Princess focuses on providing the best possible cruise experience. This includes a variety of dining options and venues, entertainment choices and renowned customer service.
The line was also the first to introduce the idea of a modern-day wedding at sea conducted by the ship’s captain; its Times Square-style Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen on many ships; and its adults-only Sanctuary retreat.
Onboard Entertainment
Whether you’re into dance, musical theater or dazzling magic shows, there’s something to please almost every palate on a princesscruises. There are also a number of enrichment activities, including destination experts and naturalists. And the line is big on celebrity chef partnerships, including a partnership with Curtis Stone that includes culinary demos and wine tastings.
The fleet’s entertainment director is Ryan Fitzgerald, who oversees cruise staff and programming. He recently led a restructuring of the onboard entertainment teams, resulting in continually higher guest satisfaction scores.
Unlike some other cruise lines, all-inclusive fares on princesscruises cover accommodations, most dining options and shipboard activities. Alcoholic beverages and shore excursions are not included, but you can purchase a drink package online before your trip. All purchases are tracked through a complimentary wearable device, called the Ocean Medallion, which serves as your ID, credit card and cruise line ID. It’s also what lets you into your cabin. Beach attire like shorts and baseball caps is discouraged, with one or more nights on most cruises being designated as formal nights, when men are expected to wear dark suits and women dress in cocktail dresses.
Dining
From hand-tossed pizza to caviar Princess Cruises offers a variety of dining options. On most ships there is a main dining room that serves a sit down breakfast, lunch and dinner on cruise days. A large buffet is also available. Special requests such as low-sodium, low-fat and sugar-free meals are always welcome. Kosher meals are available upon request.
On some cruises you can also dine at the Salty Dog Pub for a traditional UK style pub lunch such as fish and chips, bangers and mash or a ploughman’s lunch. This is an extra cost option.
On the more luxurious ships such as Regal Princess you can also opt for premium balcony dining (supplementary). Here passengers will enjoy a hosted cocktail party, fresh flowers and champagne along with a delectable four course meal including dishes like delicate sweet lobster tail or a juicy steak. On most ships you can also choose to order your meals and drinks via the OceanNow on-demand service. This is available via the MedallionClass app, your stateroom TV or by asking a crew member to place your order.
Entertainment Options
While Princess doesn’t have the pedal-powered sky rides or ropes courses found on some other cruise ships, the line has a lot to offer for entertainment. You’ll find everything from comedy shows and music productions to destination-themed games and classes.
You can also catch a wide range of events at the Princess Theatre, including crew productions and celebrity guests. A new immersive game called Phantom Bridge combines digital and physical challenges, while Rock Opera is a multi-talented show that draws on musical theatre, opera and classic rock.
Princess also offers its renowned Movies Under the Stars experience, with a big screen that turns pool-side loungers into theater seats and serves popcorn. In addition, the line has partnered with Discovery to bring enriching new experiences on board and ashore, such as stargazing with a Discovery expert from a top deck or activities inspired by hits like Shark Week. Culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and dance classes are also popular.
Passengers
If you’re looking for a cruise line that offers big ship choice with a small-ship feel, Princess is the perfect fit. Its ships are spacious and comfortable, with a contemporary design that reflects today’s lifestyles.
It’s also reasonably priced, and you can often find seven-night itineraries to the Caribbean starting at around $100 per person, including all taxes and fees. That makes it an excellent option for families or friends traveling together.
If you’re a foodie, consider a cruise that features the line’s exclusive Vines wine program. You’ll learn how to prepare gourmet dishes onboard, as well as sample varietals from around the world. You can also discover new perspectives ashore with DiscoveryTM and Animal Planet experiences, as well as the ultimate sleep at sea with Princess Luxury Beds. Every night, you’ll receive a schedule of the next day’s activities in your cabin. You can also access information via the MedallionClass app, which brings faster Wi-Fi, expedited port and dining room entry, and the ability to locate fellow passengers with a swipe of your Princess-issued Medallion.