Princess Cruises review UK 2026: A detailed guide

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-19 · 12 min read

Princess Cruises ship at sunset in a European port, reviewed for UK travellers in 2026

A comprehensive Princess Cruises review UK 2026 for UK travellers: ships, fares in £, onboard experience and comparisons with P&O, Cunard and Marella. Practical, research-based tips and money-saving advice.

This Princess Cruises review UK 2026 examines what British holidaymakers can expect from Princess in 2026: ships, fares in £, itineraries from UK ports, onboard experience, and value compared with P&O, Cunard and Marella. This review is aimed at UK readers looking for a full, practical appraisal of Princess in 2026 — whether you're thinking of a short break from Southampton or a longer Mediterranean or Caribbean voyage.

Who's Princess Cruises best for in 2026?

Princess is ideal for couples, families and solo travellers who want reliable service, good dining and varied entertainment without the ultra-luxury price-tag. In 2026 Princess caters well to British guests with sailings from Southampton, Dover and Barcelona (for UK flyers), and itineraries including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canary Islands and transatlantic crossings. If you prioritise a very British atmosphere you might prefer P&O or Cunard; if you want cheaper, no-frills sun cruises Marella can undercut Princess on price but not on service level.

Princess fleet highlights for 2026

Standout Princess ships in 2026 include Sky Princess (excellent outdoor spaces and good options for sunset cocktails), Regal Princess (family-friendly with a broad range of cabin types) and Enchanted Princess (strong dining choices and modern interiors). Sun Princess is frequently scheduled for long itineraries such as 14-night Mediterranean cruises departing in May and June 2026. All ships run the Med/Europe/Caribbean programmes in 2026 with occasional repositionings offering good-value transatlantic sailings from around £400pp inside cabins.

Princess offers an increasing number of UK departures in 2026. Southampton remains the main UK hub with regular short-breaks (2–5 nights) and longer 7–14 night itineraries to the Canary Islands, Iberia and Northern Europe. Dover hosts select mini-cruises and roundtrips while Liverpool and Tilbury have occasional Princess calls. For 2026, look out for special sailings such as a 10-night Iberian coast from Southampton in August 2026 priced from an estimated £700pp (inside) on promotional fares.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Princess (estimate)</th><th>P&O (estimate)</th><th>Cunard (estimate)</th><th>Marella (estimate)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Typical UK fares (7-night)</td><td>From £399–£899 (2026 promo)</td><td>From £349–£799</td><td>From £649–£1,499</td><td>From £299–£599</td></tr><tr><td>Atmosphere</td><td>Modern, relaxed, slightly premium</td><td>Very British, family-friendly</td><td>Formal, traditional</td><td>Casual, value-focused</td></tr><tr><td>Dining</td><td>Specialty restaurants, flexible dining</td><td>British favourites, large buffet</td><td>Formal dining rooms, afternoon tea</td><td>Buffet-led with some speciality options</td></tr><tr><td>Loyalty</td><td>Captain's Circle (status benefits)</td><td>ACE Loyalty</td><td>Mariner / White Star Club</td><td>Explorer Club</td></tr><tr><td>Best for</td><td>Couples & families wanting comfort</td><td>British families & multigenerational groups</td><td>Formal cruise experience</td><td>Budget sunseekers</td></tr></tbody></table>

Cabins and value for money in 2026

Princess offers a wide range of cabins: interior, oceanview, balcony and suites. Prices for 2026 fluctuate but typical examples are: 3-night Channel crossing inside from somewhere around £300pp, 7-night Mediterranean balcony from about £600pp (low-season promo), and 14-night Mediterranean from roughly £900pp in specific 2026 promotions when booked early. Suites on Sky Princess or Regal Princess can usually be £1,500–£4,999 depending on size and package.

Standard inclusions in 2026: tea/coffee maker, mini-fridge, safe and Wi‑Fi packages available to buy. Princess continues to offer a more premium-than-basic cabin fit-out with features like USB ports and headboard reading lights. Suites include priority embarkation, enhanced toiletries and often complimentary Wi‑Fi package. Tip: check cabin refurbishment notes for ships like Sun Princess and Regal Princess, which had soft refits in late 2025 ahead of the 2026 season.

Family cabins and solo traveller options

Princess has family cabins with sofa beds and interconnecting rooms on many ships. Solo travellers can find single-occupancy studio cabins on some ships, though availability is limited — expect a single supplement on many itineraries. For families, Princess's youth and teen programmes in 2026 are zoned by age with active days and evening events.

Main dining rooms and international buffets are included; speciality restaurants (Sabatini's, Crown Grill, and some international pop-ups) are pay-extra (typically £25–£40pp à la carte or set menus). Complimentary options are plentiful and usually of a high standard for mainstream cruising — expect classic dishes, regional specials on themed nights and quality breakfast buffets.

<table><thead><tr><th>Restaurant</th><th>Typical extra cost</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Specialty steakhouse (Crown Grill)</td><td>£30–£45pp</td><td>Premium steaks and small plates</td></tr><tr><td>Sabatini's Italian</td><td>£20–£35pp</td><td>Set menu for mains and starter</td></tr><tr><td>Casual burger/fast-casual</td><td>Free–£10pp</td><td>Often included or low-cost</td></tr><tr><td>Afternoon tea</td><td>Free (main dining) / £10pp speciality</td><td>Typical British favourite</td></tr></tbody></table>

Princess sells drink packages starting in the region of £35–£60 per person per day in 2026 depending on inclusions. Unlimited Wi‑Fi packages typically start from £10–£20 per day with promotional bundles available when booked in advance. Budget at least £20–£40 per person per day for incidentals on a standard cruise — this covers soft drinks, speciality coffees, a couple of speciality meals and souvenirs. For better value, book drinks packages during promotional offers or choose pre-paid bundles in early 2026 sales.

Entertainment and onboard atmosphere

Princess focuses on broad-appeal entertainment: big production shows, live music lounges, movies (including 'Movies Under the Stars'), enrichment talks and local musicians in port days. The entertainment is polished but not as theatrical as some lines focused on immersive shows. In 2026 Princess expanded its enrichment programme with more destination-led talks and partnerships with guest lecturers on history and wildlife for Northern Europe and Med itineraries.

In 2026 Princess follows industry-standard health protocols updated after the pandemic: enhanced cleaning, on-board medical facilities and flexible cancellation policies that are more consumer-friendly than in 2020–2022. For certain itineraries (e.g., some countries with specific entry rules), Princess may require proof of vaccination or testing — check the latest 2026 pre-cruise requirements at least 21 days before sailing.

Accessibility and special needs in 2026

Princess continues to provide accessible cabins and public areas compliant with international accessibility standards. Wheelchair-accessible cabins, accessible dining rooms and adapted shore excursions are offered on most ships. Guests needing assistance should contact Princess at booking and reconfirm at least 60 days before travel.

Booking strategies and money-saving tips for 2026

To get the best value in 2026: 1) Book early-bird offers announced January–March 2026 for summer sailings. 2) Watch for last-minute price drops if you are flexible — apps and price alerts can notify you of repriced cabins. 3) Choose inside or oceanview cabins for short breaks and upgrade to balcony for longer sailings. 4) Combine drinks/Wi‑Fi into bundles if a substantial part of your holiday includes sea days. 5) Consider shoulder-season sailings (May, October 2026) for lower fares and cooler crowds.

Book during Princess's 'Earlybird' sale (often Jan–Mar 2026) for cabin discounts and free upgrades. 2. Use onboard credit offers – these can save £50–£200 depending on the cruise. 3. Bring a refillable water bottle and use included water stations to avoid bottled water costs. 4. Pre-buy speciality dining vouchers if a promotion is running (e.g., 2 for 1 offers in Feb 2026). 5. Share drinks packages within cabin rules (some lines allow sharing; check Princess policy before your sail date). 6. Fly from regional UK airports on low-cost carriers and book connecting transfers early to avoid premium fares. 7. Join Captain's Circle for future savings after your first cruise. 8. Book shore excursions independently where safe and feasible — ports like Cadiz and Naples have many independent operators offering lower prices.

Practical tips for boarding, ports and luggage

Arrive at the terminal at your allocated time in 2026 to avoid queues; Princess assigns boarding groups based on cabin type and priority. Keep all important documents (passport, boarding pass, insurance) in carry-on. Luggage allowance from the UK depends on your airline if flying — for rail or drive-to-port travellers, Princess typically offers standard baggage tags and handles transfers from terminal to cabin. On embarkation day consider light snacks and a change of clothes in case luggage delivery is delayed until later in the afternoon.

In 2026 popular ports include Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Malaga, and Bilbao in the Med/Spain-Gibraltar itineraries, plus Bergen, Stavanger and the Norwegian Fjords for Northern Europe. In Palma and Barcelona, pre-booking major attractions (Sagrada Familia, Cathedral) is advised to avoid long queues. In smaller ports, walking into town often yields lower-cost meals and unique shops. For shore excursions, compare Princess shore excursions with vetted local operators; note that Princess's excursions often include timed returns while independent tours may leave you to find your own way back if delayed.

<table><thead><tr><th>Itinerary</th><th>Ship</th><th>Duration</th><th>Typical 2026 fare from £</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Southampton to Canary Islands</td><td>Sky Princess</td><td>10 nights</td><td>£599 (promo), standard £899</td></tr><tr><td>Southampton to Iberia</td><td>Regal Princess</td><td>7 nights</td><td>£399 (low-season), £699 peak</td></tr><tr><td>Transatlantic repositioning</td><td>Enchanted Princess</td><td>14 nights</td><td>£399–£649 inside</td></tr><tr><td>Norwegian Fjords</td><td>Sun Princess</td><td>7 nights</td><td>£429 (May 2026)</td></tr></tbody></table>

Promotions and how to spot genuine deals

Genuine savings often include onboard credit, free upgrades, or bundled drink/Wi‑Fi packages. Avoid deals that look too good — check cabin category details and fines such as 'obstructed view' or 'limited balconies'. Typically Princess's official website and authorised UK travel agents will list the same promotions; independent booking sites may add commission but sometimes offer additional savings. If a price seems extremely low, check the cancellation policy and whether flights are refundable.

Loyalty: Captain's Circle and what it means in 2026

Princess's Captain's Circle offers tiered benefits: from simple priority offers to onboard discounts and exclusive events at higher tiers. In 2026 benefits include early booking windows for special events, laundry discounts, specialty restaurant vouchers on some tiers and priority tendering on certain itineraries.

Look for repositioning cruises in spring/ autumn 2026 (e.g., transatlantic repositionings) for the best per-night value. Mediterranean shoulder-season sailings in May and October 2026 also combine pleasant weather with lower prices. Short 2–3 night Channel cruises from Southampton are good for trial experiences and often start from approximately £100–£200pp during 2026 promotional windows.

Solo travellers: is Princess a good choice in 2026?

Princess is increasingly solo-friendly with studio cabins in limited numbers and occasional 'single stateroom' promotions. Solo travellers should check single supplements and consider shoulder-season sailings to secure lower fares. Solo meet-ups and group activities on board make it easy to meet fellow travellers.

Choose Sky Princess for outdoor and pool deck experience; Regal Princess for family-oriented amenities and variety of cabin options; Enchanted Princess for more contemporary design and slightly more premium suite offerings. Older ships may be cheaper but expect slightly dated interiors; recent soft refits in late 2025/early 2026 improved public spaces and eateries on several vessels.

Verify exact cabin category and location to avoid noise (near lifts or close to public areas). • Check what's included (tips, speciality dining, Wi‑Fi). • Read the latest 2026 pre-cruise health entry requirements for each port. • Confirm luggage policies with your airline if flying. • Buy travel insurance covering COVID-19-related disruptions and medical repatriation. • Consider booking refundable fares if uncertain about plans.

Onshore excursions: Princess vs independent operators

Princess shore excursions in 2026 are generally reliable, include local guides and timed returns. They cost more than many independent operators but reduce risk of missing departure if a tour runs late. Independent excursions can generally be 20–50% cheaper, especially for walking tours and small-group trips. If choosing independent operators, pick well-reviewed companies, confirm pick-up logistics and allow margin for traffic or delays to get back to the ship.

Health and travel insurance specifics for UK cruisers in 2026

Post-Brexit, UK travellers should ensure travel insurance covers EU medical costs, medical repatriation and cruise-specific cancellations. The NHS European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has been replaced by GHIC for UK travellers — check your GHIC expiry. Many insurers offer cruise add-ons covering missed port arrivals due to ship delays, missed connections and pre-existing medical conditions. Always read small print regarding pandemics and communicable disease cover.

Packing and practical on-board tips for 2026

Pack layered clothing for variable Mediterranean evenings in spring/ autumn 2026 and bring at least one smart outfit for speciality restaurant evenings. Essentials: power adaptor, plug bank or USB charger, sensible walking shoes for shore days, a light rain jacket for cooler Northern European afternoons, and seasickness remedies if you are prone to motion. Bring any favourite toiletries — while Princess provides basics, your preferred brands save stress.

Best times to cruise Princess in 2026 from the UK

Best value: May and October 2026 (shoulder season). Best weather for Mediterranean: June–September 2026. Best fjords/northern lights opportunities: late May–August 2026 for fjords; Northern lights outside summer months — check specific Northern Scandinavia itineraries in late 2026. Book early for school holidays if you plan family travel — UK school holiday cruises in July/August 2026 often command a premium.

Princess continued investment in fuel-efficient technologies and waste reduction programmes in 2026. Onboard recycling, reduced single-use plastics and more efficient engines are part of Princess's public sustainability commitments. If environmental concerns are a priority, look for itineraries flagged as having shore-support partnerships or carbon-offset programmes offered at booking.

FAQ: Is Princess Cruises good for British travellers in 2026?

Yes — Princess is well-suited for British travellers seeking comfortable ships, varied itineraries and solid dining. It may lack the overtly British feel of P&O or the formality of Cunard, but offers a balanced product for couples and families.

FAQ: Are Princess cruise fares quoted per person or per cabin in 2026?

Princess fares are typically quoted per person based on twin occupancy. Solo travellers will often pay a single supplement; check the fare details for single cabin availability which is limited on many ships.

FAQ: How much are drink packages on Princess in 2026?

Drink packages in 2026 typically ranged from £35–£60pp per day depending on the inclusions. Promotional bundles and pre-book discounts can reduce the daily rate; compare total expected drink spend to the package cost before buying.

FAQ: Does Princess sail from Southampton in 2026?

Yes. Southampton is Princess's primary UK departure port in 2026 with short breaks and longer Mediterranean and Canary Islands itineraries. Check specific sailings and embarkation ports on your chosen dates.

FAQ: Are shore excursions safe to book independently in 2026?

Many independent excursions are safe and cheaper, but they carry risk if delayed. For peace of mind, use reputable operators with good reviews; for complex excursions or long travel times, Princess excursions reduce the risk of missing the ship.

FAQ: How does Princess compare to Cunard for UK travellers in 2026?

Princess is more relaxed and modern, often cheaper, and family-friendlier than Cunard. Cunard retains a more formal, British tradition with formal nights and a more 'ocean liner' feel. Choose Cunard for a traditional formal ambience and Princess for modern comfort at a lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Princess Cruises good value in 2026 for UK cruisers?

Princess offers solid value in 2026 when you consider the overall onboard experience, dining variety and itineraries. Value depends on cabin choice and how many extras you buy. Look for earlybird or limited-time offers (Jan–Mar 2026) to secure lower fares and onboard credit. For shorter cruises, inside cabins are economical; for longer sea days, a balcony adds value.

What are typical 2026 fares from Southampton for Princess?

Typical promotional fares in 2026 ranged from around £300 for short breaks up to £1,200 for longer or peak itineraries. Examples: a 3-night Channel cruise from about £300pp, a 7-night Mediterranean from roughly £400–£900pp on promotion, and 10–14 night repositionings from approximately £400–£900pp depending on cabin class and booking timing.

Should I pre-book drinks and Wi‑Fi for my 2026 Princess cruise?

Pre-booking can save money if promotions apply. If you expect to consume multiple alcoholic drinks daily or rely heavily on Wi‑Fi, pre-book bundles when available. Otherwise, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper if you drink little and only use limited internet.

Are Princess ships family-friendly in 2026?

Yes. Princess provides family cabins, youth and teen programmes, and family-targeted activities. Dedicated family spaces vary by ship. If you're travelling with young children, check the daily kids' programmes and availability of family cabins in advance.

How flexible are Princess cancellation policies in 2026?

Policies improved post-pandemic, with more flexible options on refundable fares and select promotions. Non-refundable bargains exist but consider refundable or flexible deposit options if uncertain. Always check the fare rules at booking.

Can I earn loyalty benefits for future cruises in 2026?

Yes. Captain's Circle rewards repeat Princess guests with benefits such as priority booking windows, onboard discounts and exclusive offers. Register after your first cruise to start accruing benefits for 2026 and beyond.