Princess Cruises has 17 ships in its fleet, grouped into five main categories, with sizes and styles that suit different kinds of holidays. The line includes 2 Sphere Class cruise ships, 6 Royal Class Princess ships, 7 Grand Class ships, and 2 vessels in the Coral Class Princess Cruises group. Guest capacity ranges from under 2,000 on smaller ships to about 4,300 on the newest ones. That’s why many travelers look at a Princess ship class comparison first, especially when they’re trying to find the best Princess cruise ship for their trip.
Understanding Princess cruise ship classes makes it much easier to pick the right ship for your trip. Some ships feel bigger and newer, with more dining spots and fresh design touches, while others offer a quieter, more classic cruise feel. Sphere Class cruise ships bring the newest style in the fleet, while Royal Class Princess ships are known for their modern layout and strong onboard choices. Grand Class ships and Coral Class Princess Cruises also have loyal fans, so a simple Princess ship class comparison can help you match the ship to your travel style.
Sphere Class - Modern Flagship Ships
Ships in Sphere class: Star Princess (2025) and Sun Princess (2024)
The largest and newest vessels in the Princess fleet are Sphere Class vessels. In 2024, Sun Princess took the lead, and in 2025, Star Princess. At double occupancy, each ship can accommodate about 4,300 passengers and weighs about 177,882 gross tons. With larger public areas, more dining options, and a livelier aesthetic than previous ships, this class feels like a new advancement in Princess cruise ship classes.
The Sphere Class's design is super attractive. The most well-known area on board is the Dome, which has a large glass cover, views of the sea, daytime pool seating, and nighttime entertainment. The Piazza, which spans three decks and features bars, cafes, and events all day long, is also significantly larger than on older ships. Because of this, these vessels are a great choice when comparing Princess ship classes.
Food is a big part of the Sphere Class story. Sun Princess and Star Princess have more dining and drinking spots than earlier Princess ships. Guests can visit Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, then try newer places such as Umai Hot Pot, Americana Diner, and The Eatery. Sun Princess also introduced Butcher’s Block by Dario and Love by Britto, giving Sphere Class cruise ships a wider food range than before.
Entertainment feels bigger on these ships, too. The Dome changes into a show space at night, and the main theater can change shape for different productions. Guests can also enjoy Spellbound by Magic Castle, a special magic experience that became one of the best-known attractions on board. This fresh style helps set Sphere Class apart from Royal Class Princess ships.
Sun Princess is the first ship in the class and the one that introduced this new look for Princess. It is large, bright, and built with many open spaces and sea views. With around 29 restaurants and bars, a striking Dome, and a busy Piazza, it gives guests more choice from morning to night. For many travelers, it now feels like the best Princess cruise ship for a modern onboard experience.
Star Princess is the second Sphere Class ship and builds on what Sun Princess started. It also has 18 decks, room for about 4,300 guests, and many dining and entertainment venues across the ship. Guests who liked Sun Princess will find the same big public areas, but Star Princess also brings a few fresh touches of its own. It shows how far Princess has moved from Grand Class ships.
Sphere Class ships also give more space to families than many older Princess vessels. They have the fleet’s biggest Firefly Park for younger children, rooms for teens, and top deck activity areas for sports and group fun. That wider family focus makes them feel very different from smaller ships such as those in Coral Class Princess Cruises.
In simple words, Sphere Class is for people who like bigger ships, more dining, more entertainment, and a more modern style. Sun Princess and Star Princess still keep some classic Princess favorites, but they also add new ideas, larger venues, and a busier onboard mood. For guests who want the newest side of the Princess, this class is easy to notice and hard to miss.
Also Read: Princess Cruise Ships Ranked From Best To Worst (2026)
Royal Class - Elegant & Amenity-Rich
Ships in Royal class: Discovery Princess (2022), Enchanted Princess (2020), Sky Princess (2019), Majestic Princess (2017), Regal Princess (2014), and Royal Princess (2013)
Princess Cruises has a new appearance thanks to Royal Class ships. They are spacious, fashionable, and packed with places to eat, swim, and hang out both during the day and at night. Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Discovery Princess are all members of this class. Royal Class is unique among Princess cruise ship classes because of its size, contemporary amenities, and livelier atmosphere.
These ships are smaller than Sun Princess and Star Princess, but they still feel large and busy. Most carry around 3,600 guests at double occupancy, with space for more when all berths are used. They have bigger pool decks, more bars, and more public rooms than many older ships. That makes it easy to spot in a Princess ship class comparison.
One of the best-known features on these ships is the Piazza-style atrium in the center. It works as a social hub with drinks, snacks, music, and events throughout the day. Guests also love Movies Under the Stars and the open deck spaces. For many travelers, Royal Class Princess ships feel modern but keep the classic Princess mood.
The SeaWalk is one of the most famous Royal Class features. This glass floor walkway stretches about 28 feet past the side of the ship and gives guests a clear view of the ocean below. It adds a fun outdoor moment that older ships do not have, which helps Royal Class feel very different from Grand Class ships.
Food is a big reason many people like Royal Class. Each ship has main dining rooms, buffet dining, pizza, and casual grill options, along with extra charge spots such as Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. Some ships also have The Catch by Rudi and Chef’s Table Lumiere. That food range helps many guests see these ships as the best Princess cruise ship choice for dining.
The Royal Princess started the class in 2013 and gave Princess a fresh new direction. It introduced the class look, larger public rooms, and many of the features that later ships kept. It does not have every newer dining option, but it still feels polished and spacious. It also helped shape the move away from smaller ships like Coral Class Princess Cruises.
Regal Princess arrived in 2014 and was built on the same design with more dining, entertainment, and open deck space. It shares the class style that many Princess guests already know and like. The ship feels elegant without losing the easy flow of a classic cruise holiday. In many ways, it helped strengthen the image of Princess cruise ship classes for modern travelers.
Majestic Princess joined in 2017 and brought a slightly different feel to the class. It first sailed for the Chinese market, so some venues and dining ideas were shaped for that audience. Even so, it still has a wide atrium, strong food options, and big public spaces that define the class. It adds a different angle to a Princess ship class comparison.
Sky Princess came in 2019 and is one of the most talked about ships in the class. It has popular shows, stylish lounges, and one of the biggest draws in the fleet, the Sky Suites. These top cabins include two bedrooms and a huge balcony of about 1,200 square feet. That makes Royal Class Princess feel more premium on newer ships.
Enchanted Princess arrived in 2020 and gives guests a very polished Royal Class experience. It has many of the dining and entertainment features people look for, including 360, a special Mediterranean dinner experience on selected sailings. The ship also offers large open decks, several pools, and strong evening entertainment. It shows how far Royal Class moved away from Sphere Class cruise ships in style and size.
Discovery Princess, launched in 2022, is the newest ship in the class. It brings together many of the strongest Royal Class features, from broad pool decks to specialty dining and theater shows. Guests can enjoy casual food, fine dining, live music, and large outdoor areas all on one ship. For many people, it is now the most complete ship in the Royal Class Princess.
Royal Class ships are a good fit for travelers who want bigger ships but still like Princess style. They offer strong food choices, famous spaces like SeaWalk and Piazza, and a nice range of cabins from standard rooms to top suites. If you want a ship that feels modern but is still easy to enjoy, Royal Class is a very strong part of Princess cruise ship classes.
Also Read: Princess Royal Class Ships: Fleet List & Key Features Guide
Grand Class - Classic Princess Experience
Ships in Grand class: Ruby Princess (2008), Emerald Princess (2007), Crown Princess (2006), Caribbean Princess (2004), Sapphire Princess (2004), Diamond Princess (2004), and Grand Princess (1998)
Grand Class ships make you feel like a traditional princess. Despite being smaller than Royal Class ships, they still have plenty of areas for dining, swimming, and socializing all day. Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, and Ruby Princess are among them. When it comes to Princess cruise ship classes, guests who prefer a more relaxed ship with plenty of variety continue to favor Grand Class.
These ships range from about 107,500 to 115,875 gross tons and usually carry around 2,600 to 3,100 guests at double occupancy. They feel more personal than the newer mega ships, but they still have theaters, pools, lounges, bars, and several dining spots. That balance makes them stand out in a Princess ship class comparison.
Grand Class is known for its more traditional cruise style. You get a busy atrium, live music, trivia, stage shows, comedy, and pool decks that feel calmer than many family-heavy ships from other lines. Guests who do not need giant deck rides often like this style most, and many still rate these as the best Princess cruise ship choice for an easy cruise.
Food is still a big part of the trip on Grand Class ships. Across the class, you will usually find main dining rooms, buffet dining, pizza, casual snack spots, Sabatini’s, and a Princess steakhouse called Crown Grill or Sterling Steakhouse. Many ships also have Crooners, Wheelhouse Bar, and Explorer’s Lounge, all well-known places across Grand Class ships.
Grand Princess started the class in 1998 and is now the oldest ship in the Princess fleet. It carries about 2,610 guests and has one less deck than some later sisters, but it still offers The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars, Crown Grill, and a large theater. It remains a key name when people talk about Grand Class ships.
Caribbean Princess came in 2004 and is one of the best picks in the class for families. It has a family-focused pool area that helps it stand apart from its sister ships. It also keeps the familiar Princess style with several dining rooms, casual food, theater entertainment, and spa spaces. That gives it a different place in Princess cruise ship classes.
Diamond Princess also joined in 2004, but it has its own style because Princess shaped it for the Japanese market. It is the only ship in the fleet with Kai Sushi, Japanese bathing areas, and Japanese-style bidets in cabins. That gives guests a different onboard feel from newer Royal Class Princess ships.
Sapphire Princess, also from 2004, shares much of its design with Diamond Princess and keeps the same easy Grand Class feel. Guests will find pools, theater shows, sports courts, lounges, and Princess favorites for dining and drinks. It does not try to be flashy, and that is part of the charm. In a Princess ship class comparison, Sapphire often suits people who want a steady, familiar cruise.
Crown Princess arrived in 2006 and belongs to the later part of the class with more guest space and an added deck compared with the older trio. It offers the larger ship to feel many guests want, while still keeping the Grand Class mood. With pools, lounges, steakhouse dining, and open decks, it sits between older ships and Sphere Class cruise ships in size and style.
Emerald Princess came in 2007 and is one of the known ships in this group. It has a Salty Dog and shares a few extra dining ideas with Caribbean Princess, including Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ on some sailings. It also has a thermal suite, which helps it feel a bit more upgraded than some of its older sisters in Grand Class ships.
Ruby Princess arrived in 2008 and was the last Princess ship built in the Grand Class family. It carries around 3,080 guests and keeps many of the things people already liked on Emerald and Crown Princess. Guests can enjoy theater shows, pools, mini golf on ships in this group, and several food venues. It is still a strong example of Grand Class ships at their most polished.
Grand Class ships are a good fit for people who want classic Princess style, good dining, and a calmer onboard mood. They are big enough to give guests a choice, but they do not feel too huge or too busy. For travelers who like a more traditional cruise and less crowded than newer ships, Grand Class still holds a special place beside Coral Class Princess Cruises.
Also Read: Princess Cruise Ships By Age: Newest to Oldest
Coral Class - Smaller and Intimate Ships
Ships in Coral class: Island Princess (2003) and Coral Princess (2002)
The Princess fleet's Coral Class ships are the smallest, but that's part of their allure. Compared to the larger Princess ships, they seem more intimate, straightforward, and quieter. Coral Princess and Island Princess are part of this class. When it comes to Princess cruise ship classes, Coral Class is a good choice for passengers who are more interested in the ports and the route than the main onboard attractions.
These ships are about 91,627 gross tons, much smaller than the newest Sphere Class ships. Coral Princess carries around 2,000 guests, while Island Princess carries about 2,200. Because they are smaller, they have fewer venues, but many guests like the calmer feel. That makes them stand out in a Princess ship class comparison.
Coral Class ships focus on the classic Princess style. You still get main dining rooms, a buffet, pools, hot tubs, a spa, a theater, and quiet lounge areas. Guests can watch Movies Under the Stars, join trivia, enjoy live music, or spend time in Crooners. This softer onboard mood feels very different from Sphere Class cruise ships.
The food in Coral Class is simple but still good. Both ships have Sabatini’s for Italian food and Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse for specialty dining. They also have buffet dining with wide sea views near the front of the ship, which many guests enjoy. For travelers who like traditional cruising, Coral Class Princess Cruises still offers enough choice without feeling too busy.
Coral Princess entered service in 2002 and was built small enough for Panama Canal trips. It carries about 2,000 guests and is one of the most route-focused ships in the fleet. Guests will find pools, a theater, spa areas, dining rooms, and a 24-hour International Cafe. Among Grand Class ships and newer vessels, Coral Princess feels much more intimate.
Island Princess followed in 2003 and is the sister ship to Coral Princess. It is slightly larger and carries around 2,200 guests after later changes added more cabins. It has many of the same features, including Princess favorites like Movies Under the Stars, Crooners, and The Sanctuary. For suite guests, Island Princess can feel like the best Princess cruise ship in this class.
There are a few small differences between the two ships. Coral Princess has more food flexibility with the 24-hour International Cafe, while Island Princess has La Patisserie with more limited hours. Coral Princess also has a few extra pool touches, while Island Princess gives suite guests more room choices. These details help separate them from Royal Class Princess ships, which focus more on big ship variety.
Many people choose Coral Class because of itineraries. These ships often sail Panama Canal cruises, Alaska seasons, and long world-style routes. They are less about flashy deck attractions and more about enjoying the journey, the sea views, and the ports. If you want a smaller Princess ship with a classic feel, the Coral Class is easy to like.
Also Read: Princess MedallionClass Cruises: Ultimate Guide & Features
Princess Cruise Ship Classes Comparison Table
| Class | Ships | Launch Years | Guest Capacity (Approx) | Size (Gross Tons) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sphere Class | Sun Princess, Star Princess | 2024–2025 | ~4,300 | ~177,882 | Largest ships, Dome (glass venue), multi-level Piazza, 29+ dining options, immersive entertainment, family zones | Travelers wanting newest ships, modern design, lots of dining & entertainment |
| Royal Class | Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Royal Princess | 2013–2022 | ~3,600 | ~141,000–145,000 | SeaWalk glass bridge, large atrium (Piazza), Movies Under the Stars, strong dining variety, modern layout | First-time cruisers, families, balanced modern plus classic experience |
| Grand Class | Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess, Crown Princess, Caribbean Princess, Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Grand Princess | 1998–2008 | ~2,600–3,100 | ~107,500–115,875 | Traditional cruises feel, theaters, lounges, calmer pool decks, classic dining venues | Travelers wanting relaxed, classic cruising with good variety |
| Coral Class | Coral Princess, Island Princess | 2002–2003 | ~2,000–2,200 | ~91,627 | Smaller ships, intimate feel, Panama Canal routes, fewer venues, quieter atmosphere | Travelers focused on itinerary, ports, and peaceful experience |
How to Choose the Right Princess Cruise Ship Class
The best way to choose from Princess cruise ship classes is to start with the kind of trip you want. If you like the newest ships with more dining, larger public spaces, and a busier feel, Sphere Class is a strong pick. Royal Class also gives you a big ship feel, but with a more classic Princess style. If you want something calmer and more traditional, Grand Class may suit you better. Coral Class works well for people who want a smaller ship and care more about the route than onboard extras.
A good Princess ship class comparison also comes down to size, mood, and budget. Bigger ships usually give you more restaurants, bars, and entertainment, while smaller ships often feel quieter and more personal. Families may like the larger classes for extra activities and more cabin choices. Couples or longtime cruise fans may enjoy the calmer feel of Grand or Coral Class. The right ship is the one that matches your travel style, not just the newest one.
Also Read: Top Reasons to Cruise with Princess Cruises
FAQs About Princess cruise ship classes
1. What are the different Princess cruise ship classes?
Princess Cruises operates several ship classes, including Sphere Class, Royal Class, Grand Class, and Coral Class. Each class represents a different era of design, size, and onboard features, offering a range of experiences from modern luxury to classic cruising.
2. What is the newest Princess Cruises ship class?
The newest class is the Sphere Class, introduced with Sun Princess. These ships feature innovative architecture, expanded entertainment venues, and next-generation dining concepts, marking a major evolution in the fleet.
3. How are Royal Class ships different from Grand Class ships?
Royal Class ships are larger and more modern, offering features like the SeaWalk glass walkway and bigger entertainment spaces. Grand Class ships, while slightly older, provide a more traditional cruise experience with a balance of amenities and a comfortable layout.
4. Which Princess Ship Class is best for first-time cruisers?
Royal Class ships are often ideal for first-time cruisers due to their wide variety of dining, entertainment, and accommodation options. However, travelers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere may enjoy Coral or Grand Class ships.
5. Do all Princess ship classes offer similar amenities?
While all Princess Cruises ships include core amenities like pools, dining venues, and entertainment, newer classes feature more advanced technology, larger spaces, and upgraded experiences compared to older ships.
Bottom Line
Princess keeps its fleet simple, which makes Princess cruise ship classes much easier to follow than on many other cruise lines. There are four main classes, and the biggest difference is the ship size. The Sphere Class and Royal Class are better for people who like larger ships, more venues, and a busier onboard feel. Grand Class and Coral Class suit travelers who want a quieter ship with a more classic Princess style.
In the end, the right choice comes down to the kind of trip you want, not just the newest ship. A simple Princess ship class comparison shows that each class keeps the same Princess feel, but the mood changes with the size. If you like more action and more choice, go bigger. If you want a calmer and more personal cruise, go to a smaller one.
