Princess Cruises operates 18 ships as of 2024
Princess Cruises, owned by Carnival Corporation, runs 18 cruise ships across its fleet. The company operates vessels in different size categories—from smaller ships carrying around 700 passengers to larger ones carrying over 4,000. The fleet sails to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia.
The fleet has grown and changed over the years as the company retires older ships and adds new ones. In recent years, Princess has introduced newer ships with updated technology and amenities, while also keeping some of its established vessels in service. The exact number can shift when new ships enter service or older ones are retired, so checking the company's current website gives you the most up-to-date roster.
Key Takeaways
- Princess Cruises operates 18 ships that carry passengers to destinations across the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Asia.
- The fleet includes both newer ships with modern features and established vessels that have been in service for many years.
- Ship sizes vary significantly, with some carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers and others carrying more than 4,000.
- The fleet composition changes over time as new ships are added and older ones are retired from service.
The Different Ship Classes in the Princess Fleet
Princess organizes its ships into several classes based on size and design. The Grand-class ships are among the largest, carrying around 3,600 passengers and featuring multiple dining venues, theaters, and entertainment options. The Royal-class ships are slightly smaller, typically carrying 3,000 to 3,500 passengers, and include some of the company's newer vessels.
The Sun-class ships are mid-sized vessels carrying around 2,000 passengers, while the Diamond-class ships carry approximately 2,600 passengers. The Coral-class represents Princess's newest generation, with ships like the Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess featuring modern design and technology. Smaller ships in the fleet, such as those in the Pacific-class, carry fewer than 1,000 passengers and are designed for cruises to Alaska and other regions where larger ships cannot navigate.
Where Princess Ships Sail
Princess operates ships on routes throughout the world. The Caribbean remains one of the most popular destinations, with multiple ships offering week-long and longer cruises from ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and San Juan. Alaska cruises are a major part of Princess's business, with ships sailing from Seattle and other Pacific Northwest ports during the summer season.
The company also operates ships in Europe, offering Mediterranean cruises, Baltic cruises, and voyages to the British Isles. Ships sail from ports in Italy, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. Princess also offers cruises to Asia, including sailings to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, as well as cruises to Australia and the South Pacific. Some ships are repositioned seasonally, moving between regions to match demand and weather patterns.
How Ship Size Affects Your Cruise Experience
The size of the ship you choose shapes what your cruise will feel like. Larger ships like the Grand-class vessels offer more dining options, bigger theaters, more activities, and more onboard amenities. They tend to have more people onboard, which means busier public areas and longer waits at some venues, but also more variety in entertainment and dining.
Smaller ships carry fewer passengers, which means a more intimate atmosphere and shorter lines. However, they typically have fewer dining venues, smaller theaters, and fewer onboard activities. Smaller ships can also access ports and regions that larger vessels cannot reach—this is especially true for Alaska cruises, where some ports have depth restrictions. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the variety and energy of a larger ship or the quieter, more personal experience of a smaller one.
Recent Changes to the Princess Fleet
Princess has been modernizing its fleet in recent years. The company introduced the Coral-class ships, starting with the Enchanted Princess in 2020 and the Discovery Princess in 2022. These newer vessels feature updated cabin designs, modern dining concepts, and enhanced technology throughout the ship. The company has also invested in refurbishing older ships to keep them competitive and appealing to passengers.
At the same time, Princess has retired some of its oldest ships. The company announced plans to phase out certain vessels as newer ships enter service. This ongoing process means the fleet composition changes gradually, with new ships bringing modern features while older ships are removed from service. If you are interested in sailing on a specific ship, it is worth checking Princess's website to confirm that ship is still operating, since the roster does shift over time.
How to Find Information About Specific Ships
Princess Cruises maintains a detailed website listing all ships currently in its fleet, along with specifications, deck plans, and photos of each vessel. You can search by ship name to find information about capacity, dining options, cabin types, and onboard amenities. The website also shows which ships sail which routes and when.
If you are planning a cruise, you can use this information to compare ships and choose one that matches what you are looking for. Some passengers prefer the newest ships with the latest technology, while others are happy on older, smaller vessels if the destination and price are right. Reading reviews from other passengers who have sailed on specific ships can also help you understand what the experience is actually like onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Princess Cruises have the most ships of any cruise line?
No. Carnival Corporation, which owns Princess, also owns Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Carnival Cruise Line operates more ships than Princess. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also operate large fleets. Princess is one of the major cruise lines but not the largest by ship count.
Are all Princess ships the same size?
No. Princess ships range from small vessels carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers to large ships carrying over 4,000. The size you choose affects the atmosphere, amenities, and destinations available. Smaller ships often sail to more remote areas like Alaska, while larger ships typically serve popular Caribbean and European routes.
How old are the ships in the Princess fleet?
The fleet includes ships of varying ages. Some vessels have been in service for 15 to 20 years, while the newest Coral-class ships entered service in 2020 and 2022. Princess regularly refurbishes older ships to update cabins, dining areas, and technology, so age does not always reflect the condition or experience onboard.
Can I find out which ship I will be on before I book?
Yes. When you search for a cruise on Princess's website, the ship name is listed with the sailing dates and price. You can then research that specific ship to see its size, amenities, and read passenger reviews before you decide to book.
What happens if my cruise is canceled and I am assigned a different ship?
If Princess reassigns you to a different ship due to a cancellation or schedule change, the company typically notifies you and offers options. You may be able to accept the new ship, request a refund, or look for an alternative sailing. The specific policy depends on the circumstances and Princess's terms at the time of booking.