Crown Princess

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Crown Princess

Cruise Reviews

Crown Princess

Crown Princess Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Cruise for You?

Launched in 2006, the Crown Princess is a beloved classic in the Princess fleet. While she may not have the massive, futuristic glass domes or Sky Suites of the newer ships, she remains a fan favorite for her traditional cruise elegance, wrap-around promenade decks, and deeply relaxing atmosphere.

In 2026, the Crown Princess is embarking on some of the most ambitious itineraries in the world. Following segments of an epic World Cruise, she is heading Down Under for a massive, highly anticipated Australian deployment.

Crown Princess at a Glance

  • Cruise Line: Princess Cruises
  • Ship Class: Crown Class (Capacity: ~3,080 passengers)
  • 2026 Key Destinations: World Cruise Segments (Europe to Oceania/Americas) and a historic 2026-2027 Australian Deployment.
  • Best For: Traditional cruisers, longer “bucket list” voyages, and travelers who appreciate classic ship layouts and quiet sea days.
Crown Princess

2026 Itineraries & Deployment Updates

The Big News for 2026: Crown Princess is taking over the Southern Hemisphere.

    • World Cruise Segments: In the summer of 2026, she will sail epic 50+ day voyages connecting London (Dover) to New York, Auckland, and Sydney via the Panama Canal and the South Pacific.

    • Round Australia (October 2026): Departing Sydney on October 7, 2026, she will undertake a spectacular 28-day “Round Australia” circumnavigation, visiting the Kimberley Coast, Exmouth, Margaret River (Busselton), and the Great Barrier Reef. She will then spend the remainder of 2026 and 2027 offering shorter Australian domestic and New Zealand sailings.

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

The Classic Vibe

Crown Princess retains the traditional charm of cruising. You will find a beautiful, multi-deck Italian-style Piazza at the heart of the ship, featuring impromptu performances, the International Café (open 24/7), and Vines Wine Bar.

Entertainment

Despite her age, she has been retrofitted with modern Princess staples. The Movies Under the Stars screen on the pool deck provides a fantastic evening experience complete with padded loungers and free popcorn. Original Broadway-style production shows run nightly in the Princess Theater.

MedallionClass Upgrades

Like the rest of the fleet, Crown Princess has been fully integrated with MedallionClass technology. You get the same seamless boarding, keyless stateroom entry, and ship-wide Wi-Fi (MedallionNet) as you would on a brand-new vessel.

Dining & Gratuity Policies (Updated 2026)

    • Dining Excellence: Crown Princess features the renowned Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. The Main Dining Room menus change daily, featuring dishes crafted in partnership with celebrity chefs.

    • 2026 Gratuity Update: Princess Cruises recently updated their daily crew gratuities. Passengers in interior, oceanview, and standard balcony cabins can expect to pay $17 USD per person, per day, while mini-suites are $18, and full suites are $19. (Note: These are included if you purchase a Princess Plus or Premier package).

Pros & Cons of Sailing on Crown Princess

Pros:

  • Incredible, destination-intensive itineraries in 2026 (like the Round Australia cruise).
  • Classic ship design with a full wrap-around promenade deck for ocean viewing.
  • Features the modern convenience of the OceanMedallion.
  • The International Café is arguably the best complimentary coffee/snack shop at sea.

Cons:

  • As an older ship (launched in 2006), the cabin decor and bathrooms can feel a bit dated compared to newer vessels.
  • Balcony sizes on certain decks (like the Dolphin deck mini-suites) are completely uncovered and visible to the decks above.

Have You Sailed on the Crown Princess?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you love the classic Piazza and the Round Australia itinerary, or did the cabins feel a bit dated?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crown Princess

Has the Crown Princess been refurbished?

Yes, the Crown Princess has undergone multiple dry docks since her launch to refresh carpets, upholstery, and integrate the MedallionClass technology and upgraded Wi-Fi across the ship.

What are the best cabins on the Crown Princess?

The “Caribe” deck balconies are famous among Princess loyalists because they are significantly larger than standard balconies and are half-covered/half-uncovered, offering the perfect blend of sun and shade.

Is there a formal night on the Crown Princess?

Yes. Depending on the length of your cruise, there are typically one or two “Dress to Impress” formal nights. While tuxedos and ballgowns are less common today, guests generally wear suits, sports coats, cocktail dresses, or elegant resort wear in the dining rooms on these evenings.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the cruise line before booking.