What I Wish I Knew Before I Sailed a Princess Cruise

I made a big mistake. You see, I took my first cruise more than a decade ago. And in that time, I've sailed most major cruise lines. But one of the few that I had yet to sail was Princess.

Think about it... I'm a guy in my 30s. A cruise line named Princess doesn't exactly sound like it's made for me. And when I cruise, I'm also a fan of going all out on the ship. I want waterslides. I want to race go-karts. I want to ride the roller coaster. It's go-go-go.

I still like all that, but I've got to tell you, after sailing Princess for the first time last month, I'm also rethinking things. There was a lot that I didn't realize about Princess... and it was a style that's very different from what I'm used to... and... I liked it?!

[simonblunden]

My wife and I met working for Royal Caribbean back in the late 90’s. We’ve cruised extensively since with Princess and really like the brand - great value. We have. 13 night South Pacific cruise booked for Feb 2024 for our 25 year wedding anniversary and can’t wait!

[suedonnenwirth]

Princess all the way. We are a retired 60 ish couple. Sailed from Los Angeles to Hawaii in January 2022 on The Grand Princess in a mini suite, and she was Grand. As an older ship, she was stunning. We loved her, the staff, the food, entertainment everything. Loved the Medallion feature, the wi-fi was great. ❤

[proudasiangirl]

Yea, I am so NOT in to bumper cars, water slides, etc. etc. I just want peace, space and quietness. Princess is my speed.

[dwill]

The term that describes Princess Cruise perfectly, that I did not see in your review is "Mature". My wife and I are in our 60s and we have no need for rock climbing walls or Formula One go carts. All we need (regardless the duration of the cruise) is good food, clean surroundings and a relaxed atmosphere. And what we can't stand on a cruise is where every thing requires a reservation. That's what were are trying to get away from on vacation. We are hooked on Princess (we are looking forward to giving Holland America a try).

[lastnightinvegas]

this is exactly why we LOVE Princess!! Just the right amount of activities and very relaxing. A real adult vacation.

[edwinahowell]

We are first time cruisers and cruising Alaska in 2024, your video has put my mind at ease. Thanks 😊

[Amosandy]

We have cruised 25+ times on Princess over a 30 year span of time. We love them. They have always treated us well. The food and service have been consistent on every sailing. It is definitely a laid back experience, which is what keeps us coming back.

[christopherpetri]

I am 29 and only sail on Princess! I have been on Caribbean Princess, Ruby Princess, and Regal Princess! The vibe is always great the staff is friendly and always ready to help you! The premier package is well worth it for the printed photos, Alcohol, included tips, and also Princess prizes. I was one of the first Princess Prizes Free balcony cruise winners on the Ruby Princess. My first cruise was 15 days to Hawaii and absolutely loved every minute! So much to do and the food choices are great. Many options for even the pickiest eaters.

[cranwell]

After sailing with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, we have found Princess to be a breath of fresh air. Something you didn’t mention was the quality of service - it is outstanding.

[iouri]

I've been lucky enough to be hired by Princess as a official videographer for several cruises in recent years. The very first was for the inauguration of the Majestic Princess (Silk Road Cruise Journey) through the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and all of South-East Asia, ending up in Japan and Korea... all in one go!
Having many preconceptions about cruises, I was surprised to find that I loved it, and today, looking back, it's undoubtedly one of the best experiences I've ever had, whether considering the working days or simply for the pleasure of cruising the oceans for several months.

I find your video pretty representative of the "princess" spirit, and I share many of the aspects you point out. Great video! Thanks for the memories ;)

[mariepoutou]

You are 💯 percent correct! After sailing with Carnival my first day on Princess was strange but once I understood the assignment (to chill and relax) I was hooked. We made friends on the ship. Don’t get me wrong people on Carnival are fun and friendly but always on the go so you really don’t get a chance to really enjoy your cruise mates. We are heading on a 10 day New year’s cruise on the Enchanted Princess and we are so excited! 🛳️ 🎉

[RoTruscott]

I love Princess! I have been cruising with Princess almost exclusively since I was 24 years old and I am 36 now. I tried Carnival and while I had fun, the younger aimed entertainment was not in my wheelhouse. I really enjoy the class, space and relaxed feel of Princess cruises and that has kept me coming back for years. I love that the "cruise deck" entertainment is kept to a minimum for those who do not need the cheesiness of cruise director antics. I appreciate that I am not constantly harassed to shop. Now that I am at platinum level membership, I like that staff go out of their way to welcome me back and my room cleaning staff and their supervisors go out of their way to introduce themselves on the first day but they also greet me by name and follow up, daily, on my experience on board and what I may need in my room and so forth. It really pays to invest in Princess because they invest in you from the very first sailing and that hospitality and investment in you just increases with your membership level too.

[platinumare]

I really appreciate this video. We have never cruised and though we are a family of young teens. My teens don't cope with loud noises and sensory over load. You have helped me dodge a proverbial situation by posting this video, which will now help me choose more confidently who to cruise with for my children's peace of mind. Thank you again and good wishes to you.

[billw]

Veteran cruisers here(Disney, HAL, Norwegian) about to embark on our first Princess cruise (14-night Mediterranean). Your review puts our minds at ease in anticipation of what to expect! Thank you for a well thought, fair review!

[bobmoroney]

Princes is not a drunken party ship. The passengers are looking an entertaining time with good food, clean ship, and an opportunity to get away from rowdy crowds. I have 4 more cruises booked. Good job Princess.

[melissahinton]

I just cruised the Caribbean on Princess a week ago. I loved how relaxed it was. I have already booked my next trip to Antarctica next January!

[mayraaviles]

We just came back from our first cruise with princess and I have to agree 100% with everything you said!!! You suscribes it perfectly!!!! I traveled with my husband and we had that same conversation as we were driving back home! I would like to add that this was the friendliest staff we have ever seen in a cruise! They always had a snails, would greet you all day long, would offer to help and would even catch them singing while working!!! That made this trip extremely special!!

[rsbgood]

Sailed to Alaska in June 2023 and loved it! Never felt crowded, staff takes excellent care of you and can’t wait to book another cruise with Princess.

[LadyDoc]

We did the 15 day LA to Ft. Lauderdale Panama Canal cruise on board the Emerald Princess in January and absolutely loved it. We last sailed in 2007, and our last trip on Princess was the Pacific Princess from NY to Bermuda in 2001. The Pacific Princess was a lovely ship but she only carried about 650 passengers, so we were kind of intimidated by the idea of a ship big enough to carry more than 3000 passengers. We found that it was a long walk from the front to the back of the ship for us (we are 71) but being annual passholders at Walt Disney World meant the distances were not something we couldn’t handle, but enough that we slept well at night. One of the things we talked about after getting home was all the things we never found time to do on the Emerald, and how we would go on Princess again happily as there was still so much to do. In March we got an offer from Princess for a ridiculously good fare in April, and as we were debating how to celebrate our anniversary, we decided to go on another Princess cruise. We leave in 2 weeks.

[pmeyer]

This is the very best description as to why we love Princess Cruises, thank you! It is definitely worth it to do the "Love Boat" cruise they became famous for because of the 70's TV show. These are the Alaska cruises they do. They are elite at this, and got this specific cruise itinerary perfect.