Started in 1965 on the West Coast with one old ship chartered during the winter months, Princess grew to be a ship-owning firm, was bought out by P&O of London in 1974, then absorbed Sitmar in the late 1980s. An American company became British-owned then added an Italian favor to include ships with Italian officers and maitre d’hotels and Italian menu items. British officers are still in command of some ships and those registered in Hamilton, Bermuda, allow captains to perform marriages.
Fleet
Now part of Carnival Corporation since 2003 the line has
seen the rapid expansion of its fleet, including a dozen mostly large ships and
three moderate-size former Renaissance ships.
Itineraries
Princess blankets the world with ships based in North and South America, Europe and now the western Pacific and Australia.
Dining and Decor
Both traditional fixed sitting dinner and anytime dining are
offered in large low-ceiling spaces with an average continental menu and specialty
Italian and steak restaurants and 24-hour buffets. The décor is hard to
categorize except for the themes rooms such as the somewhat outlandish mixing
of the jungle with Egypt and the maritime-oriented Wheelhouse Bars.
Programs.
Lots of onboard activities for adults and children are
offered, and some special interest lectures.
Onboard Experience
While there are some notable bells and whistles on the newer
ships such as Skywalkers, a lounge cum nightclub cantilevered high over the
stern, movies screened outdoors by the pool, themed bar lounges, and a wedding
chapel, it’s pretty much middle of the road, which is what most North American
cruisers want. Families are well catered to and Alaska for Princess has proven
to be a great multigenerational cruise destination.
Competitors
Once a premium line, Princess has devolved into the
mainstream alongside the other major players such as Carnival, Norwegian Cruise
Line and Royal Caribbean.