Ships
Global fleet
Guests
Sun/Star/Sphere class
Destinations
Worldwide
Nearly 60 Years
Of ocean cruising
If you’re searching for Princess Cruises in Canada, you’re looking at one of the most trusted names in ocean cruising — and one where booking through a travel advisor makes a measurable difference. Princess reserves many of its strongest promotions, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades for agency partners. Phoenix Voyages, as a TICO-registered agency and Travel Leaders Network member, has direct access to those offers.
This guide covers everything Canadian travellers need to know about Princess Cruises — from the MedallionClass technology that’s transforming the onboard experience, to departure ports, itineraries, ship comparisons, and how to lock in the best rate with full consumer protection.
About Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises occupies the premium mainstream tier of the cruise market — a notch above the mass-market lines in dining and service quality, while remaining accessible in price. A subsidiary of Carnival Corporation (the world’s largest cruise company), Princess has built a 60-year reputation around three pillars: destination-rich itineraries, refined onboard dining, and an experience that balances relaxation with enrichment.
What sets Princess apart from its competitors:
- The Love Boat legacy: Princess became a household name through the 1977–1987 TV series that introduced millions to the concept of cruise vacations. That cultural footprint still resonates — the line leans into its heritage while delivering a thoroughly modern product.
- MedallionClass technology: Princess was the first major cruise line to deploy a wearable smart device (the OceanMedallion) that replaces your room key, enables touchless boarding, powers on-demand food and drink delivery anywhere on the ship, and personalises your experience through AI-driven preferences. No other cruise line has anything comparable.
- Premium positioning: Princess sits between mainstream lines like Carnival and Norwegian, and luxury brands like Oceania and Regent. You get a quieter, more refined atmosphere than the party-ship segment, but at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. The demographic skews 45+ but the new Sun Princess is attracting younger couples and families.
- Alaska dominance: Princess is the undisputed leader in Alaska cruising, operating more ships and more itineraries in the region than any competitor. The line owns its own wilderness lodges, rail cars, and motor coaches in Alaska — offering seamless cruise-tour combinations that no other line can match.
- Balcony staterooms: Princess consistently offers the highest percentage of balcony cabins in the premium segment. On newer ships, over 80% of staterooms have private balconies — and the balconies themselves are larger than the industry average.
Who is Princess best for? Couples aged 40+, retirees, and multi-generational families who want a well-rounded cruise without extremes. Princess doesn’t try to be the most luxurious, the most innovative, or the most party-oriented — it aims to be consistently good across every touchpoint. If you want great food, excellent itineraries, comfortable cabins, and a relaxed atmosphere, Princess delivers reliably.
Popular Princess Cruises Itineraries from Canada
Princess sails to over 380 destinations across every major cruise region. For Canadian travellers, the most popular itineraries include:
Alaska
Princess is the number one cruise line in Alaska, deploying up to seven ships during the May–September season. Seven-night Inside Passage itineraries depart from Vancouver (Canada Place terminal) or Seattle, visiting Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan with glacier viewing at Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier. What makes Princess unique in Alaska is the cruise-tour option — extend your voyage with 2–4 nights at Princess-owned wilderness lodges in Denali National Park and the Kenai Peninsula, connected by the line’s own glass-domed rail service. No other cruise line owns this kind of land-based infrastructure in Alaska.
Caribbean
Princess runs a full Caribbean program from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), with 7- to 14-night itineraries covering the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. Eastern sailings typically visit Princess Cays (the line’s private island in the Bahamas), St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. Western Caribbean loops call at Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Roatan. The 10-night Southern Caribbean itineraries reach Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao — excellent for repeat cruisers who’ve already done the standard ports.
Mediterranean
Princess offers extensive Mediterranean deployments from Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Athens (Piraeus). Seven-night Western Mediterranean loops cover the classic Rome–Florence–Naples corridor with stops in Marseille and Barcelona. Eastern Mediterranean sailings explore the Greek Islands, Dubrovnik, and Montenegro. The 12- to 14-night “Grand Mediterranean” itineraries combine both and are among the best value in the region.
Japan
Princess has built a strong presence in the Japanese cruise market, deploying ships seasonally from Tokyo (Yokohama). Itineraries range from short 4-night coastal hops to comprehensive 14-night circuits visiting Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Okinawa. For Canadians with direct flights from Vancouver to Tokyo, this is an increasingly popular option — our advisors can arrange cruise-fly packages.
World Cruise
Princess operates one of the most established annual World Cruise programs, typically a 100+ day circumnavigation departing in January. The 2026 sailing visits six continents and 50+ ports. Segments of 14–30 nights are bookable individually, offering a taste of the world voyage experience without committing to the full itinerary.
Canadian departure tip: Vancouver is the primary Canadian departure port for Princess Alaska sailings — with direct access from the Canada Place cruise terminal. For Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings, Fort Lauderdale is a 3.5-hour direct flight from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal. Our advisors can arrange cruise-fly packages that bundle reduced airfare with your cruise — often saving $200–$500 per person versus booking separately.
Find the Right Princess Sailing for You
Our TICO-registered advisors have first-hand Princess experience and can match you with the right ship, itinerary, and cabin category — at no extra cost to you. We’re paid by the cruise line, so our service is completely free.
MedallionClass Technology
Princess was an early mover in cruise technology, and the MedallionClass platform — launched in 2019 and now fleet-wide — has set the standard that other lines are scrambling to replicate. At the centre of the system is the OceanMedallion, a quarter-sized wearable device that replaces your cruise card and connects you to the ship’s digital ecosystem.
What the OceanMedallion Does
- Touchless everything: Your stateroom door unlocks automatically as you approach. No tapping, no swiping, no fumbling for a card with full hands. Embarkation is similarly streamlined — walk through the terminal and board without stopping at check-in counters.
- OceanNow delivery: Order food and drinks from anywhere on the ship using the MedallionClass app. A crew member delivers to your exact location — whether you’re at the pool, in the theatre, or on your balcony. The system uses Bluetooth location tracking to find you.
- MedallionNet Wi-Fi: Princess’s satellite internet is consistently ranked among the fastest at sea. Streaming-quality connections are available fleet-wide, enabling video calls, Netflix, and social media without the frustrating buffering common on other cruise lines.
- Personalised experiences: The Medallion learns your preferences over time — favourite drinks, dining times, activity interests — and the crew can access this information to deliver more personalised service. Returning Princess guests benefit the most as the system remembers preferences across voyages.
- OceanView screens: Interactive displays throughout the ship provide wayfinding, restaurant wait times, activity schedules, and games. The Tagalong animated character feature is a hit with families.
First-time tip: Download the MedallionClass app and complete your pre-cruise check-in at least 72 hours before sailing. This enables the expedited embarkation process and lets you start ordering from the OceanNow menu as soon as you board. Our advisors will walk you through the app setup during your pre-cruise consultation.
Princess Ship Highlights
Princess operates 15 ships ranging from the intimate 670-guest Pacific Princess to the brand-new 4,300-guest Sphere class vessels. Here are the standout ships Canadian travellers should know about:
Sun Princess & Star Princess (Sphere Class)
Launched in 2024 and 2025 respectively, the Sphere class ships are the largest and most ambitious in Princess history. At 175,500 gross tonnes and 4,300 guests at full capacity (3,660 at double occupancy), they represent a significant step up from the previous Royal class. Key features include The Dome (a glass-enclosed entertainment and pool venue), The Piazza (a redesigned three-deck social hub), and a significantly expanded suite product including The Sanctuary Collection with private dining and lounge access. These ships are deployed on Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries.
Discovery Princess
The newest Royal class ship (2022), Discovery Princess is frequently deployed on the Alaska and Mexican Riviera circuits from Los Angeles. At 3,660 guests, she features the Sky Suites — the largest balcony suites at sea — plus the Princess Arena (a 1,000-seat entertainment venue) and an expanded Sanctuary adults-only retreat. For Alaska sailings, her top-deck viewing areas and the Wake View pool at the ship’s stern are highlights for glacier viewing.
Sky Princess
Sky Princess (2019) introduced many of the features later refined on Discovery and the Sphere class ships, including the Sky Suites and an expanded Movies Under the Stars screen. She sails Europe in summer and the Caribbean in winter, and is a strong choice for travellers who want a modern ship without the mega-ship scale of the Sphere class.
Older Fleet
Princess’s Grand class ships (Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess) and the mid-sized Coral and Island Princess remain solid options, particularly for itineraries where the ship is secondary to the destination. They offer slightly lower per-night pricing and a more intimate atmosphere. Ruby Princess, in particular, is a workhorse on the Alaska circuit and a favourite among repeat Princess cruisers.
Current Princess Cruises Deals
Below are current Princess Cruises promotions available through Phoenix Voyages. These rates include our Travel Leaders Network preferred pricing — rates that aren’t available when booking directly with the cruise line.
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Don’t see what you’re looking for? Our advisors can search Princess’s full inventory and often uncover unadvertised rates and bonus perks. Call 1-855-383-5771 or email us with your preferred dates and destinations.
Why Book Princess Cruises Through Phoenix Voyages
You can book a Princess cruise directly on their website — so why go through an agency? Here’s the honest answer:
TICO Consumer Protection
Phoenix Voyages holds TICO registration #50028032, which means your payments are protected by the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. If Princess (or any supplier) were to default, your money is protected. Booking directly with a cruise line or through an unregistered website does not provide this safeguard.
Travel Leaders Network Preferred Rates
As members of Travel Leaders Network — one of North America’s largest travel agency consortiums — Phoenix Voyages has preferred partner status with Princess Cruises. This translates into exclusive amenities: onboard credit, cabin upgrades, complimentary specialty dining, and promotional pricing that isn’t available to the general public or on Princess’s own website.
Alaska Cruise-Tour Expertise
Princess’s Alaska cruise-tour combinations involve multiple moving parts — lodge stays, rail transfers, park excursions, and flight connections. Booking these through an experienced advisor eliminates the risk of mismatched dates, missed transfers, and overpriced add-ons. Our advisors have first-hand knowledge of which lodges offer the best Denali views and which rail segments are worth the upgrade.
Personal Advisor Service
A dedicated travel advisor who knows the ship, the itinerary, and the cabin categories can save you money and prevent costly mistakes — like booking a cabin near the engine room or missing a promotion deadline. If something goes wrong before or during your cruise, you have a real person to call — not a chatbot or a 90-minute hold queue.
No Extra Cost
Our service costs you nothing. Travel advisors are commissioned by the cruise lines — meaning you pay the same price (often less, with our preferred rates) and get a layer of expertise and protection on top.
| Feature | Book Direct | Book with Phoenix Voyages |
|---|---|---|
| TICO fund protection | No | Yes |
| Travel Leaders Network rates | No | Yes |
| Bonus onboard credit | Sometimes | Frequently |
| Cabin upgrade assistance | Self-serve | Advisor-managed |
| Alaska cruise-tour planning | Website only | Expert guidance |
| Problem resolution | Call centre | Personal advisor |
| Service cost | $0 | $0 |
Get the Best Rate on Your Princess Cruise
Our advisors compare all current Princess promotions and layer in Travel Leaders Network exclusive perks — at no cost to you. Same cruise, better deal, full TICO protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruises in Canada
What are the closest departure ports for Canadians?
Vancouver is the primary Canadian departure port for Princess Alaska sailings — with a direct drive or transit ride to the Canada Place cruise terminal. For Caribbean itineraries, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades) is a 3.5-hour direct flight from Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal. Los Angeles serves the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii programs. Princess does not currently homeport year-round in any other Canadian city, but seasonal repositioning cruises occasionally depart from or arrive in Quebec City and Montreal.
What is MedallionClass and is it worth it?
MedallionClass is Princess’s proprietary technology platform built around the OceanMedallion wearable device. It’s included free on every Princess sailing — you don’t pay extra for it. The Medallion replaces your cruise card, enables touchless stateroom entry, powers on-demand food and drink delivery to your exact location on the ship, and provides the fastest Wi-Fi at sea (MedallionNet). Most guests find it significantly improves the cruise experience once they’ve downloaded the app and completed pre-cruise check-in. Our advisors will walk you through the setup.
Is Princess Cruises good for families?
Princess is family-friendly without being family-focused. The Camp Discovery kids’ program (ages 3–17) is available on all ships, and the Sphere class vessels offer significantly expanded family facilities including dedicated family suites and splash zones. However, the overall atmosphere is quieter and more adult-oriented than Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Princess is an excellent choice for multi-generational family groups where grandparents, parents, and teens all want something different — the ship provides enough variety without the sensory overload of the mega-ship lines.
How does Princess compare to Holland America?
Princess and Holland America are both Carnival Corporation brands that compete in the premium mainstream space, but they differ in personality. Princess is slightly more contemporary and technology-forward (MedallionClass has no equivalent on Holland America). Holland America skews older and more traditional, with a stronger focus on enrichment programming, music, and art. Princess tends to offer better value on Alaska cruise-tours because of its owned lodge and rail infrastructure. For couples under 60, Princess generally feels more modern; for travellers who prioritise lectures, classical music, and a very traditional cruise atmosphere, Holland America may be preferable.
What’s the best Princess ship for Alaska?
Discovery Princess and Ruby Princess are the most frequently deployed Alaska ships and both are excellent choices. Discovery Princess is newer (2022) with expanded viewing areas, Sky Suites, and the full Medallion Class experience. Ruby Princess is a proven Alaska veteran with a loyal following. For the full Alaska experience, consider a cruise-tour that adds 2–4 nights at Princess-owned wilderness lodges in Denali and the Kenai Peninsula — connected by the line’s glass-domed rail service. Our advisors can compare specific sailing dates and cabin availability across all Princess Alaska deployments.
When should I book for the best Princess Cruises deals?
Wave Season (January through March) is when Princess releases its most aggressive promotions — bonus onboard credit, free cabin upgrades, reduced deposits, and bundled packages. Booking 9–12 months in advance locks in early-bird pricing and the widest cabin selection. For Alaska sailings, book 12–18 months ahead — the summer season is short and popular sailings sell out of desirable cabin categories early. Last-minute deals (30–60 days before departure) can offer steep discounts but with limited cabin choice. Call our advisors to find out what’s currently available.
Ready to Book Your Princess Cruise?
Phoenix Voyages is a TICO-registered travel agency (registration #50028032) and Travel Leaders Network preferred partner with Princess Cruises. Our advisors compare all current promotions and layer in exclusive perks — at no cost to you.
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Related resources: Cruise Deals | Canadian Cruise Ports | Caribbean Cruise Deals | All-Inclusive Vacations