Embarking on a cruise vacation is an exciting experience, and choosing the right ship can significantly enhance your journey. Princess Cruises, a renowned name in the industry, offers a diverse fleet of ships, each with its unique features and amenities. To help you make an informed decision, we've ranked Princess ships based on their size, onboard experiences, and itineraries.
Before we dive into the rankings, it's essential to understand that the "best" ship depends on your personal preferences. Some cruisers prefer larger ships with extensive amenities, while others opt for smaller, more intimate vessels. With that in mind, let's explore the Princess fleet.
Largest Princess Ships: Grand Class
The Grand Class ships are the largest in the Princess fleet, offering a wide range of facilities and activities. If you're looking for a ship with extensive dining options, numerous entertainment venues, and plenty of space to relax, these ships are an excellent choice.
Launched in the late 2000s, the Grand Class ships include Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Majestic Princess. They are among the most modern and feature-packed ships in the Princess fleet.
Royal Princess and Regal Princess
Sister ships Royal Princess and Regal Princess offer a similar onboard experience, with some standout features like the SeaWalk, a glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship, and the Princess WaterColor Fantasy, a dazzling fountain and light show set to music.
Both ships also boast a wide variety of dining options, including the Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian restaurant, and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet. For entertainment, you'll find the Princess Theater, Vista Lounge, and Club 6 cabaret lounge.
Majestic Princess
Majestic Princess, the newest addition to the Grand Class, offers a unique twist on the classic Princess experience. As the first ship designed for the Chinese market, it features several Asian-inspired dining options, such as Harmony, a Chinese restaurant, and La Mer, a French bistro with a focus on seafood.
Majestic Princess also introduces the Enchanted Garden dining experience, an elegant restaurant that transforms from a casual dining spot by day to a formal, lush garden setting by night. Additionally, the ship offers a wider variety of balcony options, including larger and more luxurious suites.
Mid-sized Princess Ships: Panama Canal Class
If you're looking for a ship that offers a balance between size and intimacy, the Panama Canal Class might be the perfect fit. These mid-sized ships offer a more personal cruising experience while still providing a wide range of amenities and activities.
The Panama Canal Class includes Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, and Emerald Princess. These ships are known for their elegant design, spacious public areas, and extensive dining options.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess is the oldest ship in the Panama Canal Class, but it has undergone several refurbishments to keep its facilities up-to-date. Some of its standout features include the adults-only Retreat Pool, the Princess Luxury Bed in every stateroom, and a wide range of dining options, such as the Crown Grill and Sabatini's.
Caribbean Princess also offers a unique onboard experience with the Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion, a wearable device that enables personalized experiences and streamlined services throughout the cruise.
Crown Princess and Emerald Princess
Sister ships Crown Princess and Emerald Princess offer a similar onboard experience, with some notable differences in their itineraries. Both ships feature the SeaWalk, the Princess WaterColor Fantasy, and a wide range of dining options, including the Crown Grill and Sabatini's.
For entertainment, you'll find the Princess Theater, Vista Lounge, and Club 6 cabaret lounge. Additionally, both ships offer the adults-only Sanctuary, a serene retreat with plush lounge chairs and private cabanas.
Smallest Princess Ships: Small & Exclusive Class
For cruisers who prefer a more intimate and personalized experience, Princess offers a selection of smaller ships. These vessels provide a cozy atmosphere, with a focus on personalized service and unique itineraries.
The Small & Exclusive Class includes Pacific Princess, Ocean Princess, and the former Ocean Medallion Class ships, which have been rebranded as the Island Class (Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Sky Princess).
Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess
Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess are the smallest ships in the Princess fleet, with a capacity of just over 600 passengers. These intimate vessels offer a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with a focus on destination-rich itineraries and personalized service.
Both ships feature a wide range of dining options, including the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, the Crown Grill, and Sabatini's. For entertainment, you'll find the Princess Theater, Vista Lounge, and Club 6 cabaret lounge. Additionally, these ships offer the adults-only Sanctuary and the Lotus Spa, a serene retreat with a variety of treatments and therapies.
Island Class (Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Sky Princess)
The Island Class ships, formerly known as the Ocean Medallion Class, offer a unique blend of intimacy and innovation. These ships feature the Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion, a wearable device that enhances the cruising experience with personalized services and streamlined processes.
The Island Class ships offer a wide range of dining options, including the Crown Grill, Sabatini's, and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet. For entertainment, you'll find the Princess Theater, Vista Lounge, and Club 6 cabaret lounge. Additionally, these ships feature the adults-only Sanctuary, the Lotus Spa, and a variety of unique onboard experiences, such as the SeaWalk and the Princess WaterColor Fantasy.
In the ever-evolving world of cruising, Princess ships continue to set the standard for excellence. With a diverse fleet catering to various preferences, Princess offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking the grandeur of the Grand Class ships or the intimacy of the Small & Exclusive Class, you're sure to find a Princess ship that suits your cruising style. So, pack your bags and set sail on an unforgettable adventure with Princess Cruises.