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.
Launching in 2004 alongside her sister ship the Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess was the first ship to be launched for Princess that was part of the Grand Class whilst also being part of a sub-class, the Gem Class.
She is generally positioned either off the west coast of the US, or around Japan, giving her some exciting and unique itineraries that guests love to explore. But the first step in booking your own Japanese cruise adventure is choosing a cabin type – and that’s where this guide can help.
I’ve spent a while looking at the Diamond Princess deck plans, and checking out forum threads and customer reviews from past guests, to learn all about the cabins onboard.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the best and worst cabins, so that you make the most of your Diamond Princess cruise adventure.
Diamond Princess cabin types
There are seven main types of cabin on Diamond Princess.
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
168 to 182 sq. ft.
Oceanview
2 to 4
183 sq. ft
Premium Oceanview
2
200 sq. ft
Balcony
2 to 4
237 to 277 sq. ft.
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
237 to 277 sq. ft.
Mini Suite
2 to 4
354 sq. ft.
Suite
2 to 4
525 to 1,329 sq. ft.
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Diamond Princess does, including some at the front of the ship that let you look ahead to where you’re sailing. But the majority of rooms on the ship are either Interior, Balcony or Premium Balcony.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There’s a lot to consider, as within each type there are different categories, some of which are better than others, and then you also need to think about the location on the ship as well, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Because there’s a lot to think about, I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Diamond Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Diamond Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people but there are some that can sleep four. Often inside rooms are the smallest on a ship, but there are some smaller Oceanview cabins on Diamond Princess – though not by much.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who either doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and thinks they may get a better sleep without any windows, or for anyone who just isn’t too bothered by having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks where you can go when you do want to see the sea.
And interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for on-board activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Diamond Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are flexible – they’re normally twin beds that can be converted into a double – while the cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children but can support some adults.
Pullman beds are either fold-down from the wall, or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Diamond Princess, it’s the fold-down from the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
Diamond Princess Inside Cabin grades
Every cabin on Diamond Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF – if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
IA
2
168
IB
4
168 – 182
IC
2
168 – 182
ID
2
168
IE
2
168
IF
4
168
Diamond Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Diamond Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or by the bridge at the front of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, these could be ideal.
And if you want a little more floor space, you can choose a Premium Oceanview cabin – they’re around 10% bigger.
Diamond Princess Oceanview Cabin grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
O5
Premium Oceanview
2
200
OC
Oceanview
2
183
OF
Oceanview
2
183
OV
Oceanview (Obstructed)
4
183
OW
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
OY
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
OZ
Oceanview (Obstructed)
2
183
Diamond Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors opening onto your own miniature veranda where you’ll have a couple of chairs and you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available – Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, including the aft of the ship overlooking the wake.
Diamond Princess Balcony Cabin grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
277
B4
Premium Balcony
4
237 – 277
BA
Balcony
4
237
BB
Balcony
4
237
BC
Balcony
4
237
BD
Balcony
3
237 – 277
BE
Balcony
2
237 – 277
BF
Balcony
2
237
Diamond Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Diamond Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite. This has some plusses and some drawbacks – you get more space, and you get a few extra benefits, but not as many as if you were to make the step up all the way to a full suite. However, you’re also not paying the same price as your would be for a Suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Diamond Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
Diamond Princess Mini Suite grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
354
MB
Mini Suite
4
354
MD
Mini Suite
4
354
ME
Mini Suite
4
354
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house…in that they’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Diamond Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth taking the time to consider whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, then you might also want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Diamond Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Diamond Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Diamond Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free mini bar in the room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Diamond Princess Suite grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size (sq ft)
S1
Grand Suite
4
1,329
S2
Owner’s Suite
3
692
S3
Penthouse Suite
3
525 – 572
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
555
S5
Premium Suite
3
705
S6
Vista Suite
3
525 – 548
S8
Family Suite
6
618
Grand Vs. Owner’s Vs. Penthouse Vs. Premium Vs. Vista
There are six different types of Suite on the Diamond Princess, although one of those is a speciality category aimed at families – more on that below.
But when comparing the suites, the best is the Grand Suite. Not only is it the most spacious, but it has a prime location at the aft corner of the ship, giving you the biggest balcony area and what many believe to be the best view. It also has multiple seating areas, and is great for hosting.
The Owner’s Suite is situated on the same deck as the Grand Suite, but in the opposite corner. It is still exceptionally spacious and is maybe a better choice if you aren’t likely to have people visiting your room.
Some of the Penthouse Suites are also situated at the aft in a more central location, as are the smaller Vista Suites – although they are on a lower deck, so you don’t get quite as expansive a view.
The S4 Penthouse Suites are situated mid-ship, and while these views aren’t as sought after, it does mean that you’re closer to all of the amenities of the ship. If you want to head to the Lotus Spa then you’re a lot closer than an Owner’s Suite guest.
The Premium Suites are located in a forward position, with balconies at the front of the ship. There may be times that you can’t use these balconies because of the winds as the ship is sailing – so bear that in mind.
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Special cabin types
Diamond Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing too. Plus the rooms tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Diamond Princess, the aft-facing rooms include:
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that are travelling together that either can’t fit into one cabin, or that want a little more space. They’re two cabins side-by-side that have a door between them.
This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
If you use the deck plans you can check the box to see all the connected rooms highlighted.
On Diamond Princess, there are a few choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Obstructed Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Premium Balcony Cabins
Diamond Princess Family Suites
There is another type of connecting room that’s a little more special – the Family Suite. Technically each of the two Family Suites are just two Balcony cabins at the front of the ship, but they must be booked together – you can’t book these rooms individually.
Despite the fact that they are listed as separate rooms within one suite, they have been converted so instead of a shared door, they have a shared living space and fully open balcony area.
Plus you get all the benefits of booking a suite too, and because there are two sofa beds the suites sleep up to 6 guests. So if you’re looking for something special for your family, or you’re travelling with a larger group, these could be ideal.
Diamond Princess Accessible Rooms
While the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins though, which have wider doorways, more floorspace around the bed to allow a chair to manoeuvre, and a wet room.
These are really popular and will often book up quickly, so if you’re interested then you should definitely try to book in advance. And if you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Diamond Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 8, 10, 12 and 14
Obstructed Oceanview Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 10-12
Premium Balcony Cabins – Decks 10 and 12
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Diamond Princess cabins to avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Diamond Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
I’ve scoured forums and Facebook groups to find the rooms on Diamond Princess that people haven’t been too happy with and made a note of them for you here. But remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you.
None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms, and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Diamond Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins that are under the Lido Deck
A310 to 751
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms that are situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools, and when guests wake up nice and early to secure themselves and their deck chair, they will often scrape it along the floor to get it into position.
And that sound carries through the floor.
What was interesting was that it wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also about crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck as they cleaned it as late as almost midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their on-board spend account, so that should show it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in then definitely consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
2. Balcony Cabins near the front of the ship
L200 and 201, A104 and 201, B104 and 107, C104 and 107, D104 and 105,
A few cruise lines have balcony cabins situated in a forward position on the ship, but they’re rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing because of the high winds – barring some that have special reinforced panels in place.
While Diamond Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies (except in two Premium Suites), it does have some that are situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds, but even when you are allowed to use them I saw a couple of people saying that it wasn’t a pleasant experience – it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
3. Cabins that can be worse for seasickness
L200 to 311, A104 to 301 and 628 to 751, B100 to 301 and 628 to 757, C100 to 301 and 628 to 757
If you’re someone that’s worried about potentially getting seasick, then you’ll want to avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
It’s particularly important on Diamond Princess as a couple of people have mentioned on the Facebook groups that itineraries departing from San Francisco – where the ship is often based – can have some choppy waters.
It’s not a reason to avoid Diamond Princess altogether, but aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins directly adjacent to the laundromat
D226 and D229, C610 and C611, B708 and B711
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Diamond Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms that are directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
And there are two reasons – firstly, the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible but it can also cause vibrations in the room.
The other issue is just traffic – you may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins I’ve listed is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Cabins at the Front of the Ship Near Crew Stairwells
P200 to 201, E100 to 103, C101 to 102, D102 to 105
There are three main staircases on the Diamond Princess that go from Deck 5 to the higher decks. One at the front of the ship, one mid-ship and one at the aft. The mid-ship and aft staircases are open to passengers, which means they actually get the least use – because everyone uses the elevators.
The staircase at the front of the ship is for crew only, and some guests have reported that there can be some noise early in the morning when the crew are moving around between floors to get everything ready for guests waking up.
It’s not a comment I saw a lot, but I did see it a couple of times, so it’s worth being aware of it if you like a lie-in.
6. Obstructed View Rooms if a view is important to you
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ cabin (Deck 8), C100 to 103, 105 to 106 and 109 (Deck 10), B100 to 103, 105 (Deck 11)
There are a number of Oceanview cabins on Deck 8 that have an obstructed view caused by the ship’s lifeboats. And equally in the Oceanview cabins at the front of Decks 10 and 11, the bridge causes an obstruction too.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight – you’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know just how much you’ll be able to see.
7. Connecting Cabins if you don’t need them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families, but if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms then it’s a good idea to avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall, and so you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
8. Aft Cabins if you don’t want to risk soot
A744, 746, 749 and 751, B750, 751 and 753
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
The best cabins on Diamond Princess
1. Family Suites
The two Family Suites are a great option for any larger groups who want to sail on Diamond Princess. They aren’t necessarily packed with fun activities for the kids, like some family-oriented suites are on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, but they’re really spacious and they have a good-sized balcony that everyone can enjoy.
The only real downside is their forward location, which means some amenities on the ship will be a long walk away. But that’s worth it to not be living underneath each other’s noses or having to book multiple cabins.
2. The cheapest cabins
The cheapest cabins on Diamond Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities, but for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room they are ideal.
You’ll save a lot of money – often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying – which can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
3. Staterooms adjacent to the Terrace Pool
Specifically the Interior rooms A740 and R745, the Balcony cabins A752 and 747, and the Premium Balcony cabins A746 and A751 (which have slightly extended balconies too).
These are right next to the Terrace Pool at the back of the ship, which gives you first dibs on a relaxing deck chair overlooking the wake. Not many people tend to rush here in the morning and you can literally step out of your room and be by the pool in around 10 yards. It’s like your own little private haven.
Other guests will sometimes come this way and so there can be increased traffic, but if you’re awake then you will never miss a deck chair from these rooms.
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Other useful info on Diamond Princess
Diamond Princess was last refurbished in February 2019 as part of a large overhaul of the Grand Class ships in the fleet. She received various updates as well as a general refresh of the décor and furnishings. She did go into drydock in 2024 but only for minor work.
There are four main swimming pools on the Diamond Princess, including one which is indoors. Of the eight hot tubs on the ship (not counting those in the Izumi Bath), two are also indoors.
To conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on Diamond Princess, but depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling sick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums, and from reading Diamond Princess cabin reviews, so it’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too.
You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences. Many also take their own Diamond Princess cabins photos, so you might get to see what it looks like before you sail.
And always have one last look at the Diamond Princess deck plan before you confirm a booking – just to make sure you’re happy with your cabin’s location.
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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.
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.
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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.
Both P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises are part of the larger Carnival Group, making them part of the same family essentially.
They share some similarities, but also several major differences too, and understanding these will help you decide which is the better cruise line for you.
An early spoiler: there isn’t one that’s definitively better than the other. It all depends on the type of cruise you want to enjoy and your chosen destinations. And with this guide, I’ll help you realise which of these cruise lines is right for you, or if neither is the right fit.
Ships
One of the biggest differences between the two cruise lines is very quickly apparent when you compare the fleet side-by-side.
Princess Cruises has more than double the ships sailing for it than P&O does, with 16 ships in the fleet compared to P&O’s 7.
Both are still dwarfed by the biggest fleets in the world, those of Carnival or Royal Caribbean, which are approaching the 30-strong mark.
P&O Cruises ships
Most cruise lines have ‘classes’ within their fleet, which is how ships are grouped together based on being a similar size. P&O doesn’t really have that, although some of the ships are definitely closely related.
The P&O fleet includes:
Iona and Arvia – twin (though not identical) ships that are part of the wider Excellence Class for the Carnival Group, accommodating 5,200 passengers
Britannia – the former flagship of the cruise line, accommodating 3,600 passengers
Azura and Ventura – part of the wider Grand Class for the Carnival Group, accommodating 3,600 passengers
Arcadia and Aurora – the cruise line’s adults-only ships that accommodate 2,100 and 1,950 passengers respectively
The oldest of these ships is Aurora, which launched in January of 2000.
The newest ship is Arvia, also the largest ship ever built for the British cruise market. She launched in 2022.
There are four classes of ships in the Princess Cruises fleet:
Sphere Class – The newest ships, accommodating 4,300 guests
Royal Class – Six large ships accommodating 3,560 to 3,660 guests
Grand Class – Eight mid-sized ships accommodating 2,600 to 3,140 guests
Coral Class – The oldest two ships, each catering for 2,000 to 2,220 guests
The oldest of the fleet is Grand Princess, which was launched in 1998. The newest is Sun Princess, which started sailing in early 2024. Sister ship Star Princess joins the fleet in 2025.
While there’s a distinct difference between the size of the fleets, the ship sizes and ages aren’t too dissimilar. Both fleets have ships that are over 20 years old, and both have ships launched in just the last couple of years.
And in terms of size (and passenger capacity), you’ve got a range of options with each.
Whether you’re someone who prefers the smaller ships or larger vessels with more to do onboard, then you’ve got options with both. It’s going to be more to do with the itineraries and onboard features when you make your decision on which one to sail with.
If you do prefer an adult-only experience, P&O Cruises’ Arcadia and Aurora offer that. Although realistically, if you cruise in term time, you won’t see many children on Princess ships either.
Destinations
Both P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises offer a range of destination options, but Princess has (by some distance) more variety to choose from. Princess ships sail around the world, whereas P&O’s tend to stick to just a few key regions.
P&O Cruises destinations
The majority of P&O itineraries sail around Europe, but with plenty of variety around the continent.
There’s a wide range of cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, to Northern Europe cities, around the coasts of Spain, France and Portugal, or further into the Mediterranean or south to the Canary Islands.
The other key destination for the cruise line is the Caribbean. Each year some of the ships sail across the Atlantic and offer fly-cruise itineraries around some of the best ports of this tropical region.
There are still 16 embarkation port options available, but that’s because the cruise line does offer world cruises, with segments of those cruises available to book.
As a guide, at the time of writing there were 771 itineraries available – 747 of those embarked from either Southampton, Valletta, Tenerife, Bridgetown or Antigua.
Princess Cruises destinations
Princess Cruises offers a much wider selection of cruise destinations, with regular sailings to Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and more alongside the range of European and Caribbean cruises that you’d expect.
There are also 30 embarkation ports to choose from, including on both the West and East Coast of the US and in Australia for several sailings.
Princess does offer cruises from the UK, primarily from Southampton but with a handful sailing from Dover as well.
Princess sailings in the Caribbean and Bahamas often call at one of two private resorts in the region – Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay. That’s a key advantage over P&O which doesn’t visit any private resorts.
Which to choose?
This is the first key area where you see big differences between the two cruise lines.
If you’re only looking to cruise around Europe or the Caribbean, then P&O will definitely have some good options for you if you’re a UK traveller. If you’re based anywhere else in the world, P&O probably isn’t for you – it’s very much aimed at the British market (more on that later).
With P&O Cruises you’ll either sail from Southampton, or you’ll enjoy a fly-cruise package with chartered flights included. This makes it super-easy for British cruisers.
Princess Cruises is the better choice if you want to sail to places like Alaska, Hawaii, Asia or some other parts of the world. And if you like the idea of sunning yourself on a private island resort, Princess Cruises is the way to go.
However, when you book a Princess cruise you’ll need to arrange flights, or ideally have a travel agent do that. Don’t forget to include a pre-cruise hotel stay as well, because unlike with P&O, if your flight is delayed, the ship won’t wait.
Staterooms and Suites
Accommodation choices are unlikely to be the deciding factor when choosing between P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, as both offer a fairly standard range of options.
However, there are some key differences that may sway your decision if you have particular preferences.
Both cruise lines provide the usual selection of Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite accommodations. Inside cabins are the most affordable, while Oceanview cabins provide a glimpse of the outside world.
Balcony staterooms add private outdoor space, and Suites come with various extra perks, making them the most luxurious option available.
But it’s worth highlighting some of the specialist options on each cruise line, as these may (or may not) appeal.
P&O Cruises staterooms
Most P&O cabins fit into one of the standard categories, but there are two cabins worth shouting out:
Single Cabins
P&O Cruises is one of the best mainstream cruise lines for solo cruisers, offering a significantly higher number of Single Cabins across multiple ships.
These are smaller rooms designed for solo occupancy, allowing individual travellers to enjoy their cruise without paying the often hefty supplement required for a double stateroom.
Not only that, but most ships have a range of options too – Single Inside, Single Outside, and even Single Balcony.
P&O Cruises newest ships, Iona and Arvia offers a limited number of Promenade Rooms, which are technically Balcony cabins or Conservatory Mini Suites but with an unusual twist – they open directly onto the ship’s promenade deck.
While this means you get easy access to fresh air, it also means that passengers walking on the deck outside can pass right by your room.
Some cruisers enjoy the proximity to outdoor space, but most find the lack of privacy a little bit off-putting.
Princess staterooms and suites
Princess Cruises offers a more modern take on accommodations, especially with its newer ships, featuring some premium stateroom categories:
Sky Suites
Sky Suites are exclusive to the newest Royal and Sphere Class ships and offer one of the most spacious balconies at sea, with over 1,000 square feet of private outdoor space.
Positioned at the top of the ship, these suites provide panoramic views, making them ideal for those who love to host private gatherings or simply enjoy an expansive open-air retreat.
Reserve Collection
For those who prefer a balance between luxury and affordability, the Reserve Collection is an excellent choice.
Available on newer ships, these Mini-Suites offer premium furnishings and access to an exclusive private restaurant – an uncommon perk for non-suite guests.
P&O Cruises does have Mini-Suites, but they don’t come with the wider range of extra perks that Princess’ Mini-Suites do.
Signature Collection
Making its debut on Sun Princess, the Signature Collection consists of the most premium suites on the ship.
Guests enjoy a range of exclusive perks, including access to the Signature Collection Restaurant, Signature Lounge, and Signature Sun Deck, all of which provide a more intimate and upscale cruising experience.
If you’re a solo traveller, P&O Cruises is the better choice thanks to its significantly larger number of single cabins. You won’t have to pay double occupancy fares as you might with Princess.
For those looking for private luxury, Princess Cruises leads the way. The Sky Suites, Reserve Collection, and Signature Collection offer some of the most premium accommodations at sea, with exclusive dining and relaxation areas that really elevate the experience.
Ultimately, both cruise lines offer comfortable and well-appointed accommodations, but Princess Cruises tends to excel when it comes to premium options, while P&O Cruises is more accommodating for solo travellers.
Food
Dining is an integral part of any cruise experience, and both P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises offer a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets. However, they have distinct approaches to their culinary offerings.
P&O Cruises food
P&O Cruises focuses heavily on British dining preferences, reflecting its core market. Guests will find familiar dishes across the fleet, often inspired by traditional pub classics and fine-dining favourites.
There’s still international cuisine woven into the menus – but the typical options that are most enjoyed by British travellers.
There’s always a mix of dining options, including your standard main restaurants and buffets. Snacks are always available too at poolside (or close by) locations, and there will be several speciality restaurants to choose from – the bigger ships offering more variety.
Common options across the fleet include Sindhu, offering authentic Indian cuisine, and The Glass House, which pairs lighter bites with delightful wines as handpicked by the cruise line’s partner wine expert Olly Smith.
Princess Cruises food
Princess Cruises has a little more of an international flair to its cuisine, appealing to a broader range of cruisers.
Again you’ll be able to pick between a wide range of dining options, but it gets a little more complicated with Princess as there are four different categories: Included, Casual, Speciality, and Experiential.
Included dining venues are exactly that – included. Casual options have a small fee attached but may be included depending on the fare you pay – I’ll cover that more in the pricing section later.
Speciality and Experiential are similar, in that they offer a more elevated experience – the differences mainly come down to what’s included with your chosen fare.
Which to choose?
You’ll always have a range of dining options on both P&O and Princess sailings, with bigger ships offering more choice.
The main dining room menus on the fleets reflect the guests a little more, with slightly more British influences on P&O Cruises.
One thing to note – many people believe that Princess Cruises offer the best pizza at sea. I’ve not tasted pizza on every cruise line (and as I’m vegan I can’t comment on every type of slice), but if you ever want to make your cruising decisions purely based on pizza quality then perhaps Princess is right for you!
But what’s also worth mentioning is the “kids’ tea” on P&O Cruises – a dedicated buffet section for kids. They can eat a meal at 5 pm and then head off to the kids club at 6 pm so parents can have a more relaxed dining experience.
Onboard activities
If you’re someone who loves the idea of roller coasters on cruise ships, or rock climbing walls, or other big flashy attractions, then neither P&O or Princess is the right cruise line for you.
Both cruise lines are more relaxed during the day, offering more traditional experiences.
P&O Cruises activities
With P&O, you’ll still have plenty of options to keep you entertained during the day, just at a more relaxed pace.
There’s always a couple of pool options for you to sunbathe by, or a cinema to watch the latest movies. There’s a spa for relaxation and treatments, and sports courts and a gym when you want to burn off that third plate from the buffet.
Quizzes are always popular and there’ll be a range of classes you can take, such as art or photography.
The newest ships, Iona and Arvia, have the fanciest features with mini golf and a high ropes course.
Princess Cruises activities
Princess Cruises is much the same as P&O when it comes to activities, including your pools, spa options, dancing lessons, sports and more.
One thing you’ll find on some Princess ships, that you won’t get on P&O, is an arcade. If your kids (or you) love playing video games or trying claw machines, then you might find Princess to be a better option.
Which to choose?
There’s not really too much between the cruise lines when it comes to onboard activities. The vibe is much more relaxed during the day than it is on some of the more family-oriented American cruise lines.
Pools are designed for relaxing – there aren’t waterslides here. But it’s hard to be bored, as there’s always something going on if you don’t want to just relax.
Entertainment
After a day spent relaxing by the pool or exploring ashore, you’ll want to unwind in the evening with some exciting entertainment – and neither cruise line will disappoint.
P&O Cruises entertainment
P&O Cruises leans towards British-style entertainment, with West End-style productions and variety performances. The theatres host musical tributes, dance shows, and comedy nights, often featuring well-known UK comedians.
For those who enjoy live music, P&O ships offer piano bars, acoustic sets, and themed music nights. On rare occasions you might even get to enjoy concerts from Gary Barlow onboard. On New Year’s Eve, I watched Ronan Keating perform, which was incredible!
The Headliners Theatre Company produces original performances, and guests can also enjoy game shows and pub quizzes for a more interactive experience.
Princess Cruises entertainment
Princess Cruises offers spectacular evening entertainment, including Broadway-style productions. Some of their original musicals are created by composers behind hit shows like Wicked, ensuring high-quality performances.
Beyond the theatre, guests can enjoy live music across various venues, with everything from jazz to contemporary hits. There are also magic shows, comedy performances, and themed parties throughout the voyage.
Which to choose?
This is another category where it’s hard to draw too many contrasts between the two cruise lines. The quality of the entertainment is very similar on both.
With P&O it’s a little more relaxed in style, though there are still bombastic shows if you want to enjoy something thrilling.
Princess has broad appeal too and whether you want a quieter night or something spectacular, you won’t be left feeling unsatisfied.
Kids’ facilities
If you’re planning on travelling with the kids in tow, then it’s important to know what facilities are on offer to keep them happy.
P&O Cruises for kids
Of the seven ships in the P&O fleet, five are family-friendly and have kids clubs onboard that are split into different age categories.
The clubs run a range of activities, with more unstructured time for the older kids who just want their own space to relax, play games and make new friends.
Popular characters such as Shaun the sheep and Wallace & Gromit are often on the cruises, perfect for a photo with the kids. Though I’m sure you’ll want to jump in too!
Princess Cruises for kids
Every Princess ship welcomes kids and has its own Camp Discovery kids clubs onboard, again segmented into different age groups.
Princess is partnered with Discovery and Animal Planet, and so a lot of the educational content in the clubs is themed around the natural world – but of course, it’s a cruise, so fun is always top priority.
Which to choose?
Similar to the onboard activities, the kids’ facilities on both P&O and Princess are a little more relaxed than they are on big family-first cruise lines such as Disney or Royal Caribbean, but they aren’t lacking either.
My kids have cruised on both and enjoyed the kids’ clubs pretty much equally.
Demographics
Demographic is one area where the cruise lines can vary – but it always depends on where you’re sailing.
P&O Cruises demographics
P&O Cruises is squarely aimed at the British market, so you’ll always find the ships to be full of British guests – even when you’re cruising on the other side of the world.
The cruise line doesn’t advertise outside of the UK and pricing’s always in £ – it’s a British cruse line for British people. The ships even have British flags on the hulls!
Most people onboard will be between 40 and 70, though you may get some younger guests, especially on the bigger ships like Iona and Arvia. While many of the ships are family-friendly, the ships never feel overrun with kids.
Princess Cruises demographics
Princess Cruises has a similar age profile to P&O for guests, with the average age of guests sitting between 50 and 70.
The main difference is that it’s much more of an international crowd. Even on cruises from the UK, you’ll often get Americans and other nationalities who’ve flown over to experience the best that Europe’s ports have to offer.
And if you cruise from the US or Australia, the nationalities onboard are going to be mainly American or Australian.
It’s still very much an English-speaking cruise line so there’s no concerns about language barrier or anything, as there might be on some international cruise lines.
Price
It’s not super-simple to compare the pricing between P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises. If only it were as simple as browsing for your cruise, seeing the price and then comparing that side-by-side with a similar cruise for the other cruise line!
Let me explain:
P&O Cruises pricing
P&O Cruises is not a cheap cruise line, but it doesn’t charge super-premium prices either. It’s very ‘average’ in the fares that it charges – expect to pay £70 to £90 per person, per night for cruises from the UK. Packages that include flights will cost more, of course.
With P&O you’ve a choice of three fares – Early Saver, Saver, and Select. Though you won’t be able to pick between Early Saver and Saver, it’ll just depend on how far in advance you’re booking.
The Saver fares are your basic fare. You don’t get to choose your cabin number with these fares, but otherwise you get everything you should with the standard cruise fare, including your dining.
Select includes a few extra benefits, including letting you pick your cabin number and getting first priority for cabin upgrades and tables in the main dining restaurants.
Most importantly, it also includes a choice of either some onboard credit for your cruise, free coach travel to the ship, or free parking in Southampton.
The cost to upgrade to Select varies, but expect to pay between £100 and £500 per person extra, depending on the length of the cruise and the dates.
I often choose the Select for just for the coach. It’s the easiest way to get to Southampton for many. And because P&O Cruises charter the coaches, you don’t need to worry about being late and missing the ship.
Being a British cruise line, P&O Cruises doesn’t charge gratuities, so you can relax knowing there’s nothing extra to pay for tips. Although if you do want to leave some cash for your room attendant that’s always appreciated.
Princess Cruises pricing
In terms of cruise costs, Princess is relatively comparable to P&O for standard fares. Again it’s not cheap, but you can find some fares starting at around £70 per person, per night. Typically it’ll cost £80 to £100 per person, per night for cruise-only fares.
Just like P&O, Princess offers three different types of fare as well, but with a lot more benefits included if you pay the higher rates. Also, your choice of cabin isn’t tied to the fare – you can get a basic Princess Standard fare with Princess and still pick your cabin.
Princess Plus is the next step up and it costs £50 per person, per day extra. That’s a hefty additional fare but it does include a lot – WiFi for one device, a Plus Beverage Package, premium desserts, some casual dining meals and more.
Princess Premier is even more – £75 per person, per day more than Standard fares. It includes an upgraded drinks package, speciality dining (but not ‘Experiential’ venues), reserved theatre seating and more.
Crucially, both Plus and Premier fares also include your gratuities, which would normally cost between $17 and $19 per person, per day – so around £14-16 extra. With Princess Standard, you need to pay those. On P&O Cruises, there are no gratuities to pay.
Ultimately, whether P&O Cruises or Princess Cruises is the better choice for you depends on what you’re looking for in a cruise experience.
P&O Cruises is an excellent option for British travellers who prefer a home-away-from-home experience, with familiar cuisine, entertainment, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also a standout choice for solo travellers, thanks to its great range of single-occupancy cabins.
Princess Cruises, on the other hand, offers a more international experience, with a slightly broader variety of dining, entertainment, and destinations. It’s a great choice if you want a premium feel without stepping into luxury territory, and if you prefer a mix of traditional cruising with some modern innovations.
If you’re traveling as a family, Princess Cruises may offer more variety. But if you want a quieter, UK-focused cruise with traditional charm, then P&O Cruises could be the better fit.
For a lot of people, the cruise lines will be fairly close, so price may be the deciding factor. Just take the time to compare all of your fare options, as there are so many, and remember that P&O doesn’t charge gratuities – which, depending on the itinerary, may make it a cheaper option.
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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.
When you take a cruise you’ll usually get a choice of included and speciality dining venues. It’s quite simple, really.
But this isn’t the case with Princess Cruises. They have FOUR differenr categories of dining. Which ones are included in your cruise fare depends on which of the three different fares you choose.
Confused? Yes, I was too.
It took me a little while to figure out how dining works on Princess Cruises. So, to save you the same confusion, here’s an explanation.
Included Vs Casual Vs Specialty Vs Experiential
There are four main types of dining available on a Princess Cruises ship. But first, it’s best to give you a bit of context because most cruise lines have just two types of dining – complimentary, and specialty.
Complimentary dining venues are those which are included in the fare you pay. I know, it’s hardly rocket science.
Pretty much every cruise line will have a main restaurant where you can enjoy table service for breakfast and dinner, and a buffet restaurant.
Then, it varies by cruise line. Some will have the main dining room open for brunch or lunch. Others will have several other venues you can enjoy at no extra cost, such as snack bars, pizzerias, cafes serving sandwiches and more.
And then there’s the specialty venues, which are those that come at an extra cost. In the majority of cases, you’ll pay a fixed fee for a sit down meal in these venues, otherwise if it’s lighter bites then you’ll usually pay a la carte.
Specialty venues can be everything from a coffee shop through to a formal restaurant, including some exclusive options such as Chefs Tables where you’ll dine in a small group and enjoy a multi-course extravaganza.
So, how is Princess different? Well, her are the four options
Included dining venues are those which you get included at no extra cost at all.
Casual dining venues are those which cost a little extra, with the option of either a prix fixe menu at $14.99 or individual selections priced a la carte.
Specialty dining venues are slightly more formal and cost around $35-40 per person for a three course menu.
Experiential dining venues are the best venues on the fleet and cost upwards of $79 per person.
Plus & Premier fares and what’s included
So, why does Princess have four different dining categories? Why not just keep it simple and call it Included and Specialty, and have each venue cost a different amount?
It’s because of the Plus and Premier fares – and what you get included with each.
As if it wasn’t confusing enough that Princess has four different types of dining, it has three different cruise fares too. Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier.
Princess Standard is your regular cruise fare. You pay for the cruise alone and you then pay for tips, drinks and so on separately.
But with Princess you also have the option of a more inclusive fare, either with Princess Plus or Princess Premier.
Princess Plus costs £50/$60 per person, per day while Princess Premier costs £75/$90 per person, per day.
Both include your tips, WiFi, and a drinks package (the Plus or Premier drinks package) along with a range of additional extras.
It makes no sense for the drinks package to be available as a standalone option – the only reason is so that Princess can tell you how much value you’re getting with the Plus and Premier fares.
When it comes to dining, Plus and Premier also include some dining options above the regular Included fare, and this is why Princess has four different dining types.
Princess Plus guests get two casual dining meals included with their cruise.
Princess Premier guests get to enjoy unlimited casual dining, and unlimited specialty dining.
So this is why there are four types – it allows Princess to clearly set out which venues you get depending on your fare. If you book Princess Plus, you have to pay in full for specialty and experiential venues, and any casual dining meals you have beyond your two included options.
But if you book Princess Premier fares, you get to enjoy unlimited casual and specialty dining, and only have to pay for the experiential venues.
Here’s a table to show what I mean:
Cruise Fare
Included
Casual
Specialty
Experiential
Princess Standard
Free
$14.99pp or a la carte
Charged – varies
Charged – varies
Princess Plus
Free
2 free
Charged – varies
Charged – varies
Princess Premier
Free
Unlimited free
Unlimited free
Charged – varies
And to help make it even clearer, here’s a look at the dining options by venue. Bear in mind that not every venue/dining option is available on every ship.
Venue
Type
Princess Standard
Princess Plus
Princess Premier
Main Dining Room
Included
Always free
Always free
Always free
Buffet
Included
Always free
Always free
Always free
Top Deck Pizza
Included
Always free
Always free
Always free
Grill
Included
Always free
Always free
Always free
International Café
Included
Always free
Always free
Always free
Afternoon Tea
Included
Always free
Always free
Always free
O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Alfredo’s or Gigi’s Pizzeria
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Kai Sushi
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Ocean Terrace
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Planks
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Salty Dog Pub
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Steamers
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Vines
Casual
Always charged
2 free meals
Always free
Crown Grill
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
Sabatini’s Italian
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
The Catch by Rudi
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
Churrascaria Brazilian Grill
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
The Butcher’s Block by Dario
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
Umai Teppanyaki
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
Crab Shack
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
Harmony Chinese
Specialty
Always charged
Always charged
Always free
Love by Britto
Experiential
Always charged
Always charged
Always charged
Spellbound by Magic Castle
Experiential
Always charged
Always charged
Always charged
360
Experiential
Always charged
Always charged
Always charged
Chef’s Table
Experiential
Always charged
Always charged
Always charged
Ultimate Balcony Dining
Experiential
Always charged
Always charged
Always charged
To be clear, Princess Plus guests don’t get two free meals in EVERY Casual venue. Just two overall. So, you could try O Malley’s and Alfredo’s, but then you’d need to pay to try Ocean Terrace.
Booking the restaurants
Of course, just because you pay a fare that entitles you to enjoy a restaurant at no extra charge, that doesn’t guarantee you the reservations you want.
It’s important to book your dining reservations as soon as possible, if you’re particular about making sure you get the best choice of venues and dining times to fit around your plans.
Not all venues are bookable, though. Just be aware that there are some (varying by ship) that you’ll need to book onboard. That can be a bit of a rush, so make it a priority to head there once you’re on the ship if it’s somewhere you’re really keen on trying.
For most guests, you can start making bookings as soon as you’ve made the final payment on your cruise. With the fare fully paid off, you’re then able to log onto the app and start making your reservations.
However, there are some people who can skip the wait and start making their reservations as soon as they’ve paid a deposit.
This includes any guests who’ve booked either a Suite or a Reserve Collection Mini Suite, but also any guests who are in the Platinum or Elite tiers of the Captain’s Circle.
The Captain’s Circle is the cruise line’s loyalty programme and to reach Platinum level, guests must have either sailed 5 cruises or 50 cruise days with Princess.
And it only applies upon completing a sailing – so you don’t become a Platinum if you reach 50 days during a cruise, only once that cruise is completed.
Of course, when it comes to dining reservations that’s irrelevant anyway, but the good news is that for your sixth cruise (or your cruise after your 50th cruise day) you’ll be able to book restaurants as soon as you’ve booked the cruise itself.
OceanNow & Room Service explained
There are a couple of other Princess dining features to discuss, which again factor into the Standard vs Plus vs Premier conversation.
The first of these is OceanNow, which is a service that lets you get food delivered to you anywhere on the ship (within reason – don’t expect to be eating ice cream in the sauna).
You order from the same menu as you would get room service, so it includes sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, fries and some desserts. And it’ll be brought right to you, tracking you using the Medallion you’ll keep with you.
OceanNow is free once it’s activated, and it’s activated automatically for Plus and Premier guests. If you choose a Standard fare, then you’ll need to pay a one-off activation fee of $14.99.
You can use OceanNow to order room service to your cabin, or if you prefer then you can call from your room phone to order – this’ll incur a $5 delivery charge each time you order, although again this is waived for Plus and Premier guests.
So if you’re on a Standard fare and you intend to order a lot of room service or OceanNow deliverys, pay the $15 activation fee.
But if you just want to try room service once, call and you’ll only pay $5.
One last thing to note, just to add another decision to your dining plans. When booking your cruise, you can now (since April 2024) choose between three different options for your main dining room experience.
Traditional is where you choose either the early or late sitting. Early sittings typically start between 5pm and 6pm, while later sittings can start as late as 9pm.
Reservable dining is where you can make a reservation for your table time, so that you get to pick the best times to suit you.
And Walk-in Anytime is, well, pretty self-explanatory. You don’t have to make a reservation, just turn up when you like.
There are pros and cons to each, depending on whether you like a fixed dining time with no hassle, or don’t mind waiting for a suitable table if you prefer the Walk-in option when things are busy.
It’s important to think about how you like to spend your evenings, and whether you’d rather opt for a fixed early or late time, or have a bit more flexibility, so that you get the dining experience you’re hoping for.
One last thing – premium desserts
Yeah, there’s one more confusing thing I need to explain, and that’s premium desserts.
Princess offers a range of specialist desserts that are basically extravagant sundaes/gelatos, and they’re available in Gelataria, Swirls, or Coffee and Cones.
They include a host of candies and pastries in their intricate designs too, and so they don’t come cheap – $12 each.
Again, though, you can get them free if you have a Plus or Premier fare. Plus guests can enjoy two premium desserts per day, while Premier guests can enjoy them unlimited.
I really don’t think you’d want more than two per day, looking at how decadent these are, but I’d also argue you wouldn’t be deciding between Plus and Premier just based on these desserts anyway.
Also, you can add an ‘adult’ twist to any of these desserts with a liquor shot for $2 extra. That charge applies regardless of your fare. Good to know, if you like a boozy sweet.
Final word
I’ll be honest, when I cruised with Princess, I didn’t realise how confusing the dining would be at first, and it took me a while to wrap my head around it. Hopefully now it’s clear what all of your options are, and what you get included depending on your choice of fare.
There’s no right or wrong answer on which venues you should try or which fare you should book – that’s totally up to you. Just make sure you do a bit of research on the restaurants your chosen ship has to offer, and then plan your fare and reservations to make the most of them.
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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 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.
Island Princess is one of the older ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, but one that offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to itineraries.
She was built to the old Panamax dimensions, along with her sister ship Coral Princess. This means she’s the largest possible size to sail the old Panama Canal locks.
Island Princess sails all around the world, with cruises available from ports in North America (on both coasts), Europe, Asia and Australia. it’s not just itineraries where you have a lot of choice, but cabins too. There are loads of different options on board, including some you won’t find on the larger classes of ships in the Princess fleet.
But which one is right for you? Which are the best cabins on Island Princess and – just as important – which ones are the worst?
In writing this detailed guide, I’ve spent time looking at cruise forums and Facebook groups to see what past guests think. I’ve also looked at common themes across all Princess ships to see which, if any, apply to Island Princess.
Read this guide, including the cabins to avoid section, and you’ll have everything you need to book the best Island Princess cruise holiday.
Island Princess Cabin Types
There are eight main types of cabin on Island Princess. I’ve listed these in a handy table so that you can compare the sizes:
Accommodation
Sleeps
Size (incl. balcony)
Interior
2 to 4
156 to 217 sq ft (14.5 to 20 sq m)
Oceanview
2 to 4
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
Premium Oceanview
2 to 4
212 sq ft (19.7 sq m)
Balcony
2 to 4
210 to 248 sq ft (19.5 to 23 sq m)
Premium Balcony
2 to 4
248 sq ft (23 sq m)
Mini Suite No Balcony
2 to 4
300 sq ft (27.9 sq m)
Mini Suite
2 to 4
280 to 302 sq ft (26 to 28 sq m)
Suite
2 to 4
319 to 777 sq ft (29.6 to 72 sq m)
Not every ship in the Princess fleet has Oceanview rooms, but Island Princess does. In fact, it’s also one of the few ships to have Premium Oceanview rooms and Mini Suites without a balcony. Of all the Princess ships, this one has the widest choice of base category.
However, the decision of which room you should book is a lot more than just picking a cabin type. There are different categories within each type, some of which are better than others. You also need to think about the location on the ship, and how close you want to be to certain facilities (or how far away, if you want a quieter room).
Therr’s a lot to consider, so I’ve made a checklist that tells you everything you need to be aware of. And you can get it free here:
Island Princess Inside Cabins
On most cruise ships, the most ‘basic’ accommodation you can book is an interior or inside cabin, and Island Princess is no different. These rooms are on the inside of the ship, as the name suggests, which means you don’t have any windows for natural light.
They’re normally designed for two people, but some can sleep four. Inside cabins tend to be the smallest on a ship, and that’s generally correct with Island Princess, although some are slightly bigger than some of the Oceanview cabins.
These rooms are ideal for anyone who doesn’t like to be woken up by sunlight, and may get a better night’s sleep without any windows. Or you may not be bothered about having a nice view. After all, there are plenty of open decks when you do want to see the sea.
Interior cabins are the cheapest available, which frees up more of your budget for onboard activities or even for your next cruise. There are some wheelchair-accessible interior cabins on Island Princess, and they’re some of the most spacious rooms on the ship that aren’t suites.
Beds are normally twin beds that can be converted into a double. The cabins that sleep up to four will have Pullman beds that are more suited to children, but can support some adults so long as you’re not too heavy.
Pullman beds either fold down from the wall or they’re hidden in the ceiling, and on Island Princess it’s the wall version. These aren’t as good, because people in the twin beds can bump their heads on the Pullman even when folded up.
I took this photo of a Pullman bed in an inside cabin on Ventura, but it’s the same thing on Island Princess:
Island Princess Inside Cabin Grades
Every cabin on Island Princess has a two-letter code that tells you the grade. The first letter makes clear the cabin type, while the second character (a mix of numbers and letters) tells you where it is on the ship, and what sub-type of room it is.
Inside cabins begin with I, and the second letter runs from A to F. A is considered the best due to the location, while F is the worst. Costs vary, so an IA will cost more than an IF. So if you want the best location, you have to pay a little more.
Grade
Sleeps up to
Average size
IA
2
156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
IB
4
156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
IC
2
156 to 166 sq ft (14.5 to 15.4 sq m)
ID
2
156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
IE
2
156 to 166 sq ft (14.5 to 15.4 sq m)
IF
4
156 sq ft (14.5 sq m)
Island Princess Oceanview Cabins
If you want to enjoy a view from your room, or the thought of no natural light leaves you feeling a bit cramped, then an Oceanview is the next step up. Cheaper than a Balcony, you tend to get just a little more space than an Interior cabin, but more importantly some view of the ocean.
Bear in mind that some of the Oceanview cabins on Island Princess have an obstructed view, either caused by the lifeboats or other obstructions at the aft of the ship. These are cheaper, so if you’re not so worried about the view and just want some sunlight, they could be ideal.
There are also Premium Oceanview cabins available on Island Princess, which are larger rooms situated towards the front of the ship. There are only a handful of these available, but if you want a better view (being higher) and more space, they’re a good option without having to upgrade to a Balcony.
Island Princess Oceanview Cabin Grades
This table shows the different grades of Oceanview rooms on Island Princess:
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
O5
Premium Oceanview
2
212 sq ft (20 sq m)
O6
Premium Oceanview
2
212 sq ft (20 sq m)
OB
Oceanview
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OC
Oceanview
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OE
Oceanview
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OV
Oceanview Obstructed
4
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OW
Oceanview Obstructed
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
O
Oceanview Obstructed
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
OZ
Oceanview Obstructed
2
162 sq ft (15 sq m)
Note that families only have the option of the obstructed view with this room type. The larger, Premium OceanView rooms are just for couples. I suppose that’s because if you are a couple, you wouldn’t want to pay extra and the have to contend with the awkward Pullman beds that you might bash your head on in the night.
Island Princess Balcony Cabins
Looking for a little more space again, and the chance to soak up some fresh air from the comfort of your own room? That’s when you want a Balcony cabin. These have sliding doors that open onto your own miniature veranda, where you’ll have a couple of chairs so you can sit and relax with a view.
Within the Balcony category, there are a couple of different options available: Balcony and Premium Balcony. Premium Balconies have more space and are in some premium locations, although Island Princess does have regular Balcony cabins with aft views too.
There are also obstructed view Balcony cabins on Island Princess. If you don’t mind the lack of view and just want a private space to enjoy the sea air, these are the cheapest Balcony cabins on the ship.
Island Princess Balcony Cabin Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
B1
Premium Balcony
4
248 sq ft (23 sq m)
B2
Premium Balcony
4
248 sq ft (23 sq m)
BA
Balcony
4
248 sq ft (23 sq m)
BB
Balcony
4
210 to 248 sq ft (19.5 to 23 sq m)
BC
Balcony
4
210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BD
Balcony
3
210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BE
Balcony
2
210 to 248 sq ft (19.5 to 23 sq m)
BF
Balcony
2
210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BY
Balcony Obstructed
2
210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
BZ
Balcony Obstructed
2
210 sq ft (19.5 sq m)
Island Princess Mini Suites
The Mini Suites on Island Princess are a middle step between a Balcony stateroom and a full-size suite.
This has some pros and cons. You get more space and a few extra benefits, but not as many as a full suite. However, you’re not paying the same price as you would for a suite, so there is that to consider as well.
The perks you get in a Mini Suite on Island Princess are:
A separate sitting area in your suite, with a sofa bed and a coffee table
A curtain so that you can separate the sofa bed from the main bed area, creating two bedrooms
An extra TV – the usual one facing the bed, and a second in the sitting area
A better bathroom that has a bathtub and a massage shower
An upgraded bed, that has better pillows and a plump mattress topper
Additional balcony chairs – up to four (instead of the normal two)
A glass of sparkling wine as you board the ship
There are some Mini Suites on Island Princess that don’t have a balcony, but instead are oceanview only. Obviously, these don’t come with any balcony chairs.
They’re a good choice if you want the benefits that come with a Mini Suite, but your budget doesn’t quite stretch to one with a balcony.
Island Princess Mini Suite Grades
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
M1
Club Class Mini Suite
3
280 to 302 sq ft (26 to 28 sq m)
MB
Mini Suite
4
280 to 302 sq ft (26 to 28 sq m)
MD
Mini Suite
4
302 sq ft (28 sq m)
ME
Mini Suite
4
302 sq ft (28 sq m)
MY
Mini Suite No Balcony
4
300 sq ft (27.8 sq m)
Club Class Mini Suites
If Mini Suites are a halfway house between Balcony cabins and Suites, then Club Class are a two-thirds house. They’re a premium subclass of Mini Suites that have some additional perks, despite not being any larger.
Island Princess Club Class Mini Suite perks:
Priority embarkation and disembarkation queues at the start and the end of your cruise
An even comfier bed
Bathrobes provided for each guest for the duration of the cruise (don’t steal them!)
A half bottle of red wine and a half bottle of white wine in your Mini Suite on embarkation day
Evening canapes served in your room (on request)
Access to an exclusive seating area in the Main Dining Room, with additional menu options to choose from.
If you’re thinking about making the step up to a Mini Suite or a Club Class Mini Suite, it’s worth considering whether these extra benefits are worth it to you. And if they are, you might want to pay a little more for a full-sized Suite.
If the perks aren’t something you want to pay more for, then it’s not worth booking a Club Class Mini Suite, although you may prefer the extra room that a regular Mini Suite gives you compared to a Balcony cabin.
Island Princess Suites
If you want to really live the high life, or you just want the most space to be able to relax in the privacy of your own room, then a Suite is the way to go. Island Princess has some fantastic Suite options, giving you all of the perks of a Club Class Mini Suite, as well as a long list of additional extras as well.
Island Princess Suite Perks:
Priority queues for embarkation and disembarkation, and for shore excursions/tenders
Priority lines for booking shore excursions and for guest services desks
Priority booking for the speciality dining venues
Access to the Club Class Dining area of the Main Dining Room with its extra menu choices
Access to the exclusive Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
An upgraded room service menu to choose from
Your boarding drink is upgraded to Champagne
A free minibar in you room, a fruit bowl (topped up on request) and a fresh vase of orchids in your suite for your arrival
A free mimosa served at breakfast every day
A twice-daily ice service
Tea served in your suite
A cruise card wallet
Complimentary use of umbrellas as necessary
Free laundry, dry cleaning and shoe-shining
One free private portrait photograph taken by the ship’s photographer
Island Princess Suite Grades
Here are the different suites you can choose on Island Princess…
Grade
Type
Sleeps up to
Average size
S4
Penthouse Suite
3
533 sq ft (49.5 sq m)
S5
Premium Suite
3
568 sq ft (52.8 sq m)
S6
Vista Suite
3
460 to 495 sq ft (42.7 to 46 sq m)
So, which is the best? Read on to find out…
Penthouse Vs Premium Vs Vista
There are just three types of Suite on the Island Princess, which is a more limited range than there are on other Princess Cruises ships.
When comparing the suites, the best are the Penthouse Suites, but only those on Deck 14 with a wraparound balcony.
After that, it’s a little less clear. The other Penthouse Suites are situated towards the aft, but still with balconies facing the port or starboard sides.
There are various Vista Suites, some of which have aft views, while the Premier Suites occupy the aft corners but not on the highest decks.
So if the aft-facing Penthouse Suites are already booked, decide whether you value the aft view or the extra space more. Just make sure you check the location of your suite before you commit.
Special Cabin Types
Island Princess Aft Rooms
Most people covet an aft room because of the views you can enjoy. Looking out of the wake is pretty exciting, and you’re sheltered from a lot of the winds that stream past the ship while you’re sailing. The rooms also tend to be larger, so you’re getting more space and a wonderful view every morning.
On the Island Princess, the aft-facing rooms are:
Oceanview – Decks 6 to 8
Balcony Cabins – Deck 11
Vista Suites – Decks 12 and 14
Premium Suites – Deck 7
Penthouse Suites – Deck 14
Island Princess Connecting Rooms
Connecting rooms are designed for any groups that either can’t fit into one cabin or want a little more space.
They are two cabins side-by-side with a door between them. This door is locked by default, so that any guest can book these rooms without a stranger wandering in. But if you book both rooms, you can have this connecting door unlocked so that you can wander between the two rooms freely.
On Island Princess, there are a lot of choices when it comes to connecting rooms:
Two Interior Cabins
Two Oceanview Cabins
Two Balcony Cabins
Two Mini Suites
Island Princess Accessible Rooms
Although the public areas of the ship are fully accessible for wheelchair users, not every cabin is really suited. There are a selection of dedicated accessible cabins, which have wider doorways, a wet room and more floorspace around the bed to allow a wheelchair to manoeuvre.
These are really popular, and will often book up quickly. If you’re interested, you should definitely try to book in advance. If you don’t need an accessible cabin, try not to book them so that those who do require the space don’t miss out.
The accessible cabins on Island Princess include:
Interior Cabins – Decks 5
Oceanview Obstructed Cabins – Deck 8
Balcony Cabins – Decks 7 and 10
Premium Suite – Deck 7
Penthouse Suite – Deck 10
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Island Princess Cabins to Avoid
Now that we’ve run through every type of accommodation you can book on Island Princess, it’s time to pick out those individual cabins that maybe aren’t the best choice.
Obviously, I haven’t stayed in every room on Island Princess. But I have spent many hours scouring cruise forums and Facebook groups. I’ve found the rooms on Island Princess that people haven’t been too happy with, and made a note of them here.
Remember that a lot of this is subjective, and some of these might actually be a good choice for you. None of the recommendations here are down to a ‘bad’ room. These are all tips based on the location of the rooms and what surrounds them.
With that clarified, here are the Island Princess cabins you might want to avoid.
1. Cabins That Are Under the Lido Deck
A312 to A633 (Deck 12)
A common thread you see on forums and Facebook groups about cruise ships is problems with the noise from pool decks. There are a lot of rooms situated directly underneath the wooden decking of the pools. When guests wake up early to secure themselves a deck chair, they often scrape it along the floor to get it into position. And that sound carries through the floor.
It wasn’t just complaints about the passengers in the morning that I read about, but also crew working late to clean the Lido, scraping the deck almost as late as midnight.
When the guest in question complained they did get an apology, as well as a credit to their onboard spend account, so that shows it’s not a super-regular thing. But if you are someone who appreciates a lie-in, consider booking a room that isn’t underneath the scraping deck chairs.
A few cruise lines have Balcony cabins situated in a forward position that are rendered completely unusable while the ship is sailing, because of the high winds (barring some that have special reinforced panels in place).
While Island Princess doesn’t have forward-facing balconies, it does have some situated close to the front of the ship. These balconies may be out of bounds during particularly high winds. Even when you are allowed to use them, I saw that a couple of people said it wasn’t a pleasant experience, as it was too breezy to be able to relax.
If your idea of a balcony is one where things are peaceful, a mid-ship location may be a better choice.
The good news is that there are only a few of these rooms on Island Princess. The ones on Deck 12 (Aloha) are certainly the worst, because other balconies near the front of the ship on lower decks are sheltered by either Oceanview rooms or Mini-Suites with ocean views.
3. Cabins That Can Be Worse for Seasickness
L701 to L726, A209 to A321 and A618 to A729, B201 to B310 and B618 to B745
If you’re worried about getting seasick, avoid cabins where you will feel the motion the most. Those are the cabins on the higher decks towards the front and aft of the ship.
Aim for a mid-ship room on a lower deck if you are concerned, as you’ll feel the rocking of the ship less.
4. Cabins Directly Adjacent to the Laundry
B711, C714, D720, E717, P623
There are a handful of laundry rooms on Island Princess, meaning guests don’t have to cart their dirty clothes up many floors in the elevator. However, there are a couple of staterooms directly adjacent to these rooms, and you may want to avoid them.
There are two reasons. First is the obvious noise of the machines. This isn’t terrible, but it can also cause vibrations in the room. This is less of an issue for B711 and E717 they run perpendicular to the laundromat, so the machines aren’t all sharing a wall with the rooms – unlike the other cabins I’ve listed above.
The other issue is traffic. You may have a lot of noise from people coming and going, especially as each of the cabins above is between the laundromat and the lift.
5. Obstructed View Rooms
Any OV, OW, OY or OZ Oceanview cabin or any BY or BZ Balcony cabin
There are a number of Oceanview cabins and Balcony cabins that have an obstructed view. Most of the obstructions are caused by the lifeboats, but others are just due to the layout of the ship.
This isn’t a problem if you don’t want a view and only want some natural sunlight. You’ll still get that, and you can save money. But if you want a good view, it’s best to book an unobstructed room since you don’t know how much you’ll be able to see.
In this video, my friends Richard and Helen from Visit With Us discuss whether booking an obstructed view on a Princess cruise ship is a good idea or not.
6. Connecting Cabins if You Don’t Need Them
Various
The connecting cabins are great for travelling families. But if you aren’t planning on booking both connecting rooms, avoid booking one of them at all.
The connecting door will always remain locked, so you don’t have to worry about a stranger wandering in. But that door is not as well insulated for sound as an actual wall. So you may hear your neighbours a lot – and they might hear you.
If you like privacy, then avoid a connecting room unless you need it.
Most cruise lines mark the interconnecting rooms with arrows, but Princess Cruises doesn’t do this. On the Island Princess deck plan, be sure to click in to that cabin number to check the details if you’d rather avoid those pesky interconnecting doors.
7. Overlooked Balconies
C311 to C415, C505 to C633, D311 to D415, D505 to D623
Decks 9, 10 and 11 of Island Princess have a tiered design. This means that if you book certain cabins on Deck 9 (Dolphin Deck) or Deck 10 (Caribe Deck), then your balcony will be overlooked from above.
This isn’t a problem for everyone. But if you book one of these rooms, be sure that you’re fully dressed before heading out onto the veranda!
These overlooked balconies do have their advantages though, as they tend to be much larger than those on higher decks. So you may decide that the compromise in terms of privacy is worth it for the extra space.
Larger balcony on Island Princess
Island Princess has ‘bump outs’ in the design – wider points where the cabins stick out more. This location doesn’t have the same issues as the recessed areas, but you also won’t get the extra balcony space.
Some guests have reported that when they’ve booked an aft balcony room, there have been some soot build-ups coming from the stacks.
It’s not something that you’ll always have to deal with, but it is a risk for the cabins that are higher up. You may notice a fine dusting of soot on the deck, and if you leave any clothes out there, they may get a coating too.
Booking a lower balcony will minimise the risk, but will sacrifice some of the view, so it’s something you need to balance.
9. Cabins Near Crew Doors
D201
There aren’t many cabins next to crew doors, and they’re hard to spot on the deck plans too. But a reader did email me to let me know of their bad experience with cabin D201.
They explained how the door was frequently slammed by crew while in use (day and night). The room was close enough to the engines so that, when docking, the noise of the thrusters and ropes (then the cooling fan for the thrusters) was particularly noisy.
And to top it all off, the theatre was two decks below and could still be heard as well!
The Best Cabins on Island Princess
1. Aft-Facing Penthouse Suites
The aft corner Penthouse Suites on the Lido deck are the best accommodations on Island Princess. You get all the perks of booking a suite, plus a wraparound balcony with amazing views over the wake of the ship.
Of course, they come at a price. Many people won’t be able to afford them, or would rather book two or three cruises in a Balcony cabin instead of just one in a Penthouse Suite. But if you do have the budget, the Penthouse Suites on Island Princess are pretty special.
2. The Cheapest Cabins
The cheapest cabins on Island Princess are some of the inside cabins, especially those situated towards the front of the ship. They’re not the biggest, and they’re a decent walk from many of the amenities. But they are ideal for someone who plans on spending a very small amount of time in their room.
You’ll save a lot of money, often paying half of what a guest in a Premium Balcony or Mini Suite may be paying. This can go towards all your onboard experiences or even your next cruise holiday.
Take a look at this video for a closer look at one of the cheapest rooms on Island Princess:
There are a handful of cabins situated at the rear of the Lido deck towards the aft, including Balcony cabins, Vista Suites and the aforementioned Penthouse Suites right in the aft corners. They are very close to the swimming pools on the Lido Deck, and adjacent to the Lotus Spa.
If you plan on booking spa treatments or you’re likely to spend a lot of time sat by the pool, this is the place to be. You’ll never be more than a minute from your cabin if you want to get changed or grab something. And as long as you don’t have a long lie-in, you’ll have first dibs on the best loungers.
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To Conclude
There really aren’t any bad cabins on the Island Princess cruise ship. But depending on your preferences for noise, location and how prone you are to feeling seasick, there may be some that are better for you than others.
I took a lot of this feedback from Facebook groups and forums. It’s always a good idea to check those out yourself too, and read the real Island Princess reviews. You can even ask about a specific cabin – someone on the groups will normally be able to tell you about their own experiences.
Finally, always check the Island Princess deck plans before confirming a booking. Make sure you’re not above or below somewhere loud, or too far from everything!
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
See the latest Princess Cruises offers…
Island Princess Accommodation FAQs
When was Island Princess last refurbished?
Island Princess was last refurbished in 2017, and while she is one of the oldest ships in the Princess fleet, she still has a lot to offer. She isn’t as stunning as the newest ships, but she is comfortable and well looked after.
How many cabins does Island Princess have?
Island Princess has 1,107 cabins in total including 31 suites. She has a maximum guest capacity of 2,200, making her one of the smaller ships in the Princess fleet, due to the Panamax spec she was built to.
What class is Island Princess?
Island Princess is part of the Coral Class, the smallest class of ship for Princess Cruises. The only other ship in the class is the Coral Princess, which was built one year earlier.
Is Island Princess a MedallionClass ship?
Yes, Island Princess is a MedallionClass ship. All Princess Cruises ships have received the MedallionClass upgrades, which allows guests to use their medallion as their room key, add purchases to their account, or track their travelling party around the ship.
What is the best deck on Island Princess?
There’s no single answer – the best deck depends on your preferences. Decks 9 to 11 have only cabins above and below them, which tends to make for less noise. Higher decks will have a better view, but are also worse if you tend to get seasick.
Related Posts:
More Princess Cruises Cabin Guides
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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.
