What Cruise Lines Does Princess Own Explore the Fleet

Princess Cruises owns and operates a diverse fleet of 15 modern ships, ranging from intimate vessels to grand, amenity-rich liners designed for global exploration. As a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, it also oversees the premium Seabourn Cruise Line, expanding its luxury offerings. Together, these brands deliver unforgettable voyages across seven continents.

Key Takeaways

• Princess owns 6 brands: Including Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Seabourn.
• Holland America: Focuses on premium, mid-sized ships with global itineraries.
• Seabourn: Delivers ultra-luxury, all-suite cruising with personalized service.
• Carnival Corporation parent: Princess brands operate under this industry giant.
• Diverse offerings: From affordable (Princess) to high-end (Seabourn) experiences.
• Shared resources: Brands leverage joint tech, sustainability, and booking platforms.

What Cruise Lines Does Princess Own? Explore the Fleet

When it comes to oceanic elegance, unforgettable destinations, and world-class service, few names resonate as strongly as Princess Cruises. Known for its iconic “Love Boat” legacy and modern-day innovations, Princess Cruises has become a cornerstone of the global cruise industry. But what many travelers don’t realize is that Princess Cruises is part of a much larger, interconnected family of cruise lines—each with its own unique identity, yet all sharing the same parent company, operational standards, and commitment to excellence. If you’ve ever wondered, “What cruise lines does Princess own?”—you’re not alone. The answer reveals a fascinating network of brands that cater to diverse travel styles, budgets, and destinations.

Understanding the full scope of Princess Cruises’ ownership structure is essential for travelers who want to make informed decisions. Whether you’re a luxury seeker, an adventure enthusiast, or a budget-conscious cruiser, the broader Princess family offers something for everyone. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the brands under the Princess umbrella, explores their individual offerings, and highlights how they complement one another. From the high-end elegance of Seabourn to the rugged expedition voyages of Oceania, we’ll uncover the full spectrum of what Princess owns—and why it matters for your next cruise vacation. Get ready to explore the fleet and discover the hidden connections that make this cruise giant a true industry leader.

The Parent Company: Carnival Corporation & Princess Cruises

The Corporate Backbone of Princess

To fully grasp what cruise lines Princess owns, it’s essential to understand the corporate hierarchy. Princess Cruises is a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest leisure travel company. Founded in 1972, Princess Cruises began as a single ship operation but quickly expanded under Carnival’s ownership, which acquired the brand in 1974. Today, Carnival Corporation operates nine global cruise line brands, with Princess Cruises being one of the most prominent.

While Princess Cruises does not directly own other cruise lines, it operates under a shared corporate structure where Carnival Corporation owns and manages multiple brands. This means that while Princess Cruises itself doesn’t have subsidiaries in the traditional sense, it is part of a larger ecosystem where brands share resources, technology, and strategic direction. This structure allows for economies of scale, joint marketing efforts, and cross-brand loyalty programs—benefits that ultimately enhance the guest experience across the entire portfolio.

How Princess Benefits from Carnival Corporation

• Shared Technology: Princess Cruises leverages Carnival’s investments in digital platforms like OceanMedallion™, which debuted on Princess ships and has since influenced other brands.
• Operational Synergies: Maintenance, logistics, and supply chain efficiencies are shared across the Carnival family, reducing costs and improving reliability.
• Marketing and Distribution: Carnival’s global marketing reach helps promote Princess and its sister brands in new markets, including Asia, Australia, and South America.
• Environmental Initiatives: The parent company drives sustainability efforts such as LNG-powered ships and shore power connectivity, which are implemented across Princess and other brands.

For travelers, this means that when you book a Princess cruise, you’re not just getting a vacation—you’re tapping into a global network of innovation and expertise. The shared infrastructure allows Princess to maintain high standards while offering competitive pricing and cutting-edge amenities.

Directly Related Brands: Princess Cruises and Its Sister Lines

Princess Cruises: The Flagship Brand

As the namesake of the portfolio, Princess Cruises is the heart of the operation. With 15 modern ships ranging from mid-sized to large vessels (1,900 to 3,660 passengers), Princess offers a balanced blend of relaxation, entertainment, and exploration. The fleet sails to over 380 destinations across seven continents, with popular itineraries including Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, and the South Pacific.

Key features of Princess Cruises include:

• OceanMedallion™ wearable technology for keyless entry, personalized service, and contactless payments.
• MedallionClass® ships with enhanced Wi-Fi, AI-driven concierge, and interactive staterooms.
• Specialty dining by celebrity chefs like Curtis Stone and Rudi Sodamin.
• Enrichment programs such as Discovery at SEA™ and the Sky Suites.

Princess is ideal for travelers who want a mix of luxury, convenience, and destination immersion—without the ultra-premium price tag.

Holland America Line: The Classic Elegance Sibling

One of the most direct “sister” brands under the Carnival umbrella is Holland America Line. Acquired by Carnival in 1989, Holland America shares a similar heritage and target demographic with Princess. Both brands focus on mid-sized to large ships, destination-rich itineraries, and refined onboard experiences. However, Holland America leans slightly more toward traditional cruising—think afternoon tea, classical music, and longer voyages (often 7 to 21 days).

What sets Holland America apart:

• Strong emphasis on culinary arts, including the Culinary Arts Center and partnerships with Le Cordon Bleu.
• Extensive Alaska and Northern Europe itineraries.
• “Signature of Excellence” upgrades, including premium staterooms and enhanced dining.

While Princess and Holland America are distinct, they often share ports, crew training standards, and even some onboard technologies. For example, both brands have adopted the OceanMedallion™ system, though Holland America’s implementation is still rolling out.

Other Directly Aligned Brands

Though not owned by Princess directly, the following brands operate under the same corporate umbrella and share strategic alignment:

• Carnival Cruise Line: The budget-friendly, fun-focused brand with a “fun ship” atmosphere. While Carnival targets a younger, more energetic crowd, it shares ports, crew, and even some ships with Princess through joint operations in the Caribbean.
• Costa Cruises: Based in Italy, Costa caters to European travelers and offers a more continental experience. It shares Carnival’s sustainability goals and technology platforms.
• AIDA Cruises: A German brand known for vibrant, youth-oriented cruises. It operates under Carnival’s European division and benefits from shared R&D.

These brands, while not “owned” by Princess, are part of the same family and often collaborate on regional operations, environmental initiatives, and guest loyalty programs.

Premium and Luxury Brands Under the Carnival Umbrella

Seabourn: The Ultra-Luxury Arm

For travelers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, Seabourn Cruise Line is the crown jewel of the Carnival portfolio. Acquired by Carnival in 1996, Seabourn operates a fleet of six intimate, all-suite ships (ranging from 458 to 600 passengers) that deliver an all-inclusive, white-glove experience. Unlike Princess, which offers a mix of casual and formal dining, Seabourn includes everything in the fare: premium drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and even select excursions.

Seabourn’s key differentiators:

• All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees.
• Intimate ships with a high crew-to-guest ratio (nearly 1:1).
• Expedition voyages to Antarctica, the Arctic, and remote Pacific islands.
• Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Venture—modern expedition ships with submarines and kayaks.

While Seabourn and Princess serve different markets, they share a commitment to exceptional service and destination immersion. In fact, Seabourn’s expedition arm often partners with Princess for port operations in remote regions, leveraging Princess’s logistical expertise.

Oceania Cruises: The Culinary & Destination Focus

Another premium brand under Carnival’s ownership is Oceania Cruises. Acquired in 2007, Oceania specializes in “the world’s finest cuisine at sea,” with a focus on gourmet dining, longer itineraries (10 to 50+ days), and destination-rich voyages. With ships like the Regatta and Insignia, Oceania offers a boutique luxury experience with a strong emphasis on culinary arts.

Oceania’s standout features:

• Partnerships with renowned chefs, including Jacques Pépin and Thomas Keller (at the onboard restaurant).
• Free airfare on select sailings and complimentary specialty dining.
• Smaller ships (684 to 1,250 passengers) for easy access to smaller ports.
• “OceaniaNEXT” upgrades, including redesigned suites and enhanced entertainment.

Like Seabourn, Oceania shares Carnival’s sustainability goals and technology infrastructure. For example, both brands use advanced wastewater treatment systems and are investing in LNG-compatible engines for future ships.

Cunard: The Iconic British Heritage Brand

No discussion of Carnival’s luxury portfolio is complete without Cunard Line, the storied British cruise line known for its transatlantic voyages and timeless elegance. Acquired by Carnival in 1998, Cunard operates three ships: the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. The brand is synonymous with formal nights, ballroom dancing, and the famous “Crossing the Atlantic” experience.

Cunard’s unique offerings:

• Transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2—the only regular passenger liner on the route.
• Royal Court Theatre, planetarium, and enrichment programs with guest lecturers.
• White Star Service, named after Cunard’s historic White Star Line.

While Cunard’s audience is more traditional than Princess’s, the brand benefits from Carnival’s global marketing and operational support. Cunard and Princess occasionally share ports in the Caribbean and Europe, and both brands participate in joint loyalty programs like Carnival’s “Cruise with Me” rewards.

Shared Technologies and Innovations Across the Fleet

OceanMedallion™: The Game-Changing Wearable

One of the most significant innovations shared across the Princess family is the OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized wearable device that transforms the guest experience. First launched on Princess Cruises in 2017, the Medallion has since been adopted by other Carnival brands, including Holland America and Seabourn (in select markets).

How the OceanMedallion™ works:

• Keyless stateroom entry via proximity sensors.
• Contactless payments for drinks, excursions, and shopping.
• Personalized service—crew can anticipate your needs (e.g., your favorite drink at the pool bar).
• GPS tracking for family members, kids, and pets.
• Interactive games, navigation, and entertainment via the OceanNow™ app.

The Medallion system is a prime example of how shared technology benefits the entire fleet. Princess Cruises led the development, but the platform is now a benchmark for innovation across Carnival’s brands.

MedallionNet™: High-Speed Wi-Fi for All

Another shared technology is MedallionNet™, a high-speed satellite internet service available on Princess, Holland America, and Seabourn ships. Unlike traditional cruise Wi-Fi (which is often slow and expensive), MedallionNet™ offers:

• Unlimited data plans at competitive rates.
• Streaming capabilities (Netflix, Zoom, etc.).
• Reliable connectivity even in remote regions like Alaska and the South Pacific.

This shared infrastructure ensures that guests across the Princess family enjoy consistent, high-quality digital experiences—no matter which brand they sail with.

Sustainability and Environmental Standards

Carnival Corporation has implemented strict environmental standards across all brands, including:

• LNG-powered ships (e.g., Princess Cruises’ Discovery Princess, Costa Smeralda).
• Advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS).
• Shore power connectivity to reduce emissions in port.
• Single-use plastic reduction and food waste recycling.

These initiatives are rolled out fleet-wide, ensuring that Princess and its sister brands meet or exceed global environmental regulations.

Comparative Data: Fleet Overview and Key Metrics

Cruise Line	Number of Ships	Avg. Passenger Capacity	Primary Market	Key Feature	Parent Company
Princess Cruises	15	2,700	Global (Americas, Europe, Asia)	OceanMedallion™, MedallionClass®	Carnival Corporation
Holland America Line	11	2,100	North America, Europe	Culinary Arts Center, Alaska Expertise	Carnival Corporation
Seabourn Cruise Line	6	520	Global (Luxury/Expedition)	All-Inclusive, Expedition Voyages	Carnival Corporation
Oceania Cruises	8	950	Global (Culinary & Long Voyages)	Free Airfare, Gourmet Dining	Carnival Corporation
Cunard Line	3	2,600	Transatlantic, UK	White Star Service, Formal Nights	Carnival Corporation
Carnival Cruise Line	24	3,900	North America, Caribbean	Fun Ships, Family-Friendly	Carnival Corporation

This table highlights the diversity within the Carnival family. While Princess Cruises is a mid-tier, destination-focused brand, its sister lines span the spectrum from budget (Carnival) to ultra-luxury (Seabourn). Travelers can choose based on their preferences, knowing that all brands share the same corporate standards for safety, service, and sustainability.

Why Knowing What Cruise Lines Princess Owns Matters to Travelers

Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Style

Understanding the full Princess family helps travelers match their vacation goals to the right brand. For example:

• Adventure seekers: Choose Seabourn’s expedition voyages or Oceania’s long itineraries.
• Luxury lovers: Opt for Seabourn or Cunard for all-inclusive, high-end experiences.
• Families: Carnival or Princess offer kid-friendly activities and affordable pricing.
• Foodies: Oceania’s culinary focus is unmatched.

Knowing the connections between brands also helps with loyalty. For instance, Carnival’s “Cruise with Me” program allows guests to earn points across brands, making it easier to unlock perks like free cruises or onboard credits.

Booking Tips and Cross-Brand Benefits

• Book through a travel advisor: They can access exclusive deals across the Carnival family.
• Check for shared ports: If you love a destination, see if multiple brands visit it—this can help you compare experiences.
• Look for technology upgrades: Ships with MedallionNet™ or OceanMedallion™ offer a smoother, more personalized experience.
• Consider repositioning cruises: These one-way voyages (often offered by Princess, Holland America, or Cunard) are budget-friendly and unique.

Ultimately, the Princess family isn’t just about ownership—it’s about choice. With a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction, these brands work together to deliver unforgettable vacations for every type of traveler.

In conclusion, while Princess Cruises doesn’t technically own other cruise lines, it is a vital part of a vast, interconnected network under Carnival Corporation. From the luxury of Seabourn to the classic elegance of Cunard, each brand offers a unique flavor of cruising—yet all share the same DNA of quality, service, and exploration. By understanding what cruise lines Princess owns (and influences), travelers gain the power to choose the perfect voyage, whether they seek adventure, relaxation, or gourmet indulgence. So next time you plan a cruise, look beyond the name—explore the fleet, and discover the full world of possibilities that the Princess family has to offer. Your dream vacation is just a ship away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines does Princess own?

Princess Cruises owns several brands, including Princess Cruises (main line), Holland America Line, Seabourn, and P&O Cruises (UK and Australia). The company also has a majority stake in Carnival China.

Is Holland America Line part of the Princess-owned cruise lines?

Yes, Holland America Line is fully owned by Carnival Corporation, which also operates Princess Cruises as a sister brand. Both share resources while maintaining distinct itineraries and onboard experiences.

Does Princess Cruises own Seabourn?

Yes, Seabourn is a luxury cruise line under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, alongside Princess Cruises. Seabourn focuses on ultra-luxury, small-ship cruising with all-inclusive amenities.

Are P&O Cruises part of the Princess fleet?

P&O Cruises (UK and Australia) is a sister brand to Princess Cruises under Carnival Corporation. While not directly managed by Princess, they share corporate ownership and operational support.

What other brands are included in the Princess cruise lines portfolio?

Beyond its main brand, Princess owns or co-owns Fathom (social impact travel), AIDA (German market, via Carnival), and Costa Cruises (Italy, via Carnival). Each targets unique demographics and regions.

Does Princess Cruises operate any luxury-focused subsidiaries?

Yes, Seabourn is Princess’s luxury arm, offering high-end, all-suite voyages with personalized service. Princess also partners with luxury tour operators for exclusive land-sea packages.