The Complete Princess Cruises Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about Princess's fleet, destinations, packages, and how to maximize your points — updated for 2026.
By NPLB Team · Last Updated April 29, 2026 · 18 min read
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🧳 Julie’s 10 Must‑Have Cruise Items
These are the exact items I used every single day on my last Princess cruise — from cabin organization to port-day essentials.
⚓ At a Glance
Princess Cruises is one of the most well-rounded cruise lines out there — and 2026 is shaping up to be their biggest year yet. Here's the quick snapshot:
15 Ships across 4 ship classes (Sphere, Royal, Grand, and more)
110+ Destinations across 7 continents
3 Package Tiers — Standard · Plus · Premier
Captain's Circle — Loyalty program with 4 tiers (Gold, Ruby, Platinum, Elite)
🌟 What's New for 2026
The biggest updates and additions for the upcoming cruise season.
⚓ Star Princess Alaska Debut
The newest Sphere-class ship sails her inaugural Alaska season with 7-day Glacier Route itineraries departing from Seattle. Expect The Dome, 29 dining venues, and the largest balcony cabins at sea.
🏝️ Celebration Key Opens November 2026
Princess's exclusive Caribbean destination debuts, offering a private beach experience for Caribbean sailings. Think white sand, exclusive cabanas, and waterfront dining.
🗺️ Record Alaska Season
8 ships, 180+ departures — the largest Princess Alaska deployment in history. New ports include Icy Strait Point extended calls for deeper immersion in southeast Alaska.
🌊 Year-Round Caribbean
90+ departures covering Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean itineraries from Fort Lauderdale and Galveston. More options than ever for warm-weather getaways.
🌏 Expanded Asia & Australia
New Japan cherry blossom sailings and extended Australia/New Zealand voyages from Sydney. Diamond Princess continues year-round Japan homeporting.
💳 Princess Plus & Premier Refined
Updated beverage and Wi-Fi inclusions for 2026 with expanded specialty dining credits. Premier now includes unlimited specialty dining, up to 4 device Wi-Fi connections, and free room service delivery.
📌 Pro Tip: Book early for the best cabin selection on Star Princess Alaska sailings — inaugural season cabins go fast.
🚢 The Princess Fleet for 2026
Sphere Class (Newest)
Sun Princess (2024) — 175,500 GT, 4,300 guests
Star Princess (2025) — 175,500 GT, 4,300 guests
The Sphere class represents Princess's most ambitious ships. Features include The Dome (world's first at-sea entertainment sphere), 29 dining options, and the largest balcony cabins in the fleet. These are the flagships of the 2026 season.
→ Read our full Sun Princess Review
Royal Class
Royal Princess (2013)
Regal Princess (2014)
Majestic Princess (2017)
Sky Princess (2019)
Enchanted Princess (2020)
Discovery Princess (2022)
The backbone of the fleet. Royal-class ships offer MedallionClass technology, the best Wi-Fi at sea, and a refined adult atmosphere. Sky Princess is our pick for those wanting a newer feel without the Sphere-class price premium.
→ Read our Enchanted Princess cruise experience
→ Read our Majestic Princess cruise experience
→ Read our Royal Princess cruise experience
→ Read our Sky Princess cruise experience
Grand Class
Grand Princess (2001)
Ruby Princess (2008)
Emerald Princess (2007)
Crown Princess (2006)
Classic Princess DNA with recently refreshed interiors. Great value option with smaller ship intimacy. If you prefer fewer crowds and a more traditional cruise feel, Grand-class ships deliver.
Other
Island Princess (2003) — Smaller, expedition-style itineraries
Diamond Princess (2004) — Japan-based year-round
These smaller ships offer unique itineraries you won't find on the larger vessels. Diamond Princess is the gateway to Japan cruising, while Island Princess tackles more exotic routes.
🗺️ 2026 Destinations & Itineraries
Alaska — The Crown Jewel
Princess pioneered Alaska cruising, and 2026 is their biggest season yet. With 8 ships and 180+ departures, they have more Alaska sailings than any other cruise line.
Season: May – September
Homeports: Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver
Popular Itineraries: 7-Day Glacier Route · 7-Day Inside Passage · 10-Day Denali Explorer (cruisetour)
🏆 NPLB Pick: Our top pick for 2026 is the Star Princess 7-Day Glacier Route from Seattle. Best value typically in early May or late September.
→ Read our full Alaska Cruise Guide
→ 7-Day Cruise Packing List
Caribbean
Year-round from Fort Lauderdale and seasonal from Galveston. 90+ departures covering Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean routes. The big news: Celebration Key opens November 2026 — Princess's first exclusive Caribbean destination with private beaches, cabanas, and waterfront dining.
→ Cruise Port Guide Hub
→ Celebration Key Review (from my Carnival Cruise)
→ Packing List Caribbean Cruise
💳 Princess Package Tiers: Standard vs. Plus vs. Premier
Princess offers three packaging tiers. Standard is bare-bones cruise fare. Plus bundles the essentials most guests want. Premier goes all-in. Here's what you get at each level:
Standard (Base Fare)
Wi-Fi: None
Beverages: None
Gratuities: Not included
Specialty Dining: Not included
Photo Package: Not included
Room Service Delivery: $5 fee
Plus (Starts at $60/day)
Wi-Fi: MedallionNet (1 device)
Beverages: Plus drinks package - Drinks up to $15 included
Gratuities: Included
Specialty Dining: Not included
Photo Package: Not included
Room Service Delivery: Free
Premier (starts at $80/day) ✦ Best Value
Wi-Fi: MedallionNet (up to 4 devices)
Beverages: Premium drinks package
Gratuities: Included
Specialty Dining: Unlimited specialty dining
Photo Package: Included
Room Service Delivery: Free
💡 NPLB Take: Princess Plus is a strong value — free room service, premium drinks, and Wi-Fi for $60/day is hard to beat. But if you love specialty dining, Premier is the clear winner with unlimited restaurant access included. That alone can save you $100+ on a 7-night sailing.
Mediterranean & Europe
Barcelona, Rome, and Athens homeports. Grand Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and British Isles options. Best for couples and history lovers.
→ Mediterranean Cruise Guide Hub
💰 How to Save Money on Princess Cruises in 2026
→ Princess Casino Cruise Offers Guide
→ How to Rebook When Prices Drop (coming soon)
🍽️ Princess Cruises Dining Guide
We've reviewed almot every specialty restaurant on the Sun Princess and beyond. Whether you're deciding where to spend your dining credits or figuring out the reservation system, we've got you covered.
Specialty Restaurant Reviews:
Umai Teppanyaki — Interactive teppanyaki with a fun chef performance
Love by Britto — Colorful, romantic specialty dining on Sun Princess
Makoto Ocean — Premium sushi and Japanese cuisine
Umai Hot Pot — Build-your-own hot pot experience
Crown Grill— Classic steakhouse, a Princess fleet staple
Catch by Rudi — Seafood-forward dining with stunning presentation
More Dining Guides:
→ How to Book Dining Reservations on Princess Cruises
→ Free Dining Options on Princess Cruises
→ Alfredo's Pizzeria: Best Casual Dining on Princess
📶 Princess Wi‑Fi Guide (MedallionNet)
Fastest Wi‑Fi at sea (Royal & Sphere class)
Plus: 1 device
Premier: Up to 4 devices
Works well for: email, social media, streaming
Tips:
Download movies before sailing
Switch devices manually to avoid extra charges
Use airplane mode + Wi‑Fi only
👗 Princess Dress Code (2026)
Smart Casual (most nights)
Sundresses
Casual dresses
Nice tops + pants
Polos or button‑downs
Formal Nights (1–2 per week)
Cocktail dresses
Jumpsuits
Dress shirts + slacks
Suits optional
What’s NOT allowed
Swimwear in dining rooms
Tank tops in main dining room
Bare feet
🧭 Tips for First‑Time Princess Cruisers
Download the MedallionClass app before sailing
Book dining early
Use the ship’s laundry rooms (saves money)
Specialty dining sells out — book Day 1
Don’t miss the Wake Show (ship announcements)
💰 How to Save Money on Princess Cruises
→ Princess Casino Cruise Offers Guide
→ Best Credit Cards for Cruises
→ How I Saved $300 on Holland America
🔥 Trending Princess Guides (Updated May 2026)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the newest Princess cruise ship?
Star Princess, launched in 2025, is the newest ship in the fleet. She's the second Sphere-class ship, sister to Sun Princess, featuring The Dome entertainment venue, 29 dining options, and the largest balcony cabins at sea.
Is Princess Plus worth it?
For most guests, yes. At $60/day, you get premium drinks, MedallionNet Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, and free room service delivery. Buying these separately would cost significantly more. If you drink even 2-3 cocktails a day, Plus pays for itself.
What's the best Princess ship for Alaska?
Star Princess for the newest experience, or Discovery Princess for a proven Royal-class option. Both sail 7-day Glacier Route itineraries from Seattle with stunning views and excellent onboard experiences.
When should I book a 2027 cruise?
Now — especially for Alaska and Celebration Key inaugural sailings. Early booking gets you the best cabin selection and often comes with booking bonuses. Use a refundable deposit so you can rebook if prices drop.
How does the Captain's Circle loyalty program work?
You automatically join after your first cruise at the Gold tier. Earn cruise days as you sail to move up through Ruby (30 days), Platinum (150 days), and Elite (450 days). Each tier unlocks more perks including priority boarding, free laundry, internet minutes, and cabin upgrades.
About Julie
Julie is the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, where she helps families travel better using points, miles, cruise hacks, and smart planning.
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About Julie
Julie is the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, where she helps families travel better using points, miles, cruise hacks, and smart planning. She’s sailed multiple cruise lines, explored Alaska’s top ports, and specializes in practical, mom‑friendly travel strategies that save money without sacrificing fun.