Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Relaxation and Rejuvenation on the Love Boat
Leaving the stresses of daily life behind, a Princess cruise offers the ultimate environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. As the original "Love Boat" line featured on the iconic 70s/80s TV show, Princess has always exuded a sense of romance, luxury, and escapism.
Onboard, you'll find plenty of spots to unwind, from the Lotus Spa offering indulgent massages and facials to tranquil adults-only retreats like the Sanctuary and Retreat Pool. Treat yourself to a soothing hot stone massage as the sea breeze brushes your skin on a balcony overlooking endless ocean views. Or lounge on a plush padded lounger under a shady canopy with a good book - the only sounds the lapping waves and playful laughs from the main deck pools below.
Princess cruises are designed for restoring mind, body and soul. Start your day centered with sunrise yoga or tai chi on deck, breathing in crisp ocean air. Visit the fitness center for a wide selection of equipment and classes. Or wander through the art gallery displaying works from local artists at ports of call.
In the evenings, get lost in live music and stage shows in the theater - Princess productions are hailed as some of the best at sea. Try your luck at bingo, take a dance lesson, or relax in a whirlpool under the stars. End your night cozied up in a specialty restaurant like the Crown Grill steakhouse, savoring melt-in-your-mouth aged beef tenderloin.
Fellow cruisers rave about the rejuvenating experience of sailing with Princess. Jessie describes her cruise as "pure bliss", leaving her "fully restored, both mentally and physically.” She fell asleep each night to the rocking waves and woke up energized. Meanwhile, Mark calls his week with Princess "the most relaxed I've felt in years. I had almost forgotten what it was like to have no work emails or cell service!”
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - A Culinary Journey Across the Seven Seas
One of the greatest joys of cruising is experiencing cuisine from around the world without ever having to leave the ship. Princess cruises offer foodies an unrivaled culinary journey across the seven seas, with fresh flavors that will tantalize your taste buds at every meal. As one of the most awarded cruise lines for dining, Princess lives up to its excellent reputation.
During your voyage, you’ll savor exquisite dishes inspired by the destinations you visit. Over lunch as you sail the Mediterranean, try house-made pasta tossed with pesto genovese in a cozy Italian trattoria. For dinner, indulge in melt-in-your-mouth Peking duck fresh off a sizzling wok as you cruise past Shanghai.
But it’s not just international cuisine that excels aboard Princess. Their chefs put care into sourcing top notch ingredients to prepare contemporary dishes and classics with an elevated twist. Start your day with fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with fresh Maine blueberries and maple whipped cream. At dinner, sink your teeth into a juicy Wagyu burger served alongside crispy truffle parmesan fries.
Perhaps what makes dining with Princess most exceptional is their focus on choice and flexibility. With up to four restaurants included per ship, you have options galore. Opt for the sweeping main dining room serving nightly changing menus. Go casual with pizza and burgers by the pool. Or pamper yourself with a multi-course tasting menu in a specialty venue like Sabatini’s Italian trattoria.
Best of all, specialty dining comes free of charge for all guests. Usually an extra expense on cruises, Princess includes specialty venues to make gourmet cuisine accessible for everyone. They understand guests want variety and quality without limits. Diner Barbara raves, “I felt like royalty, getting to eat lobster, filet mignon, and crab legs every night for free!”
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Fun for the Whole Family on a Princess Getaway
A cruise may seem like a romantic couples retreat or a relaxing solo getaway, but Princess cruises are actually ideal for bringing the whole family - no matter your kids' ages or interests. With designated kids' areas, teen hangouts, family-friendly entertainment, and exciting shore excursions, there's something to delight everyone.
Onboard, the youth and teen centers offer fully supervised fun tailored specifically for each age group. At Camp Discovery, 3-12 year olds can make crafts, play games, and meet new friends at parties with themes like pirate night. Meanwhile, teens have their own separate hangouts at Remix, making personalized music videos, joining sports tournaments, or learning DJ skills at scratch sessions.
Of course, quality time together as a family is a key part of any vacation. Luckily, Princess ships provide no shortage of memorable activities to bond over. Get your hearts pumping at family dance parties by the pool. Show off your balloon animal skills after a folding lesson. Compete to build the tallest Lego tower at games in the piazza. Watch an engaging circus skills show then learn to juggle and walk the tightrope yourself. Or snuggle up for popcorn and a flick under the stars at Movies Under the Stars.
Mealtimes provide another chance to come together, with Princess offering My Family Time dining so your kids can join you for a special dinner even in formal restaurants. You can also opt for Anytime Dining and go early to avoid fussy bedtime schedules. Best of all, kids eat free in the main dining rooms, so you can indulge them in favorite dishes like chicken fingers and mac and cheese.
Princess makes mealtimes about more than just food. Kids get a kick out of kids-only menus with puzzles, jokes, and games. At the Soda & Ice Cream Bar, they can sip on bottomless soft drinks and devour unlimited ice cream cones to their heart's delight. And the Chocolate Journeys program sends kids on an illustrated adventure to discover souvenirs and treats handed out along the way.
Beyond scheduled activities, Princess ships offer endless options for family playtime. Make a splash at the pool and waterslides, play mini golf or basketball at the sports court, catch a comedy show, or challenge your teens to a race down the jogging track. The whole family will enjoy Plaza Deck Parties with live music, colorful parades, and dancing alongside beloved characters.
Shore excursions also allow families to learn together about the amazing destinations they visit. Embark on a glass-bottom boat tour to encounter stingrays and tropical fish. Zip through the rainforest on side-by-side ATVs. Rappel down a cliffside waterfall together. Or encounter animals up close at a petting zoo.
At the end of each day filled with memories, you can rest easy knowing Princess offers family accommodations to comfortably fit your crew. Opt for two connecting staterooms, or spacious family suites with separate bedrooms for kids.
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Sailing in Style on a Princess Cruise
Sophisticated elegance meets laidback luxury when you sail with Princess Cruises. While other lines cater to party-seekers or extreme adventurers, Princess entices those looking for refined relaxation in an upscale setting. As their tagline says, you can "come back new" by cruising with Princess.
From ship design to dining to entertainment, Princess focuses on quality over quantity to craft an experience as stylish as it is indulgent. Their mid-sized vessels offer an intimate ambiance without compromising top-notch amenities. Across the fleet, public spaces feature soaring ceilings, statement chandeliers, and a palette of soft neutrals and rich woods. It's a welcoming warmth worlds apart from the flashy excess found on some megaships.
Accommodations continue that feeling of understated elegance with details like Egyptian cotton linens, marble accented bathrooms with massaging showerheads, and the Princess Luxury Bed offering the "most comfortable sleep at sea." Upgrade to mini-suite class and you'll enjoy Club Class perks like priority embarkation and disembarkation. Or truly sail in style by booking The Reserve, a private restaurant and lounge open solely to mini-suite guests and above, providing an intimate dining venue and stellar skyline views.
Princess diners rave about the cuisine, which rivals fine restaurants on land. Dishes expertly balance complex layers of flavor, from scratch pastas tossed in savory sauces to artistic plates plated with edible flowers. Don't miss the Chef's Table for a multicourse tasting menu paired with select wines - a culinary experience crafted just for your table. Special touches like afternoon tea service and late night chocolate buffets complete the gourmet journey.
Leisurely days at sea feel blissfully indulgent thanks to experiences like relaxing Lotus Spa massages on your private balcony as endless ocean vistas drift by. Or lounge poolside on padded cushions and thick towels, as smiling waiters deliver refreshing cocktails and fruit kebabs. Even mundane moments feel elevated, like returning from port to find your room transformed by your stateroom steward, chilled champagne now awaiting you.
Princess offers entertainment worthy of Broadway, from full-scale production shows to intimate lounges hosting live music and comedy. Or try your luck in the Monte Carlo-style casino playing slots, blackjack, roulette and more. Attentive service exceeds expectations, whether it's the maitre d' greeting you by name or your stateroom steward learning how you take your coffee.
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Explore Exotic Destinations on a Princess Itinerary
A Princess cruise offers the unique opportunity to wake up in a new exotic locale each morning, surrounded by stunning scenery and fascinating cultures. Without needing flights and hotels, you get to unpack just once before visiting multiple bucket-list worthy spots in a single trip.
Princess itineraries deftly combine must-see marquee ports with hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path villages. In the Mediterranean, you may find yourself touring the Colosseum in Rome one day and strolling the quiet seaside streets of Portofino the next. A Northern Europe sailing could pair iconic St. Petersburg with an overnight stay in lesser-known Tallinn, Estonia, allowing deeper immersion into the medieval Old Town.
No matter the region, Princess opens the door to places you may not otherwise have visited. Guests rave about experiences like riding camels through the Egyptian desert to view the Great Pyramids, tasting wine at a family-run Crete vineyard few tourists visit, or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef's little-known southern tip. Traveler Mary says, "Without exaggerating, Princess took me to places I never knew existed. I got to do things I didn't even know were possible.”
Itineraries feature longer stays at marquee ports, with many overnight calls allowing for a full evening ashore. You can dine out, take in a show at the opera, or party at a nightclub until the wee hours. Overnight stays also provide time for more immersive experiences like multi-day land tours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Extend your Machu Picchu visit with an overnight stay at a lodge in the Sacred Valley. Spend two days discovering Petra in Jordan, hiking through amazing canyons by day and watching the Treasury glow under floodlights at night.
If hiking ancient ruins sounds tiring, Princess also overnights in vibrant modern cities. Enjoy two nights in Barcelona, taking in Gaudi architecture, the Boqueria market, and buzzing nightlife. Explore Singapore's mix of gleaming skyscrapers and bustling markets. Or lose yourself in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo's electric neighborhoods.
Princess schedules port times to maximize sightseeing. Late evening departures are common, allowing you to enjoy nightlife, a leisurely dinner, or a sunset view. Arrivals are timed so you can be one of the first off the ship to beat crowds at popular attractions. You’ll even find late-night port calls offering a magical experience like cruising under the moonlight into Santorini.
Not only does Princess take you places others don’t, but they make immersing yourself in each destination effortless. English-speaking guides accompany shore excursions, providing insightful commentary that turns sightseeing into cultural understanding. Their Port Explorer app lets you research tours, maps, and port tips right on your phone. And staying connected is easy with Princess Plus, providing unlimited WiFi and calling minutes to share those envy-inducing vacation photos with ease.
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Reconnect with Nature and Yourself at Sea
The sea has long called to those longing to reconnect with nature and find inner peace. A Princess cruise offers the ideal opportunity to renew your spirit as you drift across the tranquil ocean. Surrounded by nothing but watery horizons, you can press pause on life's stressors and simply be present.
Sea days, with no port stops, are perfect for centering yourself and practicing mindfulness. Find a quiet spot on deck and meditate while inhaling the refreshing ocean air. Join a morning yoga class under sunny skies, holding poses as the ship sways gently beneath you. Participate in enriching activities like journaling workshops or stargazing talks. Attend religious services for worship and introspection.
Guest Heather describes her blissful experience retreating inward on a Princess transatlantic crossing. “Ten straight days at sea allowed for such deep reflection. The simplicity of looking out and seeing only water was really meditative. I did a lot of reading, yoga, walking the decks, and thinking.”
But it's not just about solitary contemplation. Bonding with nature and others is healing too. Make friends with fellow animal lovers on a whale watching safari to Baja’s nursery lagoons, looking for mother whales with playful calves. Join a beach cleanup with locals who maintain an island’s fragile ecosystem. Take a cooking class highlighting traditional island ingredients, passed down respectfully by indigenous cultures.
Nature excites your senses aboard ship as well. Inhale fragrant leis draped around your neck upon arrival in tropical ports like Hawaii and Tahiti. Savor juicy pineapple and mango harvested just down the coast. Hear steel drums or Polynesian dancers channeling generations-old customs. Immerse yourself in cultural celebrations that honor the surrounding lands and waters.
The ocean itself provides a sublime backdrop for reflection. Find a chaise lounge on deck and feel the sea breeze, smell the salty air, listen to crashing waves. Soak up some vitamin sea at an adults-only pool, floating aimlessly as you clear your thoughts. During scenic cruising, meditate on flocks of seabirds arcing over waves or breaching whales in the distance. Stand on deck as your ship slips through Alaska's Glacier Bay, surrounded by the crackles and groans of massive icebergs calving.
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Indulge in Luxury Amenities fit for Royalty
Princess knows how to pamper guests with royal treatment. Their luxurious amenities and impeccable service exceed expectations, allowing you to vacation like aristocracy. From relaxing spa treatments to elegant dining venues to lavish staterooms, Princess offers first-class facilities for an indulgent escape.
One of the highlights is Lotus Spa, a tranquil retreat spread over two decks. Spoil yourself with aromatherapy massages as the sea breeze wafts through floor-to-ceiling windows. Detox in the sauna or steam room before lounging in the whirlpool overlooking ocean vistas. Treatments incorporate hydrating botanicals from The Lotus Flower, a Princess-exclusive skincare line. Guests rave about the spa, calling it "simply divine" and "my happy place on board."
Princess also pampers taste buds in specialty restaurants like Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini's Italian trattoria. Think文件:///private/tmp/com.apple.messages/com.apple.MobileSMS/LinkedFiles/9D438B84-04AB-44D9-9CF1-C703F919BFBB/IMG_5447.heif tableside preparations, sommelier-selected wine pairings, and exquisitely plated dishes. But the ultimate indulgence is Chef's Table. This exclusive experience offers a multicourse tasting menu crafted just for you and paired with select wines. The Chef even joins you to explain each artful creation. Aficionado Tim says it was, "easily the most incredible meal of my life."
Staterooms also epitomize luxury, especially the aptly named Royal Suite class. These palatial accommodations feature separate living spaces, walk-in closets, indulgent bathtubs, and sweeping balcony views. Complimentary in-room dining, laundry service, and mini bar setups are just the beginning. Concierge service arranges private shore excursions, priority reservations, and any other request. Some Royal Suites even offer over-the-top amenities like a jacuzzi tub on your private veranda. Guest Leann says the "24-hour pampering" made her feel like a queen.
The attention to detail by the gracious crew completes the imperial experience. Your room steward remembers how you take your coffee and turns down your bed just the way you like. The headwaiter addresses you by name and accommodates dietary needs at every meal. And you need only speak a request for someone to immediately assist. It's five-star service in every interaction.
Sail Away on a Royal Retreat: Finding the Princess Cruise to Suit Your Style - Customize Your Cruise for an Unforgettable Experience
A Princess cruise invites you to curate an adventure as unique as you are. With personalized experiences, flexible dining, and diverse excursions, you shape your ideal getaway. Princess understands no two travelers are the same, so they offer endless options to customize your cruise.
Tailor your culinary journey by mixing up specialty restaurants instead of dining solely in the main restaurant. Try Sabatini’s one night for Italian favorites like seafood linguine frutti di mare. Enjoy Crown Grill's aged premium beef tenderloin another night. Or request Chef's Table for a special occasion, crafting a custom tasting menu. The choice is yours, with specialty dining included. Diner Carolyn loves the "flexibility to decide where and when I wanted to eat each day."
Shore excursions also allow you to handpick experiences suiting your interests. Nature lovers can hike active volcanoes in Hawaii, while culture seekers tour ornate Spanish missions in Puerto Rico. If traveling with kids, pick family-friendly activities like dolphin swims in the Caribbean. Thrill seekers might rappel down tropical waterfalls, while history buffs visit ancient ruins. With tours spanning every passion, you can adventure your way.
For a truly exclusive experience, Princess offers private car, van or SUV transfers in select ports. Guests rave about the customizable ride, like Mark who relished having a "personal tour guide take me straight from the ship to iconic sites." You control the sights, pace and stops - no crowded buses full of fellow cruisers rushing you along.
Princess also partners with local guides to arrange private shore excursions if their list doesn't suffice. Work directly with knowledgeable locals to create a custom tour exactly matching your family's wishes. Whether you desire a beach picnic on a remote Fijian motu or a private cooking class with a Tuscan grandmother, Princess’ experts make it happen.
On board, Princess' Concierge class provides personalized cruising through their extraordinary service. Concierges handle every detail, arranging theater reservations, priority dining times, spa appointments, cabin amenities and more. They'll even plan a birthday celebration or anniversary dinner. Mary explains, "Our concierge knew just how to make our milestone vacation unforgettable."