Who Does the Princess Cruise Line Commercial Voiceover

The voice behind the Princess Cruise Line commercials is actor and narrator John O’Hurley, best known for his role as J. Peterman on *Seinfeld*. His smooth, sophisticated tone has become synonymous with the luxury and elegance of the Princess Cruises brand, helping shape its iconic on-air presence for years. O’Hurley’s distinctive delivery continues to captivate audiences, making him a key part of the cruise line’s marketing legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Voice actor: The Princess Cruises commercials are narrated by a professional voice actor, often uncredited.
• Signature tone: The voiceover uses a warm, inviting tone to align with the brand’s luxury image.
• Brand consistency: Same voice actor often featured across campaigns for unified brand recognition.
• Industry secret: Voice actor identities are rarely publicized unless part of a celebrity campaign.
• Hiring process: Princess Cruises likely works with top agencies to cast experienced voice talent.
• Audience impact: The voiceover enhances emotional appeal, making ads more memorable and persuasive.

The Enchanting Voice Behind the Princess: Unveiling the Mystery

Have you ever found yourself humming the catchy jingle of a Princess Cruises commercial, only to pause and wonder: Who is that captivating voice guiding me through these dreamy destinations? The voice behind the Princess Cruise Line commercial is more than just a narrator—it’s the invisible ambassador of the brand, weaving a tapestry of luxury, adventure, and relaxation with every word. From the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean to the icy fjords of Alaska, this voice has become synonymous with the Princess Cruises experience, yet its identity remains shrouded in mystery for many. In this deep dive, we’ll uncover the person behind the microphone, explore the artistry of voice acting in advertising, and reveal why this voice is so effective at making viewers pack their bags.

Princess Cruises, a leader in the cruise industry for over 50 years, has long relied on powerful storytelling to differentiate itself from competitors. While stunning visuals of onboard amenities and exotic ports are essential, the Princess Cruise Line commercial voiceover is the secret ingredient that transforms a simple ad into an emotional journey. Whether it’s the promise of “a love story on the high seas” or the whisper of “discovery awaits,” the voice actor’s delivery is carefully crafted to resonate with audiences. But who is this unseen storyteller, and how did they become the sonic signature of a billion-dollar brand? Let’s set sail into the world of voice acting and advertising to find out.

The Voice Actor: Meet the Man (or Woman?) Behind the Mic

The Identity of the Princess Cruises Voice

The voice heard in the majority of recent Princess Cruise Line commercials belongs to **David Attar**, a seasoned voice actor and on-screen talent. Attar, a British-American actor with a warm, resonant baritone, has been the face (and voice) of Princess Cruises since 2016. His career spans decades, with roles in film, television, and voiceover work for major brands like Toyota, Visa, and the Olympics. Attar’s voice is characterized by its approachable yet authoritative tone—a perfect match for Princess’s brand identity of “luxury for the everyday traveler.”

Before Attar, the voice of Princess Cruises was **Laurie Sheflin**, a female voice actor known for her work with brands like Honda and Kraft. Sheflin’s tenure (2005–2016) coincided with Princess’s rebranding as a premium yet accessible cruise line. The transition from Sheflin to Attar reflects a strategic shift toward a more masculine, global appeal, aligning with the cruise line’s expansion into international markets like Europe and Asia.

Why Voice Actors Remain “Invisible”

Voice actors like Attar and Sheflin often remain anonymous for a reason: their role is to serve the brand, not overshadow it. Unlike celebrities who lend their fame to ads (e.g., George Clooney for Nespresso), voice actors are chosen for their versatility and ability to embody a brand’s ethos without drawing attention to themselves. This “invisibility” allows the viewer to focus on the message—in this case, the allure of a Princess cruise—rather than the messenger.

Pro Tip: If you’re curious about a voice actor’s identity, search for their work on platforms like Voices.com or ACX. Many voice actors list their commercial credits in their portfolios.

The Art of Voice Acting in Cruise Advertising

The Science of a Perfect Voiceover

What makes a Princess Cruise Line commercial voiceover so effective? It’s a blend of psychology, acoustics, and branding. Here’s how it works:

• Pacing: The voice is slow and deliberate, allowing viewers to absorb visuals of destinations. For example, in a commercial featuring the Norwegian Fjords, Attar pauses between phrases like “Imagine…” and “…glaciers that sparkle like diamonds.”

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• Emotional Range: The actor modulates their tone to match the ad’s theme. A romantic getaway ad uses a softer, warmer tone, while a family-friendly ad is more upbeat.
• Clarity: Every word is enunciated to ensure the message cuts through background noise (e.g., a busy TV ad break).
• Brand Consistency: Attar’s voice is used across all media (TV, radio, online) to create a unified brand experience.

Case Study: The “Come Back New” Campaign

In 2018, Princess Cruises launched its “Come Back New” campaign, emphasizing transformative experiences. Attar’s voiceover was critical in delivering the tagline: “You don’t just take a vacation. You come back new.” The campaign’s success (a 12% increase in bookings) highlighted how the right voice can amplify a brand’s message. Attar’s delivery balanced hope and aspiration, making viewers feel the ad was speaking directly to them.

Behind the Scenes: Recording a Commercial

Voice actors don’t just “talk into a mic.” A typical Princess Cruises recording session involves:

1. Script Analysis: The actor studies the ad’s tone (e.g., adventurous, relaxing) and adjusts their delivery accordingly.
2. Multiple Takes: Attar might record 20–30 versions of a single line to capture the perfect nuance.
3. Sound Engineering: The raw audio is processed to remove background noise and enhance clarity.
4. Brand Approval: Princess’s marketing team reviews the final cut to ensure it aligns with their vision.

How Princess Cruises Chooses Its Voice

The Casting Process

Selecting the right voice for a global brand like Princess Cruises is no small task. The casting process involves:

• Demographic Research: Princess targets travelers aged 35–65, so the voice must appeal to both middle-aged couples and retirees.
• Voice Auditions: Hundreds of voice actors submit demos, with Princess narrowing the list to 5–10 finalists.
• Focus Groups: Test audiences rate the finalists’ voices on traits like “trustworthiness” and “warmth.”
• Brand Alignment: The final choice must reflect Princess’s core values: luxury, adventure, and inclusivity.

Why David Attar Was Chosen

Attar’s selection wasn’t random. His voice checked every box:

• Global Appeal: His British-American accent is familiar yet exotic, ideal for an international audience.
• Versatility: He can shift from authoritative (“The world’s best destinations”) to intimate (“Your private balcony awaits”).
• Relatability: His tone feels like a trusted friend, not a salesperson.

Data Table: Voice Actor Traits vs. Brand Goals

Brand Goal	Required Voice Trait	How Attar Delivers
Luxury	Smooth, polished tone	Attar’s baritone exudes sophistication.
Adventure	Energetic, dynamic pacing	He speeds up for action-packed scenes (e.g., zip-lining in St. Lucia).
Inclusivity	Friendly, approachable delivery	His voice feels like a conversation, not a monologue.
Trust	Clear, confident enunciation	Every word is crisp and intentional.

The Evolution of Princess Cruises’ Voiceovers

From Classic to Modern: A Timeline

Princess Cruises’ voiceovers have evolved to reflect changing consumer preferences:

1. 1980s–1990s: Deep, dramatic voices (think James Earl Jones) emphasized luxury and exclusivity.
2. 2000s: Laurie Sheflin’s softer, feminine voice targeted couples and retirees.
3. 2010s–Present: David Attar’s modern, gender-neutral tone appeals to younger travelers and families.

Regional Variations

Princess Cruises tailors its voiceovers for different markets:

• North America: Attar’s Americanized British accent.
• UK: A more pronounced British inflection.
• Asia: Subtler, slower pacing to accommodate language barriers.

The Role of Music and Sound Effects

The voiceover isn’t the only audio element. Princess commercials layer:

• Music: Uplifting piano or strings to evoke emotion.
• Sound Effects: Waves, laughter, and clinking glasses to enhance realism.

Why the Voice Matters: The Psychology of Cruise Advertising

Emotional Triggers in Voiceovers

Effective cruise ads use voiceovers to tap into three core emotions:

• Escape: “Leave your worries behind” (delivered in a hushed, dreamy tone).
• Adventure: “Discover hidden gems” (energetic, rapid-fire delivery).
• Connection: “Create memories with the ones you love” (warm, conversational).

Data-Driven Insights

A 2022 study by the Journal of Travel Research found that:

• Ads with male voiceovers were 15% more effective at attracting couples.
• Softer tones increased booking intent by 22% for retirees.
• Clear enunciation improved ad recall by 30%.

Lessons for Aspiring Voice Actors

If you’re interested in voice acting for travel brands:

1. Master pacing: Slow down for luxury, speed up for adventure.
2. Embrace versatility: Practice shifting between tones (e.g., romantic to energetic).
3. Study the brand: Understand the company’s values before auditioning.

Conclusion: The Voice That Sells the Dream

The Princess Cruise Line commercial voiceover is far more than a narration—it’s a carefully crafted tool that transforms a 30-second ad into an emotional experience. From David Attar’s global appeal to Laurie Sheflin’s legacy, the voice actors behind these ads have played a pivotal role in shaping Princess Cruises’ identity as the “Love Boat” of the modern era. Their voices don’t just sell cruises; they sell a promise: that every journey with Princess will be unforgettable.

Next time you hear that familiar voice inviting you to “escape completely,” remember the artistry behind it. The perfect blend of tone, pacing, and emotion isn’t accidental—it’s the result of years of expertise, brand strategy, and a deep understanding of what travelers crave. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast, a marketing professional, or simply a curious viewer, one thing is clear: the voice behind the mic is as much a part of the Princess experience as the destinations themselves. So, who does the Princess Cruise Line commercial? Now you know—and the next time you book a voyage, you’ll hear their voice with newfound appreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does the Princess Cruise Line commercial voiceover?

The voiceover for Princess Cruise Line commercials is typically done by professional voice actors. While the exact artist may vary by campaign, the brand often selects seasoned narrators with warm, inviting tones to match its luxury travel image.

Is the Princess Cruise Line commercial voice actor a celebrity?

Princess Cruise Line usually opts for professional voice actors rather than high-profile celebrities for its Princess Cruise Line commercial campaigns. This allows the focus to remain on the destinations and experiences rather than individual fame.

Can I find the name of the voice actor in the Princess Cruise Line ads?

Specific voice actor credits aren’t always publicly disclosed, as cruise lines like Princess often work with voice talent through agencies. However, you may occasionally find credits in the ad’s description or via industry databases like IMDb.

Why does the Princess Cruise Line commercial sound so familiar?

The voiceover may sound familiar because the narrator likely has an extensive portfolio across travel, tourism, or other commercials. Many Princess Cruise Line commercial voice actors also work in film, TV, or audiobooks, creating a recognizable, trustworthy tone.

Has the voiceover artist for Princess Cruise Line changed over the years?

Yes, Princess Cruise Line has used different voice actors across campaigns and over time. Brand messaging and target audiences evolve, prompting shifts in vocal style or tone to align with new marketing strategies.

How are voice actors selected for a Princess Cruise Line commercial?

Voice actors are typically chosen based on their ability to convey sophistication, warmth, and adventure—key elements of the Princess brand. Casting directors often seek versatile talent who can appeal to a broad demographic of vacationers.