Though I've been on over 20 cruises, it wasn't until recently I stepped foot on a Princess ship.
Growing up, my family primarily sailed with Royal Caribbean, but within the past year, I've branched out to Carnival to learn why they have the most "FUN" ships at sea. Seeking a more upscale experience, I decided to give Princess a try, embarking on Sun Princess upon her arrival in Fort Lauderdale.
Since Princess and Carnival are both owned by Carnival Corporation, I expected to discover similarities between the two cruise lines. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, for example, have nearly identical mobile applications and check-in processes, and guests can match their loyalty status between the two.
However, from the moment I boarded the ship, it was clear the experience would be a far cry from the laid-back atmosphere Carnival Cruise Line is known for. As I walked onboard, I was struck by the elegant Piazza and welcoming environment. The tasteful decor and inviting seating made the central hub a perfect place to relax.
While each cruise line has pros and cons, I enjoyed my time onboard Princess Cruises more than I anticipated. Here are 5 things I think Carnival's upscale sister does well.
Inclusive packages
When booking a Princess cruise, passengers can choose between three fares: Standard, Plus, and Premier.
The latter two are more inclusive and bundle popular add-ons, including drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining, for less. For $60/day, Princess Plus includes up to 15 alcoholic beverages valued at no more than $15, two casual specialty meals, Wi-Fi for one device, gratuities, two premium desserts per day, waived OceanNow delivery, and more.
Comparatively, Carnival's CHEERS! Package costs $74.95 per person, per day on sailings 5 nights or fewer, and $64.95 for all voyages that are 6+ nights. Princess Plus, while not the most inclusive package, provides a well-rounded selection of amenities for less than what Carnival charges for their drink package!
For those seeking the most inclusive experience on a Princess cruise, consider upgrading to Princess Premier. Their top-tier package costs $90/day; however, you'll get unlimited drinks valued at up to $20, Wi-Fi for four devices, unlimited specialty dining and professional photos, and more.
With most specialty meals costing $45, the price is easily justified for foodies who want to eat at the steakhouse, Italian trattoria, etc., instead of the Main Dining Room.
Moreover, considering gratuities cost at least $17 per day, it's just a $43 or $73 upgrade to either package. That said, Princess Plus and Premier make it easy to enjoy some of the best parts of cruising without breaking the bank.
MedallionClass
I was equally impressed and freaked out by MedallionClass. In lieu of traditional cruise ship cards, passengers sailing on a Princess ship are given a quarter-sized device that acts as their room key and charge card. As I made my way to my cabin for the first time, the door automatically unlocked as I approached, thanks to the Medallion sensing my presence.
When ordering a drink at the bar, I didn't even need to tap the medallion in most cases! The bartenders were able to see my picture appear on their tablets. On a similar note, I easily located my partner when we separated because of the medallion's tracking. The app would tell me exactly where she was, whether in the restroom, cabin, shops, or elsewhere onboard.
Plus, I could order food and drinks from anywhere onboard using the app! Cheese fries during karaoke? Why not! Iced coffee delivered to my cabin for an afternoon pick-me-up? Sure thing!
Read more: 10 lessons learned after trying Carnival for the first time
Dining
Speaking of food, I was blown away by the dining experience on Sun Princess. From poolside tacos to prime rib carved tableside, the quality of the food exceeded my expectations. I loved the variety available, too.
Though Carnival is also known for their fast-casual bites, including Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, the offerings on Princess were more refined. The casual eateries on the lido deck provided delicious options that didn't skimp on quality, from juicy tacos to fresh salads and even flavorful shawarma.
The Main Dining Room was equally impressive. Usually, I find the dining room to be just okay. The food is adequate; however, it's not often something worth writing home about. My experience on Sun Princess was completely different, though! From the creamy fettuccini alfredo to the golden crab cake, everything was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor.
Read more: Cruise Ship Dining Mistakes to Avoid
The specialty restaurants also left a lasting impression. Umai, Princess' first Teppanyaki restaurant, was a standout. The delicious food—namely the fried rice and filet mignon—and interactive dining experience made it well worth the $45.
Another memorable meal was at Love by Britto, Princess Cruises' brand-new artistic-inspired dining experience. While more expensive at $79/each, the attention to detail—from the forks with heart-shaped cutouts to the beautiful decorative plates—was evident throughout the meal and added to the unique dining experience. The decor definitely reflected Romero Britto's signature pop art style!
Each course was thoughtfully crafted, but I particularly enjoyed the Duet of Prime Beef and Wagyu and heart-shaped bread! The bread was flaky like a buttery croissant, while the beef was cooked to a perfect medium and drizzled with a red wine reduction.
Read more: How 25,000 meals a day are made on Princess' largest cruise ship
Upscale atmosphere
There's no denying it: Sun Princess is one of the most beautiful ships at sea. From the dazzling atrium to the stunning ocean-view lounges, every corner of the ship exudes elegance and style.
The Piazza, with its soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, serves as a central hub, inviting guests to relax, socialize, listen to live music, and even participate in fun game shows. The staterooms are equally impressive, with details like motion sensor floor lights, an abundance of outlets, and a footrest in the shower to make shaving easier.
Outside, there are plenty of areas to relax and take in the jaw-dropping views. On Deck 8, for instance, there's an infinity pool that overlooks the ship's wake. The expansive sun decks also feature various seating options, from plush daybeds to traditional loungers.
Read more: I sailed in a 200-square-foot room on Princess Cruises' newest ship
Perched atop the ship is The Dome, a transformational space that serves as a low-key venue during the day before being transformed into an exciting arena at night for aerial shows. There's even an indoor-outdoor pool steps away from the Sea View Bar!
Read more: 28 first time cruise tips that really work
Worldy itineraries
While you can find Carnival cruises to destinations like Alaska, Europe, and the South Pacific, they are limited compared to the cruise line's extensive list of voyages to The Bahamas and Caribbean. Princess, on the other hand, sees the world as a broader canvas for exploration.
For example, Sun Princess, their newest ship, debuted in Europe before crossing the Atlantic for a stint in the Caribbean. Other ships sail to places like Asia, Australia & New Zealand, coastal California, Canada & New England, Europe, Mexico, South America, and more. Not only do they regularly sail to a wider variety of desintations, but Princess also typically has longer voyages.
For example, Princess Cruises is hosting a 116-day World Cruise beginning in January 2025. The voyage on Island Princess is set to visit 51 destinations in 26 countries across 6 continents.
In short, regardless of where you are hoping your travels will take you, Princess is far more likely to meet your itinerary needs. That said, if you're looking to kick back and party with a drink in hand while sailing to The Bahamas, Carnival is your better bet.
Looking ahead into 2026, I am particularly interested in Princess' cruises to Asia. Diamond Princess is embarking on a 14-night sailing to Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in January 2026, visiting ports like Phuket, Thailand; Langkawi, Malaysia; and Nha Trang, Vietnam.
There's also a 14-night Southeast Asia & Japan cruise that sounds interesting. I've always wanted to visit Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, and Hong Kong!
Read more: Here's what a 7-night Carnival cruise should cost you
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
