In my years as a cruise specialist, I have found myself cruising on a Princess Cruises ship more often than any other cruiseline. I do have to admit that my first experience of a local Princess ship left me feeling a little “beige”! Happily that first impression didn’t last long. The fleet has been updated over the years to bring them up to the same standard as the worldwide fleet, so I have no hesitation in putting anyone on a Princess ship – anywhere in the world.
One thing you’ll find when embarking on a Princess Cruise ship, is a feeling of home! The consistency of the fleet means you know what you’re getting, and more than likely where to find it too! From the largest in the fleet [Star & Sun Princess] to the smallest [Coral & Island Princess], the more you cruise, the more you’ll feel at home.
The Medallion experience now offered on every Princess ship. Once you collect your wearable Medallion device at the cruise terminal, the seamless experience begins. Your Medallion replaces your cruise card – with so much more functionality! You swipe your Medallion to embark onto the ship, but most of the time you’ll be able to keep it in your pocket, handbag or around your neck on your lanyard. Although you may occasionally have to have the Medallion swiped by a crew member for a purchase.
My favourite feature of having the wearable Medallion is that your cabin entry system recognises you without having to physically scan the Medallion! No more juggling what you’re carrrying to find your card, swipe it & then open the door – while probably dropping three things on the way. As long as you have the Medallion with you, your cabin door just unlocks itself & you can just open the door. Your cabin steward can also tell when you’re in the cabin, which can mean less disturbances during your cruise.
With super fast internet access from anywhere on the ship, even without an internet package, you can connect to the ship’s network to utilise the Princess app functionality. The combination of the app & your wearable Medallion means that you can make the most of the OceanNow® experience (fee applies). Order food or a drink from wherever you are on the ship & have it delivered to you – even if you move to a different location. Find your family & friends wherever they are on the ship, and message them to come to wherever you are.
Bad with directions? The Princess app can give you step-by-step instructions on how to get from wherever you are to the precise location you need to get to.
Princess Cruises offers three levels of cruise fare for you to choose from depending on the experience you’re after: Standard, Plus & Premier fares. The beauty of these packages is that you choose which pakage suits you. The first two people in any cabin have to select the same package, but don’t let this stop you from upgrading. Eevn for non-drinkers, the extra inclusions
I’ve recently experienced the latest Plus fare package for myself onboard the Diamond Princess. The Wi-Fi package allowed me to keep working as I cruised. It was even pretty easy to switch between using my laptop & mobile phone when needed. I enjoyed Kai Sushi for dinner twice on my cruise, as my two included casual dining experiences. I did choose to pay the additional cover charge to dine at the Brazillian Churrascaria, as specialty dining is not included on the Plus fare. I also enjoyed a range of cocktails throughtout the cruise, without having to worry about what my final account would look like. Having my drinks delivered to me also meant I could find a great seat for trivia & then think about what cocktail-mood I was in. Don’t worry, I didn’t feel the need to indulge in my two included premium desserts, but also didn’t feel the need to participate in my two included fitness classes!
A friend that was travelling on the same cruise had opted for the Premium fare. This meant that she didn;t have to worry about disconnecting her phone when she needed to use her laptop, all of her upgraded dining experiences were included, she got to choose some of the top shelf cocktails, and she got a range of new photos taken for her social media profiles. Although she managed to avoid having a premium dessert after every meal, after a couple of days of indulgence elsewhere, she even took advantage of her unlimited fitness classes!
The local fleet changes slightly season to season. Depending on when you’re looking to cruise, you can choose from Coral Princess (2003), (2006), Discovery Princess (2022), Grand Princess (1998) & Royal Princess (2013)! The remaining fleet currently include: Caribbean Princess (2004), Diamond Princess (2004), Emerald Princess (2007), Enchanted Princess (2007), Grand Princess (1998), Island Princess (2003), Majestic Princess (2017), Regal Princess (2014), Royal Princess (2013), Ruby Princess (2008), Sapphire Princess2004), Sky Princess (2019), Star Princess (2025) & Sun Princess (2024).
For itineraries departing from an Australian port, your Onboard Account will be charged in Aussie Dollars & no tipping will be required, as the staff are paid Australian wages. When sailing on Princess from any other port worldwide, the Onboard Currency will be the almighty US Dollar. On a cruise where US Dollars applies, a daily service charge will appear on your account. This charge is split between your cabin steward, waitstaff & many other behind the scenes staff who help to make sure that your cruise experience is fabulous. While you’re having a fabulous holiday, remember the crew in the laundry & kitchen who you never see, and remember just how low US wages can be!
All main meals are included when cruising with Princess Cruises. I always encourage my clients to give the Specialty & Casual restaurants a go when onboard. Depending on the ship you’re sailing aboard, you can have an amazing steak at Crown Grill, pasta galore at Sabatini’s, fresh sushi at Kai Sushi or a little taste of New Orleans at the Bayou Cafe. My favourite Princess restaurant is La Mer on Majestic, Sky, Enchanted & Discovery Princesses – and don’t even get me started about the Chef’s Table experience (a must-do), especially Lumiere & 360 on selected ships. Don’t forget that upgrading to Plus or Premier packages will mean that some of these dining experiences are already included for you!
Along with experiencing multiple cruises & destinations with Princess Cruises, I have also been lucky to be able to inspect all of the home-based fleet whenever I have the chance. Click on the ship names below to see my photos from each ship!
I was also lucky to experience a few ships that have since been retired from the Princess fleet – the old Sea Princess & Sun Princess, along with the Dawn Princess & Golden Princess.
You’ll be automatically signed up as a Captains Circle member before your first Princess cruise. Work you way through the membership levels (Gold, Ruby, Platinum & ultimately Elite!) and watch your benefits multiply. Don’t forget to purchase a Princess “Future Cruise Deposit” of $100 per person during your cruise, to ensure that you receive a bonus Onboard Credit & no additional deposit on your next cruise.
Booking Princess Cruises during a TravelManagers Cruise Sale Week will halve your deposit & give you a bonus Onboard Credit. Ask me more – as well as where & when to cruise on Princess Cruises, and the best deal available for you! ⚓ Christie
CLIA Cruise Master | Top 20 cruise travel agents - Australia
Peace of mind
