Eleven Things You Need To Know About Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises' MedallionClass, fleet size, and more
Updated: July 2024
As one of the largest cruise lines in the world, which welcomes more than two million passengers each year, it's no surprise that guests the world-over love seeing so many spectacular destinations – from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean and beyond – with Princess Cruises. However, if you're new to the cruise industry, or even just this particular cruise line, you may want to find out more about them. Well, that's where we come in.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Princess Cruises before booking your next adventure on one of their spectacular ships.
1. There Are 16 Ships In The Fleet
After setting sail in 1965 with just one ship, Princess Cruises has grown over the following decades to boast a 16 strong fleet. From the smallest ship Coral Princess with space for just 2,000 guests to the largest, Sky Princess, welcoming 3,660 passengers on board, you can choose from mid-sized and big ships for a holiday that suits you best. And with new ships on the horizon, such as 2025's Star Princess, it won't be long before there's even more to choose from.
You can find out more about all the new cruise ships coming in 2025 and beyond right here, too – of which, you'll find ships from Disney Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and more.
2. You Can Upgrade To All-Inclusive For At Least £50 Per Person Per Day
If you want to get even more out of your cruise, you can upgrade to Princess Plus for £50 per person per day, which will get you the Plus Beverage Package, Wi-Fi for one device, and crew appreciation tips included. Worth roughly £110 per person per day when paid for separately, this is the perfect way to save – and indulge stress-free – during your voyage.
For more on Princess Cruises' drinks packages, and what you can expect from the Plus Beverage Package you get with an all-inclusive upgrade, read more here. Princess Premier, which will set you back £65 per person per day, comes with even more benefits to enjoy. Details on all the Princess Cruises fare prices – and what each tier will get you – can be found here.
3. There's MedallionClass Technology On Every Ship
With a modern fleet comes modern innovations, and when you sail with Princess Voyages MedallionClass technology is on hand to streamline your cruise. Using a small, wearable device combined with an easy-to-use app, everything you could need is just a swipe or a tap away. From contactless payments and touch-free boarding to simplified safety training and finding friends and family on board, let MedallionClass technology enhance your experience.
For more on all the latest tech, including Princess Cruises' Ocean Medallion and MedallionClass benefits, check out our blog on cruise ship technology here.
4. Eating Is Made Easy With Dine My Way
As part of the MedallionClass app, dining is made easy on your Princess Cruises' voyage. From choosing where you want to eat and making reservations to ordering your dishes, notifying staff of dietary requirements, setting your dining pacing and choosing who you dine with, once meal times arrive all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the food.
If you have special dietary requirements, or you're a voluntary vegan or vegetarian, you can find out more about the top cruise lines for vegans right here – of which Princess Cruises is one.
5. Specialty Dining Is A Must
While the Main Dining Rooms, International Café and World Fresh Marketplace are all included in your cruise fare, there's also plenty more to try on board your cruise. Specialty restaurants vary by ship, but from refined steakhouses to Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Steamer's Seafood or Kai Sushi, you'll get the chance to sample perfectly prepared dishes from around the world.
If you would prefer to sit down and tuck into something tasty in your stateroom, you can find out more about the top Princess Cruises suites here – perfect if you want to know more about the dining spaces in these elegant accommodations.
6. Kids Are Welcome On Board
Princess Cruises' getaways aren't just for adults, they're also a fantastic family-friendly holiday option too. Alongside shore excursions and entertainment designed for all ages, younger cruisers can make the most of the kid's clubs available onboard while you're at sea. Camp Discovery, as an example, gives children of all ages – from babies and toddlers to tweens and teens – the chance to have fun and make friends through a variety of age-appropriate activities. You'll also find splash zones, family-friendly swimming pools, and games like mini golf available to enjoy onboard.
If you're travelling with children, you can find out more about the best family cruise destinations right here – just in case you're looking for some inspiration on which itineraries to pick. We also have guides for the top historical destinations to see on a cruise and the top museums to visit on a cruise for you to check out here, should you want to sprinkle some education into your adventure.
7. You'll Find Luxury Escapes On Every Ship
Kids aren't the only ones with their own spaces aboard Princess Cruises' ships. If you're looking for the ultimate retreat – a spot where rest and relaxation are in abundance – you'll find numerous luxury hideaways onboard. The Sanctuary, an adults-only al fresco haven, is the perfect place for a light bite, a few drinks, and even outdoor massages. Or, you can visit the Lotus Spa for even more pampering; you'll find facials, acupuncture treatments, aromatherapy sessions, and much more available here.
If you like the sound of that, but you want to weigh up your options, you can check out all the upcoming luxury cruises right here, or take that further with all the ultra-luxury world cruises on the way here – if you're thinking about going on an adventure lasting more than a couple of weeks.
8. You Can Book The Largest Balconies At Sea
No matter where you choose to stay on a Princess Cruises' ship, it's sure to be a relaxing place to wind down after a busy day. But if you're looking for extra-spacious accommodation, be sure to check out the Sky Suites on Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess. Boasting the largest balconies at sea, these impressive suites bring you even closer to the ocean with stunning views and tasteful décor.
While balcony size is important, you might find yourself opting for a stateroom with a smaller outdoor space that's in a better position onboard. If you're unsure of where to book, check out our guide to the best cabin positions on a cruise ship and find out everything you need to know about all the pros and cons of each location aboard a larger vessel like those in Princess Cruises' fleet.
9. You Can Explore Destinations Around The World
No matter where in the world you want to travel, you're sure to find a Princess Cruises' voyage which will take you there. From Alaska and North America to the sunny Caribbean or Australia, nowhere is too far away. Meanwhile, if you want to stay closer to home, you'll also find a variety of cruises in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. And with cruises from Southampton on offer, you won't even have to go to the airport to kickstart your holiday!
For those of you thinking about embarking on a transatlantic adventure, be sure to check out this guide to packing for a transatlantic cruise. We also have a list of the top underrated cruise destinations here, some of which you'll find served by the most exciting Princess Cruises itineraries.
10. They Even Have Their Own Private Island Resort
Floating in the Bahamas on the island of Eleuthera, you'll find Princess Cays, the cruise line's very own slice of paradise. With its white sandy beaches and sparkling Caribbean Sea, you might want to simply lay back and soak up the sun. Alternatively, get stuck into an array of activities while ashore, from Stingray encounters and snorkeling to bike riding or climbing the observation tower, there's lots to see and do on Princess Cays.
For more on all the exciting private islands you can cruise to, including Princess Cruises' Princess Cays, check out our guide to the best cruise line private islands here.
11. You Can Join The Loyalty Club To Get Even More Out Of Your Cruises
After your first voyage with Princess Cruises, you'll automatically become a member of the Captain's Circle, unlocking exciting benefits to enhance your future cruises. Starting with exclusive savings and members-only events, as you climb the tiers you'll gain access to even more offers, including priority boarding after 5 cruises and a complimentary mini-bar, afternoon tea and more after 15 cruises.
Find out more on our blog - A Quick Guide to Princess Cruises’ Captain's Circle.
Now you know what to expect from a Princess Cruises voyage, all that's left to do is browse our Princess cruise deals and choose the perfect getaway.
Book Your Next Getaway With Iglu Cruise Today
If you want to explore your options outside of the sailings available with Princess Cruises, we have all the latest cruise deals for you right here – including all-inclusive packages, upcoming short breaks, and even the best solo cruises.
You can also learn a little more about cruising and the cruise industry in general through this selection of blogs from the Iglu Cruise team: