What Princess Cruises offers and who operates it

Princess Cruises is a cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation that operates 15 ships as of 2024, sailing to destinations across the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Santa Clarita, California. Princess markets itself toward middle-market cruisers — people looking for a mid-sized ship experience with structured activities, formal dining options, and a mix of ports rather than ultra-luxury or budget-focused sailing.

The line operates ships ranging from about 2,600 to 4,300 passengers. Smaller ships visit ports that larger cruise lines cannot reach, while larger Princess ships offer more onboard amenities and entertainment. Unlike some cruise lines that focus on one region, Princess rotates its fleet seasonally — a ship might sail Alaska in summer and the Caribbean in winter.

Princess is not a budget cruise line, but it is not ultra-luxury either. Pricing sits between lines like Carnival (lower cost) and lines like Disney or Cunard (higher cost). The line includes gratuities and some beverages in certain fare types, which affects the total cost you pay compared to lines where these are add-ons.

Key Takeaways

  • Princess operates 15 ships with passenger capacities between 2,600 and 4,300, sailing seasonal routes to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific.
  • Fares vary by season, ship, and how far in advance you book, with prices typically lower for Caribbean sailings than for Alaska or Europe.
  • Princess includes gratuities and some beverages in higher-tier cabin packages, but base fares do not include drinks, specialty dining, or shore excursions.
  • The line operates its own private islands in the Caribbean and partners with ports in Alaska and Europe, affecting the number of days spent at sea versus in port.
  • Onboard activities range from Broadway-style shows and fitness classes to enrichment lectures, with evening entertainment included in your fare.

Ship sizes and what each carries

Princess divides its fleet into four classes. The Grand-class ships (Grand Princess, Golden Princess, Pearl Princess, Star Princess) carry around 2,600 passengers and are the oldest in the fleet, launched between 1998 and 2002. These ships have a more intimate feel and visit smaller ports that newer, larger ships cannot enter.

The Diamond-class ships (Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess) carry about 2,700 passengers and were built in 2004 and 2005. They are similar in size to Grand-class but have updated technology and slightly different onboard layouts.

The Royal-class ships (Royal Princess, Regal Princess) carry around 3,600 passengers and launched in 2013 and 2014. These are significantly larger and include more dining venues, entertainment spaces, and cabin variety than older ships.

The Sphere-class ships (Sphere Princess, launched 2024; Discovery Princess, launched 2022) carry about 4,300 passengers and represent Princess's newest technology. These ships include more modern cabins, digital features, and dining options. Sphere-class ships command higher fares because they are new and carry more passengers per sailing, spreading fixed costs differently.

Cabin types and what they include

Princess offers five main cabin categories: inside (no window), oceanview (window), balcony, mini-suite, and suite. Inside cabins are the least expensive; suites are the most. Cabin size and amenities vary by ship class — a balcony on a Grand-class ship is smaller than a balcony on a Sphere-class ship.

What your cabin includes depends on your fare type, not just your cabin category. A base fare includes your cabin, onboard entertainment, and access to most dining venues (main dining room and buffet). It does not include alcoholic drinks, specialty dining restaurants, shore excursions, spa services, or internet.

Beverage packages add unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for a per-day fee, typically $15 to $20 per person daily. Dining packages add access to specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, Asian fusion) for a flat fee per person for the cruise. Suite fares often bundle gratuities, some beverages, and specialty dining, which lowers your total out-of-pocket cost compared to buying these separately.

Internet is sold separately as a daily or cruise-length pass. Onboard credit (a discount toward drinks, dining, or excursions) is sometimes offered as a booking incentive, particularly during sales periods.

Pricing, seasons, and how fares change

Princess fares vary by destination, season, and how far in advance you book. Alaska sailings (May through September) are typically the most expensive because demand is highest and the season is short. Caribbean sailings (year-round, heaviest in winter) are usually less expensive. Europe sailings (spring and fall) fall in the middle.

Prices also depend on ship age and size. A sailing on the new Sphere Princess costs more than the same itinerary on an older Grand-class ship. A 7-day Caribbean cruise on a Grand-class ship might start at $600 to $900 per person in base fare during shoulder season (April, November), while the same cruise in peak winter (December through February) might be $1,200 to $1,800 per person.

Princess publishes a brochure price, but actual fares are almost always lower if you book in advance. Prices typically drop as the sailing date approaches if the ship is not full, though they can also rise during peak periods. Booking 2 to 4 months ahead often yields better prices than booking last-minute, though last-minute deals do occur on select sailings.

Gratuities (tips for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff) are automatically added to your onboard account at about $15 per person per day for standard cabins and $18 per person per day for suites, unless you opt out or adjust the amount before your cruise.

Destinations and itinerary patterns

Princess operates seasonal rotations. Alaska (May through September) features Inside Passage sailings from Seattle or Vancouver, with stops at Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay. Some Alaska cruises are 7 days; others combine a cruise with a land tour in Denali or the Yukon.

Caribbean sailings run year-round from ports like Fort Lauderdale, New York, Los Angeles, and San Juan. Itineraries typically visit 4 to 5 ports over 7 days, with stops at Princess's private islands (Princess Cays in the Bahamas or Half Moon Cay in the Exuma Cays) on most sailings.

Europe sailings (April through October) depart from ports like Barcelona, Rome, or Southampton and visit Mediterranean, Northern Europe, or British Isles destinations. These cruises are often 10 to 14 days and include more sea days than Caribbean sailings.

Asia and South Pacific sailings (October through April) visit Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. These are longer cruises (10 to 16 days) and are typically more expensive because of the distance and length.

Onboard activities, dining, and entertainment

Princess includes evening entertainment (Broadway-style shows, comedy, music) in your fare. The line produces original shows on larger ships and books touring productions. Daytime activities include fitness classes, trivia contests, cooking demonstrations, and enrichment lectures on topics like history, wine, or photography.

The main dining room operates on a traditional schedule with assigned seating at dinner (though you can request a different time or open seating on some sailings). The buffet is open throughout the day. Specialty restaurants (Italian, steakhouse, Asian) require an additional fee per person per visit, typically $15 to $30, unless you have purchased a dining package.

Fitness facilities, hot tubs, and pools are included. Spa services (massage, facials, body treatments) are extra. Internet is sold separately. Kids' clubs are included for children ages 3 to 17 on most sailings, with age-appropriate activities and evening babysitting available for an additional fee.

Shore excursions and ports of call

Princess does not include shore excursions in your fare. You can book excursions through Princess (typically $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity) or arrange your own once the ship docks. Princess excursions are may provide to return you to the ship on time; if you book independently and miss the ship, you are responsible for catching up at the next port.

Most Caribbean sailings include a day at one of Princess's private islands, where you can swim, snorkel, and use beach facilities at no additional cost (food and drinks are extra). Alaska sailings spend significant time in ports like Juneau and Ketchikan, with many passengers booking excursions like whale watching, fishing, or glacier tours.

Port days vary by itinerary. A 7-day Caribbean cruise typically has 5 to 6 port days and 1 to 2 sea days. A 10-day Europe cruise might have 7 to 8 port days and 2 to 3 sea days. Sea days are when the ship is at sea all day, offering more time for onboard activities and relaxation.

How to book and what to know before you sail

You can book a Princess cruise directly through the Princess website, by phone, or through a travel agent. Travel agents often have access to the same fares as the website and may offer additional perks like onboard credit. Booking through an agent costs you nothing extra — the agent is paid a commission by Princess.

Once you book, you receive a confirmation number and a link to manage your reservation online. You can add excursions, beverage packages, dining packages, and internet through your account. About 60 days before your cruise, you will receive your final documents (or a digital version) with your cabin assignment, dining time, and check-in instructions.

Check-in at the port typically opens 2 to 3 hours before departure. You will need a valid passport for any cruise that leaves the United States, even if you are a U.S. citizen. For Caribbean cruises that visit only U.S. ports, a passport is not required, but a Real ID driver's license or passport card is recommended.

Cancellation policies vary by fare type. Standard fares are usually refundable if you cancel 75 or more days before departure; closer to the sailing date, you lose a percentage of your fare. Flexible fares allow cancellation closer to the date with fewer penalties. Read the specific terms when you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a passport for a Princess cruise?

It depends on your itinerary. If your cruise visits only U.S. ports (some Caribbean sailings), a passport is not required, but a Real ID driver's license or passport card is recommended. Any cruise that visits a foreign country requires a valid passport. Alaska cruises that stop in Canada require a passport.

What is included in my Princess cruise fare?

Your base fare includes your cabin, onboard entertainment, access to the main dining room and buffet, fitness facilities, and most onboard activities. It does not include alcoholic drinks, specialty dining restaurants, shore excursions, spa services, or internet. Gratuities are added automatically to your account.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Princess does not allow passengers to bring alcohol onboard. Wine and beer purchased at ports can be brought to your cabin, but spirits cannot. Alcohol purchased onboard is charged to your account at bar prices.

How much does a typical Princess cruise cost?

Prices vary widely by destination, season, and ship. A 7-day Caribbean cruise on a Grand-class ship might range from $600 to $1,800 per person in base fare, depending on season. Alaska and Europe cruises are typically more expensive. Add gratuities, beverages, specialty dining, and excursions to get your total cost.

What happens if I miss the ship at a port?

If you miss the ship's departure, you are responsible for catching up at the next port at your own expense. Princess recommends booking excursions through the line to may support you return on time. If you book independently and miss the ship, Princess is not liable for your travel costs.