The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to escape everyday stress and create meaningful memories with loved ones.
Princess Cruises delivers exactly that experience, combining modern luxury with personal service that makes every guest feel valued. Known for their "Come Back New" philosophy, Princess transforms ordinary holiday celebrations into extraordinary journeys that refresh both body and spirit.
Princess Cruises has spent over 50 years perfecting the art of contemporary cruising, offering travelers the ideal balance between relaxation and adventure. Their holiday cruises blend festive celebrations with exceptional amenities, creating experiences that feel both special and effortlessly comfortable. This guide explores everything you need to know about Princess holiday cruises.
Why Princess Cruises for Your Holiday Celebration
Princess Cruises occupies a sweet spot in the cruise industry: upscale without being stuffy, modern without sacrificing service, and engaging without overwhelming. Their ships attract diverse travelers—couples, families, multigenerational groups, and solo adventurers—all seeking quality experiences at reasonable prices. During the holidays, this welcoming atmosphere becomes even more special as ships embrace seasonal spirit.
The "Love Boat" legacy continues to influence Princess's approach to cruising. While the TV show aired decades ago, its emphasis on romance, connection, and magical moments remains central to the Princess experience. Expect attentive service from crew members who genuinely care about your happiness, thoughtful touches that enhance your journey, and an atmosphere that encourages both relaxation and celebration.
What makes Princess perfect for holidays:
- Modern luxury: Contemporary ships with innovative amenities and stylish design
- Personal service: Crew-to-passenger ratio ensuring attentive care throughout your voyage
- Fresh Back to You dining: Flexible dining options with fresh, flavorful cuisine
- Discovery at Sea: Enrichment programs including culinary experiences and destination experts
- MedallionClass technology: Wearable device enabling seamless, personalized experiences
- Adults-focused atmosphere: Primarily adult travelers creating sophisticated, relaxed ambiance
- Worldwide destinations: Holiday cruises to Caribbean, Mexico, Asia, Australia, and beyond
- Value pricing: Premium experiences at accessible price points for various budgets
Princess's fleet of 17 ships means you'll find vessels ranging from intimate to grand, each offering signature Princess experiences while maintaining distinct personalities. From Royal-class ships with Movies Under the Stars to smaller vessels perfect for exotic itineraries, every ship delivers the quality Princess is known for.
The MedallionClass Experience
Princess revolutionized cruising with the Ocean Medallion, a wearable device smaller than a quarter that serves as your room key, payment method, and personal concierge. This technology enables truly seamless experiences—crew members greet you by name, food and drinks arrive at your deck chair without ordering, and navigating the ship becomes effortless with interactive wayfinding.
The Ocean Ready app extends functionality to your smartphone, letting you manage your entire cruise experience. Make dining reservations, book shore excursions, check schedules, and even play interactive games with other guests. During the holidays, use the app to reserve spots at special events, schedule spa treatments, or coordinate meetups with travel companions.
MedallionClass features:
- Ocean Medallion: Wearable device enabling keyless stateroom entry and seamless payment
- OceanNow: Order food, drinks, and services delivered anywhere on the ship
- Journey View: Interactive ship maps with wayfinding and location sharing
- Ocean Compass: Digital daily planner with personalized recommendations
- PlayOcean: Interactive games creating friendly competition with fellow guests
- MedallionNet: Best Wi-Fi at sea with reliable connectivity throughout the ship
Technology enhances rather than replaces Princess's renowned personal service. Crew members use the Medallion to personalize interactions, remembering your preferences and anticipating your needs. This combination of high-tech convenience and high-touch service creates experiences that feel both modern and genuinely caring.
Signature Princess Experiences
Princess ships feature attractions and amenities designed to create memorable moments throughout your voyage. The Movies Under the Stars poolside theater transforms evenings into magical experiences with first-run films shown on a massive LED screen. Nestle into comfortable loungers with complimentary popcorn and blankets, watching movies under the stars as the ship glides through calm waters.
The Sanctuary provides an adults-only retreat for ultimate relaxation. This premium space features plush loungers, attentive service, and serene atmosphere away from pool deck activity. Light bites, refreshing beverages, and massages in private cabanas elevate relaxation to new levels. During holiday cruises, the Sanctuary offers peaceful refuge when you need quiet time away from festivities.
Princess signature features:
- Movies Under the Stars: Poolside theater with first-run films, popcorn, and blankets
- The Sanctuary: Adults-only retreat with premium loungers and attentive service
- Piazza: Italian-inspired plaza with cafés, street performers, and social atmosphere
- SeaWalk: Glass-floor walkway extending beyond the ship's edge (Royal-class ships)
- Discovery at Sea Programs: Enrichment experiences from culinary to animal encounters
- Lotus Spa: Comprehensive wellness facilities with thermal suites and treatments
- Princess Theater: Main showroom featuring Broadway-style productions
- Vista Lounge: Elegant space for afternoon tea and evening entertainment
The Piazza serves as the social heart of the ship, modeled after Italian town squares. This multi-deck atrium features specialty coffee cafés, wine bars, and boutiques surrounding a central gathering space. Street performers entertain throughout the day, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for people-watching or meeting fellow travelers. During holidays, the Piazza transforms with seasonal decorations and special events.
Fresh Back to You: Dining Excellence
Princess's "Fresh Back to You" dining philosophy emphasizes fresh ingredients, flavorful preparations, and flexibility. The culinary team sources high-quality ingredients and prepares everything from scratch, resulting in meals that exceed expectations for cruise dining. Main dining rooms offer both traditional fixed-seating and Anytime Dining, letting you choose the style that suits your vacation preferences.
Holiday menus celebrate seasonal traditions with special offerings alongside regular selections. Thanksgiving features traditional turkey with all the trimmings, plus international variations honoring diverse traditions. Christmas dinners include prime rib, roasted lamb, and festive desserts prepared with care and premium ingredients.
Dining venues and experiences:
- Main Dining Rooms: Multi-course meals with traditional or flexible seating options
- Crown Grill: Premium steakhouse featuring aged beef and fresh seafood
- Sabatini's Italian Trattoria: Authentic Italian cuisine in intimate, elegant setting
- Salty Dog Grill: Poolside venue serving gourmet hot dogs and artisanal sausages
- Alfredo's Pizzeria: Freshly baked pizzas created by original Alfredo Cruise Director
- International Café: Complimentary specialty coffees, pastries, and light bites 24/7
- World Fresh Marketplace: Extensive buffet with action stations and international cuisines
- Ultimate Balcony Dining: Private multi-course dinner served on your balcony
The Chef's Table Lumiere offers Princess's most exclusive dining experience, limited to just a few guests per sailing. This multi-course tasting menu showcases the executive chef's creativity, with wine pairings and behind-the-scenes galley tours. For special holiday celebrations, this intimate experience creates unforgettable memories.
Discovery at Sea culinary programs include cooking demonstrations with master chefs, wine tastings led by expert sommeliers, and classes teaching techniques you'll use at home. During holiday cruises, special seasonal classes might cover holiday baking, festive cocktails, or traditional dishes from various cultures.
Entertainment and Activities
Princess provides diverse entertainment appealing to various tastes and interests. Production shows in the Princess Theater feature talented performers, elaborate costumes, and impressive choreography. Broadway-style productions rotate throughout your cruise, ensuring new shows each evening. The Vista Lounge hosts variety acts including magicians, comedians, and musicians in intimate settings perfect for after-dinner entertainment.
Discovery at Sea programs bring enrichment to your vacation through partnerships with respected organizations. Animal Planet programs offer insights into marine wildlife with naturalists and researchers. The Discovery Channel provides destination experts sharing knowledge about ports you'll visit. These programs add educational value enhancing your entire journey.
Entertainment highlights:
- Princess Theater: Broadway-style productions with professional performers and stunning sets
- Movies Under the Stars: First-run films on massive LED screen with popcorn and blankets
- Vista Lounge: Intimate venue for variety acts, comedians, and musical performances
- Club 6: Nightclub featuring DJs and live bands for late-night dancing
- Crooners Bar: Live piano entertainment with cocktails and intimate atmosphere
- Discovery at Sea: Educational programs with animal experts and destination specialists
- Voice of the Ocean: Singing competition where guests become contestants
- Deck parties: Themed celebrations under the stars with live music and dancing
The Casino offers slot machines, table games, and tournaments for guests who enjoy gaming. Princess's casinos maintain sophisticated atmosphere with attentive dealers and servers ensuring comfortable experiences whether you're serious gambler or casual player trying your luck.
Holiday Celebrations Princess-Style
Princess approaches holiday celebrations with warmth and attention to detail that makes every guest feel special. Ships feature elegant decorations throughout public spaces—beautifully trimmed Christmas trees in the Atrium, garland adorning railings, and tasteful seasonal arrangements creating festive atmosphere without overwhelming the sophisticated ambiance.
Christmas at sea brings magical experiences with visits from Santa for families, religious services for various denominations, and special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus featuring traditional dishes from around the world.
Holiday cruise features:
- Elegant decorations: Beautiful trees, garland, and seasonal arrangements throughout ships
- Traditional menus: Holiday dishes prepared with premium ingredients and care
- Santa visits: Photo opportunities for families traveling with children
- Religious services: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services for multiple faiths
- Holiday entertainment: Seasonal shows, caroling, and themed performances
- Special activities: Gingerbread decorating, holiday crafts, festive afternoon tea
- Countdown celebrations: Multiple New Year's Eve parties across the ship
New Year's Eve aboard Princess offers sophisticated celebrations perfect for welcoming the new year. Multiple venues host different party styles—elegant galas in the dining room with champagne toasts, high-energy dance parties in the nightclub, and family-friendly celebrations in the theater. At midnight, the entire ship erupts in celebration with complimentary champagne, confetti, and the joy of thousands starting a new year together at sea.
Worldwide Holiday Destinations
Princess's extensive global presence means holiday cruises to destinations well beyond typical Caribbean routes. While Caribbean and Mexico remain popular, Princess also offers holiday sailings to Asia, Australia, South America, and exotic locations other cruise lines don't regularly visit. This worldwide reach means you can celebrate holidays in truly unique settings.
Caribbean cruises explore Eastern, Western, and Southern routes visiting diverse islands from popular ports to hidden gems. Mexico itineraries combine beach relaxation with cultural experiences in charming coastal towns and historic cities. Panama Canal transits provide engineering marvels and opportunities to transit between oceans during holiday voyages.
Popular holiday destinations:
- Caribbean: Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean visiting diverse islands
- Mexican Riviera: Pacific Coast ports offering culture, beaches, and adventure
- Panama Canal: Full and partial transits showcasing engineering wonder
- Hawaii: Inter-island cruising exploring multiple Hawaiian islands extensively
- Asia: Southeast Asia, Japan, and China voyages during holiday season
- Australia/New Zealand: Southern hemisphere summer cruises during northern winter
- South America: Routes including Chilean fjords, Argentina, and Brazil
- World Cruise segments: Join portions of annual World Cruise during holidays
Princess Cruises tours combine cruising with overland exploration, extending your vacation with pre- or post-cruise stays in destinations. These carefully curated tours provide comprehensive destination experiences impossible during port calls alone. During holidays, these extensions might include Christmas markets in Europe, New Year's celebrations in exotic cities, or extended stays in tropical paradises.
Shore excursions range from relaxing beach breaks to adventurous activities to cultural immersions. Princess carefully vets all excursions for safety and quality, with the guarantee that ships won't leave without you if you're on Princess-booked tours. Discovery Excursions provide deeper, more immersive experiences led by local experts sharing insider perspectives.
Staterooms: Comfort and Style at Sea
Princess staterooms blend contemporary design with practical comfort, creating spaces that feel like boutique hotel rooms rather than typical cruise cabins. Even affordable interior staterooms include comfortable bedding, adequate storage, and well-designed bathrooms. The décor maintains modern, sophisticated appeal with soothing color palettes and quality furnishings.
Balcony staterooms provide private outdoor spaces perfect for morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening relaxation.
Princess balconies tend to be generously sized, offering genuine outdoor living areas with comfortable furniture. The Ultimate Balcony Dining experience brings multi-course dinners to your private balcony, creating intimate celebrations perfect for special occasions.
Stateroom categories:
- Interior: Well-appointed cabins with comfortable bedding and clever storage
- Oceanview: Picture windows or portholes bringing natural light and views
- Balcony: Private outdoor spaces with comfortable seating for relaxation
- Mini-Suite: Enhanced space with separate seating areas and premium amenities
- Suite: Spacious accommodations with priority embarkation and concierge service
- Family Suite: Accommodations designed for families with extra space and features
Suite guests enjoy enhanced amenities including priority embarkation and disembarkation, complimentary specialty dining, premium bathroom products, and dedicated concierge service. The Club Class on select ships provides mini-suite passengers with additional perks like priority embarkation and evening canapés.
All staterooms include Princess Luxury Bed with premium mattresses and linens, flat-screen TVs with on-demand entertainment, refrigerators, safes, and bathrooms with showers (tubs in suites). The attention to detail in stateroom amenities reflects Princess's commitment to guest comfort throughout your voyage.
Captain's Circle: Rewarding Loyalty
Princess's Captain's Circle loyalty program rewards returning guests with increasingly valuable benefits. Membership begins automatically after your first cruise, with status levels determined by cruise days accumulated. Benefits grow substantially with each tier, encouraging long-term relationships with the cruise line.
Gold members (after one cruise) receive priority check-in and complimentary digital photo. Ruby members (30 cruise days) add logo items and cruise discounts. Platinum members (50 cruise days) receive complimentary internet packages, specialty dining discounts, and behind-the-scenes tours. Elite members (150+ cruise days) enjoy the most comprehensive benefits including free laundry, priority everything, and exclusive events.
Captain's Circle benefits:
- Gold: Priority check-in, free digital photo, exclusive offers
- Ruby: Logo items, cruise discounts, recognition gifts
- Platinum: Complimentary internet, dining discounts, ship tours
- Elite: Free laundry, priority services, exclusive parties
For frequent cruisers, the Captain's Circle provides substantial value that compounds over time. Many Princess guests become devoted repeat customers, sailing multiple times annually and building relationships with crew members who remember them voyage after voyage.
Come Back New This Holiday Season
Princess Cruises offers holiday celebrations that refresh both body and spirit through their "Come Back New" philosophy. The combination of modern luxury, personal service, innovative technology, and worldwide destinations appeals to travelers seeking quality experiences at reasonable prices. If you value contemporary cruising with genuine hospitality, Princess delivers exactly what you're seeking.
Don't wait to begin planning your Princess holiday escape. Desirable staterooms and sailing dates book well in advance, particularly for Christmas and New Year's voyages. Visit Princess's website, contact a knowledgeable travel agent, or call Princess directly to explore options and secure your place aboard what might become your preferred way to celebrate the holidays.
The world awaits, and Princess Cruises is ready to help you come back new. Where will your holiday journey take you?
