An Introduction to Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is one of the most recognized and beloved cruise lines globally, synonymous with the iconic "Love Boat" TV series that introduced cruising to millions. Known for its innovative ships, diverse global itineraries, and a focus on personalized service through its MedallionClass technology, Princess offers a contemporary and comfortable cruise experience for travelers of all ages.
A Brief History
Princess Cruises was founded in 1965 by Stanley B. McDonald, chartering its first ship, Princess Patricia, for cruises to Mexico. The company quickly gained recognition, especially when the Pacific Princess was chosen as the backdrop for the popular television show "The Love Boat" in 1977. This propelled Princess Cruises into the public consciousness and significantly contributed to the growth of the cruise industry.
Over its history, Princess has been a pioneer in many aspects of cruising. In the 1980s, they championed the concept of the affordable private balcony, a feature now ubiquitous across the industry. They also introduced innovations like 24-hour dining, the first wedding chapels at sea, and the popular "Movies Under the Stars" outdoor movie screens.
In 2003, Princess Cruises became part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company. This ownership has allowed Princess to continue its significant fleet expansion and technological advancements. A key innovation in recent years is the Princess MedallionClass experience, introduced in 2017, which leverages wearable technology to personalize and streamline the guest experience, offering features like expedited boarding, on-demand service, and touchless interactions. The launch of the new Sphere-class ships, Sun Princess (2024) and Star Princess (2025), marks a new chapter in design and capacity for the brand.
The Fleet: Modern Innovations and Diverse Sizes
Princess Cruises operates a large and modern fleet of ships, ranging from mid-sized to some of the largest at sea. All Princess ships are equipped with MedallionClass technology, enhancing the guest experience. The fleet is generally categorized into several classes, each offering unique features and layouts.
Sphere Class (Newest & Largest):
Sun Princess (4,300 guests): Launched 2024.
Star Princess (4,300 guests): Launching 2025.
These are the largest ships built for Princess, featuring innovative multi-story domes, enhanced entertainment venues, and a focus on expansive views.
Royal Class:
Royal Princess (3,560 guests): Launched 2013.
Regal Princess (3,560 guests): Launched 2014.
Majestic Princess (3,560 guests): Launched 2017.
Sky Princess (3,660 guests): Launched 2019.
Enchanted Princess (3,660 guests): Launched 2020.
Discovery Princess (3,660 guests): Launched 2022.
These are modern, elegant ships known for their expansive Atrium, SeaWalk glass walkway, and Movies Under the Stars.
Grand Class:
Grand Princess (2,600 guests): Launched 1998.
Diamond Princess (2,670 guests): Launched 2004.
Sapphire Princess (2,670 guests): Launched 2004.
Caribbean Princess (3,140 guests): Launched 2004 (modified Grand Class).
Crown Princess (3,080 guests): Launched 2006.
Emerald Princess (3,080 guests): Launched 2007.
Ruby Princess (3,080 guests): Launched 2008.
Known for their signature aft-facing dining rooms and the traditional Princess experience.
Coral Class (or Sun Princess Class 2):
Coral Princess (2,000 guests): Launched 2003.
Island Princess (2,200 guests): Launched 2003.
Mid-sized ships popular for Alaska, Panama Canal, and exotic itineraries, offering a higher percentage of balcony cabins.
The fleet collectively offers a wide range of dining options, entertainment venues, pools, spas, and activities designed to cater to a diverse passenger base, from families to couples.
Current Starting Ports and Itineraries (2025-2026)
Princess Cruises boasts one of the most extensive global itineraries among major cruise lines, sailing to all seven continents and visiting over 330 destinations worldwide. Leveraging its diverse fleet, Princess offers a vast array of voyages, from short getaways to multi-month world cruises.
Key Regions and Major Starting Ports for 2025-2026 include:
Alaska:
Princess is a recognized leader in Alaska, offering various cruise and "Cruisetour" (cruise + land tour) options.
Starting Ports:
Vancouver (Canada) | Seattle (USA) | Whittier (Alaska) | San Francisco (USA) | Los Angeles (USA).
Caribbean:
A strong year-round presence with diverse itineraries.
Starting Ports:
Fort Lauderdale (FL, USA) | Port Canaveral (FL, USA) | Galveston (TX, USA) | New York City (NY, USA).
Europe & Mediterranean:
Extensive seasonal offerings across the continent.
Starting Ports:
Barcelona (Spain) | Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy) | Athens (Piraeus, Greece) | Southampton (England, UK) | Copenhagen (Denmark) | Istanbul (Turkey).
Panama Canal:
Various transits and partial transits.
Starting Ports:
Fort Lauderdale (FL, USA) | Los Angeles (CA, USA) | San Francisco (CA, USA) | Vancouver (Canada).
Mexico & California Coast:
Starting Ports:
Los Angeles (CA, USA) | San Francisco (CA, USA).
Hawaii & South Pacific:
Including Tahiti, Fiji, and other islands.
Starting Ports:
Los Angeles (CA, USA) | San Francisco (CA, USA) | Vancouver (Canada) | Sydney (Australia).
Australia & New Zealand:
Starting Ports:
Sydney (Australia) | Auckland (New Zealand).
Asia:
Including Japan | Southeast Asia, and China.
Starting Ports:
Tokyo (Yokohama, Japan) | Singapore | Hong Kong (China).
South America & Antarctica:
Starting Ports:
Buenos Aires (Argentina) | Santiago (San Antonio, Chile) | Fort Lauderdale (FL, USA).
Canada & New England:
Seasonal fall foliage and historical cruises.
Starting Ports:
Boston (MA, USA) | New York City (NY, USA) | Quebec City (Canada).
World Cruises & Epic Voyages:
Longer, immersive journeys exploring multiple continents.
Official Websites
Princess Cruises maintains a robust global online presence.
USA Official Website: https://www.princess.com/
UK Official Website: https://www.princess.com/en-uk/
Princess also has specific websites for Australia, Canada, Europe (Germany, France, Italy, etc.), and other regions.
A Word of Caution: Cruise Scams
When planning your cruise with Princess Cruises, it is essential to remain highly vigilant against potential scam attempts that, unfortunately, target travelers. Princess Cruises has publicly addressed various fraudulent activities. Be aware of these common red flags:
"Free Cruise" or "Exclusive Offer" Traps: Be highly suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails, texts, or social media messages claiming you've won a "free Princess cruise" or are eligible for an impossibly low-priced "exclusive" deal. These are almost always fraudulent. They invariably come with hidden fees, demands for immediate payment for "port taxes" or "service charges," or are simply phishing attempts to collect your personal data or pressure you into buying something else entirely. Princess Cruises is a frequent target for such schemes.
Fake Websites and Phishing Attempts: Scammers create highly convincing fake websites that mimic the official Princess Cruises site or reputable travel agencies. They also send deceptive phishing emails that appear legitimate. Their goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials, credit card details, or other sensitive personal information. Always manually type the official website address (e.g., princess.com) into your browser's address bar or use trusted bookmarks. Double-check the URL very carefully before entering any data, looking for subtle misspellings or unusual domain extensions.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be wary of any offer that demands an immediate decision due to a "limited-time offer" that will expire in minutes or hours. This tactic is used by fraudsters to prevent you from doing proper research or verifying the offer's legitimacy.
Unusual Payment Requests: Never agree to pay for a cruise via untraceable methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency if requested by an individual or an unverified entity. Legitimate cruise lines and their authorized partners use secure, traceable payment methods (e.g., credit cards) that offer consumer protection.
Fraudulent Job Offers: Princess Cruises has specific scam alerts regarding fraudulent recruitment attempts. Be extremely cautious of unsolicited emails or messages offering employment (especially overseas positions) that ask for personal information outside of a standard resume, or, critically, demand payment for visas, training, or application processing. Princess Cruises will never ask for payment as part of a job application process. Always verify job postings directly through their official careers website.
Promotional Package Misrepresentation: Some passengers have reported feeling misled by "promotional packages" sold onboard or via phone that promise future cruise credits, hotel credits, or land stays. While these can be legitimate, ensure you thoroughly understand the terms, conditions, and any limitations (e.g., hotel credits might only provide a small discount off inflated rates) before purchasing. Always read the fine print and clarify any ambiguities.
To ensure your relaxing Princess cruise begins safely and securely, always book directly through the official Princess Cruises website for your region or through a well-established, reputable travel advisor who is familiar with Princess's offerings. If an offer feels suspicious, or if you receive any communication that raises red flags, contact Princess Cruises directly using the official contact information found on their verified website, not from the suspicious offer itself. Embark on your unforgettable voyage with complete peace of mind.
Additional Resources
The following are affiliate links, we will receive a commission for any qualifying orders / bookings at no additional cost to you.
Expedia
USA | UK | Canada | Australia | France | Germany | Mexico | Japan | South Korea | Hong Kong SAR | Singapore | New Zealand.
Hotels.com
UK | Canada | Australia | France | Mexico | Denmark | Finland | Norway | Sweden | Japan | South Korea | Brazil | Taiwan | USA.
Vrbo.com
UK | Canada Eng | Canada Fr | USA
Bookabach
Stayz.com
Other
AutoEurope Car Hire - Click Here to Book
Compensair - Click Here to Book
Economy Bookings Car Hire - Click Here to Book
GetRentacar.com - Click Here to Book
ntui.Travel transfer - Click Here to Book
Kiwi.com UK flight, train, and bus - Click Here to Book
Kiwitaxi individual transfer services and private car tours - Click Here to Book
Localrent.com - car rental - Click Here to Book
QEEQ.COM car rental - Click Here to Book
Radical Storage luggage storage - Click Here to Book
SEARADAR sailing yacht rentals - Click Here to Book
Tiqets museums and attractions - Click Here to Book
Trip.com one-stop travel booking services - Click Here to Book
WayAway flight aggregator - Click Here to Book
Welcome Pickups airport transfers - Click Here to Book
Yesim eSIM provider - Click Here to Order
