Planning your first Princess cruise? You’re probably wondering what’s actually included, whether the Plus or Premier package is worth it, how the Medallion works, and what makes Princess different from other cruise lines.
After sailing Princess multiple times, these are the things I genuinely think first-time Princess cruisers should know before boarding — including a few things that surprised me the most.
If you’d rather watch than read, I also have a full video version embedded below with more detail and examples from my own cruises.
What Makes Princess Different From Other Cruise Lines?
Princess Cruises is considered a premium cruise line. That means the experience is generally more focused on relaxation, service, food, and destinations rather than giant water slides, surf simulators, and nonstop activities.
If you’ve looked at cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival and felt a little overwhelmed by the “theme park at sea” vibe, Princess feels noticeably calmer.
That doesn’t mean it’s boring. It just has a different atmosphere:
- more relaxed pace
- more destination-focused itineraries
- stronger emphasis on dining and service
- generally quieter and less chaotic overall
For many adults — especially first-time cruisers who want a smoother experience — that’s a big plus.
Princess Cruises Go Almost Everywhere
One thing many people don’t realize is how extensive Princess itineraries are.
Princess sails to:
- Alaska
- Europe
- the Caribbean
- Mexican Riviera
- Hawaii
- Asia
- Australia
- South America
- Antarctica
- and more
They’re especially known for Alaska cruises and land tours. Princess actually owns wilderness lodges and rail experiences in Alaska, so they can combine cruises with inland Alaska travel in a way many cruise lines can’t.
If Alaska is on your list, Princess is one of the strongest options to look at.
The Princess Medallion Is Actually a Big Deal
This is probably the feature that keeps pulling me back to Princess.
Instead of a standard cruise card, Princess uses a small wearable device called the Medallion.
At first, it sounds gimmicky. Then you use it.
Your cabin door unlocks automatically as you approach. You can order drinks or food anywhere on the ship directly through the app. You can find people in your travel party, check activities, order room service, review charges, and even get directions around the ship.
It genuinely makes the experience smoother.
I’ve sailed other cruise lines after Princess, and this is one area where Princess still stands out to me.
What’s Included on a Princess Cruise?
This is one area that confuses a lot of first-time cruisers.
Your standard cruise fare typically includes:
- main dining rooms
- buffet dining
- pizza
- burgers and casual pool food
- soft serve ice cream
- International Café
- basic coffee and tea
- some juices during breakfast
But many other things are extra:
- cocktails
- specialty coffee
- bottled water
- Wi-Fi
- specialty dining
- casual specialty dining venues
- gratuities
Princess uses a shipboard account system, so purchases get charged to the card attached to your account.
This is why so many people end up considering the Plus or Premier packages.
Princess Dining Is One of the Reasons People Stay Loyal
Food is obviously subjective, but Princess has consistently had some of the best food I’ve personally experienced on mainstream and premium cruise lines.
There are included dining options, casual upcharge venues, and specialty restaurants.
Casual dining venues often include places like:
- Alfredo’s Pizzeria
- Irish pubs
- gelato shops
- specialty desserts
Specialty dining can include:
- Crown Grill
- Sabatini’s
- Makoto Ocean
- Butcher’s Block
- teppanyaki experiences
Some of these restaurants book up quickly, especially on sea days, so it’s worth making reservations as early as possible once they open in the app.
Is Princess Plus or Premier Worth It?
For many people: yes.
Princess Plus usually includes:
- drinks
- Wi-Fi
- gratuities
- casual dining credits
Princess Premier adds:
- unlimited specialty dining
- higher-end drinks
- more device Wi-Fi access
- photos
- reserved theater seating
- additional perks
If you know you’ll use Wi-Fi, drinks, bottled water, specialty coffee, or dining upgrades, these packages can save a surprising amount of money compared to paying individually onboard.
The biggest mistake I see people make is assuming they’ll “just buy a few things here and there,” then getting a much larger final bill than expected.
Download the Princess App Before Your Cruise
Do this as soon as you book.
The app is how you:
- check in
- upload documents
- reserve dining
- order your Medallion
- access activities
- communicate onboard
- review charges
One important tip:
Pre-order your Medallion before sailing if possible.
At embarkation, guests who already have their Medallions often move through boarding much faster than those who still need theirs assigned at the port.
Princess Dress Codes Are More Flexible Than People Think
Princess does have formal nights, but they’re nowhere near as rigid as some people expect.
On a typical 7-day cruise, you may see:
- 2 formal nights
- 5 resort casual nights
Some guests fully dress up. Others stay fairly casual.
If formal nights aren’t your thing, you absolutely do not need to participate heavily. Many people simply choose buffet or casual dining those evenings.
Princess overall feels much more flexible and relaxed than ultra-luxury cruise lines.
The Sanctuary Can Be Worth the Splurge
On newer ships like Sun Princess and Star Princess, there’s a Sanctuary Collection experience tied to specific cabin categories.
On older ships, Sanctuary access is usually an extra-fee adults-only retreat area with upgraded loungers, quieter spaces, cabanas, and additional service.
This was honestly one of my favorite experiences on Princess.
Especially on sea days, having a quieter retreat away from crowded pool decks can completely change the feel of your cruise.
One important thing:
Sanctuary reservations can book very quickly, so if your ship requires onboard reservations, head there immediately after boarding.
Princess Excursions vs Third-Party Tours
You absolutely do not need to book excursions through Princess.
But there’s one major benefit when you do:
return-to-ship protection.
If a Princess-sponsored excursion runs late, the ship waits.
If you book independently and return late, the ship can leave without you.
That doesn’t mean third-party excursions are bad. Many are fantastic. You just need to:
- use reputable providers
- understand timing carefully
- account for tender ports like Cabo San Lucas
- leave extra buffer time
This is one area where working with a travel advisor can genuinely help avoid expensive mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Princess is one of the cruise lines I continue returning to because the experience feels easier, calmer, and more polished overall.
The Medallion technology, strong dining, destination variety, and relaxed atmosphere make it especially appealing for:
- first-time cruisers
- adults wanting a calmer experience
- Alaska travelers
- travelers who value food and service over giant attractions
If you’re planning a Princess cruise and want help narrowing down ships, itineraries, cabin types, or packages, I’d be happy to help.
If you’d rather not spend hours researching cruise lines, cabins, packages, and excursions, I can help you narrow things down quickly and get everything set up smoothly from the start.
👉 Start planning here: https://secure.foratravel.com/intake/XLJHWeur05
