When you line up all Princess cruise ships by size, the fleet suddenly makes a lot more sense. The newest Sphere Class giants sit at the top with around 175,500 gross tons and roughly 4,300 guests. At the other end, the Coral Class ships are under 93,000 gross tons and carry closer to 2,000 passengers.
Most people book based on itinerary and price, then only later realize that ship size quietly shaped their whole cruise: how crowded sea days felt, how long it took to walk anywhere, and whether the ship could even reach those smaller “wow” ports. Let’s fix that right from the start and use Princess cruise ships by size as a real planning tool, not just trivia.
If you want to go even deeper than Princess cruise ships by size, you can also compare the fleet by design and by age. I’ve got a full breakdown of Princess cruise ship classes plus a detailed ranking of Princess cruise ships by age so you can see how size, class, and build year all fit together before you pick your ship.
Table of Contents
Overview: Princess Cruise Ships by Size in 2026
Princess sits in a really interesting middle lane in the cruise world. It doesn’t build the record-breaking mega-mega ships that Royal Caribbean does, but it also doesn’t run tiny 600-passenger vessels. Instead, the 2026 fleet is mostly clustered between about 91,600 and 175,500 gross tons, with 17 ships spread across four main classes: Sphere, Royal, Grand, and Coral.
At the top, you’ve got Star Princess and Sun Princess, the LNG-powered Sphere Class sisters. Official specs put each at about 175,500 gross tons, roughly 1,133 feet long, with a guest capacity around 4,300 at double occupancy. These are the “floating resort” ships with Park19, the Dome, and the reimagined Princess Arena that behaves more like a flex venue than a traditional theater.
Just below them, the six Royal Class ships (Discovery, Enchanted, Sky, Majestic, Regal, Royal) sit in the 142,000–145,000 gross ton band and carry about 3,560–3,660 guests apiece. They’re still big ships with multi-deck Piazzas, multiple specialty restaurants, and big spa footprints, but they’re not quite as over-the-top as the Sphere pair.
Then you drop into the Grand Class, which is where Princess really built its reputation. Seven ships (Ruby, Emerald, Crown, Caribbean, Sapphire, Diamond, Grand) live between roughly 107,500 and 115,900 gross tons, with capacities in the 2,600–3,100 guest range. They keep the classic Princess look: big theaters, a lively Piazza-style hub, and plenty of open deck space, but they feel noticeably more intimate than the big-gun newbuilds.
Finally, the smallest Princess cruise ships by size are Island Princess and Coral Princess, the two Coral Class vessels. They come in around 91,600–92,800 gross tons and around 2,000–2,200 lower-berth capacity, with slimmer beams designed to handle routes like the Panama Canal and longer world-cruise style itineraries.
So in practical terms, when you choose a ship in this fleet, you’re really choosing between:
- Very large resort-style ships (Sphere & Royal)
- Comfortably mid-sized classics (Grand)
- Smaller, destination-first ships (Coral)
The trick is understanding how that size shows up in your day-to-day cruise.
Princess Cruise Ships by Size Chart (Largest to Smallest)
Here’s the full 2026 lineup of Princess cruise ships by size, using gross tonnage as the main ranking metric. Exact numbers can vary slightly between sources and over time as ships are modified, but these figures give you an accurate planning snapshot.
| Rank | Ship | Class | Approx. Gross Tonnage (GT) | Length (ft) | Guests (double occupancy) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Princess | Sphere | ~175,500 | ~1,133 | ~4,300 |
| 2 | Sun Princess | Sphere | ~175,500 | ~1,133 | ~4,300 |
| 3 | Sky Princess | Royal | ~145,281 | ~1,083 | 3,660 |
| 4 | Enchanted Princess | Royal | ~144,650 | ~1,083 | 3,660 |
| 5 | Discovery Princess | Royal | ~145,000 | ~1,083 | 3,660 |
| 6 | Majestic Princess | Royal | ~143,700 | ~1,082 | 3,560 |
| 7 | Royal Princess | Royal | ~142,229 | ~1,083 | 3,560 |
| 8 | Regal Princess | Royal | ~142,229 | ~1,082 | 3,560 |
| 9 | Sapphire Princess | Grand (Gem sub-class) | ~115,875 | ~952 | 2,670 |
| 10 | Diamond Princess | Grand (Gem sub-class) | ~115,875 | ~952 | 2,670 |
| 11 | Ruby Princess | Grand (Crown sub-class) | ~113,561 | ~951 | 3,080 |
| 12 | Emerald Princess | Grand (Crown sub-class) | ~113,561 | ~951 | 3,080 |
| 13 | Crown Princess | Grand (Crown sub-class) | ~113,561 | ~952 | 3,080 |
| 14 | Caribbean Princess | Grand | ~112,894 | ~952 | ~3,140–3,149 |
| 15 | Grand Princess | Grand | ~107,517 | ~949 | 2,600 |
| 16 | Island Princess | Coral | ~92,822 | ~964 | 2,200 |
| 17 | Coral Princess | Coral | ~91,627 | ~964 | 2,000 |
A couple of quick notes on the numbers:
- Sphere Class: Official Princess specs list each ship at 175,500 GT, 21 decks, and 4,300 guests at double occupancy, which is the best baseline to use even if some media outlets round up or down.
- Royal Class: Different sources quote slightly different tonnages for the Royal ships, but they all live in that tight 142k–145k GT band and roughly 3,560–3,660 guests.
- Grand & Coral Classes: The official fleet fact sheet remains the best reference for tonnage and lower-berth capacity for these older vessels, and it matches closely with updated size articles from cruise media outlets.
So that’s the “spreadsheet view” of Princess cruise ships by size. Now let’s turn that into something more useful: how these numbers change your actual experience onboard.
How Size Actually Changes Your Princess Cruise
Once you’ve sailed a few different Princess cruise ships by size, you can feel the pattern:
- The biggest ships behave like upscale resorts that happen to float.
- The mid-sized ships feel like classic cruise liners with plenty to do but not too much walking.
- The smallest ships feel like comfortable traveling hotels designed to maximize views and port access.
Let’s unpack how that plays out.
Bigger Ships: Sphere & Royal Class Reality
On paper, the jump from 145,000 GT to 175,500 GT doesn’t sound dramatic. Onboard, it’s very noticeable.
What the extra size gives you:
- More distinct venues.
On Sun and Star Princess, that extra volume goes into unique spaces like the Dome (a glass-covered pool by day, performance venue by night), Park19 adventure zone, and the reconfigurable Princess Arena. - More dining variety.
Bigger galleys and more square footage translate into more specialty options: Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, The Catch by Rudi, Asian concepts, and concept venues like Love by Britto or Makoto Ocean on the newest ships. - Better separation of vibes.
You can have a quiet cocktail bar, a full-throttle show, live music in the Piazza, and a game show all running at the same time without one drowning out the others.
Where size becomes a trade-off:
- Walking distance.
If your cabin is forward and dinner is aft, that stroll becomes part of your nightly routine. The Sphere and Royal ships feel long in real life. - Crowd patterns.
The design handles people well, but you’ll still feel that there are thousands of other guests when everyone hits the buffet on a sea day at the same time. - Port limitations.
The largest Princess cruise ships by size are usually limited to big-infrastructure ports. You get marquee stops and well-developed terminals, but fewer tiny, quirky harbors.
If you like energy, options, and modern features, this size band is fantastic. If your knees or hips hate long walks, or you crave smaller ports, you might want to look down-fleet.
Mid-Size Sweet Spot: Grand Class Feel
The seven Grand Class ships sit right in the middle of the Princess cruise ships by size spread, and honestly, this is where a lot of very happy Princess repeat cruisers live.
What you notice on board:
- Human-scale walking.
You can get from cabin to dining room to theater in a few minutes, not a full cardio session. - Plenty of variety without overwhelm.
You still get multiple dining rooms, a steakhouse, Sabatini’s, a proper theater, and several lounges, just not as many permutations as the big guns. - Sea-day comfort.
The pool decks feel busy but rarely jammed like a true mega-ship. There are enough loungers for the typical crowd level, especially on the Alaska / Europe itineraries these ships often sail.
Size-related upsides:
- More flexible itineraries.
Being smaller than the Royal and Sphere ships lets these vessels access a wider set of ports and canal routes. That’s why you see them on more varied, often longer itineraries. - Motion vs stability balance.
They’re big enough that typical seas don’t toss them around, but not so massive that they feel disconnected from the sea.
If you want “classic Princess” with a comfortable ratio of people to space, you’ll probably end up on a Grand Class ship more than once.
Smallest Ships: Coral Class & Destination-First Cruising
At the bottom of the Princess cruise ships by size chart, Island Princess and Coral Princess are where the hardware steps back so the itinerary can step forward.
How their size shapes the experience:
- Fewer guests, more familiarity.
With around 2,000–2,200 guests at double occupancy, you actually start to recognize faces by day three. Crew remember you faster, and the ship feels more like a community. - Built for special routes.
These ships were specifically designed to transit the Panama Canal and to handle world-cruise style itineraries. Their narrower beam and lower GT make that possible. - Views over thrills.
Instead of sky rides and giant structures on the top deck, you get promenades, open decks, and big-window lounges that are all about watching the scenery roll by.
What you give up by going small:
- Fewer specialty restaurants and bar concepts
- Smaller theater and entertainment footprint
- Less of that “wow, this ship is huge” feeling and more of a “cozy traveling hotel” vibe
If your brain is choosing between Princess cruise ships by size and your heart keeps yelling “Panama Canal” or “World Cruise,” you’re almost certainly headed to Coral Class territory.
Size vs Motion, Crowds, and Port Types (High-Level)
We’ll dig deeper into this later in the full guide, but here’s the quick reality check for planning:
- Seasickness & motion:
Bigger ships (Sphere / Royal) generally move less in typical conditions, but if you’re very motion sensitive, cabin location matters just as much as ship size. Mid-ship, low deck is your friend anywhere. - Crowds & vibe:
Larger ships give you more choice but also more lines at peak times. Mid-size ships strike a balance. Smaller ships feel cozier but can have “everyone is in one venue” nights. - Port access:
The smallest Princess cruise ships by size win big here. If you want more unusual or smaller ports, or canal transits, the Coral and some Grand Class ships will be your playground.
Princess Cruise Ships by Size: Ship-by-Ship Breakdown
Now that you’ve got the big-picture view of Princess cruise ships by size, let’s walk the fleet from largest to smallest and talk about what that size actually feels like on each ship.
I’ll keep the focus on tonnage, length, capacity, and how that translates into your day-to-day cruise life: walking distances, crowd feel, and what kind of itineraries each ship tends to shine on.
Star Princess (Sphere Class, ~175,500 GT)
Star Princess is currently the largest Princess ship by size, tied with her sister Sun Princess. At roughly 175,500 gross tons and around 1,133 feet long, she sits firmly in true mega-ship territory. That size supports roughly 4,300 guests at double occupancy and well over 6,000 people on board once every berth is filled.
You feel that scale most in how many distinct zones the ship has. The Dome, Park19, Princess Arena, the Piazza, and the layered pool decks each have their own vibe. On a sea day, you might spend an hour by the pool, wander into a trivia game in the Piazza, grab a drink in a quieter bar, and then end up at a high-tech production show without repeating the same space twice.
Where the size shows up in your feet is the length of the ship. If your cabin is forward and your favorite bar or restaurant is aft, those end-to-end walks become a normal part of the routine. Elevators and stair usage matter more, and it pays to think about cabin placement in relation to the venues you care about.
Star Princess is a great fit if you love:
- Resort-style ships with lots of venues
- Big-energy sea days and evenings
- Brand-new hardware and the latest design ideas
If you prefer smaller ports, shorter walks, and a more intimate feel, some of the smaller Princess cruise ships by size will probably match your style better.
Sun Princess (Sphere Class, ~175,500 GT)
Sun Princess is effectively Star’s twin: about 175,500 gross tons, just over 1,130 feet, and around 4,300 guests at double occupancy. On the Princess cruise ships by size ladder, she’s right at the top, and Princess uses that space aggressively.
Her size lets Princess pack in:
- The Dome, which flips from daytime pool zone to nighttime entertainment space
- Park19, a full upper-deck activity area with ropes elements and high views
- A larger, more dramatic Piazza with multiple bars, cafés, and entertainment spots
Because she’s so big, Sun Princess can keep multiple “channels” of entertainment going at once. You might have a mainstage production, a game show, a live band, and a quieter piano lounge all busy at the same time. That’s the upside of being on one of the very largest Princess cruise ships by size.
The trade-off is that the ship feels like a floating resort first, ship second. If your mental image of cruising is lots of glass, lots of venue options, and plenty of people, you’ll love that. If you’re chasing old-school ocean-liner vibes, this much GT is probably more than you need.
Sky Princess (Royal Class, ~145,281 GT)
Sky Princess is the largest of the Royal Class ships, around 145,281 gross tons and about 1,083 feet long. Capacity sits at about 3,660 guests at double occupancy, so she’s a step down in size from Sphere but still very much a big ship.
In real life, Sky feels like a refined, slightly simpler cousin to the Sphere ships. The Piazza remains the heart of the ship and uses that volume for live music, bars, cafés, and people-watching. You still get a generous pool deck, multiple hot tubs, and Movies Under the Stars, but without the extra layers of adventure zones you’ll find on the very largest Princess cruise ships by size.
Sky Princess also uses her size to offer some very spacious suites, especially the Sky Suites that sit high above the pool deck with big wraparound balconies. That kind of square footage is only possible on ships with this much volume, which is part of why many suite-seekers gravitate toward the Royal and Sphere classes.
If you want big-ship amenities and variety, but don’t necessarily need Princess’ very newest platform, Sky Princess is a strong sweet-spot choice.
Enchanted Princess (Royal Class, ~144,650 GT)
Enchanted Princess is another Royal Class sister, clocking in around 144,650 gross tons and roughly 1,083 feet. Like Sky, she carries about 3,660 guests at double occupancy, which keeps her firmly in that “large, but not overwhelming” area of the Princess cruise ships by size spectrum.
Her size supports the full Royal Class toolkit: multi-deck Piazza, a large theater, several main dining rooms, a generous buffet, and staples like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. On top of that, Enchanted has room for special experiences like 360: An Extraordinary Experience, a multi-sensory dining event that uses dedicated space for video, sound, and show elements.
Because she isn’t as huge as the Sphere ships, Enchanted can feel a bit easier to navigate. Your walks from cabin to dining room are still meaningful but not exhausting, and the public spaces feel big enough for comfort without losing the sense that you’re all on the same ship together.
If you’re browsing Princess cruise ships by size and want something modern, polished, and versatile for Caribbean or European itineraries, Enchanted Princess fits the bill nicely.
Discovery Princess (Royal Class, ~145,000 GT)
Discovery Princess sits in that same 145,000 gross ton, ~1,083-foot range with about 3,660 guests at double occupancy. On the Princess cruise ships by size chart she’s right alongside Sky and Enchanted.
You notice her size most when she’s sailing scenic routes like Alaska and the Pacific Coast. There’s enough top-deck real estate for multiple pools, hot tubs, and viewing areas without the whole ship feeling stacked on top of itself. Large open decks and well-placed railings mean more people can be outside at the same time when whales, glaciers, or sunsets show up.
Inside, Discovery follows the proven Royal Class layout: big Piazza, a proper theater, multiple lounges, and a good range of dining, both included and specialty. With this much GT to work with, Princess can keep crowds reasonably spread out, even on chilly sea days when everyone wants to stay indoors.
If you like the idea of a large, modern ship that still leans into scenery and outdoor viewing, Discovery Princess is one of the better big options in the fleet.
Majestic Princess (Royal Class, ~143,700 GT)
Majestic Princess is slightly smaller on paper at about 143,700 gross tons and just over 1,080 feet long, but in practice she feels very similar to her Royal Class sisters in terms of scale. Guest capacity is around 3,560 at double occupancy, so she’s a touch lighter but still among the larger Princess cruise ships by size.
Originally tailored for the Asia market, some of her indoor space was configured a little differently, but refits have nudged her toward the standard Royal feel: lively Piazza, multiple dining rooms, signature steakhouse and Italian, and a familiar mix of bars, lounges, and pool space.
Her size makes her a good match for itineraries like Australia, New Zealand, or Alaska where you want a fully featured large ship but not necessarily the very newest or biggest in the fleet. Walking distances are similar to her Royal sisters: noticeable, but manageable for most guests as long as you plan your cabin relative to the spaces you’ll use most.
If you’re choosing between Princess cruise ships by size and want a big ship that still feels classically Princess rather than “test lab for all the new stuff,” Majestic Princess is worth a close look.
Royal Princess (Royal Class, ~142,229 GT)
Royal Princess is the first Royal Class ship, around 142,229 gross tons and 1,083 feet long, with about 3,560 guests at double occupancy. She’s the “prototype” for a lot of what later became standard across the larger Princess cruise ships by size.
Her tonnage is used to create:
- A tall, elegant Piazza that acts as the social center
- A full-size theater for big production shows
- Multiple main dining rooms and popular specialty venues like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s
- The SeaWalk, a glass walkway extending over the side of the ship
Compared with the newer Royal sisters, Royal Princess can feel a hair simpler and slightly less refined in certain spaces, but the core big-ship layout is the same. You get that spacious, bustling large-ship experience without having to step up into Sphere Class size.
If you like the idea of sailing a proven, well-loved design that still qualifies as a big ship, Royal Princess is a comfortable, familiar option in the Princess cruise ships by size lineup.
Regal Princess (Royal Class, ~142,229 GT)
Regal Princess is a close sibling to Royal Princess, also at about 142,229 gross tons and a hair over 1,080 feet long, with around 3,560 guests at double occupancy. She sits toward the upper middle of the Princess cruise ships by size list.
You’ll recognize the layout immediately if you’ve sailed other Royal Class ships: multi-deck Piazza, expansive pool deck, Movies Under the Stars, a full-size theater, and a familiar set of dining rooms and specialty options. On Regal, tweaks like the aft pool (which Royal originally lacked) make better use of the ship’s length and give guests more outdoor variety.
Because she’s big but not enormous, Regal Princess delivers:
- Plenty of space on sea days
- Enough venues that you can choose your noise level
- Manageable walking distances if you plan your cabin location smartly
If you want a ship that feels generous in size without pushing into the very largest Princess cruise ships by size, Regal Princess is an easy ship to feel at home on quickly.
Sapphire Princess (Grand / Gem Sub-Class, ~115,875 GT)
Now we step down into the Grand family. Sapphire Princess is around 115,875 gross tons and roughly 952 feet long, with a capacity around 2,670 guests at double occupancy. This is the moment on the Princess cruise ships by size ladder where “big resort” starts to tilt toward “mid-size classic.”
On board, Sapphire feels more intimate than the Royal and Sphere ships but still offers:
- Multiple pools and whirlpools
- A theater that’s plenty large for production shows
- A central atrium that functions as a social hub
- Staple Princess dining options and a few specialty venues
Because she’s smaller, walking distances shorten noticeably. Going from cabin to dining room or theater feels quicker, and you’re more likely to run into the same faces day after day. At the same time, 115k GT still gives Princess enough room to keep sea days interesting without packing guests in shoulder-to-shoulder.
If you want that “classic Princess” feeling and slightly less walking and crowd density, Sapphire is a very comfortable size.
Diamond Princess (Grand / Gem Sub-Class, ~115,875 GT)
Diamond Princess is essentially Sapphire’s twin at around 115,875 gross tons and 952 feet long, with capacity around 2,670 guests at double occupancy. She lives in the same mid-large pocket of the Princess cruise ships by size chart.
What makes Diamond a bit different isn’t the raw size, but how Princess uses it. She’s heavily tailored to the Japanese market, with extra attention to features like baths and certain dining venues. Size-wise, though, the experience is very similar to Sapphire:
- Manageable walks from one end of the ship to the other
- Enough public space for comfort without endless venue sprawl
- A balance between classic cruise feel and modern amenities
If you’re eyeing itineraries around Japan or Asia and want a ship that’s large enough to feel substantial but small enough to feel personal, Diamond Princess is a sweet spot in the Princess cruise ships by size lineup.
Ruby Princess (Grand / Crown Sub-Class, ~113,561 GT)
Ruby Princess clocks in at about 113,561 gross tons, around 951 feet long, and carries roughly 3,080 guests at double occupancy. She’s still a large ship by industry standards, but sits solidly in the mid-range of Princess cruise ships by size.
Her GT goes into the classic Grand-class formula:
- Big theater up front
- Central Piazza / atrium with bars and cafés
- Multiple pools, including the aft Terrace Pool
- Main dining rooms and a handful of specialty options
Because she’s a little more compact than the Royal ships, Ruby feels friendlier to your step counter while still giving you plenty of venues. Sea days feel active but not overwhelming, and it’s easier to mentally map the ship after a day or two.
If you’re looking for a ship that has that “I’m definitely on a real cruise ship” feeling without the sprawl of the biggest platforms, Ruby lands in a very comfortable mid-size zone.
Emerald Princess (Grand / Crown Sub-Class, ~113,561 GT)
Emerald Princess shares Ruby’s basic stats: around 113,561 gross tons, roughly 951 feet in length, and a capacity in the low-3,000s at double occupancy. On the Princess cruise ships by size chart, she’s practically a twin.
Emerald’s size supports:
- Multiple pools and hot tubs
- A proper theater and secondary lounges for entertainment
- Main dining rooms plus the expected Princess specialty venues
- A central atrium that keeps the ship feeling connected
Like Ruby, she gives you that mid-sized balance: substantial enough for variety, compact enough that the ship feels approachable for first-timers and returning guests who don’t want a mega-ship experience. Walking distances are comfortable, and crowd levels on sea days typically feel manageable.
If you prefer something in the middle of the Princess cruise ships by size spectrum that still has a good range of onboard options, Emerald Princess checks a lot of boxes.
Crown Princess (Grand / Crown Sub-Class, ~113,561 GT)
Crown Princess rounds out the trio at about 113,561 gross tons and roughly 952 feet long, with a similar ~3,000-guest double-occupancy capacity. She’s another solid mid-sized entry in the Grand family.
Her size gives you:
- The full Grand-class pool and sun-deck experience
- A big theater and multiple bars and lounges
- The classic Princess mix of dining options without the complexity of the largest ships
Because she shares so much DNA with Ruby and Emerald, she feels instantly familiar if you’ve sailed either of those ships. You get that same sweet spot in the Princess cruise ships by size lineup: enough space to feel like a proper ocean liner, not so much that you spend half your cruise marching from one end to the other.
For guests who care more about the itinerary and onboard atmosphere than chasing the very newest platform, Crown Princess is a comfortable middle-ground choice.
Caribbean Princess (Grand, ~112,894 GT)
Caribbean Princess is a touch smaller on paper, around 112,894 gross tons and about 952 feet long, with a double-occupancy capacity in the low-3,000s. She sits just below the Crown trio on the Princess cruise ships by size list.
Her layout feels very similar to her Grand-class sisters, but she’s especially known for being family-friendly on the pool deck, with splashier features and more kid-oriented touches than some of the other Grand ships. That’s a very intentional use of her available volume, given her focus on warm-weather routes.
Because she’s not huge, Caribbean Princess can feel more relaxed than a mega-ship, even when she’s full. It’s easier to grab a lounger, find a familiar bar stool, and fall into a rhythm of sea days and port days without constantly navigating giant crowds.
If you’re a family or multigenerational group comparing Princess cruise ships by size, Caribbean Princess is one of the better mid-size options to consider.
Grand Princess (Grand, ~107,517 GT)
Grand Princess is where the Grand Class began, around 107,517 gross tons and roughly 949 feet long. Depending on configuration and source, capacity sits between about 2,600 and 3,100 guests at double occupancy, so she’s noticeably smaller than the Crown trio but still solidly mid-sized.
On board, that reduction in GT shows up as:
- Slightly fewer venues than her newer Grand-class cousins
- A more traditional, cozy main atrium
- A layout that’s very easy to learn and walk end-to-end
Compared to the largest Princess cruise ships by size, Grand Princess feels more like a classic ocean liner: plenty to do, but you’re rarely more than a couple of decks and a short walk from anything. That can be a big plus if you’re new to cruising or traveling with folks who don’t want to tackle a huge ship.
If you like the idea of a lower-key, mid-sized Princess experience and don’t need all the latest bells and whistles, Grand Princess lands in a nice “comfort cruise” niche.
Island Princess (Coral Class, ~92,822 GT)
Island Princess drops us into the small-ship end of the Princess cruise ships by size chart. She’s about 92,800 gross tons and roughly 964 feet long, with around 2,200 guests at double occupancy.
That size is no accident. Island Princess is built to handle Panama Canal transits and longer, more complex itineraries. Her narrower beam and more compact profile let her fit routes and ports that bigger ships can’t easily manage. Inside, you’ll find:
- A main theater scaled for a smaller audience
- A buffet set up to take advantage of forward views
- A classic promenade deck that keeps you close to the sea
Life on board feels more community-based. You recognize people more quickly. Crew can remember you and your preferences faster. On sea days, you’ll see familiar faces rotating between lounges, pool decks, and the buffet.
If your priority is destination depth and canal or world-style routes rather than maximum onboard variety, Island Princess is one of the strongest picks among the smaller Princess cruise ships by size.
Coral Princess (Coral Class, ~91,627 GT)
Coral Princess is the smallest ship in the current Princess fleet by gross tonnage, around 91,627 GT and about 964 feet long, with roughly 2,000 guests at double occupancy.
She’s a true small-big ship hybrid: still large enough to have multiple dining rooms, a proper theater, several lounges, and pools, but compact enough that walking end-to-end is quick and the ship feels familiar within a day or two.
Because she sits at the very bottom of the Princess cruise ships by size list, Coral is often used on:
- Longer, destination-focused itineraries
- Routes that emphasize ports over sea days
- Cruises where guests want a more classic, less resort-like feel
You won’t find as many specialty dining venues or flashy top-deck attractions as on the larger ships. What you do get is a more intimate, itinerary-driven cruise with lots of ocean views and a ship that feels like home base rather than the main event.
If your perfect Princess cruise is about where you’re going more than “how many venues can we try,” Coral Princess is exactly the kind of ship you’ll want to be on.
How to Choose the Right Princess Ship Size for Your Cruise
When you compare Princess cruise ships by size, the real trick isn’t memorizing tonnage. It’s matching ship size to your travel style. Two people can sail the same itinerary on two different ship sizes and come home with totally different opinions about Princess.
Here’s how to make size work for you instead of against you.
Step 1: Decide What You Want the Ship To Be
Before you even think about specific ships, ask yourself one simple question:
“Is the ship the destination, or is it the hotel that takes me to the destination?”
If the ship is the destination, you’ll generally be happiest on the largest Princess cruise ships by size:
- Sphere Class: Star Princess, Sun Princess
- Royal Class: Discovery, Enchanted, Sky, Majestic, Regal, Royal
These ships give you:
- More bars, lounges, and specialty restaurants
- Larger, more flexible show venues
- Bigger pool decks with more places to spread out
- Separate spaces for kids, teens, and adults
If the destination is the star, you might want mid-sized or smaller ships:
- Grand Class: Ruby, Emerald, Crown, Caribbean, Sapphire, Diamond, Grand
- Coral Class: Island Princess, Coral Princess
Those ships are built more around itinerary and classic cruising than around the ship itself being the main attraction.
Step 2: Be Honest About How Much You Like Crowds
Every ship in the fleet can feel busy at peak times. But when you look at Princess cruise ships by size, the “baseline buzz” level definitely climbs as you move up the list.
Ask yourself:
- Do you like a buzzing atrium, people-watching, and packed game shows?
- Or do you prefer quieter lounges, smaller trivia sessions, and shorter lines?
If you love energy and don’t mind people everywhere, the big ships are your playground. If you’re the type who quietly leaves a crowded bar as soon as people start standing, stick to the mid-sized or smaller Princess cruise ships by size.
Step 3: Think About Walking Distances & Mobility
Ship size and mobility are joined at the hip.
On the biggest ships:
- Expect longer walks from cabin to dining, shows, and pools.
- You’ll rely more on elevators, and you’ll feel it if you’re forward but live aft.
- Every “oh, I forgot my sunglasses” trip back to the cabin is a real decision.
On mid-sized Grand Class ships:
- Walking distances are still real, but they feel human-scale.
- You can usually go from cabin to most venues in a few minutes without feeling like you’re crossing a theme park.
On Coral Class ships:
- The whole ship feels compact and navigable, even for older guests or those with mild mobility issues.
- If stairs are comfortable for you, elevators become optional instead of essential.
If anyone in your group has joint issues, limited stamina, or uses a scooter or wheelchair, ship size matters a lot more than most people realize. Picking the right size among Princess cruise ships by size can be the difference between “easy” and “exhausting.”
Step 4: Match Size to Itinerary Type
Different Princess cruise ships by size tend to show up on different kinds of routes, and that isn’t an accident.
- Sphere & Royal (largest ships):
- Caribbean “sun & fun” itineraries
- Mediterranean highlight runs
- Popular Australia / New Zealand and West Coast routes
These work best when you want big-ship amenities in big, well-developed ports.
- Grand Class (mid-sized):
- Alaska
- Europe (Mediterranean & Northern)
- Atlantic crossings and repositioning cruises
- Some Panama Canal and exotic itineraries
They split the difference between port flexibility and onboard options.
- Coral Class (smallest):
- Panama Canal (full transit)
- World cruises and long segments
- Itinerary-heavy routes with many ports
If you’re dreaming of warm-weather pool days and big ports, the top half of the Princess cruise ships by size list is your sweet spot. If you want “I’ve never even heard of this port before” itineraries, you’ll usually land in the Grand and Coral end of the fleet.
Step 5: Factor in Who You’re Traveling With
Group type changes how ship size feels.
- Families with kids:
- Big ships spread kids out into dedicated spaces and water features.
- More venues = more kid- and teen-friendly options.
- Sphere and Royal ships will usually feel better for families.
- Couples:
- If you like nightlife and options, lean big.
- If you like reading on deck, long dinners, and quiet bars, mid-size or small ships might feel more romantic.
- Seniors or mobility-limited travelers:
- Generally happier on mid-sized or smaller ships where everything is closer together.
- Size still matters, even on port-heavy itineraries.
Once you know your group type, the Princess cruise ships by size chart becomes a filter instead of just a list of numbers.
Best Princess Cruise Ships by Size for Different Travelers
Now let’s put this all into plain, practical terms. You don’t need to love ship specs to use Princess cruise ships by size as a planning tool. You just need to know which size band fits which kind of cruiser.
Best Large Princess Ships for Families & Groups
If you’re cruising with kids, teens, or a big mixed group, size is your friend. The top tier of Princess cruise ships by size gives you more built-in space to spread out and more venues to keep everyone happy.
Best size bands for families:
- Sphere Class (Star Princess, Sun Princess):
- Park19 and large pool decks for kids and teens
- Dome area for all-weather pool time
- Tons of dining flexibility when everyone is picky
- Royal Class (Discovery, Enchanted, Sky, Majestic, Regal, Royal):
- Big piazzas with all-day energy
- Room for proper kids’ clubs and teen spaces
- Large buffets and multiple dining rooms for chaotic mealtimes
Why size helps families:
- More square footage means less friction: fewer arguments over what to do next, more “split up and meet back later” options.
- Bigger theaters and entertainment spaces make it easier for a group to enjoy things together without hunting for seats.
If you’re traveling with extended family or friends and just want the smoothest experience possible, starting at the top of the Princess cruise ships by size list is almost always the safest bet.
Best Mid-Sized Princess Ships for Couples
For couples, especially those who like a balance of social time and quiet time, the mid-range Princess cruise ships by size are often the sweet spot.
Think:
- Grand Class (Ruby, Emerald, Crown, Caribbean, Sapphire, Diamond, Grand)
Why this size works so well for couples:
- There’s still a full menu of bars, lounges, and restaurants, but you don’t feel like you’re racing across a resort to use them.
- Sea days are lively but not chaotic. You can find a quiet corner by the pool, in the library, or in a smaller bar without going into hiding.
- Smaller passenger loads make it easier to bump into the same people again, which is nice if you click with another couple at trivia or dinner.
A big Sphere or Royal ship can absolutely work for couples too, especially if you love variety and modern spaces. But if you value intimacy, cozy lounges, and a slightly slower feel, the mid-sized end of the Princess cruise ships by size spectrum is your zone.
Best Smaller Princess Ships for Itinerary Lovers & World Cruisers
If you’re the person who reads cruise brochures for fun and knows exactly which ports require tendering, the smallest Princess cruise ships by size are built for you.
We’re talking:
- Coral Class (Island Princess, Coral Princess)
Why small helps itinerary nerds:
- Narrower beam and lower tonnage open up routes and canals that bigger ships can’t handle as easily.
- World cruises and true “destination-first” itineraries are much more likely to be scheduled on these ships.
- You get more time feeling the ship as a travel tool and less as a floating resort.
Onboard, you’re trading some specialty restaurants and flashy venues for:
- A tighter, more familiar community
- Stronger focus on views (promenade decks, lounges with big windows)
- Easier navigation, which matters a lot on long voyages when energy ebbs and flows
If your first question about any cruise is “Where does it go?” instead of “What’s on the top deck?”, smaller Princess cruise ships by size like Island and Coral Princess are almost tailor-made for you.
Best Size Choices for Seniors & Mobility-Limited Cruisers
For seniors or anyone with mobility concerns, ship size can quietly make or break a trip.
Size considerations:
- The largest Princess cruise ships by size can be tiring if you’re frequently going from one end to the other.
- Elevators are busier on big ships simply because there are more people and more decks.
- Corridors are longer, and venues are more spread out.
Better options:
- Mid-sized Grand Class ships: Big enough for variety, small enough that most things are within a few minutes’ walk from your cabin.
- Coral Class ships: Easiest to navigate, especially if you’re comfortable with short stair climbs and want to avoid elevator crowds.
If you’re booking for older parents or grandparents, consider:
- How close you can place their cabin to the elevators
- Whether they care more about having lots of places to go, or about each place being easy to reach
Matching them with the right spot on the Princess cruise ships by size ladder is one of the most underrated “comfort hacks” you can pull.
Best Size Choices for First-Time Cruisers
If it’s your first cruise, the size question can feel abstract. You don’t yet know if you’re a “big ship person” or a “small ship person.”
Here’s a simple way to decide:
- If you’re worried you’ll be bored on sea days, start with a Royal Class ship.
- If you’re worried you’ll be overwhelmed by crowds, start with a Grand Class ship.
Why not go straight to the very biggest Princess cruise ships by size on your first trip? You can, but some first-timers find the extra scale confusing at first. Royal and Grand ships are big enough to impress but still straightforward to navigate and understand.
Once you’ve done that first cruise, you’ll have a feel for whether you want to go bigger (Sphere) or smaller (Grand/Coral) next time.
Best Size Choices for Budget-Focused Cruisers
Ship size and price aren’t perfectly linked, but they do interact in some interesting ways.
On the largest ships:
- There’s often more cabin variety: from small insides to huge suites.
- You might find sharp deals on inside and obstructed-view cabins because Princess wants to fill a lot of berths.
- Extra specialty venues can tempt you into spending more onboard.
On mid-sized ships:
- Fewer ultra-premium suites, but a good spread of standard cabins.
- You can often find solid value on shoulder-season sailings with less temptation to overspend in venues.
On the smallest ships:
- Longer, more complex itineraries can be more expensive overall, even if the daily rate is fair.
- There are fewer upcharge spaces, which naturally caps how much you’re likely to spend onboard.
If you’re trying to cruise Princess on a tighter budget but still care about ship feel, mid-sized Princess cruise ships by size are often the sweet spot: enough to do without constant add-ons, reasonable pricing, and good itineraries.
Princess Cruise Ships by Size in Different Regions
Another way to think about size is by where you plan to sail. Different regions naturally favor different parts of the Princess cruise ships by size lineup.
Caribbean: Bigger Ships Shine
For classic Caribbean cruises, you’ll see a lot of:
- Sphere Class: Sun Princess, Star Princess (on select Caribbean seasons)
- Royal Class: Sky, Enchanted, Discovery, Regal, Royal
- Grand Class: Caribbean Princess, Ruby Princess (on certain runs)
Why larger ships work so well here:
- Big, modern terminals in places like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Galveston can easily handle large Princess cruise ships by size.
- Warm weather plus sea days mean pool decks and outdoor bars get heavy use, and larger ships simply have more room up top.
- Caribbean itineraries tend to be “fun-first,” which matches the resort-style feel of the largest ships.
If you’re picturing days by the pool, evenings under Movies Under the Stars, and lots of lounge hopping, this is the region where the top half of the size chart really shines.
Alaska: Mid-Sized Sweet Spot (With Some Big-Ships Too)
Alaska is where Princess leans hard on mid-sized Grand and Royal Class ships, often supported by Discovery Princess and some of her sisters.
Why mid-size works so well in Alaska:
- Balancing act: you want enough deck and lounge space for viewing glaciers, but you don’t need every top-deck gimmick.
- Scenic cruising means outdoor rails and indoor big-window lounges matter more than raw tonnage.
- Glacier days, fjords, and narrow passages favor ships that are big but not unwieldy.
Larger Royal Class ships handle Alaska nicely, but keep in mind:
- More guests on deck on glacier days = more competition for railing space.
- Bigger ships can feel busier in cool or rainy weather when everyone crowds indoors.
If Alaska is on your bucket list, browsing Princess cruise ships by size in the mid-band (Royal & Grand) is often your best starting point.
Mediterranean & Europe: All Sizes, Different Flavors
In Europe, Princess uses all three size bands:
- Sphere & Royal Class on headline Med and Greek Isles routes
- Grand Class on mixed Med, Northern Europe, and repositioning cruises
- Coral / Island occasionally on longer, more complex itineraries
How size changes the experience:
- Larger ships give you more to do on consecutive sea days between marquee ports like Barcelona, Rome, and Athens.
- Mid-sized ships feel more in tune with European port cities, especially when docked close to town.
- Smaller ships may show up on longer itineraries, overnights, and less common ports.
If you’re doing your first Med cruise, a bigger Princess cruise ship by size can soften those long travel days with lots to do. If you’ve “done the highlights” and now want more unusual ports, the mid-sized and smaller ships become more appealing.
Panama Canal & Long Repositionings: Smaller Wins
For Panama Canal, world cruises, and long repositionings:
- Coral Class (Island, Coral) and some Grand Class ships dominate.
Why?
- Canal dimensions and lock sizes play nicely with Coral Class size.
- Long segments favor ships that are easier to navigate, with more of a community feel.
- Itinerary design matters more than top-deck attractions on these voyages.
If you’re specifically searching Princess cruise ships by size for a canal transit or true long-haul itinerary, you’ll quickly find yourself looking at Island and Coral Princess.
Australia, New Zealand, and Asia: Mixed Fleet, Size by Itinerary
In Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia, Princess often mixes Royal and Grand Class ships based on demand and season:
- Larger Royal Class ships for peak-season sailings and marquee itineraries.
- Grand Class ships for regional runs, shoulder seasons, and mixed itineraries.
- Diamond Princess (mid-sized) tailored for Japan and regional Asian routes.
Here, the right size comes down to:
- Whether you want a big-ship “home base” for long flights and big cities, or
- A smaller, easier-to-navigate ship for lots of port days and regional exploring.
Looking at Princess cruise ships by size by region can help you decide if you want the biggest ship available for that season or a smaller one that puts more emphasis on the ports.
Princess Cruise Ships by Size: Big, Chunky FAQ
Are larger Princess cruise ships always better than smaller ones?
Not automatically. When you look at Princess cruise ships by size, bigger ships mostly mean more variety, not strictly “better.” The largest ships have more bars, lounges, specialty restaurants, and entertainment venues, which is fantastic if you like activity and choice.
Smaller ships trade those extras for simplicity and intimacy: shorter walks, fewer crowds, and more focus on the ports and views. The “best” size really depends on whether you want the ship to be the main attraction or just a comfortable base for your itinerary.
Which Princess ships are considered mega-ships by size?
Within the Princess fleet, the closest thing to true mega-ships are the Sphere Class and Royal Class ships at the top of the Princess cruise ships by size chart. Star Princess and Sun Princess sit around 175,500 gross tons, while the Royal Class ships are in the 142,000–145,000 GT range.
In practice, those sizes give you a floating resort experience: huge atriums, large theaters, big pool decks, and layers of venues stacked across multiple decks. They’re not as big as the very largest ships in the world, but inside the Princess lineup, they clearly occupy the “mega” tier.
Which Princess ships are the smallest, and who are they best for?
The smallest Princess cruise ships by size are Island Princess and Coral Princess, both Coral Class ships sitting just under 93,000 gross tons with roughly 2,000–2,200 guests at double occupancy. They’re purpose-built for Panama Canal transits, longer world-cruise style itineraries, and destination-heavy routes.
They work best for cruisers who:
- Care more about the itinerary than top-deck attractions
- Prefer a more intimate, familiar onboard feel
- Like easier navigation and shorter walking distances
If you want a ship that feels like a comfortable traveling hotel rather than a theme-park resort, the smallest Princess cruise ships by size are a strong match.
Does ship size affect how seasick I’ll feel?
Size absolutely plays a role, but it’s not the only variable. Larger Princess cruise ships by size generally have more beam, more draft, and more advanced stabilizers, which can help smooth out typical ocean motion. On average, a Sphere or Royal Class ship will feel more stable than a Coral Class ship in the same conditions.
That said, cabin location and itinerary matter just as much. Mid-ship, on a lower deck, on any ship, will feel more stable than a high, far-forward cabin on a larger ship. And routes in calmer waters (Caribbean, many Alaska itineraries) often matter more than the exact tonnage listed on paper.
Which Princess ship size is best if I’m very prone to motion sickness?
If you’re really sensitive, I’d aim for a combination:
- The middle to upper band of Princess cruise ships by size (Royal or Grand Class)
- A mid-ship, lower-deck cabin (ideally oceanview or balcony so you can see the horizon)
- An itinerary known for relatively calmer seas in the season you’re sailing
The biggest ships can help, but if you stick yourself in a high, forward cabin and sail during a rough season, size alone won’t save you. Think of ship size as a helpful factor, not a cure-all.
Do larger Princess ships feel more crowded than smaller ones?
They can, but not always, because the largest Princess cruise ships by size also have more public space. What usually happens is this:
- On big ships, you get “pockets” of intense activity (buffet, main pool, atrium at peak times) but also plenty of quieter places to escape.
- On small ships, the crowd is smaller, but when everyone shows up for something (sailaway, a big show), it can feel like half the ship is in one place.
If you hate crowds in any context, the mid-sized Grand Class ships often feel the most balanced: enough room to spread out, without the sheer volume of people you get on the very largest Princess cruise ships by size.
Is it easier to find a quiet spot on big ships or small ships?
On the largest ships, you simply have more total nooks and crannies: extra lounges, decks, and tucked-away corners that many people never find. If you’re willing to explore, you can usually locate a quiet bar stool, a shady lounger, or a less-trafficked deck section.
On smaller ships, the whole ship is quieter by default, but there are fewer total spaces. That means quiet time is easier to find during off-peak hours, but popular times (like sea days at noon) can make the ship feel more collectively occupied.
So the answer is annoyingly honest: if you’re good at exploring, the top end of Princess cruise ships by size actually offers the most potential quiet spots. If you’re not, a mid-sized or smaller ship makes quiet more automatic.
Which Princess ship size is best for families with kids and teens?
For most families, bigger really is better. The largest Princess cruise ships by size give you:
- More organized kids’ and teens’ spaces
- More pool and splash areas, especially on Sphere and Royal ships
- More dining variety for picky eaters and mixed preferences
- More evening entertainment options so everyone can choose their vibe
If you’re cruising with younger kids or teens, I’d start your search at the top of the Princess cruise ships by size chart (Sphere and Royal) and only move down if itinerary or dates push you that way.
Which Princess ship size is best for couples who want something quieter and more romantic?
If you’re going for a quieter, more romantic vibe, you’ll usually be happiest in the mid-size band of Princess cruise ships by size:
- Grand Class: Ruby, Emerald, Crown, Caribbean, Sapphire, Diamond, Grand
These ships give you:
- Enough dining and entertainment variety to keep things interesting
- Smaller crowds compared to the biggest ships
- Pool decks and promenades that feel relaxing instead of high-energy
You can absolutely have a great couples’ cruise on the larger ships if you like nightlife and activity. But if candlelit dinners, quiet bar conversations, and easy strolls around deck sound like your thing, the mid-sized Grand ships hit that balance nicely.
Does ship size affect price on Princess?
There’s no simple “bigger = more expensive” rule across Princess cruise ships by size. Pricing is driven more by:
- Itinerary popularity
- Season and demand
- Cabin type and location
However, size influences your spending pattern:
- On larger ships, more specialty restaurants, bars, and attractions mean more opportunities to spend extra.
- On mid-sized or smaller ships, there are fewer upcharge venues, so it can be easier to cruise mostly on the base fare.
Sometimes you’ll find great deals on inside cabins on the biggest ships simply because they have more total inventory to fill, while smaller ships on special itineraries can command higher prices even though they’re lower on the Princess cruise ships by size list.
Is there a big difference between Sphere Class and Royal Class in terms of size?
Yes and no. On paper, Sphere Class ships like Sun and Star are around 175,500 GT, while Royal Class ships live closer to 142,000–145,000 GT. That’s a significant jump on the Princess cruise ships by size chart.
In real life, the difference feels like this:
- Sphere ships: More zoned; extra venues like the Dome and Park19 make them feel more like modern resorts.
- Royal ships: Still large, but a bit simpler in layout; big piazzas and pool decks without quite as many specialized spaces.
If you’re chasing the very latest design ideas and a “this feels new and big” sensation, Sphere wins. If you want large-ship amenities but a slightly calmer, more familiar layout, Royal Class ships are an excellent middle path.
Why do the smallest Princess ships focus so much on itineraries like Panama Canal and world cruises?
The smallest Princess cruise ships by size were literally designed around those routes. Their length, beam, and tonnage make them ideal for:
- Fitting comfortably through locks and tight channels
- Docking at smaller or older ports with more limited infrastructure
- Managing long, complex itineraries where day-to-day usability matters more than top-deck attractions
Guests on those cruises tend to be more interested in the journey and destinations than the number of water slides on board. So Princess leans into that by deploying Island and Coral Princess where their size and design really matter.
Will I feel less “at sea” on the bigger Princess ships?
Typically, yes. On the largest Princess cruise ships by size, especially Sphere and Royal Class, you can easily spend hours indoors in the Piazza, specialty restaurants, and entertainment venues and almost forget you’re on a ship at all. The motion is gentler, and there’s so much interior space that the sea becomes more of a backdrop.
On mid-sized and smaller ships, you’re more aware of the ocean. You’ll see it more often, feel the motion more clearly, and spend more time in lounges and areas with big windows. If you want a strong connection to the sea, smaller or mid-sized ships win. If you want a floating resort feel, larger ships win.
Which Princess ship size is easiest to navigate for someone who gets lost easily?
If you’re directionally challenged, the lower half of the Princess cruise ships by size list will be kinder to you. Coral Class and Grand Class ships:
- Have fewer decks packed with public spaces
- Use more straightforward fore-mid-aft layouts
- Make it easier to build a mental map after a day or two
Sphere and Royal Class ships add more layers, more stair/elevator banks, and more cross-deck connections. They aren’t impossible to navigate, but they do take longer to fully “click” in your head.
Is there a big difference in balcony size between larger and smaller Princess ships?
Balcony size varies more by ship design and cabin category than by raw position on the Princess cruise ships by size ladder. You’ll find:
- Oversized balconies and premium setups on both large and mid-sized ships (like aft-facing Grand Class cabins or Royal/Sphere suites).
- More standard, compact balconies spread across the majority of staterooms, regardless of ship size.
What larger ships do give you is more variety in balcony types: more aft options, more premium categories, and usually more choice of positions (forward, mid, aft) at different price points.
If I hate lines, which size Princess ship should I choose?
If lines are your nemesis, think mid-sized or smaller, and pair that with smart timing:
- Grand Class ships: Good balance between capacity and public space. Lines exist, but they’re usually shorter and move faster than on the very largest ships.
- Coral Class ships: Fewer total guests, which naturally keeps lines more manageable, though venues are also smaller.
On the largest Princess cruise ships by size, you’ll want to be more strategic: avoid buffet peaks, arrive early for popular shows, and lean into table-service breakfast and lunch when possible.
Will I get a more “traditional” cruise feel on smaller Princess ships?
Generally, yes. The lower end of the Princess cruise ships by size chart leans into:
- Classic promenade decks
- Fewer flashy top-deck features
- More emphasis on lounges, dining, and views instead of big built-in attractions
You still get modern comforts, but the overall feel is closer to traditional ocean cruising than “floating resort.” If you picture yourself with a book, a coffee, and a sea view more often than racing between venues, smaller or mid-sized ships are a better match.
How should I use Princess cruise ships by size and age together when choosing?
Here’s the simple framework:
- Use Princess cruise ships by size to decide your experience style:
- Big resort-style ship
- Mid-sized classic
- Smaller itinerary-focused ship
- Use Princess ships by age (your other article) to decide your comfort with:
- How new the hardware is
- Whether you care about the absolute latest decor and tech
- How much modernization the ship has had
In other words, size decides how the ship feels day to day, while age and class decide how modern that experience looks and behaves. Combine both, and you’re a lot less likely to end up saying, “I wish we’d picked a different ship.”
For the most up-to-date technical specs, capacities, and deployment notes straight from the cruise line, you can also check the official Princess Cruises fleet overview. It’s a handy cross-check if you want to compare what you’re seeing in the brochure with how each ship is positioned in the real-world fleet.
Jim’s Take
When you line up Princess cruise ships by size, you start to see why some trips feel like buzzing resort weeks and others feel like slow, satisfying sea journeys. I honestly don’t think there’s a “best” size in the fleet, just a best match for how you like to cruise. If you want nonstop options, the bigger ships will spoil you; if you want quieter days, easier walks, and more unusual ports, the mid-sized and smaller ships quietly win. The sweet spot is knowing which end of the size chart fits your style before you click “book.”
