Ultimate Guide: Princess Cruises

Table of Contents
Princess is without a doubt, one of Australia’s favourite cruise lines, known for their premium style of cruising, great food, wide array of accommodation offerings and fantastic service. They are a great mid-range cruise line that caters for even younger cruisers. However, Princess Cruises’ lines are for travellers of a particular taste. They have a way of sailing that is the perfect escape for countless Aussies who like a traditional cruise without the fussy water parks and slides.
Even if you’ve never cruised before, or never cruised with Princess, this guide will let you know if Princess could be right for you.
2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations
A big consideration for Australians thinking about sailing with Princess should be the diversity of destinations. With P&O Cruises set to cease operations in Australia by March 2025, Princess Cruises is stepping up as the go-to option for an affordable cruise line that also offers extensive itineraries across the country.
Unlike Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises, which mainly operate out of Sydney and Brisbane, Princess has cruises departing from Adelaide, Perth (Fremantle), Auckland, Hobart, and more. This means that travellers from these regions can often board their cruise without needing to fly to major homeports.
For those looking to explore Western Australia, Princess Cruises is the only mid-range line currently visiting unique destinations such as Esperance and Exmouth. While other mid-range cruise lines in Australia focus on the South Pacific and tropical Queensland, Princess leans towards showcasing more of Australia’s diverse landscapes and coastal cities.
Most mid-range cruise lines sailing in Australia offer itineraries of up to two weeks. However, Princess Cruises stands out with its extensive options for longer voyages, including circumnavigations of Australia. These itineraries provide a way to experience grand journeys without breaking the bank, making them ideal for retirees or anyone with extra time off who wants to see more of Australia and its surrounding countries.
Right now, Princess has 20 different cruises of 16-plus days available for Australian-based itineraries. Popular options include ‘Round Australia’ voyages, which generally last about a month, visit around 14 to 16 ports, and start from as low as $3,000 for an interior cabin. For example, the 28-day Round Australia on Crown Princess offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s coastline. Many of these cruises also allow guests to embark from various ports, such as Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, and Hobart, making it even easier for travellers to start their journey close to home.
In an era when cruise lines in Australia are trending towards shorter itineraries, fewer regional port visits, and Sydney/Brisbane-centric operations, Princess Cruises remains a standout. They continue to offer more variety and Australia-based options, making them a favourite for travellers looking for a broader range of destinations and experiences.
Accommodations Details
Princess ships aren’t as luxurious as cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas or Silversea Cruises. While more luxurious cruise lines have smaller ships with more intimate service, Princess Cruises have larger ships carrying thousands of passengers at a time.
We like to think of Princess as the Aldi of cruise – good value, traditional and enjoyable.
You shouldn’t book a Princess Cruise thinking you’ll be getting an all-inclusive luxurious five-star service experience. However, you will get a more peaceful and upscale experience, with a significantly lower price tag than a luxury cruise line such as the ones mentioned above.
Princess is comparable with cruise lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, and Holland America, but for Australian cruises, you can generally grab a better price with Princess, mostly due to the fact they have a significantly larger presence here than the other mentioned lines.
Princess offers a variety of stateroom options to suit different needs and budgets, from cozy interior rooms and oceanview cabins to balcony staterooms, mini-suites, and full suites. All rooms are equipped with the Princess Luxury Bed, private bathrooms, flat-panel TVs, and other amenities to ensure comfort throughout the journey.
And then there’s the Princess Medallion—a little wearable device that makes cruising with Princess even more effortless. It’s your key to hands-free boarding and keyless stateroom entry, automatically unlocking your door when you approach. Hungry? No need to head to a restaurant. You can order food or drinks straight from your phone, and they’ll deliver it wherever you are on the cruise ship.
The Medallion also learns what you like, offering personalized suggestions for activities, dining, or entertainment that match your preferences. And if you’re tired of carrying a wallet around, you don’t have to. Just use the Medallion to pay for anything onboard.
Princess Packages
To make your stay onboard even more convenient, Princess offers two all-inclusive package options: Princess Plus and Princess Premier. These packages allow guests to customize their experience while managing their costs more effectively. Here’s what they include:
Princess Plus – $65 per day
- MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi (1 device per guest)
- Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to $22 each)
- Unlimited juice bar
- Premium desserts (2 per day)
- Fitness classes (2 per cruise)
- 2 casual dining meals per guest
- OceanNow delivery
- Room service delivery
Cost: $65 per day
Princess Premier – $100 per day
- MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices per guest)
- Unlimited Premier Beverage Package (drinks up to $30 each)
- Unlimited juice bar
- Premium desserts (unlimited)
- Fitness classes (unlimited)
- Photo package (unlimited digital + 3 prints)
- Unlimited specialty dining meals per guest
- Reserved theatre seating (for production shows only)
- Unlimited casual dining meals
- OceanNow delivery
- Room service delivery
Cost: $100 per day
These packages offer great value for guests who want to enjoy onboard services like drinks, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining without worrying about additional costs. Whether you’re looking for a modest upgrade or an all-in experience, Princess Plus and Premier have you covered.
Dining and Culinary Experience
Princess Cruises takes great pride in providing an exceptional dining experience that caters to every palate and preference. From elegant main dining rooms serving up classic cuisine to innovative specialty restaurants featuring globally-inspired menus, the culinary offerings aboard Princess ships are a true celebration of flavour and artistry.
Here’s the list of Princess Cruises onboard restaurants. Note: Some of these dining hubs can only be found on select ships.
Complimentary Dining:
- Main Dining Rooms
- World Fresh Marketplace
- Afternoon Tea
- Burger & Hot Dog Grill
- Chopsticks
- International Cafe
- Patisserie
- Salty Dog Grill
- Slice Pizzeria
- Swirls Ice Cream Bar
- The Pastry Shop
Casual Dining (Fee Dining):
- Alfredo’s Pizzeria
- Gigi’s Pizzeria
- Gelato
- Kai Sushi
- Ocean Terrace
- O’Malley’s Irish Pub
- Planks BBQ
- The Salty Dog Gastropub
- Steamers Seafood
- Vines Wine Bar
Specialty Dining (Fee Dining):
- Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse
- The Catch by Rudi
- Churrascaria Brazilian Grill
- Crab Shack
- Crown Grill
- Harmony
- Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
- Sterling Steakhouse
Experiential Dining (Fee Dining):
- 360: An Extraordinary Experience
- Chef’s Table
- Balcony Breakfast/Dinner
- Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner
- Silverado Winemaker’s Dinner
Onboard Activities (Family, Kids, and Couple)
While this will ultimately always come down to the personal preference of you and your children, there are a few important things to note about the experience of taking your kids on a Princess Cruise.
The first is that you won’t walk around the cruise ship stumbling into games of laser tag and surf simulators. However, this doesn’t mean that the cruise ships don’t have excellent facilities for children. Princess offers four kids’ cruise clubs tailored to different age groups, and they’re a massive hit with families.
Younger kids (ages 3-7) will love The Treehouse, a playful, forest-themed space where they can enjoy arts and crafts, dance parties, and movie nights. For kids aged 8-12, there’s The Lodge, a cozy, outdoorsy spot offering fun activities like rocket building, sports, and games. Teens (13-17) get their own cool hangout, The Beach House, where they can join in video game tournaments, dodgeball matches, and even exclusive events like the Rock the Boat party.
Princess has clearly embraced multi-generational cruising. Now there’s something for everyone onboard. While it might not be a high-energy family ship, there are still plenty of opportunities for your kids to have fun, make friends, and stay busy with activities like science workshops, dance classes, and themed parties.
If your child needs constant entertainment or thrives in high-energy environments, you might want to consider whether Princess is the right fit. However, if your kids enjoy quieter activities or prefer more structured programs, they’ll likely thrive in Princess’s kids’ clubs. Plus, you can relax knowing the highly trained staff will keep you engaged while you enjoy the Princess Cruise ship’s many amenities.
For couples, the serene atmosphere, specialty dining options, and elegant onboard ambience provide a romantic setting—perfect for a little quality time while the kids are off enjoying their own adventures.
Deck Plan
Princess ships are laid out to make your cruise comfortable and convenient. Staterooms are spread across various decks. They range from cozy interior rooms to spacious suites with private balconies. Dining venues, from main dining rooms to specialty restaurants, are typically on the mid-level decks. This way, you’re never far from a great meal.
Entertainment spaces like theatres, lounges, and bars are centrally located. It’s super easy to catch a show or grab a drink. The upper decks are where you’ll find pools, fitness centres, and a sports court. For families, kids’ and teens’ clubs are tucked away on the higher decks, offering dedicated spaces for younger cruisers to enjoy.
If you want to explore specific ship layouts, Princess offers detailed deck plans on their website, so you can get to know the ship before you even step onboard.
Bars and Nightclubs
Evenings on a Princess Cruise are far from boring, especially with the variety of bars and nightlife options onboard. If you’re in the mood to dance, head to Skywalkers Nightclub—it’s perched high up on the ship with sweeping ocean views. By day, it’s a chill spot to relax. At night, it turns into a dance floor with a live DJ and a fun crowd.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, The Wheelhouse Bar is the perfect spot to grab a drink and enjoy some live jazz in a cozy, intimate setting. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring or just chat with fellow cruisers over your favourite cocktail.
For those who want a mix of entertainment and socializing, Club Fusion is a great choice. You have live bands, themed parties, karaoke nights, and even dance lessons. There’s always something happening, so it’s easy to find your vibe.
Entertainment
There’s never a dull moment on a Princess Cruise, thanks to the lineup of entertainment options for all tastes. One of the absolute favourites is Movies Under the Stars. You get a giant LED screen by the pool, cozy loungers, free popcorn, and maybe even a blanket if the evening breeze kicks in. They play everything from blockbuster movies to concerts and live sports—it’s the perfect way to unwind under the night sky.
If live performances are your thing, you’re in for a treat. Princess puts on Broadway-style shows in their theatres, complete with talented performers, stunning stage sets, and plenty of sing-along moments. They also mix things up with interactive game shows like “The Voice of the Ocean” or “Deal or No Deal,” where you can get involved and maybe even win a prize.
For a bit of friendly competition, the casino’s always buzzing with slots and table games. And if you’re feeling active, why not jump into a dance class or one of the themed parties? There’s always something happening to keep the good vibes going.
Ship Facts
Princess Cruises has a fantastic lineup of ships, grouped into four main classes: Sphere Class, Royal Class, Grand Class, and Coral Class. Each class brings its own unique features and amenities, so there’s something for everyone onboard.
For the 2025/26 cruise season in Australia, the Discovery Princess will make her debut in Australian waters. At 145,000 tons and with space for 3,660 guests, she’ll be the largest Princess ship to ever sail in the region, bringing a modern touch of luxury. Joining her will be the Crown Princess, a long-time favourite with Australian cruisers. Weighing in at 113,561 tons, she can carry up to 3,080 guests and remains a familiar and much-loved option for locals.
With these ships, Princess is doubling down on offering fresh, exciting, and diverse cruising options for Australian travellers.
Class | Ship Name | Tonnage | Passenger Capacity |
Sphere Class | Sun Princess | 175,500 | 4,310 |
Royal Class | Royal Princess | 142,229 | 3,560 |
Royal Class | Regal Princess | 142,229 | 3,560 |
Royal Class | Majestic Princess | 143,700 | 3,560 |
Royal Class | Sky Princess | 144,650 | 3,660 |
Royal Class | Enchanted Princess | 144,650 | 3,660 |
Royal Class | Discovery Princess | 145,000 | 3,660 |
Grand Class | Caribbean Princess | 112,894 | 3,140 |
Grand Class | Crown Princess | 113,561 | 3,090 |
Grand Class | Diamond Princess | 115,875 | 2,710 |
Grand Class | Emerald Princess | 113,561 | 3,090 |
Grand Class | Grand Princess | 107,517 | 2,610 |
Grand Class | Ruby Princess | 113,561 | 3,080 |
Grand Class | Sapphire Princess | 115,875 | 2,680 |
Grand Class | Star Princess | 175,500 | 4,310 |
Coral Class | Coral Princess | 91,627 | 2,000 |
Coral Class | Island Princess | 92,822 | 2,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Princess for you?
Many people go cruising for the whole family, wanting a place for their kids to run around and for the entire family to enjoy an endless stream of family fun.
There are also plenty of cruisers who want to splash cash and opt for a luxurious experience, on serene ships with elegant service. Princess is one of the cruise lines that are perfect for people who are looking for something in between.
Princess ships don’t go for the high-energy experiences that come with booking a cruise on a Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise. However, this isn’t why people choose to cruise with Princess.
Is Princess Cruises All-Inclusive?
Not entirely, but their Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages come pretty close. Starting at $65 or $100 per day, these packages bundle drinks, WiFi, and specialty dining—perfect for cruisers who like the idea of budgeting upfront. While it adds to the base fare, it’s still far more affordable than fully all-inclusive luxury cruises like Viking or Regent Seven Seas, which often start at $3,500 per week.
For those looking to save even more, keep an eye out for Princess Cruise deals that often make these packages an even better bargain. With offers on select itineraries, you can get great value while still enjoying a luxury-like experience. For example, an eight-day Tasmania cruise starting at $839 for an interior cabin comes to around $1,359 per person for a week when you add the Princess Plus package. That includes alcohol, WiFi, and more—making it a smart and cost-effective way to indulge without breaking the bank.
Who will you find onboard?
The Princess Cruiser is generally a bit older than you’ll see on a lot of cruise lines out of Australia. Expect to see plenty of people in their 50s and 60s, particularly in the Australian market.
While you will, of course, see families, Princess in Australia proves particularly popular with middle-aged to older couples, as well as older groups of friends or family who are travelling together. With thousands of people onboard you’ll of course likely come across people from all walks of life, but you can expect the demographic to trend towards middle-aged Australians.
Another characteristic of Princess Cruisers in Australia is you’ll find many loyal Princess cruisers, who have cruised plenty of times with Princess. It’s a cruise line that Aussies have a lot of loyalty for.
It’s also not a hugely popular cruise line for solo travellers, although, like many cruise lines, it has been making efforts towards new accommodations and activities for solo travellers.
What to wear on a Princess Cruise?
This is actually a slightly difficult question to answer, as the topic of what to wear on a cruise, particularly on Princess, creates a huge debate among Aussie cruisers. Another trend amongst cruise is the declining formality of attire, and different cruisers feel different ways about this.
Compared to more family-based cruise lines, you can generally expect to see nicer attire, particularly in the main dining room. If you show up to the main dining room with flip-flops and board shorts, the reality is that you’ll probably get a couple of looks.
There are also dedicated formal nights, which are not compulsory, but a fair portion of guests will be in suits and cocktail dresses on these nights.
It really comes down to personal preference and what you feel comfortable in, and you’re unlikely to encounter any hostility regardless of how you choose to dress, but it is worth noting that you will generally see people dressed a bit nicer on a Princess Cruise than lines such as Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
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Am listed with my daughter
what can i say,my wife dianne and i are so looking forward to our next cruise on the discovery princess,this time we will be in a mini suite,its a first for us both,our last cruise with princess was on the coral princess in a balcony,between to cruises on the quantum of the seas,may i say coral princess left quantum for dead with,service,food, cabin attendant and more,coral just blew us both away,we are only ruby with princess,and diamond plus with royal which means nothing,xmas can’t come quick enough for us both,if the food and service on discovery is anything like coral princess,royal carribean has lost to guests our family and friends to princess,royal was amazing ONCE now its just another cruise line that has become very expensive,but give nothing,not like princess that REALLY CARES,but with royal its LIP SERVICE.
More cruises from Adelaide return to Adelaide please
The short 4 day cruises were very popular
But would love more
Thanks