Does Princess Cruise Line Own Celebrity The Truth Revealed

No, Princess Cruise Line does not own Celebrity Cruises. Both brands are separate subsidiaries under Royal Caribbean Group, with Celebrity operating as an independent luxury line while Princess focuses on premium cruising experiences. This shared parentage explains their occasional collaborations—but not ownership.

Key Takeaways

• No ownership: Princess Cruises does not own Celebrity Cruises.
• Same parent: Both brands operate under Carnival Corporation & plc.
• Distinct identities: Each maintains unique branding and guest experiences.
• Global reach: Combined, they serve diverse markets under one corporate umbrella.
• Fleet separation: Ships and itineraries are managed independently per brand.
• Investor insight: Carnival Corp’s portfolio includes 9 cruise line brands.

The Big Cruise Family Mystery: Does Princess Cruise Line Own Celebrity?

Have you ever stood on the deck of a cruise ship, watching the sunset over the ocean, and wondered: *Who actually owns all these floating cities?* Maybe you’ve sailed with Princess Cruise Line or Celebrity Cruises, enjoyed the food, the entertainment, and the service—but never really thought about who’s behind the brand. It’s easy to assume that if two cruise lines look similar, or even share some ports, they might be part of the same family. And honestly, that’s not a crazy assumption. After all, we see it all the time in other industries—Coca-Cola owns Sprite and Fanta, Disney owns Marvel and Lucasfilm. So, does Princess Cruise Line own Celebrity Cruises?

You’re not alone in asking. This is one of the most common questions we hear from curious cruisers and travel enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just love the behind-the-scenes of big travel brands, understanding the corporate structure of cruise lines can actually help you make smarter choices. It affects everything from onboard experiences and loyalty programs to how ships are built and where they sail. In this deep dive, we’re going to uncover the truth—no corporate jargon, no vague answers. Just real, clear, and practical insights about who owns what in the cruise world. And yes, we’ll finally answer: Does Princess Cruise Line own Celebrity? Spoiler alert: the answer might surprise you.

The Parent Company That Binds Them: Meet Carnival Corporation

Not Princess, But a Bigger Name Calls the Shots

Here’s the truth: Princess Cruise Line does not own Celebrity Cruises. Instead, both brands are owned by the same parent company—Carnival Corporation & plc. Think of Carnival Corporation as the cruise world’s version of a massive umbrella. Under it, you’ll find not just Princess and Celebrity, but ten other well-known cruise brands from around the globe. This structure is called a “multi-brand portfolio,” and it’s how big travel companies operate efficiently while still offering unique experiences under different names.

Imagine you walk into a department store. You’ve got different sections—kids, women’s, men’s, home goods—all under one roof. Each section has its own vibe, staff, and branding, but they’re all part of the same store. That’s exactly how Carnival Corporation works. Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, P&O Cruises, and others are the “sections,” each with its own identity, but all sharing the same corporate backbone.

Why Carnival Corporation Uses a Multi-Brand Strategy

So why not just have one giant cruise line? Why the need for so many brands? It’s all about market segmentation. Carnival Corporation knows that not all travelers want the same thing. Some want luxury, others want affordability, some want family-friendly fun, and others want quiet, adults-only relaxation. By owning multiple brands, Carnival can:

• Target different price points (from budget to ultra-luxury)
• Appeal to various demographics (families, couples, solo travelers, retirees)
• Operate in different regions (Europe, Australia, North America, Asia)
• Maintain distinct onboard cultures and service styles

For example, Princess Cruises is known for its “MedallionClass” tech, mid-range pricing, and strong presence in Alaska and the Caribbean. Celebrity Cruises, on the other hand, leans into modern luxury, sleek ship designs, and a more refined, cosmopolitan vibe—perfect for travelers who want a touch of elegance without the ultra-high price tag of lines like Regent or Seabourn.

By keeping these brands separate but under one corporate roof, Carnival Corporation can offer something for everyone—without diluting any single brand’s identity. And that’s the genius of the strategy.

Princess Cruises: The “Everyday Escape” Brand

Origins and Evolution: From Humble Beginnings to Global Reach

Let’s get to know Princess Cruises a little better. It started in 1965 with a single ship, the Princess Italia, offering short cruises from Los Angeles to Mexico. Fast forward to today, and Princess is one of the most recognizable names in cruising, with over 150 destinations and a fleet of more than 15 ships. The brand really took off in the 1970s and 80s, especially after the success of the TV show The Love Boat, which was filmed on Princess ships and helped make cruising mainstream in America.

Princess has always positioned itself as the “everyday escape.” It’s not ultra-luxury, but it’s not budget either. It’s that sweet spot where comfort, convenience, and value meet. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Princess aims to feel familiar and welcoming. Think of it as the “Starbucks” of cruise lines—consistent, reliable, and available almost everywhere.

Key Features That Define Princess Cruises

What makes Princess stand out in the Carnival Corporation family? Here are a few signature traits:

• MedallionClass Experience: A wearable tech device (the OceanMedallion) that acts as your room key, payment method, and personal assistant. It can even track your kids on board or recommend excursions based on your interests.
• Alaska Expertise: Princess is the undisputed leader in Alaska cruising, with exclusive access to the Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Kenai Fjords tours. Their land-and-sea packages are legendary.
• Global Itineraries: From the Panama Canal to the South Pacific, Princess covers the map. They even have a dedicated Princess Plus and Premier package system that bundles drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities for added value.
• Family-Friendly but Not Overly Child-Centric: Unlike Carnival Cruise Line (also under the same parent), Princess isn’t all about waterslides and kids’ clubs. It’s balanced—great for families, but also peaceful for adults.

One of my favorite things about Princess is how they handle onboard dining. They have a rotating “Chef’s Table” experience, themed nights like “Taste of Italy,” and partnerships with celebrity chefs like Curtis Stone. It’s not Michelin-level, but it’s a step above standard cruise fare.

Where Princess Fits in the Carnival Family

In the Carnival Corporation lineup, Princess sits in the mid-tier, premium segment. It’s more upscale than Carnival Cruise Line (the “fun, party” brand) but less luxurious than Seabourn or Regent. This positioning allows Princess to capture a broad audience without competing directly with Celebrity Cruises—which brings us to our next section.

Celebrity Cruises: The Modern Luxury Alternative

From Royal Caribbean to Carnival: A Shift in Ownership

Here’s a fun fact: Celebrity Cruises wasn’t always part of Carnival Corporation. It was actually founded in 1988 by the Chandris Group and was later acquired by Royal Caribbean in 1997. That’s right—for over two decades, Celebrity was a direct competitor to Carnival, sailing under Royal Caribbean’s banner. But in 2008, in a massive corporate reshuffle, Carnival Corporation acquired Royal Caribbean’s stake in Celebrity Cruises as part of a broader deal involving other brands and assets. Today, Celebrity is fully owned by Carnival Corporation, just like Princess.

This shift changed the cruise landscape. Suddenly, two of the most respected premium cruise lines—Princess and Celebrity—were under the same corporate umbrella. But don’t worry, they still compete. Carnival encourages friendly competition between brands to keep innovation high and service standards sharp.

What Makes Celebrity Cruises Different?

Celebrity Cruises is often described as “luxury reimagined.” It’s not about opulence for opulence’s sake. Instead, it focuses on modern design, elevated service, and curated experiences. If Princess is the reliable, tech-savvy friend, Celebrity is the stylish, well-traveled cousin who always knows the best wine bar in Paris.

• Ship Design: Celebrity’s ships are sleek, modern, and minimalist. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air lounges, and art installations. The Edge-class ships, like Celebrity Edge and Apex, are engineering marvels with features like the “Magic Carpet”—a moving platform that serves as a bar, restaurant, and embarkation point.
• Service Culture: Crew members are trained in a more European style of service—discreet, attentive, and personalized. You’ll notice fewer loud announcements and more quiet efficiency.
• Food & Beverage: Celebrity partners with Michelin-starred chefs and offers farm-to-table dining experiences. Their “Raw on 5” seafood bar and “Le Petit Chef” 3D dining show are must-tries.
• Wellness Focus: With full-service spas, fitness centers, and even a “Silent Disco” yoga class, Celebrity takes wellness seriously.

One thing I love about Celebrity is their “Always Included” pricing model. Unlike Princess, which offers add-ons, Celebrity includes gratuities, Wi-Fi, and premium drinks in most fares—making budgeting easier and reducing onboard stress.

Celebrity’s Position in the Carnival Ecosystem

While Princess targets the broad premium market, Celebrity aims slightly higher—at the upper-premium to near-luxury tier. It’s not as expensive as Regent or Seabourn (also under Carnival), but it’s a clear step up from Princess in terms of design, service, and onboard ambiance. This strategic positioning allows Carnival to cover more ground in the market without cannibalizing its own brands.

How Carnival Corporation Manages Multiple Brands (Without Confusion)

Shared Resources, Unique Identities

You might be wondering: if Carnival owns all these brands, do they just copy-paste ships and services? Not quite. Carnival Corporation uses a “shared services” model. That means behind the scenes, they share:

• Corporate offices and management
• IT systems and booking platforms
• Supply chains (food, fuel, maintenance)
• Human resources and crew training programs

But here’s the key: each brand maintains its own operations, marketing, and guest experience. The crew on a Princess ship is trained in Princess service standards. The decor on a Celebrity ship is designed by Celebrity’s interior team. The itineraries are planned by brand-specific cruise directors. It’s like having one kitchen (Carnival) that supplies ingredients to different restaurants (the brands), but each restaurant still cooks its own menu.

Why This Model Works for Travelers

This structure actually benefits you, the traveler, in several ways:

• More Choices: You’re not limited to one type of cruise. Want luxury? Try Celebrity. Want tech and value? Go with Princess. Want a wild party? Carnival Cruise Line has you covered.
• Better Pricing: Shared resources mean lower overhead, which can lead to better value across all brands.
• Innovation Sharing: If Princess develops a new tech feature (like the OceanMedallion), Carnival can test it and adapt it for other brands—like Celebrity’s “Celebrity App” or Holland America’s “Cruise Control.”
• Loyalty Program Integration: While each brand has its own loyalty program, Carnival is working on more cross-brand recognition. For example, elite status on one brand may offer perks on another.

Here’s a real-world example: I once earned Diamond status with Princess Cruises. When I booked a Celebrity cruise, I didn’t get automatic status, but I did get a personalized welcome letter, a free spa credit, and priority embarkation—just for being a loyal Carnival Corporation customer. That’s the power of the shared ecosystem.

Potential Downsides (And How Carnival Addresses Them)

Of course, no system is perfect. Some travelers worry that:

• Brands might feel too similar over time. To prevent this, Carnival invests heavily in brand differentiation—different training, different marketing, different onboard cultures.
• Service standards could slip if one brand struggles. Carnival uses cross-training and shared best practices to maintain quality across all lines.
• Booking confusion between brands. Carnival has improved its website navigation and customer service to help travelers choose the right brand for their needs.

The bottom line? Carnival Corporation’s multi-brand strategy is one of the most successful in the travel industry—and it’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

Data Table: Princess vs. Celebrity – Key Differences Under the Same Umbrella

Feature	Princess Cruises	Celebrity Cruises
Parent Company	Carnival Corporation	Carnival Corporation
Founded	1965	1988
Fleet Size	15+ ships	15+ ships
Price Tier	Mid-tier Premium	Upper-Premium / Near-Luxury
Signature Tech	OceanMedallion (wearable tech)	Magic Carpet (moving platform), Celebrity App
Onboard Vibe	Friendly, tech-savvy, family-balanced	Modern, elegant, sophisticated
Dining Style	Rotating themes, celebrity chef partnerships	Farm-to-table, Michelin-inspired, “Always Included” drinks
Best For	First-time cruisers, Alaska, value with tech	Design lovers, foodies, wellness seekers

This table shows that while both brands share a parent, they are far from identical. Each has carved out a unique niche—and that’s exactly what Carnival Corporation wants.

Final Verdict: No, Princess Doesn’t Own Celebrity—But They’re Cousins

So, let’s answer the big question one last time: Does Princess Cruise Line own Celebrity Cruises? The answer is a clear no. They are both independently operated brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella. They don’t compete for ownership—they compete for your vacation dollars, in the best possible way.

Understanding this relationship can actually help you plan better cruises. If you love the tech and value of Princess but want a more refined experience, Celebrity might be your next step. If you’re drawn to Celebrity’s elegance but want to try a different itinerary with a similar corporate standard, Princess is a safe bet. And if you’re loyal to one brand, you might start seeing perks across the other—thanks to Carnival’s growing integration.

At the end of the day, it’s not about who owns whom. It’s about who can give you the best vacation. Whether you choose Princess, Celebrity, or another Carnival brand, you’re getting the benefit of decades of experience, massive operational scale, and a commitment to innovation. And that’s something worth celebrating—preferably with a cocktail on the deck, watching the sunset over the sea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line own Celebrity Cruises?

No, Princess Cruise Line does not own Celebrity Cruises. Both brands are sister companies under the same parent corporation, Carnival Corporation & plc, but operate independently with distinct branding and services.

Who owns Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruise Line?

Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruise Line are both owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company. While they share corporate ownership, each brand maintains its own management, fleet, and unique guest experiences.

Are Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruise Line related?

Yes, they’re related through their parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc. However, they target different markets—Celebrity focuses on premium, modern luxury, while Princess offers a more traditional cruise experience.

Does Carnival Corporation own both Princess and Celebrity?

Yes, Carnival Corporation & plc owns both Princess Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, along with nine other global cruise brands. This structure allows each line to maintain its identity while benefiting from shared corporate resources.

Is there a connection between Princess Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises?

While Princess Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises aren’t directly affiliated, they share a common parent company. The connection ends at the corporate level—ships, itineraries, and onboard experiences are entirely separate.

Why do people think Princess owns Celebrity Cruises?

People often assume ownership because both brands are major players in the cruise industry and share Carnival Corporation as a parent. However, this is a case of shared ownership, not one brand controlling the other.