Here’s Everything That Princess Cruises Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines

Princess Cruises has a reputation for being a more premium cruise option than many of the more ‘mainstream’ cruise lines.

It’s not quite a luxury cruise line, but it definitely feels like one compared to lines such as Carnival or Costa, with many cruise fans finding that Princess is their favourite line.

To look at why, I’ve asked my Facebook fans what they think Princess Cruises does better than anyone else. I’ve supplemented that with research elsewhere on the web too.

Here’s a look at what real cruise fans think Princess does better than anyone else.

1. Medallion Technology

By some distance, the most-mentioned feature of Princess Cruises that people love is the Medallion technology.

This is a small metal medallion that all guests are given when they book with Princess Cruises. Your Medallion is a wearable device that offers a ton of functionality. It streamlines the boarding process, acts as your room key and lets you pay for items on board.

It acts as a homing beacon for you and your party too. You can check the Medallion app to find your family on the ship, and order drinks or food for delivery and it’ll be brought right to you – because the crew can see your location via your Medallion as well.

It even lets younger guests play games in different interactive areas of the ship!

The Medallion was first introduced by Princess Cruises in 2017 and has been a huge success, but no other cruise line has really picked up on it or offered similar tech.

There’s also a huge market for Medallion accessories, so you can more easily carry the Medallion around if you don’t like the standard lanyard options.

For something so small, the Medallion really makes a huge difference to the cruise experience, and Princess fans love it.

Read more: What You Need To Know About Princess Cruises’ Medallion

2. Friendly and Attentive Staff

Another huge highlight for Princess cruisers is the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff on board. Across the fleet, Princess crew members are known for their welcoming attitude and genuine interest.

One of the things passengers love most is that staff members take the time to stop, chat and make you feel at home – no rush, no hurry.

Whether it’s a server in the dining room remembering your favourite drink, or a room steward greeting you by name, the service feels both personal and sincere.

Many guests commented that they never felt like ‘just another cruiser’ with Princess, suggesting that some other cruise lines are losing that personal touch.

The friendly atmosphere extends beyond just the service team. Entertainment staff, cruise directors and activity organisers are often praised for being engaging but not pushy. They strike a perfect balance that makes everyone feel included without being overwhelmed.

For many regulars, it’s these approachable crew members who make each cruise feel special. It’s why so many guests find themselves booking with Princess again and again.

3. International Café and Piazza Entertainment

Princess Cruises’ International Café and Piazza entertainment are big crowd-pleasers among guests.

The International Café is a 24-hour spot where passengers can grab snacks, pastries and coffee at any time of day or night. It’s the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or pick up a late-night treat, without ever needing to head to the buffet.

The Piazza itself is a hub of activity, and people love the vibe here. Located at the heart of the ship, it’s a lively space where entertainment often appears out of nowhere.

Guests love the ‘pop-up’ performances – from musicians to dancers – that suddenly kick off in the middle of the day. Many compare the atmosphere to an Italian square, where people gather to enjoy food and music.

For those who enjoy people-watching, the Piazza is a favourite spot. Between the International Café’s cosy seating and the variety of entertainment, you could easily spend hours relaxing there, enjoying a coffee or cocktail while soaking up the lively atmosphere.

It’s an experience that’s distinctively Princess – and one that keeps guests coming back.

4. Princess Plus and Premier Packages

The Princess Plus and Premier packages are hugely popular with those looking for an all-inclusive experience.

The Plus package bundles together drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, along with a few other benefits. This makes it a straightforward option for those who want fewer expenses to think about while on board.

Many guests appreciate the value here, especially when you consider that buying the Plus drinks package alone costs roughly the same as buying the Plus fare with loads more included! (I’ve never understood this!)

The Premier package goes a step further. It adds extras like speciality dining and a wider selection of drinks, including top-shelf spirits and wines. Premium is ideal for guests who want a touch of luxury, with more choice and convenience wrapped into a single package.

Compared to other cruise lines, Princess Cruises’ bundled options offer significant value. Guests love not having to worry about unexpected charges piling up, letting them enjoy their cruise with peace of mind.

This smart option has made Princess a favourite for those who appreciate flexibility and a seamless, all-in-one experience.

Read more: Princess Premier Vs Princess Plus

5. Quality Food and Dining Options

Princess Cruises is known for its impressive variety and quality when it comes to dining options.

Guests often highlight the main dining rooms for offering consistently excellent meals, with menus that change daily and cater to a range of tastes. From classic favourites to more adventurous options, there’s something to suit everyone.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria is another particular standout. Many guests rave about the fresh, hand-tossed pizzas cooked in a brick oven. For pizza lovers, it’s an unexpected treat to find such quality at sea. I absolutely adored the vegan pizza and went back again a few days later!

Alfredo’s Pizzeria used to be free but now does have a charge, which is a shame. You do get some meals included with the Plus package, and it’s free with Premium.

Princess also offers speciality restaurants that allow guests to enjoy a more elevated experience. Options like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill provide the chance to indulge in fine dining, with attentive service and carefully crafted menus.

Here are four back-to-back comments from people when I asked what they loved about Princess:

Overall, Princess’s approach to dining is all about variety and quality, keeping even the most seasoned cruisers satisfied throughout their trip.

6. Entertainment and Activities

Princess Cruises shines when it comes to entertainment and activities, offering a great mix that keeps guests engaged without feeling overwhelming.

The theatre shows are a huge highlight, with many guests comparing them to West End or Broadway productions. From musicals to comedy acts, the performances are designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. What’s more, they’re all included in the cruise fare.

Poolside entertainment is another favourite, with live music, themed parties and film screenings under the stars. Princess’ signature ‘Movies Under the Stars’ lets guests enjoy a cinema experience right on the deck, complete with blankets and popcorn for a cosy, open-air movie night.

Beyond the shows, Princess offers a variety of activities like dance classes, trivia contests and art auctions. For those who prefer a quieter pace, the enrichment programmes provide expert talks and workshops on topics ranging from history to photography.

Don’t expect to find really ‘active’ features on Princess ships, like rock climbing or surf simulators. That’s not the Princess vibe.

The entertainment team are engaging enough for those who want to join in, but they’re never too pushy, allowing guests to enjoy activities at their own pace.

7. Private and Exclusive Beach Experiences

Princess Cruises offers private and exclusive beach experiences, which are a huge hit with passengers seeking a special day ashore.

A standout is Princess Cays, a private resort on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas, which is reserved exclusively for Princess guests. This private getaway offers beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and plenty of loungers for relaxing in the sun. Guests can explore the island with activities like snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, or they can simply unwind in a shaded cabana.

In Roatan, Princess has access to another exclusive beach just for its passengers, creating a safe and secluded experience away from the crowds. Guests appreciate the comfort of knowing these beaches are maintained with care, providing excellent facilities and attentive service from the onboard staff.

Whether it’s soaking up the sun, enjoying beachside service or having a tropical lunch brought right to their private bungalow, these exclusive beach options are a highlight of many cruises. It’s a premium perk that lets Princess guests experience some of the most beautiful Caribbean destinations in a more personal way.

8. Efficient Check-In Process

Princess Cruises is praised for its smooth and efficient check-in process. Thanks to the Medallion technology, check-in is faster and more streamlined than on many other cruise lines.

Guests can complete most of the check-in steps ahead of time through the MedallionClass app, including uploading documents and completing health questionnaires. When they arrive at the port, it’s often a quick scan and go, with little waiting or queuing involved.

Many guests appreciate how this efficient process allows them to get on board and start their holiday sooner. With the Medallion in hand, passengers can head straight to their staterooms without needing to pick up a separate cruise card.

Suggested read: How Early Can You Board A Princess Cruise?

It’s all designed to reduce hassle and create a smooth start to the journey, something frequent cruisers notice and love about Princess.

9. Loyalty Programme Benefits

Princess Cruises’ loyalty programme, the Captain’s Circle, is a favourite among frequent cruisers and offers some impressive perks that keep guests coming back.

Many cruise lines have loyalty programmes that reward repeat passengers, but Princess fans often find that the Captain’s Circle offers meaningful benefits as you reach higher tiers.

Early access to special events, exclusive onboard receptions, priority boarding and discounted fares are all perks that make a noticeable difference.

Platinum and Elite members enjoy special benefits like complimentary internet minutes, laundry services and extra discounts on future bookings. Many passengers mention that these perks help them feel recognised and valued for their loyalty to Princess.

10. Iconic Ship Horn and Sail-Away Music

One of the charming traditions that sets Princess Cruises apart is its iconic ship horn, and the memorable sail-away music that accompanies departures.

Princess ships feature a unique horn that plays a medley of tunes, with the most beloved being the ‘Love Boat’ theme song. The TV show was set on a Princess ship, after all!

For many passengers, this evokes feelings of nostalgia and excitement as they prepare to embark on their adventure. The joyful sound of the horn has become a signature of the Princess experience, marking the start of a wonderful holiday.

It’s a small touch, but you’d be surprised how many people mention it when they list their reasons for booking Princess!

Suggested read: Why Cruise Ships Blow Their Horns

11. Destination Experts and Shore Excursion Advice

All cruise lines offer shore excursions, with experts on hand to help you with advice. But it often feels like they’re nudging you towards paying for a tour rather than being genuine.

Not so with Princess Cruises. A lot of cruisers said that the cruise line’s destination experts genuinely feel helpful. The consultations they offer include plenty of advice on how to explore independently in ports where it’s suitable, if that’s what you’d prefer.

You can still take your pick from a wide range of curated excursions. But the fact that the cruise line doesn’t push the ‘hard sell’ makes it feel more like authentic advice, so you can decide on the best approach for exploring ashore.

Final word

Remember that these aren’t just good things about Princess Cruises, but more what makes the cruise line stand out.

It’s subjective, absolutely, but these are the reasons that many people prefer to cruise with Princess. There are plenty of other exciting things that the cruise line does really well, and that’s why so many love their time on a Princess sailing.

It’s not the perfect option for everyone – no cruise line could be – but if Princess sounds like the kind of cruise you’re looking for, it’s definitely one to check out.

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