Princess Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation, sits in a distinct lane from its sister brand — more refined, more destination-focused, and built around the kind of onboard technology (the Medallion wearable device, unlocking your cabin and ordering food from anywhere on the ship) that few other mainstream lines have matched.
What Princess Does Well
Princess has long been the line most associated with Alaska, operating some of the most extensive Alaska itineraries of any major cruise line, including access to private railcars and lodges through its sister company. It's also a strong choice for longer, more immersive itineraries — world cruises, extended Mediterranean sailings, and Panama Canal transits are a Princess specialty. The onboard atmosphere leans a notch more relaxed and adult-oriented than Carnival or Royal Caribbean, without going as formal as luxury lines.
Dining and Cabins
Princess's "Freedom Dining" flexible system and strong main dining room reputation are a consistent highlight, and specialty options like Sabatini's Italian and the Crown Grill steakhouse are well regarded across the fleet. Cabin categories run the standard range, with the Medallion Class ships offering some of the most tech-forward staterooms in the mainstream category.
What to Pack for a Princess Cruise
Princess itineraries often mean cooler climates (Alaska, Northern Europe) alongside classic warm-weather routes, so packing depends heavily on where you're sailing. The VacationGrabs Big Outdoor Leather Backpack handles cool-weather excursions well, and the VacationGrabs Leather Overnight Duffel is a reliable carry-on for any itinerary.
Book Shore Excursions
Whether you're headed to Alaska's glaciers or the Mediterranean's coastline, the best excursions sell out early. Browse top-rated cruise excursions on Viator to plan your ports of call.
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