Is Princess Cruise Line Part of Royal Caribbean Find Out Here

No, Princess Cruise Line is not part of Royal Caribbean—they are separate, competing cruise brands under different parent companies. Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation, while Royal Caribbean operates under its own publicly traded parent company, making them industry rivals, not partners.

Key Takeaways

• Princess is not part of Royal Caribbean: They are separate brands under different parent companies.
• Both owned by Carnival Corp.: Princess and Royal Caribbean operate independently despite shared ownership.
• Unique brand identities: Princess focuses on elegance; Royal Caribbean emphasizes adventure and innovation.
• No shared loyalty programs: Cruise rewards are not transferable between the two lines.
• Fleet and routes differ: Choose based on destination preferences and onboard experience style.

Is Princess Cruise Line Part of Royal Caribbean? Find Out Here

When planning a dream cruise vacation, travelers often find themselves comparing the top cruise lines to determine which best suits their needs. Two names that frequently surface in these discussions are Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. Both are household names in the cruising world, known for their expansive fleets, innovative onboard experiences, and global itineraries. However, a common question arises: Is Princess Cruise Line part of Royal Caribbean?

The short answer is no—Princess Cruises is not a subsidiary or brand under Royal Caribbean. While both companies operate large-scale cruise vacations and compete in similar markets, they are owned by entirely different corporate parents and function as separate entities. Understanding the ownership structure, brand philosophies, and operational differences between these two cruise giants can help travelers make informed decisions. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, knowing who owns your cruise line can influence your experience, loyalty rewards, and even future vacation planning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the corporate structures, brand identities, fleet comparisons, and customer experiences to clarify the relationship (or lack thereof) between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how these two industry leaders operate—and why they’re not under the same umbrella.

Corporate Ownership: Who Owns Princess and Royal Caribbean?

The Parent Company of Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is a brand under Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Carnival Corporation operates 10 major cruise line brands across the globe, including:

• Princess Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• Seabourn
• Cunard
• P&O Cruises (UK and Australia)
• AIDA Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Fathom
• Ibero Cruceros

Founded in 1965 by Stanley McDonald, Princess Cruises was acquired by Carnival Corporation in 2003 for approximately $5.4 billion. Since then, it has operated as one of the corporation’s premium brands, targeting travelers seeking a more refined, destination-focused experience. Princess Cruises is particularly known for its MedallionClass technology, which uses a wearable OceanMedallion to personalize guest experiences, from room access to dining reservations and even onshore excursions.

The Parent Company of Royal Caribbean International

In contrast, Royal Caribbean International is a brand under Royal Caribbean Group (formerly Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.), a separate publicly traded company headquartered in Miami, Florida. Royal Caribbean Group owns and operates three main cruise lines:

• Royal Caribbean International
• Silversea Cruises (luxury)
• Hurtigruten Expeditions (adventure cruising)

Additionally, Royal Caribbean Group holds a 50% stake in TUI Cruises (Germany) and Pullmantur Cruises (Spain), though Pullmantur filed for bankruptcy in 2020. The group also owns a minority interest in SkySea Cruises, a China-focused joint venture with Ctrip (now Trip.com Group).

Royal Caribbean Group was founded in 1968 as a joint venture between three Norwegian shipping companies. It has since grown into one of the most innovative cruise corporations, known for its mega-ships like the Oasis and Icon classes, which feature groundbreaking amenities such as Central Park, zip lines, and robotic bartenders.

Key Takeaway: Separate Corporate Families

Despite both being major players in the cruise industry, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are not related through ownership. They belong to two distinct corporate families:

• Princess: Owned by Carnival Corporation
• Royal Caribbean: Owned by Royal Caribbean Group

This separation means they operate independently in terms of branding, marketing, loyalty programs, and fleet development. For example, Princess’s MedallionClass technology is exclusive to Carnival-owned brands, while Royal Caribbean’s Royal IQ app and Dynamic Dining concept are unique to its ecosystem.

Brand Identity and Target Audience: How Princess and Royal Caribbean Differ

Princess Cruises: The Destination Expert

Princess Cruises positions itself as the “destination expert” in the cruise industry. The brand emphasizes immersive travel experiences, particularly in regions like Alaska, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean. Its marketing often highlights:

• Local culture and cuisine—onboard chefs source ingredients from ports of call.
• Smaller ship sizes—many Princess ships can access ports too small for mega-ships.
• Onshore excursions—Princess partners with local tour operators for authentic experiences.
• MedallionNet—high-speed internet powered by Starlink, available on all MedallionClass ships.

Princess appeals to travelers who value relaxation, scenic cruising, and cultural immersion. For example, a 7-day Alaska cruise on the Emerald Princess includes scenic cruising through Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rangers from the National Park Service onboard to provide commentary.

Royal Caribbean: The Innovation and Entertainment Leader

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, brands itself as “the world’s most innovative cruise line.” It focuses on:

• Mega-ships with record-breaking features—e.g., the Harmony of the Seas has a 10-deck zip line.
• Onboard entertainment—Broadway shows, ice skating, and aqua-theaters.
• Family-friendly activities—surf simulators, rock climbing walls, and kids’ clubs.
• Dynamic Dining—guests can choose from multiple restaurants each night.

Royal Caribbean targets families, adventure seekers, and first-time cruisers who want non-stop entertainment. A 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Symphony of the Seas might include a stop in CocoCay (Royal Caribbean’s private island), where guests can enjoy a 135-foot-tall waterslide or a helium balloon ride.

Comparing the Experiences

Here’s how the two lines differ in real-world scenarios:

• Alaska Cruise: Princess offers “North to Alaska” programming with local experts and themed dining, while Royal Caribbean focuses on onboard activities like the North Star observation capsule.
• Caribbean Cruise: Royal Caribbean’s private islands (CocoCay, Labadee) offer adrenaline-pumping activities, while Princess emphasizes beach relaxation and cultural tours.
• Dining: Princess has a more traditional fixed-seating option, while Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining allows guests to dine at different restaurants nightly.

Tip: If you prioritize destination immersion, choose Princess. If you want non-stop fun and innovation, go with Royal Caribbean.

Fleet Comparison: Size, Innovation, and Amenities

Princess Cruises Fleet Overview

As of 2024, Princess Cruises operates 15 ships across four classes:

• Grand Class (e.g., Grand Princess) – 2,600 passengers
• Coral Class (e.g., Coral Princess) – 2,000 passengers
• Ruby Class (e.g., Ruby Princess) – 3,100 passengers
• Royal Class (e.g., Sky Princess) – 3,660 passengers

All ships feature MedallionClass technology, which includes:

• Contactless check-in and room access
• Personalized service (e.g., crew knows your drink order)
• On-demand food and drink delivery
• Interactive wayfinding via the OceanNow app

Notable amenities include the Princess Theater, Discovery at Sea (partnership with Discovery Channel), and MedallionNet (unlimited high-speed internet).

Royal Caribbean Fleet Overview

Royal Caribbean operates 27 ships across five classes, including the world’s largest cruise ships:

• Oasis Class (e.g., Symphony of the Seas) – 6,680 passengers
• Quantum Class (e.g., Anthem of the Seas) – 4,905 passengers
• Freedom Class (e.g., Freedom of the Seas) – 4,375 passengers
• Voyager Class (e.g., Voyager of the Seas) – 3,634 passengers
• Icon Class (e.g., Icon of the Seas, launching 2024) – 7,600 passengers

Royal Caribbean’s ships are known for cutting-edge features, such as:

• Central Park—an open-air garden with real trees and plants
• North Star—a glass capsule that lifts guests 300 feet above sea level
• Robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar
• FlowRider surf simulators

The Icon of the Seas, launching in 2024, will feature a 1,500-foot-long waterpark, a 360-degree pool, and a Central Park neighborhood with dining and shopping.

Fleet Comparison Table

Discovery at Sea

Princess Theater

OceanNow delivery

Broadway shows

FlowRider surf simulators

Ice skating

Feature	Princess Cruises	Royal Caribbean
Number of Ships	15	27
Largest Ship	Sky Princess (3,660 guests)	Icon of the Seas (7,600 guests)
Tech Innovation	MedallionClass (wearable tech)	Royal IQ app, North Star, Bionic Bar
Onboard Activities
Internet	MedallionNet (Starlink)	VOOM (high-speed internet)
Unique Feature	Destination-focused cruising	Mega-ships with neighborhoods

Loyalty Programs and Cross-Brand Benefits

Princess Cruises: Captain’s Circle

Princess Cruises’ loyalty program is called Captain’s Circle, with four tiers:

• Gold (1-12 cruise days)
• Ruby (13-24 cruise days)
• Platinum (25-74 cruise days)
• Elite (75+ cruise days)

Benefits include:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Free laundry service (Elite tier)
• Exclusive cocktail parties
• Discounts on shore excursions and spa treatments

Important: Captain’s Circle points are not transferable to other Carnival-owned brands (e.g., Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America). Each brand has its own loyalty program.

Royal Caribbean: Crown & Anchor Society

Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program is the Crown & Anchor Society, with six tiers:

• Bronze (1-7 cruise days)
• Silver (8-19 cruise days)
• Gold (20-39 cruise days)
• Platinum (40-79 cruise days)
• Emerald (80-119 cruise days)
• Diamond (120+ cruise days)

Benefits include:

• Priority boarding and tender service
• Free specialty dining (Diamond tier)
• Exclusive onboard events
• Discounts on future cruises

Note: Crown & Anchor points are not transferable to Silversea or other Royal Caribbean Group brands.

No Cross-Brand Benefits

Since Princess and Royal Caribbean are owned by separate corporations, there are no shared loyalty benefits. For example:

• A Platinum member in Captain’s Circle cannot use their status for priority boarding on a Royal Caribbean ship.
• Points earned on a Royal Caribbean cruise cannot be redeemed for a Princess cruise.

Tip: If you frequently cruise with both lines, consider joining both loyalty programs. However, focus on one brand if you want to reach higher tiers faster.

How to Choose Between Princess and Royal Caribbean

Ask Yourself These Questions

To decide which cruise line is right for you, consider:

• What type of vacation do I want?
  • For relaxation and scenic cruising: Princess
  • For adventure and entertainment: Royal Caribbean
• Who is traveling?
  • Families with kids: Royal Caribbean (more kid-friendly activities)
  • Couples or solo travelers: Princess (quieter, more intimate)
• Where do I want to go?
  • Alaska, Panama Canal: Princess (smaller ships, better access)
  • Caribbean, Mediterranean: Both (compare itineraries)
• How important is technology?
  • For wearable tech and personalized service: Princess
  • For app-based control and onboard innovations: Royal Caribbean

Practical Tips for Booking

• Book early: Both lines offer early booking discounts, but Royal Caribbean’s mega-ships sell out faster.
• Use a travel agent: They can compare pricing and promotions across both brands.
• Check for sales: Princess often runs “MedallionClass” deals, while Royal Caribbean has “Buy One, Get One Free” promotions.
• Read reviews: Look for recent passenger reviews on sites like Cruise Critic or TripAdvisor.

In summary, while Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are not part of the same company, they are both world-class cruise lines with unique strengths. Princess excels in destination-focused, technology-enhanced cruising, while Royal Caribbean leads in innovation, entertainment, and mega-ship experiences. By understanding their differences, you can choose the line that aligns with your vacation goals. Whether you’re sailing the Inside Passage on a Princess ship or zip-lining across the deck of a Royal Caribbean giant, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable journey—just under different corporate umbrellas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess Cruise Line part of Royal Caribbean?

No, Princess Cruise Line is not part of Royal Caribbean. It is actually a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, one of the world’s largest cruise companies, while Royal Caribbean operates under its own parent group, Royal Caribbean Group.

Who owns Princess Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean?

Princess Cruise Line is owned by Carnival Corporation, whereas Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. owns Royal Caribbean International. These two cruise giants are competitors and operate independently under separate corporate umbrellas.

Can I use Royal Caribbean loyalty points on Princess Cruise Line?

No, Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society points cannot be used on Princess Cruise Line. Since they belong to different parent companies, their loyalty programs are completely separate and not interchangeable.

Are Princess and Royal Caribbean ships built by the same company?

No, Princess and Royal Caribbean ships are typically constructed by different shipyards. While both may use major shipbuilders like Meyer Werft or Chantiers de l’Atlantique, their designs, contracts, and construction processes are managed independently.

Is Princess Cruise Line part of Royal Caribbean’s fleet expansion plans?

No, Princess Cruise Line is not involved in Royal Caribbean’s fleet plans. As a brand under Carnival Corporation, Princess develops its own ships and itineraries, separate from Royal Caribbean’s strategic growth initiatives.

Do Princess and Royal Caribbean share onboard amenities or partnerships?

Generally, no—Princess Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean do not share onboard amenities or formal partnerships due to their status as competing brands. Each maintains unique features, dining options, and entertainment tailored to their own customer base.