What is Princess Cruises, really?

Think of Princess Cruises as the middle ground. Not budget, not ultra-luxury, just… steady.

Most sailings follow a familiar rhythm. You get proper dining rooms, scheduled shows, quiet corners to sit with a drink, and enough activity to stay occupied without feeling overwhelmed. It’s the kind of cruise where people read by the pool, attend a show at night, and actually get off the ship at ports.

That’s why it works well for couples, families, and first-time cruisers who don’t want surprises.

Where does Princess Cruises go?

Princess Cruises destinations cover a huge map, but a few routes keep coming up again and again.

Alaska is the big one.
Princess Cruises Alaska itineraries are widely considered a strong pick, especially because of the cruise + land tour combinations. You’re not just sailing past glaciers, you can continue inland.

Europe is another major focus.
You’ll find plenty of Princess Cruises Mediterranean routes connecting ports across 

Italy, Greece, Spain, and beyond.

Then there’s the usual spread: Caribbean, Asia, Australia, even longer world voyages if you’re feeling ambitious.

What are the ships like?

The Princess Cruises ships fleet is a mix. Some ships feel newer and more modern. Others, like Ruby Princess or Regal Princess, have been around longer but are still widely used.

Most Princess ships are mid-size to large. They are built more for travel and comfort, not for packed, high-energy activities.

Across the ships, you’ll usually find:

• big dining areas
• open decks with pools
• theaters for shows
• quiet lounges to relax

You won’t see roller coasters or flashy theme-park features here. These ships are designed to feel easy and comfortable, not overwhelming.

How pricing works (and where people misjudge it)

At first glance, Princess Cruises can seem reasonably priced. And it is, until you start adding things. The base fare usually covers:

• your room
• meals
• standard entertainment

That’s it. Then come the extras:

• drinks
• Wi-Fi
• specialty dining
• gratuities
• excursions

This is where the total cost starts to shift.

There’s an option to bundle these through something like the Princess Plus package. For some travelers, it makes things easier. For others, it can feel like paying for things they may not fully use.

Pricing and inclusions may vary by itinerary, ship, and cabin category, so it’s always a good idea to check the fare details before booking.

Princess Plus vs Princess Premier: what’s the difference?

Princess Cruises offers bundled packages that combine extras into one price.

• Princess Plus usually includes drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities
• Princess Premier may include added perks like premium beverages and reserved seating

These packages can make budgeting simpler since you’re paying upfront.

But they don’t suit everyone. If you don’t plan to use all the included services, paying as you go might make more sense.

What does the experience actually feel like?

The Princess cruise experience is fairly predictable, and that’s not a bad thing.

Mornings are slow. People grab breakfast, step out at ports, or just stay onboard and do nothing (which is kind of the point). Evenings bring shows, music, and dinner.

One thing that stands out is the tech layer. The Medallion system, connected to the Princess Cruises app, handles a lot:

• check-in before you sail
• unlocking your room
• ordering food or drinks
• browsing daily schedules

Some people love how seamless it feels. Others would rather not use their phone on vacation at all.

Is Princess Cruises good?

This question comes up a lot, and the answer isn’t dramatic. Looking at overall Princess Cruises reviews, the pattern is pretty consistent. Most travelers find it dependable. Not extraordinary, not disappointing, just solid.

What people tend to like:

• itineraries that actually feel worth it
• a balanced onboard experience
• enough structure without being rigid

Where it falls short:

• costs creeping up through extras
• crowded sailings during peak seasons
• service that can vary depending on the ship

So, is it good? Yes, if you’re expecting exactly what it offers.

Princess Cruises vs Celebrity Cruises

If you’re comparing options, this one shows up quickly.

• Princess Cruises leans traditional. It’s about destinations, routine, familiarity.
• Celebrity Cruises feels more modern. Sleeker ships, slightly more premium finish.

Neither is “better” across the board. It depends on what you care about more: where you’re going, or how the ship feels while you’re getting there.

Who should choose Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises is usually a good fit for:

• couples and adult travelers
• first-time cruisers
• people who care more about destinations than onboard attractions

It tends to work well if you’re looking for a calm, easy-to-follow cruise experience. It may not be the best choice if you’re looking for:

• high-energy entertainment
• party-style cruise vibes
• ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experiences

Pros and cons (quick reality check)

What works well

• wide range of destinations
• strong Alaska itineraries
• overall experience feels balanced and easy

What might not

• extras can quietly increase your budget
• some ships feel dated
• peak-season sailings can get crowded

Is it worth it?

If you’re looking for a cruise that’s easy to understand, doesn’t overwhelm you, and focuses on where you’re going, Princess Cruises usually makes sense.

If you want everything included upfront, or you’re chasing a high-energy, party-style experience, it might not click the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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