The age of a cruise ship plays a key role in understanding its design, tech, and amenities. Princess Cruise Ships, known for their wide range of itineraries and amenities, have been sailing since 1965. Over the decade, they have improved in amenities, design, and infrastructure, making each cruise ship better than the previous. For a better overview, we’ve crafted an article describing Cruise Ships over the years.
Whether you are planning a cruise with Princess Cruise Lines or are curious about the various ships available, there are many factors to consider. It can help you plan your next trip with the utmost care. Older ships tend to be a bit cheaper than new ships. Older ships are also smaller, and after refurbishment, they offer a decent variety of amenities. Princess Cruise Lines is expanding further with the launch of its upcoming ship, Star Princess, this year.
The following is a list based on Princess Cruise ships by age:
Sun Princess
Launched: 2024
Passengers: 4,300
Size: 177,882 gross tons
Sun Princess presents a whole new outlook for the Princess Cruise Lines. This newest launch of Princess Cruise Lines belongs to the new Sphere class. Being the largest and most innovative ship in the fleet, she sails the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Consisting of the dome, which is a glass-enclosed entertainment venue, luxury dining, spacious layouts, and LNG fuel usage are also included.
Discovery Princess
Launched: 2022
Passengers: 3,600
Size: 145,000 gross tons
Belonging to the royal class, Discovery Princess is the sixth and final ship of the fleet, built by Fincantieri. As one of the most advanced ships ever built by Princess, Discovery Princess offers a wide range of amenities, including diverse dining options, a casino, a sports complex, bars, and lounges.
The main highlight of the ship is its technology, which utilizes the finest MedallionClass system. The ship also offers various cabin types, including balcony cabins, suites, and interior rooms. However, some balcony cabins may have obstructed views. The Discovery Princess, which is the largest ship operating in Australian waters, also travels to Alaska and the Mexican Riviera.
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Enchanted Princess
Launched: 2020
Passengers: 3,600
Size: 144,650 gross tons
At launch, the Enchanted Princess had a ton of retouches, including the Piazza and unique suite layouts. She was the first ship to launch following the COVID-19 pandemic. Her primary attractions are Bistro Sur La Mer and Sky Suites with panoramic balconies. She also uses Medallion-Class technology, similar to that of a discovery ship, thereby ensuring a frictionless cruise experience. The ship mainly sails in the Caribbean but can also travel to the Mediterranean Sea.
Sky Princess
Launched: 2019
Passengers: 3,660
Size: 144,650 gross tons
Built from the ground up using MedallionClass technology, she is the fourth Royal-Class ship. Sky Princess introduced the sky suites for the first time, along with more open deck space and next-generation Wi-Fi. She primarily sails across the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Baltic regions, and New England. Cruisers who wish for a luxurious yet relaxed mood can opt for Sky Princess.
Majestic Princess
Launched: 2017
Passengers: 3,560
Size: 143,700 gross tons
The Majestic Princess primarily caters to the Asian market, showcasing themed dining and style. Her design combines Eastern aesthetics with Princess’ Western luxury models. Although she was originally based in China, she now sets sail for Alaska and Australia, thus bridging cultures.
Regal Princess
Launched: 2014
Passengers: 3,560
Size: 142,229 gross tons
She mainly sails in the Caribbean and Northern Europe. Regal Princess offers a combination of top-notch design, excellent service, and entertainment. Being a MedallionClass ship, she offers enhanced and personalized services and portrays Princess Cruises’ modern adaptation.
Royal Princess
Launched: 2013
Passengers: 3,560
Size: 141,000 gross tons
She was the first Royal-Class ship and introduced a modernized design, including the Sea Walk glass-floor walkway and a large atrium. Her entry into the fleet gave Princess Cruises a place among modern cruise operators. She sails to the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas and is in demand among cruisers.
Ruby Princess
Launched: 2008
Passengers: 3,080
Size: 113,561 gross tons
This ship is the last addition to the fleet’s Crown Class and features enhancements compared to her sister ships, such as relaxed lounges and improved specialty restaurants. She sails to Hawaii, Alaska, and the Mexican Riviera. It’s one of the fleet’s most adaptable ships, as it’s good for young adults and older couples.
Emerald Princess
Launched: 2007
Passengers: 3,080
Size: 113,561 gross tons
You can frequently see her in Europe, the Caribbean, and South America, which makes her much more suitable for long journeys. Her well-executed itineraries and onboard processes make the cruise experience suitable for regular cruisers. With more relaxed sea days, polished decor, and specialty dining, she makes cruising comfortable and fun.
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Crown Princess
Launched: 2006
Passengers: 3,080
Size: 113,561
The Crown Princess was the first ship of the Crown Class, which marked the transition from the Grand Class to the Crown Class. She introduced better interior designs, an expanded central piazza, and enhanced flow between venues. Both new cruisers and regulars who want to sail to the Caribbean or Europe can enjoy the Crown Princess.
Caribbean Princess
Launched: 2004
Passengers: 3,140
Size: 112,894 gross tons
She was the first-ever Princess Ship to accommodate over 3000 passengers. Her primary design was for Caribbean itineraries, but she later developed a larger pool deck area and family-friendly features. In 2017 and 2019, they refurbished her, introducing Medallion Class technology. She sails the Caribbean, the British Isles, Canada, and New England.
Sapphire Princess
Launched: 2004
Passengers: 2,670
Size: 115,875 gross tons
Japan built Sapphire Princess primarily for the Asian and Australian markets. She promoted global deployment and cultural diversity. In 2018, the Sapphire Princess underwent a refurbishment, introducing medallion class technology that revitalized her staterooms and restaurants. She primarily sails to Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Alaska.
Diamond Princess
Launched: 2004
Passengers: 2670
Size: 115,875 gross tons
Built for the Asian market, she was the first ship in Japan. It thus resembles Sapphire Princess and includes Asian interiors and cuisines. In 2019, they refurbished her, introduced Medallion Class technology, and revamped the dining spaces. She mainly sails through Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Pacific.
Island princess
Launched: 2003
Passengers: 2,200
Size: 92,822 gross tons
Island Princess belongs to the Coral Class of the fleet. The designers built her and her sister, the Coral Princess, specifically for passage through the Panama Canal. They are the only ships that can travel through it because of their size. A refurbishment took place in 2017, which included new staterooms and redesigned public spaces without losing her intimate character.
Coral Princess
Launched: 2002
Passengers: 2,000
Size: 91,627 gross tons
The launch of this ship was to expand Princess Cruises’ destinations. The purpose of its construction was to gain access to the Panama Canal, an area that larger ships typically cannot reach. In 2019, Coral Princess underwent refurbishment to improve connectivity and offer personalized service. She mainly sails the Panama Canal, the world’s longest cruise, and Alaska sailings.
Grand Princess
Launched: 1998
Passengers: 2600
Size: 107,517
She was launched in 1998 as the first grand-class ship and the biggest cruise ship at the time. Many later-launched cruise ships drew inspiration from her. In 2019, the ship underwent a refurbishment, introducing the MedallionClass, which included expansive spaces and intimate areas. She primarily sails across the US West Coast, Alaska, and the Mexican Riviera.
Final Thoughts
Princess Cruise Line has evolved over the years, blending classic and modern innovation. Each vessel represents growth over the years, and through this article, we can understand the age and history behind Princess Cruise Ships. With its upcoming addition (Star Princess) to the fleet, the cruise line keeps on growing.
FAQs
What is Princess Cruise Line’s oldest ship?
The Grand Princess, launched in 1998, is the oldest ship in the fleet.
Which is the largest cruise ship among Princess Cruises?
The Sun Princess (2024) is the largest in the fleet.
Are Princess cruise ships on the higher end?
It can be a bit more upscale than other options.
