Quick Answer
Princess Cruises is a good fit for travellers who want a polished mainstream cruise with strong destination coverage, especially Alaska. It usually feels calmer than the biggest family resort ships but less formal than luxury cruising.
In plain English, Princess is a “grown-up but not intimidating” cruise line. You still get entertainment, pools, dining choices and big-ship comfort, but the feel is usually more relaxed and destination-led than the loudest resort-at-sea brands.
For UK travellers, Princess is worth comparing if you are looking at Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe or selected Southampton departures. It will not always be the cheapest option, but it can be a strong middle ground if you want reliable service, sensible ships and itineraries that feel more about the places than the water slides.
Best For
- Alaska cruises and scenic itineraries.
- Couples and multi-generational groups.
- Travellers who like classic cruising with modern touches.
- Guests who want good destination variety.
- People who want a mainstream cruise that still feels fairly calm.
- First-timers who do not want an ultra-formal line but also do not want a party ship.
Atmosphere
Princess tends to sit in the comfortable middle: not wild, not stuffy, and usually easy for first-timers to understand. Entertainment, dining and public spaces feel familiar rather than flashy.
The onboard style is generally classic cruise with modern updates. Expect theatre shows, live music, pools, bars, lounges, casual food and more formal dining options. It is not trying to be a nightclub at sea, and it is not trying to be an old-fashioned ocean liner either.
That middle-ground personality is the main reason people like Princess. It can work for couples, parents travelling with adult children, grandparents with families, and friends who want a proper holiday without every moment being scheduled.
Ships And Routes
Princess has a range of ship sizes, from older Grand-class ships to newer Royal-class and Sphere-class ships. The exact ship matters, because a newer ship can feel very different from an older one in terms of dining choice, layout, cabins and entertainment.
Alaska is one of Princess Cruises' strongest calling cards. The line has a long association with Alaska cruise tours and scenic routes, so it is often one of the first brands people compare for glacier, wildlife and rail-extension holidays.
Princess also sails in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Japan, Australia and other regions depending on the season. For UK travellers, the most important thing is to compare the total trip: flights, hotels, transfers and cruise fare together.
Cabins And Dining
Expect inside, oceanview, balcony, mini-suite and suite options depending on ship. Balconies are especially appealing in Alaska and scenic regions because the view is part of the point. On port-heavy sunny routes, an inside or oceanview cabin may be better value if you will spend most of the day ashore.
Dining options vary by ship, so check included and speciality venues before sailing. Princess generally offers main dining, casual food and paid speciality restaurants. Some ships have more flexible dining systems and more venues than others.
If food is a big part of your holiday, look at the specific ship rather than assuming every Princess sailing is identical. Menus, venues and package value can change over time.
What To Watch
Fare bundles and packages can change the value. Compare cruise-only with bundled drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuity options based on what you will actually use.
Do the simple maths before upgrading. If you will use Wi-Fi, drinks and paid extras every day, a bundle may make sense. If you drink lightly, disconnect happily and prefer included dining, the cheaper fare may be the smarter choice.
Also check cabin location carefully. On scenic routes, a balcony can be wonderful, but on any ship you still want to avoid noisy areas if you are a light sleeper. Look at what is above, below and nearby before choosing a cabin.
Princess Compared With Other Lines
Princess usually feels calmer than Royal Caribbean and less family-resort focused than MSC or some Norwegian ships. It is less formal than Cunard and less luxury-led than Regent, Seabourn or Silversea. That makes it a useful middle option for travellers who want comfort, destination variety and a familiar cruise rhythm.
If you want big activities, slides and a ship that feels like a floating theme park, Royal Caribbean may suit better. If you want classic formality, look at Cunard. If you want adult-only modern style, compare Virgin Voyages. If you want a polished mainstream cruise with strong itinerary choice, Princess deserves a place on the shortlist.
First-Timer Verdict
Princess is a strong first-cruise option if you want something easy to understand, not too chaotic and not too formal. It is especially sensible for Alaska, scenic routes and travellers who prefer a cruise line that does not shout for attention.
The key is choosing the right ship and fare. A good Princess cruise can feel smooth, comfortable and nicely paced. A poor match usually happens when someone books on price alone and forgets to check the ship age, cabin position, package costs and route style.
How To Use This Review
Do not choose a cruise line only because one ship looks lovely in a photo. Compare the things that affect your actual week onboard: dining style, cabin choice, included extras, passenger mix, ship size and whether the itinerary gives you enough time in the places you care about.
- For families, check kids clubs, pools, cabin layouts and school-holiday pricing.
- For couples, compare dining, entertainment, adult spaces and how busy the ship may feel.
- For first-timers, look for simple fares, clear dress codes and routes with easy ports.
- For value, add gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, flights, hotels and transfers before deciding.
The best cruise line is the one that fits how you like to holiday, not the one with the loudest advert or the lowest first price.
Ships in this guide
Princess Cruises ships to compare
Use these ship pages as the next step after choosing the cruise line. They help you compare size, atmosphere, UK relevance and who each ship suits best.
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