Best Princess Cruises

The 670-passenger Pacific Princess, recently refurbished in June 2019, is the smallest ship in the Princess fleet. It caters to travelers looking for quieter, more personalized onboard experiences than those offered on megaships. Past cruisers described the 375-person staff as warm and gracious.

There's plenty of breathing room on board, with seven dining venues (including two specialty restaurants, a buffet, a main dining room and three casual eateries) and three lounges. When it comes to activities, passengers can get treatments at the Lotus Spa, participate in wine tastings, take a dip in the saltwater pool or attend expert lectures as part of the Discovery at SEA program. Come nightfall, cruisers can take in shows at the theater or play games in the casino. That said, youth-oriented programming is limited. 

At the end of the night, travelers will retreat to staterooms outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minibars. While Interior cabins measure between 158 and 162 square feet, Mini-Suites occupy a larger 323 square feet and include two flat-screen TVs and sofa beds. Pacific Princess does not yet offer the OceanMedallion wearable device on its sailings. 

In 2019-20, Pacific Princess sails to destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean, as well as extended worldwide itineraries. 

Unique features – including a glass walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship – make Regal Princess stand out among competitors. Guests can expect quality service on the 3,560-passenger, 1,346-crew-member ship, which debuted in 2014 and was most recently updated in 2017.

Regal Princess offers plenty of onboard activities, from an indoor driving range to a photography studio to educational programming through Discovery at SEA events. While adults sip cocktails at one of the onboard lounges, kids and teens can enjoy age-appropriate youth clubs. Come mealtime, the whole gang can choose between the main dining rooms, a number of specialty restaurants (including Sabatini's Italian venue) and multiple laid-back eateries.

All cabins come appointed with minifridges and flat-screen TVs. While Interior cabins measure between 158 and 162 square feet, larger Balcony staterooms occupy 214 to 222 square feet. The ship also features Mini-Suite category cabins, which offer two flat-screen TVs, bathtubs and furnished balconies. Each guest aboard Regal Princess now receives an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

In 2019-20, Regal Princess departs from ports like Fort Lauderdale, London, Rome, Dubai, Sydney and more for sailings in Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe and beyond. 

Emerald Princess, which debuted in 2007 and was recently updated in April 2019, is one of the largest ships in the fleet. It carries up to 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew members, and it offers balconies in 80 percent of its exterior cabins. Recent cruisers describe the accommodations as sleek and spacious.

While groups can opt for a Family Suite for more square footage, those who splurge on Suite category cabins are granted perks like specialty dining and priority disembarkation at ports. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. What's more, as of August 2020, each guest aboard Emerald Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Activities include duty-free shopping boutiques, the Lotus Spa and a photography studio. In the evenings, theater shows, outdoor movies and multiple lounging areas keep cruisers entertained. The ship also offers age-appropriate youth clubs; in fact, the Camp Discover Youth & Teen Centers were refreshed during the refurbishment. With four pool areas, seven whirlpool spas, the newly reimagined Sanctuary and an abundance of dining venues – including seven specialty restaurants – the ship rarely felt crowded (according to most passengers). Guests will be especially fond of the new Steamers Seafood restaurant and Planks BBQ venue. 

In 2019-20, Emerald Princess offers a variety of sailings in Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the California Coast and more. 

Launched in 2002 and last refurbished in December 2017, the 2,600-passenger Star Princess offers the modern amenities of larger ships – including a 300-square-foot poolside theater and The Sanctuary adults-only retreat – without sacrificing personalized service.

The ship's diverse dining options, which include four specialty venues, three main dining rooms and five laid-back eateries were a hit among previous cruisers. Recent passengers also complimented the well-appointed cabins. About 80 percent of exterior staterooms offer private balconies, and all cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Groups seeking more space can opt for Mini-Suites or Two Bedroom Family Suites. For extra perks, like priority boarding and special food options, opt for a Club Class room. 

Star Princess' onboard activities include Zumba classes, wine tastings and lectures through the ship's Discovery at SEA program. The ship also offers programming designed for kids and teens ages 3 to 17. Star Princess does not yet offer the OceanMedallion wearable device on its sailings. 

In 2019-20, Star Princess departs from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. It sails along the West Coast and Alaska, as well as to Hawaii and Mexico. 

With offerings like movie screenings beneath the stars and massages at the adults-only Sanctuary, Ruby Princess is a good choice for couples. Debuted in 2008, the ship was most recently refurbished in October 2018 to add new top-deck dining options like Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones. Ruby Princess holds 1,200 crew members and 3,080 guests.

In terms of lodging, 80 percent of exterior cabins are appointed with balconies, and all rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. While Interior cabins range from 158 to 162 square feet, Balcony category cabins offer more space and Pullman beds to accommodate extra guests. As of January 2020, each guest aboard Ruby Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Reviewers are complimentary of the ship's onboard programming and amenities. Activities include a nine-hole putting course, duty-free shopping boutiques and enrichment opportunities through the Discovery at SEA program. Dining is just as diverse, with a total of 11 venues to choose from. Come nightfall, travelers can try their luck at the casino, see a show in the theater or dance until the wee hours at the top-deck nightclub.

In 2019-20, Ruby Princess offers itineraries in California, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and more.  

Thanks to its most recent refurbishment in July 2018, the 2,000-passenger, 924-crew-member Sun Princess has features that set it apart from the rest of the fleet, including an exclusive seafood venue, a specialty restaurant by award-winning chef Curtis Stone, new boutiques and a revamped entertainment lineup.

Another selling point: the accommodations. About 70 percent of the ship's exterior cabins are outfitted with balconies, and all cabins offer standard amenities like minifridges and satellite TVs. Those who opt for Mini-Suite and Suite category room receive more space and extras like bathtubs and multiple TVs. Most recent cruisers found the ship's accommodations clean and comfortable. Sun Princess does not yet offer the OceanMedallion wearable device on its sailings. 

Outside of their cabins, guests can relax by the pool or with treatments at the spa. Other activities include duty-free shopping, lectures and hands-on cooking lessons through the ship's Discovery at SEA program. There are also special centers designed specifically for kids and teens between the ages of 3 and 17. When it’s time to dine, guests can choose from two main dining rooms and a number of casual or specialty eateries. Past cruisers praised the cuisine options. 

In 2019-20, Sun Princess departs from a variety of ports for itineraries in Asia and Australia and the Pacific. 

Last updated in April 2018, Golden Princess provides its 2,600 passengers with a bevy of updated features, including a piazza-style atrium, the child-free Sanctuary retreat, a poolside movie screen and more. Cruisers can expect a high level of service thanks to the low crew-to-guest ratio (the ship features 1,100 staff members). Although the ship offers youth clubs for kids ages 3 to 17, most of the entertainment and activities on board are geared toward adults.

Still, most previous cruisers complimented the selection and quality of the cuisine at the 11 dining venues, which range from three main dining rooms to casual fares like burgers and pizza. The ship is outfitted with four specialty venues, including fresh seafood at the Crab Shack and Italian specialties at Sabatini's.

Another major selling point is the ship's cabins. Interior staterooms occupy between 158 and 162 square feet, and they come outfitted with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Larger Mini-Suites and Suites span 323 to 932 square feet and include two flat-screen TVs, a furnished balcony and a fully equipped bathroom with tubs and showers. Golden Princess does not yet offer the OceanMedallion wearable device on its sailings. 

In 2019-20, Golden Princess spends most of its time in the Pacific, with departures from Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Vancouver and more. 

First launched in 1998, the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess underwent a renovation in March 2019 that added new top-deck dining venues like Slice Pizzeria, The Mix, Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones. The Princess Theater was also refreshed to provide a more immersive audio experience. Other onboard amenities include the adults-only Sanctuary, duty-free boutiques and educational programs through the Discovery of SEA program.

The ship houses numerous dining venues, including three main dining rooms, four specialty venues and a variety of casual eateries serving classics like burgers and pizza. Come nightfall, passengers can enjoy cocktails at their pick of lounges.

The recently refurbished accommodations are outfitted with amenities like flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Though only 76 percent of exterior cabins offer private balconies – a lower percentage than other ships in the fleet – guests describe cabins as comfortable and spacious. Plus, thanks to a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio (the ship features 1,150 crew members), past cruisers describe the onboard service as attentive and friendly. What's more, as of March 2020, each guest aboard Grand Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

In 2019-20, Grand Princess departs from San Francisco, Los Angeles and more for sailings in Alaska, Hawaii, Asia, the California coast and Mexico. 

Built in 2004 and recently refurbished in March 2018, the 2,670-passenger Sapphire Princess appeals to travelers looking to sail across Southeast Asia, Canada and Europe. With 1,100 crew members on board, the ship provides a more tailored experience than some of its larger competitors. 

The ship's Interior staterooms span 158 to 162 square feet and are appointed with minifridges and flat-screen TVs. Cruisers can also opt for Oceanview and Balcony cabins, as well as Mini-Suite and Suite category staterooms. Club Class rooms offer all the amenities found in Mini-Suites, plus some add-ons like an exclusive dining area and priority embarkation and disembarkation. Sapphire Princess does not yet offer the OceanMedallion wearable device on its sailings. 

When it comes to dining, passengers can choose from a total of 14 venues, including five main dining rooms, four specialty restaurants and several casual eateries ranging from a poolside pizzeria to burgers and fries.

Activities are equally diverse, ranging from wine tastings to spa treatments to educational lectures through the ship's Discovery at SEA program. In the evenings, Sapphire Princess offers activities like poolside film screenings, dancing at the top-deck Skywalkers Nightclub and games in the casino.

In 2019-20, Sapphire Princess departs from ports in Dubai, Rome, Shanghai, Singapore and more. 

Like Coral Princess, Island Princess (which was most recently renovated in December 2017) was designed to access hard-to-reach ports in Alaska, South America and the Panama Canal. With a capacity of 2,200 passengers and 900 crew members, the ship also maintains quality customer service.

In terms of lodging, about 80 percent of exterior cabins are appointed with balconies, and all cabins include amenities such as minifridges and flat-screen TVs. Those looking for more space can opt for a Mini-Suite, which offers 323 square feet of room and comes with additional perks like a bathtub and two TVs. As of December 2020, each guest aboard Island Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Outside of their cabins, passengers have plenty of entertainment options. Daytime activities include everything from poolside lounging to lectures and cooking classes through the ship’s Discovery at SEA enrichment program.

Recent cruisers commended the abundance of dining options as well. Guests can choose from a total of nine dining venues, including two main dining rooms, five casual eateries and three specialty restaurants. For an extra special evening, cruisers can sign up for a Chef's Table dining experience, which includes a specially designed menu, an autographed cookbook and more. 

In 2019-20, Island Princess sails to a variety of destinations across Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, South America and the Panama Canal. Travelers can depart from ports in Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York City, Buenos Aires, London and more.