Princess Cruises have the honor of consistently delivering quality cruises for the last 53 years. And, they seem to have many more plans for the future.
Princes Cruises became a household name when its Pacific Princess was featured in the popular 1970s TV series, The Love Boat. While many cruise ships have been added to the fleet over the years, the aura and grandeur haven’t dimmed. The best part is, you don’t need to be a part of the TV show to experience it.
Because cruise travel is now an integral part of many a luxurious traveler’s itineraries, take time to include it in yours too. However, before you decide if Princess Cruises is perfect for your dream destination, we give you a bit of a background on the line's accommodations, dining, and amenities. This is one cruise you won't want to miss!
A Little About Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation and has grown from a single ship cruising to Mexico in 1965 to a fleet of 18 highly sought after ships to date. These reputed ships are classified into different categories of Royal Class, Grand Class, Coral Class, Sun Class and R class. We take a look at the background of each type and what makes it worth travelling.
Background about Princess Cruises
The Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Majestic Princess have created a niche among cruise ships. The Royal Princess is the largest ship and world’s tenth largest passenger ship with capacity for 3600 passengers. Similarly, the Regal Princess is the world’s 11th largest passenger ship. Majestic Princess sails between Taiwan and Australia.
The Grand Class has many ships like the Grand Princess, Golden Princess, Star Princess, Diamond Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sapphire, Emerald, Crown and Ruby Princess that completes the fleet. Another collection under Princess Cruises is the Coral Class with Coral Princess and Island Princess. The Sun class has the Sun Princess and Sea Princess with a combined capacity of 1990 passengers and 924 crew members.
Last of the fleet is the R Class with the Pacific Princess. Princess Cruises plans to expand in the next year with more fleets. This massive fleet caters to different regions in the world. We cover where to prepare your next dream destination with these ships in the next section.
Where can you go with Princess Cruises?
Even if you are the regular traveler, there will be specific destinations you are yet to tick off your bucket list. Princess Cruises ships arms you with all the possible targets and different ships to take off from any part of the world. Reputed for its best cruise itineraries by Recommend Magazine for 12 years, Princess Cruises has an extensive list to cover. Here are some of them.
Alaska Cruise Tours
As a traveler, if you are yet to make a trip to Alaska, consider taking the Princess line to Whittier, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and many more with a customized itinerary. From outdoor adventures to Alaskan lumberjack shows and whale watching, prepare for a fun-filled trip. Check the Alaskan Itinerary.
Asia Cruises
Princess Cruises to Asia include trips to Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore. While in Bali, enjoy the beaches and modern high rises. Walk along the courtyards of Gyeongbok Palace. Soak in the enchanting Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival.
Australia and New Zealand Cruises
The culture, charm, and food are bound to make your trip a memorable one with excursions to the Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. Another way is to experience the rainforests in Tasmania. The underground caves in Auckland are the perfect way to enjoy scenic New Zealand.
Caribbean Cruises
With a rich history and culture, allow yourself to get lost in the natural wonders of the Eastern Caribbean. Another fun thing to do is shop for local crafts, jewelry, leather, cameras, and more.
Features & Benefits of Princess Cruises
A trip on Princess Cruises comes with its own set of features and benefits. A fair idea of the accommodations, dining, and amenities can help you know what’s in store. We've broken it down below to show you the luxury in store once you book a trip.
1. Accommodations
The accommodations have been designed keeping the tastes of the guests, convenience, and comfort at the forefront. With a variety of options available, you'll find something to suit your comfort, budget, and needs. Check out a few of our favorites below:
Suites
With accommodation in a suite, you get all the luxury with premium amenities. Ample living space, a sofa bed, and separate seating areas define a suite accommodation.
Club Class
In a Club Class place, you get superior facilities along with dining benefits and Club Class features. Expect no wait time, expanded menu options, and many benefits that come with being a Club Class member.
Mini-Suites
Mini suites have all the necessary facilities for a cruise stay. The living room and bedroom have a TV. The bathroom has a built-in storage cabinet and vanity case suitable for women, and the sofa and seating area is well designed as per the interiors.
Accommodation Based on Views
While on the cruise, if you have a preference for a balcony or the oceanview, Princess Cruise Lines has rooms to match your choice. You also have the opportunity for interior rooms with a battery charge, twin beds, refrigerator, hair dryer, and TV.
2. Dining
Food lovers are in for a surprisingly happy delight. Food and Wine Magazine voted Princess Cruises as the Best Cruises for Food Lovers. Its partnerships with culinary chefs and the menus are equally mouthwatering.
Ultimate Balcony Dining
Often cruises can spark a romantic interest, or you might want to make it a special occasion for someone. Princess Cruise has the ultimate balcony dining that blends the best of food and scenic beauty of the water.
Room service
Even as you take in the sight of the beautiful clear water from your room, you can relax and sip a frosty beverage or piping hot coffee with the 24-hour complimentary room service. For a quiet time with your loved ones, you are one phone call away for a delicious food spread within your room.
Specialty Restaurants
Irrespective of the different ships, there is always a unique culinary delight to look forward to. Guests can expect excellent fare in the upscale restaurants. A few of our favorites are as follows:
1. Share
Chef Curtis Stone is as renowned for his love for fresh ingredients as he is for his world-class seafood. His menu will leave you asking for more. From the charcuterie to handmade pasta, meats and decadent desserts you will be enthralled by the feast at Share.
2. Sabatini's
If you crave for Italian food, then Chef Angelo Auriana’s Sabatini needs no introduction. Modern, but featuring the presence of the old world charm, Sabatini is alluring. The aroma of freshly prepared Italian food will make you nostalgic even as you sip the best Italian wines and cocktails.
3. Harmony
Harmony by the famous ‘Duck Master,’ Chef Richard Chen, is an often sought restaurant for duck dishes. If you wish to try one, Harmony is the best place aboard Princess Cruises.
4. The Salty Dog Gastropub
If you happen to come across The Salty Dog Gastropub, you must try the ribeye burger. This is a unique offering by Chef Ernesto Uchimura, who is famous for the Umami Burger. Complete your meal with the best whiskey or cocktails on the menu.
5. La Mer
French bistro-style dining with a modern take is the signature at La Mer. It’s not just the interiors but the authentic French dishes that are sure to tickle your taste buds for Chef’s Emmanuel Renaut’s award-winning signature food.
6. Crown Grill
There’s a resounding reason for Crown Grill to be named the ‘Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses’ by USA TODAY. The mouth-watering seafood and cooked-to-order steakhouse dishes are well-completed with the open kitchen and attractive decor.
7. Chef’s Table
Enjoy an excellent galley tour with the chefs at the Chef’s Table. You'll be personally invited to the galley to observe the food preparations and enjoy some exciting conversations over Champagne and appetizers.
8. Kai Sushi
On-board Princess Cruises, the sushi bar is a place for all sushi and sashimi food. Connect with other sushi lovers or enjoy some quiet time with your loved ones at Kai Sushi.
9. Bayou Cafe
Bayou Cafe has Cajun and Creole cuisine, chicken and chorizo jambalaya, peel-and-eat shrimp, gator ribs, and Porterhouse steak. It is present in the Coral Princess and Island Princess.
3. Amenities
Often it is the on-board amenities that can result in a comfortable cruise experience. Princess Cruises have pools, casinos, an art gallery and sports court. This ensures that you're never without an activity to do should you tire of relaxing.
Pool and Hot tubs
Take time to relax in the refreshing pool water or enjoy some fun time in the hot tub. After a tiring day, take time to converse with a cold drink served by a nearby server.
Vegas Style Casino
If you believe in trying your luck or maybe catching up on the game, the casino could be for you. Enter into the Vegas-style Casino in Princess Cruises. Engage with the slot machine or try your hand at some prizes for notable wins.
Art Gallery and Auctions
For art lovers, there is an Art Gallery and auctions that gives you a wide variety of popular art to view and bid. The event gives you a chance to explore your artistic style and also appreciate and possibly own a few of your own.
Sports Court
Pick the ball and challenge your teammates for a game of basketball or volleyball on the sports court. Princess Cruises are equipped with a well-built, sturdy court to compete for a friendly match or serious match with others.
What Travelers Are Saying About Princess Cruises
We have scanned the internet to give you some of the best Princess Cruises reviews on their experience. Like any tour, it is a mixed bag. However, the overwhelming response has been positive.
PROS:
CONS:
Depending on the cruise destination, ship, and time of year you book, you may be faced with a bit of overcrowding. Overall though, you'll find that the exemplary service, delicious dining options, and luxurious accommodations more than make up for this.
Alternative Cruise Lines to Consider
Perhaps you find that Princess Cruises does not meet your needs. If this is the case, we've identified three highly-rated alternatives to consider. No matter which you choose, you're bound for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
1. Regent Seven Sea Cruises
Regent Seven Seas cruises have five ships versus 18 by Princess Cruises. It travels to many destinations like Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Amazon, South Pacific, Cuba, Alaska, and Canada. As a guest on Regent Seven Seas, you get free unlimited shore excursions. It also offers all-inclusive Regent experience.
2. Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises offers cruises, yachting, river, and air travel. The culinary choices are just as varied as those in Princess Cruises. Unlike Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises also has river cruising. The amenities include suites, penthouses, a wide variety of culinary options, and advanced technology. Wi-Fi and open seating are the other services.
Celebrity Cruises are a premium line that has glass dining rooms, spas, and gyms. The current fleet is the Millennium class, Solstice class, and Xpedition class. Formed in 1988, Celebrity Cruises sails in international water across the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Galapagos. Experience the celebrity feel while on a Celebrity Cruise with all amenities and service.
Princess Cruises has engaged passengers for decades and continues its charm to date.
Even though there are many other cruises, Princess Cruises has managed to create a welcoming atmosphere with the best food, best cruise, and best service recognition by top names in the industry. It gives Princess Cruises an advantage over the others.
We hope you have decided if Princess Cruises is perfect for your needs. Share it with us in the comments. If you know of someone planning cruise travel, share this list with them!
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