Princess Cruises — History & Overview

Origins and Growth

• Founded: 1965 by Stanley McDonald.

• First sailing: Mexican Riviera using a chartered ship (Princess Patricia).

• Grew from one ship to one of the largest global cruise brands, now sailing worldwide.

Key Moments

• 1977: Became famous when the ship Pacific Princess starred in the TV show The Love Boat, which helped popularize cruising globally.

• 1980s–2000s innovations:

  • Affordable balcony cabins (industry-changing).

  • 24-hour dining concept.

  • Flexible “Anytime Dining.”

  • Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen.

  • Wedding chapels at sea.

Today Princess is known for destination-focused cruising, strong service reputation, and tech like MedallionClass personalization.

Dining Options Onboard

Included Dining (Typical Across Fleet)

Common complimentary options:

• Main dining rooms (multi-course dinner service).

• Buffet restaurants.

• Casual poolside grills (burgers, pizza, etc.).

• Coffee, tea, water, iced tea (basic beverages).

Princess pioneered flexible dining:

• Traditional set dining OR

• Anytime dining (eat whenever you want).

Also often included:

• International Café (24-hour snacks, sandwiches, desserts).

Specialty / Extra-Cost Dining

Usually available (varies by ship):

• Steakhouses

• Italian trattorias

• Chef’s Table experiences

• Sushi or seafood specialty venues
  (These are optional upgrades, not included in base fare.)

Onboard Entertainment

Theater & Shows

• Broadway-style production shows.

• Headliner performers and comedians.

• Orchestra and live bands.

Unique Signature Entertainment

• Movies Under the Stars outdoor movie screen.

• Destination-themed shows and cultural performances tied to itinerary.

Nightlife

• Casinos

• Lounges and nightclubs

• Karaoke and dance parties

Real Passenger Feedback

“There’s quite a bit going on all the time… trivia… nightly game shows…”

This matches official marketing: constant programming throughout the day and night.

Activities Onboard

Relaxation & Wellness

• Pools, hot tubs, splash zones.

• Spa + fitness centers.

• Adults-only Sanctuary retreat (on many ships).

Sports & Recreation

• Jogging track

• Basketball/volleyball (some ships)

• Mini golf

• Sports courts

Enrichment & Learning

• Cooking demos and wine tastings.

• Cultural lessons tied to destinations (dance, music, food).

• ScholarShip@Sea classes (photography, finance, cooking, etc.).

Family & Social

• Kids and teen clubs.

• Trivia, game shows, dance classes.

• Lectures and destination talks.

What Princess Is Known For (Strategically)

From a travel-advisor positioning standpoint:

• Strong balance of premium feel + mainstream pricing.

• High percentage of balcony cabins.

• Strong food reputation vs mainstream lines.

• Destination-immersion experiences (local culture onboard).

If you want, I can tailor this more for sales use, for example:

• A 30-second client explanation of Princess

• Comparison vs Royal Caribbean / Celebrity / Norwegian

• Best Princess ships for families vs couples vs luxury feel