Princess Cruises
Refined seas, unforgettable destinations
Founded
1965
Fleet size
15 ships
Best for
Couples, Older travelers, Destination-focused cruisers, Multi-generational families
Princess Cruises is a premium mainstream cruise line known for a more polished, destination-focused experience than mass-market lines while remaining broadly accessible. It's often associated with elegant ships, enrichment programming, and strong itineraries to destinations like Alaska and the Caribbean.
Traveler profile
Princess tends to attract a slightly older, destination-oriented traveler base, along with couples and families looking for a step up from mass-market casual lines. It's frequently chosen for scenic and enrichment-focused itineraries.
Atmosphere
The onboard atmosphere is generally relaxed and refined, with a calmer pace than high-energy mass-market lines while still offering plenty to do. Public spaces tend to favor comfort and elegance over overt flashiness.
Family experience
Families can typically expect youth programs and kids' clubs, along with family-friendly activities, though the overall pace and atmosphere skew somewhat more toward adults than lines built primarily around kids' entertainment. It generally suits multi-generational groups well.
Adult experience
Adult and couple travelers can generally expect a comfortable, easygoing environment with enrichment activities, lounges, and quieter public spaces. Princess is commonly associated with scenic cruising and destination immersion that appeals to adult travelers.
Dining
Dining typically includes flexible main dining options, casual buffet venues, and specialty restaurants for an additional fee. Princess is often noted for a broader emphasis on culinary variety and dining flexibility.
Entertainment
Entertainment commonly includes theater productions, live music, enrichment talks, and destination-themed programming. The overall style tends to be more polished and less overtly rowdy than mass-market party-style entertainment.
Accommodations
Staterooms generally range from interior and ocean-view cabins to balcony rooms and suites, with higher categories typically offering additional space, perks, or dedicated concierge-style services. Cabin styles vary across the fleet's different ship classes.
Major strengths
- Strong reputation for scenic and destination-focused itineraries (e.g., Alaska)
- A calmer, more refined onboard atmosphere than many mass-market lines
- Solid balance of enrichment programming and traditional cruise amenities
- Appeals well to both couples and multi-generational family groups
Important considerations
- Generally positioned at a higher price point than pure budget mass-market lines
- The more relaxed pace may feel less high-energy for travelers wanting nonstop activity
- Kids' programming, while present, is typically less extensive than on family-focused lines
Popular destinations
Related guides
How to Choose the Right Cruise Line
There's no single 'best' cruise line — only the best line for the trip you're actually trying to take. Here's how to match a line to your travel style.
A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Cruise Cabin
Interior, ocean view, balcony, or suite — and where on the ship it sits. Here's how to think through the cabin decision without overpaying for space you won't use.
Plan your trip
Home ports
- Fort Lauderdale
- Los Angeles
- Seattle
- Galveston
Popular departure regions
- Florida
- Caribbean
- West Coast
- Pacific Northwest
Not sure which line is right for you?
Compare family-friendliness, luxury level, atmosphere, and more across all eight cruise lines side by side.
Compare cruise linesCommon questions
Is Princess Cruises a good fit for my trip?
That depends on your travel style. Princess Cruises is generally best for: Couples, Older travelers, Destination-focused cruisers, Multi-generational families. Ask Larry can help match your specific plans against this and other lines.