This is a sponsored post for Cruise118.com.
I didn’t expect Princess Cruises to surprise me quite as much as it did. It’s one of those cruise lines everyone seems to think they already understand, often written off as traditional or predictable before you’ve even stepped onboard.
But sailing with Princess for myself completely changed that view. From clever tech I didn’t realise I’d care about, to inclusions that quietly save you a small fortune, there were so many moments where I caught myself thinking, why doesn’t everyone talk about this?
Some of the biggest surprises weren’t the flashy headline features either, but the small, thoughtful details that made the whole experience feel easier, smoother and more enjoyable. And one particular feature had me rethinking how other cruise lines do things entirely.
And considering there’s a sale on right now with up to £1,400 off per stateroom (and low £99pp deposits too!) then maybe this will get you considering your own Princess cruise… Be quick though as that sale ends on 4th February!
1. The Medallion Tech Is So Clever
I’d heard people talk about Princess Medallion tech, but I didn’t expect it to feel this seamless. The fact your cabin door unlocks automatically as you walk up already feels futuristic, but it’s what happens around the ship that really surprised me.
You can order a drink on the app, move to a different spot, and somehow your drink still finds you. No chasing waiters or explaining where you’ve gone, it just appears.
Once, I ordered a drink, went to the bathroom and when I came back waitress handed it over. She said – “I could see on my screen that you’d gone to the restroom so I waited here for you!” Amazing service!
There are little extras too, like interactive games and the chance for your door to spin and reveal a prize when you return to your cabin.
It all sounds gimmicky on paper, but in practice it just makes everything smoother. It quietly removes friction from the cruise experience, and once you’ve had it, going back feels like a step backwards.
Read more: 21 Things You Need To Know About Princess Cruises’ Medallion
2. The Plus and Premier Packages Offer Outstanding Value
I’ve never seen so much included in a cruise package as with Princess Plus and Premier. They cover drinks, speciality dining, WiFi, crew tips, fitness classes and more, which means your onboard spend can realistically be zero once you’re onboard.
What surprised me most is how stress-free it makes the whole trip. You’re not constantly checking prices or adding things up in your head. You just order what you want, when you want it.
Compared to other cruise lines where packages feel restrictive or overpriced, Princess really nails the balance here. If you like knowing your holiday is already paid for, these packages are a game changer.
Read more: Princess Premier Vs Princess Plus – Which Is Best? (With 2026 Prices And Changes)
3. The Food Is Better Than I Expected
Princess seriously overdelivers on food. There’s a great mix of included dining venues, so you’re not stuck with the same options every day.
Much more than just the main dining room and the buffet, you’ll have a choice of places to eat. And if one person wants tacos, one wants a salad and one wants a burger, you can all order from different outlets and eat together.
And if you like pizza, you’re in luck! On some ships, like Sun Princess, are three different places to get it, all with different styles. There’s a reason people say Princess does the best pizza at sea – and I fully agree!
Room service was another surprise. It’s free, quick and very good.
You can order cocktails to your cabin, or if you forget to grab water before bed, you can just tap the app on your phone and cold bottles turn up in about five minutes! So easy.
4. Entertainment That Pops Up Everywhere
The entertainment on Princess really stood out, especially because it’s not all confined to theatres. The pop-up shows in the Piazza create a great atmosphere and make the ship feel alive, even when you’re just passing through.
Movies Under the Stars is another highlight. Watching a film on the pool deck with blankets and snacks never gets old, and it feels surprisingly cosy at night. You can also watch the movie from the hot tub, if you prefer!
There’s always something going on, but it never feels overwhelming. You can dip in and out as much as you like, which suits both busy days and quieter evenings.
5. The Sanctuary Is Incredibly Popular for a Reason
I was amazed by how quickly The Sanctuary fills up. You really do need to book it the moment you step onboard if you want a chance of getting in. That alone tells you how good it is.
If you manage to secure a spot, it’s absolutely worth it. It’s calm, adults-only and feels like a proper escape from the busier parts of the ship.
Comfortable loungers, attentive service and a really peaceful atmosphere make it feel like a retreat rather than just another sun deck.
6. Surprisingly Brilliant for Kids
Princess doesn’t really shout about being a family cruise line, which makes this one a real surprise. The kids’ clubs are some of the best I’ve seen at sea, with well-organised activities and spaces that kids actually want to be in.
What makes it even better is that there never seem to be loads of children onboard, even during school holidays.
In the school holidays, there are extra activities put on for families though. We loved the family fun event that took place in the atrium. There were lots of fun, free activities and plenty of prizes to be won too. I can honestly say the kids have never been bored on a Princess cruise.
The kids’ menu is solid, and there’s a dedicated kids’ area in the buffet, which makes mealtimes easier for everyone. It’s ideal if you want a family-friendly cruise without a full-on kids club vibe everywhere you go.
It was a very nice surprise to see that kids get free fruit juice, lemonade and chocolate milk at mealtimes. That alone, saved me a small fortune!
7. There’s A Really Mixed Crowd Onboard
One thing I loved about Princess is how mixed the ages are. You’ll see families with young kids, teenagers, young couples, multigenerational groups and retired travellers all sharing the same spaces comfortably.
I’ve take a Princess cruise with my mum, one with my mother-in-law and several with the kids too, and everyone has loved it. This really is a cruise line that works well for all ages.
It never feels dominated by one age group, which gives the ship a nice balance. There’s enough going on to keep younger guests entertained, but plenty of quieter areas for those who want to relax.
8. Drinks That Punch Above Their Weight
The cocktails on Princess are really good, especially when you consider how much is included in the packages. They’re well made and consistent, not watered down or rushed.
And then there’s the lemonade. It’s free, and honestly might be the best lemonade I’ve ever had. It sounds like a small thing, but it became a daily ritual. Sometimes it’s the simple touches that stick with you most.
Read more: These 8 Drinks Are FREE on Princess Cruises
9. Expensive Toiletries, Complimentary
I didn’t expect to care about the toiletries, but they seriously impressed me. You get proper shampoo and a separate conditioner, plus body wash, hand wash and body lotion.
I loved them so much that I looked up the Beekman 1802 brand and was shocked to discover that these bottles cost £20 to £30 each!
On top of that, robes and slippers are provided, which instantly makes the cabin feel more comfortable.
Of course, you can’t take the robe home, but you can most certainly take the slippers. And they’re good ones too, not the kind that fall apart before the end of your cruise.
These are small details, but the kind of things that really make your cruise feel special.
10. That Ship Horn Sound
This one’s simple, but unforgettable. Princess ships have a distinctive horn sound based on the Love Boat theme tune, and once you hear it, you’ll recognise it instantly.
It adds a bit of drama to sailaways and arrivals, and it’s one of those things that stays with you long after the cruise ends. Every time I hear it now, it instantly takes me back onboard.
Final Word
What really stood out about Princess is how well it balances everything. It doesn’t shout about being cutting edge, family friendly or great value, but it quietly delivers all three. The tech makes life easier, the packages remove stress, and the onboard experience works just as well for families as it does for couples or older travellers.
Princess feels confident in what it offers. Nothing feels rushed, chaotic or overcomplicated, yet there’s always something going on if you want it. It’s a cruise line that seems to understand how people actually holiday, rather than how they think they should.
If you’ve ever overlooked Princess or assumed it wouldn’t be your thing, it might be worth taking a second look. Like me, you could end up far more surprised than you expect.
You Can Save Up To £1,400 On Your Own Princess Cruise!
And you can spread the cost, with deposits starting at just £99pp!
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- What’s Included on Princess Cruises? Full Guide to Free Perks and Extra Costs
- Princess Cruises Dining Options Explained: Everything You Need to Know
- Here’s Everything That Princess Cruises Does Better Than Other Cruise Lines
