The Beginner’s Guide to Princess Cruises
(Everything I Wish I Had Known Before Sailing)
✨ Quick Takeaway
Princess Cruises is the perfect blend of relaxation, grown‑up vibes, and zero‑stress travel. But if you’re new to the line, there are a few things I really wish someone had told me before my first sailing — from dining quirks to Medallion hacks to choosing the right ship.
If you’re dreaming of a future cruise after all this travel talk, my Princess Cruises guide breaks everything down in Lazy Girl style — from dining quirks to Medallion hacks to choosing the right ship.
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🌴 Plan Your 2026 Princess Cruise
Thinking ahead to your next sailing? Explore itineraries, cabin options, and pricing to find the perfect fit for your travel style.
Search Princess Cruises → Princess Cruises
⭐Who this Guide is for:
First‑time Princess cruisers
Travelers comparing Princess to other lines
Anyone who wants a simple, stress‑free overview
💗 Why Princess Is Perfect for Beginners
Sunset on the Majestic Princess March 2026
Princess is ideal if you want:
A calm, elevated atmosphere
Consistently good food
Thoughtful itineraries
Easy onboard navigation
A vacation that feels like a vacation
🛳️ Choosing the Right Princess Ship
Princess has several ship classes, and they do feel different. If you’re curious about Princess ships, I’ve reviewed several of them so you can pick the one that fits your travel style:
Sun Princess— Sphere Class, the newest and most modern
Royal Princess — Royal Class, amazing layout + dining
Majestic Princess— Royal Class with unique Asia‑influenced touches
Sky Princess— Royal Class, super popular with first‑timers
Grand Class — I’m sailing my first one in January, so a full review is coming soon
If you want the most “wow,” choose Sun Princess. If you want the best value, choose Royal Class.
🎟️ Princess Plus & Premier (Explained Simply)
Princess bundles can be confusing, so here’s the Lazy Girl version:
Princess Plus
Drinks up to $15
Wi‑Fi
Crew appreciation
Casual dining included
Two fitness classes
Princess Premier
Everything in Plus
Premium drinks
Specialty dining
Unlimited Medallion accessories
Photo package
Best for travelers who love specialty dining + photos.
Full breakdown: Full Review of the Premier Package on Princess
🍝 Dining on Princess: What I Wish I Knew
Princess has some of the best food at sea — but the dining system is different.
Key things beginners should know:
You can choose traditional dining or Dine My Way
Crown Grill is the best specialty restaurant
Love by Britto is the most romantic dinner at Sea
The pizza is elite (yes, I said it)
More tips: Princess dining guide
🪙 MedallionClass: The Tech You’ll Actually Use
The Medallion is your key, wallet, and cruise assistant.
What beginners should know:
It unlocks your door automatically
You can order food/drinks anywhere
It helps you find your travel companions
The app is… fine
You don’t need to buy accessories — the free lanyard works great
Learn the hacks: Princess Medallion tips
🧳 What to Pack for Princess
Princess is relaxed, even on “Dress to Impress” nights.
Pack this:
Light layers
A cute dress or jumpsuit
Comfortable walking shoes
A sweater for the theater
Sunscreen + aloe - I love Supergoop!
Refillable water bottle
⚓ Port Days: How Princess Does It
Princess is known for well‑organized port days.
What beginners should know:
Princess excursions are reliable
DIY ports are easy in the Caribbean
Return times are strict
Photographers are everywhere — use them
How I book Shore Excursions and Save
🎰 Casino, Entertainment & Vibes
Princess is chill — but not boring.
Expect:
Broadway‑style shows
Live music
Trivia + enrichment classes
Movies Under the Stars
A surprisingly fun casino
Casino tips: Princess casino strategy
🔎Related Posts:
💬 Final Thoughts
Princess Cruises is the perfect line for travelers who want:
Relaxation
Good food
Beautiful ships
Thoughtful itineraries
A grown‑up vibe
Once you understand the bundles, dining system, and Medallion, Princess becomes one of the easiest cruise lines to love.
About the Author
Julie is a travel advisor, points hacker, and creator of NoPointLeftBehind.net, where she teaches everyday travelers how to maximize points, miles, and cruise deals without overwhelm. She specializes in Princess Cruises, casino‑offer cruising, and simple Lazy Girl travel strategies that make vacations easier, cheaper, and more fun.
You can find her in the Travel Hacking Moms Group, on Pinterest sharing Lazy Girl travel graphics, or onboard a Princess ship with an iced coffee in hand.
