royal princess tour of ship

Royal Princess® Cruise Ship

A welcoming ambience and innovative offerings create the perfect way to see the world.

• Inaugural Cruise: June 16, 2013
• Christener: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge
• Guest Cabins: 1,780 total
• Number of Decks: 19
• Tonnage: 142,229
• Length: 1,083 feet
• Height: 217 feet

Your Vacation – Effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Most Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, spectacular views from your room, front row seat for beautiful scenery, our most affordable option, for guests with limited mobility, dining options.

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

Dine My Way℠

Dine when, how and where you like.

A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven.

Horizon Court

An ever-changing selection of favorites.

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock.

Trident Grill

Traditional southern bbq, with poolside ease, specialty dining.

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

A Dazzling Dining Adventure

A taste of italy, enjoyed in luxury, timeless steakhouse traditions, wines from around the world, celebrate seafood, a private breakfast with a view, a sweet treat from italy.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with discovery™.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers.

The Seawalk®

Unparalleled views of the sea.

Princess Live!

Lights, sound, action.

Take a Stroll into the European-style Piazza

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard.

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation.

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best wi-fi at sea.

Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts, entertainment.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night.

Princess® Watercolor Fantasy Show

A spectacle of water dances to music.

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night.

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea.

Lively Nightlife

Good Spirits At Sea

Good spirits, good stories, joyful rejuvenation.

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

Relax in a tranquil retreat just for adults, go ahead, be pampered – you deserve it, a host of ways to get an energizing workout, luxuriate in our largest-ever thermal suite, kids, teens & family.

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programs, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Explore the Treehouse

Step into the lodge, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

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Royal Princess Overview

Royal Princess  was christened by the lovely and royal Duchess of Cambridge, formerly Kate Middleton. This ship offers many incredible features, most notably the SeaWalk, a glass enclosed hallway that extends 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship giving passengers a spectacular and unobstructed view of the ocean below. Royal Princess features dozens of food options and an area to play bocce ball, croquet and golf, along with an expanded atrium with a tea tower where passengers can brew their own tea blend - a very royal experience, indeed.

• Passenger Capacity: 3,560 (double occupancy)
• Year Built: 2013
• Last Refurbished:  2018

• Balconies Royal Princess has abolished oceanview cabins. Princess made all of their outside cabins balconies, which gives passengers not only great views of the ports they're in and the oceans they are traversing, but with a balcony you get to experience cruising with all of your senses. You’ll hear the sea birds squaw, you’ll smell the fresh air and feel the breeze on your face. A balcony offers a step up, fit for the Royal Princess’ esteemed passengers.  

• The Atrium The Royal Princess takes Princess Cruises to a new level. With an expanded size and lots of new features, the design team on the ship reinvented many of Princess’ core features. The Atrium, which is the center piece of the ship, is 50 percent larger than any Atrium before her. The Royal Princess’ Atrium connects three stories of the ship with beautiful staircases and presents the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee or catch an interactive show.  

• Godmother To honor the Royal Princess , none other than the Duchess of Cambridge christened the ship when she debuted in the spring of 2013. The Duchess, formerly known as Kate Middleton, christened the ship just over a month before giving birth to the heir to the British throne, Prince George. Middleton carries on an important family tradition as the original Royal Princess was christened by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.  

Meet the Royal Princess: An Infographic

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Royal Princess Cruise Destinations

Princess Cruises offers a wide array of cruising destinations, as well as a Cruisetour program that is revered in the cruising industry. This impressive selection includes over 100 itineraries reaching over 300 ports all across the world. Whether cruise to take in the beautiful fall foliage of Canada and New England or a splendid voyage to sunny Tahiti, Princess Cruises can offer you a great value with an exceptional experience. Other destinations include, but are not limited to: Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Australia, and more. 

Choose an Alaska cruise, where you can explore the tundra or view the natural beauty, take a dog sled ride or kick back in some hot springs!

Alaska Cruisetours

A Princess Cruises Alaska Cruisetour is the best choice for a full, in-depth adventure in the Last Frontier.

Satisfy your hunger for the unique and intriguing, whether it’s a rarely seen whale or a quirky new sport, with an Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Hawaii holds cultural delights and tropical pleasures in store for your cruise vacation.

Mexican Riviera

Imagine the clear blue waters, fantastic beaches, and fascinating culture you will encounter on a cruise to Mexican Riviera.

South Pacific / Tahiti

French Polynesia’s animated culture and natural, gorgeous landscapes are the highlight of each and every day of a cruise to Tahiti and the South Pacific.

Transpacific

Cross the world’s largest ocean while visiting tropical islands and lively cultures along the way.

U. S. Pacific Coast

From San Francisco treats to Hollywood streets, it’s call about the West Coast—choose a California Coastal cruise.

Royal Princess Departure Ports

Princess Cruises has one of the most extensive set of sailings. Their ships travel the world embarking from popular ports like New York City, Vancouver, Venice and Los Angeles. They also have cruises that sail from smaller, more exotic ports like Kobe in Japan and Valparaiso in Chile. We’ll help you find a Princess cruise you’ll love, give us a call today. 

Hobart, Australia

If you are looking for a relaxing, tranquil and laid-back vacation spot – Hobart is the place for you! 

The near perfect days, beautiful scenery, pristine beaches and sparkling water offer the perfect backdrop for any dream adventure in Sydney, Australia.

Auckland, New Zealand

The mild temperatures in Auckland enhance an outdoorsy cruise destination. Tour the many beaches, hike beautiful mountain ranges or just wander Auckland’s city streets.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Honolulu, with its near perfect weather every day and beautiful mountains and tropical landscapes, is a destination not to be missed.

The possibilities are endless when cruising to or from the City of Angels. Let your inner rock star shine as you explore the many wonders of Los Angeles, California.

Known as The Emerald City, Seattle is a beautiful, luscious city with incredible views of the Cascade Mountains and Elliott Bay. The city is full of activities for both water lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Whittier, Alaska

Experience the best of the Last Frontier in quaint Whittier, Alaska. Enjoy the clear water filled with salmon, red snapper and trout along with the freely roaming wildlife, all combining to make Whittier a treat to visit.

Royal Princess Deck Plans

Fiesta deck, promenade deck, emerald deck, dolphin deck, caribe deck, riviera deck, marina deck, sports deck, royal princess staterooms.

Balcony (DA)

Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. This stateroom also includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini-Suite stateroom.

Balcony (DB)

Balcony (dc), balcony (dd), balcony (de), balcony (df), balcony (dv).

Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. This cabin has an obstructed view balcony from which to enjoy the fresh sea air. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. This stateroom also includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini-Suite stateroom.

Balcony (DW)

Balcony (dz), balcony (d4).

Larger than a Deluxe Balconcy Suite. Choose this enhanced version of a Balcony stateroom with more space and a comfortable sofa bed. Enjoy a larger balcony with more room to view the beautiful scenery as you sail from destination to destination and take in the ocean breeze for a wonderful and romantic evening or morning. This stateroom also includes some of the amenities offered in a Mini-Suite stateroom.

Balcony (BA)

This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, wimpressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore.

Balcony (BB)

This impressive This impressive stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It's also perfect to enjoy offers the elegance of a balcony with fine patio furniture. It offers all the amenities of an interior stateroom, plus a spacious closet and desk

Balcony (BC)

Balcony (bd), balcony (be), balcony (bf), balcony (bv), balcony (bw), balcony (by).

Inside (IA)

These staterooms are the perfect place to recharge your batteries. Our most affordable option, featuring two twin beds or a queen-size bed. Other amenities include a refrigerator, hair dryer, TV, closet and bathroom with shower.

Inside (IB)

Inside (ic), inside (id), inside (ie), inside (if).

A premium stateroom category featuring our best located Mini-Suite staterooms, as well as the great amenities found in all Mini-Suites plus premier dining benefits and luxurious perks. Each night, enjoy Club Class Dining, an exclusive dining area featuring expedited seating with no wait, expanded menu options, dedicated wait staff and tableside preparations. Other amenities include priority embarkation and disembarkation, a complimentary one-time wine set-up and so much more!

Choose a luxurious Mini-Suite with balcony which is substantially larger than a Balcony stateroom and receive a complimentary welcome glass of Champagne. Mini-Suites include a separate sitting area with sofa bed, premium bathroom amenities and two flat-panel televisions. For families or groups needing a little extra space, Mini-Suites offer an appealing and affordable option.

Penthouse Suite features a spacious cabin and balcony. Enjoy exclusive suite-only upgrades and benefits. Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Surrounding you with deluxe accommodations, a spacious Suite with balcony includes all the amenities of a Club Class Mini-Suite, plus incredible premiums. Enjoy more living space, a sofa bed and separate seating areas, and wonderfully enhanced amenities that range from priority embarkation and disembarkation to a complimentary mini-bar setup in suite and so much more.

Photo Gallery for Royal Princess Cruise Ship

A lot has changed since the days of the Love Boat . Check out this photo gallery of what a Princess ship looks like in the 21 st century. 

Alfredo's Pizzeria

Royal Princess

Gelato Shop

Standard Balcony Stateroom

Top 10 Royal Princess Cruises

• Royal Princess 7 NIGHT U. S. Pacific Coast CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Royal Princess 13 NIGHT Hawaii CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Royal Princess 36 NIGHT Transpacific CRUISE Departing From Vancouver, British Columbia (Sep 2024)
• Royal Princess 29 NIGHT Transpacific CRUISE Departing From Los Angeles, California (Sep 2024)
• Royal Princess 6 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Auckland, New Zealand (Oct 2024)
• Royal Princess 13 NIGHT South Pacific CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Oct 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Royal Princess 20 NIGHT NEW ZEALAND TOUR 1434 Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024 - Nov 2024)
• Royal Princess 6 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Royal Princess 4 NIGHT Australia CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024)
• Royal Princess 14 NIGHT New Zealand CRUISE Departing From Sydney, Australia (Nov 2024 - Feb 2025)

Learn More About Princess Cruises

Accessibility

Learn about Princess Cruises' handicap accessible cruise ships and accommodations for guests with special needs, disabilities or mobility restrictions.

Savor dining aboard Princess Cruises, including the Main Dining Room, Sabatini's, Sterling Steakhouse, Crown Grill, Bayou Café, International Café, Chef's Table, room service and more.

Entertainment

Enjoy Princess Cruises' onboard entertainment, including Movies Under the Stars, stage shows, dancing, karaoke, comedy shows, casino games, bars and lounges.

Onboard Activities

Engage in Princess Cruises' onboard activities, including movie nights, ScholarShip classes, pools, hot tubs, poolside activities, sports courts, art auctions, ship tours, duty-free shops and more.

Service & Awards

Learn how Princess Cruises takes care of your every need with an extensive list of onboard services. Plus, view Princess Cruises' awards.

Spa & Fitness

Unwind at Princess Cruises' spa and fitness programs from the Lotus Spa and Lotus Fitness centers. Relax with a massage, facial, pedicure or Botox, or get a workout with a gym class.

Special Events

From holidays to weddings, make your Princess Cruises vacation even more special by celebrating at sea.

Explore Princess Cruises' premium staterooms, including suite, balcony, oceanview and inside staterooms. Princess Cruises' family- and mini-suites give you room to spread out.

Youth Programs

Learn about cruising with children aboard Princess Cruises. Most ships have youth programs for ages 3+, including kidsitting, youth dining, youth centers and teen lounges.

Cruise Type

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7 Things I Loved, Plus 4 Things I Didn’t During Princess’s Alaska Cruisetour

• Cruises and Sailing
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On my first morning after embarking on the Royal Princess Hamilton Cruise ship on a sea and land cruise from Vancouver through the Inside Passage of Alaska and up to Fairbanks, I sat on my portside balcony and watched the gray seas as the pale morning sun rose.

A sudden movement caught my eye, and the head of a humpback whale rose directly out of the water, suspended for a brief moment before it disappeared under the sea.

“Did I just see that?” I muttered sleepily to myself. As if to answer me, the telltale poof of water shot out of the sea, followed by the dark, subtle hump of the whale as he followed alongside our massive 1,083-foot long ship .

Instantly, I ran inside to wake my travel buddy, but by the time he got to the balcony, the whale was long gone. However, that whale sighting was a premonition of extraordinary adventures to come on the Princess Cruises’ 12-17 day Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour .

From luscious food choices and all-day entertainment to excursions and off-shore adventures through Alaska’s small coastal communities, the Alaska Cruisetour was probably one of the most fun trips I had taken all year. While I had my first cruise in January on a small excursion ship, I was invited and hosted by Princess Cruises to experience my first “big” cruise ship. For some reason, I had poo-pooed the idea of the big “floating city” cruise ships in the past, but the 12 days of sailing and traveling with Princess changed my mind.

I get it now. I get why people dream of cruises and just how easy it is to relax and just enjoy when you are being pampered, cared for, and catered to by a cruise ship company. Coming from the eyes of a brand-new cruiser (this won’t be my last cruise, I guarantee you), here are the seven things I loved — plus the four things I didn’t — during the Princess Alaska Cruisetour.

7 Things I Loved

1. medallion magnificant and the staff.

The Royal Princess is a Princess MedallionClass™ ship with a capacity of 3,560 guests. The MedallionClass ships use touchless technologies in the form of a small, quarter-sized customizable Medallion and an app to enhance and personalize individual experiences and health protocols. 

This thing is so cool. I had my Medallion customized with an astrological symbol and ordered the rubber wristband. While wearing it, the Medallion automatically unlocks and locks my stateroom door as I enter it, allows staff to find me anywhere on the ship to deliver my daily Bloody Mary, allows for touch-free boarding and purchases, let me find my travel companion on the ship, and more. 

“So let’s say you’re out tanning by the pool and you want to get some extra sunscreen, you can go on the app on your phone and order sunscreen which will be purchased through the app and delivered to you where you are anywhere on the ship,” said Briana Latner, public relations and marketing for Princess Cruises. “We’ve also introduced ‘Dine My Way,’ which helps you make reservations in the main dining rooms and the specialty dining, helps get rid of wait times and helps you with your special preferences.”

Another feature of the Princess Medallion is the Ocean Compass, which allows you to locate and message your travel companions. Whomever you are traveling with is automatically named as travel companions in the app, but you can remove each other if you choose to.

“Sometimes there are kids who are teenagers. They can go off on their own, but you want to make sure you know where they are and they’re safe,” Latner said. “Many people who are traveling with parents or the elderly who may get disoriented find it’s been really helpful  to be able to find each other too.”

Travel blogger Erin Cohen said the Medallion created a level of ease on her trip that shocked her.

“It makes you eat too much,” she laughed. “Everything comes to you at the snap of a finger or the touch of a button. The Medallion makes life almost too easy, but it’s great.”

Combined with the Princess Medallion, the staff on the boat is top-notch. Our stateroom was cleaned twice a day at least (the Medallion lets staff know when you are out of your room so they don’t disturb you), the bartenders all know your name and preferred drink, and every crewmember greets you with a cheerful hello.

Using the app and the Medallion was super convenient when it came to purchases, ordering, getting around, and more.

Pro Tip: Download the app before you embark on the cruise to upload safety and health documents, pre-book activities and dining, and get used to all the features. It’s a lot to learn. You can order the Medallion ahead of time and either have it sent to you prior to the cruise or you can pick it up upon embarkation.

Fun Fact: The Pacific Princess was the star ship in the 1977 television series called The Love Boat . That series also made the concept of a sea-going vacation popular with millions of people and has been widely credited with fueling the dramatic expansion of the cruise industry.

2. By Land And By Sea

The Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetours are a combo land and sea experience. In addition to a 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers Alaska cruise that includes two glacier-viewing experiences and stops in the small Alaskan communities of Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Whittier (Anchorage), you’ll also explore Alaska’s interior with a guided land exploration tour.

Once you’ve disembarked from the ship, you can spend 3 or more nights on land at the various Princess Wilderness Lodges , including the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, and the Fairbanks Princess Wilderness Lodge.

These lodges are situated riverside near the legendary Denali National Park and Preserve, on the stunningly beautiful Kenai Peninsula, and in Fairbanks. Each lodge offers its own unique personality.

You will also travel by rail in a private Princess Cruises scenic railroad car and by tour bus to the various locations.

We were on the Connoisseur Alaska Cruisetour , which offers the highest level of service with a dedicated tour director, the 7-day Voyages of the Glaciers cruise, 5-10 nights on land, travel on the Princess Alaska rail service, stays at Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park , a Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park (We saw three grizzly bears!), sightseeing opportunities, and most meals included.

What I loved about this option was the ability to see not only the glaciers and wonders of coastal Alaska along the Inside Passage, but a chance to explore the famed national parks of Alaska’s rugged and beautiful interior. It truly was the best of both worlds.

“You see pictures but to see it in person is just like, it’s hard to believe this is even real. The whole time I was in Alaska, I just kept saying it was like a movie set,” said Cohen.

3. All The Choices (And Unlimited Drinks)

So maybe you are craving a pepperoni pizza while you lounge in one of the many hot tubs on the 16th-floor deck. Maybe one night, all you dream of is a big juicy steak with a Maine lobster tail. Maybe you want a lot of choices from the all-day buffet.

On the Royal Princess, the more than a dozen dining choices come in many different flavors, ranging from high-end steakhouse to Italian cuisine to sushi. Like many cruise ships, the Royal Princess has a buffet that features Asian, Indian, American, and Latino cuisine, as well as breakfast items, fresh fruit, a pastry bar, and more. On the fifth floor in the central Vista, a small deli is open 24/7 for the late night/early morning crowd.

The ship also has numerous bars, and because we were given the unlimited drinks option, we put those to good use. From the poolside bars to the cozy Wheelhouse Bar with its live music, you’ll not have to worry about finding the perfect cocktail or Alaska beer to sip on. 

Although I dined at the fancy Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, the buffet was our go-to option most days due to the sheer variety of foods to choose from. Be warned, though: It’s easy to let your eyes be bigger than your stomach, and you can end up eating more than you planned because the food is just so tasty.

4. Lots Of Viewing Areas

The Alaska Cruisetour I was on started from Vancouver and sailed through Alaska’s Inside Passage through some of the most beautiful scenery I’d ever seen. With glaciers, waterfalls, misty mountains, and otters and whales frolicking in the waves, it would be a crime not to take it all in.

I loved all the decks and viewing areas on the Royal Princess. From our own private balcony to picture windows throughout the ship to expansive decks, the views just kept coming.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars! I really regretted not bringing the pair I own. Trust me, you won’t regret taking them when the whales and otters make their appearance.

5. Performances And Special Programs

You’ll never get bored on this Cruisetour. Starting as early as 6 a.m. every day, the Royal Princess has events, special programs, classes, naturalist talks, and fun activities. From morning stretching on the deck to art auctions and contests to game shows and line dancing classes, this ship doesn’t stop!

In addition to the hourly activities, excursions, and options during the day, The Royal Princess presents big musical shows, comedians, naturalist talks, and more in its expansive Princess Theatre. The smaller bars and venues feature live musicians and fun, silly game shows while the main Vista area of the fifth floor holds concerts and dance parties. The ship even has a disco, a hopping casino with slots and table games, a very large fitness area on the 17th deck, poolside movies, a pickleball court, a Discovery Camp for kids, and more.

Every day, a daily newsletter listing all the activities on the ship is delivered to your room, so it’s easy to find and choose what performances or classes you’d like to take part in. If you are bored at all on this ship, that’s on you! Seriously, you’ll have a hard time picking which fun activity to do.

6. Being Pampered

After days of hiking, exploring Alaska’s small communities, whale watching, dancing all night, and maybe having one too many cocktails, it’s nice to be pampered. The Royal Princess’ onboard Lotus Spa brings you to a place of peace and Zen with services like traditional massage, acupuncture, facials like the La Therapie HydraLift facial, couples massage, and Aroma Stone Therapy Massage.

After relaxing, cruisers can head to The Enclave , a getaway of thermal suites and a hydro-therapy pool with a cascading rain shower and therapeutic air jets. Sweat out your worries at a Turkish-style steam bath, steam rooms, and dry saunas for purification and detoxification, then doze off on the heated stone beds or relaxing water beds.

Another pampering experience is Royal Princess’ The Sanctuary , an adult-only retreat on the top deck with private cabanas, food and drink, and al fresco massages. The “Serenity Stewards” are quietly efficient in delivering everything you need, from fresh mimosas to towels.

7. All The Excursions

With 12 days of adventure, it would be impossible for me to list all the land and sea excursions available through the Royal Princess Cruisetour. Thankfully, you’ll be able to find all the options through the Medallion app and with the onboard concierges.

For my excursions, I went out on a crab boat in Ketchikan to learn about crab harvesting and to stuff myself silly on Dungeness crab, roared up winding mountain trails on a UTV, spotted whales, climbed glaciers, kayaked pristine mountain glacial lakes, toured and spotted wildlife on a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park and so much more.

The excursions range from the sedate and relaxing to the wild and extreme, so there’s a little bit of everything for anyone. You can see the list of available excursions here .

4 Things I Didn’t Love

1. prices of excursions.

Alaska is expensive. There’s no getting around that fact. Being able to enjoy the Alaska landscape on a guided excursion is going to cost you. Some of the most expensive excursions include flights on small planes and helicopters, but they tend to be the most popular as well, like the Denali Flightseeing tours and helicopter tours of surrounding glaciers.

You aren’t required to purchase excursions, however. If you’d rather explore the different ports on your own, you can do that too.

2. Not Enough Time In Each Port Or Land Lodge

When you are cruising, you have a schedule to keep. You might fall in love with tiny little Skagway, but you only have a day in port. You may want to spend more time at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge with its cozy rooms and fireplaces, but you only have one night.

The fact that you do not have control over how long you can stay in any one place is certainly not Princess’ fault, but it is a bummer and a fact of life when cruising.

3. No Coffee In The Room

One of my biggest pet peeves in life is not having coffee available in my room when traveling. Yes, ordering coffee to the room was easy and the staff at Princess were on top of my caffeine addiction, but it would have been nice to have one of those little coffee makers tucked away so I could make my own coffee.

One great thing about the Royal Princess is the ability to order coffee and breakfast the night before. Each day, you can fill out a form listing what items you’d like to order and what time they should be delivered, so that’s convenient.

4. Staffing Problems At The Lodges

Like so many other destinations, Alaska has a worker shortage. That desperate need for seasonal and long-term employees has led to some staffing issues at some of the lodges. While the Royal Princess ship boasts 1,346 crew members from more than 30 different countries, some of the lodges had problems filling spots, which led to slowdowns, some maintenance issues, and longer wait times.

My best advice is to stay patient with the destinations and with the staff that is working. Everyone is doing the best they can with less.

All in all, my first “big cruise” experience was stellar and has made me a believer! Hopefully, this won’t be my last cruise, and if you yearn for an easy, well-organized way to experience Alaska, the Royal Princess Alaska Cruisetour is the way to go.

For more on cruises and sailing , explore these articles:

• My 7 Favorite Meals On Viking’s New Expedition Ship
• 6 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall
• 9 Tips For Cruising The Mediterranean With Costa

Heide Brandes is an award-winning journalist and travel writer based in Oklahoma. She loves outdoor adventures, exploring different cultures, and finding off-the-wall, bizarre, and wondrous experiences to enjoy. Heide writes for numerous national and international publications and is an award-winning member of the Society for Professional Journalists, North American Travel Journalists Association, and Society of American Travel Writers. Besides traveling and writing, Heide is also a professional Bellydancer, a medieval re-enactor, and a quirky chick who lives in Oklahoma City.

Royal Princess Decks and Cabins

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Built in 2001, the Princess Cruises Royal Princess cruise ship weighs 30K tons and has 355 staterooms for up to 852 passengers served by 381 crew . There are 11 passenger decks, 4 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 35 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Royal Princess showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

Princess Cruises Royal Princess

Last Drydock: 2007

STATEROOM CABINS COMPLETE LIST BELOW

Floor Diagram Suite

Sleeps up to: 4 Cabin: 583 sqft (55 m 2 ) Balcony: 283 sqft (27 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

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Deck locations, stateroom cabin features, important size information, stateroom cabin perks.

Floor Diagram Balcony

Sleeps up to: 3 Cabin: 173 sqft (16 m 2 ) Balcony: 43 sqft (4 m 2 )

Floor Diagram Oceanview

Sleeps up to: 4 Cabin: 146 sqft (14 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Floor Diagram Interior

Sleeps up to: 4 Cabin: 156 sqft (15 m 2 ) * Size may vary, see details below.

Royal Princess Deck Page Menu

Click deck pictures to go to individual cruise deck plan pages where you can see all the public areas, venues and stateroom cabins categories for each deck.

Royal Princess Quick Stats

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Royal Princess Links

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All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

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Explore The Royal Princess

Princess cruise line.

The Royal Princess was built in 2013 and is among Princess 's 16 ships in it's fleet. The Royal Princess is included in the cruise line's Royal Class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the Royal Princess vs all of the other Princess ships.

Royal Princess Size

How big is the Royal Princess ? Below, you’ll find all of the relevant cruise ship stats, specs and dimensions for the Royal Princess . Included in these statistics are passenger capacity, length, year built, year renovated, cost to build, gross tonnage, engine info, number of rooms, deck counts and more!

Royal Princess

Royal princess capacity.

Passenger Capacity refers to the total number of people that the Royal Princess can accommodate. Of course, there are also crew members on board. Below, find the total onboard capacity, including staff and cruise guests.

Royal Princess Passenger Capacity: The passenger capacity for the Royal Princess is 3,600 guests . The average capacity for the 16 active ships in Princess ’s fleet is 2,986 passengers. The passenger capacity range for all Princess ships has a minimum of 826 guests and a maximum of 5,189 passengers.

Royal Princess Crew Members: Staff on the Royal Princess include 1,346 members. That's a guest to staff ratio of 2.7 to 1 . The average Princess ship includes 1,165 employees and has a passenger to staff ratio of 2.6 to 1 .

Royal Princess Passenger and Crew Capacity

Vs princess fleet, royal princess length.

How long is the Royal Princess ? From end to end, the Royal Princess length equals 1,083 feet ( 330 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 16 active vessels in Princess ’s fleet, measuring 989 feet ( 301 meters).

The smallest Princess ship (in terms of length) measures 949 feet ( 289 meters) from end to end. The longest vessel spans 1,132 feet ( 345 meters). Our chart below shows the length of the Royal Princess vs all other active Princess Cruise Line ships.

Royal Princess Built Date

When was the Royal Princess Built? The Royal Princess was built in 2013 and joined the cruise line’s Royal Class.

Princess includes 16 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998 while the newest ship was built in 2024 . The average Princess ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2008

When was the last Royal Princess Dry Dock? The Royal Princess experienced dry dock improvements in 2016 .

Renovations include the following:    The Royal Princess experienced a refurbishment in September, 2016. The dry dock included the following updates or additions: the new Club Class Mini Suite category of cabins was added with VIP amenities and private dining area; renovation efforts to the Princess Theatre movie lounge with new LED screens; improvements to the Fitness Centre and Lotus Spa; added retail shops, new bow livery; and all staterooms received custom Princess Luxury beds.

Royal Princess Deck Plans

The Carnival Breeze has a total of 15 passenger decks. The lowest level available to guests is Deck 4 . The highest passenger deck is Deck 19 .

What does the Carnival Breeze offer in terms of things to do? The ship features 17 restaurants, 14 bars, 0 shows, 40 activities, and 18 other features for your enjoyment.

Click below to access deck plans for the Royal Princess . The resulting page will provide a floor plan and summary of all things to do offered on that level of the ship.

all deck plans

Frequently asked questions.

Royal Princess Info

The Royal Princess experienced a refurbishment in September, 2016. The dry dock included the following updates or additions: the new Club Class Mini Suite category of cabins was added with VIP amenities and private dining area; renovation efforts to the Princess Theatre movie lounge with new LED screens; improvements to the Fitness Centre and Lotus Spa; added retail shops, new bow livery; and all staterooms received custom Princess Luxury beds.

The ship belongs to the Princess class of ships known as the Royal class.

The ship features 17 restaurants, 14 bars, 40 activities, 0 shows and 18 other venues for your enjoyment. You can click on our ship deck plans or details pages for a full list of activities, sorted by feature type.

The Royal Princess has a total of 15 passenger decks. The lowest deck is Level 4. The upper most passenger deck is Level 19.

We're often asked how many passengers are on the Royal Princess. The ship's capacity is 3,600. When comparing the occupancy to the average Princess passenger capacity, you'll find that the average ship in the fleet holds 3,121 guests. Feel free to look at our graph above to see where this ship falls in line with all other live Princess ships.

The Royal Princess was built in 2013. Princess includes 16 active ships. The oldest in the fleet was built in 1998 while the newest ship was built in 2024. The average Princess ship is 14 years old and the median build date for all active ships is 2008

Each of Princess's ships offers a unique layout with features and activities catered to all. Whether the Royal Princess is right for you will depend on your individual preferences. Do you prefer a larger or smaller ship with many or fewer guests? Are you hoping for many family activities or entertainment options for an older clientele. Our deck maps layout and activities list provide a helpful guide to what you'll find on board. Feel free to explore the see if this ship is suited towards your preferences.

From end to end, the Royal Princess length equals 1,083 feet (330 meters). Compare that to the average ship length of all 16 active vessels in Princess fleet, measuring 1,013 feet (309 meters). Please see our size comparison chart above to see how this ship falls in line with all other active ships in the fleet.

Floating resorts vs yacht-like vessels: How to pick between big and small cruise ships

• Small ships are more like quaint towns, with easier navigation and more personalized service.
• Large ships offer a wide range of eateries, bars and entertainment.

The right ship comes down to the type of vacation experience you want.

I took two cruises in July, and they couldn’t have been more different.

After spending 10 days on Seabourn Pursuit, the cruise line’s 264-guest expedition vessel, I returned home for a few days before boarding Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas , which can accommodate over 20 times that.

Cruise ships range in size from yacht-like vessels to mega-ships that are more like floating resorts. And as much as cruises may be about the ports they visit, the ship you pick can shape the destination you can access and ultimately, the kind of trip you have. Here’s how they differ and how to know which is right for you.

What are small-ship cruises like?

If mega-ships can feel like cities at sea, small ships are perhaps more like quaint towns. It’s easier to find your way around, faces become familiar quickly and the server at the nearby eatery knows how you like your eggs.

“The service is just 100% going to be much more intense than any other type of sailing,” said Joanna Kuther, a New York City-based travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants. The majority of cruise lines sailing ships with capacities in the 200 to 700 range are luxury brands that already put a premium on service – though that can vary by operator – but there are practical reasons too.

Many of those ships have higher crew-to-guest ratios, making it easier to give customers a personalized experience. “We want people to feel that it’s (a) yacht-like atmosphere,” Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, told USA TODAY on board.

Small-ship cruises generally bundle more in their fares than those on larger vessels, from food to drinks like wine and spirits, select excursions and more. Some inclusions can be particularly extravagant.

On Seabourn, for example, guests can order caviar for delivery any time of day at no additional cost (I had to try it out for research purposes during an expedition through Western Australia’s Kimberley region ).

That doesn’t necessarily mean the price tags will be higher, though. While the upfront fare may cost more, by the time guests add up drink packages , specialty dining, Wi-Fi and other extras that are typically charged separately on large mainstream ships, their expenses may not be so different.

“Don't worry about what you're paying when you go on,” Kuther said. “It's what you pay when you come off.”

If the prospect of thousands of cabins and fellow guests seems overwhelming, a small ship can also offer a more manageable experience. Lines and crowds are a relative rarity and there’s less chance of getting lost trying to find your room (a situation I’ve encountered more than once on large ships).

Getting on and off is easier, Kuther added, with the vessels often docking closer to the city center or in ports that can’t accommodate larger vessels. They also stay overnight more frequently, relieving the pressure of packing sightseeing into a shorter window.

“That is amazing because if you've ever gotten off of a mega-ship tendering into Santorini, it's like the most insane thing,” she said. “Like, you're fighting for your life to get into the funicular. So, it’s definitely an elevated experience.”

While many are well-appointed, they do have a more limited number of amenities and dining options. On an Aurora Expeditions Antarctica cruise in December, the Sylvia Earle ship had only two restaurants. I enjoyed the food and some offerings rotated, but by the end of the 11-day trip I was ready to change it up.

Travelers with children may find the ships lacking in kid-friendly activities, too.

What are big-ship cruises like?

By contrast, guests on big ships are spoiled for choice. “You can't beat the variety if that's what you're looking for,” said Kuther.

Larger ships offer a wide range of eateries, bars and entertainment. Carnival Cruise Line’s Jubilee ship, for example, has more than 20 dining options, from Guy’s Burger Joint to tacos and burritos at BlueIguana Cantina and Coastal Slice pizza – not to mention the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster , a water park, and Loft 19, a quieter retreat at the top of the vessel.

Those kinds of ships can be particularly well-suited to families or large groups who want options. Royal Caribbean divided its Oasis Class – and later Icon Class – into neighborhoods with that in mind.

“Everyone has got something to do and are excited to do during the day … And then in the evening, everybody can come together in one of I don’t know how many restaurants and have a great family meal or a date night or just a burger, and then they have a fantastic show,” president and CEO Michael Bayley said in a media briefing on board Utopia.

Large ships have more to offer passengers “who really want to party” as well, Kuther noted.

The scale also allows cruise lines to create more immersive experiences. On Utopia, the second-largest cruise ship in the world , I had dinner outside one night at the Chops Grille steakhouse in the vessel’s Central Park neighborhood. With a breeze blowing through the open-air walkway and the sound of crickets in the background – which the cruise line pipes in – I could’ve been convinced I wasn’t on a ship. 

Guests are less likely to feel the movement of the waves at that size, which also can be helpful for passengers who are fearful of water or prone to seasickness , Kuther said.

A number of cruise lines have ship-within-a-ship concepts , too, that allow guests to escape the crowds in exclusive accommodations, restaurants and sun decks, while still having access to the wider range of onboard offerings (though some offer a greater degree of separation than others).

It’s worth noting, however, that “small” and “big” are relative terms, and many mainstream cruise lines operate ships in the 1,500-to-2,500-passenger range. Those can offer a kind of middle ground, with a more intimate experience often at a lower price point (though Kuther noted that’s partly because those ships tend to be older).

Still, the overall experience of a bigger ship may cause sensory overload for some travelers.

Which is right for me?

• If you’re looking for adventure on an expedition or want to be pampered on a quiet, lower-key vessel, small ships are the way to go.
• If you want lots of things to do, places to eat and ways to party, consider a bigger ship . But there’s sure to be one that suits you.

As Kuther put it, “(If) people say they don't like cruising, I will always 100% say, ‘You just weren't on the right cruise.’”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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• Tropical Storm Ernesto forces cruise itinerary changes in the...

Tropical Storm Ernesto forces cruise itinerary changes in the Caribbean

Several cruise lines have adjusted their itineraries due to Tropical Storm Ernesto, which was impacting the northern Caribbean with heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas as it approached Puerto Rico on Tuesday evening, August 13.

As of 8:00 p.m. ET Tuesday, both CCL-Carnival and RCI-Royal Caribbean reported changes to avoid the storm.

Carnival Pride , sailing from Baltimore to Bermuda, advanced her visit by a day, now arriving on Tuesday and departing on Thursday.

Carnival Magic , on an Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami Florida , canceled the stop in San Juan Puerto Rico on Wednesday, replacing it with a visit to Nassau Bahamas on Friday.

Additionally, Carnival is closely monitoring the itineraries of Carnival Freedom and Mardi Gras for possible adjustments.

Royal Caribbean also made modifications. Icon of the Seas switched to a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, now visiting Cozumel Mexico ; Roatan Honduras ; and Costa Maya Mexico , instead of its planned Eastern Caribbean route.

Rhapsody of the Seas reordered her ports of call, visiting Bridgetown Barbados on Tuesday; Castries St Lucia on Wednesday; St John’s Antigua on Thursday; Phillipsburg St. Maarten on Friday; and St. Croix USV I on Saturday.

Symphony of the Seas will now stop in Nassau  instead of Puerto Plata, Dominicana .

Meanwhile, Holland America and Princess Cruises have no ships currently operating in the Caribbean.

Virgin Voyages confirmed that its Valiant Lady is the only ship in the Caribbean and remains unaffected by the storm.

Where are cruise ships built?

I t's easy to appreciate the enormity of a skyscraper as it's being built in plain sight, each floor constructed atop the one below — but what about a cruise ship? The newest megaships are just as massive lengthwise as skyscrapers are tall, and they're equally complex. But you never see cruise ships being built on-site at a cruise port.

Where, exactly, are cruise ships built? We're glad you asked.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The cruise ships that millions of travelers sail on annually were all built in a cruise shipyard — where engineers, steelworkers, architects, electricians, designers and other tradespeople spend up to 18 months on a vessel's construction.

The process at the major cruise ship shipyards, all located in Europe, starts with the steel cutting, which can take place months before actual construction begins. That event is followed by the keel laying, the placing of the center structure, or spine, of the ship. It hits a milestone at the floatout when the hull is completed, the dry dock is flooded and the ship first touches water. The process culminates with sea trials, when a ship's stability, speed and maneuverability are tested.

Once the ship is deemed seaworthy, the cruise line takes possession of the ship ahead of its inaugural cruise — though the finishing touches are usually still being put on the ship.

The construction of a vessel at a cruise ship shipyard is actually the endgame in a process that typically begins six or seven years prior to its launch with the cruise line's ship development team. Before the keel has been laid on any vessel at the leading cruise ship shipyards, teams have already worked for years on engineering details and developed models of cabins, pool decks, theaters, restaurants and bars. It's up to the shipyard to turn the designers' and engineers' vision into reality.

The actual building process happens at one of the major shipyards in France, Italy, Germany or Finland. Here are the names to know.

Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France

Located in Saint-Nazaire on France's Atlantic coast, Chantiers de l'Atlantique operates on a site where ships have been built since 1835. Modern cruise ship construction was re-established in the 1980s.

Vessels built there include Celebrity Cruises ' Edge Class ships, MSC Cruises ' Meraviglia and World Class ships, and four Royal Caribbean vessels (Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas ).

The shipyard has been known as Chantiers de l'Atlantique since 1955 but was called Aker Yards and then STX France before reclaiming the Chantiers name in 2018. It is now majority-owned by the French government.

Fincantieri in Italy

Fincantieri is the world's largest builder of cruise ships, with ship-building roots stretching back to the early 20th century. It operates multiple shipyards in Italy and has constructed more than 100 cruise ships since 1990.

Currently, one-third of the world's cruise ships — operated by 18 cruise lines — were built in Fincantieri's shipyards, which are located in Marghera (near Venice), Genoa, Ancona and Monfalcone (near Trieste). Both large-ship brands, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages, and luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn and Viking contract with this shipyard to build their new vessels.

Meyer Werft in Germany and Meyer Turku in Finland

Meyer Werft, which has been in the ship-building business since 1795, is known for constructing some of the world's largest megaships at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Together with Meyer Turku, its sister shipyard located in Turku, Finland, the company has built more than 55 cruise ships over the past four decades.

Newer ships include Carnival Cruise Line 's Excel Class ships (Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee ), Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas (with 2025's Star of the Seas currently under construction) and Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class and first two Oasis Class ships. The shipyard also built the newest luxury ships for Silversea Cruises , 2023's Silver Nova and 2024's Silver Ray .

Where are Carnival cruise ships built?

From 1996 to 2019, a total of 15 Carnival ships — from Carnival Destiny (renamed Carnival Sunshine ) to Carnival Panorama — were built by Fincantieri in its Italian shipyards.

Carnival's newer Excel Class of ships, which include Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, were built by Meyer Werft and Meyer Turku in Germany and Finland.

Related: The 8 classes of Carnival Cruise Line ships, explained

Where are Disney cruise ships built?

Disney Cruise Line 's two newest Wish Class ships, Disney Wish (debuted in 2022) and Disney Treasure (debuting in December 2024), were built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

The cruise line's third and fourth cruise ships, 2011's Disney Dream and 2012's Disney Fantasy, were also constructed by Meyer Werft, while its first two vessels, 1998's Disney Magic and 1999's Disney Wonder, were built by Fincantieri in Italy.

Disney also has two more ships on order: Disney Adventure , a vessel it purchased while it was already under construction at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, which is now called Meyer Wismar, set for a 2025 debut out of Singapore; and Disney Destiny, the third Wish Class ship, currently under construction at Meyer Werft in Germany and set to launch in December 2025.

Disney recently announced a cruise partnership with Oriental Land Co. Ltd., which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort , to build and operate a cruise ship that will sail from Japan year-round . The vessel will be built at Meyer Werft in Germany as a sister ship to Disney Wish and is expected to debut in 2029.

Where are Norwegian cruise ships built?

Norwegian Cruise Line 's two newest ships, 2023's Norwegian Viva and 2022's Norwegian Prima , were built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy. Norwegian Aqua, scheduled to debut in spring 2025, is also being built there.

The company's Breakaway Class ships (Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Escape) and Breakaway Plus Class ships (Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore ) were all built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and launched between 2013 and 2019.

The one-off Norwegian Epic, which debuted in 2010, was built at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France.

Norwegian's early 2000s Jewel Class ships (Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem) were all built by Meyer Werft in Germany, as were its Dawn Class ships (2002's Norwegian Dawn and 2001's Norwegian Star) and 1998's Norwegian Spirit.

The cruise line's Sun Class ships (2001's Norwegian Sun and 1999's Norwegian Sky) were constructed by the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Hawaii-based Pride of America, launched in 2005, was initially set to be built in the U.S. but ended up being completed by Lloyd Werft.

Related: The 9 classes of Norwegian Cruise ships, explained

Where are Viking cruise ships built?

Since the 2015 launch of Viking 's first ocean ship, Viking Star, all of Viking's ocean and expedition ships — 16 in total — have been built or are being built by Fincantieri or its subsidiary, Vard. While Viking Star was constructed in Fincantieri's Marghera facility, all subsequent ocean vessels were built or are being built in the Ancona shipyard, including the line's newest ocean ship, Viking Vela, set to debut in December 2024.

Viking's two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris , were built by Fincantieri's Vard subsidiary at shipyards in Romania and Norway, respectively.

Viking's European river ships, namely its 60-plus signature Viking Longships, were built in Germany by Meyer Werft's sister company Neptun Werft.

Where are Princess cruise ships built?

The majority of ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, including 2024's Sun Princess and all six ships in its Royal Class — from 2013's Royal Princess to 2022's Discovery Princess — were built by Fincantieri in Italy, as were the late-1990s and early 2000s vessels Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess.

Star Princess, set to debut in 2025, is also under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste.

Coral Princess and Island Princess were constructed in the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France in 2003, while Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess were built in 2004 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at a Japanese shipyard.

Where are Royal Caribbean cruise ships built?

Royal Caribbean's newest ship, 2024's Icon of the Seas, was built at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland; 2025's Star of the Seas is also currently under construction there.

The cruise line's five Quantum Class vessels — Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Odyssey of the Seas — were all built by Meyer Werft in Germany and launched between 2014 and 2020.

Royal Caribbean's first two Oasis Class ships, 2009's Oasis of the Seas and 2010's Allure of the Seas , were both built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, while the other four — Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas — were constructed in France at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique facility and had their inaugural sailings between 2016 and 2024.

The cruise line's three Freedom Class vessels (Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas ) were built by Meyer Werft and delivered between 2006 and 2009. The five Voyager Class ships (Voyager of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas), four Radiance Class ships (Jewel of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas) and two Vision Class ships ( Grandeur of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas) were built by Meyer Werft or Meyer Turku and delivered in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Related: The 7 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Where are Celebrity cruise ships built?

Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France built Celebrity's four newest Edge Series ships: 2018's Celebrity Edge , 2020's Celebrity Apex , 2022's Celebrity Beyond and 2023's Celebrity Ascent . Celebrity Xcel, also being built by the shipyard, will debut in late 2025.

Celebrity's five Solstice Class ships — Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Silhouette — were launched between 2008 and 2012 after being built by Meyer Werft in Germany.

Celebrity's four oldest ships — Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Millennium — were launched from 2000 to 2003 after being constructed by Chantiers de l'Atlantique.

Where are Holland America cruise ships built?

Holland America 's three newest Pinnacle Class ships — 2021's Rotterdam , 2018's Nieuw Statendam and 2016's Koningsdam — were all built at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy, as were the cruise line's two Signature Class vessels, 2008's Eurodam and 2010's Nieuw Amsterdam.

The four Vista Class ships — Noordam, Westerdam, Oosterdam and Zuiderdam — were also constructed by Fincantieri and were launched between 2002 and 2006. Fincantieri also built Holland America's two oldest ships, 2000's Volendam and 1999's Zaandam.

Where are Virgin Voyages cruise ships built?

Virgin Voyages ' first three ships — 2020's Scarlet Lady , 2022's Valiant Lady and 2023's Resilient Lady — were all built by Fincantieri at its Genoa, Italy, shipyard. A fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, is currently under construction there and scheduled for a September 2025 debut.

Where was the largest cruise ship built?

The world's largest cruise ship , currently Royal Caribbean's 5,610-passenger Icon of the Seas, was built by Meyer Turku in Finland and set sail in January 2024. Its sister ship, Star of the Seas, is also being constructed there, and when it launches in August 2025, it will take over the title of world's largest cruise ship.

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