Princess Cruises is one of the strongest choices for travelers who want a comfortable, relaxed, destination-focused cruise without jumping all the way into luxury pricing. Compared with many budget-friendly cruise lines, it feels more refined, but it is usually less formal and less expensive than true luxury cruising.
Alaska is where Princess has one of its strongest reputations. However, the line also offers solid options in the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and other destinations. The onboard experience is usually calmer than Royal Caribbean, less kid-focused than Disney Cruise Line, and more traditional than Norwegian Cruise Line.
Because of that, Princess is a strong fit for adults, couples, Alaska cruisers, multi-generational families, and travelers who want a polished cruise experience without needing waterslides, go-karts, or nonstop party energy.
Princess Cruises Quick Rating
Value Category: Premium Mainstream / Destination Value
Best For: Alaska cruisers, couples, adults, relaxed travelers, multi-generational groups, and guests who want comfort without mega-ship chaos.
Not Best For: Travelers who want nonstop thrill rides, Disney-style theming, adults-only cruising, or the cheapest cruise fare.
Overall Fit: Best for travelers who value destination-focused itineraries, relaxed ships, good dining, MedallionClass convenience, and premium mainstream comfort.
What Makes Princess Cruises Great?
Princess Cruises does not try to be the loudest or flashiest cruise line. Its strength is comfort, destination quality, dining, service, technology, and a more relaxed onboard pace.
For many travelers, that is exactly the point. Princess can feel like a smoother, calmer cruise experience compared with the biggest family-focused mega-ships. It works well when the destination matters as much as the ship.
Princess is also one of the strongest cruise lines for Alaska. Between its Alaska cruise history, cruisetour options, Glacier Bay access on select itineraries, and land-based lodge experiences, Princess has built a serious reputation in that region.
Princess Cruises Is Best For These Travelers
Princess is a strong fit for travelers who want a premium mainstream cruise with comfort, destination focus, and a relaxed onboard experience.
Princess Cruises Is Usually a Great Fit For:
- Alaska cruisers
- Couples and adults
- Multi-generational families
- Travelers who prefer a calmer ship atmosphere
- Guests who enjoy good dining without a party-heavy vibe
- Travelers who want comfort without luxury cruise pricing
- People who value destination-focused itineraries
- Cruisers who like technology that makes the trip easier
Princess can also work well for families, but it is usually not the first choice for families whose main priority is waterparks, thrill rides, character experiences, or huge teen activity zones.
Where Princess Cruises May Not Be the Best Fit
Princess is a very solid cruise line, but it is not the best match for every traveler.
Princess May Disappoint Travelers Who Want:
- Royal Caribbean-style mega-ship activities
- Disney characters and themed family entertainment
- A very young party atmosphere
- An adults-only cruise line
- The lowest possible cruise fare
- A luxury experience across the entire ship
- Nonstop nightlife and high-energy pool decks
Princess is better for travelers who want a polished, relaxed cruise than for travelers who want the ship to feel like a floating amusement park. That is not a weakness if you choose it for the right reason.
Princess Cruises Value Category: Premium Mainstream / Destination Value
Princess sits in the premium mainstream category. It is generally more refined than budget-first cruise lines, but not as expensive or exclusive as true luxury cruise brands.
The value is strongest when you care about the itinerary, dining, service, comfort, and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere. It is also strong when comparing Alaska cruise options because Princess has a deep presence in that market.
Where Princess Delivers Strong Value
- Alaska cruises and cruisetours
- Couples and adult travelers
- Multi-generational groups with mixed ages
- Travelers who want comfort without luxury pricing
- Guests who value destination-heavy itineraries
- Travelers who use Princess Plus or Princess Premier wisely
- Guests who want a calmer cruise than the biggest family mega-ships
Where the Value Can Drop
- If you want big-ship thrill attractions
- If you are traveling with kids who need constant high-energy activities
- If you do not care about the destination or itinerary quality
- If you book packages without understanding what is included
- If you expect luxury-level service without booking a premium category
Princess is not usually the cheapest cruise option, but it can be a very good value when the destination, package, ship, and traveler style line up well.
MedallionClass: Princess’s Biggest Technology Advantage
Princess’s MedallionClass technology is one of the biggest differences between Princess and many other cruise lines. Instead of using only a traditional cruise card, guests use a wearable medallion that helps simplify different parts of the cruise experience.
Depending on the ship and setup, MedallionClass can help with stateroom access, onboard payments, locating travel companions, ordering food and drinks through OceanNow, and using the Princess app to manage parts of the trip.
Why MedallionClass Can Be Helpful
- Your stateroom can unlock as you approach
- Food and drinks can be ordered to many locations onboard
- Onboard payments are easier
- Travel companions can be easier to locate
- The app can help manage dining, activities, and ship information
- It reduces some of the small hassles of cruising
Like any technology, it is not something every traveler will care about equally. But for many guests, MedallionClass makes Princess feel easier and more convenient once onboard.
Princess Plus and Princess Premier: What to Know
Princess Plus and Princess Premier are package options that can change the value of a Princess cruise. These packages may include drinks, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation, OceanNow delivery, room service delivery, dining benefits, and other perks depending on the package and sailing.
For 2026 cruises and beyond, Princess lists Princess Plus and Princess Premier with different drink limits, dining benefits, Wi-Fi device access, and other package inclusions. The best choice depends on how you actually cruise.
Princess Plus May Make Sense If You Want:
- Drinks included up to the package limit
- Wi-Fi for one device per guest
- Crew appreciation included
- Some casual dining benefits
- OceanNow and room service delivery included
Princess Premier May Make Sense If You Want:
- Higher drink package limits
- More Wi-Fi device access
- Unlimited casual and specialty dining based on current package terms
- Reserved theater seating
- Shore excursion credits depending on cruise length
- Photo benefits and other premium inclusions
These packages can be valuable, but they need to be compared honestly. If you will not use the drinks, Wi-Fi, dining, or extras, the package may not be worth it. If you will use those benefits, it can make the cruise feel more all-inclusive and easier to budget.
Dining on Princess Cruises
Princess is generally known for solid dining in the premium mainstream category. The experience is not as theme-driven as Disney and not as flexible-focused as NCL, but Princess usually offers a comfortable mix of main dining, casual dining, buffet options, specialty restaurants, and room service or delivery options depending on package and ship.
Common Princess Dining Highlights
- Main dining rooms with changing menus
- Buffet and casual dining options
- International Café on many ships
- Specialty dining such as Crown Grill or Sabatini’s on select ships
- OceanNow delivery options
- Princess Plus and Premier package dining benefits depending on package level
Princess dining is best for travelers who want a comfortable, quality dining experience without needing the meal itself to be a full themed production. Specialty dining can be a good upgrade, especially for celebrations or longer sailings.
Entertainment and Onboard Atmosphere
Princess offers entertainment, live music, theater shows, lounges, enrichment, deck parties, casino options, and its well-known Movies Under the Stars experience. The overall atmosphere is usually more relaxed and mature than the loudest family-focused cruise lines.
That makes Princess a better fit for travelers who want enjoyable entertainment without feeling like the ship is constantly trying to be a theme park.
Princess Entertainment Highlights May Include:
- Princess Theater productions
- Live music and lounges
- Comedy and guest entertainers
- Movies Under the Stars
- Casino and game options
- Destination enrichment and onboard talks
- Discovery-inspired programming on select sailings
Princess has plenty to do, but the energy is different from Royal Caribbean, Disney, or NCL. It is generally more relaxed, polished, and destination-friendly.
Sanctuary, Reserve Collection, and Sanctuary Collection
Princess has several ways to create a more premium experience, but the terminology can be confusing.
On many Princess ships, The Sanctuary has traditionally referred to an adults-only top-deck retreat available for an added fee. On newer ships like Sun Princess and Star Princess, Sanctuary Collection is a more extensive premium category with exclusive spaces, Sanctuary Restaurant access, and Princess Premier included as part of the booking.
What to Know Before Booking
- The Sanctuary and Sanctuary Collection are not the same thing
- Sanctuary Collection is currently tied to Sun Princess and Star Princess
- Reserve Collection and suite benefits vary by ship and stateroom type
- Premium access and package inclusions should be reviewed before booking
- These upgrades can be valuable for adults, couples, and travelers wanting more comfort
This is an area where the exact ship and room category matter. Princess can offer a very nice premium experience, but travelers should understand exactly what is included before choosing a higher category.
Princess Cruises Ships: Why the Ship Choice Matters
Princess ships vary by age, size, features, and itinerary. The newest Sphere Class ships, including Sun Princess and Star Princess, represent a newer direction for the line with more modern design and Sanctuary Collection options.
Royal Class ships remain popular for many Caribbean, Alaska, and global itineraries, while smaller ships can be better suited for certain destination-heavy routes.
Sphere Class
Sun Princess and Star Princess are the newest generation of Princess ships. These ships are best for travelers who want the newest design, more modern spaces, and access to newer premium concepts like Sanctuary Collection.
Royal Class
Royal Class ships offer a strong modern Princess experience with good dining, entertainment, public spaces, and popular itinerary options. These ships are a common choice for travelers who want a comfortable premium mainstream cruise.
Smaller and Older Princess Ships
Smaller and older Princess ships can still be a good fit for specific itineraries, especially destination-focused routes. However, travelers should compare features carefully so expectations match the ship.
Best Princess Ships to Consider
The best Princess ship depends on your destination and travel style. Alaska cruisers may focus more on itinerary and Glacier Bay access. Couples may care more about dining and premium spaces. Families may want a ship with stronger entertainment and convenient room options.
| Ship / Class | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Sphere Class | Travelers wanting the newest Princess experience | Modern design, newer dining and entertainment spaces, Sanctuary Collection options on Sun and Star Princess |
| Royal Class | Couples, adults, families, and mainstream Princess cruisers | Comfortable modern ships with broad itinerary appeal, dining, entertainment, and MedallionClass convenience |
| Alaska-Focused Ships | Alaska cruisers and cruisetour travelers | Strong Alaska itineraries, scenic cruising opportunities, and land/cruise package options |
| Smaller Princess Ships | Destination-focused travelers | Can work well for specific itineraries, longer voyages, and travelers who prefer fewer mega-ship features |
Princess Cruises for Alaska
Alaska is one of Princess Cruises’ strongest calling cards. Princess has a deep history in Alaska and offers cruise and land tour combinations that can include scenic cruising, national parks, rail travel, and Princess-owned wilderness lodges depending on the itinerary.
For travelers who want to see more than just the ports, Princess cruisetours can be a major advantage. These trips can combine the cruise with land-based Alaska experiences, including areas like Denali.
Why Princess Is Strong in Alaska
- Long-standing Alaska presence
- Cruise and land tour options
- Princess wilderness lodge opportunities on select packages
- Good fit for scenic cruising and destination-focused travelers
- Strong option for adults, couples, and multi-generational groups
- Often a good balance of comfort and itinerary depth
For travelers comparing Alaska cruise options, visit the Alaska travel section or read the guide to Alaska glaciers and Denali.
Princess Cruises for Families
Princess can work for families, especially multi-generational groups, but it is not usually the first choice for families whose main priority is nonstop kid-focused action.
Compared with Royal Caribbean, Disney, or some newer MSC ships, Princess is calmer and more destination-focused. That can be a good thing for families traveling with grandparents, older kids, or adults who want comfort and scenery.
Best Family Strengths
- Good for multi-generational trips
- Comfortable ships and relaxed atmosphere
- Strong Alaska and destination-focused itineraries
- MedallionClass can make onboard logistics easier
- Dining and entertainment are approachable for different ages
- Better for families who want comfort over thrill attractions
Family Watch-Outs
- Not as activity-packed as Royal Caribbean
- No Disney characters or immersive Disney storytelling
- Not the strongest choice for young kids who need constant entertainment
- Teen appeal may depend heavily on the ship and itinerary
- Some families may prefer a livelier cruise line
Best Destinations for Princess Cruises
Princess sails many destinations, but a few regions stand out.
Alaska
Alaska is the strongest destination fit for Princess. The line’s cruise and land tour options, scenic itineraries, and destination experience make it one of the best cruise lines to compare for Alaska.
Caribbean
Princess Caribbean cruises can be a good fit for travelers who want warm weather, beaches, and a more relaxed ship atmosphere than the biggest family-focused lines.
For more destination planning ideas, visit the Caribbean travel section.
Europe
Princess Europe cruises can be appealing for travelers who want to see multiple countries while keeping a comfortable ship as their home base.
Panama Canal and Longer Voyages
Princess can also be a good fit for travelers interested in the Panama Canal, longer cruises, repositioning sailings, and more destination-heavy itineraries.
Princess Cruises Compared to Other Cruise Lines
Princess is best compared with other mainstream and premium mainstream cruise lines. It is calmer than Royal Caribbean, less flexible than Norwegian, less family-themed than Disney, and generally more refined than Carnival or value-first MSC sailings.
| Cruise Line | How It Compares |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Royal is stronger for families, teens, thrill attractions, and mega-ship activities; Princess is calmer and more destination-focused |
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney is stronger for younger kids, characters, and storytelling; Princess is usually better for adults, couples, Alaska, and relaxed cruising |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Norwegian is stronger for flexible dining and casual scheduling; Princess has a more classic, polished, destination-focused feel |
| MSC Cruises | MSC may offer stronger value pricing and newer ship deals; Princess is usually more familiar, relaxed, and destination-focused for American cruisers |
| Holland America Line | Holland America is often even calmer and more adult-focused; Princess may feel slightly broader for multi-generational groups |
Biggest Pros of Princess Cruises
- Excellent Alaska reputation
- Strong cruise and land tour options
- Comfortable premium mainstream experience
- Good fit for couples, adults, and multi-generational groups
- MedallionClass technology can make the cruise easier
- Princess Plus and Premier can simplify budgeting when used well
- Dining is generally solid for the category
- Relaxed atmosphere without feeling too casual
- Good option for destination-focused travelers
Biggest Cons of Princess Cruises
- Not the best fit for families wanting nonstop thrills
- Less exciting for young kids than Disney or Royal Caribbean
- Not adults-only
- Not a true luxury cruise line unless booking higher categories
- Packages need to be reviewed carefully before booking
- Some ships feel more traditional than modern
- Nightlife and pool energy may be quieter than livelier cruise lines
Not Sure If Princess Cruises Is the Right Fit?
Princess can be a great choice for Alaska, couples, adults, and relaxed destination-focused cruising. Sehlmeyer Travel can help compare Princess with other cruise lines and make sure the ship, itinerary, cabin, and total cost fit your trip.
Final Verdict: Is Princess Cruises Worth It?
Princess Cruises is worth considering if you want a premium mainstream cruise with comfort, destination focus, and a calmer onboard atmosphere. It is especially strong for Alaska, couples, adults, and multi-generational travelers.
Princess is not the best fit for travelers who want the biggest thrill attractions, Disney-style family immersion, or the lowest possible cruise fare. It is also not a true luxury cruise line across the entire fleet, although premium categories and Sanctuary Collection can elevate the experience.
The line’s strongest value comes when the itinerary matters. If you want Alaska, a relaxed cruise pace, good dining, helpful technology, and a comfortable ship experience, Princess can be an excellent fit.
For travelers who want a polished cruise without mega-ship chaos, Princess deserves a serious look.
Helpful Sehlmeyer Travel Resources
- Plan Your Trip with Sehlmeyer Travel
- Explore the Cruise Line Guide
- Browse Alaska Travel Guides
- Read About Alaska Glaciers and Denali
- Read Caribbean Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruises
Is Princess Cruises good for Alaska?
Yes. Princess Cruises is one of the strongest cruise lines for Alaska because of its long Alaska history, cruise and land tour options, scenic itineraries, and destination-focused experience.
Is Princess Cruises good for families?
Princess can be good for families, especially multi-generational groups and families who want a relaxed, comfortable cruise. It is not usually the best choice for families who want waterslides, thrill rides, characters, or nonstop kid-focused activities.
Is Princess Cruises expensive?
Princess is usually best described as premium mainstream. It is not typically the cheapest cruise line, but it is usually less expensive than true luxury cruising. The total cost depends on ship, itinerary, cabin, package, and travel dates.
What is MedallionClass on Princess Cruises?
MedallionClass is Princess’s technology system built around a wearable medallion. It can help with stateroom access, onboard payments, OceanNow delivery, locating travel companions, and managing parts of the cruise through the app.
Are Princess Plus and Princess Premier worth it?
Princess Plus and Princess Premier can be worth it if you will use the included drinks, Wi-Fi, dining benefits, crew appreciation, delivery, and other perks. They may not be worth it if you would not normally use those extras.
Is Princess Cruises better than Royal Caribbean?
Princess is usually better for Alaska, relaxed cruising, couples, adults, and destination-focused travelers. Royal Caribbean is usually better for families, teens, mega-ship attractions, and high-energy onboard activities.
Is Princess Cruises better than Disney Cruise Line?
Princess is usually better for adults, couples, Alaska, and relaxed destination-focused cruising. Disney is stronger for younger kids, characters, family storytelling, and Disney-themed entertainment.
Is Princess Cruises better than Norwegian Cruise Line?
Princess usually offers a more classic, polished, destination-focused cruise experience. Norwegian is stronger for flexible dining, casual scheduling, solo cabins, and The Haven upgrades.
Who should avoid Princess Cruises?
Princess may not be the best fit for travelers who want the cheapest cruise, huge thrill attractions, Disney-style theming, adults-only cruising, or a very lively party atmosphere.
