What makes Princess Cruises unique?

Some cruise lines focus heavily on a region such as Europe, North America, or the Caribbean. Princess is truly global in nature. You can sail from ports in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. There are classic Caribbean trips, Alaska cruises, Mediterranean cruises, and even cruises to Antarctica.



Princess Cruises distinguishes itself in 2026 through its MedallionClass® technology and its status as the #1 cruise line in Alaska. The "Medallion" is a wearable device the size of a coin that replaces your room key and credit card, enabling "touchless" boarding, location-based service (where drinks find you), and keyless stateroom entry. Princess is also unique for its "North to Alaska" enrichment program, which brings local naturalists, sled dog puppies, and fresh-caught seafood directly onto the ships. In 2026, their new Sphere Class ships (Sun Princess and Star Princess) feature "The Dome," a glass-enclosed top-deck space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. This blend of high-tech convenience, a focus on "destination immersion," and a more refined, adult-leaning atmosphere makes Princess the premier choice for travelers who want a premium, "smart" cruise experience without the frantic energy of the "mega-ship" lines.

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The ships feature a 50 percent larger atrium which is the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the Princess Live! television studio; a ...

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More Relaxing Atmosphere & Less Party Vibe Even on a busy day at sea, the atmosphere on Princess is not a party vibe. Instead, it's much more relaxed.

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Best Luxury Cruise Lines
  • #1. Viking Ocean Cruises.
  • #2. Seabourn Cruise Line.
  • #3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises.


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While both lines offer a varied dining lineup, Princess comes out on top for overall food quality while Royal Caribbean has an edge when it comes to free eateries that kids will love.

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The Sanctuary on Princess Cruises is an adults-only sun deck, an exclusive space that does not allow children under age 18. It's nestled on one of the ship's upper decks (forward or aft, depending on the ship), away from the main pools and directly above the Lotus Spa.

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Princess appeals to an older demographic than lines such as Carnival and Norwegian. The average age of passengers is around 57, and you'll usually see a lot of couples on board in their 50s, 60s and 70s. As noted above, these aren't people necessarily craving go-kart tracks and ropes courses at sea.

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You should make sure you have a wide array of clothing packed away in your suitcase, as cruises may require everything from a casual swimsuit to a formal tuxedo. Princess Cruises is smart casual, so pack clothing that adheres to that guideline.

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In addition to differences in cruise mates, you'll see big differences in atmosphere: Carnival is about affordable fun, while Princess cruises are often nicer and more low-key, with a slightly higher price tag. The Vegas-style gaudiness that bothered some Carnival cruisers in the past is slowly being erased.

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Sit-down dining in our dining rooms is included with your cruise fare.

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In the middle are premium lines, like Princess Cruises, which generally offer a diverse fleet of medium-sized and larger cruise ships, along with accommodations and services that fall between contemporary and luxury offerings.

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