Princess Cruises is a smaller cruise line that, as of a 2003 merger, is part of the Carnival Corporation with Carnival Cruises. The line offers a variety of experiences, varying by ship size and onboard activities. Smaller ships are available and even large ships strive for a small-ship, unhurried ambience. Kid's activities, like big-screen, poolside movies, often draw families to this cruise line. Due to the wide variety in services and style, it's best to research each ship before booking. Some cruises are not as family-friendly as others. Princess is also a destination leader in the cruise world, offering customary cruises to the Caribbean and alluring journeys to the Far East.
Princess was the first line to bring back an old tradition where travelers' friends and families can visit onboard before departure. By registering for the "Bon Voyage Experience," travelers and guests join in touring and lunchtime dining for four hours prior to setting sail. The cost is $39 per guest, which will be put toward a future cruise, should they decide to book one on the way out. Return customers also qualify for the "Princess Captain's Circle." This program offers recognition and rewards to cruisers who return to the line again and again.
Ship Specifics
Princess Cruises began in 1965 with a small, 6,000-ton converted ferry that made trips to and from Los Angeles and the Mexican Riviera. Today, Princess runs 17 ships in varying sizes. The largest ships carry over 3,000 passengers. Unlike other cruise lines, Princess offers a few of smaller ships that hold 670 to 710 passengers. These present a more classic, less hurried experience. Two new ships are forecast for spring 2013 and spring 2014 -- a debut that will close the near five-year gap in new ship introduction. These will weigh about 139,000 tons and carry over 3,400 passengers.
Ports and Destinations
Princess Cruises has a wide span of itineraries that visit family-favorite Caribbean spots to exotic destinations like Africa and the Far East. Princess is also a leader in and Canada voyages, as it boasts one of the highest concentrations of ships and best land tours and excursions in these areas. In fact, the cruise line owns five lodges along Alaska's Inside Passage and in the state's national parks. Princess also leads the cruise industry in itineraries to the Mexican Riviera, and the European Baltic and Mediterranean regions. With 35 in total, embarkation ports in the U.S. and Canada include Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Vancouver. Hundreds of ports of call are scattered all across the globe. The cruise line travels to all seven continents.
Cruises range from 7 to 107 days, traveling to over 350 ports. Princess's ships span the globe on about 115 itineraries. Smaller ships -- Pacific, Royal and Tahitian Princess -- offer longer trips to more exotic ports of calls. These also offer fewer family amenities, so you may want to avoid them when bringing young children.
For more on Princess Cruise Line, visit our sister site Cruise Critic .
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