Finding your perfect cruise line can take some time.
Cruising is all about choosing the right ships that match your travel style, how you like to relax and have fun, the destinations you want to visit, and the kind of people you enjoy travelling with.
So what about Princess Cruises? What makes them special? Where do they rank among other cruise lines? How formal are they? And what sort of people will you be cruising with?
Let’s find out…
What Makes Princess Cruises Special?
Princess Cruises describes itself as:
"Exclusively for everyone. Share all our favourite destinations and bring you the best experiences around each and every one of them. With multicourse meals to remember, Broadway-style shows, comedy acts and bands, and comfortable staterooms featuring the Princess Luxury Bed – all included in one of the best value holidays around."
There’s a bit to unpack there, so let’s break it down.
Flexibility and Personalisation
“Exclusively for everyone” highlights Princess Cruises' versatility.
With a range of stateroom options and all-inclusive packages, Princess allows you to customise your cruise to fit your budget and preferences.
Of course, a Travel Consultant like us can help you find the best options, ensuring a perfectly tailored experience.
Diverse Destinations
Princess Cruises offers an impressive array of global itineraries, taking you to destinations that many other cruise lines don't reach.
For example, explore the cultural richness of Japan, the tropical paradise of Hawaii, the diverse landscapes of South America, and the idyllic islands of the South Pacific.
This extensive reach makes Princess ideal for travellers who want to explore diverse destinations rather than just enjoying the onboard amenities.
Exceptional Dining
The phrase “multi-course meals to remember” underscores Princess' diverse dining options.
From casual bites to snacks, and especially the fine dining at specialty restaurants, the culinary experiences onboard are exceptional (in fact, really exceptional!) and varied, ensuring that every meal is a highlight.
Entertainment Galore
Entertainment on Princess Cruises includes Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and bands, providing the sparkle and razzmatazz that many cruisers love.
While some cruise lines like Virgin Voyages opt for different entertainment styles, Princess sticks to classic performances that add to the traditional cruise experience.
Value for Money
Described as “one of the best value holidays around,” Princess Cruises offers luxury touches, quality ships, and excellent service, all providing significant value.
Prices vary based on your choices, but the overall experience is both luxurious and reasonably priced.
Exceptional Customer Service
Despite having the latest technology, Princess Cruises maintains the charm of a classic cruise. The art deco design and impeccable (and we mean impeccable - they really can’t do too much for you) customer service create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere onboard.
Innovative Technology: Medallion
The Medallion wearable technology enhances your cruise experience. This device serves as your key card, allows hands-free cabin access, enables you to order drinks to your location, and ensures personalised service by making your preferences known to staff and friends.
Where Does Princess Rank Among Cruise Lines?
Princess Cruises falls in the upper end of the Premium category, offering a high-quality experience with great value.
Other cruise lines in this category include Celebrity, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages, all providing a more premium experience compared to the entry level options like MSC, Carnival Cruise Line, and P&O Cruises.
While Princess is probably slightly below Virgin Voyages in terms of luxury, it offers a family-friendly environment, unlike Virgin’s adults-only policy.
In short, if you're seeking a cruise that offers fantastic destinations, blends modern innovation with classic charm, and goes beyond the typical "resort-at-sea" experience, Princess Cruises should definitely be on your shortlist.
What’s Life Like onboard?
Now you know a little bit more about the Princess brand, what is it like to actually be roaming the decks of a ship from the Princess fleet?
Who will you meet, how should you dress, and how many children (if any) will there be. Let’s find out.
What’s the Average Age on a Princess Cruise?
This is always a tricky subject because there’s no definitive answer. And hey, who doesn’t shave a few years off when you're on holiday!?
We think couples in their mid-50s are who you’re most likely to bump into on a Princess Cruise. However, this depends on what time of year you’re sailing and which one of their ships you’re sailing on.
We frequently get asked if Princess is an adults-only cruise line. The short answer is no, it’s not. But arguably, you’re likely to find more adults sailing. But it’s worth noting, their new bigger, more vibrant Sphere Class ships with bundles of features and things to do, have really tried to appeal to families.
But it’s safe to say Princess isn’t defined by an adults-only label, like rivals Virgin Voyages or Cunard are. There’s always choice and flexibility with Princess, if you know how to find it.
How Formal is Princess Cruises?
Just like its passengers, the Princess dress code is a mix. Smart casual is probably the best description, but this comes with its own vagueness or flexibility, depending on how you look at it.
For example, if you’re on the top deck, enjoying the afternoon sun at the pool, swim/beachwear is totally acceptable. But if you’ve got yourself a reservation at a posh speciality restaurant that evening, dressing up is always the way to go.
You might not be expected to wear black tie (unless stated) but some nice shirts, dresses, blazers and shoes are a must.
Equally, if you’re headed out a couple of casual drinks, those beloved jeans of yours shouldn’t be a problem.
Is Princess Cruises All-Inclusive?
Despite its upper Premium Class credentials, Princess isn’t all-inclusive. But that’s no bad thing.
This means you get more flexibility and more savings, getting you onboard without having to pay the cost for all-inclusive food and drink you might not need.
But it just so happens that Princess Plus or Princess Premier all-inclusive packages are some of the best on the market. So, all-inclusive is available but only if you want it.
Princess Ships: Discover Your Ship
Is Princess Cruises floating your boat so far? Let’s dive into their impressive fleet and explore the ships sailing from the UK and Europe. Princess Cruises boasts 15 ships in 4 unique classes, but here, we’ll focus on the four standout vessels that offer unparalleled experiences for every type of traveller.
Sky Princess (2019)
Best All-Round Ship
Sky Princess offers modern design and luxurious features. Expect exciting entertainment venues, new dining options, award-winning chef partnerships, and more staterooms than ever for ultimate relaxation.
- Guests: 3,660
- Crew: 1,346
- Built: October 2019
- Guest Cabins: 1,830
- Number of Decks: 19
- Length: 1,083 feet
Sapphire Princess (2004)
Best for Intimate Itineraries
The smaller Sapphire Princess encourages you to indulge your every whim as you explore the world’s wonders. With over 700 balconies, world-class dining, and dazzling entertainment, your sea-going adventure begins here. Dance the night away, enjoy casino gaming, or rejuvenate at the Lotus Spa®.
- Guests: 2,670
- Crew: 1,100
- Built: 2004 / Refurbished 2018
- Guest Cabins: 1,337
- Number of Decks: 18
- Length: 952 feet
Enchanted Princess (2021)
Best for Classic Cruising
Enchanted Princess blends the spectacular style and luxury of the fleet with unique attractions. Experience exquisite dining, world-class entertainment, and the breathtaking Sky Suite with expansive views from the largest balcony at sea.
- Guests: 3,660
- Crew: 1,346
- Built: 2021
- Guest Cabins: 1,830
- Number of Decks: 19
- Length: 1,083 feet
Sun Princess (2024)
Best for Family Thrills & Innovation
Sun Princess is nearly double the size of any other Princess ship, offering more of everything: entertainment, activities, dining, and swimming options. It's perfect for a destination-rich cruise with kids, providing endless family-friendly fun.
- Guests: 4,300
- Crew: 1,600
- Built: 2024
- Guest Cabins: 2,150
- Number of Decks: 21
- Length: 1,133 feet
So Should You Choose Princess?
Princess offers sailors a high standard of cruising with the choice of upping the indulgence whenever you want. Exceptional itineraries alongside top-notch service, fantastic food and impeccable service, maintains the classic luxury feel of cruising while offering modern amenities and features.
For value, it’s not the cheapest cruise yout there, but we think you won’t be disappointed spending that extra money to ensure an exceptional holiday.
And What’s the Best Way to Book Your Princess Cruise?
With us!
Booking a Princess Cruise can be a bit overwhelming with all the choices out there. That’s where we come in. Here’s why booking your cruise with us is a great idea:
Expert Knowledge and Personal Service
We know the ins and outs of Princess Cruises (and what we don’t know, we can easily find out).
From different ships to unique itineraries, we can match you with the perfect cruise that fits your travel style. We take the time to understand your preferences and tailor recommendations just for you.
Contact Us Easily
No call centres, no wait times. Get in touch whenever you want. We are just a Whatsapp, phone call or email away ready to answer any holiday questions.
Exclusive Deals and Upgrades
Wehave access to special deals and upgrades you won’t find on your own. By booking through us, you might enjoy perks like onboard credits, complimentary upgrades, or low deposits, adding more value to your cruise.
Stress-Free Planning
Leave the logistics to us! We handle everything from selecting the right stateroom to arranging shore excursions. You get to focus on looking forward to your holiday while we take care of the details.
Customised Itineraries
We can create a cruise experience that’s perfect for you. Whether you’re into specific shore excursions, dining experiences, or onboard activities, I’ll customise an itinerary that matches your interests.
Informed Recommendations
With my industry knowledge, we can help you compare different cruise lines, ships, and itineraries. We ensure you make the best choice for your holiday, especially if you’re new to cruising or to Princess Cruises.
Travel Arrangements
We also assist with flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, and travel insurance. This means all aspects of your trip are coordinated, providing a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
Specialist Service at No Extra Cost
Booking your Princess Cruise withusensures a tailored, stress-free, and value-packed vacation. The best part is you get all of the extra service at no extra cost.
Our expertise and personalised service will enhance your cruise experience, allowing you to fully enjoy all that Princess Cruises has to offer.
To find out more drop us a line to arrange a chat, or give us a call.
Want to hear more about Princess Cruises?
Join us on a captivating journey aboard Princess Cruises' Sky Princess.
In this episode, we chat with Miguel, the hotel general manager, who reveals the secrets behind this luxurious ship. Find out how exceptional service, top-notch entertainment and innovative technology create a seamless cruising experience.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork and logistics that keep the Sky Princess running smoothly and the revolutionary MedallionClass technology that personalises your journey.