An Introduction to Princess Cruises: MedallionClass Technology & Modern Comforts

• Innovative Ship Design & Modern Amenities: MedallionClass™ Princess Cruise ships feature sleek, modern design, spacious staterooms, and thoughtfully expanded dining and leisure areas for a comfortable onboard experience.

• Exceptional Dining Experiences: Guests can enjoy flexible dining options, speciality restaurants, and on-demand service via the OceanMedallion™, allowing meals to be delivered anywhere on board.

• Engaging Entertainment & Activities: Interactive experiences and engaging live shows ensure every guest has access to exciting entertainment throughout their cruise.

Princess Cruises has been sailing the seas since way back in 1965. If you’ve never actually cruised with them, you may have still run across them before from their association with the Duchess of Cambridge after she named their ship Royal Princess.

Or, you may remember them from the popular TV series The Love Boat back in the 70s that was set upon one of their vessels. More recently, Regal Princess and Royal Princess starred on an ITV behind-the-scenes documentary named The Cruise.

So, what makes Princess Cruises so special? Who typically sails with them, and what can you expect on board? In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know, from their ships to dining, entertainment, and onboard amenities, helping you get to know Princess Cruises and what they have to offer.

Meet The Fleet

Princess Cruises have a variety of vessels which are split into five distinct classes. You’ll find that each ship in its class will be of a similar size and have similar venues and amenities on board.

Grand Class: Grand Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess. 

Royal Class: Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess. 

Coral Class: Island Princess and Coral Princess. 

Sphere Class: Sun Princess and Star Princess 

Is There A Typical “Princess” Traveller?

Princess Cruises are suitable for a wide range of travellers because of their varied fleet and even more varied destinations they sail to. Whether you want the amenities of a large ship or the intimacy of a small ship, the delights of the Caribbean or adventures across Alaska, Princess Cruises will have a ship or voyage to suit you.

For UK holidaymakers, Princess Cruises also offers convenient cruises from Southampton, making it easy to set sail without the hassle of flying. These itineraries include everything from short mini cruises to Northern Europe to longer sailings to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands.

These Princess Cruises from the UK, including with top cruise ships Regal Princess and Sky Princess, you can step onboard and begin your holiday right from the UK.

If you're a technology-lover, you'll love the OceanMedallion, the wearable device that acts as your ‘digital concierge.' The whole Princess Cruise fleet uses this technology, but it gives you better access to the ship, replaces key card for stateroom access, enables selection for drink and food preferences, speeds up boarding processes, and so much more while onboard. 

And, if you just love your sleep, you'll love this part. Princess Cruises has partnered with a sleeping expert to introduce a luxury bed to every single stateroom onboard, ensuring every single passenger has the most peaceful sleep possible.

Onboard Entertainment

So, what exactly is there to do on a Princess Cruises ship? Well, they proudly feature relaxing pools and hot tubs as you would expect, with at least two main pools and four hot tubs on every single ship.

There’s also a luxury Lotus Spa and Salon for guests to enjoy with a sauna, steam room, solarium, thermal suite and aromatic chamber; treatments include massages, facials, manicures, teeth whitening, acupuncture and chiropractic care.

The lotions and potions used by Princess Cruises include leading spa products from Elemis and La Therapie. It's utter bliss, however, if you’re looking for an even more indulgent experience, then you should try visiting the Sanctuary.

This exclusive adult-only retreat is a secluded spa-like setting on deck where you can lounge on sofas, have a massage in a cabana, sunbathe whilst being sprayed with a misting from an Evian atomiser or be handed chilled face towels and signature beverages and snacks.

For those of you who want to work off some energy instead of relaxing, the onboard gyms are filled with state-of-the-art equipment. You can get trained fitness instructors to give you lessons for a few dollars, or make use of the complimentary classes.

These include body boot camp, TRX classes (which are suspension training classes in which you train with your own body weight,) long and lean stretch class, ab workshops, full body challenge classes and aerobically challenged (a class with low impact exercises for beginners.) There’s also everyone’s favourite exercise class, Zumba.

An entertaining evening awaits you if you head to one of Princess Cruises’ award-winning shows. The current theatre productions include delights such as Stardust and One Night Only, as well as a production of the hit musical Wicked.

A selection of comedy headliners will also perform on a variety of ships, as well as performances from magicians, local entertainers, illusionists, jugglers and ventriloquists.

For something a little more atmospheric, you can also listen to a piano bar or watch a tribute act play Motown classics or The Beatles. Singers will be performing throughout the cruise, and you’ll have the chance to put on your dancing shoes and dance the night away on every vessel on a dance floor or in the nightclubs.

Princess Cruises also host “Movies Under The Stars”, where you’ll have the opportunity to watch films on the top deck under the sky at night.  You can settle down on a deck chair which is padded with a warm blanket, popcorn, and your favourite drink as you watch a great movie on the big screen on deck. 

There’s also an opportunity to learn something new with the variety of enrichment opportunities Princess Cruises hosts onboard. Activities include listening to speakers and classes hosted by the Discovery Channel called "Discovery at Sea".

The scheme brings fascinating destinations and cultures to life through hands-on activities, interactive classes, and engaging presentations. Guests can join stargazing sessions on deck, attend talks from expert speakers, and even enjoy special shore excursions inspired by Discovery Channel programmes. 

Younger travellers can get involved too, with fun science experiments, Shark Week activities, and Animal Planet-themed workshops designed especially for families.

And, for a truly one-of-a-kind experience, select Princess ships now feature Spellbound by Magic Castle. This immersive venue blends the world of magic with luxury cocktails and live entertainment. It’s part bar, part theatre, and part enchanted experience – a magical evening you won’t find on any other cruise line.

Dining Experience

On a Princess Cruise, you don’t have to choose between the more traditional, formal dining and more casual, anytime dining - you can try both!

If you fancy trying out the traditional dining, you’ll dine with the same table mates and wait staff at the same time every evening. Alternatively, you can choose anytime dining to dine when and with whom you want. You’ll be able to eat in your assigned dining room at any time between 5.30pm-10pm.

You can either turn up whenever you want to eat or else book a table for a time between these hours. Whichever kind of dining you choose, you can also make full use of the buffet and speciality dining. 

So, what kind of food is on offer on Princess Cruises ships?

The main dining rooms serve up a choice of up to six delicious courses for your evening meal, with an appetiser, soups, salads, fresh pastas, and much more. Main courses could include sautéed red snapper in Thai hot and sour sauce, grilled beef fillet medallions, fettuccine alfredo, or a roast rack of veal with glazed artichokes. 

For those of you who don’t love all things chocolate, other delectable dishes such as walnut bread or soufflés are available. For a special occasion, or even just as a treat, you can also have afternoon tea and enjoy sandwiches, pastries and scones served with jam or cream.

In all restaurants, there is also a range of vegetarian options available too. Other special dietary requirements can also be catered for. 

Other dining options that are part of your fare include The Horizon Court Buffet, poolside pizzeria & hamburger grill, an ice cream bar, Alfredo’s Pizzeria, Café Caribe and the 24-hour international café. Café Caribe is a themed buffet which offers foods of different regions, whilst the International café offers coffee, sandwiches, paninis and a range of other snacks around the clock in case you get peckish.

There are also 12 speciality dining experiences to enjoy, such as Sabatini’s Italian restaurant, The Crown Grill, Chef’s Table and The Catch by Rudi. The cover charges for these eateries range between $27.50 - $60 per person.

But what are these restaurants like?

Sabatini’s Italian serves Italian dishes including favourite pastas, seafood and Italian delicacies. The Crown Grill is a theatre-style kitchen where you watch your chefs prepare dishes like lobster, steak, scallops or clams to order whilst you sip on a cocktail.

Chef’s Table is an exclusive dining experience where guests are treated to a behind-the-scenes galley tour before enjoying a multi-course gourmet menu specially created by the ship’s executive chef. The Catch by Rudi is a stylish seafood restaurant from award-winning chef Rudi Sodamin, serving beautifully presented dishes such as oysters, scallops, lobster and fresh fish.

As well as a wide dining choice, there are a range of bars and lounges to enjoy. These include Vines, a wine bar which offers over 30 wines by the glass as well as sushi or tapas, the nautically-themed Wheelhouse Bar or Crooners martini bar in the atrium.

Onboard Amenities

Each and every stateroom and suite on a Princess ship has a fridge, hair dryer, safe, phone and satellite flat screen TV. Luxury linens are also supplied to every cabin, not just to suites! You can request waffle weave bathrobes from your steward for that extra bit of comfort.

Every day you will receive a daily programme called the Princess Patter. This will help you organise your day by informing you of all activities on board taking place that day.

Suite passengers have enhanced amenities which include eye gel masks, lip balm, linen spray, bath salts and free DVD library access. Even the small ships of the Princess line have the amenities you would expect of larger vessels.

You will find a self-service laundrette, and if you don’t want to organise your own washing, there is a professional laundry service available for a fee.

The currency on board is USD unless the sailing is in Australian waters, where the currency will be Australian dollars.

Family Friendly Facilities

Princess Cruises cater to all kinds of travellers, including multigenerational families. Across the Princess Cruises fleet, you will find a range of children’s clubs which are geared towards entertaining and educating children.

Those aged 3-7 will enjoy the Treehouse children’s club. They will watch movies and cartoons, attend a kids' fun fair, try t-shirt colouring, do some arts and crafts and join in talent shows. Those aged 8 to 12 will be part of The Lodge kids club. They will enjoy karaoke, PlayStation and Wii tournaments, scavenger hunts, and sports tournaments.

Teenagers aged 13-17 can relax in their own exclusive lounge whilst playing on football tables, games consoles, taking part in sports tournaments, watch late-night movies, attending dance classes, learn how to create mocktails and give each other teen makeovers.

These clubs run throughout the day with breaks for meal times, and there is group babysitting available in the evening for additional charges. 

Staff, Gratuities and Dress Codes

Princess Cruises are known for their warm, attentive staff who go above and beyond to make every sailing special. From your stateroom steward to the friendly waiters and entertainment teams, you’ll always find service with a smile.

When it comes to gratuities, Princess Cruises add a daily crew appreciation charge to onboard accounts which is provided to incredibly hardworking staff. This means there’s no need to worry about tipping staff individually, however these tips can be removed from your account at your discretion prior to your cruise finishing. 

Additionally, an automatic 18% service charge is added to optional purchases such as beverage packages, individual drinks, specialty dining, private group functions, and other extras not included in your cruise fare. This charge is nonrefundable. 

The dress code onboard a Princess Cruise is fairly relaxed and easy to follow. During the day, casual resort wear is perfect, while evenings are generally smart-casual. 

You’ll also find a few formal evenings, where guests are encouraged to dress up in their finest cocktail dresses, suits or tuxedos. If you prefer to keep things casual while onboard, there are always alternative dining venues where formal dress isn’t required.

Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked days by the pool, unforgettable dining experiences, or exploring the world with ease, Princess Cruises offer something for everyone. From cutting-edge entertainment and innovative technology to attentive service and inspiring destinations, your time at sea is guaranteed to be memorable.

Author: Jessica Brookes

Role: Cruise Content Editor