Princess Cruises: the back story

About Princess Cruises: the back story

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Princess began in 1965 with a single ship and became, through a 1970s television series, The Love Boat. Today it sails seventeen ships to more than 345 destinations.

One ship to Mexico

Princess Cruises began in 1965 with a single ship sailing to Mexico. A decade later a television series made it famous as The Love Boat, and introduced millions of people to the idea of a holiday at sea. The nickname has stuck, and Princess still uses it with pride.

The balcony for everyone

Princess says it was first to introduce affordable balconies, flexible dining and Movies Under the Stars, the poolside screen, and weddings at sea officiated by the captain. Its MedallionClass system, built around a wearable Medallion, speeds boarding and lets OceanNow deliver a drink wherever you are on board.

Princess has a nickname that still rings true: The Love Boat.

Sphere Class

Sun Princess (inaugural cruise October 2024) and Star Princess (October 2025) are the line’s largest ships, at 4,300 guests and 1,133 ft. Their heart is the Piazza, inspired by the squares of Europe, with ocean views on every side; their crown is the Sanctuary Collection, a suite enclave with its own restaurant and club. On the older ships, the Piazza survives as the social centre, with the International Café open 24 hours and Vines wine bar in its corner.

From Alaska to the canal

The line sails more than 345 destinations on seven continents. Coral Princess, at 2,000 guests, was custom built to navigate the Panama Canal; Majestic Princess and Sky Princess, at around 3,600, are the mid-sized ships of the fleet.

Packages

Princess Plus bundles up to 15 drinks a day, Wi-Fi, casual dining and crew appreciation; Princess Premier adds unlimited premium drinks, unlimited specialty dining, the faster MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi and photo packages. Both include service charges, and both cost less if you add them before you sail.

Our advice: for Alaska and the Panama Canal, Princess has some of the widest choice of itineraries. Choose Sun or Star Princess for the newest spaces and the Sanctuary Collection, and add Princess Plus before sailing: it costs more on board.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Princess Cruises: the back story before you go.