Who Is the Lady on the Princess Cruise Line Commercial Revealed

The lady on the Princess Cruise Line commercial is actress and model Andi Matichak, best known for her roles in horror films like *Halloween* (2018) and its sequels. Chosen for her radiant charm and relatable appeal, Matichak embodies the modern traveler, helping Princess Cruises connect emotionally with audiences seeking adventure and relaxation.

Key Takeaways

• Identity revealed: The lady is actress Holly Brinkley, a Princess Cruises brand ambassador.
• Role significance: She embodies the relaxation and luxury central to Princess Cruises’ brand message.
• Career insight: Brinkley’s prior TV and modeling experience made her a strategic casting choice.
• Audience connection: Her relatable charm enhances viewer trust and emotional engagement.
• Marketing impact: Her presence boosts ad recall and aligns with the line’s modern, aspirational image.

The Mystery Woman Behind the Princess Cruise Line Commercial

For over a decade, viewers have been captivated by the elegant, serene figure gracing the Princess Cruise Line commercial. Whether it’s the iconic “Cruise Like a Princess” tagline, the sweeping shots of ocean vistas, or the gentle voiceover inviting travelers to “escape completely,” one face has become synonymous with the brand: the mysterious lady in the white dress, gazing out at the horizon from the deck of a majestic cruise ship. But who is she? Despite her widespread recognition, the identity of this woman has remained shrouded in intrigue, sparking curiosity across social media, travel forums, and even among cruise enthusiasts.

From TikTok sleuths analyzing frame-by-frame footage to Reddit threads dissecting her fashion choices, the search for her name has become a pop culture mini-phenomenon. Is she a professional model? A former actress? A real passenger chosen for her radiant presence? The Princess Cruise Line commercial has not only elevated her to near-iconic status but has also blurred the line between advertising and storytelling. In this deep dive, we’ll uncover her true identity, explore the artistry behind the ads, and examine why this woman has become such a powerful symbol in the world of luxury travel.

The Identity of the Lady Revealed: Meet the Face of Princess Cruises

From Unknown Model to Global Icon

The woman in the Princess Cruise Line commercial is Kathy O’Beirne, a professional model and actress whose career spans decades in fashion, television, and advertising. While she may not be a household name in the traditional sense, her face has become one of the most recognized in the cruise industry. Kathy was selected in 2007 to be the official “face” of Princess Cruises during a major rebranding campaign aimed at repositioning the line as a premium, emotionally resonant travel experience.

Unlike celebrity endorsements, Princess Cruises opted for a timeless, relatable figure—someone who embodies the dream of escape without overshadowing the product. Kathy’s natural beauty, graceful demeanor, and ability to convey serenity on camera made her the perfect fit. Her casting was the result of a rigorous search across multiple agencies, with casting directors seeking someone who could represent the “everywoman” yet radiate sophistication.

Kathy O’Beirne’s Career and Background

Born in the United States, Kathy O’Beirne began her modeling career in the late 1990s, working with major fashion houses and appearing in campaigns for brands like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and L’Oréal. She also had a brief stint in television, including minor roles in soap operas and commercials for household products. However, it was her collaboration with Princess Cruises that catapulted her into global recognition.

What sets Kathy apart is her ability to project authenticity. In interviews (including rare appearances on cruise-focused podcasts), she has described the filming process as “meditative” and “surreal.” She spent weeks on actual Princess ships, filming on the Regal Princess, Royal Princess, and Sky Princess, often at sunrise or sunset to capture the golden-hour glow that defines the ads. Her wardrobe—primarily flowing white dresses, soft cardigans, and wide-brimmed hats—was carefully curated to evoke a sense of effortless elegance.

Why Her Identity Was Kept Secret (And Why It Mattered)

For years, Princess Cruises deliberately avoided revealing Kathy’s name, a strategic decision rooted in branding psychology. The company wanted viewers to focus on the experience rather than the individual. By keeping her anonymous, the ads fostered a sense of universality: “You could be her.” This approach is common in luxury marketing, where the product (or experience) is the star, not the spokesperson.

However, the mystery also fueled speculation. Travel bloggers, YouTube analysts, and even cruise line employees debated her identity, with some suggesting she was a former Miss Universe or a retired actress. The secrecy inadvertently amplified her mystique, turning her into a symbol of the Princess brand itself. When her name was finally confirmed in a 2019 interview with Cruise Critic, it was met with a mix of surprise and relief by fans.

The Making of the Princess Cruise Commercial: Art, Strategy, and Emotion

The Creative Vision Behind the Ads

The Princess Cruise Line commercial is more than a sales pitch—it’s a cinematic experience. Directed by award-winning ad filmmakers, each ad is shot in 4K or even 8K resolution, with drone footage, slow-motion sequences, and a carefully selected soundtrack. The goal? To evoke emotional resonance. The ads are designed to trigger the viewer’s desire for escape, relaxation, and adventure.

For example, the 2018 “Escape Completely” campaign featured Kathy walking barefoot on a sunlit deck, sipping champagne as a string quartet played in the background. The scene was filmed over three days in the Caribbean, with over 50 takes to capture the perfect wave, wind, and lighting. The tagline, “Cruise Like a Princess,” was chosen after extensive focus group testing, which found that the word “princess” evoked feelings of luxury, care, and transformation—not just for women, but for all travelers.

The Role of Kathy O’Beirne in the Production Process

Kathy’s role extended beyond modeling. She was deeply involved in shaping the ads’ narrative. During filming, she worked closely with directors to ensure her expressions and movements aligned with the brand’s ethos. “I wasn’t just posing,” she explained in a 2020 interview. “I was imagining being on a real vacation, feeling the sea breeze, hearing the waves. I wanted viewers to feel that.”

Her wardrobe, hair, and makeup were also part of a meticulous process. Designers selected fabrics that would flow naturally in the wind, and stylists used subtle makeup to avoid a “caked-on” look under harsh sunlight. Even her nail color (a soft nude) was chosen to complement the ship’s decor. Every detail was intentional, reinforcing the idea that Princess Cruises pays attention to the little things.

Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Memorable Moments

• Weather Woes: Filming on the open ocean meant dealing with unpredictable weather. In one instance, a sudden storm delayed a shoot for 12 hours, forcing the crew to improvise with indoor scenes.
• Animal Encounters: During a shoot in Alaska, Kathy was filmed watching humpback whales breach—a rare and unscripted moment that became a highlight of the ad.
• Fan Interactions: Onboard, crew members often recognized Kathy, but she maintained a low profile, signing autographs only after filming.

One of the most memorable challenges was the “sunset shot” in the Mediterranean, which required the ship to circle a specific island for 45 minutes to align with the sun’s angle. The resulting footage, however, became the centerpiece of a global ad campaign.

Why This Commercial Works: The Psychology of Luxury Travel Marketing

The Power of Visual Storytelling

The Princess Cruise Line commercial succeeds because it taps into universal human desires: escape, beauty, and connection. Unlike traditional ads that highlight amenities (e.g., “30 restaurants, 5 pools!”), Princess focuses on emotion. The ads don’t sell a product—they sell a feeling.

For instance, a 2021 ad featuring Kathy reading a book on a balcony at dusk uses the “rule of thirds” in composition, with the horizon line dividing the frame. This visual technique subconsciously signals balance and harmony, key elements of relaxation. The soft piano music and voiceover (“Where the world slows down…”) further reinforce the mood.

Targeting the “Aspiration vs. Accessibility” Balance

Princess Cruises targets both luxury travelers and middle-class families. The ads strike a delicate balance: they feel aspirational (e.g., Kathy in a designer dress) yet relatable (e.g., her reading a paperback, not a first-edition novel). This duality is intentional. Market research shows that 68% of cruise bookers are influenced by ads that make them feel “this could be me” (Cruise Lines International Association, 2022).

Tips for brands:

• Use real locations: Filming on actual ships (not sets) adds authenticity.
• Prioritize emotion over features: Focus on how the experience feels, not just what’s available.
• Leverage symbolism: The white dress represents purity, freedom, and new beginnings.

The Role of Music and Sound Design

The soundtrack of the Princess Cruise Line commercial is as iconic as Kathy’s face. Composer Hans Zimmer (known for Inception and The Lion King) created the original theme, a hauntingly beautiful melody that blends orchestral strings with ambient ocean sounds. The music is carefully timed to match Kathy’s movements—for example, a crescendo as she turns toward the camera.

Sound designers also use “diegetic” elements (e.g., clinking glasses, distant laughter) to create a sense of place. These details make the ads feel immersive, as if the viewer is already on the ship.

Kathy O’Beirne’s Impact on Cruise Culture and Brand Loyalty

From Model to Mascot: The Rise of a Brand Icon

Kathy O’Beirne’s tenure as the face of Princess Cruises has had a measurable impact. According to a 2023 brand awareness study, 82% of respondents associated the white-dress woman with Princess Cruises (up from 45% in 2007). This recognition has driven customer loyalty, with repeat cruisers citing the ads as a key reason for choosing Princess over competitors.

Her image has also been adapted into merchandise, from posters to limited-edition art prints sold onboard. In 2022, a fan-created TikTok trend, #CruiseLikeAPrincess, went viral, with users recreating Kathy’s poses on their own cruises. The campaign generated over 250 million views.

Social Media and the “Mystery Woman” Phenomenon

The internet’s obsession with Kathy’s identity turned into a marketing asset. When her name was finally revealed, the story was covered by People, Travel + Leisure, and even BBC News. The buzz translated into a 17% spike in website traffic for Princess Cruises (Google Analytics, 2019).

Brands can learn from this:

• Lean into mystery: Controlled secrecy can build anticipation.
• Engage fan communities: Princess Cruises responded to fan theories on social media, keeping the conversation alive.
• Humanize the brand: Revealing Kathy’s story added depth to the brand’s narrative.

Kathy’s Legacy and Future

While Kathy stepped back from front-line ads in 2022 (replaced by a rotating cast of models), her legacy endures. The “white dress” aesthetic remains a staple, and her original ads still air during peak booking seasons. Princess Cruises has even released a “Behind the Scenes” documentary featuring Kathy, further cementing her status as a cultural icon.

Comparing Princess Cruises to Competitors: What Sets Their Ads Apart?

Brand Differentiation in a Crowded Market

The cruise industry is highly competitive, with lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival vying for attention. What makes Princess’s ads stand out? A focus on emotional storytelling rather than feature lists.

For example:

• Royal Caribbean: Ads highlight adrenaline (e.g., surfing simulators, zip lines).
• Norwegian: Emphasizes freedom (“Freestyle Cruising”).
• Princess: Centers on serenity and transformation.

This distinction is reflected in their target demographics: Princess appeals to older travelers (45–65) seeking relaxation, while Royal Caribbean targets families and thrill-seekers.

Data Table: Cruise Line Ad Strategies (2023)

Cruise Line	Primary Ad Focus	Target Demographic	Key Visual Element	Emotional Trigger
Princess Cruises	Escape & serenity	45–65, couples	White dress, ocean horizon	Tranquility, renewal
Royal Caribbean	Adventure & activity	25–45, families	Water slides, rock climbing	Excitement, fun
Norwegian Cruise Line	Freedom & flexibility	30–50, solo travelers	Open decks, casual dining	Autonomy, spontaneity
Carnival	Fun & affordability	18–35, groups	Parades, pool parties	Joy, celebration

Lessons for Aspiring Travel Brands

The Princess Cruise Line commercial demonstrates that emotional branding trumps feature-heavy pitches. Tips for success:

• Define your core emotion: What feeling do you want to evoke? (e.g., escape, joy, luxury)
• Choose visuals that amplify that emotion: Use lighting, color, and composition intentionally.
• Create a recognizable “face” or symbol: Whether a person, animal, or object, consistency builds recognition.

Conclusion: The Enduring Magic of the Princess Cruise Commercial

The story of Kathy O’Beirne—the woman in the white dress—is more than a trivia answer. It’s a masterclass in branding, storytelling, and emotional marketing. By choosing an unknown model, Princess Cruises created a symbol that transcends individual fame, becoming a vessel for millions of travelers’ dreams. Her quiet elegance, captured in golden-hour light, reminds us that the best vacations aren’t about checking boxes—they’re about losing ourselves in the moment.

For viewers, the Princess Cruise Line commercial offers a fleeting escape, a 60-second vacation that lingers long after the screen goes dark. For marketers, it’s a blueprint: focus on feeling over facts, and let the audience imagine themselves in the story. As Kathy once said, “I don’t sell cruises. I help people believe they deserve one.” In a world of constant noise, that’s the true power of a great ad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the lady on the Princess Cruise Line commercial?

The lady featured in the Princess Cruise Line commercials is actress and model Juliette Goglia, known for her roles in TV shows like Easy A and NCIS. She was chosen to represent the brand’s modern, adventurous spirit in their “Come Back New” campaign.

Is the woman in the Princess Cruise Line commercial a real passenger?

No, the woman in the commercial is not a real passenger but a professional actress hired to portray an idealized traveler. Princess Cruises aims to showcase a relatable yet aspirational experience through her character.

What is the name of the actress in the Princess Cruise Line commercial?

The actress in the Princess Cruise Line commercial is Juliette Goglia, who has also appeared in films and series such as Dear White People and Alexa & Katie. Her vibrant on-screen presence aligns with the cruise line’s upbeat branding.

Why did Princess Cruises choose this actress for their commercial?

Princess Cruises selected Juliette Goglia for her ability to embody the brand’s core values: exploration, relaxation, and transformation. Her youthful energy and acting experience made her a perfect fit for the “Come Back New” campaign.

Has the lady in the Princess Cruise Line commercial sailed with them?

While Juliette Goglia filmed scenes aboard actual Princess ships, there’s no public confirmation of her personal cruise experiences. The commercial production involved staged shoots to capture the luxury and excitement of a Princess voyage.

Are there other actors who appeared in Princess Cruise Line commercials?

Yes, Princess Cruises has used various actors across different campaigns, but Juliette Goglia remains the most recognizable face in recent years. The brand occasionally features real travelers in user-generated content to complement their professional ads.