Is Princess Cruise Line Still Operating Find Out Now

Yes, Princess Cruise Line is fully operational and sailing worldwide, offering a wide range of itineraries across popular destinations like the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe. Despite past pandemic-related pauses, the cruise line has resumed normal operations, with enhanced health protocols and exciting new voyages for 2024 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Princess Cruises is fully operational with global itineraries post-pandemic.
• Check official website for real-time sailing schedules and updates.
• Health protocols remain but vary by destination; verify before booking.
• New ships like Sun Princess launched in 2024 confirm ongoing operations.
• Refund policies are flexible; review terms to avoid cancellation fees.
• Book early for deals as demand surges on popular routes.

Is Princess Cruise Line Still Operating? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been dreaming of sailing the Caribbean, exploring Alaska’s icy fjords, or island-hopping through the South Pacific, you’ve probably considered Princess Cruise Line. Known for its elegant ships, immersive itineraries, and the famous “Movies Under the Stars” experience, Princess has long been a favorite among seasoned cruisers and first-timers alike. But with recent global events, travel restrictions, and shifting industry dynamics, you might be wondering: Is Princess Cruise Line still operating?

The short answer? Yes, absolutely. Princess Cruises is not only still in business but has made a strong comeback since the pandemic pause. In fact, the cruise line has not only resumed full operations but is expanding its fleet, enhancing guest experiences, and launching exciting new itineraries. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or simply curious about the state of the cruise industry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from current sailing status and safety measures to future plans and real traveler experiences. Think of this as your friendly, no-nonsense update from someone who’s followed the waves closely.

Current Status: Princess Cruise Line Is Back and Sailing Strong

Full Operations Resumed in 2022

After a 16-month pause due to the global health crisis, Princess Cruises officially resumed operations in July 2022. The first ship to return to service was the Regal Princess, which set sail from Southampton, UK, marking the beginning of a phased return. Since then, the entire fleet—over 15 ships—has been gradually reintroduced, with most vessels now operating at or near full capacity.

The cruise line adopted a “cruise with confidence” approach, working closely with health authorities like the CDC and WHO to implement strict health and safety protocols. These included enhanced sanitation, improved air filtration, and pre-boarding health screenings. While some measures have relaxed as conditions improved, Princess continues to monitor global health trends and adjust policies accordingly.

Where Are They Sailing Now?

Princess is currently offering a wide range of itineraries across all major cruise regions. Here’s a snapshot of where you can find their ships today:

• Caribbean: Ships like the Emerald Princess and Sky Princess sail from Ft. Lauderdale, offering 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean routes with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and St. Thomas.

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• Alaska: A fan favorite, the Alaska season runs from May to September. The Grand Princess and Ruby Princess operate round-trip voyages from Seattle, visiting Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay.

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• Mediterranean: The Enchanted Princess and Regal Princess cruise from Barcelona, Rome, and Athens, exploring ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Spain.
• South Pacific & Hawaii: The Grand Princess also offers longer 14- to 21-day voyages from Los Angeles to Hawaii and French Polynesia.
• Transatlantic & Repositioning Cruises: Seasonal sailings connect continents, like the Discovery Princess crossing from Southampton to New York in the fall.

One thing I love about Princess is how they balance classic routes with new destinations. For example, they’ve recently added stops in the Azores and Greenland, giving adventurous travelers something fresh to explore.

Real-Time Updates and Flexibility

Princess Cruises understands that travel plans can change. That’s why they’ve kept their “Cruise with Confidence” policy in place, allowing guests to cancel up to 30 days before departure for a full refund or future cruise credit. This flexibility has been a major reason why many travelers feel confident booking with them again.

For the most up-to-date sailing schedules, I recommend checking the official Princess Cruises website or signing up for their email alerts. You can also use their interactive ship tracker to see where each vessel is in real time—super handy if you’re tracking a specific ship or itinerary.

What’s New in 2024: Fleet Updates, Technology, and Onboard Experiences

Fleet Expansion with the Sun Princess

One of the most exciting developments for Princess in 2024 is the launch of the Sun Princess, the first of a new class of LNG-powered (liquefied natural gas) ships. This eco-friendly vessel is not only larger—capable of carrying over 4,300 guests—but also features cutting-edge design and technology.

The Sun Princess debuted in February 2024 with a transatlantic voyage from Rome to Ft. Lauderdale, followed by a series of Caribbean sailings. It’s the first Princess ship built from the ground up with sustainability in mind, using cleaner fuel, energy-efficient systems, and reduced emissions. If you care about the environmental impact of cruising, this is a big step forward.

Tech Upgrades: Smarter, More Connected Cruising

Princess has invested heavily in technology to enhance the guest experience. One standout feature is the Princess MedallionClass experience, which uses a wearable device (the Medallion) to streamline nearly every aspect of the cruise:

• Keyless stateroom entry
• Contactless payments for drinks, excursions, and shopping
• Personalized service (your favorite drink waiting at the bar when you arrive)
• Real-time location tracking for family members (great for parents)
• On-demand food and drink delivery anywhere on the ship

During my last cruise on the Sky Princess, I used the Medallion to order a margarita by the pool—no standing in line, no fumbling with cards. It arrived in under five minutes. It’s these little touches that make a big difference, especially when you’re trying to relax.

Onboard Experiences: More Than Just a Cruise

Princess has always been about creating memorable experiences, and 2024 is no exception. Here are a few new or enhanced offerings:

• Movies Under the Stars: Still going strong! The 300-square-foot LED screen by the pool hosts nightly films, concerts, and even live sporting events. Bring a blanket and enjoy.
• Discovery at SEA: Partnering with Discovery Channel, Princess offers themed activities like shark dives, behind-the-scenes ship tours, and wildlife talks.
• Princess Live!: A state-of-the-art theater that hosts cooking demos, game shows, and live performances. I caught a hilarious comedy show here that had the whole audience in stitches.
• Enhanced Dining Options: The new Sun Princess features a 360-degree dining experience called “The Piazza,” with rotating menus and live music. Even on older ships, they’ve added more specialty dining, like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill.

One tip from my experience: book specialty dining early. These reservations fill up fast, especially on sea days.

Health, Safety, and Peace of Mind: What Princess Is Doing Differently

Health Protocols That Actually Work

After the pandemic, safety became non-negotiable for cruisers. Princess responded with a comprehensive health strategy called “MedallionClean”, which includes:

• Hospital-grade HEPA air filtration in all public areas and staterooms
• Enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces every 30 minutes
• Medical centers with isolation rooms and telemedicine capabilities
• Rapid testing on board for symptomatic guests

While masks are no longer mandatory, they’re available upon request, and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. I appreciated how unobtrusive the measures felt—clean, safe, but not overwhelming.

Vaccination and Testing Requirements

As of 2024, Princess Cruises no longer requires all guests to be vaccinated, but policies vary by itinerary and port of departure. For example:

• US-based sailings: Fully vaccinated guests are recommended, but not required. Unvaccinated guests may need to provide a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding.
• International sailings (e.g., Europe, Asia): Some destinations still require proof of vaccination. Always check the Princess health and safety page before booking.

Pro tip: Even if not required, I still recommend being up to date on vaccines. It just makes the experience smoother, especially when visiting ports with stricter rules.

Travel Insurance and Flexibility

Princess partners with Allianz to offer comprehensive travel insurance. Their “Cancel for Any Reason” add-on is especially popular, giving you a 75% refund even if you cancel at the last minute. I’ve used it twice—once when my flight got delayed and once when a family emergency came up. It’s worth the extra cost for peace of mind.

Also, their “Future Cruise Credit” policy is generous. If your cruise is canceled by the line, you get 100% back as credit, plus a 25% bonus toward your next booking. That’s a big incentive to rebook.

What Travelers Are Saying: Real Reviews and Experiences

Positive Feedback: Why People Keep Coming Back

I’ve read hundreds of reviews, and the consensus is clear: Princess is doing a great job post-pandemic. Here’s what travelers consistently praise:

• Service with a Smile: Crew members are attentive, friendly, and often go above and beyond. I once saw a steward help a guest with mobility issues get to the dining room—no request too small.
• Cleanliness: Multiple reviews mention how spotless the ships are, even on full sailings.
• Variety of Activities: Whether you want to relax by the pool, take a cooking class, or try rock climbing (yes, they have that on some ships), there’s something for everyone.
• Value for Money: Compared to luxury lines, Princess offers a lot of included amenities—like soft drinks, coffee, and basic entertainment—for a mid-range price.

One reviewer on Cruise Critic wrote: “We’ve sailed with Princess five times, and the service has only gotten better. The Medallion system is a game-changer.”

Common Criticisms (And How Princess Is Addressing Them)

No cruise line is perfect, and Princess has its share of critiques. Here are the most common ones—and how the company is responding:

• Overcrowding on Sea Days: Some guests report crowded pools and dining areas. Response: Princess has added more deck space on newer ships and expanded dining hours to reduce peak-time congestion.
• Excursion Pricing: Shore excursions can be pricey. Response: They’ve introduced more budget-friendly options and partnered with local operators to offer competitive rates.
• Wi-Fi Speed: Internet can be slow, especially in remote areas. Response: They’re rolling out Starlink satellite internet on all ships by 2025, which should dramatically improve connectivity.

One thing I noticed: when complaints arise, Princess often responds directly on review platforms, offering solutions or future credits. That kind of accountability goes a long way.

Looking Ahead: Princess Cruises’ Future Plans and Industry Outlook

Upcoming Ships and Itineraries

Princess isn’t slowing down. The next major launch is the Star Princess, scheduled for 2025. It’ll be even larger than the Sun Princess, with new dining concepts, a larger spa, and expanded family-friendly areas.

On the itinerary front, Princess is expanding into:

• Greenland & Iceland: New summer 2024 voyages from Boston to Reykjavik, with stops in Nuuk and Ilulissat.
• Japan & Southeast Asia: A 14-day “Jewels of Japan” cruise in 2025, visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa.
• Australia & New Zealand: Year-round sailings from Sydney and Auckland, including a new 21-day “Great Barrier Reef Adventure.”

Sustainability and Innovation

Princess is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. By 2030, they aim to:

• Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% (vs. 2019)
• Use 100% LNG or zero-emission fuels on all new ships
• Eliminate single-use plastics across the fleet

They’ve also launched the “Ocean Conservation Program,” partnering with marine biologists to study ocean health during cruises. Passengers can participate in citizen science projects—like tracking plankton or monitoring coral reefs.

Industry Trends and Competitive Edge

The cruise industry is booming, with record bookings in 2023 and 2024. Princess is well-positioned thanks to:

• Strong brand recognition (remember “The Love Boat”?)
• Investment in technology (MedallionClass)
• Focus on sustainability
• Flexible booking policies

Compared to competitors like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Princess strikes a balance between affordability and elegance. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s not the most expensive either—making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a polished experience without breaking the bank.

Final Verdict: Is Princess Cruise Line Still Operating? Absolutely—And Better Than Ever

So, is Princess Cruise Line still operating? Without a doubt. They’re not just surviving—they’re thriving. With a full fleet back at sea, innovative ships on the horizon, and a guest-first approach to health, technology, and sustainability, Princess Cruises is proving it’s here to stay.

From the moment you step on board, you’ll notice the attention to detail: the friendly crew, the clean spaces, the seamless tech. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail under the stars, exploring ancient ruins in Greece, or watching glaciers calve in Alaska, Princess delivers memorable moments with a touch of class.

My advice? If you’ve been on the fence, now is a great time to book. With flexible policies, exciting new itineraries, and a commitment to guest satisfaction, you’ll get excellent value for your vacation dollar. And who knows? You might just fall in love with the sea—and the Princess way of sailing.

Data Table: Princess Cruise Line at a Glance (2024)

Metric	Detail
Fleet Size	15+ ships (including Sun Princess)
Newest Ship	Sun Princess (2024, LNG-powered)
Upcoming Ship	Star Princess (2025)
Key Technology	MedallionClass (wearable tech for contactless service)
Health Protocol	MedallionClean (HEPA filters, rapid testing, enhanced sanitation)
Flexibility Policy	Cancel up to 30 days before sailing for full refund or credit
Popular Itineraries	Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific
Sustainability Goal	40% GHG reduction by 2030; zero single-use plastics

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, Princess Cruises offers a reliable, enjoyable, and evolving experience. The sea is calling—and Princess is ready to answer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess Cruise Line still operating in 2024?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line is fully operational in 2024, offering a wide range of itineraries worldwide. The cruise line has resumed all scheduled voyages following industry-wide disruptions in recent years.

What destinations does Princess Cruise Line currently offer?

Princess Cruise Line is still operating in popular regions like Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia, with new itineraries added regularly. Check their official website for the latest updates and seasonal offerings.

Has Princess Cruise Line made any changes to its health and safety policies?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line continues to update its health protocols based on global guidelines, including enhanced sanitation and optional vaccination requirements. These measures ensure a safe experience while the cruise line is still operating.

Are there any new ships joining the Princess Cruise Line fleet?

Princess Cruise Line is still operating with a modernized fleet, including the recently launched Sun Princess, which debuted in 2024. Additional new vessels are planned for the next few years.

Can I book a future cruise with Princess Cruise Line now?

Absolutely! Princess Cruise Line is still operating and accepting bookings for 2024 and beyond. Their website features flexible booking options and promotions for early reservations.

Is Princess Cruise Line still part of Carnival Corporation?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line remains a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, one of the world’s largest cruise companies. This ensures stability as the cruise line continues operating globally.