For over 50 years, Princess Cruises has perfected the art of blending classic maritime traditions with contemporary comforts. Known as the “Love Boat” line that helped popularize cruising for generations, Princess has evolved into a sophisticated cruise line that champions destination immersion without sacrificing elegant onboard experiences. In 2025, the Princess fleet continues this legacy across various ship classes, each offering distinct advantages for different types of travelers and destinations.
Understanding these ship classes is far more than a technical exercise—it’s the key to selecting your perfect cruise experience. Whether you’re dreaming of sailing through the glaciers of Alaska on a state-of-the-art Royal Class vessel or exploring intimate Mediterranean ports aboard a more nimble Coral Class ship, the Princess fleet is designed to enhance your connection to the destinations you’ll visit. With new innovations coming in 2025, including the groundbreaking Sphere Class, there’s never been a better time to explore how Princess pairs refined cruising traditions with modern amenities.
Princess Cruises Ship Classes 2025
Royal Class
Quick Description: The flagships of the Princess fleet, these grand vessels (142,000-145,000 gross tons) blend impressive size with elegant design, featuring expansive atriums, multiple dining options, and signature amenities like the SeaWalk—a glass-bottom walkway extending 28 feet beyond the ship’s edge.
Ships in This Class:
- Royal Princess (2013)
- Regal Princess (2014)
- Majestic Princess (2017)
- Sky Princess (2019)
- Enchanted Princess (2020)
- Discovery Princess (2022)
Typical Destinations: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, European Capitals
Classic Meets Modern: Royal Class ships perfectly exemplify Princess’s philosophy of honoring maritime traditions while embracing innovation. The multi-story Piazza atrium serves as a classic gathering space reminiscent of European plazas, while the revolutionary OceanMedallion™ technology allows for seamless service and connectivity throughout the ship. Traditional afternoon tea services and formal nights continue alongside modern touches like digital scavenger hunts and immersive entertainment venues.
Destination-Focused Itineraries: These ships excel at delivering diverse itineraries with longer port stays. The 2025 schedules feature an expanded “More Ashore” program with late-night departures and overnight stays in bucket-list destinations like Venice, Barcelona, and Quebec City. Local guides frequently come aboard to provide pre-port talks, and shore excursions are designed around immersive cultural experiences rather than just sightseeing.
Onboard Enrichment: Royal Class vessels boast the most extensive enrichment programming in the fleet:
- Expanded Discovery at SEA presentations with destination-specific content
- Culinary demonstrations featuring local ingredients and techniques
- “Festivals of the World” celebrations tied to your itinerary regions
- Guest lecturers including historians, naturalists, and cultural experts
Grand Class
Quick Description: Slightly smaller than Royal Class (107,000-116,000 gross tons) but still offering expansive public spaces, these refined ships maintain many loyal repeat cruisers with their elegant atmosphere and perfect balance of amenities without overwhelming size.
Ships in This Class:
- Grand Princess (1998, extensively refurbished 2024)
- Diamond Princess (2004, refurbished 2023)
- Sapphire Princess (2004, refurbished 2023)
- Caribbean Princess (2004, refurbished 2022)
- Crown Princess (2006, refurbished 2023)
- Emerald Princess (2007, refurbished 2023)
- Ruby Princess (2008, refurbished 2023)
Typical Destinations: Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South America, World Cruises, Mediterranean, Alaska
Classic Meets Modern: Grand Class ships are beloved for their classic nautical design elements—richly paneled Libraries, wood-accented Wheelhouse Bars, and traditional Promenade Decks perfect for the time-honored cruising tradition of walking laps around the ship. Yet they’ve been consistently updated with modern amenities, including enhanced Lotus Spas, refreshed dining venues featuring contemporary cuisine, and the full implementation of MedallionClass technology in 2022-2023 refurbishments.
Destination-Focused Itineraries: These versatile ships can access more diverse ports than their larger Royal Class counterparts. In 2025, Grand Class vessels will spearhead Princess’s expansion into more exotic locales, including extended Japan seasons, South Pacific explorations, and several Grand Adventures that combine multiple regions into longer voyages ranging from 25 to 35 days. Diamond Princess, with its Japanese-inspired design elements, continues to serve as the line’s Asia specialist.
Onboard Enrichment: Grand Class ships excel in providing in-depth cultural programming:
- Enhanced “Encounters with Discovery” speaker series
- Destination-specific workshops (ikebana flower arranging in Japan, pasta making in Italy)
- Regional wine tastings and culinary demonstrations
- Voice of the Ocean singing competitions and production shows that incorporate local cultural elements
Coral Class
Quick Description: These mid-sized vessels (91,000-92,000 gross tons) offer an intimate cruising experience with excellent passenger-to-space ratios, featuring many signature Princess venues in a more navigable environment.
Ships in This Class:
- Coral Princess (2003, refurbished 2024)
- Island Princess (2003, refurbished 2024)
Typical Destinations: Panama Canal, South America, Antarctica (scenic cruising), Iceland & Greenland, World Cruises
Classic Meets Modern: The Coral Class ships represent the perfect middle ground between traditional cruising and contemporary expectations. Their more modest size allows for classic cruising elements like wraparound promenade decks and tiered stern designs, while recent refurbishments have introduced modern dining concepts like the Planks BBQ venue and refreshed Sabatini’s Italian restaurants. The 2024 refurbishments significantly enhanced staterooms with the Princess Luxury Beds, updated bathrooms, and improved connectivity.
Destination-Focused Itineraries: These ships were specifically designed to traverse the Panama Canal and excel in expedition-style itineraries to more remote locales. Their 2025 schedules include an expanded Antarctica program with more scenic cruising days around the Antarctic Peninsula, comprehensive South America voyages including the Amazon River, and specialized Greenland/Iceland itineraries exploring remote fjords larger ships can’t access.
Onboard Enrichment: With their focus on destination immersion, Coral Class ships offer:
- Expanded “North to Alaska” cultural programming in Alaska seasons
- Dedicated naturalists on scenic cruising days
- Enhanced partnerships with local performing arts groups who come aboard in select ports
- Specialized lectures tailored to unique itinerary features like canal transits or polar regions
Island Class
Quick Description: These older but well-maintained vessels (77,000 gross tons) often labeled “classic ships” offer an intimate cruising experience for those who appreciate traditional cruise elements over massive amenities.
Ships in This Class:
- Island Princess is sometimes classified here instead of Coral Class due to similar design elements
Typical Destinations: Caribbean, Panama Canal, Western Mediterranean, Baltic
Classic Meets Modern: Island Class represents Princess’s nod to golden-age cruising with more intimate settings, classic nautical elements, and a relaxed, communal atmosphere. Where they embrace modernity is through regular refurbishments—the most recent adding the newest Princess entertainment productions, refreshed specialty dining venues, and enhanced connectivity options. Though lacking some features of newer ships, they compensate with more personalized service and a loyal following who appreciate their traditional charm.
Destination-Focused Itineraries: These smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot, making them ideal for itineraries featuring smaller harbors in places like the Greek Isles, Norwegian Fjords, and Caribbean’s lesser-visited islands. The 2025 schedule includes several theme cruises focused on regional culture, food and wine, and natural wonders.
Onboard Enrichment: Island Class vessels focus on personalized enrichment:
- Smaller group workshops and interactive classes
- Local cuisine cooking demonstrations
- Regional arts and crafts sessions
- Scholar-led book clubs featuring literature from visited destinations
Sun Class
Quick Description: The most intimate ships in the mainstream Princess fleet (77,000 gross tons), offering a more traditional cruise experience with excellent service and access to smaller ports.
Ships in This Class:
- Sun Princess (1995-2020, retired)
- Dawn Princess (1997-2017, transferred to P&O Australia)
- Sea Princess (1998-2020, sold)
- Ocean Princess (1999-2016, sold)
Note: As of 2025, there are no original Sun Class ships remaining in the Princess fleet. The new “Sun Princess” launched in 2024 is actually the first of the new Sphere Class and bears only the name of this former class.
Sphere Class
Quick Description: The revolutionary new class debuting with the Sun Princess (2024) and Star Princess (2025), these next-generation ships (175,500 gross tons) represent Princess’s bold vision for the future while honoring the line’s heritage of elegant cruising.
Ships in This Class:
- Sun Princess (2024)
- Star Princess (2025)
Typical Destinations: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Transatlantic
Classic Meets Modern: Sphere Class ships represent Princess’s most ambitious fusion of tradition and innovation. While significantly larger than previous vessels, they maintain the line’s commitment to elegant spaces through the stunning multi-deck Sphere atrium with its immersive LED displays and ocean views. Traditional elements like formal dining rooms and afternoon tea services remain, but are complemented by cutting-edge features like the suspended Sphere entertainment venue, expanded The Sanctuary adults-only retreat, and next-generation OceanMedallion capabilities.
Destination-Focused Itineraries: Despite their size, these ships are designed for destination immersion with expanded shore excursion options and dedicated port experts. The inaugural 2024-2025 Mediterranean season features more overnight stays than any previous Princess deployment, while Caribbean itineraries include access to Princess’s expanded private destination experiences. Sphere Class innovations include enhanced tendering capabilities for accessing smaller ports and the “Destination Gateway” area that serves as both an educational center and efficient embarkation point for shore excursions.
Onboard Enrichment: Sphere Class introduces Princess’s most comprehensive enrichment program ever:
- The new Signature Collection theater productions blending technology with storytelling
- An expanded Princess Arena with immersive experiences tied to destinations
- Interactive culinary experiences at The Butcher’s Block and The Gallery
- The Vista Lounge featuring rotating cultural exhibits
- Enhanced “Discovery at SEA” programming with interactive elements throughout the ship
Best Princess Cruise Destinations by Ship Class
Alaska – Royal & Grand Class Ships
Alaska remains Princess’s signature destination, where the line’s decades of experience shows in every aspect of the cruise experience. The Royal and Grand Class ships are ideally suited for Alaska’s majestic landscapes, offering expansive viewing areas from their top decks and multiple viewing lounges.
The North to Alaska program transforms these ships into floating Alaska cultural centers with Alaskan guest speakers, demonstration of native crafts, and regional cuisine showcased throughout the dining venues. Shore excursions range from gentle nature walks to helicopter glacier landings, all managed by Princess’s well-established Alaska teams.
The 2025 season features expanded shoulder-season sailings in May and September, offering opportunities to see northern lights displays and different wildlife migration patterns. Royal Class ships provide the most lavish Alaska experience with their expansive Sanctuary retreat areas, perfect for glacier viewing, while Grand Class vessels offer slightly more intimate settings with similar amenities.
Japan – Diamond Princess (Grand Class)
No ship in the Princess fleet better represents destination specialization than Diamond Princess, which underwent a Japan-focused refurbishment specifically for this market. This Grand Class ship features Japanese baths (the largest at sea), specialized Asian dining venues, and unique cultural spaces.
The 2025 Japan season is the most extensive ever, with voyages ranging from 7-day sampler cruises to comprehensive 19-day explorations. Diamond Princess typically spends March-November in the region, allowing guests to experience everything from spring cherry blossoms to autumn foliage.
Onboard enrichment focuses heavily on Japanese traditions with calligraphy lessons, tea ceremonies, sake tastings, and local entertainment when in port. Shore excursions emphasize cultural immersion with home visits, cooking classes, and spiritual experiences at ancient temples and shrines.
Mediterranean – Sphere Class & Coral Class Ships
The Mediterranean demonstrates Princess’s deployment strategy perfectly, with both its newest Sphere Class ships and intimate Coral Class vessels operating in the region for different types of experiences.
The Sun Princess brings next-generation amenities to marquee Mediterranean ports like Barcelona, Rome, and Athens, offering contemporary luxury on 7-14 day voyages focused on highlight destinations. Its size means more onboard options while still accessing the region’s primary ports.
Meanwhile, Coral Class ships operate more immersive itineraries emphasizing smaller ports in the Adriatic, Greek Isles, and Western Mediterranean coastal towns. These ships excel at destination-focused cruising with their manageable size and enhanced access to ports where larger ships must tender.
Both classes feature renowned Mediterranean-inspired dining, local wines, and regional experts who enhance the destination connection both on board and ashore.
South America & Antarctica – Coral Class Ships
The specially designed Coral Class vessels truly shine in expedition-style cruising to South America and Antarctica. Their reinforced hulls, expansive observation lounges, and maneuverability make them ideal for scenic cruising along the Antarctic Peninsula and navigating narrows like the Chilean Fjords.
The 2025 season features extended Cape Horn and Antarctica voyages ranging from 14 to 25 days, with additional scenic cruising days in the most dramatic locations. Naturalists join these voyages to provide insights through presentations and commentary during wildlife sightings.
Shore excursions in South American ports emphasize natural wonders and cultural immersion, from Patagonian hiking to tango lessons in Buenos Aires. These longer, bucket-list voyages attract experienced travelers seeking deeper destination engagement.
World Cruises – Grand Class Ships
Princess remains committed to traditional world cruising, with Grand Class ships offering the perfect balance of comfort and amenities for these epic voyages. The 2025 World Cruise aboard Emerald Princess spans 111 days visiting 6 continents and 27 countries.
These global journeys feature enhanced enrichment programming with destination experts rotating throughout the voyage, extensive overland excursion options, and unique cultural experiences in each region. Princess designs these circumnavigations to balance iconic destinations with lesser-visited ports, creating a comprehensive world experience.
The Grand Class ships are ideal for these extended voyages, offering familiar comfort that becomes home for months while being nimble enough to access a wider range of global destinations than the larger Royal or Sphere Class vessels.
Why Choose Princess for Classic-Modern Cruising?
Princess Cruises occupies a unique position in the cruise industry—not quite luxury but certainly not mainstream, offering what many consider the perfect balance of refined traditions and contemporary amenities. The line has carefully cultivated an environment that appeals to experienced travelers seeking substance over flash.
Traditional elements remain core to the Princess experience. Afternoon tea is still served with white-glove service, elegant formal nights continue (though now optional), and classic cruise traditions like Captain’s Welcome Parties and champagne waterfalls persist. These touchstones connect to cruising’s golden age heritage while remaining relevant for today’s travelers.
Yet Princess has embraced modernity where it enhances the guest experience. The OceanMedallion technology represents the cruise industry’s most comprehensive digital platform, simplifying everything from embarkation to ordering drinks poolside. Modern dining concepts like specialty restaurants featuring celebrity chef partnerships and contemporary craft cocktail venues have been thoughtfully integrated without eliminating beloved classics.
What truly defines Princess is its commitment to personalized service within a moderately premium environment. Unlike mass-market lines with thousands of passengers competing for attention, Princess maintains favorable crew-to-guest ratios and trains staff specifically on anticipating needs rather than merely responding to requests. This approach creates a relaxed luxury atmosphere where guests feel recognized and valued—something increasingly rare in today’s travel landscape.
The line’s destination focus also sets it apart. Rather than treating ports as secondary to onboard amenities, Princess designs itineraries where the destination is the star. Ships become elegant platforms for exploration rather than floating resorts that happen to visit ports. This philosophy manifests in longer port stays, more overnight calls, and shore excursions designed around meaningful cultural engagement rather than superficial sightseeing.
Onboard Enrichment & Cultural Exploration
Princess’s approach to enrichment programming reflects a commitment to meaningful experiences over mere entertainment. The cornerstone of this philosophy is the acclaimed Discovery at SEA partnership, which brings the credibility and expertise of Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ to onboard programming. This collaboration extends beyond simple branding to create genuinely educational experiences like stargazing sessions guided by trained naturalists and destination-specific wildlife presentations.
Each ship features programming tailored to its itinerary regions. In Alaska, the North to Alaska program brings local personalities onboard—from fishermen to mountain climbers—who share authentic stories and demonstrations. Similarly, the Mediterranean voyages feature culinary experts showcasing regional specialties, while Panama Canal transits include engineering and historical presentations about the canal’s construction and operation.
The Scholarship@Sea program continues to evolve, offering more hands-on learning opportunities than ever before. Photography workshops leverage the stunning destinations visited, while culinary demonstrations focus on regional techniques and ingredients that guests can recreate at home. Wine tastings go beyond simple sampling to educate about regional viticulture and food pairings specific to the cruise region.
Princess particularly excels at creating cultural connections through entertainment. Rather than generic production shows, many vessels feature performances incorporating regional music, dance, and storytelling. Local performing groups frequently come aboard in ports of call, ranging from Alaskan storytellers to Mediterranean folk dancers.
For intellectually curious travelers, the expanded lecture series brings aboard experts in history, art, architecture, and natural sciences. These aren’t simply general presentations but are crafted to align with specific itineraries—archaeologists discussing ancient sites before visiting Ephesus or marine biologists explaining ecosystem relationships before glacier viewing in Alaska.
What distinguishes Princess’s enrichment approach is its relaxed, approachable atmosphere. Unlike some luxury lines where enrichment can feel formal or academic, Princess creates accessible learning environments where guests engage comfortably at their preferred level of depth. Whether participating in a detailed workshop or simply enjoying a cultural performance, the emphasis remains on meaningful connection to destinations.
Conclusion
Princess Cruises’ diverse fleet in 2025 continues the line’s successful tradition of blending classic maritime elegance with thoughtful modern innovations. By understanding the distinct advantages of each ship class—from the cutting-edge amenities of the new Sphere Class to the intimate exploration capabilities of the Coral Class—travelers can select the perfect vessel for their particular destination and travel preferences.
What remains consistent across the fleet is Princess’s commitment to destination immersion supported by meaningful enrichment programming. These ships aren’t merely floating resorts but sophisticated platforms for exploring the world’s most fascinating locations with deeper understanding and connection.
For travelers who appreciate refined service without pretension, cultural experiences without artifice, and elegant surroundings without ostentation, Princess continues to offer an increasingly rare balance in the cruise industry. As the line evolves with new ships and innovations, it remains anchored to the core principles that have made it a favorite among discerning travelers for over half a century—proving that classic cruising will always have a place in our modern world.