Princess Cruises: What to Know Before You Book

Princess Cruises has been around for decades. It is known for a relaxed pace and strong service. It also offers some of the best Alaska cruises in the industry. Princess tends to draw a slightly older crowd than lines like Disney or Norwegian. But it still offers plenty for families and couples of any age.

This guide covers the ships. It covers the technology that sets Princess apart. It covers the food, the entertainment, and what to check before you book.

MedallionClass: The Technology That Sets Princess Apart

Most Princess ships use something called the OceanMedallion. It is a small wearable device, about the size of a coin. You can wear it as a wristband, clip it to a lanyard, or keep it in your pocket. A couple of the oldest ships in the fleet do not have it yet, so check your specific ship before you sail.

The medallion opens your cabin door. No key card is needed. It lets staff bring your food and drinks right to you, wherever you are on the ship. It also helps your family find each other on a large ship, using an app on your phone. For many guests, this small device removes a lot of the small hassles that come with cruising.

The Ships and Where They Sail

Princess ships tend to be mid-size. They offer plenty to do. But they never feel too crowded or hard to get around. Newer ships in the fleet include the Sun Princess and the Discovery Princess. Older ships like the Regal Princess and the Enchanted Princess still offer a strong lineup of features.

Princess is one of the top choices for Alaska cruises. Few lines match their number of Alaska routes. They also offer private rail cars for connecting cruises with land tours. Princess also sails the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. Longer world cruises are also on offer for travelers with more time to spend. Browse current ships and sailing routes to see what fits your dates.

Dining on a Princess Ship

Every Princess ship includes multiple main dining rooms. There is also a large buffet at no extra cost. You can choose a set dining time each night. Or you can go with a flexible option called Anytime Dining. With Anytime Dining, you eat whenever you like.

Specialty restaurants are also on board for an extra fee. Options often include a steakhouse, an Italian trattoria, and a seafood-focused restaurant. Many guests find the included dining rooms are strong enough on their own. Specialty dining stays optional rather than necessary.

Entertainment and Things to Do

Princess is known for Movies Under the Stars. This is an outdoor movie screen by the pool deck. It also offers Discovery at Sea, a set of programs made with the Discovery and Animal Planet channels. These include hands-on activities and talks for both kids and adults.

Each ship also has a theater with live shows, a casino, a spa, and several bars and lounges. Kids clubs are split by age group, with staff supervision included in the fare.

What Is Included and What Costs Extra

Your fare covers your cabin, your main dining, and most entertainment on board. It does not cover everything.

Extra charges often include specialty dining, drinks, WiFi, spa visits, and shore excursions. Princess offers a package called Princess Plus. This can bundle drinks, WiFi, and gratuities into one price. Check current package pricing and promotions to see if it fits how you plan to cruise.

Tips Before You Book

Book Alaska early

Alaska sailings are some of the most popular in the Princess fleet. The best cabins and land tour add-ons sell out months ahead. Book early if Alaska is the plan.

Set up your OceanMedallion before you sail

Complete your profile in the app before departure. This saves time at check-in and lets you set up your medallion delivery address ahead of time.

Check the Princess Plus math

Add up what you would likely spend on drinks, WiFi, and gratuities on your own. Then compare that number to the package price. This tells you if it is worth adding.