Which is the smallest Princess cruise ship?

What is the smallest Princess cruise ship? The smallest Princess cruise ship is the 2,000-passenger Coral Princess. Measuring just 91,267 gross tons, it's about 36% smaller than Discovery Princess, making it a significantly smaller vessel.



As of 2026, the smallest ships in the active Princess Cruises fleet are the sister ships Coral Princess and Island Princess. These "Coral-class" vessels have a gross tonnage of approximately 91,627 tons and a guest capacity of roughly 2,000 to 2,200 passengers. They were specifically designed with a narrower beam to allow them to transit the original locks of the Panama Canal, making them a favorite for enthusiasts of that specific itinerary. In contrast to the massive new "Sphere-class" ships like the Sun Princess (which carries over 4,300 guests), the Coral and Island Princess offer a much more intimate, classic cruising experience with fewer crowds and a higher crew-to-guest ratio. While the "R-class" Pacific Princess (which carried only 670 guests) was previously the smallest, it was sold in 2021, leaving the Coral-class as the "boutique" option for travelers who prefer a smaller ship feel without sacrificing the traditional amenities, diverse dining options, and large-scale entertainment typically found on a Princess cruise.

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The biggest difference between the two ships is the number of guests each one carries. Coral Princess accommodates just under 2,000 passengers, whereas up to 2,200 passengers can sail on board Island Princess after a refit saw the addition of more than 100 cabins.

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The oldest Princess cruise ship is Grand Princess. Unveiled way back in 1998, it's the namesake vessel for the line's Grand class of vessels, which remain at the core of the Princess fleet. There are seven Grand-class vessels in the Princess fleet in all, making it the biggest grouping of ships at the line.

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Small cruise ships, on the other hand, carry no more than 1000 passengers and as little as 70. The smaller the size, the more exclusive your experience becomes.

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Smaller ships mean less crowded excursions. And forget the tourist traps! A physically smaller ship can also fit into narrower ports, so you'll get the bonus of exploring more far-flung and culturally interesting destinations.

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Royal Princess is a large cruise ship with a maximum capacity of 3,560 passengers, but crowds are usually not an issue here.

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The wreck and sinking of the steamship Princess Sophia exactly a century ago has been called Alaska's worst maritime tragedy. As many as 353 passengers and crew died after the ship grounded on Vanderbilt Reef north of Juneau on Oct. 23, 1918, and then sank 40 hours later in stormy weather.

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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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For those who prefer a more intimate setting, the Pacific Princess is a smaller ship in the Princess Cruises fleet that offers a more personalized experience. This ship has just 338 staterooms and can accommodate up to 670 guests, making it a great option for travelers who prefer a smaller ship atmosphere.

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