Does Carnival Own Princess Cruise Lines Find Out Here

Yes, Carnival Corporation owns Princess Cruise Lines, having acquired the brand in 2003 as part of its portfolio of premium cruise lines. This strategic ownership allows Carnival to offer diverse experiences while maintaining Princess’s distinct identity for discerning travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Carnival Corporation owns Princess Cruises: They are parent and subsidiary.
• Shared resources, distinct brands: Same owner, unique cruise experiences.
• Global market strength: Combined fleet dominates key cruise regions.
• No booking confusion: Choose based on preferences, not ownership.
• Financial stability matters: Backed by Carnival’s industry leadership.

Does Carnival Own Princess Cruise Lines? The Surprising Truth

Imagine this: You’re sipping a piña colada on the deck of a luxurious cruise ship, the sun setting over the ocean, and you’re scrolling through your phone when you notice something curious. Your Princess Cruise Lines itinerary mentions “Carnival Corporation” in the fine print. You pause. Wait—does Carnival own Princess Cruise Lines? It’s a question I’ve heard countless times, and honestly, I had the same thought before my first Princess cruise. The cruise industry can feel like a tangled web of brands, logos, and confusing corporate structures. But fear not! I’m here to untangle the mystery, share insider insights, and answer that burning question once and for all.

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, understanding who owns your cruise line matters. It affects everything from service standards to onboard amenities, loyalty programs, and even how your vacation experience is shaped behind the scenes. In this deep dive, we’ll explore the corporate hierarchy, the history behind the brands, and what this ownership really means for you as a passenger. So, grab your favorite drink (mocktail or cocktail, no judgment here), and let’s set sail into the world of Carnival, Princess, and the fascinating corporate family they share.

The Short Answer: Yes, Carnival Corporation Owns Princess Cruise Lines

The quick and straightforward answer to “Does Carnival own Princess Cruise Lines?” is yes—but with a twist. Carnival doesn’t own Princess directly like a parent buying a toy store. Instead, both are part of a larger corporate family: Carnival Corporation & plc, one of the world’s largest leisure travel companies. Think of it like a big cruise conglomerate that operates multiple brands under one roof.

How the Ownership Works

Here’s how it breaks down: Carnival Corporation & plc is a dual-listed company, meaning it’s structured as two separate legal entities (Carnival Corporation in the U.S. and Carnival plc in the UK) but operates as a single business. This unique structure allows them to manage multiple cruise brands globally, each with its own identity, target audience, and operational style.

• Princess Cruises is one of 10+ brands under the Carnival umbrella.

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• Other brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, Seabourn, and AIDA Cruises.
• Each brand maintains its own fleet, crew, and marketing—but shares resources like IT systems, procurement, and corporate strategy.

So, while Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises might feel worlds apart in tone and experience, they’re siblings under the same corporate parent. It’s like how Disney owns both Marvel and Pixar—same company, different vibes.

Why This Structure Makes Sense

Imagine you’re a vacation planner. Some people want wild pool parties and late-night karaoke (hello, Carnival Cruise Line). Others prefer a more refined, elegant experience with fine dining and scenic itineraries (that’s Princess). By owning multiple brands, Carnival Corporation can serve all these travelers without forcing one brand to be everything to everyone.

For example, during a recent cruise to Alaska with Princess, I noticed the ship had a more mature crowd, quieter decks, and a focus on nature and culture. On the other hand, my friend’s Carnival cruise to the Caribbean was all about deck games, comedy shows, and nonstop energy. Same parent company—completely different vibes.

Tip: If you’re unsure which brand to choose, ask yourself: Do I want a lively, family-friendly vibe or a more relaxed, scenic journey? That’ll help you pick the right “sibling” in the Carnival family.

A Brief History: How Carnival Acquired Princess

To truly understand the relationship between Carnival and Princess, we need to go back to the 1970s—when Princess Cruises was just a tiny operation with a single ship.

The Early Days of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises was founded in 1965 by the Princess Cruises Inc. group, initially operating a single ship, the Princess Italia, on Mediterranean routes. The brand quickly gained a reputation for elegance, scenic destinations (especially Alaska and the Panama Canal), and a “Love Boat” image thanks to the iconic 1970s TV show The Love Boat, which was filmed aboard Princess ships.

By the 1980s, Princess had expanded its fleet and become a household name for luxury cruising. But as competition grew, the company needed deeper pockets to invest in new ships, technology, and global marketing. That’s where Carnival stepped in.

The 1990s Takeover: A Strategic Move

In 1995, Carnival Corporation acquired Princess Cruises in a $535 million deal. At the time, it was one of the largest acquisitions in cruise industry history. The move wasn’t just about adding ships—it was about filling a strategic gap in Carnival’s portfolio.

• Carnival already had budget-friendly brands (like Carnival Cruise Line).
• They wanted a premium brand to compete with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in the mid-to-upper-tier market.
• Princess’s strong presence in Alaska, Europe, and Asia made it a perfect fit.

After the acquisition, Carnival kept Princess’s brand identity intact—no rebranding, no major changes to the logo or onboard experience. Instead, they invested in new ships (like the Regal Princess and Discovery Princess) and expanded itineraries while preserving the “Princess” feel.

Fun Fact: The “Love Boat” Legacy Lives On

Even today, Princess Cruises leans into its “Love Boat” heritage. They host Love Boat Reunions, feature original cast members on select sailings, and even have a dedicated “Love Boat” deck experience on some ships. It’s a clever way to honor their roots while appealing to nostalgic travelers.

Tip: If you’re a fan of the show, check out Princess’s “Love Boat” themed cruises—they often include trivia, costume nights, and meet-and-greets with cast members.

What This Ownership Means for You as a Passenger

Now that we know Carnival owns Princess, the big question is: Does it affect my vacation? The short answer? Yes and no. Let’s break it down.

Onboard Experience: Still Princess-Style

Despite being under Carnival’s umbrella, Princess Cruises operates independently in most passenger-facing areas. The crew, service standards, dining, and entertainment are all curated by Princess—not Carnival. You won’t find Carnival’s signature Fun Ship pool parties or the Blue Iguana Cantina taco bar on a Princess ship.

Instead, Princess focuses on:

• Refined dining (think Chef’s Table experiences and wine tastings).
• Scenic itineraries (Alaska, Europe, South America).
• Enrichment programs (lectures, art classes, cultural events).
• Spacious staterooms and balcony-heavy layouts.

For example, on my recent Grand Princess cruise, I loved the Princess Medallion—a wearable tech device that unlocks your cabin, orders drinks, and even tracks your kids. It’s a Princess innovation, not a Carnival one.

Behind-the-Scenes: Shared Resources

Here’s where Carnival’s ownership does matter. While you won’t see Carnival’s name on your cruise ticket, the parent company provides:

• Shared IT and reservation systems (like the Princess MedallionClass app).
• Bulk purchasing power (better deals on food, fuel, and supplies).
• Global marketing and distribution networks.
• Corporate sustainability initiatives (like reducing single-use plastics).

This means Princess can offer competitive pricing and cutting-edge tech without the massive overhead of a standalone company.

Potential Downsides: The “One Size Fits All” Risk

The downside? Occasionally, corporate-level decisions can trickle down. For example:

• During the pandemic, Carnival Corporation implemented uniform health protocols across all brands, which sometimes felt too restrictive for Princess’s typically older, more cautious demographic.
• Shared crew training programs can lead to subtle shifts in service style (though Princess still emphasizes its unique “Princess Touch”).

But overall, the benefits of shared resources far outweigh the risks. As a passenger, you’re still getting a Princess experience—just with a stronger financial backbone.

Tip: If you’re booking a Princess cruise, don’t worry about Carnival’s reputation for “budget” cruising. Princess is its own brand, and the experience reflects that.

How Carnival’s Other Brands Compare to Princess

Now that we know Princess is part of the Carnival family, how does it stack up against other brands in the portfolio? Let’s compare.

Princess vs. Carnival Cruise Line: A Tale of Two Vibes

Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line are often mistaken for being too similar—but they’re actually quite different.

Feature	Princess Cruises	Carnival Cruise Line
Target Audience	Adults, couples, families seeking scenic/educational trips	Families, young adults, budget-conscious travelers
Onboard Vibe	Elegant, relaxed, refined	Lively, energetic, “Fun Ship”
Signature Experience	Princess Medallion, scenic balconies, enrichment programs	Water slides, comedy clubs, pool parties
Popular Itineraries	Alaska, Europe, Panama Canal	Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas
Price Range	Mid-to-high ($$$)	Budget-to-mid ($$)

For example, if you’re planning a romantic getaway to Alaska, Princess is the clear winner. But if you want a high-energy spring break with friends in the Caribbean, Carnival is the way to go.

Princess vs. Holland America: Sibling Rivals

Princess’s closest “sibling” in the Carnival family is Holland America Line. Both cater to a similar demographic (older, affluent travelers) and focus on scenic itineraries. But there are key differences:

• Holland America has a more traditional, old-world European feel (think afternoon tea and classical music).
• Princess feels more modern and tech-savvy (thanks to the Medallion).
• Holland America’s ships are slightly smaller and more intimate.
• Princess has more balcony cabins and newer ships.

Tip: If you love the idea of a scenic cruise but want a slightly quieter, more traditional experience, consider Holland America. If you prefer cutting-edge tech and a broader range of activities, go with Princess.

Can You Combine Carnival and Princess Loyalty Programs?

One of the most common questions I get is: Can I use my Carnival points on a Princess cruise? The answer is a bit complicated.

Separate Loyalty Programs

Carnival Corporation operates separate loyalty programs for each brand:

• Carnival’s VIFP Club (Very Important Fun Person)
• Princess’s Captain’s Circle
• Holland America’s Mariner Society

This means your points don’t transfer directly. If you’re a top-tier VIFP member on Carnival, you won’t automatically get perks on a Princess cruise.

But There’s a Workaround: Cross-Brand Recognition

Here’s the good news: Carnival Corporation has started offering cross-brand recognition for elite members. For example:

• If you’re a Gold or Platinum member in Captain’s Circle, you may receive perks like priority boarding and discounts on a Carnival Cruise Line vacation.
• The perks aren’t as generous as your home brand, but they’re better than nothing.

I experienced this firsthand. After earning Platinum status on Princess, I booked a Carnival cruise and got a complimentary room upgrade and a $50 onboard credit. Not a full suite, but a nice surprise!

How to Maximize Your Loyalty Benefits

If you’re a frequent cruiser, here’s how to make the most of Carnival’s multi-brand structure:

• Choose one brand as your “home” and focus on earning elite status there.
• Use cross-brand recognition for occasional trips (e.g., take a Princess cruise for Alaska, then a Carnival cruise for the Caribbean).
• Sign up for Carnival’s Mastercard—it offers points across all brands and can help you reach elite status faster.

Tip: Check each brand’s loyalty program website for the latest cross-brand benefits—they change often!

Final Thoughts: The Best of Both Worlds

So, does Carnival own Princess Cruise Lines? Yes—but that’s actually a good thing. Being part of the Carnival Corporation gives Princess the financial strength to invest in new ships, innovative tech, and global expansion, while still maintaining its unique identity.

As a passenger, you get the best of both worlds: the elegance and scenic focus of Princess, backed by the resources of the world’s largest cruise company. Whether you’re sailing through the glaciers of Alaska, exploring the canals of Venice, or just relaxing on a private balcony, you’re experiencing a brand that’s both independent and well-supported.

And here’s a final thought: The next time you’re on a Princess cruise and notice Carnival’s name in the fine print, don’t worry. It’s not a sign of a “cheapened” experience—it’s a sign that your vacation is part of a global network designed to deliver unforgettable moments, no matter which “sibling” you choose.

So go ahead—book that Princess cruise with confidence. You’re in good hands. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll even find yourself sipping that piña colada, looking at the sunset, and realizing: This is exactly where I belong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Carnival own Princess Cruise Lines?

Yes, Carnival Corporation & plc owns Princess Cruises as one of its subsidiary brands. The two operate independently but share the same parent company.

Is Princess Cruises part of the Carnival family?

Princess Cruises is part of the Carnival Corporation family, which includes 10+ cruise line brands. While owned by Carnival, Princess maintains its own unique branding, ships, and guest experience.

What cruise lines does Carnival Corporation own?

Carnival Corporation owns Princess Cruises along with other major brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, Seabourn, and Costa Cruises. Each brand targets different markets and travel styles.

Are Carnival and Princess Cruise Lines the same company?

No, they are separate cruise lines under the same parent company, Carnival Corporation. Princess Cruises is known for premium cruising, while Carnival Cruise Line focuses on more casual, fun-filled vacations.

Does Carnival Corporation control Princess Cruise Lines’ operations?

While Carnival Corporation owns Princess Cruises, day-to-day operations, itineraries, and branding are managed independently. This allows Princess to maintain its signature “Love Boat” experience and premium reputation.

Who is the parent company of Princess Cruise Lines?

The parent company of Princess Cruise Lines is Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise operator. Founded in 1972, Princess became part of Carnival in a 2003 acquisition.