12 of the best Princess cruise ships (2024)

A mysterious black door, tucked away from the rest of the ship, swings open and I enter a dark room. I’m introduced to Isabella, the ethereal resident spirit, and handed a co*cktail from a smoking casket as the magical evening in Spellbound unfolds. For me, one of the things that makes Princess Cruises stand out from the crowd is the ever-evolving entertainment scene on its ships.

The 16-strong Princess fleet — which will become 17 in 2025 with the launch of Star Princess — is divided into four classes. Fans of big ships will prefer the Royal and new Sphere class vessels, while anyone who favours smaller vessels can choose the Grand and Coral class. Princess sails the globe and is particularly well-known for Alaska sailings, with seven ships sailing there in 2024 — more than any other line. Here are 12 of our favourites.

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1. Sun Princess

Launched in 2024, this 4,300-passenger ship is the largest in the fleet and marks the first of the all-new Sphere class. The name comes from the spectacular one-of-a-kind multi-level glass dome, that is a pool area by day and entertainment venue at night, and the two spheres on each side which span nine decks and contain public areas and cabins. Prepare to be enchanted at the Spellbound by Magic Castle experience with its secret entrance and logic-defying stage show. Sun Princess is spending its maiden season in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

2. Royal Princess

This 3,560-passenger Royal class ship made headlines when it was christened in Southampton in 2013 by the Princess of Wales; her last engagement before the birth of Prince George. Today the ship, which carries 3,560 guests, can be found much further afield in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Providing a traditional cruise experience, Royal Princess introduced SeaWalk, a 128ft glass platform extending from the side of the ship.

3. Enchanted Princess

Another of the six Royal class ships, Enchanted Princess mainly sails in the Caribbean but can whisk you across to the Mediterranean at the same time in the 360 dining experience, also on Discovery Princess. Here, a seven-course menu is served against a backdrop of culinary storytelling and clever visual entertainment. The 3,660-passenger vessel visits Princess Cays, the line’s private resort on the white sand island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. Back onboard, there’s plenty of outdoor deck space to make the most of the sunshine.

4. Ruby Princess

Launched in 2008, and given a multi-million dollar facelift in 2018, Ruby Princess is the last of the seven Grand class ships that make up the majority of the Princess fleet. Catering to 3,080 guests, it’s among the Princess vessels sailing to Alaska and has plenty of indoor activities and facilities suited to sailing in cooler climates. Like all Princess ships, it has MedallionClass technology. The wearable device, the size of a coin, can be used to open cabin doors, order food and drink, keep in touch with fellow passengers and more.

5. Coral Princess

The baby of the Princess fleet is the 1,970-passenger Coral Princess, conceived in 2002 to be nimble enough to navigate the Panama Canal. Alongside Island Princess, it’s one of two Coral class ships. A refurbishment in 2019 gave it a fresh look which puts it on par with the rest of the fleet. With fewer amenities than its larger siblings, it appeals to guests who prefer a quieter cruise experience. Cruises include longer 22-night sailings out of the US and Canada with a Panama Canal transit.

6. Sky Princess

When Sky Princess debuted in 2019 it was the first ship in the fleet with supersize Sky Suites that sleep up to five. In a prime spot overlooking the main pool area, with huge wraparound balconies and 270-degree views, they provide the best seats in the house for watching films under the stars. In fact, a novel perk for passengers staying in the suites is being able to pick the film that will be screened one night. The 3,660-passenger Royal class ship’s schedule includes no-fly cruises out of Southampton.

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7. Discovery Princess

If you fancy a trip Down Under, the sixth Royal class ship Discovery Princess will be based in Australia and New Zealand in 2025. The 3,660-guest vessel, launched in 2022, will be the biggest Princess ship ever to sail in Australian waters and has 22 itineraries, which will offer 11 departures from Sydney. Speciality dining on Discovery Princess includes the line’s signature seafood restaurant, the Catch by Rudi, which can also be found on Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess.

8. Caribbean Princess

One of the ships that sails out of Southampton, along with cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska, Caribbean Princess is from the Grand class stable. Where it differs significantly from the rest of its fleet mates is having a family-focused pool deck, making it a top choice for anyone travelling with youngsters. The Reef Splash Zone was upgraded during a refurbishment in 2019, which modernised the 2004 vessel. Elsewhere, the 3,140-passenger ship has familiar Princess favourites such as Sabatini’s Italian restaurant.

9. Island Princess

Island Princess, which caters for 2,200 guests, is the second smallest in the fleet so doesn’t feel overwhelming for first-time cruisers. Like its sibling, it was custom-built to offer transit through the Panama Canal. If you’ve got time to spare, Island Princess sails on many long and port-intensive itineraries including world cruises — including segments of the global voyages — and epic trips such as a 53-night South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand cruise.

10. Majestic Princess

Originally designed for the Chinese market on cruises out of Shanghai, Majestic Princess now plies the waters of the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, Alaska and Californian coast. Thanks to its heritage, the 2017 ship has some marked differences from other Royal class vessels. It is the only Princess ship to have the speciality restaurant Harmony, created in collaboration with Wing Lei, the first Chinese restaurant in the US to be awarded a Michelin star. There’s a tasty noodle bar too.

11. Emerald Princess

If you prefer not to fly, look out for Emerald Princess which will be sailing out of Southampton in 2025 on trips including Norway’s northern lights. The Grand class ship, launched in 2007 and extensively renovated in 2019, carries 3,080 passengers. Like other ships in the fleet, the central hub is the multi-deck piazza with places to eat, drink and watch live entertainment. Wine-lovers can head to Vines for wine flights and to enjoy tapas-style bites.

12. Grand Princess

When Grand Princess set sail in 1998 it was billed as the biggest and fastest cruise ship at sea. Of course, time moves on and the line’s first Grand class vessel is now the smallest in the category and the oldest ship in the fleet. Despite its advancing years, following a 2019 revamp, the grande dame wears its age well. It offers good value cruises to some of the line’s most popular destinations such as Alaska, Australia and the Californian coast, including short taster sailings which are ideal for first timers.

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