Fodor’s Expert Review

Ship Overview

Princess Cruises
Cruise StylePremium
Ship SizeMidsize
Price Range$$
Sails To

Car...o, Hawaii

Caribbean, United States, Oceania, South America, Asia, Puerto Rico, Hawaii
Sails From

Car...o, Hawaii

Caribbean, United States, Oceania, South America, Asia, Puerto Rico, Hawaii
Duration2-115 days

The Crown Princess, launched on June 14, 2006—and refurbished in 2018 and 2022—is a mid-sized cruise ship offering relaxing vibes and versatile spaces. Its itineraries cover much of the world, from Hawaii, Alaska, and the Caribbean to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.Read More

 Being smaller means spaces pull double duty, but somehow it works. Decks 6 and 7 are connected by a commanding staircase, which is often lined with spectators during various activities in the Piazza — a hub of activity where you’ll find dancing, cocktail-making, live music, and more.

 Cruising is often all about relaxing in the lap of luxury, and the Crown Princes delivers on this front. From the service to the spa, bartenders spinning up fabulous cocktails, and a nightclub with a DJ, there’s plenty of relaxing to be had onboard. The Lotus Spa offers extensive services, so if a massage or more appeals, you’ve found the right place.

 But don’t expect TikTok-worthy thrills—no go-karts or zip lines here. This is a ship for cruisers who prefer unwinding in a hot tub, laughing at silly game shows, or hitting the casino.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pros
Cons
The ship’s smaller size makes it easy to navigate—you can get anywhere without trekking across half the vessel or worrying about getting lost    
Forget carrying a wallet or room key; the medallion takes care of both              
Room stewards go above and beyond, keeping your space spotless and making sure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay
With buffet selection limited, free dinner options are limited to the three formal dining rooms, all of which require a reservation
Public bathrooms are limited, so you might find yourself searching for one when you need it
The Princess app is finicky, so sometimes making dining reservations can be frustrating (or impossible)

What to expect on board

Staterooms & Cabins

Editor Rating
Cabins
Accessibility

The Crown Princess offers six stateroom categories: suites (including a two-bedroom family suite), mini-suites, upgraded Reserve Collection mini-suites, balcony, oceanview, and interior rooms. Reserve Collection full and mini-suites come with perks like exclusive dining options, priority seating, and a wine setup, while full suites include a mini-bar setup and priority disembarkation.

Staterooms feature Princess’s signature browns, taupes, and creams, along with comfortable beds that pair perfectly with the gentle rocking of the ship for a great night’s sleep. For scenic itineraries like Alaska, a balcony stateroom is well worth it—there are 675 balcony staterooms, 178 mini-suites, and 30 suites available.

Interestingly, solo cabins may be available without a supplement, though Princess doesn’t actively promote this option.

The Crown Princess features 29 wheelchair-accessible staterooms, equipped with roll-in showers—including grab bars and a fold-out bench—accessible closets, and desks. These rooms are spacious enough for a wheelchair to turn comfortably. However, the ship’s smaller size means fewer elevators, so expect some waits during peak times.

Complimentary robes are one-size-fits-all but likely won’t accommodate sizes above 18 or 2X. The Princess Theatre has narrow seats with fixed arms, though some armless options are available at the end of some rows. For more comfort, head to the Explorer’s Lounge, where lounge-style chairs are slightly wider, though still armchairs. Dining rooms offer a limited number of armless chairs; staff can provide one if you ask.

Food & Drink

Editor Rating
Dining
Bars

While the Horizon Court buffet on the Regal Princess impressed, the Crown Princess buffet offers a more limited selection and is constantly packed with people. Reservations for the dining rooms are highly recommended, as they tend to fill up quickly, leading to long wait times.

The International Café offers sandwiches and coffee day and night. For quick bites, the pool deck features burgers, fries, and other options, but much is left to be desired. Coffee & Cones, just off the pool deck, serves soft serve ice cream, specialty coffee, and over-the-top desserts. These are included in Plus and Premier fares but come at an extra charge for those without a package. Slice Pizzeria shares a counter with Coffee & Cones and offers decent pizza (although not during all hours).

Specialty dining includes The Crown Grill ($39 per person), where the black and blue soup is a standout, and Sabatini’s ($35 per person), serving fresh handmade pasta and seafood with stunning views. If you love seafood, skip the onboard Crab Shack on Alaska itineraries and head to port for better options.

Specialty dining is now included for Premier fares, but casual dining (like the Salty Dog Gastropub pop-up) carries a cover charge. Plus, packages include two casual meals, while Premier fares have unlimited access.

For a truly unique experience, book the Chef’s Table. Seats fill up, so prioritize this after boarding. You’ll get a tour of the kitchen, meet the executive chef, and then be treated to a multi-course dinner with a small group of fellow travelers.

Room service-style food delivery is available ship-wide using the OceanNow service in the Princess app. Plus and Premier fare classes can be ordered at no charge, while a small fee applies to other fares. Some specialty items are also available, with an upcharge that’s clearly noted.

Drinks are flowing aboard the Crown Princess, whether you grab a cocktail from one of the many bars, order through the Princess app, or flag a passing waiter. Standouts include the salted watermelon margarita and zero-alcohol mixed drinks. Included in all cruise fare classes are tea, juice, drip coffee, and iced tea.

The Plus fare and beverage package allow up to 15 drinks per day, as long as each is $15 or less (or you can pay the difference plus gratuity). The Premier fare or package now includes unlimited drinks up to $20 each.

Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled water, wine, mocktails, and more are also available for purchase à la carte. For non-drinkers, zero-alcohol and soda-only packages are available. Even if you’re not drinking, the Plus fare, which includes internet and gratuity, may offer a better overall value.

Entertainment

Editor Rating

Entertainment options aboard the Crown Princess are somewhat limited due to the ship’s size, but it doesn’t feel lacking if you’re enjoying the ports. You can find information about onboard entertainment in the Princess app or in the daily schedule provided in your room each evening.

The entertainment lineup includes trivia, comedy, music, and arts and crafts. Musical productions are a big draw and very well-performed, so arrive early to secure a seat. Premier package cruisers enjoy reserved seating in some venues, but unreserved seats open to all right before the show if they’re not filled.

Game shows hosted by the cruise staff are a hilarious way to spend an evening—volunteer to participate or just watch the action while sipping on a drink. Either way, you’ll be highly entertained. As with other popular activities, arriving early will help ensure you get a seat.

The Vegas-style casino features daily bingo sessions, slot machines, and table games—all at an additional cost. If you’re in the mood to dance, there are dance classes or the nightclub with a DJ and dance floor. Additional activities include cocktail-making classes, indoor archery, pickleball, and live music.

Spa & Fitness

Editor Rating

Cruising is all about indulgence, and the Lotus Spa is fully equipped to indulge. Spa services include facials, massages, body treatments, hair and nail services, and a medical spa. There’s also a full salon on board for blowouts, haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and even hair coloring.

The onboard thermal suite is available for an additional fee. If you’ve cruised on larger Princess ships, it’s worth touring the Enclave before purchasing access, as it’s small and lacks a whirlpool. The Lotus Spa pool and hot tubs are adults-only and do not incur an extra fee.

The Crown Princess has four pools and seven hot tubs, though they’re smaller and more limited than those on larger ships. There’s a pool at the front of the ship, with a hot tub that seems to go mostly unnoticed nearby. The spa is spread out, so check the deck plans or ask staff for directions.

For those looking to get in a workout while cruising, the Lotus Spa fitness center offers incredible panoramic views. You can take exercise classes, hire a personal trainer, or use the facilities. Note that fitness classes and personal training may have an additional charge for standard fare passengers.

Key cruising tips

Health & Safety

There are no longer any testing or vaccine requirements for the Crown Princess. An onboard medical facility has twice-daily office hours and doctors are available around the clock in emergencies.

Dress Code

Resort wear including shorts, T-shirts, and such is acceptable for daytime wear. If you’re dining in the dining rooms or specialty restaurants in the evenings, smart casual attire is suggested. Although no longer strictly adhered to, formal nights are “dress your best,” with formal wear including tuxedos, formal dresses, suits, and cocktail dresses recommended.

Junior Cruisers

While Princess isn’t specifically designed for families with young children, it still offers programs and services for kids, though in a more limited capacity. Children ages 3-7 can enjoy the Treehouse, with activities like pajama movie nights, Animal Planet puppets, and a Lego boat-building contest. The Lodge caters to kids ages 8-12, offering talent shows, dancing, and competitions. Teens ages 13-17 can hang out at the Beach House, designed just for them.

Service

Princess prides itself on remarkable customer service, and the Crown Princess is no exception. While the staff seemed stretched a bit thin, the level of service still delivered what you’d expect. The dining room staff are fantastic, room stewards go above and beyond, and casino bartenders will whip up anything you ask for.

Tipping

Daily gratuity rates are $19 per person for suites, $18 per person for mini-suites, and $17 per person for balcony and interior staterooms as of December 1st, 2024. An automatic gratuity of 18% is added to many onboard services, including drinks, specialty dining, and spa. Some guests also choose to tip room stewards and waiters above the minimum gratuity. Cash for tipping tour guides and excursions is also recommended.

QUICK FACTS

SHIP STATS
Entered Service
2006
Refurbished
2022
Number of Cabins
1,547
Passenger Capacity
3,080
Crew Members
1,200
Passengers to Crew Ratio
2.57
Gross Tons
113561
Width
159 feet
Length
195 feet

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