Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess / Princess Cruises
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Movies Under the Stars
Movies Under the Stars / Princess Cruises
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Acrobatics Show in the Atrium
Acrobatics Show in the Atrium / Princess Cruises
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The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary / Princess Cruises
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Cooking Demonstration
Cooking Demonstration / Princess Cruises
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Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview Stateroom / Princess Cruises
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Steamers, Caribbean Princess
Steamers, Caribbean Princess / Princess Cruises
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Steamers, Caribbean Princess
Steamers, Caribbean Princess / Princess Cruises
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Planks, Caribbean Princess
Planks, Caribbean Princess / Princess Cruises
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Caribbean Princess

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Launched in 2004, the 3,140-passenger Caribbean Princess emerged from a multimillion-dollar refurbishment in May 2017 and a second refresh in 2019 with upgrades to some favorite aspects of the ship, including restaurants. A brand-new screen for Princess Cruises’ signature Movies Under the Stars was installed and the kids club was expanded to take advantage of the line’s partnership with the Discovery Channel.

What We Love

Complimentary Dining Venues Provide Variety: World Fresh Marketplace was introduced on Caribbean Princess as a new take on the buffet, with stations that highlight cuisines from around the globe. For a quick bite, guests can also head to the poolside venues, where Slice Pizzeria serves delicious Neapolitan-style pizza and Salty Dog Grill features hot dogs and hamburgers piled high with messy toppings. 

Plenty of Pools and Lounge Chairs: With five pools, two splash pools, and seven hot tubs, there's lots of space to relax, and you won't need to stress over finding a lounge chair.

Best Known For

Princess Luxury Bed: After all the fun you’ll have on board, a great night’s sleep is practically guaranteed by the Princess Luxury Bed. Developed by a board-certified sleep expert, it features a plush two-inch thick pillow top, a nine-inch medium-firm mattress for enhanced support, and individually wrapped coils for less partner disturbance. The bed is topped by a European-inspired duvet and luxurious Jacquard-woven cotton linens.

Discovery at SEA: Princess’ partnership with the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet provide plenty for younger cruisers to enjoy, both in onboard activities that combine learning and fun and in special Discovery at SEA shore excursions designed for families.

Crown Grill: This clubby, wood-paneled classic remains a guest favorite for the spot-on sirloins and ribeye steaks, steaming seafood, and decadent desserts, including gooey chocolate cake. 

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria: The updated version of Princess’ classic trattoria is a contemporary spin on the original. The menu spans multiple regions of Italy and includes options ranging from Fritto Misto alla Veneziana (fried shrimp and calamari) to Ossobuco Milanese (braised veal shank). 

Wedding Chapel: Princess Cruises was the first line to have an at-sea wedding chapel, and this dedicated space is ideal for your "I do’s" and vow renewals.

Movies Under the Stars: A large poolside screen sets the stage for watching films on a lounge chair. Hot popcorn and blankets are provided.

Who It's Best For

Families: The ship has wonderful youth and teen programs, plus family-friendly, all-ages activities. The refurb also bolstered the number of interconnected cabins (there are now 83) and unveiled the redesigned Camp Discovery, which organizes build-your-own solar system sessions, as well as Shark Week and MythBuster-themed activities.

Laid-back Cruisers: Guests with a low tolerance for rambunctious cruises prefer Princess, where the amusements don't revolve around boisterous revelry and non-stop drinking.

Guests with Mobility Issues: Princess pays particular attention to guests who require wheelchairs and walkers. Besides ADA staterooms (roll-in showers equipped with grab bars, easy access closets), there’s dedicated help and a wheelchair ramp on the gangway, reserved seating on tour buses, and guides who make a point of accommodating physically challenged guests. 

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

High-Adrenaline Activities Are Lacking: The fun here is of the low-key variety, so don't go looking for rock-climbing walls or roller coasters. 

It's First Come, First Served: If there’s something you’re looking to try, order it at the beginning of the cruise. You may discover, for example, that many bottles of wine are sold out later in your sailing. 

This is an Older Ship: Refurbishments can only do so much, especially when bathroom configurations are on the small side. Any stateroom category below a Mini-Suite can expect a bathroom with a snug, old-style shower enclosed by a shower curtain.