About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico. More than 50 years later, the line is renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options, and an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers millions of guests each year the opportunity to immerse themselves in top destinations around the globe, aboard a fleet of 15 modern vessels.

Princess Cruises was catapulted to stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on a new television show called “The Love Boat.” The weekly series, which introduced millions of viewers to the concept of a sea-going vacation, was an instant hit and both the company name and its“Sea Princess logo have remained synonymous with cruising ever since. The show, which can still be seen around the world, has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the industry.

A History of Innovation

Since the line’s beginnings, Princess has frequently paved the way in the cruise industry, evolving to meet the needs of today’s vacationer. In fact, a number of Princess concepts have since been adopted by the entire cruise industry.

The company has long been the leader in building ships specifically designed to accommodate an extensive number of the most sought-after shipboard luxury -- the private balcony. In the 1980s Princess pioneered the concept of the affordable veranda, once an exclusive feature incorporated in only the most expensive suites. Today, Princess’ fleet offers one of the highest percentages of balcony cabins in the industry, across all cabin categories.

In the mid-1990s the company pioneered the concept of putting passengers in control of their own cruise experience with the introduction of a wide range of flexible onboard facilities, amenities and services in order to create a personal vacation experience. The company also pioneered 24-hour dining with the first ‘round-the-clock restaurant. Dining options were further revolutionized in 2001 as Princess became the first cruise line to offer passengers a choice in their main dining room experience – either the traditional seating or a restaurant-style Anytime Dining, in which diners could eat when and with whom they chose. 

Some other Princess innovations over the years include the first wedding chapel hosting modern-day weddings at sea by the ships’ captains (1998); the unique Times Square-style Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen (2004); and The Sanctuary, an adults-only oasis that has become exceedingly popular with guests looking to relax (2006).

In 2015, Princess Cruises implemented a $450 million-dollar product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that continues to enhance the line's onboard guest experience. These enhancements result in more moments of awe, lifetime memories and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation.

Princess MedallionClass

Over the years, Princess guests have enjoyed warm and gracious service in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance. This experience has been enhanced with the noted breakthrough in the vacation industry – Princess MedallionClass™ experience offering a number of new features that leverage touchless technologies and significantly enhance and personalize the guest experience, as well as support new health protocols.

Princess MedallionClass Vacations begin with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized, device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows.

Worldwide Destinations

Princess’ more than 170 different itineraries offer travelers the opportunity to literally cover the globe, with sailings to seven continents that call at more than 330 ports and destinations around the world. Destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Europe, Mexico, South America/Antarctica, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii, Tahiti/French Polynesia, Asia, India, Africa, Canada/New England and world cruises. Princess guests can enhance their cruise experience with a wide array of immersive shore excursions worldwide, led by local experts. The company’s cruisetour offerings also enable guests to combine their cruise with a full land tour in several destinations, such as Europe, Japan and South America. As the recognized leader and #1 cruise line in Alaska, Princess hosts more guests in Great Land than any other cruise line with a variety of cruise and cruisetour options highlighting the state’s must-see attractions, including Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. “North to Alaska,” the award-winning onboard program, brings authentic Alaska experiences to life through local seafood and real Alaskans coming aboard to share their stories. Offering a seamless vacation experience, Princess also owns and operates five wilderness lodges nestled in scenic riverside locations throughout the state and offers its exclusive “Direct to the Wilderness” rail service – giving travelers the opportunity to combine cruise, train, and lodge to see the best of Alaska. 

A Modern Fleet

Princess’ 15-ship fleet offers a range of sizes and amenities. The line’s largest vessels include Discovery Princess (2022), Enchanted Princess (2020), Sky Princess (2019), Majestic Princess (2017), Regal Princess (2014), Royal Princess (2013), Caribbean Princess (2004), Crown Princess (2006), Diamond Princess (2004), Emerald Princess (2007), Grand Princess (1998), Ruby Princess (2008) and Sapphire Princess (2004). Mid-sized vessels consist of Coral Princess (2003) and Island Princess (2003).

The six Royal Class vessels (Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess), introduced a new generation of ships to the fleet. The ships feature a 50 percent larger atrium which is the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the Princess Live! television studio; a dedicated pastry shop; more dining options including a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private space that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

Princess Cruises is part of Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL and CUK), one of the largest vacation companies in the world. Finding new ways to bring people closer is the legacy of Princess Cruises - creating lasting memories as guests, crew and local destination experts share their hearts, their worlds and create authentic connections while on a Princess cruise vacation.