Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises: Behind the Curtain

Princess Cruises wants you to think they’re where sophistication meets adventure on the high seas. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Santa Clarita, they’ve been around the block—or should we say, the globe—a few times. The marketing is all about that magical getaway where you can “Escape Completely.” But let’s not kid ourselves; it’s not all glitz and glamour.

Sure, they’ve got an impressive Fleet Health Score of 93/100, according to cleanliness rankings, making them some of the cleanest ships afloat. But drama? Oh, they’ve got a Drama Score of 58/100, which means they’re not entirely scandal-free. And that Value Score of 72/100? Let’s just say you might want to keep an eye on those hidden costs. Check out what sneaky fees you might encounter at our hidden costs page.

Who Should Book a Princess Cruise?

Princess Cruises is ideal for travelers who enjoy a classic cruising experience with a hint of luxury but aren’t ready to sell a kidney to pay for it. If you’re a fan of well-rounded itineraries that mix relaxation with exploration, and you’d rate yourself somewhere between “beer” and “champagne” on the lifestyle scale, then welcome aboard.

However, if you’re a party animal thirsting for endless nightlife or a penny-pinching budget cruiser, you might find Princess a little too refined or pricey for your taste. Families with young children might also find the vibe less exciting compared to the theme-park-at-sea atmosphere of some other lines.

What Princess Gets Right

• Itinerary Variety: From Alaska to the Mediterranean, Princess offers a buffet of destinations. They’re particularly strong in Alaska, where they practically run the show.
• Onboard Experience: Expect decent entertainment, good food, and generally a smooth ride, courtesy of their above-average staff. Their Captain’s Circle loyalty program is worth checking out for frequent cruisers. Get the deets here.
• Cleanliness: A Fleet Health Score of 93/100? That’s like getting an A in personal hygiene. Check all ship scores on our ship database.

Where Princess Falls Short

• Value for Money: Their 72/100 Value Score means some might experience sticker shock when the final bill arrives. Look out for those cheeky extras.
• Modernization: While they’re not exactly stuck in the past, they’re not leading the future, either. If you’re looking for the latest tech and amenities, you might be slightly underwhelmed.

Pricing and Value: A Deceptive Dance

When it comes to pricing, Princess is like that cocktail you thought was on happy hour—tasty but not exactly cheap. They position themselves as a step above your average budget line, and they’re not wrong. But if you dig into the receipts, that “affordable luxury” can quickly morph into “what happened to my bank account?”

Compared to competitors, Princess generally lands in the mid-to-upper price range. But beware of the upsells, from specialty dining to shore excursions, that can quietly balloon your total spend. For a full breakdown of where they hit your pocketbook, head over to our hidden costs page.

The Bottom Line: Should You Sail with Princess?

Princess Cruises isn’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. They cater to a crowd that appreciates elegance without going full-on opulent. They’re reliable, generally free from major scandals, and offer quality experiences on well-maintained ships. They’re like the trusty friend who won’t embarrass you at dinner but may not leave you gobsmacked, either.

If you’re looking for a cruise line that offers consistency with a side of sophistication, Princess is a solid choice. Just be ready to scrutinize your bill and maybe skip that third glass of champagne. For more on their fleet and where they rank, check out our ship database and cleanliness rankings.