Princess Cruises

History of Princess Cruises

For 55 years Princess Cruises has been sailing around the globe. In 1965, Stanley B. McDonald chartered Princess Patricia thus forming Princess Cruises. For the next 10 years the cruise line quickly evolved; chartering a further two ships and officially introducing Island Princess, Pacific Princess and Sun Princess to the fleet. During this time, the cruise line also sailed its first transatlantic voyage and enjoyed its first season in Alaska.

Since then, the much-loved cruise line has grown to a fleet of 18 incredible ships (with Enchanted Princess arriving June 2020 and Discovery Princess debuting in November 2021), as well as completing a number of exciting ‘firsts’ including; first major cruise line to base a ship in San Diego, first Caribbean cruises from Miami, first Asia cruises, first Northern Europe cruises, first world cruise, first wedding chapel and wedding program at sea, first Bermuda cruises, first Antarctica cruise, first Movies Under the Stars debut, first Chef’s Table, first Entertainer of the Year competition and lastly, the first “Cruising with a Cause” cruise to support US veterans charities.

Destinations

Princess Cruises sail to over 300 ports and destinations around the world and with more than 150 different itineraries, you’ll have the opportunity to travel the globe. From the picturesque vistas, pure white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the perfect blend of ancient and modern, traditional and futuristic, provincial and metropolitan in Asia, you can see it all with Princess Cruises.

You can even enhance your cruise experience with a wide array of shore excursions worldwide. Enjoy Discovery™ Tours, providing enriching and immersive once-in-a-lifetime experiences, crafted by local experts, Local Connections is designed to fit a variety of interests, savour the authentic flavours of the places you sail with Bon Appétit Shore Excursions or simply explore the world at your own pace.

The on board experience

From relaxing pursuits and enriching activities to world-class entertainment and gourmet cuisine, when you step on board, you are setting a course for a world of wonderful new discoveries.

Activities and entertainment

There is never a dull moment on board a Princess Cruises ship thanks to the wealth of diversions for nearly every interest and mood. Joining forces with Discovery™, Princess bring enriching new experiences on board and at shore with their Discovery at SEA program. On board activities include stargazing on the top deck and activities inspired by hit shows such as Shark Week, Finding Bigfoot and Deadliest Catch. At shore you can get the most out of your holiday with Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Recommended Tours.

Elsewhere on board you can enjoy destination themed activities relevant to the shores you sail. Live performances, music and dance lessons, as well as local foods will provide you with a deeper connection to the destinations you visit. Learn how to prepare gourmet specialities and pair perfect wines with culinary demonstrations and wine tastings, take part in world-class gaming, peruse the extensive art gallery, attend an art history lecture or get exclusive behind the scenes access with the Ultimate Ship Tour.

Take a dip in one of the on board sparkling freshwater pools, unwind in a hot tub or on a comfortable padded lounger, play basketball, ping pong, mini golf or shuffleboard. Interact with fellow book lovers at the Princess Cruises Book Club or add a new twist to your dance moves at a dance class.

Exclusive to Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, Discovery at SEA and Princess have partnered to create the first escape room experience at sea. With hundreds of different outcomes, this immersive interactive experience puts your team’s creative thinking skills to the test. Work together as your travel through time and the room comes to life around you.

Entertainment beckons from every corner of a Princess ship with dazzling stage sets, performers from around the globe, modern hits and timeless classics. Rock Opera, for example, is a one-of-a-kind production featuring incredible costumes inspired by glamorous avant-garde fashion and a musical soundtrack that spans classic rock, opera and musical theatre. A first for Princess Cruises, the production is sung in English, Spanish, Latin and even American Sign Language. Other shows include 5-SKIES, Jim Henson’s Inspired Silliness, Born to Dance and Bravo… A Regal Celebration. You’ll also find world-class magicians, illusionists and comedians performing in the theatre, be mesmerised by slight-of-hand tricks and mind-blowing acts.

There truly is something to keep you entertained at any time of day. The Voice of the Ocean is Princess Cruises’ spin on the number one TV show, The Voice. Complete with live performances, professional mentors, blind auditions, charismatic judges and the iconic rotating chairs, The Voice of the Ocean is cruise entertainment at its best.

Movies Under the Stars® is a poolside movie theatre that lights up the top deck day or night with feature films, thrilling concerts and exciting sporting events. Snuggle up with warm popcorn and enjoy your favourite films under the stars.

Wellness

Wellness plays a huge part on a Princess cruise. The Princess Luxury Bed has been developed alongside sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus. Named the Best Cruise Ship Bed by Cruise Critic, the Princess Luxury Bed will ensure you come back from your relaxing cruise feeling refreshed, renewed and rejuvenated.

The Sanctuary, reserved just for adults, is a luxurious spa-inspired retreat. It features plush lounge furniture, an attentive Serenity Steward, soothing music, refreshing beverages and even an open-air massage in your own private cabana.

Lotus Spa, named Best Spa on a Cruise Ship by Spa finder Wellness 365™, offers a vast array of treatments, such as aroma stone therapy massages and detoxifying ocean wraps. You’ll also find a state-of-the-art fitness centre on board, offering exercise and spinning courses, free and machine weights, treadmills with ocean views and more to energise yourself.

Dining

A wondrous culinary journey awaits. From hand-tossed pizza to dazzling multi-course gourmet dinners, you’ll find enticing food and dining options throughout the day, as lovingly prepared as a home cooked meal.

All food on board has been designed for fresh; breads are baked 24/7, pastries are made from scratch using the finest ingredients and steaks are aged and hand cut. Dine like a local and discover the unique flavours of the destinations you visit, savour multi-course gourmet meals each evening and make each night a special occasion.

The OceanMedallion™

Princess MedallionClass™, featuring the OceanMedallion™, enables you to connect to what matters most. From faster boarding and refreshments that find you, to turn-by-turn wayfinding and the best Wi-Fi at sea, MedallionClass makes your vacation even more enjoyable.

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