Why Travelers Love Princess Cruise Ships

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

Princess Cruise Ships cover one of the broadest ranges of ships on the seas. From large to small, Princess has it all. But with eighteen ships to choose from in the Princess line alone, deciding which ship suits you can be quite a job.

Princess has several very popular ships that are small—at least, as compared to some of their other ships. The Pacific Princess (670 passengers), Tahitian Princess (670 passengers) and Royal Princess (710 passengers) all offer the great service of Princess Lines, but with a more intimate feel.

Princess calls these smaller ships "small ship feel, big ship experience". The Tahitian Princess sails in the South Pacific, to Hawaii, French Polynesia, and yes, Tahiti. The Pacific Princess sails to a much broader range of destinations including Alaska, Asia, Australia and Europe. The final smaller ship, the Royal Princess, sails in southern Europe and South America.

One of the newest Princess cruise ships is also the largest. The Crown Princess, christened by Martha Stewart in June of 2006, is 951 feet long and can cruise with an amazing 3,080 passengers. She has 14 passenger decks and over 1500 rooms. Sailing primarily in the Caribbean and northern Europe, the Crown Princess lives up to her name with a putting course, an ice cream bar, and even an art auction.

Many of the larger ships offer unique activities. Princess is the only cruise line to offer three distinct age-appropriate activities for youngsters. Princess Pelicans is for the youngest set and offers t-shirt coloring and other arts and crafts, pajama parties and kids-only dinners.

Shockwaves is for the tween crowd. Scavenger hunts, movie and video games, and "Science on the Seas", which was developed in conjunction with the California Science Center will keep this age group busy and entertained. Remix is the program developed for the teenagers on board. Remix teens get their own (alcohol-free) lounge area, evening dance parties, teen formals, and the only Teen Makeover program with skin and makeup tips.

On certain ships the offerings go even farther, with the Jr. CHEF Sea Program. Children get to go into one of the actual shipboard kitchens and prepare simple dishes. On Alaska cruises, the ships offer the Junior Ranger/Teen Explorer program which explores the delicate ecosystems of Glacier Bay and the Alaskan wilderness.

The range of activities for adults is even broader. Of course the choices vary by ship, but some possibilities include: swimming or sunning by one of the numerous pools; ScholarShip @ Sea, where you can take short classes; a well-stocked library for your reading pleasure; or the Sanctuary, an adults-only escape area with light meals and beverages, spa service, and attention to your every need.

At night there are Broadway-style shows, dancing, parties and movies. Of course there are also numerous bar and lounges where you can enjoy a drink—alcoholic or not—and the company of friends or that special someone.

No matter how much activity or relaxation you're looking for, Princess cruise ships can undoubtedly fill the bill. Start planning your getaway today.