Whether you’re new to cruising or branching out to try a different line, here’s what you need to know about Princess Cruises. It’s a favorite of our readers—in 2025, it was voted #1 Mega Ship Line, #7 Large Ship Line, and #20 Medium Ship Line in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Part of the Carnival Corporation (meaning it’s under the same umbrella as Holland America, Seabourn, Cunard, and, of course, Carnival), Princess has a fleet of 17 ships that sail to all 7 continents. It’s perhaps best known for its West Coast and Alaska itineraries, many of which offer both land and sea portions, as well as access to Glacier Bay National Park.
The crowds onboard tend to be a bit older, though you’ll see a good amount of multigenerational families on board too. It falls somewhere in the middle in terms of vibes—expect an elegant atmosphere that’s slower paced than other mega-ships, but not without its perks: Enjoy enrichment activities tied to the destinations you’re sailing to, and evening activities ranging from game shows to silent discos to movies under the stars (sign me up!).
It’s known as being relatively affordable for a premium line, and offers a little taste of everything, literally: think casual dining spots like an Irish pub, pizzeria, and sushi counter, and more formal, special occasion experiences like Crown Grill (a steakhouse), and Chef’s Table. (For a more all-inclusive option, select the premier package.) A perk in most cruisers’ eyes is the MedallionClass technology used to get around the ship—the wearable button is linked up to the package you’ve purchased and the room you’re in, so you can pay on the go and enter your stateroom without thinking twice (as you near your room, the button unlocks your door).
Okay, now that the basics are out of the way, read on for ways to save on your first (or next!) sailing with Princess cruise discounts, offers, and sales.
Enjoy Epic Voyages with Princess Cruises
Recently retired? In a stretch of funemployment in between gigs? If you’re looking to spend a few weeks or longer at sea, consider Princess’s Epic Voyages. These 14+ day journeys come in the form of six curated themes, from transatlantic crossings to South Pacific adventures.
If you’re willing to commit to a 2028 adventure before August 31, 2026, you can get up to $3,000 in onboard credit, plus the Princess Premier package, which grants you unlimited drinks, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi. The total amount of instant savings varies by cruise length and stateroom type.
Save up to $1,000 per stateroom on cruises of every length
Thankfully, you don’t have to be fully decamping from your day-to-day life to save. As part of Princess’s current Spring to Summer promotion, you can get up to $1,000 in savings and free fares for third and fourth guests on select voyages; a great way to save on family or group travel. The instant savings range depending on how long you sail and in what type of cabin, starting at $50 for single guests staying in an Interior or Oceanview stateroom for voyages 6–8 days in length, and going up to $1,000 for two guests sailing on voyages of 18 days or longer.
Exclusive perks for military members and past guests
Veterans and active, retired, or disabled military personnel from the US and Canada are offered up to $250 in free onboard spending as a thanks for their service. The full amount varies based on the length of your cruise, starting with $50 for voyages of six days or less.