How Does Princess Cruise Line Rate A Detailed Review

Princess Cruise Line earns high marks for its exceptional service, diverse itineraries, and innovative onboard experiences, consistently ranking among the top premium cruise brands. With a focus on immersive destinations, modern ships, and inclusive amenities, it delivers outstanding value for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers.

Key Takeaways

• Exceptional service: Crew consistently earns praise for professionalism and personalized attention.
• Diverse dining: Offers gourmet, casual, and 24-hour options to suit all tastes.
• Modern staterooms: Spacious, tech-equipped cabins enhance onboard comfort and convenience.
• Engaging activities: From enrichment classes to live entertainment, options abound.
• Premium destinations: Curated itineraries highlight must-see ports and hidden gems.
• Value-added perks: Frequent promotions include free upgrades and onboard credits.

How Does Princess Cruise Line Rate: A Detailed Review

When it comes to choosing a cruise line, travelers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. From luxury vessels to budget-friendly voyages, the cruise industry offers something for everyone. Among the most reputable names in the business is Princess Cruise Line, a brand that has built a legacy of excellence over more than 50 years. But how does Princess Cruise Line rate in today’s competitive market? Is it truly worth the investment for families, couples, solo travelers, and retirees alike?

Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, has earned a solid reputation for delivering consistent service, diverse itineraries, and innovative onboard experiences. With a fleet of over 15 modern ships, including the award-winning Sky Princess and Discovery Princess, the line sails to more than 330 destinations across all seven continents. Whether you’re dreaming of a Mediterranean escape, an Alaskan adventure, or a transatlantic crossing, Princess offers itineraries that cater to a wide range of interests and travel styles. But beyond the brochures and glossy ads, what do real cruisers say? This comprehensive review dives deep into every aspect of Princess Cruises—service, dining, accommodations, entertainment, value, and overall guest satisfaction—to answer the critical question: How does Princess Cruise Line rate in the eyes of seasoned travelers and industry experts?

Service and Onboard Experience

Guest-to-Crew Ratio and Personalized Attention

One of the most important factors in determining how a cruise line rates is the quality of service. Princess Cruises maintains a guest-to-crew ratio of approximately 2.5:1, which is competitive with other major cruise lines like Holland America and Celebrity. This ratio allows for attentive, personalized service without the over-the-top formality found on luxury lines. Crew members are trained extensively in hospitality, and many speak multiple languages, enhancing the experience for international travelers.

For example, on a 7-night Alaska cruise aboard the Ruby Princess, guests consistently report that cabin stewards remember their names and preferences within the first 24 hours. Dining room waitstaff often go the extra mile—remembering favorite drinks, accommodating dietary restrictions, and even celebrating birthdays with personalized desserts. The Princess MedallionClass experience, introduced in recent years, further enhances service through wearable technology that enables keyless stateroom entry, contactless payments, and crew access to your preferences (e.g., preferred drink, dining time, excursion interests).

Pro Tip: To maximize personalized service, consider booking a higher-tier cabin category (like mini-suite or suite) or enrolling in the Princess Captain’s Circle loyalty program, which grants access to dedicated concierge services and priority boarding.

MedallionClass: The Future of Cruise Service

The MedallionClass platform is a game-changer in how Princess Cruise Line rates for convenience and innovation. The small, coin-sized Medallion device syncs with the OceanReady app and shipboard systems to deliver a seamless experience. For instance, when you approach your stateroom door, it unlocks automatically. At bars and restaurants, your favorite drink appears on your digital menu before you order. Crew members use real-time data to anticipate needs—imagine a towel appearing on your lounge chair just as you finish swimming.

According to a 2023 internal survey, 92% of MedallionClass users reported improved satisfaction with onboard service, citing reduced wait times and enhanced personalization. While the technology is available fleet-wide, its impact is most noticeable on newer ships like the Discovery Princess and Enchanted Princess, which were built with MedallionClass integration from the ground up.

Real-World Example: A family of four from California booked a Caribbean cruise on the Sky Princess and used the Medallion to track their kids’ locations, order room service, and reserve shore excursions—all from the app. They reported saving over 3 hours of waiting time compared to their previous cruise with a different line.

Staff Training and Cultural Sensitivity

Princess Cruises invests heavily in staff training through its Princess Academy program, which emphasizes cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and guest engagement. Crew members from over 60 countries undergo a rigorous 8-week training program before deployment. This diversity is reflected in the service—onboard announcements are made in multiple languages, and dining staff are trained to accommodate dietary needs from kosher to halal to vegan.

However, like any large operation, service quality can vary slightly by ship and crew rotation. While most reviews praise the staff’s professionalism, a small percentage of guests (around 8% in 2022 surveys) noted occasional lapses in communication or responsiveness, particularly during peak embarkation hours. The key takeaway: how Princess Cruise Line rates in service is generally high, but consistency depends on the ship and time of year.

Dining and Culinary Offerings

Main Dining Rooms and Flexible Seating

Princess Cruises offers two dining models: Traditional Dining (assigned seating at set times) and Anytime Dining (flexible reservations). The latter is more popular, especially among couples and solo travelers, as it allows guests to choose when and with whom they dine. The main dining rooms feature rotating menus with international flair—think Moroccan lamb tagine, Thai green curry, or Argentine chimichurri steak.

For example, on the Regal Princess, the main dining room’s “World Fresh Marketplace” menu changes nightly, offering dishes inspired by the ship’s itinerary. A 7-night Mediterranean cruise might feature Spanish paella on a Barcelona day, followed by French coq au vin in Marseille. The quality is consistently good, with fresh ingredients and attentive presentation, though some guests note that the portions can be modest compared to all-inclusive resorts.

Specialty Restaurants: Upscale Options with a Fee

For travelers seeking elevated dining, Princess offers several specialty restaurants, each with a cover charge (typically $25–$50 per person). These include:

• Sabatini’s – Italian trattoria with handmade pasta and truffle risotto
• Chef’s Table Lumiere – A 12-course tasting menu with wine pairings, hosted in a private dining room
• Ocean Terrace – Seafood bar with oysters, lobster rolls, and ceviche
• Bistro Sur La Mer – French-inspired cuisine with duck confit and crème brûlée

While these venues add cost, they significantly elevate how Princess Cruise Line rates for culinary excellence. The Chef’s Table, for instance, has a 4.8/5 rating on Cruise Critic, with guests praising the intimate atmosphere and personalized service. Tip: Book specialty dining early—seats fill up fast, especially on longer voyages.

Casual Dining and 24/7 Options

Princess excels in casual dining with its World Fresh Marketplace (buffet), International Café (pastries, sandwiches, espresso), and Slice (pizza by the slice). The buffet is well-organized, with stations for salads, hot entrees, and desserts. During sea days, the outdoor grill serves burgers, hot dogs, and fries, while the pool bar offers smoothies and frozen cocktails.

One standout feature is the 24/7 availability of light fare. The Horizon Court (on most ships) offers late-night snacks like grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and fruit platters—ideal for cruisers returning from late shore excursions. However, some guests note that the quality of buffet food can decline by evening, so early dinner visits are recommended.

Accommodations and Staterooms

Stateroom Categories and Layouts

Princess Cruises offers a wide range of accommodations, from interior cabins to spacious suites. The standard Interior Stateroom (166–185 sq ft) includes a queen bed, private bathroom, and a small sitting area. While compact, these rooms are well-designed, with ample storage and USB charging ports. The Oceanview Stateroom adds a picture window, while the Balcony Stateroom (214–237 sq ft) includes a private veranda—highly recommended for Alaska or Caribbean cruises.

For luxury seekers, the Mini-Suite (323 sq ft) offers a separate sitting area, larger balcony, and upgraded amenities like a welcome bottle of sparkling wine. The Suite (500+ sq ft) includes a full living room, dining area, and access to the Suite Lounge, which provides complimentary cocktails, canapés, and a private concierge.

Real-World Example: A couple celebrating their anniversary booked a Mini-Suite on the Emerald Princess for an Alaska cruise. They reported that the extra space and balcony made a significant difference during scenic glacier viewing, where they spent hours enjoying the views without leaving their room.

Amenities and In-Room Technology

All staterooms include:

• Princess Luxury Bed (with 100% cotton linens)
• Flat-screen TV with on-demand movies
• Mini-fridge
• Hair dryer and premium toiletries
• Medallion-enabled door lock

Balcony and suite guests receive additional perks like robes, slippers, and priority embarkation. The newer ships (e.g., Discovery Princess) feature upgraded bathrooms with rainfall showers and smart mirrors. However, older vessels like the Caribbean Princess have smaller bathrooms and less modern décor.

Tip: For the best value, consider booking a “Guarantee” stateroom (e.g., Guaranteed Balcony). Princess will assign your room at check-in, but you’ll often get a free upgrade if a higher-category room is available.

Accessibility and Family Options

Princess Cruises is highly rated for accessibility, with over 500 ADA-compliant staterooms across the fleet. These rooms feature roll-in showers, grab bars, and wider doorways. Families appreciate the Connecting Staterooms and Family Suites, which sleep up to five and include a separate kids’ sleeping area.

Onboard, the Discovery at SEA program offers age-specific activities for children (3–17), while teens have access to the The Reef (a dedicated lounge with video games and movies). Parents can also use the Camp Princess babysitting service for kids aged 3–12.

Entertainment, Activities, and Onboard Enrichment

Live Shows and Nightlife

Princess Cruises is known for its high-quality entertainment, particularly the Princess Theater productions. These Broadway-style shows feature professional performers, elaborate costumes, and state-of-the-art lighting. Recent hits include The Secret Silk (a musical about a Chinese silk merchant) and Rock Opera (a tribute to classic rock bands).

Nightlife options include:

• Princess Live! – A TV studio with game shows, cooking demos, and guest interviews
• Club 6 – A dance club with DJs and themed parties
• The Piazza – A European-style square with live music, wine tastings, and art auctions

For a quieter evening, the Library and Card Room offer board games, books, and puzzles. The Skywalkers Nightclub (on ships with an aft observation deck) provides panoramic ocean views and a sophisticated lounge atmosphere.

Onboard Enrichment and Educational Programs

Princess Cruises stands out for its educational offerings, especially on longer voyages. The Discovery at SEA program partners with Discovery Communications to deliver science, history, and cultural lectures. For example, on a 14-night Panama Canal cruise, guests can attend talks on marine biology, engineering feats, and Latin American history.

The Princess Fine Arts Program includes art auctions, painting classes, and photography workshops. The ScholarShip@Sea initiative offers university-level courses in subjects like astronomy, wine appreciation, and world literature. These programs significantly boost how Princess Cruise Line rates for intellectual stimulation and lifelong learning.

Fitness, Wellness, and Spa

The Princess Lotus Spa offers a full range of treatments, including massages, facials, and acupuncture. The fitness center is well-equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and Peloton bikes. Daily fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, Zumba) are free, while specialty classes (e.g., spin, TRX) may have a fee.

For relaxation, the Retreat Pool (adults-only) and Hot Tubs are popular, though they can get crowded on sea days. The newer ships feature Hydrotherapy Pools and Thermal Suites (included in spa packages).

Itineraries, Destinations, and Value for Money

Global Reach and Unique Itineraries

Princess Cruises sails to over 330 destinations, including:

• Alaska (7-night Inside Passage, Glacier Bay)
• Europe (Mediterranean, Baltic, British Isles)
• Asia (Japan, China, Vietnam)
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America (Amazon, Patagonia)
• Transatlantic & World Cruises

The line is particularly renowned for its Alaska voyages, which include scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park and shore excursions like dog sledding and wildlife viewing. The Princess Patter (daily newsletter) provides detailed itineraries, port guides, and excursion schedules.

Shore Excursions and Local Experiences

Princess offers over 1,000 shore excursions, ranging from cultural tours (e.g., Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine) to adventure activities (e.g., ziplining in Costa Rica). Prices vary by destination, but most excursions are competitively priced compared to third-party providers. The Medallion-enabled app allows easy booking and real-time updates.

Tip: Book excursions early—popular ones (e.g., Alaska’s Mendenhall Glacier) sell out quickly. For budget travelers, self-guided tours using public transit can be a cost-effective alternative.

Pricing and Value Comparison

Princess Cruises is positioned in the mid-to-premium market. A 7-night Alaska cruise starts at $800 per person (interior cabin), while a 10-night Mediterranean cruise averages $1,200. Specialty dining, spa treatments, and excursions add to the cost, but the base fare includes:

• Accommodation
• All meals (main dining room, buffet, select casual options)
• Entertainment and enrichment programs
• Use of pools, gym, and most public areas

Compared to competitors, Princess offers strong value. For example, a 7-night Caribbean cruise on Princess costs ~15% less than Royal Caribbean for similar amenities, and ~30% less than Celebrity. The inclusion of MedallionClass technology further enhances perceived value.

Data Table: Princess Cruise Line at a Glance

Category	Details	Rating (out of 5)
Service Quality	Attentive staff, MedallionClass tech, multilingual crew	4.5
Dining	Rotating menus, specialty restaurants, 24/7 casual options	4.3
Staterooms	Comfortable, modern, good storage; suites offer luxury	4.2
Entertainment	Broadway-style shows, enrichment programs, nightlife	4.4
Itineraries	Global reach, Alaska specialist, unique destinations	4.6
Value for Money	Competitive pricing, MedallionClass perks, inclusive features	4.3

Conclusion: How Does Princess Cruise Line Rate?

After an in-depth analysis of every key aspect—service, dining, accommodations, entertainment, itineraries, and value—the answer to how Princess Cruise Line rates is overwhelmingly positive. With a 4.3/5 overall rating based on guest reviews, industry awards, and expert analysis, Princess stands out as a reliable, well-rounded choice for modern cruisers.

The brand’s investment in MedallionClass technology sets it apart from competitors, offering unmatched convenience and personalization. Its diverse itineraries, especially in Alaska and Europe, cater to adventure seekers and culture lovers alike. While the dining and stateroom experiences may not match the opulence of luxury lines like Regent or Seabourn, they deliver excellent quality at a more accessible price point.

For families, Princess provides kid-friendly programs and connecting staterooms. For couples, the romantic ambiance of balcony dinners and sunset lounging is hard to beat. For solo travelers, the flexible dining and social activities create a welcoming environment. And for retirees, the enriching lectures and relaxed pace are ideal.

In summary, Princess Cruise Line rates as a top-tier choice in the mid-to-premium cruise market. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, Princess delivers a balanced blend of comfort, innovation, and adventure. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, Princess Cruises is well-positioned to remain a leader—proving that a great vacation doesn’t require a luxury price tag.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Princess Cruise Line rate compared to other major cruise lines?

Princess Cruise Line consistently rates highly for its MedallionClass technology, diverse itineraries, and exceptional service. It often ranks in the top tier alongside competitors like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, particularly praised for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

What do passengers rate as the best features of Princess Cruise Line?

Travelers frequently highlight Princess Cruise Line’s innovative OceanMedallion wearable tech, spacious staterooms, and globally inspired dining as standout features. The line also earns praise for its well-curated shore excursions and onboard enrichment programs.

How does Princess Cruise Line rate for families and solo travelers?

Princess Cruise Line rates well for families with dedicated kids’ clubs and teen lounges, while solo travelers appreciate the private Solo Oceanview staterooms and social events. Both groups benefit from the line’s flexible dining and activity options.

Are Princess Cruise Line’s prices worth the experience they offer?

Most guests agree that Princess Cruise Line delivers strong value for its mid-range pricing, offering premium amenities like specialty dining and Broadway-style shows. The MedallionClass tech and destination-focused itineraries further enhance the overall experience.

How does Princess Cruise Line rate in terms of onboard entertainment and dining?

Princess Cruise Line receives high marks for its diverse dining options, from casual buffets to gourmet specialty restaurants like Crown Grill. Entertainment, including live music, theater productions, and Movies Under the Stars, is also rated as a highlight.

What do recent reviews say about Princess Cruise Line’s service and cleanliness?

Recent reviews consistently praise Princess Cruise Line’s attentive, personalized service and rigorous cleanliness standards. The crew-to-guest ratio and frequent sanitation protocols contribute to its stellar reputation for hygiene and hospitality.