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🛳️ Ultimate Princess Cruises Guide for 2026
Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail
Princess Cruises is one of the most well‑rounded cruise lines out there — modern ships, great food, MedallionClass tech, and itineraries that span Alaska to Asia. If you want a cruise that feels elevated without being stuffy, Princess hits the sweet spot.
2026 is shaping up to be one of their biggest years yet, with new ships, new destinations, and more choices than ever.
I book all my Princess sailings using the same simple system I share in my How I Book Cruises guide.
🆕 Update: New Princess Sign‑Up Times (July 2026)
Princess has introduced a new requirement for embarkation time selection. Previously, guests were automatically assigned an arrival window or could simply show up. As of July 2026, you must now choose your embarkation time in advance.
Starting at 30 days before your sailing, you’ll see a new option in your Cruise Personalizer to select your preferred embarkation time slot. Availability may vary by sailing, so it’s worth logging in right at the 30‑day mark to secure the time you want — especially if you’re coordinating casino offers, dining plans, or early‑day logistics.
This change is brand‑new and will be updated as Princess refines the process.
⭐ Start Here: Essential Princess Guides
These are the most‑read, highest‑engagement Princess posts on my site — the ones readers rely on most.
Princess Packages (Deep Dive)
🍽️ Princess Menus (2026)
updated as I sail new ships and collect new menus.
Hot Pot Menu
Butcher Block by Dario Menu
Sabbatini’s Menu
⭐ Why Sail Princess in 2026
Princess offers a relaxed, grown‑up atmosphere with beautiful ships and consistently great dining. It’s the perfect fit if you want something nicer than a mainstream line but not as formal as a luxury cruise.
You get:
Modern ships
Great food
MedallionClass convenience
Strong Alaska + Japan itineraries
A calm, comfortable vibe
Pro Tip: Download the MedallionClass app before you sail. It works best when everything is set up at home.
🌟 What’s New for 2026
Star Princess Debuts in Alaska
Princess’s newest Sphere‑class ship launches her first Alaska season with The Dome, 29 dining venues, and the largest balcony cabins in the fleet.
Celebration Key Opens (For Princess Guests 2026)
Princess’s first exclusive Caribbean destination opens this year with beaches, cabanas, and waterfront dining.
Record Alaska Deployment
Eight ships, 180+ departures — the biggest Alaska season in Princess history.
Expanded Asia & Australia
More Japan cherry blossom sailings, more Australia/New Zealand voyages, and longer itineraries.
🚢 Princess Fleet Overview (2026)
Princess has four main ship classes. Here’s the quick breakdown.
Sphere Class (Newest + Most Modern)
Sun Princess (2024) Star Princess (2025)
Royal Class (Most Popular)
Royal · Regal · Majestic · Sky · Enchanted · Discovery
Grand Class (Classic Princess)
Grand · Ruby · Emerald
Other
Diamond Princess — Japan Island Princess — exotic itineraries
NPLB Pick: Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess are the perfect intro ships for first‑timers.
👨👩👦 Best Princess Ships by Traveler Type
Best for First‑Timers
Sky Princess or Enchanted Princess
Best for Alaska
Star Princess (newest) Discovery Princess (Royal‑class reliability)
Best for Families
Sun Princess
Best for Couples
Majestic Princess
Best for Budget Travelers
Ruby Princess or Crown Princess
🗺️ Best Princess Itineraries for 2026
Alaska (Top Pick)
Princess pioneered Alaska cruising, and 2026 is their biggest season ever. Popular itineraries:
7‑Day Glacier Route
7‑Day Inside Passage
Denali Cruisetours
Caribbean
Eastern
Western
Southern
Mediterranean
Greek Isles
Grand Mediterranean
British Isles
Japan
Cherry blossom season Summer festivals Roundtrip Tokyo itineraries
NPLB Pick: The 7‑Day Glacier Route from Seattle is the most scenic and beginner‑friendly.
Headed to multiple ports? Here’s exactly how I book shore excursions — including when I choose Princess vs. third‑party tours.
💳 Princess Packages: Standard · Plus · Premier
Standard (Base Fare)
No Wi‑Fi
No drinks
No gratuities
$5 room service fee
Plus (Best Value for Most Travelers)
1‑device Wi‑Fi Drinks up to $15
Gratuities included
Free room service
Premier (For Foodies + Wi‑Fi Users)
4‑device Wi‑Fi
Premium drinks
Unlimited specialty dining
Photo package included
🍽️ Dining on Princess Cruises
Princess has some of the best dining variety at sea.
Free Dining
Main Dining Rooms
World Fresh Marketplace
International Café
Casual Dining
O’Malleys
Specialty Dining (Worth It)
Sabbatini’s - coming soon
Butcher Block By Dario - coming soon
NPLB Pick: Crown Grill is the can’t‑miss classic — consistently great steaks and a cozy atmosphere.
📶 MedallionClass & Wi‑Fi
Princess’s MedallionClass makes cruising easier:
Keyless cabin entry
Food + drink delivery
Location services
Faster embarkation
Wi‑Fi is strongest on Royal + Sphere class.
Quick Fact: If staying connected matters, choose Sun Princess, Star Princess, or any Royal‑class ship.
👗 Dress Code
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
Quick Fact: Princess keeps formal nights simple — no need to overpack.
🧭 Tips for First‑Time Princess Cruisers
Download the MedallionClass app early
Book dining before sailing
Use laundry rooms to save money
Specialty dining sells out — book Day 1
Don’t miss The Wake Show
Pro Tip: Princess has self‑service laundry rooms on most ships — pack lighter and wash mid‑week.
Cruise Essentials I Pack for Every Princess Sailing These are the 10 items that make every cruise easier — all tested on real Princess trips.
🔥 Trending Princess Guides
🌴 More Cruise Resources
A few of my most‑read guides if you’re planning a Princess sailing (or any cruise, honestly):
How I Book Cruises— The exact system I use to save hundreds on every sailing, including the cards I stack and when I book.
How I Book Shore Excursions — When I choose Princess vs. third‑party tours, plus my go‑to excursion platforms.
Cruise Port Guides — Real tips from ports I’ve actually sailed, including DIY options and favorite small‑group tours.
10 Essentials I Pack on Every Cruise— My Lazy Girl packing list that keeps me organized and stress‑free.
Pre‑Cruise Hotel Guide — Where I stay before embarkation and how I book hotels with points.
❓ FAQs
What’s the newest Princess ship?
Star Princess (2025)
Is Princess Plus worth it?
Yes — if you drink 2–3 cocktails/day or want Wi‑Fi.
Best ship for Alaska?
Star Princess or Discovery Princess
When should I book 2027 cruises?
Now — especially Alaska + Celebration Key.
How does Captain’s Circle work?
You earn cruise days as you sail. More days = more perks.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Princess Cruises offers a relaxed, elevated experience with great food, beautiful ships, and some of the best itineraries in the industry. Whether you’re heading to Alaska, the Caribbean, or Japan, 2026 is an incredible year to sail.
Planning your Princess itinerary? Don’t miss my full collection of Cruise Port Guides — real tips from ports I’ve sailed.
About the Author
Julie is a travel content creator who sails Princess Cruises more than any other cruise line — because it just fits her vibe perfectly. She’s sailed Princess multiple times, has four Princess cruises already booked for 2026, and even has her first 2027 Princess sailing locked in. When she says she loves Princess, she means it.
Whether she books a standard fare or upgrades to Plus or Premier, she enjoys every version of the experience. Princess is her go‑to line for relaxing sea days, great food, and itineraries that feel a little elevated without being fussy.
If you’re planning your first (or next) Princess cruise, you’re in the right place — Julie’s guides are built from real sailings, real experiences, and a whole lot of Princess love.
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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.