Princess Cruises Offer Midrange Comfort With Consistent Service, But They're Not the Best Choice for Every Traveler

Princess Cruises operates 14 ships carrying roughly 2,000 to 4,000 passengers each, mostly on Caribbean, Alaska, and Mexico routes. The line sits in the middle tier of the cruise industry—more upscale than Carnival, less formal than Cunard. Cabins are compact but well-appointed, dining is included and decent, and the onboard experience leans toward relaxation rather than constant activity. Whether a Princess cruise is right for you depends on what you value: if you want predictable comfort, good food, and a calm atmosphere, Princess delivers. If you're looking for the cheapest possible cruise, the most cutting-edge entertainment, or the most luxurious experience, you'll find better options elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Princess cabins are smaller than competitors' but include a balcony on most outside rooms, which adds real value for the price.
  • Dining is included and covers more restaurants than most cruise lines, though specialty restaurants charge extra and are worth the cost if you eat dinner every night.
  • The onboard atmosphere is quieter and more mature than Carnival, with fewer all-night parties and more cultural programming.
  • Princess charges for many extras—gratuities, drinks, internet, specialty dining—so your final bill can be 30 to 50 percent higher than the advertised price.
  • Ships are older on average than Royal Caribbean's fleet, so if you want the newest technology and design, other lines offer more.

Cabin Size and Balcony Access

Princess cabins average 180 square feet for an inside room and 210 square feet for an outside cabin with a balcony. That's smaller than Royal Caribbean's standard cabins but comparable to Carnival. The real advantage is that Princess includes a balcony on most outside cabins at a lower price point than Royal Caribbean charges for the same thing. If you spend time on your balcony reading or watching the ocean, this matters.

Inside cabins are tight—you'll feel it if you're traveling with a partner and spending rainy days together. Bathrooms are small and showers are narrow. Storage is limited, so pack light or plan to live out of your suitcase. If you're claustrophobic or traveling with children, consider paying extra for a larger cabin or choosing a different cruise line.

Dining and Food Quality

Princess includes three main dining rooms where you can eat dinner at assigned times or open seating, plus a buffet, casual grill, and pizza counter. The main dining room food is competent but not memorable—think hotel banquet quality. Entrees rotate on a 14-day cycle, so if you're on a longer cruise you'll see repeats. Breakfast and lunch are adequate, and the buffet is cleaner and better organized than Carnival's.

Specialty restaurants (steakhouse, Italian, Asian fusion) cost $15 to $25 per person and serve noticeably better food. If you plan to eat dinner in a specialty restaurant most nights, budget an extra $200 to $400 for a week-long cruise. The main dining room is free and acceptable, so you won't go hungry, but you won't be excited about dinner either.

Onboard Atmosphere and Activities

Princess attracts an older demographic than Carnival—average age is mid-50s—so the vibe is calmer. There are fewer foam parties, less loud music at the pool, and more trivia contests and wine tastings. If you want to relax and read, Princess is better. If you want high-energy nightlife and constant entertainment, Carnival or Royal Caribbean will feel more lively.

Entertainment quality is middle-of-the-road. Broadway-style shows are competent but not Broadway-quality. Comedians and musicians are decent. There's enough to do if you want to stay busy, but nothing that stands out as exceptional. Enrichment programs (cooking classes, art auctions, fitness) are available but many cost extra.

Hidden Costs and Final Price

Princess advertises low base fares, but the final bill includes gratuities (about $15 per person per day), alcoholic drinks ($8 to $18 each), specialty dining, internet ($8 to $20 per day), and shore excursions. A $1,200 advertised fare for two people often becomes $1,800 to $2,000 by the time you pay everything. This is standard across the cruise industry, but Princess's advertised prices are lower to begin with, so the percentage increase feels steeper.

Gratuities are automatically added to your account unless you remove them. Drinks packages (unlimited alcohol) cost $60 to $80 per person per day and may save money if you drink regularly, but most casual drinkers come out ahead paying per drink. Internet is expensive and slow compared to what you pay on land, so consider whether you actually need it.

Ship Age and Onboard Technology

Princess's fleet averages 15 to 20 years old. The newest ships (Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess) launched in 2019 and 2020 and have modern design and technology. Older ships (Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess) feel dated—cabins are darker, technology is clunkier, and the overall aesthetic is tired. If you book an older ship, you'll notice the difference compared to newer Royal Caribbean or Disney vessels.

The MedallionClass system (a wearable device that serves as your room key, payment method, and activity tracker) is available on newer ships and works well, but it's not revolutionary. Older ships still use traditional key cards. If modern technology matters to you, request a newer ship when booking.

Who Should Choose Princess and Who Shouldn't

Princess is a good fit if you're over 50, value a calm atmosphere, want a balcony cabin at a reasonable price, and don't mind older ships. It's also decent for couples looking for a relaxing getaway without constant activity. Families with young children should consider Disney or Royal Caribbean instead—Princess has fewer kids' programs and the atmosphere isn't designed around families.

Skip Princess if you want the newest ships, the cheapest possible price (Carnival is cheaper), the most luxurious experience (Cunard or Regent are better), or high-energy entertainment (Royal Caribbean or Carnival are better). If you're traveling with teenagers, you'll find more to do on other lines. If you're on a tight budget and willing to sacrifice cabin size and comfort, Carnival offers better value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess better than Carnival?

Princess is quieter, has better food, and attracts an older crowd. Carnival is cheaper, newer on average, and more energetic. If you value calm and comfort, Princess wins. If you want the lowest price and don't mind noise, Carnival is better.

Do I need to pay for drinks on a Princess cruise?

Yes, unless you buy a drinks package. Water, coffee, and tea are free. Sodas, juice, beer, wine, and cocktails cost extra. A drinks package runs $60 to $80 per person per day and may save money if you drink multiple alcoholic beverages daily.

Are Princess cabins worth the price?

If you value a balcony, yes—Princess includes them on most outside cabins cheaper than Royal Caribbean. If you're booking an inside cabin, the price is competitive but not exceptional. Compare the final price (including gratuities and extras) to Royal Caribbean and Carnival before deciding.

Which Princess ship should I book?

Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess are the newest and have modern design. If you want a newer ship, book one of those. Older ships are cheaper but feel dated. Check the ship's launch year and read recent reviews before booking.

Is Princess good for families with kids?

Princess has basic kids' clubs but fewer programs than Disney or Royal Caribbean. The atmosphere is geared toward adults. If you have young children, Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean are better choices.