While Princess Cruises is known for its massive "Royal" and new "Sphere" class ships (like the 4,300-guest Sun Princess), it does maintain a fleet of relatively smaller, more intimate vessels. The "Coral Class" ships, specifically the Coral Princess and Island Princess, are significantly smaller, carrying roughly 2,200 guests. These ships were originally designed with a narrower beam to fit through the old locks of the Panama Canal, offering a more traditional cruise experience with fewer crowds. Additionally, the "Grand Class" ships like the Grand Princess (approx. 2,600 guests) are considered "mid-sized" by modern standards. These smaller vessels are often deployed on more unique, destination-focused itineraries, such as world cruises or remote Alaskan and South Pacific routes, where larger ships cannot easily dock or navigate.