,964-passenger Westerdam. Starting prices for both are relatively similar, but we give the nod for the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for budget travelers to Eurodam as it's a somewhat newer vessel.

Best for luxury lovers: Norwegian Encore

No luxury-focused cruise ships sail to Alaska out of Seattle. Still, you can get a variation on a luxury cruise experience on a voyage to Alaska from Seattle on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Encore.

Yes, the 3,998-passenger Norwegian Encore is a cruise ship that generally caters to the masses, not the luxury crowd. However, it has its own "ship-within-a-ship" luxury zone that offers a much more swanky experience for those willing to pay.

At the top front of the vessel, this private enclave, called The Haven, is home to dozens of upscale suites; a sprawling, two-deck-high pool area; a private lounge and bar; and a private restaurant. Only the deep-pocketed swells who can afford one of the suites get exclusive access to these areas.

The pool area, a true stunner, comes with comfortable padded loungers, a pool and whirlpools. Its retractable glass roof is perfect for cruises to Alaska when the weather is iffy. Guests can enjoy the deck, rain or shine.

If living large is your goal, you're not going to find anything better than this — other than with a cruise on a similar Norwegian vessel that also cruises to Alaska from Seattle. Norwegian Bliss, also based in Washington during the summer, is part of the same Norwegian Breakaway-Plus class of vessels and has a similar Haven enclave.

Related: How to turn a mass-market cruise into a luxury experience

Why did we pick Norwegian Encore over Norwegian Bliss as the ship offering the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for luxury lovers? Built a year after Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore offers one big improvement for the upscale crowd as compared to Norwegian Bliss.

On Norwegian Encore, there's a much bigger version of the exclusive, extra-charge Vibe Beach Club sunning area that's on Norwegian Bliss. Home to a full-service bar, cabanas and two hot tubs, the version of the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Encore sprawls across both sides of the ship (instead of just one side on Norwegian Bliss) and extends upward to a partial deck above. It's just $99 or more per day to get in.

It's yet one more stylish and upscale area for cruisers looking for an upgraded experience to retreat.

Note that there is one other option for upscale Alaska cruises out of Seattle: A voyage on Oceania Cruises ' 684-passenger Regatta. While Oceania isn't considered a luxury line on the level of Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line , it has an elegant feel. That said, given the ship's age (it dates to 1998) and limited venues, we're still in the camp that favors a Haven stay on a Norwegian ship.

Best for solo travelers: Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss are also our top picks for ships operating the best Alaska cruises from Seattle for solo travelers. Between these two, it's a tossup, though we put Norwegian Bliss in the headline above since, well, we already gave Norwegian Encore a turn in the limelight with the best-for-luxury category.

Notably, both Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore boast large private zones for solo travelers — something you won't find on any other cruise ship sailing out of Seattle. It's a hallmark of Norwegian's newest and biggest ships.

On each of the ships, the "studio" zones, as Norwegian calls them, are made up of 82 special solo cabins and a private Studio Lounge where solos can gather for happy hours and other events. Only the studio zone on Norwegian's 2010-built Norwegian Epic is bigger.

Passengers staying in solo cabins get exclusive access to the Studio Lounge (using their keycards), meaning a maximum of 82 people will share the space.

A special zone for solo travelers is a rare concept in the cruise world, where almost all rooms for vacationers are designed for two people and sold with per-person fares that are based on two people occupying the room.

The solo cabins in the studio zones are small (measuring 100 square feet) but are superbly designed to maximize storage space (something I learned firsthand staying in one on Norwegian Epic).

Related: The best cruise lines for solo travelers

Solo passengers on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss will also find a sometimes rollicking bar scene, with plenty of counter-style seating in bars that are a great place to meet other solo travelers and friendly guests. We recommend the Sugarcane Mojito Bar on Norwegian Bliss. There, the bartender will muddle your mojitos with raspberry, guava, passion fruit or even jalapeno pepper to spice things up when you're sitting with your new solo friends.

One warning if you're considering booking one of the solo cabins: They've become so popular that they often sell out far in advance and at prices that aren't much better than booking a cabin for two.

Best for multigenerational travel: Discovery Princess

Looking for the best Alaska cruise from Seattle if you're bringing three generations of your family along for the ride? We can think of nothing better than a voyage on one of the two Princess Cruises ships that sail out of the city, the 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess and 3,560-passenger Royal Princess.

Both ships are almost identical, but we give Discovery Princess the edge only because it's newer than Royal Princess. The two vessels were built in 2022 and 2013, respectively.

Princess has long been heralded as one of the best cruise lines for multigenerational travel, in part because its ships offer a little something for travelers of all ages.

Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Norwegian ships mentioned above, the two Princess ships sailing from Seattle don't have top decks heavily skewed to family fun. Instead, their top decks offer lots of quiet and relaxing pool and lounge areas where you can enjoy the experience of being at sea without much hustle and bustle.

That makes these ships more appealing to an older demographic that doesn't necessarily want to be on a vessel that's loaded to the gills with children's fun zones and the younger family travelers drawn to that. Notably, the average age of Princess passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see many couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

Still, unlike some lines that cater to an older crowd, Princess doesn't ignore the children's market. Both Discovery Princess and Royal Princess offer an extensive children's program that gets high marks from parents, with dedicated Discovery Channel-themed Camp Discovery areas where counselors supervise free activities daily for children ages 3 to 17.

When sailing to Alaska, these ships also offer other kid-friendly events, such as Puppies on Princess, when dog mushers and their newest sled dogs come on board for meet-and-greets (and photos!). In partnership with the Discovery Channel and Glacier Bay National Park, the line also adds such kid-friendly fun during Alaska sailings as a Junior Ranger Program, totem pole decorating and a "Deadliest Catch-"themed crab sorting challenge.

In addition, an onboard Klondike Festival brings added family entertainment, including gold nugget arts and crafts projects, a naturalist exhibition, harmonica music classes and North to Alaska dance performances.

In short, Princess provides an Alaska product specifically designed to appeal to a wide age range. 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.

Best for retirees: Westerdam

The best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for retirees, in our view, are the sailings offered by Holland America on both the 1,964-passenger Westerdam and 2,104-passenger Eurodam. We give Westerdam the slight edge for reasons we will explain below.

While Holland America draws some families with younger children, the passengers on its ships skew heavily toward middle-aged and older travelers, including many retirees. If you're nearing or already have hit retirement age and prefer to travel mostly with people who are at a similar stage in life as you, you'll feel right at home on a Holland America ship.

The top decks of Holland America vessels, notably, lack many of the kid-focused attractions found on the top decks of more family-focused ships operated by the likes of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. That often keeps families with younger kids from booking the ships.

What you will find on the top decks of both Eurodam and Westerdam are more serene sunning areas with pools and whirlpools. Depending on your travel style, that might be all you need.

Related: The best cruises for seniors who love to travel

Both Eurodam and Westerdam mostly sail seven-night trips to Alaska out of Seattle. However, for 2024, Westerdam has added an epic new 28-night Alaska itinerary out of Seattle that will include calls in remote areas that most cruise ships never visit. The new itinerary is one reason we give Westerdam the edge among ships when rating the best Alaska cruises out of Seattle for seniors.

It's the sort of itinerary that specifically appeals to retirees with the time (and money) to book such a long trip.

Westerdam is also a slightly smaller ship than Eurodam, and as a result, its demographics on any given sailing are more likely to skew toward a retired crowd. To the extent that families with younger kids book Holland America ships, they are more likely to book one of its larger vessels.

In addition to Eurodam and Rotterdam, two other good choices for retirees considering Alaska cruises out of Seattle are the two Princess ships that sail on such itineraries: Royal Princess and Discovery Princess. Like the Holland America ships, they aren't loaded with kid-focused attractions that draw families.

Bottom line

Nearly a dozen major cruise ships operate Alaska cruises out of Seattle during the summer months, giving cruisers plenty of choice.

What is the best Alaska cruise from Seattle for you? That'll depend on your personal interests and travel style because there are cruises from Seattle that appeal to everyone, including family travelers, budget travelers and retirees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 best cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Carnival vs. Princess: How do they compare?

Both Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises serve everyone from couples to families, but that’s where the similarities end. That said, more than Carnival, Princess’s passengers tend to change based on seasonality, with the numbers of kids on board skyrocketing in the summertime and over holidays and waning to just a few on, say, long January sailings. With Carnival, the passenger rosters are a bit more homogeneous, but you'll find more 20- and 30-somethings on the shorter sailings. In addition to differences in cruise mates, you’ll see big differences in atmosphere: Carnival is about affordable fun, while Princess cruises are often nicer and more low-key, with a slightly higher price tag. The Vegas-style gaudiness that bothered some Carnival cruisers in the past is slowly being erased. The new ships are … almost tasteful. Sure, they’re anything but staid — that’s Princess, without a doubt — but the neon lights and brightly colored wallpapers are a thing of the past. And it should come at no surprise that Princess is more rooted in traditions. After all, this is the line made famous by “The Love Boat.” Even today, the ships have onboard chapels and perform more marriages and vow renewals than any other line. Still, despite the differences in style and energy, the discounted prices aren’t so different that you won’t find yourself trying to decide if Princess is worth the extra money to you. Read on for how to figure that out.

10 Best Ports for Fun Fall Activities

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Carnival vs princess (Legend vs Ruby Princess)

By shutuph , October 1, 2016 in Alaska

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Loved Alaska so much we are looking to book our next cruise.

We loved Legend but are looking to go to Glacier Bay. Anyone done both ships. We are concerned we will be disappointed going with Princess. We had the interior French door on Legend and that was amazing for the price. I know there is nothing like that on Princess.

Can anyone weigh in on whether we are making a mistake.

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I think Princess does a great job in Alaska.

They have several enrichment speakers that come on the ship plus a Naturalist (Carnival has one also).

I think Glacier Bay is important for your first cruise to Alaska as it is pretty much guaranteed. Tracy Arm was pretty much a miss for most cruise ships this year.

Carnival does do Glacier Bay sometimes for a few weeks early or late in the season.

I have only done Carnival once (a long time ago) and then switched to Princess as I then preferred Princess. Carnival cabins are generally larger and you are right, there are no french balconies on Princess. In Alaska - even when I have a balcony, I am out on deck a lot as that is where the best views are. If you book with Princess, watch prices as they are often starting high and often drop through the season. Good luck planning.

darwinsrule

Except for next year when the Legend is doing a Glacier Bay run on August 15th (2017). Booked it a couple of months ago. The price at that point was $2000 less than NCL Pearl (which also does GB) which was the next cheapest.

We are hoping that they run a Glacier Bay in 2018. Love seattle and loved Legend. Did you book a balcony? If you just need some daylight we booked a 4k and had a great view between lifeboats.

Have fun...Alaska spoiled the carribean cruises for us....now we want to save our cruising for Alaska!

We are hoping that they run a Glacier Bay in 2018. Love seattle and loved Legend. Did you book a balcony? If you just need some daylight we booked a 4k and had a great view between lifeboats.   Have fun...Alaska spoiled the carribean cruises for us....now we want to save our cruising for Alaska!

Booked an extended balcony. Just under $4600 for the 4 of us which is too good to pass up. And reduced deposit. We had AK booked on NCL Jewel for this past August which we ended up cancelling when the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the USD fell through the floor. Still ended up spending the same amount of money at Disney World in the end.

Waiting for summer 2018 schedules like everyone else. Done a lot of caribbean cruises the last few years and are looking to some new sights now that the girls are getting older. We want to do Europe and having seen the pictures from Vista this summer, thinking Horizon esp. if they run the 10 night itinerary again.

If you just need some daylight we booked a 4k and had a great view between lifeboats.

Did you look at category OZ on Lido deck? Those are inexpensive obstructed view cabins that face out front. We've got one booked for the 5/6/17 sailing of the Ruby.

Getting ready to go on our 32 cruise with princess and our 5th to AK with them as well. Absolutely love the ships and the staff. Have never had a bad cruise.

We have gone on RCI, NCL, HAL and Disney and by far think Princess is the best, especially in AK. Have also done RCI and HAL to AK and they were not nearly as good in our opinions.

Try them and see for yourself.

Getting ready to go on our 32 cruise with princess and our 5th to AK with them as well. Absolutely love the ships and the staff. Have never had a bad cruise. We have gone on RCI, NCL, HAL and Disney and by far think Princess is the best, especially in AK. Have also done RCI and HAL to AK and they were not nearly as good in our opinions.   Try them and see for yourself.

We also did RCCL in Alaska and was disappointed compared to Princess. Princess did far more enrichment programs and had Alaska things going on all the time on the ship. RCCL had none.

Princess has a great reputation of providing excellent Alaskan cruises.

Ruby is a wonderful ship! :)

Budget Queen

In fairness, I happen to find RCI a great cruise in Alaska. If I recall correctly, your dislike of RCI in Alaska is based on one cruise several years ago?

I've done about 8 RCI cruises in Alaska, with 2 Radiance sailings this year. The port times were excellent and itinerary extremely enjoyable, Seward is my preference, due to my always easily adding Whittier anyway. (mainland itinerary)

There are many great choices to choose from. And you'll find rave reviews with Alaska sailings no matter what cruise.

We all have choices and opinions but I found the cruise experience inferior in Alaska. I would be hesitant to waste my money again on them to give them another chance in Alaska.

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Alaska Cruises

The great land awaits – set sail with princess, the #1 alaska cruise line.

Our Alaska cruises are your ticket to adventure amidst the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife and national parks. Voyage through the untamed beauty from the comfort of our world-class ships, exclusive rail service and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. Choose from a variety of Alaska cruise and cruisetour itineraries and connect with loved ones, locals and Alaska's wilderness with Princess®.

Learn more about excursions that match your interests with this curated list!

*More guests choose Princess in Alaska than any other cruise line

Alaska Cruises & Cruisetours

Alaska Cruisetours

See denali on an alaska cruisetour.

Alaska cruisetours combine our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers cruise with three to ten nights on land exploring Denali National Park. Travel aboard our exclusive Direct-to-the-Wilderness® train and unwind at Princess Wilderness Lodges®. Every year Princess introduces more people to Denali National Park than any other cruise line.

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Learn more about Alaska Cruisetours

Voyage of the Glaciers

Twice the glaciers.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our top-rated Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend seven days traveling from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, and Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.

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Learn more about Voyage of the Glaciers

Inside Passage Roundtrip Seattle

7-day alaska cruises.

Sail the Inside Passage, a series of channels and waterways formed by the march of glaciers, on your 7-day roundtrip Alaska cruise from Seattle. With an abundance of landmarks and wildlife, take in the sights and sounds of the Inside Passage from the comfort of your ship or on a thrilling excursion ashore. Explore fjords, glaciers and Gold Rush-era towns on weekend voyages out of Seattle.

Learn more about cruises from Seattle

Inside Passage Roundtrip San Francisco

10 or 11-day alaska cruises.

Travel the Inside Passage on 10 or 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco and allow the natural landscapes to inspire your day’s adventures. Begin by sailing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and along the Pacific Coast. As you voyage into the Inside Passage, enjoy one of the best ways to explore the fjords, small towns and natural landmarks with your favorite people.

Learn more about cruises from San Francisco

Inside Passage Roundtrip Vancouver

Alaska cruises that inspire.

Feed your hunger for adventure on a roundtrip Alaska cruise from Vancouver, B.C. Wind your way through fjords, by bright-green forests and through quaint Gold Rush-era towns on your way to the wonders of Glacier Bay National Park. Then experience age-old traditions with the locals.

Learn more about cruises from Vancouver

Voyage of the Glaciers Grand Adventure

14-day alaska cruises.

Sail 500 miles deeper into the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound on our back-to-back Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise. Spend 14 days roundtrip from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in historic port cities like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway. Enjoy three glacier-viewing experiences on every itinerary — including Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier and College Fjord.

NEW Alaska Long Voyages

New for 2025, we have crafted longer adventures at sea with a 22-day roundtrip voyage sailing from San Francisco that coincides with Summer Solstice and a 17-day roundtrip cruise from Seattle, featuring three days of scenic glacier viewing as well as charming ports like Wrangell and Valdez. For those voyagers seeking to sail from Southern California all the way up the Pacific coast to Alaska, try a new 16-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyage from Los Angeles.

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2025 Alaska New Cruise & Cruisetour Itineraries. Learn more

With its roaring glaciers, rugged mountains and deep fjords, Glacier Bay National Park feels like a dream. With 3.3 million acres to explore, cruise to this world-renowned landmark — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and let the landscapes inspire your next adventure. Princess Cruises is an authorized concessioner of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska Cruise Experience

Alaska Glaciers

One of the biggest reasons people visit.

Glaciers feel alive. They groan, creak and shudder on their march to the sea, punctuated by the booms and crashes of "white thunder" — a sound that echoes across the water when ice calves into the ocean below. On an Alaska cruise, let us show you Glacier Bay National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, College Fjord or Hubbard Glacier.

Learn more about Alaska Glaciers

Alaska Wildlife

Untamed, just like alaska.

Alaska is home to a rich array of wildlife, from the famous Big Five animals that live in Denali National Park — grizzly bears, wolves, moose, Dall sheep and caribou — to bald eagles and humpback whales that migrate through the Inside Passage. On a cruise to Alaska, live a nature lover's dream in the land where guests can catch postcard-worthy sights.

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Alaska Mountains & National Parks

National treasures.

With national parks and four of North America’s tallest mountains, Alaska’s wilderness has been preserved for generations. Denali National Park is larger than Vermont and home to the highest peak on the continent. Meanwhile, Glacier Bay National Park has over 2,000 square miles of glacial coverage. Along with Wrangell-St. Elias and Kenai Fjords, a world of natural wonders awaits on an Alaska cruise or cruisetour.

Learn more about Alaska Mountains & National Parks

Alaska Excursions

Don't just visit this famous land, live it on Alaska excursions. Rush across the snow on a dog sled with a professional musher, fly fish for salmon in fresh rivers and soar over miles of glacial tundra in a helicopter. Watch migrating humpback whales from the deck of a catamaran or Native craftsman carve a traditional totem pole, and expand your Alaska cruise experience.

Learn more about Alaska Excursions

Alaska Cruise Ports of Call

College Fjord

The Harriman Expedition discovered College Fjord in 1899 and named the towering glaciers after the great East Coast universities of the United States, like the Harvard Glacier. With the largest collection of tidewater glaciers in the world, your scenic Alaska cruise through the fjord will make a lasting memory.

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Endicott Arm

Endicott Arm is a jewel in Alaska’s crown. This 30-mile waterway is surrounded by cliffs, valleys and dozens of waterfalls. Icebergs and harbor seals decorate the water below while Dawes Glacier soars into the sky above. Revel in the beauty of Mother Nature’s masterpiece and listen closely as the scenery whispers secrets of times long ago during your cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Endicott Arm | View Endicott Arm shore excursions

Glacier Bay National Park

When you cruise to Alaska with Princess, sail through one of the most iconic locations in the Great Land — Glacier Bay National Park. Listen to Margerie Glacier’s signature crack and boom rumble across the waves. Bring binoculars and scan both the shore and the waves for wildlife like brown bears and migrating whales while Park Rangers teach you the history and geology of the park.

View cruises with Glacier Bay National Park | Learn more about Glacier Bay National Park

Hubbard Glacier

The largest tidewater glacier in North America, Hubbard Glacier has been moving its mass towards the ocean at a rate faster than most of its kind. Towering above the water over 30 stories, the glacier often calves 100-foot chunks of ice into the ocean. What lies beneath the waves is almost as impressive, where ice plunges 1,200 feet beneath the surface. See it for yourself on an Alaska cruise with Princess.

View cruises with Hubbard Glacier | View Hubbard Glacier shore excursions

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is home to the remote Tlingit village of Hoonah, home to fewer than 800 people and a deep Native history. The nearby Spasski River Valley holds one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears, who are often found hunting for salmon in the rivers. Zipline over the wilderness, watch a tribal dance or kayak in coastal waters to see the wildlife up close during your Alaska cruise vacation.

View cruises with Icy Strait Point | View Icy Strait Point shore excursions

Juneau is unlike any other city in the United States. With no roads connecting it to the rest of Alaska or North America, it is truly a protected destination. Founded as a gold mining town and now the state’s capital, Juneau has one foot in history and one in the future. Embark on a whale watching tour, or sail past Mendenhall Glacier on an Alaska cruise.

View cruises with Juneau | View Juneau shore excursions | Watch video: Juneau port overview

Known for its timber, Ketchikan hosts the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, where athletes throw, race and chop their way to victory. Explore one of the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at the Totem Pole Heritage Center, or stroll along Creek Street. As the salmon capital of the world, Ketchikan’s waters make for incredible fishing. Cast your rod into a sea of opportunity on a cruise to Alaska.

View cruises with Ketchikan | View Ketchikan shore excursions | Watch video: Ketchikan port overview

On an Alaska cruise, take your pick of attractions in the port of Sitka. See how bald eagles and local bird populations receive first-class treatment at the Alaska Raptor Center. Encounter wildlife in their natural habitat at the Fortress of the Bear. Or experience the culture of Russian Alaska on a visit to St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church, and relive Native history at the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

View cruises with Sitka | View Sitka shore excursions

Once the gateway to Alaska's Gold Rush, Skagway strikes a dramatic image nestled between the water's edge and mountains. Follow in the footsteps of miners with a ride on a scenic train along the famous White Pass route through coastal mountains. During your Alaska cruise, explore the Yukon's pristine wilderness, pan for gold with professionals or meet sled dog puppies in training.

View cruises with Skagway | View Skagway shore excursions | Watch video: Skagway port overview

Valdez is situated in Prince William Sound and serves as the gateway to the interior of Alaska. Often referred to as the "Little Switzerland", Valdez is known for its breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. It is also well-known for its role in the transportation of crude oil from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which ends in Valdez. Explore the charming waterfront area and take in the flavors of Valdez through culinary experiences at restaurants such as the Valdez Brewery and the Fat Mermaid.

View cruises with Valdez

Victoria, B.C.

At first glance many mistake Victoria for an English coastal city or northern European town. Full of greenery, pubs and Victorian architecture, it's difficult to believe that this was a tent city full of rough and tumble miners just 150 years ago. On a cruise to Alaska, explore the Butchart Gardens, tour the pub scene and taste some of the local brews or sail the bay for a whale-watching adventure.

View cruises with Victoria, B.C. | View Victoria, B.C. shore excursions

Wrangell is a charming and scenic harbor known for its local fishing industry. It is not as bustling as larger ports in Alaska and maintains its historic charm and offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Explore its historic downtown and learn about the local culture and Native heritage while in Wrangell.

View cruises with Wrangell

#PrincessCruises Alaska Connection

Alaska cruise onboard experience.

Our award-winning North to Alaska program brings local personalities, culture and cuisine on board and ashore to immerse you in all things Alaska during your cruise to the Great Land.

Learn more about our North to Alaska Program

Alaska Seafood

Fresh and bountiful, like alaska itself.

Alaska's seafood is famous, and we bring the best to you with locally inspired dishes from the state’s best eateries. With Cook My Catch excursions, catch your own salmon or halibut with the help of a local expert, and in the evening our talented chefs will prepare your haul for your dinner — a Princess exclusive. From ship to shore, the best is at your fingertips on our Alaska cruises.

Meet Local Alaskans

Real alaska from local alaskans.

Alaskans are inviting people who love to share what makes their state unique. Watch lumberjacks in action, learn from Glacier Bay National Park rangers and craft with a Native totem pole carver. Or listen to harrowing Tales from the Deadliest Catch fishermen and climbers who have summited Denali during your Alaska cruise.

Unique Alaska Cruise Experiences

Great experiences from the great land.

Travel back in time and pan for gold like a prospector during the Gold Rush. Snuggle sled dog puppies in the ship's Piazza, or see the Northern Lights in the planetarium. At the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, explore our treehouse and enjoy unmatched views of Denali. Or savor tree-inspired bites at our very own Sappy Hour. Dive deeper into what makes the Great Land special on your cruise to Alaska.

Alaska Cruise Articles and Videos

Read about Alaska’s must-see attractions, signature cuisine, and how to prepare for a wild adventure into the heart of The Great Land.

Discover Alaska with Princess in 2023-2024

The best cruise line in Alaska just keeps getting better! From top-rated cruises that visit Glacier Bay National Park to scenic rail travel and exclusive Princess lodges, you will find a seamless Alaska experience with Princess.

Best Dishes to Try on Your Alaska Cruise

No one does seafood quite like Alaska—which is why we brought the best of the Great Land on board, so you can experience it all with Princess.

Top Alaska Cruise Destinations

From exploring Denali National Park to fishing for salmon in Anchorage, discover the top Alaska destinations on a Princess cruise.

Inside Passage Alaska Cruise

From exploring historic gold mines to venturing in the footsteps of early explorers, learn about Alaska’s Inside Passage and discover the wonders awaiting you.

Alaska Ports of Call

From the sweeping mountains of Juneau to the fish-bearing seas of Ketchikan, discover our Alaska cruise ports and set sail into the adventures that await you.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Check out our helpful checklist so that you know exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise with Princess.

See all Alaska cruise articles and videos

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your Alaska cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

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You May Also Like

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Enjoy two glacier-viewing experiences on our top-rated 7-day cruise.

North to Alaska

Immerse yourself in all things Alaska with our onboard program.