Is Princess a High End Cruise Line Find Out Here

Princess Cruises is not a luxury line, but a premium mid-tier cruise brand offering exceptional value with high-end touches. While it lacks the all-inclusive opulence of true luxury lines, Princess elevates the experience with gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and immersive destinations—making it a standout choice for travelers seeking upscale comfort without the ultra-premium price tag.

Key Takeaways

• Princess is mid-to-high end: Offers premium experiences without luxury pricing.
• MedallionClass tech: Enhances service with personalized, contactless convenience onboard.
• Diverse itineraries: Focuses on global destinations, including Alaska and Europe.
• Value-driven luxury: High-quality dining and entertainment at competitive rates.
• Not ultra-luxury: Lacks all-inclusive pricing and butler service like top-tier lines.
• Great for first-timers: Balances elegance with approachable, family-friendly amenities.

Is Princess a High End Cruise Line? Find Out Here

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the most important decisions travelers face is choosing the right cruise line. With so many options on the market—from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. One name that consistently appears in discussions of quality, service, and value is Princess Cruises. Known for its fleet of elegant ships, diverse itineraries, and a reputation for reliability, Princess has long been a favorite among both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers. But the question remains: Is Princess a high end cruise line?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While Princess Cruises doesn’t occupy the same tier as ultra-luxury brands like Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn, it occupies a unique space in the cruise industry—a premium mainstream line with many high-end features. It offers a blend of sophistication, comfort, and value that appeals to a broad demographic. From its award-winning service and immersive destination experiences to its innovative onboard amenities and culinary offerings, Princess Cruises has evolved into a brand that delivers a refined experience without the ultra-luxury price tag. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what sets Princess apart, compare it to other cruise lines, and help you determine whether it meets your definition of “high end.”

Understanding the Cruise Line Hierarchy: Where Does Princess Fit?

The Spectrum of Cruise Lines: From Budget to Ultra-Luxury

To answer whether Princess is a high end cruise line, we first need to understand the hierarchy of cruise brands. The cruise industry is broadly segmented into four categories:

• Budget/Value Lines (e.g., Carnival, Royal Caribbean): Focused on affordability, large ships, and entertainment-driven experiences. These lines prioritize volume and fun over refinement.
• Premium Mainstream Lines (e.g., Princess, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line): Offer a more polished experience than budget lines, with better food, more refined service, and a focus on destination immersion. These are ideal for travelers seeking a balance of quality and value.
• Premium/Luxury Lines (e.g., Oceania, Azamara): Higher price points, smaller ships, all-inclusive elements (like alcohol and gratuities), and a more personalized service model. These lines cater to travelers who want elegance and attention to detail.
• Ultra-Luxury Lines (e.g., Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea): All-inclusive, intimate ships, butler service, high staff-to-guest ratios, and gourmet dining. These are the pinnacle of cruise luxury, with prices to match.

Princess Cruises firmly resides in the premium mainstream category. While it doesn’t offer the all-inclusive, butler-serviced luxury of Regent or Seabourn, it surpasses budget lines in almost every aspect of the guest experience.

Princess Cruises: A Brand with a Legacy of Quality

Founded in 1965, Princess Cruises has grown into one of the most recognized names in cruising. It was the first cruise line to offer personalized destination experiences through its “MedallionClass” technology, which revolutionized onboard service. The brand is also known for its OceanMedallion—a wearable device that enables contactless boarding, keyless stateroom entry, and personalized recommendations—demonstrating a commitment to innovation that rivals even luxury lines.

Princess operates a fleet of 15 ships, including the Royal-class (e.g., Royal Princess, Regal Princess) and Sky-class (e.g., Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess) vessels, which feature modern design, enhanced public spaces, and advanced technology. These ships are larger than ultra-luxury vessels but maintain a level of elegance and service that positions them above standard mainstream lines.

Onboard Experience: Service, Dining, and Amenities

Service and Staff-to-Guest Ratio

One of the hallmarks of a high end cruise line is personalized service. While Princess Cruises doesn’t offer butler service in standard staterooms (a feature of ultra-luxury lines), it excels in consistent, attentive service. The staff-to-guest ratio on Princess ships is approximately 1:2.5, which is better than many mainstream lines (e.g., Carnival at 1:3.5) and approaches the ratios found on premium luxury lines.

Princess crew members undergo extensive training, and many are long-tenured employees who take pride in their roles. Guests frequently report that crew members remember their names, preferences, and even favorite drinks—creating a sense of familiarity and care. The MedallionClass system enhances this by enabling crew to anticipate needs before they’re voiced. For example, if you order a latte every morning at the International Café, the barista may have it ready before you even reach the counter.

Tip: To maximize service quality, book a suite or a higher-tier stateroom (e.g., Mini-Suite, Balcony, or Premium Balcony), where service tends to be even more personalized.

Dining: A Culinary Journey Across the Fleet

Dining is a critical factor in determining whether a cruise line is “high end.” Princess Cruises offers a multi-tiered culinary experience that rivals premium and even some luxury lines.

• Main Dining Room (MDR): Offers both traditional assigned seating and flexible “Anytime Dining.” The MDR menu changes daily and features gourmet dishes like pan-seared scallops, filet mignon, and lobster bisque. The quality of ingredients and presentation is noticeably higher than on budget lines.
• Specialty Restaurants: Princess has invested heavily in premium dining venues. Options include:
  • Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: Authentic Italian cuisine with handmade pasta and a curated wine list.
  • The Chef’s Table Lumière: A private, immersive dining experience with a multi-course menu and wine pairing, hosted by the ship’s executive chef (extra charge, but highly rated).
  • Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar: Fresh oysters, sushi, and ceviche with ocean views.
  • Steamers Seafood and Crab Shack: Casual but high-quality seafood with a New England flair.
• Casual and Complimentary Options: The International Café (24/7 coffee and pastries), Horizon Court buffet, and poolside grills offer variety without sacrificing quality. The buffet, while self-serve, is well-organized with fresh, rotating selections.

Example: On a 14-day Alaska cruise, a guest might enjoy lobster in the MDR one night, handmade ravioli at Sabatini’s the next, and a private wine-paired dinner at The Chef’s Table—all while never leaving the ship. This level of culinary diversity is a hallmark of premium and high-end lines.

Onboard Amenities and Entertainment

Princess ships are designed to impress. Key amenities include:

• The Piazza: A central atrium with a European-style café, live music, and a glass-walled elevator. This space is a social hub and a signature feature of Princess ships.
• Movies Under the Stars: A giant outdoor screen showing first-run films, concerts, and sports events, complete with popcorn and blankets.
• The Sanctuary: An adults-only retreat with plush loungers, massage services, and a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a standout feature that rivals similar spaces on luxury lines.
• Princess Live! Studio: A broadcast-quality theater for live cooking shows, game shows, and guest interviews.
• Enrichment Programs: Guest lecturers, art auctions, wine tastings, and destination-focused workshops (e.g., “Alaska’s Wildlife” or “Mediterranean Cuisine”).

Entertainment is polished and professional. Broadway-style shows, live music, and themed nights (e.g., “70s Disco Night”) are standard. While not as avant-garde as Royal Caribbean’s Aquatheater or as intimate as Seabourn’s small-ensemble performances, Princess’s entertainment is consistently high-quality and well-produced.

Accommodations: Comfort, Design, and Value

Stateroom Categories and Features

Princess offers a wide range of accommodations, from interior cabins to spacious suites. Here’s a breakdown of key categories:

Stateroom Type	Size (sq ft)	Key Features	Best For
Interior	160–180	Comfortable bedding, modern decor, MedallionClass access	Budget-conscious travelers, short cruises
Oceanview	160–180	Large picture window, natural light	Those who value daylight but not a balcony
Balcony	170–270 (incl. balcony)	Private veranda, outdoor seating, upgraded amenities	Most popular; ideal for couples and families
Mini-Suite	230–320 (incl. balcony)	Separate sleeping/living area, larger balcony, concierge service	Travelers seeking extra space and service
Suite (e.g., Vista, Reserve)	300–1,300	Butler service, priority embarkation, premium amenities, private dining access	High-end travelers, special occasions

While standard staterooms are comparable to other premium lines, suites on Princess ships offer features that blur the line between premium and luxury. For example, the Reserve Collection (available on select ships) includes:

• Butler service
• Private lounge access
• Priority reservations for dining and shore excursions
• Complimentary wine and canapés upon arrival
• Upgraded toiletries and linens

Tip: If you’re seeking a high-end experience without the ultra-luxury price, consider booking a Reserve Collection suite on a Princess cruise. The value proposition is excellent—often 30–40% less than a similar suite on a luxury line.

Design and Aesthetic

Princess ships feature a modern, elegant design with neutral palettes, high-quality materials (e.g., marble, wood, and glass), and subtle nautical touches. Unlike the flashy, theme-park-like decor of some mainstream lines, Princess opts for a sophisticated, timeless aesthetic. Public spaces are spacious and well-lit, with plenty of seating and quiet nooks for relaxation.

The Sky Princess (launched in 2019) exemplifies this approach, with its glass-walled elevators, open-air atrium, and expansive Sky Suites (over 1,000 sq ft with 270-degree views). The design prioritizes guest comfort and flow, making it feel less crowded than ships of similar size.

Destination Immersion and Shore Experiences

Itineraries: From Alaska to the Med

Princess Cruises is renowned for its destination-focused itineraries. Unlike budget lines that prioritize onboard entertainment, Princess emphasizes what you do when the ship docks. Key regions include:

• Alaska: Princess operates the “North to Alaska” program, with ships docking in small ports like Skagway and Haines. The line owns the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, offering land extensions to the interior.
• Mediterranean: Itineraries often include overnight stays in ports like Venice, Barcelona, and Athens, allowing deeper exploration.
• Scandinavia & Northern Europe: Visits to fjords, St. Petersburg, and the Norwegian coast.
• Asia & Australia: Routes through Japan, Southeast Asia, and the South Pacific.

Princess also offers Expedition Cruises on the Oceania Cruises-operated Seabourn Venture-class ships (under a partnership), providing access to Antarctica and the Arctic—experiences typically reserved for ultra-luxury lines.

Shore Excursions and Enrichment

Princess’s shore excursions are curated by local experts and range from cultural tours (e.g., “Taj Mahal at Sunrise”) to active adventures (e.g., “Ziplining in Costa Rica”). The line also offers:

• Discovery at SEA: Excursions in partnership with Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, focusing on wildlife, culture, and history.
• Local Connections: Tours led by residents (e.g., a cooking class in Tuscany or a street art walk in Lisbon).
• Private Excursions: Custom tours for small groups, available for an additional fee.

Tip: Book shore excursions early—popular options (e.g., glacier helicopter tours in Alaska) sell out quickly. Use the MedallionClass app to pre-book and receive real-time updates.

Value Proposition: Is Princess Worth the Price?

Pricing and Inclusions

Princess Cruises is not the cheapest option, but it offers exceptional value for the price. A 7-night Caribbean cruise in a balcony stateroom starts around $1,200–$1,800 per person, depending on season and promotions. This includes:

• Accommodations
• All main dining and most casual dining
• Entertainment and enrichment programs
• Use of pools, fitness center, and sports courts
• MedallionClass technology and app

Extras like specialty dining, alcohol, gratuities, and shore excursions are not included—a standard practice across premium lines. However, Princess offers several value-added packages:

• Princess Plus: For $60/day per person, includes Wi-Fi, premium drinks, and gratuities.
• Princess Premier: For $80/day per person, adds specialty dining, photo packages, and fitness classes.

Compared to luxury lines (where a 7-night cruise can cost $3,000–$6,000+ per person all-inclusive), Princess delivers a similar experience at half the price. For example, a balcony stateroom on a Princess Alaska cruise offers glacier views and wildlife sightings comparable to a Regent or Seabourn itinerary—but with a more accessible price point.

Target Audience: Who Should Cruise with Princess?

Princess Cruises is ideal for:

• First-time cruisers who want a polished, stress-free experience.
• Families with teens and adults (kids’ clubs are good, but not as extensive as Carnival).
• Empty nesters and retirees seeking comfort, culture, and destination immersion.
• Travelers who value innovation (e.g., MedallionClass, OceanReady check-in).

It’s less suited for those who demand all-inclusive luxury or ultra-exclusive experiences. If you want butler service, caviar at every meal, or a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, you’ll need to look at Regent or Seabourn. But if you want a refined, high-quality cruise with excellent service, diverse dining, and immersive destinations—all at a fair price—Princess is a top contender.

Conclusion: Is Princess a High End Cruise Line?

So, is Princess a high end cruise line? The answer is a nuanced yes and no. Princess Cruises doesn’t occupy the ultra-luxury tier, but it far exceeds the standards of mainstream budget lines. It delivers a premium experience with many high-end features: elegant design, attentive service, gourmet dining, innovative technology, and destination-focused itineraries. For travelers seeking sophistication without the six-figure price tag, Princess offers an exceptional balance of luxury, value, and reliability.

In the hierarchy of cruising, Princess sits at the top of the premium mainstream segment—a tier that’s increasingly blurred with true luxury. With its Reserve Collection suites, MedallionClass service, and curated shore experiences, Princess provides a high-end experience that’s accessible to a broad audience. Whether you’re sailing through Alaska’s glaciers, exploring the Mediterranean’s ancient ports, or relaxing in The Sanctuary under the stars, Princess Cruises proves that high-end doesn’t have to mean ultra-luxury. It’s a brand that understands the modern traveler: one who values comfort, culture, and care—without sacrificing the joy of discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess a high end cruise line?

Princess Cruises is considered a premium, upper-mid-tier cruise line rather than a true luxury (high end) brand. While it offers upscale amenities, exceptional service, and refined dining, it focuses more on value-driven luxury than the ultra-exclusive experience of lines like Regent or Seabourn.

How does Princess Cruises compare to high end cruise lines?

Compared to high end cruise lines, Princess provides a more accessible luxury experience with fewer inclusions (e.g., gratuities, premium drinks) but more affordability. It excels in destination immersion and modern onboard experiences, striking a balance between premium and mainstream cruising.

Does Princess Cruises offer high end amenities?

Yes, Princess Cruises features high end amenities like gourmet dining (e.g., Chef’s Table Lumière), spacious suites, the Sanctuary retreat area, and enrichment programs. However, these are often à la carte rather than fully inclusive, distinguishing it from true luxury lines.

Is Princess Cruises’ service on par with high end cruise lines?

Princess delivers attentive, polished service, especially in premium areas like the Concierge and Suite areas. While service is highly rated, it may not match the ultra-personalized, staff-to-guest ratio of high end lines like Crystal or Silversea.

What makes Princess Cruises different from other high end options?

Princess stands out with its focus on destination-rich itineraries, immersive onboard activities (e.g., Discovery at SEA), and a more casual-yet-elegant atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a refined experience without the formality or price tag of high end brands.

Are Princess Cruises’ suites considered high end?

Princess’ suites (e.g., Sky Suites, Reserve Collection) offer high end touches like butler service, exclusive lounges, and premium bedding. While luxurious, they’re more competitively priced than suites on ultra-luxury lines, making them a great value for the category.