Princess-Ocean-Medallion-1.jpg

21 Things You Need To Know About Princess Cruises’ Ocean Medallion

The Princess Ocean Medallion is a really impressive bit of tech considering the actual Medallion itself is quite small. The Medallion serves as a way of getting onto the ship quicker, making orders and payments and doing all kinds of other stuff too.

princess ocean medallion

But if it’s your first time cruising with Princess, or your first time since they’ve introduced the MedallionClass, there’s a lot that you’ll need to know – which is where I can help. Read this article before you cruise to learn all of the cool things the Medallion can do – and how not to get caught out!

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

1. It’s free!

You don’t have to pay for the Princess Medallion – both the Ocean Medallion itself and the companion app are completely free. You also get a free lanyard when you board the ship so that you’ve somewhere to keep it safe, although other accessories will cost you extra.

The Medallion is a fancy bit of kit, but it’s included in the price of your cruise, which is a nice bonus. If you make the most of it, it’ll make your entire holiday a little more seamless, so it’s definitely worth taking advantage of since you don’t have to pay any extra to enjoy the benefits.

Cruise Mummy and Cruise Granny wearing Medallion lanyards
My mum and I with our Medallion lanyards

2. It works on every ship

Every ship in the Princess Cruises fleet is MedallionClass, meaning you can use the Medallion on every ship. It originally only launched on a select number of ships but has gradually been rolled out across the remainder of the fleet.

The last of the ships to receive the MedallionClass upgrade did so during the shutdown so that when cruising returned every ship was able to offer this service. Even if you’re cruising on the oldest ships in the fleet, you can make use of the Medallion and its companion app.

Island Princess cruise ship
Island Princess

3. You’ll only get it mailed to you if you live in the US

The Ocean Medallion can be ordered to your home if you live in the US, but passengers in other countries must pick theirs up when they are checking in for their cruise at their embarkation port. There are plans to roll out home delivery to other countries in future.

If you live in the US, you won’t be mailed the Medallion automatically. Instead, you need to log onto the MedallionClass app and fill in your details, ordering it for delivery. If you don’t, then it’ll be waiting for you at your embarkation port just as any other guests would be.

4. The app lets you set everything up in advance

In order to get the Ocean Medallion working for you, you’ll need to activate your account on the MedallionClass app on your smartphone. You can download this ahead of your cruise, or while you’re on the ship – even if you don’t pay for a WiFi package.

mobile phone with MedallionClass App

It is recommended that you download it in advance since you’ll have the best connection and can also complete the necessary details to make embarkation run smoothly and get you onto the ship faster. It’s really simple to use, and all you’ll need to fill in is a few personal details.

5. Free lanyard included

The Ocean Medallion comes with a free lanyard holder designed to keep it safe. You can pick up your lanyard at the same time as you pick up the Medallion at your embarkation port. US passengers who ordered the Medallion for home delivery must still pick up the lanyard at the port.

lanyard

The lanyard has a holder attached to it that is designed for the Medallion, so it will just slot into place. You can buy replacement paper inserts if you’d prefer to jazz up your lanyard, with some designed to show favourite ports and others to celebrate a special occasion.

As you can see from the image above, the strap is white so it really does get dirty quite quickly, particularly if you wear make-up. It’s also quite thin so it’s not the most comfortable.

Instead, I prefer to use my own lanyard. The one below is from Cruise Necessities. As well as the Medallion holder, it also comes with a regular cruise card holder, so you can use it with other cruise lines too.

Princess Cruises lanyard

I like this lanyard because it has an extendable cord and a clip to take it on and off. You can get a pack of four in different colours so you have one to match every outfit!

6. Other accessories are available (for a fee)

If you’d rather not wear the lanyard, there are other accessories you can buy to hold the Medallion. These include plastic watch straps, plastic clips, and either silver or gold bracelets and necklaces. You can order these through the app or in the OceanFront store on the ship.

The plastic accessories are relatively cheap – the watch straps are $12, and the clips are $8. The jewellery is more expensive, ranging from $45 to $65 depending on your choice. Replacement paper inserts for the lanyard cost just $3.

Cheaper Princess Medallion accessories are available on sites like Amazon. I’ve made a list of the 10 Best Ocean Medallion accessories, so be sure to check that out particularly if you’re cruising with kids, as there are some much better options than the free lanyard which is much too long for small people.

7. You don’t have to use it

You don’t have to use your Ocean Medallion if you don’t want to. It is an optional extra, although it comes with a number of benefits to make your cruise run smoother, so it is recommended that you use it.

If you’re a little bit confused or intimidated by the Medallion, then there are free classes you can attend on the ship that explain what it is and everything it does. These don’t take up much of your valuable holiday time, and so are a good idea if you’re hesitant to use it just because you don’t quite grasp its purpose.

And while you are filling in the details about yourself on the app, the actual Medallion doesn’t store those details, so you don’t need to worry about losing it and therefore losing your data. All it contains is a unique ID for you, and when that communicates with the ship’s systems, it recognises you.

8. It’s a similar size to an AirTag

The Ocean Medallion is not a large or cumbersome item – it’s about the same size as an Apple AirTag, or slightly larger than a US quarter or £2 coin. It’s a great size to wear around your wrist or your neck without it becoming uncomfortable.

Because of its small size, it is recommended that you keep it within a secure holder at all times. Otherwise, it could be very easy to lose it. 

9. It’s waterproof – you can swim with it

The Ocean Medallion is completely waterproof and sandproof, so you’re safe to wear it in the swimming pools or take it with you on the beach on a shore excursion. It won’t be damaged and will continue to work as normal.

man and woman on the pool

This is great, because you don’t want to be constantly thinking about taking it off and putting it back on whenever you’re enjoying the pools on the ship, and you definitely don’t want to lose it on the beach while you’re in port and then have to rush around to find it before you get back on-board.

10. Lose it? Relax – you’ll get a new one free

If you lose your Ocean Medallion at any point, you can just visit the Guest Services or Medallion Class desk onboard and they’ll issue you a new one with a new lanyard at no extra charge. However, if you’ve bought another accessory and lost it, Princess won’t replace that along with the Medallion.

medallion class desk

Don’t worry if you’ve lost the Medallion, as it will be disabled as soon as you get a new one. If someone did find your Medallion they wouldn’t be able to pay for things with it, as a photo check is carried out by the staff at the same time. If the person ordering doesn’t match the photo, then they’ll be refused.

And to use the Medallion with slot machines in the casino, you’ll need to know the date of birth of the guest that it belongs to.

11. Using the MedallionClass app means boarding the ship faster

When you fill in your details on the Princess Medallion app, you’ll be giving Princess Cruises some of the essential details that they would normally take from you at check-in, including providing a photo. So your check-in process will be smoother and quicker and you’ll get on board sooner.

It’s not priority embarkation and you will still have to queue up, but once you reach the desk then you won’t have to answer as many questions, meaning you can move into the waiting area to board sooner.

Related Post: How Early Can You Board A Princess Cruise?

12. It can open your stateroom door

One of the best benefits of the Ocean Medallion is that it can open your stateroom door for you. It uses an RF signal to communicate with your door, so that it unlocks automatically as soon as you approach it, without needing to find your cruise pass.

The staterooms also have small displays near them, and you’ll get a greeting message as you approach. This greeting will be personalised even further if you’re celebrating a special occasion on the ship.

Stateroom door on a Princess Cruise ship

One thing to be aware of, is that the door will be unlocked whenever you’re just outside with your Medallion. So you can’t press the handle to check that it’s locked, as it will only lock when you walk away! This is something to get used to.

13. Use it to order food or drinks

You can use the Medallion to make purchases around the ship, with everything charged to your onboard account. If you order food or drinks on the smartphone app, then it will be delivered to your exact location on the ship, as the Medallion acts as a tracker.

This is perfect if you want to order a cocktail but are worried about giving up your place on a lounger by the pool – just have your drink brought to you.

I ordered a drink and then went to the bathroom. When I returned, the waitress said that she was aware that I was in the bathroom, so she waited for me to come back to deliver the drink!

And if you’ve filled in all your details on the MedallionClass app, this will include your favourite drinks and foods. So as you approach a bar, the server might greet you by name and ask if you want your particular drink, since the information will be shown to them on their display. It’s a nice touch.

While it can be great to order drinks without having to get up or speak to a waiter, the Medallion app isn’t perfect. When I ordered something that was out of stock, the app didn’t tell me this, it just stayed on the ‘being prepared’ status for a couple of hours and then was marked as delivered, even though it wasn’t.

If you don’t have a drink package, you may therefore be charged for drinks that you haven’t received, so you’ll need to head to guest services to get these removed.

Also, at busy times, your drink may not arrive at all. So, I found that I only used the app to order drinks when I wasn’t desperate for one. If I was really thirsty, I’d head to the bar.

Read more: Princess Cruises Drinks Menus With Prices

MedallionClass app screenshot

14. Track your family or friends with it!

Using the MedallionClass smartphone app, you can track others in your travelling party around the ship, getting real-time updates on their location so you can easily find them if you’ve been separated.

You don’t need the paid Wi-Fi in order to access this – the app will work on the free Medallion Wi-Fi instead. It’s great for cruising families too, since you can always keep tabs on your children while they’re in the kids’ club and make sure they haven’t wandered off.

15. It can be used to send messages to each other

As well as tracking other members of your party using the MedallionClass app, there’s also a messenger service that lets you send messages to each other without needing to pay for the onboard Wi-Fi.

It isn’t perfect – you need to go into the app to retrieve messages, and you won’t get notifications when someone messages you. But if you know you’re planning on meeting up soon, you can check the messages every now and then to get updates. And it’s a great free alternative to Wi-Fi.

16. There are even games to play!

There are numerous games you can play using the Ocean Medallion, including treasure hunts for kids, family-friendly trivia and more. You can interact with the touch screens around the ship to take part, and possibly top the leaderboard by the end of the cruise.

woman watching a boy tapping on the screen

The Medallion also lets you enjoy casino games both around the ship and directly through the app. These are, of course, suitable for adults only.

17. The colour matches your loyalty level

The centre colour of your Princess Cruises Medallion will match your level in the Captain’s Circle loyalty programme. The default colour is blue, but if you are a member of the Captain’s Circle then the Medallion will be different. There are five Princess Medallion colors.

Gold members (those who have cruised once before) will get a gold Medallion. Ruby members (those with three cruises, or 30 days of sailing) will have a ruby Medallion. Platinum members (5 cruises or 50 sailing days) will have a platinum Medallion, and Elite members (15 cruises or 150 sailing days) will have a black Medallion.

Elite captain's circle card

18. Don’t wear the Medallion near a pacemaker!

The Ocean Medallion includes magnets and devices that emit an RF signal. The recommendation is that they should not be worn within nine inches of a pacemaker device, although the pacemaker manufacturer may have more specific requirements.

If you are wearing a pacemaker, you should avoid using the lanyard and necklaces, and either wear the Medallion on a wrist strap or not use it at all. Otherwise, it may cause some interference, which could have severe consequences.

19. There’s a battery inside

The Ocean Medallion contains a small battery which is a similar size to a watch battery. These are long-lasting and will easily manage your cruise holiday – the Medallion doesn’t require much power at all to emit the RF signal with your unique guest ID.

ocean medallion components

So don’t worry if you order your Medallion for home delivery – it will still work by the time you get onto the ship and for the length of your holiday without any issues. If it does stop working for any reason, visit the Guest Services desk and they’ll replace it for you free of charge.

20. They can’t be re-used across cruises

The current design of the Ocean Medallion, including a sealed battery, means that they are not reusable. They are designed to be used only for the duration of your cruise, and then you can keep them as a souvenir.

It may be that future designs are made rechargeable so that they can be used on multiple cruises, but for now, you will just have to use the Princess Cruises’ Medallion as a keepsake once your cruise has ended.

21. They’re magnetic

The Medallion is magnetic, which means a lot of people like to use metal surfaces to keep it safe when they aren’t wearing it. It also means it can be used as a fridge magnet once you return home for your cruise.

If you like to display your collection of cruise cards on your fridge, you’ll be pleased to know that the Ocean Medallion can join the display.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

To conclude

It may not be mandatory, but there are a lot of great reasons to use the Princess Ocean Medallion, so it makes sense to learn how to get the most out of it. Whether it just means keyless access to your stateroom, or you’re ordering drinks and snacks direct to your seat, it can just make your cruise feel that little bit more special.

Related posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me

Source link

Colourful cocktail glasses on sand in the sun, illustrating what a Princess drink package covers

Princess Drink Package 2026: Prices, Rules and Is It Worth It?

A Princess drink package costs about $78 per person per day for the standalone Plus Beverage Package ($64.99 plus the 20% service charge) or about $102 per day for the Premier Beverage Package ($84.99 plus 20%). Most travelers get better value from the Princess Plus fare add-on at $70 a day booked in advance, which bundles the same drinks with Wi-Fi and crew gratuities. On average you need to drink about four to six drinks a day for a drink package to pay for itself.

Below you will find current 2026 prices, what each package covers, the rules that catch people out, and a simple way to work out whether a Princess Cruises drink package is worth it for your trip. Prices change often, so check princess.com or your booking before you pay.

Princess drink package prices for 2026 at a glance

Princess sells two kinds of drink deal. First, there are standalone beverage packages that cover drinks only. Second, there are the Princess Plus and Princess Premier fare packages, which include a drink package plus other extras. The table shows US dollar prices per person per day at the time of writing.

Package Price per day What’s included
Classic Soda Package $14.99 + 20% (about $18) Fountain sodas, fruit juices, mocktails and smoothies
Zero-Alcohol Package $29.99 + 20% (about $36) Specialty coffees and teas, sodas, hot chocolate, mocktails, bottled water, San Pellegrino, Evian, Red Bull
Plus Beverage Package $64.99 + 20% (about $78) Cocktails, beer, wine by the glass and spirits up to $15 each, soft drinks, specialty coffee, bottled water
Premier Beverage Package $84.99 + 20% (about $102) Everything in Plus, with drinks up to $20 each, top-shelf spirits and reserve wines by the glass
Princess Plus (fare add-on) $70 pre-cruise, $75 onboard Plus Beverage Package, Wi-Fi for one device, crew appreciation, four casual dining meals, free OceanNow delivery
Princess Premier (fare add-on) $105 pre-cruise, $110 onboard Premier Beverage Package, Wi-Fi for four devices, crew appreciation, unlimited specialty dining, photos, reserved theater seats, shore excursion credit

On Sun Princess and Star Princess, the newest ships, Princess Plus and Princess Premier cost $5 more per day: $75 and $110 booked in advance. Industry reports say Princess raised the Plus and Premier prices by $5 in October 2026, and that people who had already bought were kept at the old price. If you booked earlier, check what your confirmation shows.

In March 2026 Princess raised its onboard service charge on food and drink from 18% to 20%. Some of Princess’s package terms still show the old 18% totals, such as $76.70 a day for Plus, so expect the final figure at checkout to be a little higher than older guides show.

UK prices in pounds

If you book through Princess UK, the fare add-ons are priced in sterling. Princess Plus costs £53 per person per day and Princess Premier costs £78 when bought at least four days before you sail. On Sun Princess and Star Princess they cost £58 and £83. The legal drinking age on UK sailings is 18. On North American sailings it is 21.

The Plus Beverage Package explained

The Plus Beverage Package is Princess’s main alcoholic drink package. It covers any drink that costs up to $15 on the menu, including most cocktails, beers, wines by the glass and spirits. It also includes fountain sodas, mocktails, fresh juices and smoothies, specialty coffees and teas, and bottled water. Princess says the selection includes around 50 spirits, 25 wines by the glass and 25 beers.

For sailings from 14 January 2026, the rules changed in a way that matters:

  • 15 drinks per day in total. The limit now covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks together, so sodas, mocktails and Red Bull count toward your 15. Specialty coffees and teas do not count.
  • Water is limited separately. You can have up to 12 bottles of water (500 ml or smaller) a day, and these do not count toward the 15.
  • The day runs from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m., not midnight to midnight.
  • One drink per order. You cannot order two drinks at once or order for a friend.
  • Pay the difference. If a drink costs more than $15, you pay only the amount above $15.

Plus also gives you 25% off bottles of wine, large bottles of water and canned soda.

The Premier Beverage Package explained

Premier raises the price cap to $20 a drink. That opens up top-shelf spirits, reserve and premier wines by the glass, and over 20 crafted cocktails. Princess lists more than 75 spirits and 40 wines by the glass, including a private-label Woodford Reserve and a Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Select.

Premier’s terms still limit you to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours, but non-alcoholic drinks do not count toward that limit. If you drink lots of sodas, juices or mocktails between cocktails, that difference alone can make Premier the easier package to live with.

Bartender preparing a cocktail with a jigger and mixing glass at an elegant bar
Cocktails up to the package price cap are included, and you pay the difference on anything above it. Photo: Gustavo Fring on Pexels

Princess Plus drink package vs Princess Premier fares

For most people searching for a Princess Plus drink package, the fare add-on is the better deal. At $70 a day, Princess Plus costs less than the standalone Plus Beverage Package (about $78 with the service charge), and it also includes:

  • Crew appreciation (daily gratuities), currently $18 a day in most cabins, $19 in mini-suites and $20 in suites
  • MedallionNet Wi-Fi for one device
  • Four casual dining meals, plus free delivery from OceanNow and room service

Princess Premier adds unlimited specialty dining, Wi-Fi for four devices, unlimited digital photos with three prints, reserved theater seating and up to $300 in shore excursion credit per guest. If you would pay for specialty restaurants and photos anyway, Premier often costs less than it looks. If you are booking a suite, it is worth reading up on the Princess suite and mini-suite perks first, because some benefits overlap.

Three booking points to know:

  1. The advance price applies only if you buy at least 96 hours (four days) before departure. After that, or onboard, it costs $5 more per day.
  2. The first and second guests in a cabin must choose the same package level. Third and fourth guests are not required to match.
  3. Crew gratuities are already included, so you do not need to prepay them separately. Our guide to whether to prepay cruise gratuities explains how this works on other lines.

Do both people in a cabin have to buy a package?

For the Princess Plus and Premier fares, yes: guests one and two on the booking must choose the same level. For the standalone beverage packages, Princess’s published terms do not clearly require every adult in the cabin to buy. Some passengers report buying for only one person. Whatever you buy, you cannot share it, and staff can cancel a package if they think you are sharing. If one of you drinks a lot and the other hardly drinks, ask Princess or your travel agent how your booking is set up before you buy.

Rules, deadlines and what’s not included

  • Whole cruise only. You must buy the package for every day of the voyage. Princess does not sell packages for part of a cruise or by the day.
  • When to buy. You can buy online up to four days before sailing. Onboard, standalone packages are sold only on embarkation day (some terms also allow the day after).
  • Refunds. Packages are non-refundable within a few days of sailing and once you are onboard.
  • Not included: drinks above your price cap (you pay the difference), full bottles of wine (25% off instead), canned soda, minibar items, and drinks in some premium venues.
  • Under-age guests cannot buy the alcoholic packages. In the Plus and Premier fares, they get the Zero-Alcohol package instead.
  • Staff discretion. Bar staff can refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated, even if they are under the limit.

If you want ways to stretch your drinks budget within the rules, see our roundup of cruise drink package loopholes that still work in 2026.

Row of wine glasses on a table in a cosy setting with warm lighting
Princess allows each adult to bring one bottle of wine aboard at embarkation. Photo: Vladimir Srajber on Pexels

Princess drink prices and the bring-your-own wine policy

If you skip a package, you pay as you go, plus the 20% service charge. Approximate menu prices at the time of writing are:

  • Beer: about $6 to $9
  • Wine by the glass: about $9 to $15
  • Cocktails: about $10 to $18

Some drinks are free without a package: water, tea, regular coffee, iced tea, lemonade and juice at breakfast.

Each adult of legal drinking age may bring one bottle of wine or Champagne, up to 750 ml, in their carry-on bag at embarkation. There is no corkage fee if you drink it in your cabin. Extra bottles, or a bottle opened in a restaurant, incur a corkage fee. This has been reported at around $20 a bottle, so check the current fee when you board. Princess does not allow you to bring beer or spirits aboard for your own use.

Is a Princess drink package worth it? The break-even maths

Most guides say “it depends on how much you drink” without showing the numbers. Here is a simple way to work it out. Take the daily price, then divide it by what an average drink costs you including the 20% service charge.

Option Daily cost Value to earn back from drinks Drinks per day to break even (at $14.40 a drink)
Plus Beverage Package about $78 $78 about 5.4
Premier Beverage Package about $102 $102 about 7.1 (fewer if you choose premium drinks)
Princess Plus fare $70 $52 after $18 gratuities about 3.6

The $14.40 figure assumes a $12 average menu price plus 20%. For example, two glasses of wine at dinner, a cocktail by the pool, a beer in the afternoon and a soda already comes to five or six drinks. On a sea day that is easy to reach. On a busy port day, when you are ashore from morning until late afternoon, you may drink much less. Count your realistic sea days and port days, because the package must cover every day of the cruise.

Two quick rules of thumb:

  • If you would pay the $18 daily gratuity and buy Wi-Fi anyway, Princess Plus pays for itself at roughly three to four drinks a day.
  • If you drink one or two glasses of wine with dinner and little else, paying as you go, or bringing your one free bottle, is usually cheaper.

Comparing lines? Our MSC drink packages guide shows how a different pricing model works.

FAQs

How much is the Princess drink package per day?

The standalone Plus Beverage Package is $64.99 plus a 20% service charge (about $78), and Premier is $84.99 plus 20% (about $102). The Princess Plus fare, which includes drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, is $70 a day when booked at least four days ahead.

Is gratuity included in the Princess drink package?

The standalone packages add a service charge on top of the price, now 20% on most itineraries. Princess Plus and Premier fares already include the service charge on covered drinks and the daily crew appreciation.

How many drinks can you have with Princess Plus?

Up to 15 drinks per day (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.), including sodas and mocktails, plus unlimited specialty coffee and tea and up to 12 small bottles of water. You can order only one drink at a time.

Can you share a Princess drink package?

No. Packages are for the named guest only, and Princess can cancel a package if it finds you are sharing drinks or ordering for others.

Can you bring wine on a Princess cruise?

Yes. Each adult of legal drinking age can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or Champagne at embarkation. There is no fee if you drink it in your cabin. A corkage fee applies to extra bottles and to bottles opened in restaurants.

Princess_Cays_with_ship_CARIBBEAN_31652C08A_AG_CMYK-TB-2.jpg

17 Secrets To Know About Princess Cays (2024)

Thinking of booking a Carnival or Princess cruise in the Bahamas, and wondering what to expect from your visit to Princess Cays?

People relaxing at Princess Cays' beach area

Princess Cays is one of a number of private destinations owned or leased by cruise lines, and these are becoming more and more popular. 

Guests tend to love that feeling of exclusivity in a tropical destination, away from the bigger crowds. Cruise lines can make the most of this through exclusive excursions and activities that attract more guests and can bring in more cash, too.

So, to help you plan your trip, let’s take a look at what Princess Cays has to offer on your cruise.

1. It’s not an island, but it is a private resort

Princess Cays island is not actually a private island, but it is owned by Carnival. It’s a private resort situated at the south end of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera. The resort area of the island is only open to cruise guests of the Carnival Corporation cruise lines – Carnival and Princess Cruises.

Cruise passengers are able to leave Princess Cays and explore the rest of Eleuthera if you want to – it’s not fenced off. Just be aware that most of the best attractions will be found at Princess Cays. You also won’t eat for free elsewhere – it’s only the resort where free food is served to guests.

If you do want to explore Eleuthera you also have to make sure you’re back in time for the last tender boat back to the ship.

Aerial view of Princess Cays

2. Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are not the same place

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are two different destinations – they are not the same. Half Moon Cay is a small private island, whereas Princess Cays is a resort on the island of Eleuthera. They are, however, both owned by the Carnival Corporation.

Most cruises in the region go to either Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays but not both.

The two destinations are quite similar in how they operate and the kinds of activities you can get up to, but they have some key differences. Princess Cays is a lot smaller than Half Moon Cay, and doesn’t have quite the range of excursions. Guests tend to prefer the softer sands of Half Moon Cay as well.

Read more: Princess Cays Vs Half Moon Cay Comparison

Carnival Elation at Half Moon Cay
Half Moon Cay

3. You do need a tender boat, unfortunately

Princess Cays doesn’t have a pier and so guests will need to use a tender boat to get to shore from their ship. The downsides of this are that you may have to queue to get off the ship, and it’s not quite as easy to make a quick return to the ship if you’ve forgotten something, or you’d prefer to dine on board.

Otherwise, the tender journey is short and you’ll be at the resort in no time at all, so you’ll still have a long day to explore and relax. Just be mindful that the return tenders to the ship towards the end of the day can get busy. You won’t be left behind if you’re queuing but you might have to stand around until it’s your turn to board a tender.

The only other downside to the resort being a tender port is that it means it can sometimes be cancelled if the weather isn’t suitable. Tender boats can’t deal with stormy waters in the same way that larger ships can, and it could be unsafe.

Carnival Sunrise and a tender boat at the ocean

4. It’s east of Nassau

Princess Cays is a resort on the southern tip of Eleuthera, which lies to the east of Nassau. Most cruises to the resort are short trips that will call at Nassau and Princess Cays before returning to the US coast.

The location does mean that you get a similar climate to other major destinations in the Bahamas, which means it’s warm throughout the year. Cruises are most popular during the winter months to escape the colder weather at home.

5. Food’s included!

Your food is included when you visit Princess Cays. A buffet is provided for all guests to enjoy close to the tender pier, which includes a selection of barbecue favourites, salads and some tasty sweet treats.

This food is provided by the cruise line, with staff bringing it ashore and preparing it on the island during the morning. It’s similar to what you would get at the buffet restaurant on the ship but with more of a focus on burgers, chicken and other BBQ favourites.

If you’re used to the huge buffets that you get at Disney’s Castaway Cay or Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, then you may be disappointed by the smaller choice of the Princess Cays buffet.

If you want more variety, you can return to the ship to dine there instead where it will be much quieter than usual.

6. Drinks packages only work on Princess Cruises’ visits

The Carnival Cheers drinks package doesn’t apply when you’re on Princess Cays, or on the other private island Half Moon Cay. You can still use your Sail & Sign card to pay for drinks, so you don’t need to carry a credit card or cash.

However, if you’re visiting Princess Cays on a Princess Cruises ship, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Princess drink packages do work on the island!

This is a little disappointing for Carnival guests because, where the resorts are fully owned by cruise lines, you can usually use your drinks package when ashore. I suppose Carnival guests have a bit of a reputation for drinking a lot and maybe the cruise line doesn’t want to facilitate all-day drinking on the island.

Women having a drink at Princess Cays bar

7. The drinking age is a little confusing

While the legal drinking age across the Bahamas is 18, that doesn’t apply on Princess Cays. As it is a privately-owned resort, the minimum drinking age of the cruise line applies, and that is 21. Guests aged 18, 19 and 20 won’t be able to buy any alcoholic drinks while at the resort.

8. The resort has so many activities to choose from

There is a lot of choice when it comes to activities on Princess Cays, but don’t feel like you have to sign up for everything. One of the best things to do in Princess Cays is to head to one of the beaches and sunbathe with a refreshing drink. The views are gorgeous out over the ocean, after all.

But if you do want to get active, there’s a lot of water sports equipment you can hire, including kayaks, snorkeling gear, paddleboards and aqua bikes. You can also hire floating beds and water noodles if you just want a more lazy swim.

Water sports equipment at Princess Cays

There’s a kid’s play area too, and the whole family will want to join in at the Junkanoo beach party.

In terms of organised Princess Cays excursions, you can take part in:

  • Dune buggy tours
  • Walking trails of the Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve
  • Boat trips around the island
  • Fishing trips
  • Stingray encounters
  • Bike tours

9. But there’s no main swimming pool…

There isn’t a large swimming pool at Princess Cays, although there is a small paddle pool at the kids’ play area Pelican’s Perch. Guests are instead able to swim and enjoy water sports on the ocean, which has crystal-clear warm waters.

10. Some people have spotted sharks (don’t worry)

There have been some sightings of smaller nurse sharks on snorkeling excursions from Princess Cays but even these are rare. It is generally very safe to snorkel off the island, and the expert guides are on hand to reassure you and explain what wildlife you will see.

If there ever was a shark in the waters, the guides are trained to act quickly and ensure everyone clears the area – you wouldn’t be left at risk. There is one shark at Princess Cays that you definitely will spot – a fake one on the beach. Guests love to take photos of it claiming they’ve spotted a shark during their excursion.

Shark Attack!

11. Shopping’s available – don’t be afraid to say no

There is a craft market on Princess Cays where local vendors will sell a variety of items including clothing, shells and handmade gifts. You can’t pay for these using your Sail & Sign card – the vendors aren’t employed by the cruise line. You’ll need US dollars, or a credit card.

The sellers here shouldn’t ever scam you, since they operate under the permission of the cruise line, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be very enthusiastic and may haggle rather than have set prices, so you may pay more than something is worth if you aren’t prepared to barter.

Don’t ever be afraid of just saying “no” and walking away. While in some cruise ports, you might still get hassled, but that shouldn’t happen at Princess Cays.

People enjoying a relaxing swim at Princess Cays' beach

12. Snorkeling is really popular here

Princess Cays is an excellent snorkeling spot, with clear waters and a wide array of natural sea life, including plants and animals that you can spot. Guests can bring their own snorkeling gear or it can be hired at the island.

The waters are great for snorkeling from the beach itself, although if you want to see more unique and exciting flora and fauna, then it’s worth paying for an excursion on a snorkeling boat, which will take you further out to sea.

The guides are friendly and helpful so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll be able to get some great underwater views as you build up your confidence.

couple at the beach holding a snorkeling gears

13. Excursions aren’t always needed

There are some activities on Princess Cays that are free and don’t require any charges, but there are some excursions that you’ll need to book in advance. These include dune buggy and sand bike tours, fishing excursions, snorkel boating and other guided tours.

Whether you need to book excursions is a personal choice. A lot of people will be happy just wandering the island, relaxing on the beaches and grabbing a bite to eat, or joining in the casual volleyball tournaments.

But there are plenty of exciting excursions that you could try, so it’s definitely worth looking at the options available before you arrive for the day, and see whether there are any you want to sign up to.

couple having fun on a paddle boat at Princess Cays beach

14. Nobody lives in Princess Cays

There are no permanent residents of Princess Cays due to it being a small tourist resort. Some locals do come from the rest of the Eleuthera island to work, especially the vendors selling at the market. Other jobs are managed by the crew from the ship.

As the resort is private, island residents can’t wander in whenever they want to, so the resort is safe. It’s only those with permission to work that come to the resort.

15. No passport needed!

As the Princess Cays cruise port is in the Bahamas, US residents don’t need a passport to sail to the destination. Cruises within the Bahamas can be boarded with other forms of ID – a photo ID and a birth certificate.

Anyone who isn’t a US citizen will, of course, need their passport to get into America when they’re first boarding their cruise. And generally, cruise lines recommend that you take a passport if you have one – it makes it easier to rebook travel if your cruise suffers from any cancellations or delays.

16. WiFi is available too

The MedallionNet WiFi internet service is available to guests on Princess Cays. Most private islands owned by cruise lines don’t have WiFi, making this a significant advantage if you want to get online to share photos and stories of your time on the island with friends and family.

Women smiling while looking at a mobile phone

17. Which is better: Princess Cays or Half Moon Cay?

Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay are both very similar destinations, but they’re not identical. They offer similar water sports activities, but Half Moon Cay has the more unique experience of horse riding through the sea.

However, snorkeling fans tend to give the edge to Princess Cays – the waters are a little clearer, the wildlife more diverse, and it’s easier to explore directly from the shore as well.

You’ll have a great time no matter which private destination you sail to on your Carnival or Princess cruise, but most cruisers give the slight edge to Half Moon Cay for its softer sands and its more expansive area.

People swimming at Princess Cays' beach
Princess Cays

Final word

Princess Cays may be a relatively small resort but it still packs a lot of activities into that space, without ever feeling too crowded either.

This isn’t a day you want to skip if you’re on your cruise. Whether you sign up for action-packed excursions or just sunbathe on the beach, there’s a lot of fun to be had at this private resort destination.

Related posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me

Source link

Cruise ship lit up at night, the setting for comparing Princess Plus vs Premier packages

Princess Plus vs Premier (2026): Prices, Perks and Break-Even Calculator

Princess Plus vs Premier comes down to how you cruise. Princess Plus ($70 per person per day in the US when bought before sailing) covers drinks up to $15 each, one Wi-Fi device, crew tips and four casual meals. Princess Premier ($105 per day) adds unlimited drinks up to $20, four Wi-Fi devices, unlimited specialty dining, a shore excursion credit, photos and reserved theater seats. Plus pays off for most drinkers. Premier is better value only if you will use the dining, excursion credit and extras.

Below you will find the current US prices, which went up on 13 October 2026, a side-by-side list of what each package includes, and a break-even calculator so you can work out which option is cheapest for you.

Has Princess Renamed or Replaced Plus and Premier?

No. As of late October 2026, Princess still sells the same three fare options it has offered since 2023: Princess Standard (cruise fare only), Princess Plus and Princess Premier. The names have not changed, but the contents and prices have shifted a few times. Here are the changes that matter if you are comparing older advice with what you can book today:

  • July 2025 (for 2026 sailings): Premier gained a shore excursion credit and moved to unlimited specialty dining, where it used to include two specialty meals per voyage. Plus casual dining doubled from two meals to four, and specialty coffees and teas became unlimited without counting toward the 15-drink limit. Fitness classes, free Medallion shipping and premium desserts were removed from the packages.
  • 13 October 2026: Both packages went up by $5 per person per day on most ships. Princess also dropped its standalone four-device Wi-Fi plan and added a two-device plan. Premier still includes four devices.

Packages bought before 13 October 2026 keep the price you paid, even for sailings after that date.

Princess Plus vs Premier Prices for 2026 (US Dollars)

These are per person, per day prices from princess.com for US bookings. The lower price applies if you buy at least 96 hours (four days) before you sail. If you buy within that window or on board, you pay $5 more per day.

Package Pre-cruise (most ships) Onboard (most ships) Pre-cruise (Sun and Star Princess) Onboard (Sun and Star Princess)
Princess Plus $70 $75 $75 $80
Princess Premier $105 $110 $110 $115

Sun Princess and Star Princess are the line’s two Sphere-class ships, and both packages cost more on them. Our guide to the newest Princess Cruises ships covers what you get on board.

UK pricing is different. Princess sells the packages in pounds for UK bookings. When the 2026 package terms launched in July 2025, Plus was quoted at £50 and Premier at £75 per person per day before sailing (£55 and £80 on Sun and Star Princess). Princess has not clearly announced whether UK prices rose along with the October 2026 US increase, so check the UK Princess website for the current figure. Australian bookings are priced separately in AUD.

Colorful cocktails lined up on a bar counter, the kind of drinks covered by cruise drink packages
Drinks up to $15 are included with Plus, and up to $20 with Premier. Photo: Rachel Claire on Pexels

What Princess Plus and Princess Premier Include

Benefit Princess Plus Princess Premier
Cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, sodas, zero-alcohol drinks Up to 15 per day, each priced up to $15 Unlimited, each priced up to $20
Specialty coffees and teas Unlimited (not counted in the 15) Unlimited
Bottled water (500 ml) Up to 12 per day Up to 12 per day
MedallionNet Wi-Fi 1 device per guest 4 devices per guest
Crew appreciation (gratuities) Included Included
Casual dining 4 meals per guest per voyage Unlimited
Specialty dining Not included Unlimited (one per mealtime per day)
Room service and OceanNow delivery fees Waived Waived
Shore excursion credit None $100 (6 to 9 days), $200 (10 to 20 days), $300 (21+ days)
Professional photos None Unlimited digital downloads plus 3 prints
Reserved theater seating No Yes

The small print worth knowing

  • Drinks over the cap: If a drink costs more than $15 (Plus) or $20 (Premier), you pay the difference. Both packages also get 25% off bottles of wine bought on board.
  • Who is covered: The packages apply to guests 1 and 2 on a booking. Princess’s terms say one guest’s purchase may depend on the other guests in the cabin, so check before buying for just one person.
  • Under the drinking age: Guests below the legal age (21 on North American sailings, 18 from the UK, Europe and Australia) get the Zero-Alcohol version at the same price.
  • Specialty dining on Premier covers the cover charge only, and you are limited to one specialty meal per mealtime each day. Book early, as popular venues fill up.
  • Use it or lose it: Unused meals and excursion credit are not refunded, and the credit cannot be swapped for cash.

Princess Plus vs Premier Calculator: When Does Each Package Pay Off?

The quickest way to judge the Princess Plus package is to deduct what you would pay anyway, then see how many drinks it takes to cover the rest. These figures use current US prices for a standard cabin on most ships:

  • Plus price before sailing: $70 per day
  • Crew appreciation you would pay anyway: $18 per day (interior, oceanview and balcony cabins; $19 for mini-suites and $20 for suites)
  • One-device Wi-Fi bought before sailing: $27.99 per day
  • A typical $12 cocktail plus the 20% service charge Princess adds to bar purchases: about $14.40

Princess Plus break-even table (per person, per day)

Drinks per day (about $14.40 each) Pay-as-you-go value, with Wi-Fi Plus vs paying as you go (with Wi-Fi) Pay-as-you-go value, no Wi-Fi Plus vs paying as you go (no Wi-Fi)
0 $45.99 Lose $24.01 $18.00 Lose $52.00
1 $60.39 Lose $9.61 $32.40 Lose $37.60
2 $74.79 Save $4.79 $46.80 Lose $23.20
3 $89.19 Save $19.19 $61.20 Lose $8.80
4 $103.59 Save $33.59 $75.60 Save $5.60
5 $117.99 Save $47.99 $90.00 Save $20.00

How to read it: If you would buy Wi-Fi anyway, Plus pays for itself at about two cocktails a day. If you do not need Wi-Fi, you need roughly four. Lattes, smoothies and sodas count toward the value too, so a couple of coffees can close a small gap. The four casual meals (about $15 each, or $60 per cruise) are a bonus on top that the table leaves out. On Sun and Star Princess, add $5 to the price and you need roughly one extra drink every three days.

Premier vs Plus: is the extra $35 a day worth it?

The Princess Premier package costs $35 more per person per day than Plus, or $245 on a seven-night cruise. Here is a worked example of how the extras can add up on a seven-night sailing:

Premier extra Example use Approximate value
Shore excursion credit 7-night cruise $100
Specialty dining 2 dinners at the $55 cover charge $110
Extra Wi-Fi devices Two-device plan instead of one ($39.99 vs $27.99 per day) $84
Extra casual meals 2 beyond the 4 in Plus, at about $15 $30
Total $324 vs $245 extra cost

In this example Premier comes out about $79 ahead, and that is before counting the photos, theater seating, or the higher $20 drink cap for premium wine and spirits. If you would not use the extra Wi-Fi devices, take away $84 and Premier barely breaks even. On a 10 to 20 day cruise the excursion credit doubles to $200, which makes Premier easier to justify. A simple rule: if you will not use at least two specialty dinners and the excursion credit, stick with Plus.

Couple watching the sunset over the sea, weighing up which cruise package suits them
Whether Plus or Premier pays off depends on how you spend your days onboard. Photo: Mariano Ferrero on Pexels

Princess Plus or Premier: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Princess Plus if you:

  • Have two or more drinks a day and want to stay connected on one phone
  • Rarely book specialty restaurants or prefer the main dining room
  • Plan your own shore days with independent operators rather than ship excursions

Choose Princess Premier if you:

  • Will use two or more specialty dinners and the excursion credit
  • Need Wi-Fi on several devices, for example a phone, tablet and laptop
  • Prefer premium wines, Champagne or top-shelf spirits that cost more than $15 a glass
  • Like having a professional photo record of the trip and reserved seats at the shows

Choose Princess Standard if you:

  • Drink little or no alcohol and can manage without Wi-Fi, or plan to buy Wi-Fi on its own
  • Are sailing with only one adult who wants a package. Check the cabin rules first

One thing many comparisons miss is that timing matters as much as the package. Buying before the 96-hour cutoff saves $5 per person per day, which is $140 for a couple on a 14-night cruise. Packages bought before a price increase also keep their old rate. If you are sure you want a package, it makes sense to add it soon after booking rather than waiting until you board.

If you are comparing Princess with other lines, see our guide to cruise drinks packages to see how Plus compares on price, or look at the best all-inclusive cruise lines if you would rather have drinks, tips and Wi-Fi included in the fare.

To see exactly which restaurants each package covers, read Princess Cruises dining explained, with every included and paid venue listed.

FAQs

Is Princess Plus worth it?

For most drinkers who would also buy Wi-Fi, yes. Once crew appreciation ($18) and a one-device Wi-Fi plan ($27.99) are deducted, the $70 daily price leaves about $24 to recover, which is roughly two cocktails a day. If you skip Wi-Fi and drink little, you are usually better off paying as you go.

Is Princess Premier worth the extra money over Plus?

Premier costs $35 more per person per day. It tends to pay off if you will use two or three specialty dinners, the shore excursion credit and extra Wi-Fi devices, or if you prefer drinks priced above $15. If you mainly want drinks, Wi-Fi and tips covered, Plus is the better buy.

Does Princess Plus include specialty dining or gratuities?

Plus includes crew appreciation (the daily gratuity) and four casual dining meals per guest per voyage, but no specialty restaurant meals. Unlimited specialty dining is a Premier-only benefit.

Do both guests in a cabin have to buy the same package?

Princess says the packages apply to guests 1 and 2 on a booking, and its terms note that one guest’s purchase can depend on the other guests in the stateroom. Check with Princess or your travel agent before booking a package for just one person.

What happens if I am under the drinking age?

Guests below the legal drinking age for the sailing (21 on North American cruises) receive the Zero-Alcohol version of the package at the same price, with no refund of the difference.

Sky-Princess-2-1.jpg

Every Ship Ranked Newest to Oldest (2024)

Princess Cruises has 16 cruise ships in service in 2024 with more under construction. If you’re planning a Princess cruise and are wondering about the older and newer ships and which is the best, then you should find this article useful.

Sky Princess

Here, I’ve listed all of the Princess Cruises ships in age order, from newest to oldest. Then below that, you’ll find some facts, statistics and photos for each ship.

This table shows Princess Cruises ships by age from newest to oldest:

Ship Name Class Built Refurbished Guests
Star Princess Sphere Class 2025* – 4,300
Sun Princess Sphere Class 2024 – 4,300
Discovery Princess Royal Class 2022 – 3,660
Enchanted Princess Royal Class 2021 – 3,660
Sky Princess Royal Class 2019 – 3,660
Majestic Princess Royal Class 2017 – 3,560
Regal Princess Royal Class 2014 2017 3,560
Royal Princess Royal Class 2013 2018 3,560
Ruby Princess Grand Class 2008 2018 3,080
Emerald Princess Grand Class 2007 2019 3,080
Crown Princess Grand Class 2006 2018 3,080
Caribbean Princess Grand Class 2004 2019 3,140
Diamond Princess Grand Class 2004 2019 2,670
Sapphire Princess Grand Class 2004 2018 2,670
Island Princess Coral Class 2003 2017 2,200
Coral Princess Coral Class 2002 2019 2,000
Grand Princess Grand Class 1998 2019 2,600
*Under construction

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

Sun Princess is the newest ship in the fleet (for now)

The newest Princess Cruises ship is Sun Princess, which launched in early 2024. She’s also the largest ship in the fleet. She has a sister ship under construction – Star Princess will launch in 2025.

Read more: The Newest Princess Cruises Ships (In Order)

As a new class of ship, the Sphere Class vessels (Sun Princess and Star Princess) have a gross tonnage of 175,500 tons and accommodation for 4,300 guests.

The largest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet before Sun Princess arrived was Discovery Princess. This 19-deck cruise ship has an internal volume of 145,000 gross tonnes and is 1,083 feet long and 217 feet high. She can accommodate 3,660 guests at double occupancy, more with extra beds in use, as well as 1,346 crew members.

Princess Cruises has six Royal-class cruise ships that are all similarly sized. Discovery Princess is the largest as she is 20cm taller than her sister ships.

Suggested read: The best and worst cabins on Discovery Princess

Coral Princess is the little sister of the fleet

The smallest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet is Coral Princess. This ship has a gross tonnage of 91,627 and a length of 964 feet. She accommodates 2,000 passengers over 16 decks.

Unlike most Princess ships, Coral Princess is small enough to fit through the Panama Canal.

Coral Princess

Until January 2021, Princess Cruises had one small ship – Pacific Princess. With a gross tonnage of 30,277 and a length of 592 feet, this 11-deck cruise ship was just a third of the size of Coral Princess. Pacific Princess accommodated just 670 guests.

Read more: Princess Cruises Ships By Size

Each of the ships – regardless of age – are now MedallionClass

On MedallionClass cruises, each guest receives a wearable device that is the size of a ten-pence piece in the UK or a quarter in the US. It functions in the same way as a traditional cruise card, but with some added benefits.

The Ocean Medallion allows you to:

  • Board the ship touch-free
  • Find your way on board
  • Order food and drinks
  • Locate your family and friends
  • See how busy onboard venues are
  • Unlock your stateroom door
  • Check-in for muster drills
  • Make purchases without cash

It used to be the case that only the newer ships had Medallion Class, but since 2022, every Princess Cruises ship has Ocean Medallion technology.

Read more: What You Need To Know About Princess Ocean Medallion

Is newer better? Not always

Newer Princess Cruises ships aren’t necessarily any better than the older ones. Each ship is refurbished every three to five years, so even the oldest ships will never have peeling paint or worn carpets.

Princess Cruises ships have an American-style decor and the older ships can look a little dated in terms of style. So you’ll probably see more dark wood, blue carpets and orange curtains than on the newer ships which have a more modern, neutral colour scheme.

The facilities are similar on the older and newer ships. Whereas with Royal Caribbean, the newer cruise ships have all the best things like skydiving simulators and robot bartenders, you won’t find these things on Princess Cruises ships which are much more elegant.

Suggested read: Princess Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

Full list of Princess Cruises ships (with some key info)

Here’s an overview of each of the ships in the Princess Cruises fleet…

Star Princess

Launch: August 2025
Guests: 4,300
Crew: 1,600
Decks: 21
Tonnage: 175,500
Length: 1,133 feet
Height: 200 feet

Star Princess
Star Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Sun Princess

Launch: February 2024
Guests: 4,300
Crew: 1,600
Decks: 21
Tonnage: 175,500
Length: 1,133 feet
Height: 200 feet

Sun Princess
Sun Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Discovery Princess

  • Launch: March 2022
  • Guests: 3,660
  • Crew: 1,346
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 145,000
  • Length: 1,083 feet
  • Height: 217′ 6¼ feet
Discovery Princess
Discovery Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Enchanted Princess

  • Launched: November 2021
  • Guests: 3,660
  • Crew: 1,346
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 145,000
  • Length: 1,083 feet
  • Height: 217 feet
Enchanted Princess

Sky Princess

  • Launched: October 2019
  • Guests: 3,660
  • Crew: 1,346
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 141,000
  • Length: 1,083 feet
  • Height: 217 feet
  • Christened by: Captain Kay Hire and Poppy Northcutt
Sky Princess
Sky Princess

Majestic Princess

  • Launched: March 2017
  • Guests: 3,560
  • Crew: 1,346
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 143,700
  • Length: 1,083 feet
  • Height: 224 feet
  • Named by: Yao Ming and Ye Li
  • Chinese Name: 盛世公主号 (Shèng Shì Gōng Zhǔ Haò)
Majestic Princess
Majestic Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Regal Princess

Regal Princess
Regal Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Royal Princess

  • Launched: June 2013
  • Refurbished: December 2018
  • Guests: 3,560
  • Crew: 1,346
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 142,229
  • Length: 1,083 feet
  • Height: 217 feet
  • Christened by: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge
Royal Princess
Royal Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Ruby Princess

  • Launched: November 2008
  • Refurbished: October 2018
  • Guests: 3,080
  • Crew: 1,200
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 113,561
  • Length: 951 feet
  • Height: 195 feet
  • Christened by: Trista and Ryan Sutter from ‘The Bachelorette’
Ruby Princess
Ruby Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Emerald Princess

  • Launched: April 2007
  • Refurbished: April 2019
  • Guests: 3,080
  • Crew: 1,200
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 113,561
  • Length: 951 feet
  • Height: 195 feet
  • Christened by: Florence Henderson and Susan Olsen (From The Brady Bunch), Erin Moran and Marion Ross (From Happy Days)
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Crown Princess

  • Launched: June 2006
  • Refurbished: April 2018
  • Guests: 3,080
  • Crew: 1,200
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 113,561
  • Length: 952 feet
  • Height: 195 feet
  • Christened by: Martha Stewart
Crown Princess
Crown Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Caribbean Princess

  • Launched: April 2004
  • Refurbished: May 2019
  • Guests: 3,140
  • Crew: 1,200
  • Decks: 19
  • Tonnage: 112,894
  • Length: 952 feet
  • Height: 193 feet
  • Christened by: Jill Whelan (‘Vicki’ from The Love Boat)
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Diamond Princess

  • Launched: March 2004
  • Refurbished: February 2019
  • Guests: 2,670
  • Crew: 1,100
  • Decks: 18
  • Tonnage: 115,875
  • Length: 952 feet
  • Height: 205 feet
  • Christened by: Yoshiko Tsukuda (wife of the president of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
Diamond Princess
Diamond Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Sapphire Princess

  • Launched: May 2004
  • Refurbished: March 2018
  • Guests: 2,670
  • Crew: 1,100
  • Decks: 18
  • Tonnage: 115,875
  • Length: 952 feet
  • Height: 205 feet
  • Christened by: Nancy Gore Murkowski, former First Lady of Alaska
Sapphire Princess
Sapphire Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Island Princess

  • Launched: July 2003
  • Refurbished: December 2017
  • Guests: 2,200
  • Crew: 900
  • Decks: 16
  • Tonnage: 92,822
  • Length: 964 feet
  • Height: 204 feet
  • Christened by: Jamie Salé and David Pelletier (Olympic Gold Medalists)
Island Princess
Island Princess

Coral Princess

  • Launched: January 20003
  • Refurbished: January 2019
  • Guests: 2,000
  • Crew: 895
  • Decks: 16
  • Tonnage: 91,627
  • Length: 965 feet
  • Height: 203 feet
  • Christened by: Mireya Moscoso, President of Panama
Coral Princess
Coral Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

Grand Princess

  • Launched: May 1998
  • Refurbished: March 2019
  • Guests: 2,600
  • Crew: 1,150
  • Decks: 17
  • Tonnage: 107,517
  • Length: 949 feet
  • Height: 188 feet
  • Christened by: Olivia de Havilland
Grand Princess
Grand Princess
Photo credit: Princess Cruises

To conclude

Princess Cruises is a family-friendly cruise line with 16 ships that cruise to destinations across the globe. Each ship is regularly refurbished, so whether you choose an older ship like Grand Princess or a brand new ship like Enchanted Princess, you can be sure that you’ll be accommodated in luxurious surroundings.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

Related posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me

Source link

180510-GP-MK-STOCKHOLM-39232_CvD_RGB.jpg

How Early Can You Board A Princess Cruise? Understanding the Princess Cruise check-in process

When you’re excited about your cruise, one of the questions you’ll want to know is, how soon can you get on the ship? After all, if you can embark before lunch you’ll enjoy an extra meal and half a day of extra cruise time compared to if you embark in the later afternoon.

cruise ship

I love embarking early on a cruise as it makes the first day so much more relaxing. You can take your time to find your muster station, unpack and even have a dip in a whirlpool to get your cruise off to a fun start.

But what time can you actually get on a Princess cruise ship? And how can you be among the first people to board?

You can (sometimes) board from 11!

The earliest that you can board a Princess cruise is typically 11 am, though if you have priority boarding, then you may be able to board as early as 10 am and go straight to the front of the queue in the port.

The boarding time can also vary depending on whether the prior cruise docked on time, and everyone else left the ship when they should.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

How to get priority boarding

Certain groups of guests get priority boarding on Princess cruises. These are:

  • Platinum or Elite Captain’s Circle Members: Guests who have completed five cruises or 50 cruise days
  • Suite Guests: Those staying in a full suite (not a mini-suite)
  • Guests With Special Needs: Those with medical issues or using mobility aids
Captain's circle card

There used to be a Bon Voyage Experience where guests could pay an extra charge to board early and enjoy a four-course lunch, ship tour and photo, but that service has been discontinued.

couple boarding a cruise

No more need to select an arrival time!

It used to be that, to board a Princess cruise, you needed to book an arrival time. The earlier slots always went very quickly too, so if you weren’t on it, you could end up being last on the ship!

But Princess decided to get rid of that in 2023 and now it’s essentially a free-for-all, except for those people who get priority boarding and can skip the wait.

It’s not actually chaotic, but if you do show up earlier, you’ll probably find that the lines are longer, though it’ll depend on the port and whether more people are likely to be getting the coach, or flying in – if you’re there at 11, you might beat the bigger crowds!

If you are staying in a hotel near the port on the night before your cruise, you can make sure you’re one of the first people on the ship. Just remember that if you do turn up at 11 am or even sooner to queue, you might still be waiting a while, especially if the ship isn’t ready.

Blue lanes and green lanes explained

When you arrive at the port, there’ll be a couple of different lanes that you can use.

The blue lane is if you still need help with check-in, but you can skip that and have a much faster experience if you use the Princess Cruises app on your phone.

If you do all the check-in admin on the app before you reach the port, you can use the green lane, and you’ll get on the ship faster.

US passengers can only use the green lane if they’ve had the Medallion shipped to their home already. If you’ve done all the admin but need to pick up your Medallion, it’s the blue lane you need.

In the UK, nobody gets their Medallion shipped to them, so the green lane is for picking up the Medallion once the check-in stuff on the app is sorted.

There is a third lane too, which is an accessibility lane for anyone who needs help with mobility or other accessibility needs. If that’s you, you shouldn’t have to worry about being forced into a queue where you need to stand for a long time.

Don’t be late!

It’s really important that you make sure you know the check-in times for your ship. The all-aboard time is around one hour before the ship’s departure time. If you miss this, you won’t be allowed to board the ship, even if it hasn’t yet left port.

This is because the ship’s crew have some admin to do once all the passengers are on board before departure and must submit a manifest detailing the names of everyone on board to the port authority.

The ship will bar you from entering, and also, they won’t refund you because it’ll be your fault. Even if someone else makes you late, the cruise line will tell you that you should’ve planned extra time. So you’ll be watching the ship sail away without you, knowing you’ve lost the money (and insurance might not cover it too).

Don’t be late! It’s always best to travel the day before if you’ve got a long journey to make to get to port.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

Related posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me

Source link

Luxury suite living area with sofa and large windows, illustrating Princess suite benefits

Princess Suite Benefits: Mini-Suite vs Reserve (Club Class) vs Suite vs Sanctuary

Princess suite benefits now come in three main levels. A Reserve Collection mini-suite (the tier Princess used to call Club Class) gets you a bigger room plus Reserve dining and a few small extras. A full suite adds free laundry, a free specialty breakfast and embarkation-night dinner, priority everything and, on many ships, a lounge. The Sanctuary Collection, on Sun Princess and Star Princess now and on five Royal-class ships from 2027, bundles the Princess Premier package with a private club, a private restaurant and a dedicated suite manager.

The names have changed a lot over the past few years, so plenty of older guides still use labels Princess no longer sells. This guide sets out what each tier includes as of late 2026, where the perks differ from ship to ship, and how to choose. Perks do change, so check the details for your sailing on princess.com before you book.

Princess suite benefits at a glance

Princess sorts its premium cabins into three groups:

  • Mini-suites are roughly 300 to 330 sq ft including the balcony, with a separate seating area and sofa bed. Most are sold as Reserve Collection mini-suites, which come with dining and priority perks.
  • Full suites range from Vista, Window and Premium suites up to Penthouse, Owner’s and Grand suites. On most of the fleet they carry the Reserve Collection suite benefits.
  • Sanctuary Collection is a ship-within-a-ship that includes selected suites, mini-suites, balconies and (on Royal Princess) new oceanview cabins. Every Sanctuary fare includes Princess Premier.
Perk Reserve mini-suite Full suite (Reserve) Sanctuary Collection suite
Separate seating area and sofa bed Yes Yes, larger Yes, larger
Reserve dining area in main dining room Yes Yes Private Sanctuary Restaurant instead
Wine on embarkation day One bottle Full mini-bar setup Mini-bar setup
Evening canapés on request Yes Yes Yes
Priority boarding and disembarkation Yes Yes, plus tender priority Yes
Free laundry and pressing No Yes Yes
Free specialty restaurant breakfast No Yes, daily Yes
Free specialty dinner on embarkation day No Yes (cruises of 6+ nights) Covered by Premier dining
Suite or concierge lounge No Ship-dependent Yes (two-storey Signature Suite Lounge on Sun and Star)
Princess Premier package No (extra cost) No (extra cost) Included
Private pool club No No Sanctuary Club

Sanctuary mini-suites and balconies get Premier, the Sanctuary Club and the Sanctuary Restaurant too. The suite lounge and suite experience manager are kept for full suites.

Mini-suite perks and the Reserve Collection (formerly Club Class)

If you have seen “Club Class mini-suite” on an old booking or forum thread, it is the same product as today’s Reserve Collection mini-suite. Princess’s own Reserve Collection FAQ says only the name changed and the services stayed the same. Reserve Collection can’t be added to a standard cabin. It comes only with a qualifying mini-suite or a full suite.

The room

  • Separate seating area with a sofa bed, plus a balcony with patio furniture
  • Princess Luxury Bed, plush duvets and cotton towels
  • Two flat-panel TVs and, on most ships, a walk-in closet
  • Bathroom with a combined tub and shower (accessible mini-suites have a shower only)
  • Upgraded bathrobes

The extras

  • Priority boarding and disembarkation at the start and end of the cruise
  • Reserve Collection Dining: a separate section of the main dining room with its own entrance (varies by ship), quick seating, no reservation needed, dedicated waiters and extra dishes such as a daily chef’s special. It is open for dinner nightly and for breakfast and lunch on sea days.
  • A one-time wine setup with one full bottle on embarkation day, and a welcome glass of bubbly on the first night
  • Premium canapés and fresh fruit delivered on request
  • Priority reservations for specialty restaurants

Mini-suite guests don’t get free laundry, a free specialty breakfast or lounge access. Those stay with full suites. For a cabin-by-cabin look at where mini-suites sit on one popular ship, see our guide to the best and worst cabins on Ruby Princess.

Spacious suite with a sofa seating area opening onto a private sea-view balcony
Full suites add more living space and a larger balcony. Photo: Jan van der Wolf on Pexels

Full suite benefits on Princess Cruises

Full suites (Vista, Window, Premium, Penthouse, Owner’s and Grand, depending on the ship) get everything a Reserve mini-suite gets, plus a longer list of services. Princess’s suite materials list:

  1. More space. Royal-class suites run from about 440 to 682 sq ft with balconies of 83 to 338 sq ft. The largest suites in the fleet are bigger still.
  2. Free laundry, pressing and shoe polishing. On a cruise of a week or more, many suite guests rate this the most useful perk.
  3. Free breakfast in a specialty restaurant every morning, often Sabatini’s, depending on the ship.
  4. A free specialty dinner on embarkation day on cruises of six nights or more.
  5. A mini-bar setup on embarkation day, also on voyages of six nights or more.
  6. Priority at almost every step: boarding, tender tickets, guest services, shore excursion and specialty dining bookings, and a disembarkation lounge on the last morning.
  7. Lounge access where the ship has one. Royal-class and newer ships have a dedicated suite or concierge lounge, but some older ships don’t.
  8. In-room extras such as upgraded linens and towels, a better showerhead, upgraded turndown, an embarkation fruit bowl, afternoon tea on request and an expanded room service menu.
  9. Thermal suite access at the Lotus Spa on selected older ships. Princess’s suite flyer has named Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, Sapphire, Coral and Island Princess.

Some of these perks have depended on the ship and the itinerary for years. A suite on an older ship without a lounge is a different experience from one on a Royal-class ship with a concierge team. If lounge access matters to you, check your ship before you book.

Sky Suites

Sky Suites are the largest suites Princess sells, with only two per ship. Princess’s suites page lists them on Discovery, Enchanted and Sky Princess, where they sit at the top of the ship. Princess lists up to 1,800+ sq ft for the largest configuration, a balcony of around 700 sq ft (the biggest in the fleet), 270-degree views and space for up to five people. Guests can also watch Movies Under the Stars from their own balcony. Princess’s Sanctuary Collection pages say Sky Suites will be part of Sanctuary as it rolls out, with a shoreside concierge added, so Sky Suites on those three ships are expected to include Premier once Sanctuary arrives in 2027. They are booked months ahead, so reserve early if you want one.

Sanctuary Collection: Princess’s top suite tier

The Sanctuary Collection launched on Sun Princess in 2024 and is also on Star Princess. Reports say it replaced the Signature Collection branding (and Reserve for suites) on those Sphere-class ships. You will still see “Signature” in the name of the Signature Suite and the Signature Suite Lounge. For a deck-by-deck view of where these cabins sit, see our guide to the best and worst cabins on Sun Princess.

Every Sanctuary Collection booking includes:

  • Princess Premier, which covers specialty and casual dining, unlimited premium drinks and fine wine, multi-device MedallionNet Wi-Fi, reserved theatre seating, crew appreciation and a shore excursion credit of up to $300 depending on cruise length. Princess values Premier at about $90 per person per day, though the price you’d pay to add it varies by market and date.
  • The Sanctuary Club, an adults-only area on the top deck with a bar, a pool, a custom menu and cabanas (cabanas may cost extra)
  • The Sanctuary Restaurant, kept for Sanctuary guests, with walk-in dining and a chef’s menu

Sanctuary suites also add a suite experience manager, access to the Signature Suite Lounge, an in-room Lavazza coffee machine, a mini-bar setup and priority disembarkation.

Sanctuary Collection rollout to Royal-class ships

In October 2026 Princess began adding the Sanctuary Collection to five Royal-class ships. Each ship goes on sale first, and the experience starts onboard several months later:

Ship On sale from First Sanctuary sailing
Royal Princess 22 Oct 2026 4 Jan 2027
Regal Princess 5 Nov 2026 17 Apr 2027
Discovery Princess 4 Dec 2026 24 Apr 2027
Sky Princess 10 Dec 2026 29 May 2027
Enchanted Princess 17 Dec 2026 12 Jun 2027

On these ships, the former Retreat pool area becomes the Sanctuary Club and part of the main dining room becomes the Sanctuary Restaurant. Royal Princess left a Singapore dry dock at the end of October 2026 with the new spaces. According to cruise news reports, Royal Princess guests who booked Reserve Collection before 22 October 2026 get the Sanctuary experience but not the Premier package. Some cabin categories on these five ships are moving into Sanctuary, so the perks attached to a given cabin number may change. Check the current category for your cabin, especially if you’re looking at Sky Princess (see our note on Sky Princess cabins to avoid).

Quiet adults-only pool deck with loungers and shaded cabanas overlooking the sea
Sanctuary guests get their own top-deck club and pool. Photo: alleksana on Pexels

Which Princess cruise suite should you choose?

The right tier depends on what you would otherwise pay for:

  • Choose a Reserve mini-suite if you mainly want more space, a tub, quicker dinners without booking and a few small extras. The price gap over a balcony is often modest, and on many sailings this is the best value per dollar.
  • Choose a full suite on a cruise of a week or longer, especially on a Royal-class ship with a lounge. Free laundry, a daily specialty breakfast and the embarkation dinner add up, and priority tendering saves real time in tender ports.
  • Choose Sanctuary if you would buy Princess Premier anyway. If you were going to pay for drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining, having them included makes the higher fare easier to justify, and you also get a quieter pool area. Light drinkers who rarely use specialty restaurants may find a Reserve suite better value.

Is the old Club Class (Reserve) mini-suite worth it?

For most couples on a seven-night cruise, yes, if the fare difference over a standard balcony is small. Reserve dining saves you queues and reservations every night, and the extra seating area makes a real difference on sea days. If you prefer to eat in specialty restaurants most nights, or you want free laundry, you’re better off putting the extra money towards a full suite.

A cost check most guides skip

Before you compare fares, add up what each tier would save you. Take the Premier package value (Princess quotes about $90 per person per day) and multiply it by your nights and the number of guests. Then add laundry and any specialty meals you’d book anyway. On a 10-night cruise for two, Premier alone is worth around $1,800 at that rate. If a Sanctuary cabin costs less than that over a Reserve cabin with a similar view, the Sanctuary fare is likely the better deal. Look at current cruise deals for 2027 too, because suite promotions often change the sums.

Suite perks aside, check our guide to Princess drink package prices and rules before you add one.

FAQs

What is a Sanctuary suite on Princess?

A Sanctuary suite is a full suite in Princess’s Sanctuary Collection. It includes the Princess Premier package, access to the Sanctuary Club and Sanctuary Restaurant, a suite experience manager, Signature Suite Lounge access and an in-room Lavazza coffee machine. It is on Sun and Star Princess now and comes to five Royal-class ships in 2027.

Is Club Class still offered on Princess?

Not under that name. Club Class was renamed Reserve Collection, and Princess says the services are the same. Reserve mini-suite guests get priority boarding, Reserve dining, a bottle of wine on embarkation day and canapés on request.

Do Princess suites include the drinks package?

Only Sanctuary Collection bookings include Princess Premier, which covers drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty dining. Standard Reserve suites and mini-suites don’t include a package, so you buy Princess Plus or Premier separately.

Do Princess mini-suites get free laundry?

No. Free laundry and pressing are full-suite benefits. Mini-suite guests pay for laundry or use the self-service launderettes.

Which Princess ships have a suite lounge?

Royal-class ships and Sun and Star Princess have dedicated suite lounges. Some older ships don’t, so check your ship’s suite details before you book if lounge access matters to you.

Cruise ship sailing at sunset, illustrating Princess cruise ships ranked by class and age

Princess Cruise Ships Ranked (2026-27): Best to Worst by Class

With Princess cruise ships ranked by class, the order is simple: the two Sphere-class ships (Star Princess and Sun Princess) come first, the six Royal-class ships follow, and the older Grand-class, Gem-class and Coral-class ships fill out the bottom half. That ranking is based on age, size and signature features rather than invented review scores, and “bottom of the list” still means a well-run ship that suits some cruisers better than the newest ones.

Princess has 17 ships in service as of November 2026, and no ship has been announced as leaving the fleet. Below you’ll find the full ranking, a comparison table with build year, tonnage and guest numbers, where each ship is sailing in the 2026-27 season, and how to pick the right one for your trip.

How we ranked the Princess fleet

Every Princess ship shares the same core product: MedallionClass technology, the adults-only Sanctuary area, Movies Under the Stars, and similar menus in the main dining rooms. What really changes from ship to ship is the hardware. So instead of mixing in anonymous reviews, this ranking uses things you can check yourself:

  • Class and design generation. Ships in the same class share a layout, so they rank together.
  • Age. Newer ships generally have more balcony cabins, newer bathrooms and more dining choice. Our guide to whether a cruise ship’s age really matters explains when an older ship is still a smart pick.
  • Signature features. Things like The Dome on the Sphere class, the glass-floored SeaWalk on the Royal class, and the Panama Canal-friendly size of the Coral class.
  • Size and atmosphere. Bigger isn’t automatically better, so we note where a smaller ship has a real advantage.

Specs below come from Princess’s own fleet fact sheets. Princess rounds tonnage differently in different documents (for example, the Sphere-class ships are listed at both 175,500 and about 177,800 gross tons), so treat these as close guides rather than exact measurements.

Princess cruise ships ranked: full table

Rank Ship Class In service Gross tons Guests (lower berths)
1 Star Princess Sphere 2025 ~177,800 4,300
2 Sun Princess Sphere 2024 ~177,800 4,300
3 Discovery Princess Royal 2022 145,000 3,660
4 Enchanted Princess Royal 2020 144,650 3,660
5 Sky Princess Royal 2019 144,650 3,660
6 Majestic Princess Royal 2017 143,700 3,560
7 Regal Princess Royal 2014 142,229 3,560
8 Royal Princess Royal 2013 142,229 3,560
9 Ruby Princess Grand 2008 113,561 3,080
10 Emerald Princess Grand 2007 113,561 3,090
11 Crown Princess Grand 2006 113,561 3,090
12 Caribbean Princess Grand 2004 112,894 3,140
13 Diamond Princess Gem (Grand variant) 2004 115,875 2,710
14 Sapphire Princess Gem (Grand variant) 2004 115,875 2,680
15 Island Princess Coral 2003 92,822 2,210
16 Coral Princess Coral 2003 91,627 2,000
17 Grand Princess Grand 1998 107,517 2,610

Within each class, the newer ship ranks higher because later sisters usually get small upgrades. Enchanted Princess was delivered in 2020 but didn’t carry guests until cruising restarted, so it is still one of the line’s newest ships in practice.

1-2. Sphere class: the best Princess cruise ships right now

If you simply want the best Princess cruise ships available today, book one of the Sphere-class pair. They are the largest and newest ships in the fleet, and the first Princess ships to run mainly on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

1. Star Princess (2025)

Star Princess began sailing on October 4, 2025, with a Western Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. It carries 4,300 guests across 2,157 cabins, and more than 1,000 of those cabins have balconies. Its headline spaces are shared with Sun Princess: The Dome, a glass-enclosed space at the top of the ship with a pool and a stage, and the Sphere, the suspended structure that gives the class its name and extends the central Piazza.

Star Princess edges ahead of its sister because Princess added extras based on the first ship. According to Princess, these include a SkyDeck sports court for pickleball and basketball, a Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool, a splash pad, more dining venues and a non-smoking casino area. Specialty restaurants include Makoto Ocean, The Butcher’s Block by Dario, Umai Teppanyaki and The Catch by Rudi (extra charges apply).

2. Sun Princess (2024)

Sun Princess launched the class in February 2024 and has the same basic layout, size and capacity as Star Princess. It moved to Florida for Caribbean sailings in late 2024, and some restaurants were rearranged for that move. If you find a better fare or itinerary on Sun Princess, you aren’t giving up much by picking it over Star.

Good to know: the Sphere-class ships are the biggest in the fleet, so expect more people at peak times. If a quieter, classic Princess feel is what you’re after, a Royal-class ship may suit you better.

Chairs on a balcony overlooking the sea, the kind of private outdoor space found on newer Royal-class cabins
Balcony cabins make up a large share of the newer Princess ships. Photo: Rov Camato on Pexels

3-8. Royal class: the sweet spot for most cruisers

The six Royal-class ships were built by Fincantieri between 2013 and 2022. They all carry around 3,560 to 3,660 guests and share the features many regular Princess passengers love: the Italian-style Piazza atrium, the glass-floored SeaWalk that juts out over the side of the ship, a large Movies Under the Stars screen, The Sanctuary and the Lotus Spa. Most cabins on these ships have balconies.

3. Discovery Princess (2022)

The sixth and final Royal-class ship, Discovery Princess, made its U.S. debut from Los Angeles in March 2022. Like its two predecessors, it has the two Sky Suites, which Princess describes as having the largest balconies at sea. Being the newest of the class, it also has the most recent fit-out.

4. Enchanted Princess (2020)

Nearly identical to Discovery Princess in size and layout, with the same 3,660-guest capacity. It is one of the main Caribbean ships for the 2026-27 winter season.

5. Sky Princess (2019)

Sky Princess was the ship that introduced the Sky Suites and the updated version of the Royal-class design that Enchanted and Discovery followed. It’s a strong choice if you want a modern Princess ship without paying Sphere-class prices.

6. Majestic Princess (2017)

Majestic Princess was first designed for the Chinese market and now sails worldwide. For winter 2026-27 it is scheduled for South America and Antarctica, after Princess canceled its planned Galveston season. Its slightly smaller capacity than the later three ships is barely noticeable on board.

7. Regal Princess (2014) and 8. Royal Princess (2013)

The first two Royal-class ships introduced the SeaWalk and today’s Piazza design. They lack the Sky Suites and some newer touches, but they still offer more balconies and a more modern layout than any Grand-class ship. Royal Princess spends winter 2026-27 in Australia and New Zealand, while Regal Princess sails the Caribbean.

9-14. Grand and Gem class: older ships with good value

The Grand-class design dates back to Grand Princess in 1998. The later ships (Caribbean, Crown, Emerald and Ruby) were stretched or updated versions, and Diamond and Sapphire Princess, built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are often called the Gem class. These ships are smaller, have fewer balcony cabins and offer fewer specialty restaurants than the Royal class. On the other hand, they often cost less and many cruisers find them easier to get around.

  • 9. Ruby Princess (2008): The newest of the Grand-class ships. It is based on the U.S. West Coast for 2026-27, with Mexico and Hawaii sailings from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
  • 10. Emerald Princess (2007): A sister of Ruby and Crown, also on the West Coast and Hawaii for winter 2026-27.
  • 11. Crown Princess (2006): The first of these three sisters and a Caribbean ship for the 2026-27 winter.
  • 12. Caribbean Princess (2004): It carries the most guests of the Grand-class ships (3,140) on a slightly smaller hull, so it can feel busier. It is also scheduled for the Caribbean in winter 2026-27.
  • 13. Diamond Princess (2004): It has a Japanese-style public bath and is based in Asia for winter 2026-27, sailing from Japan and Singapore.
  • 14. Sapphire Princess (2004): The sister of Diamond Princess. It switched its registry to Bermuda for 2025-26 and joins Diamond in Asia for winter 2026-27. There have been no announcements that it is leaving the fleet.
Cruise ship passing slowly through the narrow locks of the Panama Canal
Smaller Coral-class ships fit through the original Panama Canal locks. Photo: Edwin Stanley Portillo Rodriguez on Pexels

15-17. Coral class and Grand Princess: smaller and oldest

15. Island Princess (2003) and 16. Coral Princess (2003)

At around 2,000 to 2,200 guests and roughly 92,000 tons, these are the smallest ships Princess runs. They were built narrow enough for the original Panama Canal locks. That’s why Island Princess is scheduled for full Panama Canal transits in winter 2026-27, and why Coral Princess is often used for long voyages and world cruises. They rank low because of their age and limited choice compared with the newer ships. But if your priority is the itinerary, a smaller ship and a quieter atmosphere, they can be the best pick for you.

17. Grand Princess (1998)

Grand Princess is the oldest ship in the fleet and was one of the largest ships in the world when it was built. It has been refurbished several times, but its layout and cabins are the oldest on offer, so it ranks last here. It is based in Australia and New Zealand for 2026-27, and fares on older ships are often lower than on newer ones.

Princess ships by age: what’s coming next

For a list of Princess ships by age, start at the bottom of the table above and work upward: Grand Princess (1998) is the oldest, followed by the 2003 Coral-class pair and the three 2004 ships. Star Princess (2025) is the newest Princess cruise ship.

No new Princess ship will arrive until well into the 2030s. In April 2026, Princess ordered three Voyager-class ships from Fincantieri. Each will be about 183,000 gross tons and carry about 4,700 guests, with deliveries planned for late 2035, 2038 and 2039. Princess says they will build on the Sphere-class design and run mainly on LNG. Until then, the Sphere-class pair will stay at the top of any ranking.

Which Princess ship is best for your trip?

The table below shows where each ship is scheduled for the 2026-27 winter season, based on Princess’s announced deployment. Check the current schedule on Princess’s official ships page before you book, because plans can change.

Region (winter 2026-27) Ships
Caribbean (Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, San Juan) Star, Sun, Enchanted, Sky, Regal, Crown, Caribbean, Coral
West Coast, Mexico and Hawaii Discovery, Emerald, Ruby
Panama Canal Island
Australia and New Zealand Royal, Grand
Asia and Japan Diamond, Sapphire
South America and Antarctica Majestic

A quick guide to choosing:

  1. Newest features and the most dining choice: Star Princess or Sun Princess.
  2. Modern ship with a classic Princess feel: Discovery, Enchanted or Sky Princess.
  3. Lowest fares: compare Grand-class sailings on the same route. Older ships are often priced lower.
  4. Panama Canal or a long voyage: Island or Coral Princess.
  5. Quiet, adult-focused cruise: any ship, but book The Sanctuary and look at longer itineraries, which tend to attract fewer families.

If you’re comparing Princess with other big lines, see how the fleets stack up in our Royal Caribbean ships ranked from best to worst and our Norwegian Cruise Line ships ranked guide.

Food is a big part of these rankings, so our guide to Princess cruise restaurants explains what’s free and what costs extra on each ship.

FAQs

What is the best Princess ship to go on?

Star Princess (2025) is the newest and most feature-packed Princess ship, closely followed by its sister Sun Princess (2024). If you want a newer ship with a more traditional Princess feel, Discovery, Enchanted and Sky Princess are the top Royal-class choices.

What is the oldest Princess cruise ship?

Grand Princess, which entered service in 1998, is the oldest ship in the Princess fleet. It is scheduled to sail from Australia and New Zealand in the 2026-27 season.

What is the newest Princess cruise ship?

Star Princess, which debuted in October 2025, is the newest Princess ship. The next new ships are three Voyager-class ships, ordered in April 2026, with the first due in late 2035.

How many ships does Princess Cruises have?

Princess has 17 ships as of November 2026: two Sphere-class, six Royal-class, seven Grand and Gem-class ships, and two Coral-class ships.

Is Princess a low-end cruise line?

No. Princess is a mainstream premium line. It is generally more relaxed and refined than budget-focused lines, but it isn’t a luxury line in the way small-ship brands such as Regent or Silversea are.

Sun-Princess-Sky-Suite-Top-View-1200x600-1.jpg

Sun Princess Signature Sky Suite (Floor Plan)

Sun Princess Signature Sky Suite (Floor Plan)
Floor plan

Specifications

  • 1,626 sq. ft.
  • Guests: 5
  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Bathrooms: 2

Photos

Living area in Sun Princess Signature Sky Suite
Living area
Sun Princess Signature Sky Suite main bedroom
Main bedroom
Sun Princess Signature Sky Suite second bedroom
Second bedroom

Details

The Signature Sky Suite aboard Princess Cruises’s newest ship, Sun Princess, stands as the pinnacle of cruise accommodation.

Designed for opulence and functionality, this suite provides a plush sanctuary for up to five guests, making it an ideal choice for families or groups seeking a premium cruise experience.

Suite Overview

Spanning approximately 1,262 square feet, including a generously sized balcony, the Signature Sky Suite is the largest and most premium stateroom available on the Sun Princess.

The suite is expertly laid out to maximise space and comfort, featuring two elegant bedrooms, two well-appointed bathrooms and a spacious living area that seamlessly blends relaxation and style.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

The master bedroom is a haven of tranquillity, boasting the exclusive Princess Luxury Bed, known for its supreme comfort and support.

The room also includes a private master bathroom equipped with a luxurious bathtub and a separate rain shower, providing a spa-like experience. Ample closet space and a vanity/desk area add to the room’s convenience and elegance.

The second bedroom is similarly furnished with the option of a queen bed or two twin beds, providing flexible sleeping arrangements along with a spacious closet and vanity/desk area. Each bedroom is adorned with luxury linens, enhancing the comfort of guests throughout their stay.

Living Area and Balcony

The living area of the suite is designed to be a comfortable retreat with a sofa that doubles as an additional sleeping option for a fifth guest.

The suite’s balcony is outfitted with luxury furniture, perfect for enjoying breathtaking views and dining al fresco with the complimentary Ultimate Balcony Breakfast or Dinner service.

Exclusive Amenities and Services

Guests of the Signature Sky Suite enjoy a variety of exclusive amenities and privileges that elevate the cruising experience:

  • Pre-Cruise Shoreside Concierge: Assistance is provided even before boarding, ensuring a seamless transition from curb to suite
  • Suite Experience Manager: A dedicated professional who caters to every need of the guests, from making reservations to handling special requests
  • Access to Private Venues: Suite guests have exclusive access to the Signature Restaurant, Lounge, and a private area of The Sanctuary, offering serene and luxurious spaces away from the crowd
  • Enhanced In-Suite Features: The suite includes a two-full-bottle bar setup with mixers, a Nespresso machine, premium Champagne upon arrival, and a private shopping concierge service

Premium Offerings

Adding to the luxury are several other indulgent offerings such as complimentary Princess Fine Wine Tasting, premium champagne upon arrival, upgraded bathrobes and slippers, and high-end bathroom amenities.

The attention to detail and level of care provided in the Signature Sky Suite ensures that every aspect of the guest experience is nothing short of spectacular.

NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!

See the latest Princess Cruises offers…

The Signature Sky Suite on the Sun Princess redefines luxury cruising, offering an unmatched level of comfort, exclusivity, and personal service.

It promises not just a journey across the seas, but a memorable experience that pampers and delights in every possible way, setting a new standard for luxury at sea. Whether it’s the breathtaking views from the expansive balcony or the sumptuous comfort of the plush beds, every element of the Signature Sky Suite has been crafted to ensure that guests enjoy the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.

Related Posts:

If you found this interesting, please share!

Cruise Mummy

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.

Read more about me

Source link

Large modern cruise ship at sea at sunset, illustrating the newest Princess cruise ships in the fleet

Newest Princess Cruise Ships (2026): Full Fleet, Newest to Oldest

The newest Princess cruise ship is Star Princess, which began sailing on 4 October 2025 from Barcelona. She is the second Sphere-class ship, following her twin Sun Princess (February 2024), and at about 177,800 gross tons and 4,300 guests she is the largest ship Princess has ever built. No other new Princess ship is due until the first Voyager-class ship arrives in late 2035.

Below you’ll find the full Princess Cruises fleet listed newest to oldest, what makes the Sphere class different, which older ships are getting upgrades in 2027, and what to expect next. Figures are as of October 2026.

Princess Cruise Ships Newest to Oldest (2026 Fleet Table)

Princess currently sails 17 ships across four classes. Years show when each ship joined the fleet; guest numbers are based on double occupancy, and tonnage figures vary slightly between sources, so treat them as close approximations.

# Ship Year Class Gross tons Guests
1 Star Princess 2025 Sphere 177,800 4,300
2 Sun Princess 2024 Sphere 175,500 4,300
3 Discovery Princess 2022 Royal 145,000 3,660
4 Enchanted Princess 2020 (first guests 2021) Royal 144,650 3,660
5 Sky Princess 2019 Royal 145,281 3,660
6 Majestic Princess 2017 Royal 143,700 3,560
7 Regal Princess 2014 Royal 142,229 3,560
8 Royal Princess 2013 Royal 142,229 3,560
9 Ruby Princess 2008 Grand (Crown-style) 113,561 3,080
10 Emerald Princess 2007 Grand (Crown-style) 113,561 3,080
11 Crown Princess 2006 Grand (Crown-style) 113,561 3,080
12 Caribbean Princess 2004 Grand 112,894 3,140
13 Sapphire Princess 2004 Grand (Gem) 115,875 2,670
14 Diamond Princess 2004 Grand (Gem) 115,875 2,670
15 Island Princess 2003 Coral 92,822 2,200
16 Coral Princess 2002 Coral 91,627 2,000
17 Grand Princess 1998 Grand 107,517 2,600

A few things stand out. First, the fleet splits neatly into generations: two brand-new Sphere ships, six Royal-class ships built between 2013 and 2022, and nine ships from 1998 to 2008. Second, the last departures were back in 2020-21, when the original Sun Princess (1995), Sea Princess and Pacific Princess were sold, so this lineup has been stable for several years. The former Golden Princess, which some older fleet lists still show, has long since moved to sister brands and now sails in Australia as Carnival Adventure.

The newest Princess ships, one by one

  • Star Princess (2025): Debuted in the Mediterranean, then moved to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean cruises. In spring 2026 she made her first Panama Canal transit on the way to her first Alaska season from Seattle, and she is due to base in Los Angeles for Mexican Riviera sailings from April 2027.
  • Sun Princess (2024): The ship that launched the Sphere class, splitting her time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. For a deeper look at her cabins, dining and itineraries, see our Sun Princess cruise ship guide.
  • Discovery Princess (2022): The sixth and final Royal-class ship, mostly sailing from the US West Coast to Alaska and Mexico.
  • Enchanted Princess (2020): Delivered in 2020 but held back by the pandemic, she welcomed her first guests in late 2021. If you’re thinking of booking her, our Enchanted Princess cabins guide covers the best and worst rooms.
  • Sky Princess (2019): The first of the upgraded Royal-class “Plus” ships, often based in Southampton for European summers.
Bright multi-level cruise ship atrium with glass walls and sea views, similar to a Sphere-class Piazza
The Sphere class is built around a glass-domed, three-level Piazza. Photo: Diego F. Parra on Pexels

What’s New on the Sphere Class

Sun Princess and Star Princess are the first Princess ships designed from a clean sheet in more than a decade, and both run mainly on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Rather than adding headline thrill rides, Princess focused on space, light and food. The main features shared by both ships are:

  • A reimagined Piazza: the traditional Princess atrium is now a three-deck, glass-walled space with sea views all around.
  • The Dome: a glass-domed venue at the top of the ship that works as a pool area by day and a performance space for acrobatic shows by night.
  • The Arena: a theatre that reconfigures its seating for each production.
  • A three-level main dining room plus specialty venues such as Love by Britto, Umai Teppanyaki, The Butcher’s Block by Dario and The Catch by Rudi.
  • Sanctuary Collection: a “ship within a ship” area with selected suites and balconies, a private Sanctuary Club, a dedicated pool, the Sanctuary Restaurant and, for new bookings, the Princess Premier package included.
  • Cabana Mini-Suites: new cabins with private indoor-outdoor cabana areas.

How Star Princess differs from Sun Princess

The two sisters are nearly identical, so don’t expect a completely different ship. Princess used feedback from Sun Princess to tweak Star Princess: O’Malley’s Irish Pub has extra seating, Love by Britto seats more guests, the casino has a larger non-smoking area, and a new SkyDeck sports court adds pickleball and basketball plus a jogging track and splash pad. She also introduced new production shows. If you’ve already sailed Sun Princess, think of Star Princess as a refined version rather than a new concept.

Which Princess Ship Age Is Right for You?

Most fleet lists stop at the table, but age is only part of the story. Here’s a practical way to read the list when you book:

  1. Want the newest features? Only Sun and Star Princess have The Dome, the glass Piazza and Cabana Mini-Suites. Expect the highest fares, especially on Caribbean and Alaska sailings.
  2. Want a modern ship at a lower price? The Royal-class ships (2013-2022) all have the SeaWalk glass walkway, a large Piazza and plenty of balcony cabins. Five of them (Royal, Regal, Discovery, Sky and Enchanted Princess) are scheduled to add a Sanctuary Collection during 2027, bringing Sphere-style perks to older hulls. Check our Sky Princess cabins to avoid before you pick a room.
  3. Want unusual itineraries? The smaller, older ships go where megaships can’t. The Coral-class pair can fit through the original Panama Canal locks, and the older ships are often used for longer, more port-intensive voyages.
  4. Want value? Ships built in the 2000s often have the lowest per-night fares. Age matters less than refurbishment history, so check when a ship was last in dry dock.

Still deciding between brands? Our comparison of Holland America vs Princess looks at how the two Carnival Corporation sisters differ on price, ships and atmosphere.

Large cruise ship under construction at a shipyard with cranes overhead
Princess's next ships will be built in Monfalcone, Italy. Photo: Ulle Haddock on Pexels

Next New Princess Cruise Ship: The Voyager Class

There is no third Sphere-class ship on order. Instead, on 15 April 2026 Princess announced three new ships from Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard in Italy, called the Voyager class. Here’s what has been confirmed so far:

Detail Voyager class
Number of ships 3
Deliveries Late 2035, 2038 and 2039
Size About 183,000 gross tons each
Guests About 4,700 each (the most in the fleet)
Fuel Dual-fuel, mainly LNG
Names and features Not yet announced; redesigned outdoor decks, cabins and Piazza promised

That leaves a long gap. If you’re asking about a new Princess cruise ship for 2026 or 2027, the answer is that no new ship arrives in either year. Star Princess will remain the newest Princess ship for roughly a decade. Fleet investment in the meantime goes into upgrades like the Sanctuary Collection rollout, so the Royal-class ships are the ones to watch for changes.

If you’re planning a sailing on one of the newer ships, fares on Sun and Star Princess tend to be highest soon after debut and in peak season. Our guide to cruise deals in 2027 explains when to book and which offers are worth watching. You can check current itineraries on the official Princess Cruises website.

For the two newest ships in the fleet, see how Sun Princess and Star Princess compare side by side.

FAQs

What is the newest Princess cruise ship?

Star Princess is the newest Princess cruise ship. She began sailing in October 2025 and is the second Sphere-class ship, after Sun Princess.

Is there a new Princess cruise ship in 2026 or 2027?

No. Princess has no new ships arriving in 2026 or 2027. The next new ships are three Voyager-class ships due in late 2035, 2038 and 2039.

What is the oldest Princess cruise ship?

Grand Princess, which entered service in 1998, is the oldest ship in the current Princess fleet, followed by Coral Princess (2002) and Island Princess (2003).

How many ships does Princess Cruises have?

Princess Cruises has 17 ships as of October 2026: two Sphere-class, six Royal-class, seven Grand-class and two Coral-class ships.

What are the biggest Princess cruise ships?

Star Princess and Sun Princess are the biggest, at roughly 175,000 to 178,000 gross tons and 4,300 guests each. The Voyager-class ships will be larger again when they arrive.