Love a cheeky cocktail on your cruise? You’re not alone. But if you’re banking on classic Happy Hour deals aboard Princess Cruises, things aren’t quite the same anymore.
Here’s the lowdown on what’s changed, what still counts as a bargain, and how to make the most of drink time without overspending at sea.
Princess Cruises Does Have A Happy Hour For Select Guests
Princess Cruises does have a happy hour event, taking place each evening from 4.30 pm until 6.30 pm in the Elite Lounge – though it isn’t called Happy Hour. It includes a range of cocktails discounted to $8 and some complimentary appetisers. It’s open to Platinum and Elite guests as well as guests staying in a suite.
So, there is no happy hour event on a Princess cruise that’s open to all guests. Instead, you either need to have reached Platinum or Elite level in the Captain’s Circle loyalty programme, or you need to stay in a suite.
How To Get In The Elite Lounge
Reaching Platinum level and gaining access to the Elite Lounge isn’t too difficult with Princess Cruises – you just need to have completed either five prior cruises or have cruised for 50 days with the cruise line, if you’ve booked longer itineraries.
Elite is the next step up, but as long as you’re at least Platinum, you can take advantage of access to the Elite Lounge.
If you’re going the suite route rather than the loyalty route, you would need to be staying in a full suite – mini-suites don’t count.
The Happy Hour only takes place in the Elite Lounge. The drinks that are offered will usually change each day, and there’ll be a selection on offer, around six or so. You can order any other drink that you want, but they’ll be charged at full price.
The discounted drinks during Happy Hour are all $8, though remember there’s an 18% gratuity to pay on top of that – so you’ll actually be paying $9.44 for each drink.
If you have a drinks package, then the events in the Elite Lounge might not be worth attending. The Plus Beverage Package includes drinks up to $15, so it would cover the discounted drinks anyway – you’re not getting a special deal.
The Elite Lounge is open from 4.30 pm until 6.30 pm daily. This time has been brought slightly forward in the last couple of years to allow guests who are dining at 5 pm to grab a pre-dinner drink.
It’s also worth noting that, on some formal nights, the Elite Lounge will typically become the Captain’s Gala and guests will actually enjoy free drinks instead of discounted ones.
For Suite Guests, The Concierge Lounge Is Better Than The Elite Lounge
Suite guests will also get complimentary drinks in the Concierge Lounge (which is different from the Elite Lounge), so the Happy Hour benefit is only really useful for guests who have reached Platinum or Elite level in the Captain’s Circle, who haven’t purchased a drinks package.
Here’s a letter I received during my cruise, which shows the timings for both the Elite Lounge (with drinks special offers) and the Concierge Lounge (with free drinks)…
Princess Cruises Happy Hour Historically
There have been Happy Hour events on Princess Cruises’ ships historically, though they have now been removed. They would include special offers, including discounts on certain drinks, and the option to buy a drink and get another for $1.
Times change on cruise lines and the drinks prices, drinks packages and other offers are all very different on a Princess cruise than what they were even just a couple of years ago. So while it may be a shame that there’s no Happy Hour, it’s not a surprise.
As recently as 2016 there have been Happy Hour discounts on Princess sailings:
There may be another Happy Hour event, or something similar, introduced on Princess Cruises in future. However, with the popularity of the Plus and Premier cruise fares and their inclusions, it’s more likely that the cruise line will push people towards booking those fares instead and getting a drinks package as part of the deal.
Final Word
While there’s no official “Happy Hour” for all guests on a Princess cruise, the more loyal cruisers and those in a suite can enjoy discounted drinks in a two-hour window each evening.
If you aren’t at Platinum level in the Captain’s Circle, and you were hoping to get cheaper drinks, keep an eye out for any events you can attend onboard where you might get a welcome drink.
Or, just bring some of your own wine or Champagne onboard – you’re allowed one bottle per person.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Many of the world’s biggest cruise lines are actually part of the same larger corporation – and if you’re savvy, you can profit from this.
It’s the same with Princess Cruises. If you want to buy stocks in Princess Cruises, you’re actually buying stocks in the group, and that means perks on every cruise line in that company…
So, who owns Princess now, and how could that benefit you?
Princess Cruises’ Owners
Princess Cruises is an American cruise line that is owned by the Carnival Corporation & plc. As part of the Carnival Corporation, it is under the Holland America Group umbrella that consists of Princess Cruises, Seabourn, P&O Cruises Australia and Holland America Line.
Princess Cruises has been a part of the Carnival Corporation since 2003. It has its own subsidiary company as well – Princess Tours, a rail service that runs sightseeing tours in Alaska.
The Cruise Line’s President
Princess Cruises does not have a CEO. It has a President instead – Gus Antorcha. He was previously the President of Holland America Line.
Antorcha reports into Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation.
Princess Cruises History
Let’s take a look at how Princess Cruises came to be…
Origins – 1965 to 1974
Princess Cruises was first founded in 1965 by Stanley McDonald, who chartered the Princess Patricia ship to run Mexican Riviera cruises out of Los Angeles.
A lack of air-conditioning meant that the ship was not well suited to the route, and so the purpose-built ship, Italia, soon took over. In 1973 the Italia returned to Costa Cruise Line, and Princess took on a charter for an ocean liner called Carla C.
As Part of P&O – 1974 to 2000
In 1974, Britain’s Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) acquired Princess Cruise Lines and gave the line its first ship to own – the Spirit of London, which was renamed as the first Sun Princess.
Over the next 25 years, the cruise line expanded and the Pacific Princess became the host of the famous TV show The Love Boat, starring Lauren Tewes as Julie McCoy.
In 1988, P&O acquired the Italian cruise line, Sitmar Line, and transferred almost all of the ships to the Princess brand.
Throughout the 90s, the fleet modernised as Princess Cruises launched brand new ships and transferred older ones to P&O Cruises Australia. In 1998, the Grand Princess was launched, the world’s biggest cruise ship at the time.
As Part of P&O Princess Cruises – 2000 to 2003
In 2000, P&O created a spin-off company for its passenger division, named P&O Princess Cruises. The Pacific Princess then left the fleet in 2002, the last of the original fleet to leave.
New ships were built in the Coral Class, which were built to be the maximum size able to sail the Panama Canal.
As Part of the Carnival Corporation & Plc – 2003 Onwards
In 2003, a $5.4 billion merger saw P&O Princess Cruises join with the Carnival Corporation, becoming the Carnival Corporation & plc. The company is dual-listed in both the US and the UK.
Sub-companies were created – Carnival UK owns Cunard Line and P&O Cruises, while the Holland America Group was created to include Princess Cruises, HAL and other brands.
Enchanted Princess
Princess Cruises Net Worth
As it is a part of the wider Carnival Corporation & plc, Princess Cruises does not have a net worth published. However, the net worth of Carnival Corporation & plc is estimated to be around $20.99 billion as of April 2025.
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Princess Cruises Shares Explained
Princess Cruises doesn’t have its own stock – as part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, you would need to buy stock in the group. Carnival Corporation & plc stock is dual-listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.
The listing in New York is available as common stock under the symbol CCL for the Carnival Corporation, and as an ADS under the symbol CUK for Carnival plc. The London listing is for Carnival plc under the symbol CCL – a little confusing, I’ll admit.
If you want to buy shares in Princess Cruises, you’ll need to instead buy Carnival Corporation stock. You can do this with the help of a stockbroker – either a platform or a person – that will facilitate the purchase for you.
There are two types of stockbroker – full service and online/discount. If you know you just want to invest in Princess Cruises then you only need an online/discount stockbroker, since you aren’t looking for the advice and expertise that a full-service stockbroker would provide.
There are many brokerage platforms available online, but do your research into them first and check the reviews to make sure you’re using a reputable company.
I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.
I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.
(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)
My mother and I on a Princess cruise
If you own a minimum of 100 shares in Carnival Corporation, you will enjoy free onboard credit for every sailing on Princess Cruises (and on any of the other cruise lines as part of the group including P&O Cruises and Cunard).
You’ll get $250 for sailings of 14 days or more, $100 for sailings of 7 to 13 days, and $50 for sailings of 6 days or less on sailings out of the US. On UK sailings, you get £ equivalents. You can check the exact amounts and see how to claim in my guide here: Princess Cruise Stock Benefits Explained.
Ibought 100 shares in Carnival Corporation for less than $1000. I expect to make this back from the onboard credit over the coming years and hope that the shares will increase in value too.
The share price was much higher prior to 2020 though, when 100 shares in Carnival Corporation would have cost over $5,000.
Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…
“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”
Robert and Veronica Dennehy
To Conclude
Princess Cruises is a well-established cruise line and a very important part of Carnival Corporation & plc, being the biggest revenue earner for the group. Its long history has seen it grow from strength to strength and it is now part of the largest cruise company in the world.
And it has enjoyed some notable moments too, including being the host of the famous TV show The Love Boat, and at one point owning the largest cruise ship in the world.
In terms of who owns Princess cruise lines, technically you could, if you bought CCL stock.
If you did want to invest then you would enjoy benefits every time you sailed on Princess Cruises, but also if you wanted to sail with Carnival, Seabourn, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises UK, P&O Cruises Australia, Cunard, Costa Cruises or AIDA Cruises.
Of course, investing in any business is a risk so always be aware of that – you might not get your money back. So make sure you only invest what you can afford to lose if things do go south.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Embarking on a Princess Cruise is an exciting adventure, and of course, you’ll want to make sure that you pack appropriately.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveller, understanding the Princess Cruises dress code and packing efficiently will ensure you’re prepared for every moment of your getaway.
Let’s dive into the must-know details to help you dress to impress and pack like a pro for yourupcoming cruise.
Understanding The Princess Cruises Dress Code
Princess Cruises offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, but it’s important to be aware of the recommended dress options while you’re onboard.
The cruise line doesn’t actually have a strict dress code, and hasn’t done for a while. But instead it has suggestions on what you might want to wear.
This reviewer gives a good overview that I agree with…
Daytime attire
During the day, the vibe on a Princess Cruise is casual and laid-back. You can feel free to wear:
Shorts
T-shirts
Sundresses
Casual skirts
Tank tops
These items are perfectly acceptable, even in the dining room for breakfast and lunch. The key is to keep it tasteful and comfortable as you enjoy onboard activities or explore ports of call.
Also avoid leaning too far into casual. When you’re in an indoor space, including the buffet restaurant, you need to make sure you’ve got something on your feet and that you’re not just in your swimwear.
If you are planning to spend the day by the pool, and just nip away for food, then make sure you dry off and that you throw on a t-shirt and shorts or a skirt before you go grab a bite.
Evening dress codes
The recommendations for your Princess cruise in the evenings will depend on the night. Most nights are just smart casual:
For women: Skirts, dresses, trousers and cardigans
For men: Trousers and open-neck shirts
But, there’ll also be formal nights, where the suggestion is that, if you want to, you can dress a little more sophisticated:
For women: Evening gowns and cocktail dresses
For men: Tuxedos, dinner jackets, or suits with an optional tie
Note that it’s recommended only. If you follow the smart casual dress code, you’ll still be able to dine in any of the restaurants on formal night. You won’t get turned away.
Even if you turn up in jeans on formal night, you’ll be fine – though there’s a slim chance you could get some of the older crowd (who still value that traditional experience) making subtle comments or looking unimpressed.
And if you’d rather dine in shorts then there are always casual venues where you can eat without anyone giving you a glare.
Formal night frequency
The number of formal nights depends on the length of your cruise:
1-4 night cruises: No formal nights
5-6 night cruises: 1 formal night
7-13 night cruises: 2 formal nights
14-20 night cruises: 3 formal nights
21-28 night cruises: 4 formal nights
29+ night cruises: 5 formal nights
Knowing this breakdown will help you pack the right clothes for your voyage.
Essential Packing List for Princess Cruises
Now that you understand the ‘dress code’, as it were, let’s look at what you should pack for your Princess cruise holiday…
Accessories can elevate your outfits and add functionality to your cruise wardrobe, so consider packing:
Jewellery to complement your evening wear
Sunglasses and sun hats for sun protection
A small clutch or evening bag for formal nights
A day bag for shore excursions, such as a backpack/rucksack
Packing smart: beyond clothing
While your wardrobe is crucial, there are other essentials you’ll need for a comfortable cruise experience.
You won’t want to forget any of these – some of them will be sold in the onboard shops but hardly at the same price you’d get them at home!
Toiletries and personal care
Sunscreen with high SPF
Insect repellent (especially for tropical destinations)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
Hair styling tools and products
Basic makeup and skincare products
Electronics and entertainment
Smartphone for snapping pics and staying in touch – though I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you this one!
Chargers (including plug adapters) and portable power banks
E-readers or tablets for entertainment
Small games or cards for leisure time
Princess ships all have US-style outlets so if you’re travelling from the UK or Europe, you’ll definitely need some adapters. There will be some USB ports too for direct charging for your phone.
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Health and safety essentials
Travel insurance documentation
Medications in their original containers
Copy of prescriptions and medical information
Basic first-aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers
Tips for Efficient Packing
Packing light and smart can enhance your vacation experience. Here are some tips to help you pack efficiently:
Space-saving techniques
Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles
Use packing cubes to organize and compress your items
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to save luggage space
Pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits
Weather considerations
So many people don’t bother to check the weather forecast before they cruise – assuming that a cruise to the Mediterranean will be warm, or that the Fjords will be cold.
But weather’s fickle and you never know – so check before you travel as you might want to pack more layers, or make sure you’ve got some nice t-shirts when there’s an unexpected heatwave.
Make sure you pack:
Light rain jacket or umbrella for unexpected showers
Warm layers for cooler climates or air-conditioned spaces on the ship
Breathable fabrics for hot and humid locations
Even if you take a tropical cruise in summer, you may find that the ship’s air conditioning can sometimes be turned up higher than you like. So always pack a cardigan or shawl to wear in the evenings if its chilly on board.
Prohibited items like weapons, illegal drugs, or flammable materials
That’s a quick summary, but it covers the most common things that people either think of bringing aboard or that they might not have thought about checking.
If you’re planning on bringing something ‘unusual’ then it’s worth checking the full Princess Cruises FAQ all about prohibited items as that has a comprehensive list. However, they could still confiscate something that’s not on the list if they feel it’d be dangerous or used inappropriately.
Packing for a Princess Cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There’s not a strict dress code, so as long as you know the sort of outfits that people tend to wear, and by following these packing tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a stylish and comfortable voyage.
Remember to pack light, choose versatile pieces, and don’t forget the essentials for your health and enjoyment. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of every moment on your Princess Cruise, from casual pool days to elegant formal nights.
So get ready to set sail in style and comfort on your next Princess cruise adventure!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Princess Cruises has a fleet that is growing in size – and not just in terms of the number of ships.
The trend for Princess, as it is for many cruise lines, is to build ships that are bigger and bigger – accommodating more guests and making room for exciting new features. Cruising is all about the ‘new’, and bigger ships mean you can fit more in.
Following the launch of Sun Princess in 2024, and with sister ship Star Princess launching in 2025, let’s take a look at how these newest ships compare to the rest of the fleet in terms of size.
Just how big are Princess ships?
Princess Cruises’ current fleet includes a mix of mid-size ships that cater to between 2,000 and 4,300 passengers. The cruise line doesn’t have any super-ships like some other cruise lines that can host 6,000+.
This means that the biggest Princess ships still somewhat short of the largest cruise ships in the world, but that’s not what Princess is aiming for. Instead, it is gradually increasing capacity through larger ships, without spending huge sums on ships that the cruise line maybe can’t fill.
The biggest Princess ship
The biggest ship currently sailing for Princess is also the newest – Sun Princess. Her sister ship Star Princess will be a similar size. With a gross tonnage of just over 177,000, they’re around 20% larger than the previous biggest ships – Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess.
There are six ships in the Royal Class, but the earlier ships – Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess – are slightly smaller. They each have a guest capacity of between 3,560 and 3,600.
The smallest Princess ship
The current smallest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet is Coral Princess, the first ship in the Coral Class. It has a gross tonnage of 91,627 and a maximum guest capacity of 2,000 while carrying 895 crew.
The Coral Class ships were built to Panamax specifications, meaning that they were a suitable size to be able to sail the Panama Canal, which opens up more opportunities for itineraries (and allows the ships to switch between the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines of the US much easier.
Of course, since the two ships launched, there have been more locks opened in the canal that have more space, so some larger ships are still able to make the journey.
Princess Cruises has previously owned several smaller ships, but over time has modernised its fleet by selling off some of its older ones. The very first ship in the fleet was Princess Patricia, which only sailed for the cruise line for a year and had a gross tonnage of just 6,062.
More recently, the Sun-Class ships have been gradually sold off by the cruise line, with a gross tonnage of around 77,500. As I say, the trend for Princess is very much to move to larger ships.
List of Princess cruise ships by size
Here’s a breakdown of all the Princess Cruises ships by size:
Ship
Tonnage (GT)
Decks
Length
Width
Guests
Crew
Star Princess
177,882
21
345m / 1133ft
42m / 139ft
4300
1600
Sun Princess
177,882
21
345m / 1133ft
42m / 139ft
4300
1600
Enchanted Princess
145,281
19
330m / 1083ft
38m / 126ft
3660
1346
Sky Princess
145,281
19
330m / 1083ft
38m / 126ft
3660
1346
Discovery Princess
145,000
19
330m / 1083ft
38m / 126ft
3660
1346
Majestic Princess
143,700
19
330m / 1083ft
38m / 126ft
3560
1346
Regal Princess
142,714
19
330m / 1083ft
38m / 126ft
3560
1346
Royal Princess
142,229
19
330m / 1083ft
38m / 126ft
3560
1346
Sapphire Princess
115,875
18
290m / 952ft
37m / 123 ft
2670
1100
Diamond Princess
115,875
18
290m / 952ft
37m / 123 ft
2670
1100
Ruby Princess
113,561
19
290m / 951ft
36m / 118ft
3080
1200
Emerald Princess
113,561
19
290m / 951ft
36m / 118ft
3080
1200
Crown Princess
113,561
19
290m / 952ft
36m / 118ft
3080
1200
Caribbean Princess
112,894
19
290m / 952ft
36m / 118ft
3140
1200
Grand Princess
107,517
17
289m / 949ft
36m / 118ft
2600
1150
Island Princess
92,822
16
294m / 964ft
37m / 122ft
2200
895
Coral Princess
91,627
16
294m / 964ft
37m / 122ft
2000
895
If you’re also interested in seeing Princess Cruises ships listed by age from newest to oldest, then you should also take a look at this guide: Princess Cruises Ships By Age.
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The different classes of Princess Cruises ships (biggest to smallest)
Princess Cruises’ ships are split into different classes, and every class that is launched is bigger. The largest class of ships is the new Sphere Class of ships.
Here’s a breakdown of the Princess Cruises ships by class:
It’s worth a quick discussion about Grand Princess when we’re talking about Princess Cruises ships ranked by size.
Grand Princess, when she launched in 1998, was the largest cruise ship in the world at the time. And she remained the flagship of the fleet until 2013, when Royal Princess launched, despite numerous ships being built for the fleet that were bigger.
While she was the founding ship of the Grand Class, that wasn’t originally the case – when she was first launched, she was considered to be a larger sister to Sun Class ships. It was only when the next ship launched, Golden Princess, that the Grand Class was created.
Are bigger Princess Cruises ships better?
There’s no definitive answer as to whether bigger ships are better – the Princess cruise ships ranked by size isn’t the same as ranking them by quality. It depends on a number of factors.
The pros of bigger ships are:
They’re newer, and so generally they look and feel more attractive and relaxing
They have more dining venues to choose from
They usually have a wider selection of stateroom choices
They will have extra attractions compared to smaller ships
Fares on similar itineraries can be cheaper
Meanwhile, the pros of smaller ships are:
They’re normally quieter and less crowded
They can travel to some destinations that larger ships can’t
For the sake of comparison, let’s take a look at Sky Princess and Emerald Princess, which are near the top and bottom of the list in terms of size. I’ve chosen these two because they offer some itineraries that are comparable as well.
Criteria
Sky Princess
Emerald Princess
Max capacity (guests & crew)
5006
3080
Number of dining venues
15
11
Number of swimming pools
4 pools and 8 outdoor hot tubs
4 pools and 4 outdoor hot tubs
Number of stateroom and suite types
7
5
Cost per night Based on a 14-night Iceland cruise, per person in an Interior Stateroom in Summer 2025
£85 / $110
£77 / $100
Why are newer ships sometimes less expensive?
There could be a few reasons, but mainly it’s down to the fact that because there are more passengers on board, the ship is able to charge less to still make a good profit.
Prices will vary all the time, so this is a guide, and you might find that older ships sometimes have cheaper fares due to their lower popularity with guests. It depends on a number of factors.
But what’s clear is that, if you want the newest and most modern ship then you’ll want a bigger one. The biggest Princess cruise ship will have more features than the smallest. However, if you prefer a quieter cruise with less queuing, then a smaller ship is the better choice.
And check the itineraries too, because there are some ports that only the smaller ships will be able to take you to. Princess Cruises’ fleet doesn’t have the small ships that can take you on expedition cruises, but there are some ports that only the Coral and Grand Class ships can easily get to.
The bottom line
It’s clear that, in the view of Princess Cruises’ senior management team that sign off on new ships, bigger is better. And there are a lot of benefits to bigger ships, including the space to add exciting features and the potential for lower fares.
But there’s still something quite calming about smaller ship sailings, and the feeling that you do have a more relaxed and quieter experience. So, as the trend continues for Princess to build bigger and bigger, consider booking a cruise on their smaller ships before they are also sold off, like many that used to occupy the fleet.
The size of Princess cruise ships will only grow, so take advantage of the smaller ships while you can.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
The main Diamond Princess cabins to avoid are the ones right under the Lido Deck pool and buffet, the ones next to lift lobbies and self-service launderettes, and high forward cabins if you get seasick. Watch out too for oceanview grades with lifeboats outside the window and for balconies that higher decks can see into. For the best mix of calm, space and value, most passengers do well with a midship balcony or mini-suite on Decks 9 to 11, or an aft-facing balcony if wake views matter more to you than a short walk.
The sections below cover the cabin types and grades on Diamond Princess, which locations to skip and why, and the cabins worth paying for. There is also a quick note on where the ship sails in 2026 and 2027, because the season affects which cabin makes sense.
Diamond Princess at a Glance
Diamond Princess is a Grand-class ship built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. She sailed her first cruise in March 2004 and her twin is Sapphire Princess, which shares an almost identical cabin layout. According to Princess Cruises’ official fact sheet, she measures 115,875 tons, has 18 decks and 1,353 staterooms, and carries 2,710 guests at double occupancy (recent Princess announcements describe her as carrying up to about 2,670 guests).
The ship has been adapted for the Asian market. A $30 million drydock in Singapore in 2014 added the Izumi Japanese bath, an onsen-style complex of about 8,800 square feet on Deck 15 that was billed as the largest of its kind at sea. The same refit brought in the larger Kai Sushi restaurant, a new Horizon Court buffet and 14 extra cabins. Every stateroom also got the Princess Luxury Bed in a later 2018 refurbishment.
Where Diamond Princess sails in 2026 and 2027
Most of the ship’s time is spent in Asia, not North America. Her 2026 Japan season ran from February to November, with cruises from the Tokyo area. From November 2026 to March 2027 she is based in Singapore, sailing 10- to 31-night voyages to places such as Ha Long Bay, Hong Kong and Bangkok. For 2027, Princess plans its biggest Japan season so far, with Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess both sailing from the Tokyo region between March and December. US travelers will therefore usually fly to Tokyo or Singapore to join her. If you’re comparing fares, see our roundup of cruise deals for 2027.
Diamond Princess Cabin Types and Grades
The official counts are 377 inside cabins, 236 oceanview cabins, 524 balcony cabins, 184 mini-suites and 32 suites. There are also 24 connecting cabins and 27 wheelchair-accessible cabins. The sizes below are approximate and come from the Princess fact sheet, Cruise Critic and CruiseMapper. Sizes for the same grade can differ by a few square feet depending on where the cabin is.
Cabin type
Approx. size
Where you find them
Good to know
Inside
160-182 sq ft
Most stateroom decks
Cheapest option. A midship inside cabin on a low deck is one of the steadiest places on the ship.
Oceanview
160-200 sq ft
Decks 5, 8 and higher forward areas
Some have portholes. Obstructed grades look onto lifeboats.
Balcony
about 170 sq ft plus a 45-90 sq ft balcony
Decks 8 to 12, plus forward on Deck 14
The most common grade. Balcony depth varies by deck.
Mini-suite
about 275 sq ft plus balcony
Mainly Deck 9 (Dolphin), a few on Deck 8
Separate sitting area, a bath tub and two TVs. Much more space than a balcony cabin for a modest step up in price.
Suite perks include priority boarding and Lotus Spa thermal suite access.
Princess sells each type in several price grades. Inside cabins run from IA to IF, balconies are B and BA to BF, and mini-suites are M grades. Higher grades usually mean a better (more midship or higher) location, not a different cabin. Paying for the top grade within a type is often a cheap way to get a quieter spot.
Cabins directly below pool and buffet decks can pick up early-morning noise. Photo: Michael Sou on Pexels
Diamond Princess Cabins to Avoid
No cabin on the ship is truly bad. Cruise Critic’s editors make the same point. But some locations come with trade-offs you should know about before booking. These are the main Diamond Princess cabins to avoid, depending on what bothers you.
1. Cabins under the Lido Deck
The pools, Horizon Court buffet, Trident Grill and Prego Pizzeria are all on Deck 14 (Lido). The cabins underneath on Deck 12 (Aloha) can pick up the scrape of deck chairs being set out early in the morning, trolleys moving around the buffet, and the occasional poolside event. If you sleep lightly, look at the deck plan and choose a Deck 12 cabin that sits under other cabins rather than under public areas.
2. Cabins under the spa, gym and Izumi bath
The Lotus Spa, fitness center and Izumi bath are on Deck 15. The forward cabins on Deck 14 sit just below them, so you might hear early-morning workouts or equipment. Not everyone notices it, but it’s worth checking which venue is above you before you pay extra for a high-deck cabin.
3. Cabins above or below busy public rooms
Deck 7 (Promenade) holds the upper level of the Princess Theatre, Explorers Lounge, the Wheelhouse Bar and Crooners, and Deck 6 has the casino and dining rooms. Some cabins on Deck 8 (Emerald) sit directly above these venues, and some on Deck 5 are below them, so you can hear late-night music or early-morning kitchen work. Skywalkers Nightclub is at the very top of the ship, so music from there is rarely a problem for cabins.
4. Forward balconies and high forward cabins
Forward balconies on the upper decks can be very windy once the ship is moving, which makes them hard to use on sea days. Cabins high and far forward also feel the most pitching in rough water. That matters on Diamond Princess, because spring cruises around northern Japan and late-summer sailings toward Okinawa and Taiwan (typhoon season) can bring real swells. If you get seasick, choose a low deck in the middle of the ship.
5. Aft cabins if vibration bothers you
Aft cabins have great views, but some passengers report vibration from the engines and propellers, especially when the ship is maneuvering in port. If you’re sensitive to it, treat this as a trade-off rather than a reason to rule aft cabins out.
6. Obstructed-view oceanview cabins
Some oceanview grades, especially the cheapest outside cabins on the lower stateroom decks, look straight onto lifeboats. Princess labels these as obstructed or partially obstructed, so check the grade code before you book. If daylight is all you want, an obstructed oceanview can still be good value. If you want to watch the sea, an inside cabin plus time on the open Promenade Deck may be the better deal.
7. Cabins next to launderettes and lift lobbies
Self-service launderettes on the stateroom decks get steady traffic, especially on sea days, and the machines hum. Cabins right beside lift lobbies have the same problem, with doors and chatter late at night. On the other hand, being a few doors from a lift is very handy. The trick is to be close to the lifts without sharing a wall with them.
8. Connecting cabins (unless you’re using the connection)
Diamond Princess has 24 connecting cabins. The interior door between them lets far more sound through than a solid wall does. These cabins are perfect for families or friends travelling together but can be noisy for strangers on the other side. The deck plan marks them, so avoid them unless you have booked both.
9. Balconies that can be overlooked
On Grand-class ships, balconies on some decks stick out further than the ones above them. The Dolphin Deck mini-suite balconies on Deck 9 are the usual example: they are bigger, but guests on higher balconies can partly see into them. Some aft Vista suite balconies also have a support beam that partly blocks the view. If privacy matters to you, check whether a balcony is open from above before you book.
Best Cabins on Diamond Princess
Here are the cabins that tend to deliver the most for the money, ordered from most budget-friendly to most indulgent.
Midship inside cabins on Decks 9 to 11. Quiet corridors, little motion and the lowest fares. A smart choice on port-heavy Japan cruises where you’re ashore most days.
Midship balconies on Decks 10 and 11 (Caribe and Baja). These are sandwiched between other cabin decks, so there’s little noise from above or below. You also get short walks to the lifts and steady motion.
Mini-suites on Dolphin Deck. They have roughly 60 percent more space than a standard balcony cabin and a separate sitting area. Their deeper balconies can be overlooked, as noted above. Cruise Critic names them the best “splash” choice on board, and they suit long voyages like 21- to 31-night Asia itineraries. For a closer look at the same cabin style on a related ship, see our guide to Ruby Princess mini-suites and suites.
Aft-facing and aft-corner balconies. Wake views and corner balconies that are often bigger than the standard ones make these very popular. Book early, and accept a longer walk to the front of the ship and possible vibration.
Suites, especially the Grand Suite and Owner’s Suites. The single Grand Suite has a large wrap-around layout with a separate bedroom and a jetted tub. Suite guests also get Princess’s suite perks, such as priority boarding and access to the Lotus Spa thermal suite.
Aft-facing balconies trade a longer walk for wide views of the ship's wake. Photo: Renata B. on Pexels
How to Pick the Best Room on a Cruise Ship Like Diamond Princess
The general rules for picking the best room on a cruise ship apply strongly to a ship this size.
Check the deck above and below. A cabin with other cabins above and below it is almost always the quietest choice.
Think about the season. Cherry-blossom cruises in spring can be cool and breezy, so a balcony may get less use than in Southeast Asia. In the hot, humid Singapore season, a balcony is often used mainly in the early morning and evening.
Consider a guarantee fare carefully. A guarantee fare means Princess picks your exact cabin, so it can put you anywhere in that type, including under the Lido Deck or by a launderette. If location matters to you, pay for a specific cabin.
Look at the sister ships too. The same layout logic applies across the Grand class, so tips for Grand Princess cabins to avoid carry over well to Diamond Princess.
Use the official deck plans. Princess.com shows the current deck plans with symbols for launderettes, connecting doors, accessible cabins and Pullman beds. Check it against your cabin number before paying a deposit.
If you are weighing up a newer, larger Princess ship, our guide to Regal Princess cabins to avoid covers the SeaWalk balconies and noisy decks to watch for.
FAQs
What is the best deck to stay on Diamond Princess?
For most passengers, Decks 10 (Caribe) and 11 (Baja) are the best decks. Both have cabin decks above and below, so there’s little noise from public areas, and midship cabins there feel little motion.
Which Diamond Princess cabins should I avoid if I get seasick?
Avoid cabins that are high up and far forward or far aft. A midship cabin on a low or middle deck moves the least, and an inside cabin there is a good budget choice.
Are cabins under the Lido Deck on Diamond Princess noisy?
They can be. Deck 12 cabins under the pools and Horizon Court buffet may hear deck chairs and trolleys early in the morning. Check the deck plan and choose a cabin that sits beneath other cabins rather than public areas.
Is a mini-suite worth it on Diamond Princess?
On longer cruises it often is. You get a lot more room and a separate sitting area for a fairly small price jump over a balcony cabin. Just remember that the deeper Dolphin Deck balconies can be seen from above.
Where is Diamond Princess sailing in 2026 and 2027?
She sails from Singapore from November 2026 to March 2027, then joins Sapphire Princess for a Japan season from the Tokyo region between March and December 2027.
Did you know that if you’re a shareholder in Princess Cruises, you can enjoy some benefits on every sailing you take?
Technically, you can’t actually be a shareholder in Princess Cruises, I should clarify. Princess Cruises is part of the larger Carnival Corporation, so there’s no such thing as Princess Cruises stock – if you want to get involved, then you’d need to buy shares in the group.
But that means you can enjoy the same perks on any cruise line within that group. What are those perks? And how do you claim them? Let’s take a look…
What Benefits Do You Get With Carnival Shares?
If you own 100 Carnival shares or more, you can enjoy Princess stock benefits of onboard credit every time you sail. The amount that you get is as follows:
$250 (or £150) of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 14 days or longer
$100 (or £60) of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 7 to 13 days
$50 (or £30) of onboard credit per stateroom on cruises of 6 days or fewer
That ‘per stateroom’ part is key, because if you and your partner were both to invest in Carnival shares, and then you booked a stateroom together, only one of you could claim the Princess Cruises shareholder benefits.
There are a few other terms as well – you can’t use it in combination with any other shipboard offer, and it’s not transferable to anyone else. You also can’t use this free credit in the casino or to pay for gratuities charged to your account.
However, the perk is available on every single sailing you take, and on any cruise line that is a part of the Carnival Group. So you won’t just enjoy this on Princess Cruises sailings, but also if you were to cruise with:
Aida Cruises
Carnival
Costa Cruises
Cunard
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
P&O Cruises
Seabourn
If you’re sailing on an Australian cruise, you get the same amount as the US dollar values but in Australian dollars. If you book your cruise in the UK, you will get £150, £60 or £30 of credit and finally, if you’re sailing on a European cruise with either Costa or AIDA, you get €200, €75 or €40.
Cruise Line
14+ Days
7-13 Days
Up to 6 Days
US Cruise Line
$250
$100
$50
UK Cruise Line
£150
£60
£30
Australian Cruise Line
$250
$100
$50
European Cruise Line
€200
€75
€40
Since I mentioned the benefits of buying Carnival shares in my weekly email, I’ve had lots of people email me to say that they’ve also bought shares and are happy to receive the free onboard credit. Like this one…
“We took your advice and bought 100 Carnival shares which cost £550. Two Cunard trips gave us £250 each extra onboard spend and another gave us $200 (£175) total £675, also the shares have gone up £175. Best investment I’ve ever made, thankyou, keep up the good work.”
Robert and Veronica Dennehy
How To Buy Carnival Shares
To buy shares in any company, you’ll typically need to use a stockbroker. This can be either a human being or an online platform. There are various fees involved with this, but an online platform is usually the cheapest and easiest way.
I can’t advise you which is the best, but I personally chose to buy my Carnival shares through an investing platform called etoro. I chose this one because it is one of the most popular platforms with 20 million registered users and has great reviews and low fees.
I’ve been very happy with my share-buying experience and found it really easy to do.
(eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.)
Read more: Should You Invest In Carnival Corp?
Me and my mum on a Princess Cruise
How To Claim Carnival Shareholder Benefits On Princess Cruises
In order to claim your Carnival shareholder benefits for a Princess cruise, you need to provide a number of details either to the cruise line, and you have to do so no later than four weeks before you sail.
The details you need to provide are:
Your legal name
Your booking number
Your ship and sailing date
Proof of your stock ownership
If you don’t provide these details in time, your account won’t be credited for your sailing and you miss out.
You can mail your details to the cruise line at Customer Solutions, 24303 Town Center Drive, Suite 200, Santa Clarita CA 91355. Or you can fax them to +1-661-753-0180, or email them to [email protected].
You need to do this for every Princess cruise you book, but that means that as long as you are a shareholder, you get the benefit every single time you cruise.
To claim my onboard credit each time I book a cruise, I simply take a screenshot from etoro that shows that I own 100 shares and send it to Carnival. I then receive an email like the one below to say that my claim has been accepted…
To Conclude
Owning shares in a cruise line is not without risk. But if you want to invest your money into your favourite cruise line, or rather their parent company, then you can enjoy free money to spend every time you cruise.
If you’re already an investor in Carnival Group or you’re considering it, make sure you apply for your free spend to get your Princess shareholder benefit. Those extra funds could pay for a meal, or even your entire drinks during your voyage, so it’s worth the effort to provide your details.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
P&O Cruises vs Princess Cruises comes down to atmosphere and budget. P&O is built around British holidaymakers: you pay in pounds, tips are included and the ships sail year-round from Southampton. Princess has a more international feel, with American-style service, the OceanMedallion wearable and a strong name for food. Pick P&O for a simple, all-British fare with very little extra to pay. Pick Princess if you want a more global ship and are happy to budget for packages and gratuities.
Both lines belong to Carnival Corporation and some of their ships share a design, so on paper they can look alike. On board, the two feel quite different. Below, we compare P&O and Princess on the things UK cruisers usually ask about: ships, Southampton departures, cabins, food and drink packages, entertainment, children, price and dress code. We finish with a quick verdict on who each line suits.
P&O vs Princess at a glance
Feature
P&O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Main market
British, overwhelmingly UK passengers
International, with many American, Canadian and Australian guests
Fleet size (Oct 2026)
7 ships
17 ships
UK departures
Year-round from Southampton
Seasonal from Southampton (roughly March to October)
Onboard currency
Pounds sterling
US dollars
Tips
Included in the fare
Daily crew appreciation charge, unless you buy Plus or Premier
Bundled packages
Classic and Deluxe all-inclusive add-ons
Princess Plus and Princess Premier
Kids’ clubs
The Reef on family ships
Camp Discovery on most ships
Adults-focused option
Arcadia and Aurora (adults-only on most sailings)
No adults-only ships, though the Sanctuary sun deck is adults-only
Signature tech
App-based booking and onboard account
OceanMedallion wearable for payments, ordering and door access
P&O Cruises ships vs Princess Cruises ships
If you have been searching for “P&O cruise ships” or “Princess cruise ships”, this is the section to read. P&O runs a small fleet aimed squarely at the UK. Princess runs a much larger fleet spread across the world, and only part of it sails Europe in any one season.
The P&O Cruises fleet
Ship
Entered service
Approx. guests
Good to know
Arvia
2022
5,200
Newest and biggest; winters in the Caribbean
Iona
2020
5,200
Arvia’s sister; SkyDome and lots of dining choice
Britannia
2015
3,600
Mid-size family ship with a more traditional feel
Azura
2010
3,100
Family-friendly; often used for fly-cruises
Ventura
2008
3,100
Family-friendly, mid-size
Arcadia
2005
2,100
Adults-only on most sailings; leaving for Holland America in 2029
Aurora
2000
2,000
Adults-only on most sailings; classic small-ship style
There is one big change coming. Carnival Corporation has confirmed that Cunard’s Queen Anne will move to P&O Cruises. She is due to enter service in May 2029, under a new name not yet announced, after her 2028-29 world voyage and a refit. Arcadia will leave P&O after a farewell season in 2029 and join Holland America Line. Read more in our news piece on Queen Anne heading to P&O and Arcadia moving to Holland America.
So which is the best P&O cruise ship? It depends on what you want. Arvia and Iona offer the most to do. Britannia, Azura and Ventura are mid-size options. Aurora and Arcadia suit people who want a quieter, adults-focused ship. For a ship-by-ship breakdown, see our guide to P&O cruise ships compared and which to choose.
The Princess Cruises fleet
Princess has 17 ships. The ones UK cruisers are most likely to meet are below.
Ship / class
Entered service
Approx. guests
Relevance for UK cruisers
Sun Princess (Sphere class)
2024
4,300
Newest design; Mediterranean seasons from Barcelona, Rome and Athens
Star Princess (Sphere class)
2025
4,300
Sun Princess’s sister, launched October 2025
Sky Princess (Royal class)
2019
3,660
Southampton round trips in 2027
Majestic Princess (Royal class)
2017
3,560
Refurbished; Southampton round trips in 2027
Enchanted, Discovery, Regal, Royal Princess (Royal class)
Caribbean Princess sails the Baltic from Copenhagen in 2027
Grand, Diamond, Sapphire, Island, Coral Princess
1998 to 2004
2,000 to 2,700
Mostly Asia, Alaska, Australia and longer voyages
The new Sphere-class ships are the main reason some P&O regulars are now looking at Princess. They have a glass-domed venue and a much wider choice of restaurants than the older ships. Our first impressions of Sun Princess explain what is new. Note that neither Sphere ship is based in Southampton for 2027, so a fly-cruise is the usual way to sail on one.
One useful detail the brochures don’t spell out: P&O’s Britannia and Princess’s Royal-class ships are built on closely related designs. If you already know one of them, the layout of the other will feel familiar, even though the décor, food and service are different.
Both lines sail from Southampton, but P&O stays all year while Princess is seasonal. Photo: Altaf Shah on Pexels
Destinations and Southampton departures
For many UK cruisers, sailing from home without a flight decides it. Here P&O is ahead. Southampton is its home port all year, with ex-UK itineraries to Norway, the Baltic, the Canaries, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, plus Christmas markets and short breaks. In winter, P&O adds fly-cruises from Barbados, and some holidays start in Malta or Tenerife.
Princess is growing its UK programme. Its 2027 season has 45 round trips from Southampton, up from 32 in 2026, on Sky Princess and Majestic Princess between roughly March and October. Itineraries include the British Isles, Norway, Northern Europe and longer Mediterranean voyages, plus a 14-night solar eclipse cruise leaving Southampton on 24 July 2027. If you want to cruise from the UK in winter, P&O has much more choice.
Further afield, Princess wins clearly. It is one of the biggest names in Alaska and also sails Japan, Australia and New Zealand, the Panama Canal and long world voyages. P&O’s range is narrower and built around what British holidaymakers book most.
Cabins
Both lines offer inside, sea view, balcony and suite cabins. On Princess’s Royal-class ships most cabins have a balcony. Newer Princess ships add Reserve Collection mini-suites, and the Sphere-class ships also have new suite categories.
Solo travellers should note one real difference. Several P&O ships, including Iona, Arvia, Britannia, Azura and Ventura, have dedicated single cabins with no single supplement on the cabin itself. Princess has traditionally had very few, so solo guests usually pay a supplement for a double cabin. Check the deck plan for your exact ship before booking.
Food and drink packages
Food is where Princess usually gets the most praise. Its main dining rooms have a good reputation, and specialty venues such as the Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian restaurant are well liked. P&O plays to British tastes, with familiar dishes in the main restaurants and a strong line-up of extra-charge venues such as Sindhu (Indian) and The Epicurean. On Iona and Arvia, food is spread across many more venues.
P&O packages. For cruises of five nights or more from March 2026, P&O sells two all-inclusive add-ons. Classic is £49 per person per day and includes the classic drinks package, essential Wi-Fi and a speciality dining credit. Deluxe is £59 per person per day and adds premium spirits and cocktails, faster Wi-Fi and a bigger dining credit. These prices are for 5 to 14 night cruises and may change. Drinks packages can also still be bought on their own.
Princess packages. Princess Plus and Princess Premier are still the names in use. Plus includes a drinks package, one Wi-Fi device, four casual dining meals and crew appreciation. Premier adds unlimited specialty dining, four Wi-Fi devices, professional photos, reserved show seating and a shore excursion credit. Princess raised its US prices for sailings from 13 October 2026, to $70 a day for Plus and $105 for Premier when bought before the cruise. They cost a little more on Sun Princess and Star Princess. UK sterling prices are set separately, so check the price for your sailing on the Princess UK site.
The main point for price comparisons: P&O includes tips in every fare, while Princess adds a daily crew appreciation charge unless you have Plus or Premier. When you compare quotes, add tips to the Princess price, or compare a P&O fare plus Classic against a Princess fare plus Plus.
Evening shows are a big part of both lines, but the style differs. Photo: Margo Evardson on Pexels
Entertainment and atmosphere
P&O’s entertainment is aimed at British audiences: West End-style shows from its in-house company, comedians, quizzes, tribute acts and live music. On Iona and Arvia, the SkyDome turns into a show venue after dark. Princess offers Broadway-style production shows, Movies Under the Stars on a big poolside screen and, on the Sphere ships, newer venues under the glass dome.
The atmosphere is where people notice the difference most. A P&O ship feels like a British holiday at sea: pounds on your bill, Sunday roasts and afternoon tea. Princess feels more international and a little more polished. Many guests like the OceanMedallion, which lets you order drinks to wherever you are sitting and opens your cabin door.
Dress code
Neither line is stuffy. P&O’s usual evening code is Evening Casual, with some Black Tie nights depending on the length of the cruise. On Arcadia and Aurora, people tend to dress up more. Princess uses Smart Casual most evenings and holds one or two “Dress to Impress” formal nights on a typical 7 to 14 night cruise, where a dark suit or cocktail dress is fine. On both lines the buffet and casual venues stay relaxed every evening.
Cruising with children
P&O’s family ships (Arvia, Iona, Britannia, Azura and Ventura) have The Reef kids’ clubs. The school-holiday dates suit UK families, and sailing from Southampton means no flights with young children. From December 2026, P&O is also opening some peak Arcadia and Aurora sailings to families. Those ships have no kids’ club, so the bigger ships remain the better choice for most families.
Princess has Camp Discovery clubs, linked to Discovery and Animal Planet, on most of its ships. They are good, but Princess sailings from Southampton usually have fewer children on board than a P&O summer cruise. Some families like that, while others want more company for their children.
Price: which is cheaper?
P&O usually has the lower headline fare for ex-Southampton cruises, especially on shorter breaks and off-season sailings. Because tips are included and you pay in pounds, the final bill is easier to predict. Princess fares can look similar at first, but gratuities, a dollar onboard account and package costs often push the total higher. In return, many guests feel the food and service are better.
For a fair comparison, price the same week, the same cabin type and the extras you would really buy. Then look at current offers, which can move the numbers a lot. Our roundup of cruise deals for 2027 is a good place to start.
P&O or Princess: who each line suits
Choose P&O Cruises if you want to sail from Southampton at any time of year, prefer a British atmosphere and pound-sterling pricing, are travelling with children in the school holidays, are a solo traveller looking for single cabins, or want an adults-focused ship like Aurora.
Choose Princess Cruises if food is your priority, you like a more international crowd, you want to try the new Sun Princess or Star Princess, or you are planning Alaska, Asia or a long voyage.
Either works well for a 7 to 14 night Norway or Mediterranean cruise from Southampton in summer. Compare the total price with packages and tips included.
Overall, neither line is simply better. P&O is the easy, good-value choice for UK holidays. Princess is the more international choice and usually wins on food.
Princess usually rates higher for food and has a more international feel. P&O is often better value for UK cruisers because tips are included, you pay in pounds and it sails from Southampton all year. Which is better depends on what matters most to you.
Are P&O and Princess the same company?
Both are owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, and some ships share a design, but they are run as separate brands with different markets, menus and onboard styles.
What is the best P&O cruise ship?
For the most choice, Arvia and Iona are the newest and biggest. For a quieter, adults-focused cruise, Aurora and Arcadia are popular. Britannia suits people who want something in between.
Does Princess Cruises sail from Southampton?
Yes, seasonally. In 2027, Sky Princess and Majestic Princess offer 45 round trips from Southampton between roughly March and October, up from 32 in 2026.
How many ships does Princess Cruises have?
Princess has 17 ships as of October 2026, including the Sphere-class Sun Princess (2024) and Star Princess (2025). P&O has seven.
Princess Cruises dining is split into four tiers. Complimentary venues (main dining rooms, the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, International Café, burgers and deck pizza) are included in your fare. Casual spots like Alfredo’s and O’Malley’s carry a small per-meal fee. Specialty restaurants such as Crown Grill and Sabatini’s have a cover charge of around $55 to $60. Experiential dinners like Chef’s Table cost more. The Princess Plus and Premier packages cover some of these charges, but not all.
Here’s how Princess Cruises dining works in 2026, which restaurants are included, what the extras cost, and how to book.
Princess Cruises Dining Options at a Glance
Princess labels every venue with one of four categories. Knowing the tier tells you straight away whether you’ll pay.
Tier
Examples
Typical cost (no package)
Princess Plus
Princess Premier
Complimentary
Main dining rooms, World Fresh Marketplace, International Café, Salty Dog Grill, afternoon tea
Prices are per person, quoted from Princess and recent guides at the time of writing. They vary by ship and itinerary, so check the Princess app before you sail.
Main Dining Room: Traditional, Reservable or Walk-In
Every Princess ship’s main dining rooms serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at no extra charge, with menus that change nightly. Since September 2024, Princess has run three dinner styles fleetwide, each in its own dining room:
Traditional: a fixed early or late seating with the same table, tablemates and waiter every night. Good if you like a routine and getting to know your waiter.
Reservable: you book a specific time for each night, either before the cruise or onboard.
Open Seating (walk-in anytime): turn up when you like, with no reservation. Guests on flexible dining can use either this room or the reservable one.
You choose Traditional or flexible dining in the Princess app before you sail. Traditional seatings are limited, so pick early if you want one. On busy sea-day evenings, the walk-in room can have a short wait, which a reservation avoids.
Guests in Reserve Collection mini-suites and suites have their own Reserve Collection Restaurant. On Sun Princess and Star Princess, Sanctuary Collection guests also have a dedicated Sanctuary Restaurant.
Included Princess Cruise Restaurants
You can eat well on a Princess cruise without paying for any upgrades. Included venues on most ships are:
World Fresh Marketplace: the buffet, with stations rather than self-serve trays on many ships, open for most of the day.
International Café: pastries, quiche, sandwiches and cakes in the Piazza, open 24 hours. Specialty coffees cost extra unless you have a drinks package.
Salty Dog Grill / Café: burgers, hot dogs and pub-style bites by the pool. Ruby Princess has a casual-tier Salty Dog Gastropub instead.
Poolside pizza: deck pizza by the slice is still included, even though sit-down Alfredo’s has moved to the casual tier.
Afternoon tea: finger sandwiches, scones and pastries most afternoons.
Room service breakfast: ordering from the door-hanger menu remains free.
Ship-specific: Sun Princess and Star Princess
The Sphere-class ships replace the traditional buffet layout with The Eatery, an all-day venue with rotating regional menus. They also have the included Americana Diner for burgers, shakes and comfort food. These ships also have the widest choice of paid restaurants in the fleet. See our first impressions of Sun Princess vs Star Princess for more on the newest ships.
Alfredo's-style pizza now sits in Princess's casual dining tier, with a small per-meal fee. Photo: Antonius Ferret on Pexels
Casual Dining on Princess: Small Fee, Big Variety
Princess created the casual tier in 2023. Venues serve a set three-course or prix fixe menu for a flat fee, quoted at about $14.99 per adult and $7.49 for children aged 3 to 11. Princess Plus includes four casual meals per guest per voyage, and Premier makes them unlimited.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria / Gigi’s Pizzeria: Neapolitan-style pizzas and pasta, walk-in.
O’Malley’s Irish Pub: fish and chips, pies and burgers.
Ocean Terrace Sushi: sushi, sashimi and starters.
Vines Wine Bar: charcuterie and tapas-style plates with wine (reservation needed).
Plank’s BBQ: Texas-style barbecue, only on Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess.
Churrascaria Brazilian Grill: rodizio-style meats, only on Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess.
Each ship carries its own mix. Most have at least the pub, pizzeria and sushi bar.
Princess Specialty Dining and Cover Charges
Princess specialty dining costs a flat cover charge per person, reported at about $55 per adult and $27.50 per child on most ships, and $60/$30 on Sun Princess and Star Princess. Premier includes unlimited specialty dining. Plus doesn’t, so Plus guests pay the cover charge.
Restaurant
Style
Where you’ll find it
Crown Grill
Steakhouse and seafood
Most ships
Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
Multi-course Italian, handmade pasta
Most ships
The Catch by Rudi
Seafood by chef Rudi Sodamin
Select ships, including Sun and Star Princess
Makoto Ocean
Edomae-style sushi by chef Makoto Okuwa
Diamond, Sapphire, Sun and Star Princess
Umai Teppanyaki
Tableside teppanyaki grill
Sun and Star Princess
Umai Hot Pot
Communal Asian hot pot
Sun and Star Princess
The Butcher’s Block by Dario
Steakhouse with butcher Dario Cecchini
Sun and Star Princess
Love by Britto
Prix fixe dinner in a Romero Britto-designed room
Sun and Star Princess
Experiential dining
These are special-occasion meals that no package covers:
Chef’s Table: a small-group, multi-course dinner hosted by the executive chef, roughly $105 to $149. Some Royal-class ships offer Chef’s Table Lumière (around $155) behind a curtain of light.
Caymus Vineyards Winemaker’s Dinner: six courses paired with Caymus wines, around $145.
360: An Extraordinary Experience: a seven-course immersive dinner on Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess, about $149.
Ultimate Balcony Dining: breakfast or a multi-course dinner served on your balcony.
Crab Shack: a pop-up serving crab legs and seafood pots on select sea days and itineraries, especially Alaska.
Experiential dinners such as Chef's Table cost extra even with Princess Premier. Photo: Pixabay on Pexels
How Princess Plus and Premier Change Your Dining
Princess revised its packages in June 2025 for new purchases. At the time of writing:
Princess Plus (about $65 per person per day, $70 on Sphere-class ships) includes four casual meals per voyage, free room service and OceanNow delivery, plus drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.
Princess Premier (about $100 per day, $105 on Sphere-class ships) adds unlimited casual and specialty dining, a bigger drinks allowance and a shore excursion credit.
Premium desserts were removed from both packages for purchases after the June 2025 change. Guests who bought earlier keep their original perks.
Room service: breakfast from the door-hanger card is free. Other orders carry a delivery fee (introduced at $5 per order) unless you have Plus or Premier.
OceanNow: Princess’s app-based service delivers food and drinks to wherever you are onboard, using your Medallion. Non-package guests have been charged a one-time activation fee (introduced at $14.99 per cruise). Plus and Premier guests pay nothing.
Premium desserts: signature desserts in the main dining room and specialty gelato or sweets are sold à la carte. Prices are small but vary by ship.
How to Book Princess Cruises Dining Reservations
Before you sail: once your booking is confirmed, open the Princess app or Manage Booking online to choose Traditional or flexible dining and book specialty or experiential meals.
Book popular venues early: Chef’s Table, 360, Umai Teppanyaki and sea-day Crown Grill slots fill first.
Onboard: use the app or visit the restaurant during the day. Walk-ins are often possible on port days, when many guests eat ashore.
Package holders: Premier guests still need reservations for specialty restaurants, so book them like everyone else.
Yes. The main dining rooms, World Fresh Marketplace buffet, International Café, poolside grill and pizza, afternoon tea and room service breakfast are included in your fare. Casual, specialty and experiential venues cost extra unless your package covers them.
How much is specialty dining on Princess?
The specialty dining cover charge is reported at about $55 per adult on most ships and $60 on Sun Princess and Star Princess, with lower children’s prices. Experiential dinners such as Chef’s Table cost more.
What specialty restaurants are on Royal Princess?
Royal-class ships such as Royal Princess typically have Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, with The Catch by Rudi or Chef’s Table Lumière on some sailings. Check the ship’s dining page, because venues are updated during refits.
Does Princess Plus include specialty dining?
No. Princess Plus includes four casual meals per guest per voyage. Unlimited specialty dining is part of Princess Premier.
Do you need reservations for the Princess main dining room?
Only if you choose the reservable option. Traditional diners have a fixed seating, and the Open Seating dining room takes walk-ins at any time.
Princess Cruises from Southampton are an incredibly popular choice for couples and families who are booking cruises for 2025.
Whether it’s your first time sailing with Princess Cruises, or you’re already a loyal member of the Captain’s Circle, there are some great sailings to choose from – especially if you don’t want the hassle of flying out to your embarkation port.
Sky Princess is one of four Princess ships sailing from the UK in 2025
Princess Cruises certainly have one of the best offerings when it comes to cruising from the UK, but it’s still important to make sure you know what to expect to make sure that this cruise line is right for you.
Read on for everything you need to know if you’re thinking of booking a cruise from the UK with Princess Cruises.
Plenty of dates to choose from!
Princess Cruises from Southampton are available for departures between March and November. The summer is generally the best time of year to cruise from the UK as the weather isn’t too cold and, if you’re lucky, you’ll also see some sunshine.
Princess Cruises destinations from Southampton
The most popular cruise destinations from Southampton with Princess Cruises are:
British Isles Cruises – See the best bits of England, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland on a cruise around the UK
Norway Cruises – Sail to the top of Norway, where you’ll have the best chance of seeing the incredible Northern Lights
MediterraneanCruises – Take a 14-night cruise from Southampton to Florence, Pisa, Rome, Seville and Sardinia
Northern Europe Cruises – Explore the exciting cities of Northern Europe, including Copenhagen, Stockholm and Tallinn.
Transatlantic Cruises – Take your pick from some epic itineraries that cross the Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or ports in Norway.
Take your pick from these stunning ships…
There are four Princess Cruises’ ships cruising from Southampton in 2025. They are:
Emerald Princess
Majestic Princess
Regal Princess
Sky Princess
Of these, Sky Princess is the newer ship, and the biggest too. There are 27 cruises available for 2025 on this ship.
Why choose Princess Cruises?
There are several cruise lines offering cruises from the UK, but Princess Cruises is one of the best, with wonderfully luxurious cruise experiences at reasonable prices.
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Here’s what you can expect on a cruise with Princess Cruises…
Entertainment
On a cruise from the UK, most passengers will be British. Despite being an American-owned cruise line, Princess Cruises do a great job of tailoring the onboard experience to make us Brits feel at home!
Princess ships feature special guest entertainers and guest speakers as part of Princess Cruises’ Discovery at SEA program. Past guests have included Harry Redknapp, Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, John Virgo and Gareth Gates.
Outdoors, you’ll be able to snuggle under a blanket and watch movies under the stars. This poolside big screen also shows premiership football, Wimbledon, international rugby and other sporting events.
Royal Princess in Liverpool with Wimbledon on the big screen
Dining
On a cruise with Princess, you can discover the unique flavours of each of the places you visit as well as enjoying some traditional home comforts.
You’ll find pub lunches on sea days, classic whiskeys from Scotland and Ireland in the bars and a daily afternoon tea.
Princess Cruises has the best pizza at sea
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Cruising from the UK in 2025
For Brits, cruising from the UK has always been the most convenient way to travel.
Here are four reasons why a cruise from the UK is better than a fly-cruise for 2025:
1. Rearranging travel Is easier
If you have to rely on flights, we know that airports are sometimes struggling with staffing levels, and it could mess up your plans for getting to your ship on time.
If you’re cruising from the UK, you don’t need to worry about that. And even if something did happen to cause you to cancel your cruise, then Princess Cruises have a ‘Cruise with Confidence’ policy which means that you can delay the final payment on your cruise or cancel and receive a Future Cruise Credit. You’ll find more info about this on the Princess Cruises website.
2. Your holiday begins the moment you step onboard
Avoid all the hassle of airports, cramped flights and transfers to the port. As soon as you step on the ship, your holiday begins.
Checking in at a cruise port is so much quicker and easier than navigating an airport. Your luggage will be taken from you at your car and you won’t see it again until you reach your cabin.
As those with young children will testify, being able to walk from your car, straight on to the ship with no hold-ups is incredibly valuable.
3. No luggage restrictions
Princess Cruises have no luggage limits so you’re free to bring as much as you like, making packing for your cruise so much easier.
If you’re cruising with a baby, you’ll be free to bring lots of things that you wouldn’t be able to if you had to take a flight. Take a look at this printable baby cruise packing list to know what to bring and what you can get on the ship.
4. Enjoy a pre-cruise stay
Southampton is a fantastic place to stay for a day or two before or after your cruise. Make the most of your time with a trip to Paulton’s Park (the home of Peppa Pig World), historic Stonehenge or the beautiful New Forest.
Pre-cruise stays aren’t just for exotic places, you’ll find lots to see and do in Southampton, Portsmouth and other nearby cities.
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To conclude
Anyone planning a cruise from the UK in summer 2025 should certainly consider a Princess cruise from Southampton. With a choice of four ships, destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean and durations from short breaks to several weeks, there’s something for everyone.
Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Princess Cruises has a reputation for being a more premium cruise option than many of the more ‘mainstream’ cruise lines.
It’s not quite a luxury cruise line, but it definitely feels like one compared to lines such as Carnival or Costa, with many cruise fans finding that Princess is their favourite line.
To look at why, I’ve asked my Facebook fans what they think Princess Cruises does better than anyone else. I’ve supplemented that with research elsewhere on the web too.
Here’s a look at what real cruise fans think Princess does better than anyone else.
1. Medallion Technology
By some distance, the most-mentioned feature of Princess Cruises that people love is the Medallion technology.
This is a small metal medallion that all guests are given when they book with Princess Cruises. Your Medallion is a wearable device that offers a ton of functionality. It streamlines the boarding process, acts as your room key and lets you pay for items on board.
It acts as a homing beacon for you and your party too. You can check the Medallion app to find your family on the ship, and order drinks or food for delivery and it’ll be brought right to you – because the crew can see your location via your Medallion as well.
It even lets younger guests play games in different interactive areas of the ship!
The Medallion was first introduced by Princess Cruises in 2017 and has been a huge success, but no other cruise line has really picked up on it or offered similar tech.
There’s also a huge market for Medallion accessories, so you can more easily carry the Medallion around if you don’t like the standard lanyard options.
For something so small, the Medallion really makes a huge difference to the cruise experience, and Princess fans love it.
Another huge highlight for Princess cruisers is the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff on board. Across the fleet, Princess crew members are known for their welcoming attitude and genuine interest.
One of the things passengers love most is that staff members take the time to stop, chat and make you feel at home – no rush, no hurry.
Whether it’s a server in the dining room remembering your favourite drink, or a room steward greeting you by name, the service feels both personal and sincere.
Many guests commented that they never felt like ‘just another cruiser’ with Princess, suggesting that some other cruise lines are losing that personal touch.
The friendly atmosphere extends beyond just the service team. Entertainment staff, cruise directors and activity organisers are often praised for being engaging but not pushy. They strike a perfect balance that makes everyone feel included without being overwhelmed.
For many regulars, it’s these approachable crew members who make each cruise feel special. It’s why so many guests find themselves booking with Princess again and again.
3. International Café and Piazza Entertainment
Princess Cruises’ International Café and Piazza entertainment are big crowd-pleasers among guests.
The International Café is a 24-hour spot where passengers can grab snacks, pastries and coffee at any time of day or night. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or pick up a late-night treat, without ever needing to head to the buffet.
The Piazza itself is a hub of activity, and people love the vibe here. Located at the heart of the ship, it’s a lively space where entertainment often appears out of nowhere.
Guests love the ‘pop-up’ performances – from musicians to dancers – that suddenly kick off in the middle of the day. Many compare the atmosphere to an Italian square, where people gather to enjoy food and music.
For those who enjoy people-watching, the Piazza is a favourite spot. Between the International Café’s cosy seating and the variety of entertainment, you could easily spend hours relaxing there, enjoying a coffee or cocktail while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
It’s an experience that’s distinctively Princess – and one that keeps guests coming back.
4. Princess Plus and Premier Packages
The Princess Plus and Premier packages are hugely popular with those looking for an all-inclusive experience.
The Plus package bundles together drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, along with a few other benefits. This makes it a straightforward option for those who want fewer expenses to think about while on board.
Many guests appreciate the value here, especially when you consider that buying the Plus drinks package alone costs roughly the same as buying the Plus fare with loads more included! (I’ve never understood this!)
The Premier package goes a step further. It adds extras like speciality dining and a wider selection of drinks, including top-shelf spirits and wines. Premium is ideal for guests who want a touch of luxury, with more choice and convenience wrapped into a single package.
Compared to other cruise lines, Princess Cruises’ bundled options offer significant value. Guests love not having to worry about unexpected charges piling up, letting them enjoy their cruise with peace of mind.
This smart option has made Princess a favourite for those who appreciate flexibility and a seamless, all-in-one experience.
Princess Cruises is known for its impressive variety and quality when it comes to dining options.
Guests often highlight the main dining rooms for offering consistently excellent meals, with menus that change daily and cater to a range of tastes. From classic favourites to more adventurous options, there’s something to suit everyone.
Alfredo’s Pizzeria is another particular standout. Many guests rave about the fresh, hand-tossed pizzas cooked in a brick oven. For pizza lovers, it’s an unexpected treat to find such quality at sea. I absolutely adored the vegan pizza and went back again a few days later!
Alfredo’s Pizzeria used to be free but now does have a charge, which is a shame. You do get some meals included with the Plus package, and it’s free with Premium.
Princess also offers speciality restaurants that allow guests to enjoy a more elevated experience. Options like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill provide the chance to indulge in fine dining, with attentive service and carefully crafted menus.
Here are four back-to-back comments from people when I asked what they loved about Princess:
Overall, Princess’s approach to dining is all about variety and quality, keeping even the most seasoned cruisers satisfied throughout their trip.
6. Entertainment and Activities
Princess Cruises shines when it comes to entertainment and activities, offering a great mix that keeps guests engaged without feeling overwhelming.
The theatre shows are a huge highlight, with many guests comparing them to West End or Broadway productions. From musicals to comedy acts, the performances are designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. What’s more, they’re all included in the cruise fare.
Poolside entertainment is another favourite, with live music, themed parties and film screenings under the stars. Princess’ signature ‘Movies Under the Stars’ lets guests enjoy a cinema experience right on the deck, complete with blankets and popcorn for a cosy, open-air movie night.
Beyond the shows, Princess offers a variety of activities like dance classes, trivia contests and art auctions. For those who prefer a quieter pace, the enrichment programmes provide expert talks and workshops on topics ranging from history to photography.
Don’t expect to find really ‘active’ features on Princess ships, like rock climbing or surf simulators. That’s not the Princess vibe.
The entertainment team are engaging enough for those who want to join in, but they’re never too pushy, allowing guests to enjoy activities at their own pace.
7. Private and Exclusive Beach Experiences
Princess Cruises offers private and exclusive beach experiences, which are a huge hit with passengers seeking a special day ashore.
A standout is Princess Cays, a private resort on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, which is reserved exclusively for Princess guests. This private getaway offers beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and plenty of loungers for relaxing in the sun. Guests can explore the island with activities like snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, or they can simply unwind in a shaded cabana.
In Roatan, Princess has access to another exclusive beach just for its passengers, creating a safe and secluded experience away from the crowds. Guests appreciate the comfort of knowing these beaches are maintained with care, providing excellent facilities and attentive service from the onboard staff.
Whether it’s soaking up the sun, enjoying beachside service or having a tropical lunch brought right to their private bungalow, these exclusive beach options are a highlight of many cruises. It’s a premium perk that lets Princess guests experience some of the most beautiful Caribbean destinations in a more personal way.
8. Efficient Check-In Process
Princess Cruises is praised for its smooth and efficient check-in process. Thanks to the Medallion technology, check-in is faster and more streamlined than on many other cruise lines.
Guests can complete most of the check-in steps ahead of time through the MedallionClass app, including uploading documents and completing health questionnaires. When they arrive at the port, it’s often a quick scan and go, with little waiting or queuing involved.
Many guests appreciate how this efficient process allows them to get on board and start their holiday sooner. With the Medallion in hand, passengers can head straight to their staterooms without needing to pick up a separate cruise card.
It’s all designed to reduce hassle and create a smooth start to the journey, something frequent cruisers notice and love about Princess.
9. Loyalty Programme Benefits
Princess Cruises’ loyalty programme, the Captain’s Circle, is a favourite among frequent cruisers and offers some impressive perks that keep guests coming back.
Many cruise lines have loyalty programmes that reward repeat passengers, but Princess fans often find that the Captain’s Circle offers meaningful benefits as you reach higher tiers.
Early access to special events, exclusive onboard receptions, priority boarding and discounted fares are all perks that make a noticeable difference.
Platinum and Elite members enjoy special benefits like complimentary internet minutes, laundry services and extra discounts on future bookings. Many passengers mention that these perks help them feel recognised and valued for their loyalty to Princess.
10. Iconic Ship Horn and Sail-Away Music
One of the charming traditions that sets Princess Cruises apart is its iconic ship horn, and the memorable sail-away music that accompanies departures.
Princess ships feature a unique horn that plays a medley of tunes, with the most beloved being the ‘Love Boat’ theme song. The TV show was set on a Princess ship, after all!
For many passengers, this evokes feelings of nostalgia and excitement as they prepare to embark on their adventure. The joyful sound of the horn has become a signature of the Princess experience, marking the start of a wonderful holiday.
It’s a small touch, but you’d be surprised how many people mention it when they list their reasons for booking Princess!
11. Destination Experts and Shore Excursion Advice
All cruise lines offer shore excursions, with experts on hand to help you with advice. But it often feels like they’re nudging you towards paying for a tour rather than being genuine.
Not so with Princess Cruises. A lot of cruisers said that the cruise line’s destination experts genuinely feel helpful. The consultations they offer include plenty of advice on how to explore independently in ports where it’s suitable, if that’s what you’d prefer.
You can still take your pick from a wide range of curated excursions. But the fact that the cruise line doesn’t push the ‘hard sell’ makes it feel more like authentic advice, so you can decide on the best approach for exploring ashore.
Final word
Remember that these aren’t just good things about Princess Cruises, but more what makes the cruise line stand out.
It’s subjective, absolutely, but these are the reasons that many people prefer to cruise with Princess. There are plenty of other exciting things that the cruise line does really well, and that’s why so many love their time on a Princess sailing.
It’s not the perfect option for everyone – no cruise line could be – but if Princess sounds like the kind of cruise you’re looking for, it’s definitely one to check out.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
