Princess Cruises is renowned for destination-focused itineraries, refined onboard atmosphere, and innovative MedallionClass wearable technology. With 17 ships ranging from intimate 2,000-passenger vessels to 3,660-passenger Royal-class ships, Princess specializes in Alaska (largest fleet), Europe, World Cruises, and exotic destinations.
Famous as "The Love Boat" from the iconic TV series, Princess appeals to couples, mature travelers, and multi-generational families seeking elegant yet accessible cruising. For Essex County travelers, we arrange fly-cruise packages from Newark Airport with bundled airfare and cruise savings.
Royal Class: Flagship Fleet
Discovery Princess
Year: 2022 • Size: 145,281 tons
Passengers: 3,660
Newest Royal-class, Sky Suite with 270° balconies, Sanctuary adults-only retreat
Enchanted Princess
Year: 2020 • Size: 145,281 tons
Passengers: 3,660
Sky Suite luxury, MedallionClass, Movies Under the Stars, Piazza entertainment
Sky Princess
Year: 2019 • Size: 143,700 tons
Passengers: 3,660
First with Sky Suites, largest balconies in class, Take 5 jazz lounge
Regal Princess
Year: 2014 • Size: 142,229 tons
Passengers: 3,560
Caribbean specialist, SeaWalk glass walkway, SeaView Bar, Princess Theater
MedallionClass: Wearable Technology
Industry First: Princess invented the cruise wearable with Ocean Medallion - a quarter-sized device enabling touch-free experiences, real-time party tracking, and on-demand service. Included free on all Princess cruises.
Touch-Free Everything
Unlock cabin, order drinks poolside, pay for services - all without touching anything or pulling out wallet
Ocean Compass
Interactive app shows where everyone in your party is on ship, real-time wait times, personalized recommendations
On-Demand Dining
Order food/drinks from anywhere on ship delivered to you - pool deck, cabin, theater, anywhere
Smart Wayfinding
Never get lost - medallion guides you to dining reservations, shows, shore excursion meeting points
Alaska: The Princess Advantage
50+ Years Alaska Experience: Princess operates the largest Alaska fleet with 6 ships, 130+ departures, and exclusive partnerships with Denali lodges and Glacier Bay National Park.
Dining Options
Traditional Dining
Fixed seating times (6pm or 8:15pm), same table/servers nightly, dress up nights
Anytime Dining
Flexible hours (5:30-10pm), different table each night, more casual
Specialty Restaurants
Crown Grill Steakhouse ($39), Sabatini's Italian ($35), Chef's Table Lumiere ($115), Shabu-Shabu ($38)
Casual Options
World Fresh Marketplace buffet, Alfredo's Pizza, International Café, Trident Grill, 24-hour room service
Princess Plus & Premier Packages
Princess Plus ($60/day): Drinks, WiFi, crew appreciation, 2 specialty dinners, fitness classes
Princess Premier ($80/day): Everything in Plus + unlimited specialty dining, premium drinks, photos, Medallion upgrades
Both packages save 30-40% vs paying separately
Best value for cruisers who would purchase drink package anyway
Essex County Booking Tips
No Princess ships homeport in NY/NJ - we arrange fly-cruise packages from Newark Airport with bundled savings
Book Princess Plus package at time of booking for best rate (20-30% discount vs onboard purchase)
Alaska cruises: Book 10-12 months ahead for best cabin selection and promotional rates
MedallionClass app must be downloaded before boarding - set up profiles for whole family pre-cruise
Captain's Circle loyalty starts after first cruise - perks include priority boarding, free internet minutes
Princess specializes in longer cruises (10-14 days) and world cruises - excellent for retired/flexible travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MedallionClass on Princess Cruises?
MedallionClass is Princess's award-winning wearable technology - a quarter-sized device you wear as wristband, clip, or necklace. It enables touch-free cabin entry, on-demand dining (order from anywhere on ship), real-time party locator via Ocean Compass app, expedited boarding, and personalized service (crew knows your preferences). The Medallion also tracks your location for smart wayfinding to dining reservations, shows, and shore excursions. All Princess ships are now MedallionClass-enabled - it's included free in your cruise fare.
Why is Princess Cruises called "The Love Boat"?
Princess Cruises achieved fame as the setting for the hit TV series "The Love Boat" (1977-1987), filmed aboard Pacific Princess and Island Princess. The show introduced millions to cruising and established Princess as the romantic cruise choice. Today Princess continues the legacy with "Love Boat" deck parties, themed events, and Captain's Circle loyalty program. Princess specializes in destination-focused cruising (Alaska, Europe, World Cruises) with refined atmosphere appealing to couples, mature travelers, and multi-generational families.
Which Princess ships sail from the New York area?
Princess does not currently homeport ships at New York/Cape Liberty year-round. However, several Princess ships offer seasonal Northeast departures including Canada/New England fall foliage cruises and transatlantic repositioning cruises. For Essex County travelers, we arrange fly-cruise packages from Newark Airport to Princess ships in Fort Lauderdale (Caribbean), Los Angeles (Mexican Riviera), Seattle (Alaska), and worldwide ports with bundled airfare + cruise savings of $200-500 per person.
Is Princess good for Alaska cruises?
Princess is the Alaska cruise leader with 6 ships, 130+ departures, and 50+ years Alaska experience. Advantages: (1) Direct-to-the-Wilderness land tours with Princess-owned lodges in Denali and Kenai Peninsula, (2) Exclusive Glacier Bay access with park rangers onboard (limited permits), (3) Early arrival times in ports (Skagway 7am before other ships), (4) More scenic cruising hours than competitors. Princess Alaska cruises range from 7-day Inside Passage to 10-14 day cruisetours combining cruise + land exploration. Pricing: $1,099-$2,999 per person for 7 days depending on cabin and season.
What's included in Princess Plus and Princess Premier?
Princess Plus ($60/day): Unlimited drinks ($15 value or less), WiFi, crew appreciation (tips), 2 specialty dining meals, juice bar, fitness classes. Princess Premier ($80/day): All Plus benefits PLUS unlimited specialty dining, premium drinks ($20 value), unlimited photos, premium desserts, Medallion Net unlimited devices. Both packages save 30-40% vs buying items separately. Best for: Plus package if you drink moderately (3-5 drinks/day), Premier if you want specialty dining nightly and unlimited photos. Solo travelers pay 150% of package rate.
Ready to Sail with Princess?
MedallionClass innovation • Alaska expertise • Worldwide destinations • Essex County specialists