Royal Princess: Ultimate Guide

Royal Princess sails onto Australian waters.
Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess sails Australian waters for its summer season itineraries.

Some say that Royal Princess cruise offers a laid-back and traditional cruise experience while some claim that this lady is no ordinary cruise ship. But one thing is certain- Royal Princess offers nothing but the most memorable and nostalgic experience for cruise enthusiasts around the globe. 

From the breathtaking Piazza which is exclusive to the Princess fleet, to the sumptuous meals offered by the different dining hubs, and to the modern and high-tech OceanMedallion, Royal Princess definitely has the checks on cruisers’ bucket list.

Royal Princess is set for another season of adventure in 2025/2026. Since her launch in 2013, this Royal-class ship has remained a favourite, offering a mix of spacious design, great dining, and classic Princess Cruises experiences. At 330 metres long, she carries 3,560 guests—which means plenty of room to lounge by the pool, explore the ship’s many entertainment options, and indulge in some seriously good food.

If you were hoping to catch the Royal Princess in Australian waters, you might have to book a different Princess ship this season. But if Alaska, California, or Mexico are on your radar, she’s ready to take you there..


2025/26 Itineraries and Destinations

For the 2025/2026 season, Royal Princess won’t be making a return to Australia. Instead, she’ll be heading north for Alaska’s summer season before spending the rest of the year cruising Mexico’s Pacific Coast and California.

From May to September 2025, Royal Princess will be homeporting in Seattle, running 7-night roundtrip cruises through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Think towering glaciers, remote frontier towns, and the kind of wildlife sightings that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a nature documentary. The itinerary includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, with scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park—one of the most stunning natural wonders in the region.

Once the Alaskan season wraps up, Royal Princess will make her way down the Pacific Coast with a 7-night one-way cruise from Seattle to Vancouver, followed by another week-long repositioning voyage from Vancouver to Los Angeles. These sailings offer a great mix of scenic cruising and stops in vibrant coastal cities along the way.

By October 2025, Royal Princess will settle into Los Angeles and start her 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises. Expect sun-soaked days in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta, where the beaches are stunning, the food is next-level, and there’s no shortage of cocktails with little umbrellas in them. Some itineraries will also include visits to California’s coastline, with stops in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and San Diego—perfect for anyone who wants to soak up a bit of city life between beach days.

So if you were hoping to catch Royal Princess in Australian waters, you’ll have to set your sights elsewhere. But if Alaska, Mexico, or the California Coast sound like your kind of adventure, she’s got a cabin waiting for you.


Accommodations Details

Royal Princess has 1,780 staterooms, of which approximately 80% have balconies. The ship also has a total of 36 wheelchair-accessible cabins (29 Balcony, 7 Inside).

The 36-stateroom Balcony Suite has three categories, namely: S2-Owner’s Suite, S3-S4-Penthouse Suite, and S5-Premium Suite. Cabin sizes of Balcony Suites range from 440 to 705 square feet (including balcony), with suite balconies ranging from 7 square metres to 20 square metres.

The ship also has a 314-stateroom Mini Suite that can accommodate up to four guests. The cabin size ranges from 27.7 to 43.2 square metres (including a balcony), with a uniform balcony size of 4 square metres.

The Deluxe Balcony Cabin, on the other hand, has 358 staterooms. Cabin sizes range from 21.6 to 29 square metres (including balcony), with a uniform balcony size of 4 square metres.

Meanwhile, the Royal Princess’ Balcony Cabin has a total of 730 staterooms, with a size ranging from 20.6 to 30.9 square metres (including balcony) and a standard balcony size of 4 square metres.

Lastly, the ship’s Interior Cabin measures 15 to 22.3 square metres and has a total of 342 staterooms.

All the ship’s staterooms have twin beds convertible to queen-size, and all-balcony cabins feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a private step-out veranda, furnished with footstools, two patio chairs, and a table.

Balcony staterooms have bigger closet space, a private bathroom (WC shower), a double sofa bed, a desk chair, and a chest of drawers.

All cabins come with deluxe bedding sets, a wardrobe, desk, a smart HDTV, a direct-dial phone, an electronic safe box, and lifejackets (in the closet). Additional amenities include hairdryers, bath products (shampoo, conditioner, body lotion), minibar/fridge, and complimentary 24-hour room service.

Royal Princess' Suite
Guests enjoy the spacious Royal Princess’ suite.

Dining and Culinary Experience

The  Royal Princess has an extensive list of dining options for guests onboard. Its three main dining rooms—Allegro, Symphony, and Concerto—offer the same menu, with most of the special dishes appearing on formal nights.

  • Allegro offers traditional set-seating dining only.
  • Symphony is for guests who prefer anytime dining with flexible seating.
  • Concerto offers a mix of both, with early seating and anytime dining options.

All three dining rooms accommodate dietary restrictions, offering vegetarian, heart-healthy, and Lotus Spa lighter-fare menu items.

Complimentary Dining

Royal Princess’ Horizon Court offers a casual buffet with multiple food stations serving an array of international cuisines. The buffet covers much of the aft of Deck 16, so guests don’t have to worry about long lines. In the evenings, Horizon Court transforms into Horizon Bistro, featuring themed events like Brazilian churrasco, Argentine grill nights, British pub dinners, and European bistro nights.

The 24/7 International Café—located in the Piazza on Deck 5—serves up pastries, hot sandwiches, quiches, paninis, salads, and mouth-watering desserts. Some menu items are complimentary, while others require an additional charge.

For poolside eats, guests can grab pizza at Slice, or head to Trident Grill for burgers and hot dogs. In the evenings, Trident Grill transforms into a barbecue-style bistro serving grilled meats.

And of course, there’s Alfredo’s Pizzeria, where guests can enjoy traditional, hand-stretched pizza baked fresh to order, along with baked pasta, antipasti, and desserts.

Specialty Dining

First on the list is The Crown Grill, the signature steakhouse found on all Princess ships. It serves aged, hand-cut, cooked-to-order steaks and premium seafood, including grilled shrimp and lobster. On Royal Princess, this classic steakhouse is located just off the Wheelhouse Bar. A cover charge applies for all guests dining here.

Another guest-favourite is Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, which serves authentic Italian cuisine, from antipasti and handmade pasta to hearty main courses and decadent desserts. Guests can customize their pasta dishes for a personalized dining experience.

For guests craving sushi, sashimi, ceviche, or caviar, Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar on Deck 7 is a must-visit. The venue operates on an à la carte pricing model, meaning guests pay per dish rather than a flat cover charge.

Over at Vines Wine Bar on Deck 5, guests can enjoy Spanish tapas and Italian Cicchetti—but only if they purchase a glass (or bottle) of wine. Unlike other venues, guests cannot order food separately or get small plates if they opt for a non-alcoholic drink.

For an exclusive, next-level dining experience, Chef’s Table Lumiere offers a multi-course gourmet menu, complete with personalized service from the ship’s executive chef. Guests dine at a private table surrounded by a glowing curtain of light for an intimate and upscale evening. Reservations are required.

Seafood lovers can also book a spot at Crab Shack, a pop-up dining experience that features crab legs, shrimp, clams, and chowder.

And for dessert? Gelato on Deck 5 is the real deal—it’s the only gelateria at sea to be officially certified by the Italian Chamber of Commerce. Guests can choose from classic Italian flavours like pistachio, tiramisu, and hazelnut, served in a cone, cup, or even affogato-style (with espresso).

Alfredo's Pizzeria at Royal Princess ship.
Guests enjoy sumptuous meals at Royal Princess’ Alfredo’s.

Onboard Activities [Family, Kids and Couple]

For Families

Whether you’re traveling with little ones, tweens, or hard-to-impress teens, Royal Princess has plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

  • Discovery at SEA Activities – If you’ve got curious minds in the family, this program brings fun, hands-on experiences inspired by the Discovery Channel. Think stargazing nights on deck, Shark Week trivia, and destination-themed activities like hula dancing in Hawaii or learning how to play steel drums in the Caribbean.
  • Movies Under the Stars – Cozy up on a deck chair, grab a blanket and some free popcorn, and enjoy family-friendly blockbusters on the giant outdoor screen by the pool.
  • Live Shows & Interactive Fun – From comedy acts and game shows at Princess Live! to live music and performances in the Piazza, there’s always something happening.

For Kids & Teens

Younger cruisers have their own spaces to hang out, make new friends, and do something way more fun than sitting at the dinner table with the adults.

  • The Treehouse (Ages 3-7) – A bright, jungle-themed play space with crafts, storytelling, and all the fun energy little ones need.
  • The Lodge (Ages 8-12) – Think indoor camp retreat meets video games, sports challenges, and creative projects.
  • The Beach House (Ages 13-17) – A cool, lounge-style space just for teens, featuring Skee Ball, foosball, PlayStation gaming, movie nights, and themed parties.

For Couples

Looking for some grown-up time? No worries—there’s plenty of space to unwind and escape the crowds.

  • The Sanctuary – An adults-only retreat with private cabanas, plush loungers, and cocktail service. Think of it as your personal escape from poolside chaos.
  • Lotus Spa & The Enclave – Book a couples’ massage, relax in the thermal suite, or soak in the hydrotherapy pool. (Pro tip: It’s one of the biggest spa spaces in the Princess fleet.)
  • Specialty Dining – A romantic dinner at Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria or Crown Grill is a must. Nothing says “date night” like a steak and a good bottle of wine.
  • Evening Entertainment – Whether it’s a Broadway-style show, live jazz, or just a quiet drink at Vines Wine Bar, you can wrap up the night your way.
The SeaWalk at Royal Princess.
Royal Princess’ SeaWalk spans 8.6 metres over ship’s edge so guests could enjoy the view.

Deck Plan

This 2013-built princess is one of the line’s largest ships and the fleet’s first-ever Royal-class ship. Its deck plan showcases a total of 1,780 cabins for 3,560 passengers (double occupancy), with a maximum capacity of 4,272 guests.

This princess has 18 decks, of which 15 are accessible to passengers. Guests will find 14 bars and lounges, two swimming pools, eight outdoor Jacuzzis, and 16 elevators spread throughout the ship.

The self-service laundry areas of the ship are found on Decks 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15. Detergent and ironing boards are provided, but personal irons are not available due to fire safety regulations.

The ship’s Deck 5 houses the Piazza, the Symphony Dining Room, Sabatini’s, the 24/7 International Café, Vines Wine Bar, the Gelato bar, and the Lotus Spa & Salon. The Enclave is part of the Lotus Spa.

The Concerto Dining Room, Princess Casino, Alfredo’s, and the Photo & Video Gallery are all located on Deck 6.

Meanwhile, the Princess Theater spans two decks (Decks 6 & 7). Also on Deck 7 are Princess Live! studio, Vista Lounge, Crown Grill, Wheelhouse Bar, the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar, Crooners, and Calypso Cove, a duty-free boutique.

Staterooms and cabins span from Deck 8 through Deck 15. The Horizon Court buffet and the Fountain Pool are also housed on Deck 16. Additional dining options here include Slice (pizza), Trident Grill (burgers & hot dogs), and the Outrigger Bar.

The ship’s Deck 17 houses The Sanctuary (adults-only retreat), the Fitness Center, Shockwaves (part of Camp Discovery’s kids’ program), the Retreat Pool, and the SeaWalk—a glass-bottomed walkway extending over the ocean.

On the other hand, Movies Under the Stars, the Jogging Track, Center Court, and Sports Central are found on Deck 18.

Finally, the Lawn Court is at the topmost deck (Deck 19), offering a space for outdoor games and relaxation.

Balcony cabins with obstructed or blocked views, primarily due to the lifeboats, are concentrated on Deck 8 (Emerald Deck).

Deck plan of Royal Princess
Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess deck plan.

Bar and Nightclub

Whether you’re after a sunset cocktail, a cozy wine bar, or a late-night dance session, Royal Princess has you covered. With a mix of laid-back lounges, lively bars, and an onboard nightclub, there’s something for every mood.

Bars & Lounges

  • Crooners Bar – Love a good martini? Crooners serves up over 75 different kinds alongside live piano music, making it the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink (or a late-night classic).
  • Vines Wine Bar – If wine is your thing, Vines has one of the best selections at sea, plus complimentary tapas or sushi with every glass.
  • Bellini’s – Overlooking the Piazza, this Italian-inspired cocktail bar is the place to sip a Bellini while people-watching from above.
  • Seaview Bar – If you like your drinks with a side of adrenaline, this bar extends 28 feet over the ship’s edge with a glass floor beneath your feet. Not for the faint-hearted!
  • Mermaids Tail – Poolside, casual, and easygoing—perfect for grabbing a cocktail while you lounge in the sun.
  • The Sanctuary Bar – Tucked away in the adults-only retreat, this bar is all about peace, quiet, and refreshing drinks away from the crowds.
  • Churchill’s – If you enjoy a cigar and a whisky, this intimate lounge is your go-to spot.
  • Wheelhouse Bar – Old-school charm, comfy seating, and live music—great for an evening drink with a relaxed vibe.
  • Outrigger Bar – Sitting at the aft of the ship, this outdoor bar is made for sunset drinks with an ocean view.

Nightclub

When you’re ready to kick things up a notch, hit the ship’s dedicated nightclub, Club 6, with a DJ spinning dance tracks all night. It’s got a full bar, club lighting, and just enough space to show off your moves (or at least attempt them).


Entertainment

The Royal Princess offers plenty of options for entertainment. Royal Princess’ atrium in the Piazza hosts all types of entertainment, from live music and dance performances to aerial acrobatics and interactive shows.

The 1,000-seat Princess Theater provides grand musical productions enhanced by high-definition screens, offering guests an immersive entertainment experience. Guests may also opt to visit Princess Live!, which is considered the first television studio at sea. Located at the Piazza, Princess Live! also serves as the venue for live concerts, daily game shows, cooking demos, and trivia competitions.

The ship’s Lido Deck is also an activity venue during fine weather. It hosts concerts, movies, and live music, with the Movies Under the Stars screen located on Deck 16.

There’s also the Princess Sports Complex, an outdoor sports hub featuring a basketball court and a laser shooting range. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the Lawn Court on the higher deck offers croquet, bocce, and other casual outdoor games.

When it comes to pools and hot tubs, Royal Princess’ main pool area features two freshwater pools and four hot tubs, surrounded by loungers. Additionally, there’s the adults-only Retreat Pool on the Lido Deck, which has two hot tubs and a dedicated bar.

Princess’ multi-use technology, OceanMedallion, is a revolutionary wearable device that speeds up embarkation, unlocks cabin doors, and allows guests to make onboard purchases. It also lets guests order food and drinks from anywhere on the ship, locate friends and family, and access interactive games, including casino and trivia games, through their phone or ship-wide portals.

Ship Facts

Royal Princess isn’t just a name, it’s a big ship with plenty to brag about. Launched in 2013 and christened by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, she was the first of Princess Cruises’ Royal-class ships. At 142,714 tons and 330 meters long, she’s basically a floating resort built for comfort, entertainment, and ocean views (with 81% of cabins featuring balconies).

She carries 3,560 guests (up to 4,272 max) with a crew of 1,346 keeping everything running smoothly. There are three pools, eight Jacuzzis, and a whole adults-only retreat if you need a quiet escape. At night, you’ve got live shows, Club 6 for dancing, and Movies Under the Stars.

And of course, there’s the SeaWalk, a glass-bottom walkway that extends over the edge of the ship—because what’s a cruise without a little thrill?


Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a dress code on the ship?

Yes, but nothing too restrictive. During the day, casual wear is totally fine—shorts, t-shirts, and swimsuits by the pool are the norm. In the evening, there’s a smart-casual dress code in the dining rooms, so leave the flip-flops and swimwear behind. Most nights, a nice dress, skirt, jeans, or button-up shirt will do. On formal nights, which usually happen once or twice per cruise, guests dress up a little more. Some go all out with tuxedos and evening gowns, but a cocktail dress, dress shirt, or dark suit is perfectly acceptable. If dressing up isn’t your thing, the buffets and casual eateries don’t have a dress code, so there’s always a relaxed option.

What’s included in the price?

Your fare covers the essentials: your cabin, most dining options, onboard entertainment, and access to pools, hot tubs, and the gym. Main dining rooms, buffets, and casual eateries are included, but specialty restaurants cost extra. The same goes for drinks—water, coffee, and tea are complimentary, but alcohol, soft drinks, and specialty coffees come at an additional charge. Activities like trivia, game nights, and live shows are free, while spa treatments, shore excursions, and WiFi will add to your bill.

Is it suitable for solo travellers?

Absolutely. While Royal Princess doesn’t have solo cabins, making it a bit pricier for single cruisers, the ship is still a great option for those travelling alone. There are plenty of social events and group activities, and dining is flexible, so you can join a table with other guests or enjoy a quiet meal on your own. Shore excursions are also a great way to meet fellow travellers without feeling like you’re on your own.

Is Royal Princess all-inclusive?

No, but plenty is included in the fare. If you want a more all-inclusive experience, Princess offers add-on packages for drinks, specialty dining, and WiFi. These can be worth it if you plan to indulge, but if not, you can stick to the complimentary dining options and onboard entertainment without spending much extra.

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8 thoughts on “Royal Princess: Ultimate Guide”

  1. Hubby and I have just cruised Royal to NZ ( Feb 2025) and had a great time. He is Coeliac and had good food options. We didnt choose any upgrade options so cruised the basic package and did two Princess based excursions. Cruising is what you make it, join in the fun activities and enjoy the entertainment. The cruise met our expectations completely.

  2. Travelled to new Zealand on the pacific Princess found it very boring .The ship was full off older people who only reada book or ssat by the windows .Went around the ship around 10.30 pm no one there everything was close .The food was nothing special ,paid for a grab night cost 68 dollars and they were the worst crabs l had ever had the only thing you could do on the ship is play bingo gamble or drink which all cost money .They had nothing to do for young poeple at all l couldn’t wait to get home .Found it a waist of money

  3. I am Elite with Princess, and after reading the above, though I must have done the 10 day Whitsunday cruise on another ship.
    Our balcony cabin was good, the bed really comfy, but as for the rest, well not up to Princess standard.
    Food was repetitive in both the buffet and the dining room and really just average.
    Shows was also average, only one outstanding.
    Itinerary was very deceptive – Brisbane – well we docked in the commercial port, and had to pay extra to get to Brisbane. Same with Cairns – Yorkeys Knob – just the Yacht Club where we tendered to and again, payment was required if one wanted to go to Cairns. Both should have been included in fare.
    Other two ports were also tender.
    Back on the Majestic next month, but unfortunately it will be the Royal again in January.
    I wonder if they have taken note of all the adverse comments???

  4. We were on the Royal Princess from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef for a 10 day cruise. We are loyal to princess with multiple cruises. I was very disappointed with the ship with shattered and broken windows in the bistro, toilets overflowing in cabins and passengers were moved to another cabin while the carpets and furnishings were removed and industrial fans to help with the drying. Very noisy and people could not sleep.
    Water leaking from the ceiling in multiple areas with buckets underneath.

  5. First time Princess traveller so looking forward to ours in December.
    We did travel with royal Caribbean which offered 2 free group fitness classes/stretch everyday as well as gym classes packages.
    I know princess offers packages but wondering if also offers the free classes?

    Thx

  6. Excellent, very informative well written article.

    Thank you, we have a December 23 cruise on the Royal coming up.
    W

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