Princess Cruises operates 17 active ships across five generations of cruise ship design, spanning from the 1998-built Grand Princess to the brand-new Star Princess launched in 2025. This guide lists every Princess ship in service in 2026 — ordered by build year — with each ship's class, capacity, and fleet history.
Looking for our subjective ranking of which Princess ship is best? See our Princess Cruise Ships Ranked Best to Worst guide.
Princess Fleet by Generation (Quick Reference)
| Generation / Class | Years Built | Ships | Gross Tonnage Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sphere Class | 2024–2025+ | Sun Princess, Star Princess | ~177,000 GT |
| Royal Class | 2013–2022 | Royal, Regal, Majestic, Sky, Enchanted, Discovery Princess | ~144,000 GT |
| Grand Class (later refits) | 2004–2008 | Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby Princess | ~113,000 GT |
| Grand Class (originals) | 1998–2004 | Grand, Diamond, Sapphire Princess | ~109,000–116,000 GT |
| Coral Class | 2002–2003 | Coral, Island Princess | ~91,000 GT |
THE COMPLETE LIST OF ALL PRINCESS CRUISE SHIPS BY AGE
Princess Cruises, one of America's most popular cruise companies, introduced a generation of children and adults to the concept of a cruise holiday through The Love Boat TV show. Princess Cruises is a brand renowned for its elegance, adventure, and world-class service. Offering cruise passengers a MedallionClass® experience that others cannot match, it is open to all. The line offers special multicourse meals, Broadway-style performances, comedy acts, music, and spacious accommodations featuring the Princess Luxury Bed. Guests also benefit from transparent policies such as Princess Cruise Gratuities, ensuring service staff are recognized for their exceptional hospitality.
Princess Cruises has been a leader in Alaska cruises, showcasing Alaska's natural beauty and cultural richness to millions of passengers from around the world. A Princess Cruise trip to Alaska allows you to experience the untamed grandeur of the comfort of world-class ships, special onboard service, and Princess Wilderness Lodges near national parks. We hope you like this complete list of Princess Cruises ships:
| Cruise Ships | Class | Year Launched | Refurbished | Gross Tonnage | Passengers | Crew | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Princess | Sphere | 2025 | - | 178,000 | 4,300 | 1,547 | 1,133 |
| Sun Princess | Sphere | 2024 | - | 177,882 | 4,300 | 1,600 | 1,133 |
| Discovery Princess | Royal | 2022 | - | 145,000 | 3,660 | 1,346 | 1,083 |
| Enchanted Princess | Royal | 2021 | 2023 | 145,000 | 3,660 | 1,346 | 1,083 |
| Sky Princess | Royal | 2019 | 2023 | 141,000 | 3,660 | 1,346 | 1,083 |
| Majestic Princess | Royal | 2017 | 2023 | 143,700 | 3,560 | 1,346 | 1,083 |
| Regal Princess | Royal | 2014 | 2017 | 142,229 | 3,560 | 1,346 | 1,083 |
| Royal Princess | Royal | 2013 | 2018 | 142,229 | 3,560 | 1,346 | 1,083 |
| Ruby Princess | Crown | 2008 | 2018 | 113,561 | 3,080 | 1,200 | 951 |
| Emerald Princess | Crown | 2007 | 2019 | 113,561 | 3,090 | 1,200 | 951 |
| Crown Princess | Crown | 2006 | 2018 | 113,561 | 3,090 | 1,200 | 952 |
| Sapphire Princess | Grand | 2004 | 2018 | 115,875 | 2,680 | 1,100 | 952 |
| Diamond Princess | Gem | 2004 | 2019 | 115,875 | 2,710 | 1,100 | 952 |
| Caribbean Princess | Grand | 2004 | 2019 | 112,894 | 3,140 | 1,200 | 952 |
| Island Princess | Coral | 2003 | 2017 | 92,822 | 2,200 | 895 | 964 |
| Coral Princess | Coral | 2002 | 2019 | 91,627 | 2,000 | 895 | 965 |
| Grand Princess | Grand | 1998 | 2019 | 107,517 | 2,610 | 1,150 | 949 |
In addition to offering a diverse selection of options, the Princess fleet is expressly built to deliver the ultimate in affordable luxury, with a focus on "big ship choice with small ship feel." Regardless of the ship's size, public spaces are designed to appear private and contemporary, providing passengers with an informal, comfortable onboard environment that reflects modern lifestyles. The company has also long been a leader in developing ships that accommodate a wide range of the most desired onboard amenities, such as private balconies.
Here is a list of Princess ships by size and age, along with more details of each Princess Ship from newest to oldest:
1. Star Princess (2025)
- Class: Sphere Class
- Gross tonnage: ~177,800 GT
- Capacity: ~4,300 guests
- Refurbishments: None (newest ship)
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer, from Seattle) and Caribbean (winter, from Fort Lauderdale)
Princess Cruises' newest ship and the second in the Sphere class, Star Princess debuted in 2025 as the largest Princess ship ever built. She extended the Sphere-class design innovations introduced by Sun Princess — including the dramatic Dome observation venue and Princess's first LNG-powered propulsion system.
2. Sun Princess (2024)
- Class: Sphere Class
- Gross tonnage: ~177,800 GT
- Capacity: ~4,300 guests
- Refurbishments: None
- Where she sails (2026): Mediterranean (summer) and Caribbean (winter, from Fort Lauderdale)
The first Sphere-class ship and Princess's flagship from her 2024 debut, Sun Princess introduced an entirely new ship architecture for Princess — including the 13,500-square-foot Dome venue, expanded Piazza atrium, and LNG-fuel propulsion. She marked Princess's largest single design leap since the Royal class debuted in 2013.
3. Discovery Princess (2022)
- Class: Royal Class
- Gross tonnage: ~145,281 GT
- Capacity: ~3,660 guests
- Refurbishments: None
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and Mexican Riviera (winter)
The sixth and final ship in the Royal class, Discovery Princess closed out a nine-year Royal-class production run that began with Royal Princess in 2013. She entered service in 2022 with all the cumulative Royal-class refinements but without the design changes that later distinguished the Sphere class.
4. Enchanted Princess (2020)
- Class: Royal Class
- Gross tonnage: ~145,281 GT
- Capacity: ~3,660 guests
- Refurbishments: None
- Where she sails (2026): Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale (winter 2026-27)
The fifth Royal-class ship, Enchanted Princess delivered in 2020 — although her service entry was significantly delayed by the global cruise pause. She is nearly identical to her sister Sky Princess (2019) in design and amenities.
5. Sky Princess (2019)
- Class: Royal Class
- Gross tonnage: ~145,281 GT
- Capacity: ~3,660 guests
- Refurbishments: 2023
- Where she sails (2026): Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale (winter 2026-27)
The fourth Royal-class ship and the first to feature the Sky Suites — Princess's largest suite category — Sky Princess sails primarily Caribbean and European itineraries.
6. Majestic Princess (2017)
- Class: Royal Class
- Gross tonnage: ~143,700 GT
- Capacity: ~3,560 guests
- Refurbishments: 2025
- Where she sails (2026): South America and Antarctica (winter 2026-27, from Argentina)
Originally designed for Princess's Chinese market and the third Royal-class ship, Majestic Princess was redeployed to North American and Australian itineraries after Princess withdrew from Asia operations. She features design touches reflecting her original Asia-Pacific focus.
7. Regal Princess (2014)
- Class: Royal Class
- Gross tonnage: ~141,000 GT
- Capacity: ~3,560 guests
- Refurbishments: Dry dock April 2025 for maintenance and enhancements
- Where she sails (2026): Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale (winter 2026-27)
The second Royal-class ship, Regal Princess entered service just one year after her namesake sister Royal Princess. She received a scheduled dry dock in April 2025 for routine maintenance and minor refurbishments.
8. Royal Princess (2013)
- Class: Royal Class
- Gross tonnage: ~141,000 GT
- Capacity: ~3,560 guests
- Refurbishments: 2018
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and Australia/New Zealand (late 2026 onward)
The first Royal-class ship and the lead vessel of Princess's biggest fleet generation upgrade since the Grand class, Royal Princess introduced the SeaWalk glass-floor balcony, expanded dining venues, and a redesigned Piazza atrium that became the template for every Royal-class ship that followed.
9. Ruby Princess (2008)
- Class: Grand Class (later refit)
- Gross tonnage: ~113,000 GT
- Capacity: ~3,080 guests
- Refurbishments: 2023
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and Mexican Riviera from San Francisco (winter)
The third and final ship in the late Grand-class trio (alongside Crown and Emerald Princess), Ruby Princess entered service in 2008. She incorporates the design refinements added across the later Grand-class production run, including more balcony cabins than the original Grand-class ships.
10. Emerald Princess (2007)
- Class: Grand Class (later refit)
- Gross tonnage: ~113,000 GT
- Capacity: ~3,080 guests
- Refurbishments: Dry dock April 2025 for maintenance and inspections
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and Mexican Riviera / Hawaii (winter)
The second of the late Grand-class trio, Emerald Princess delivered in 2007 and is nearly identical to her sisters Crown and Ruby Princess. She completed a scheduled dry dock in April 2025 for maintenance.
11. Crown Princess (2006)
- Class: Grand Class (later refit)
- Gross tonnage: ~113,000 GT
- Capacity: ~3,080 guests
- Refurbishments: 2025
- Where she sails (2026): Caribbean (winter 2026-27)
The first of the late Grand-class trio and the design that set the template for Emerald and Ruby Princess, Crown Princess introduced higher passenger capacity within the original Grand-class hull form.
12. Diamond Princess (2004)
- Class: Grand Class (Japan-built variant)
- Gross tonnage: ~115,875 GT
- Capacity: ~2,670 guests
- Refurbishments: 2019
- Where she sails (2026): Asia year-round (Singapore, Tokyo, Yokohama)
Built in Japan at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (unique within the Princess fleet, where most ships were built at Fincantieri in Italy), Diamond Princess is technically Grand-class but with subtle differences from her European-built sisters. She has historically focused on Asia-Pacific itineraries.
13. Sapphire Princess (2004)
- Class: Grand Class (Japan-built variant)
- Gross tonnage: ~115,875 GT
- Capacity: ~2,670 guests
- Refurbishments: 2025
- Where she sails (2026): Asia (Singapore, Tokyo, Yokohama) for 2026-27
The sister ship to Diamond Princess and the second Princess vessel built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki. Sapphire Princess shares Diamond's distinctive Japan-built Grand-class profile and Asia-Pacific deployment focus.
14. Caribbean Princess (2004)
- Class: Grand Class
- Gross tonnage: ~113,000 GT
- Capacity: ~3,140 guests
- Refurbishments: 2019
- Where she sails (2026): Caribbean year-round
Built specifically for year-round Caribbean deployment, Caribbean Princess was the first Princess ship to introduce Movies Under the Stars — the outdoor poolside movie screen that became a Princess signature across the entire fleet.
15. Island Princess (2003)
- Class: Coral Class
- Gross tonnage: ~91,627 GT
- Capacity: ~2,200 guests
- Refurbishments: 2024
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and Panama Canal (winter, open-jaw)
One of two Coral-class ships, Island Princess was designed specifically to fit through the original Panama Canal locks — making her ideal for itineraries that larger Princess ships cannot sail. She's roughly two-thirds the size of a Grand-class ship.
16. Coral Princess (2003)
- Class: Coral Class
- Gross tonnage: ~91,627 GT
- Capacity: ~2,200 guests
- Refurbishments: 2019
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and 130-night World Cruise (winter 2026-27)
The sister ship and class namesake, Coral Princess shares Island Princess's Panamax design — making both ships valued for Panama Canal, world cruise segments, and other itineraries that require smaller vessels.
17. Grand Princess (1998)
- Class: Grand Class (original)
- Gross tonnage: ~109,000 GT
- Capacity: ~2,600 guests
- Refurbishments: Major refits in 2011 and 2019; dry dock April 2025
- Where she sails (2026): Alaska (summer) and Australia/New Zealand (late 2026 onward)
The oldest Princess ship still sailing in 2026 and the namesake of the entire Grand class. When Grand Princess launched in 1998, she was the largest passenger ship ever built — the design template that influenced every Princess ship (and many competitor ships) that followed. She continues to sail primarily West Coast itineraries 28 years after her debut and completed a scheduled dry dock in April 2025.
Related: Top Things to do onboard Grand Princess
Princess Fleet Evolution — Five Generations in Three Decades
Princess Cruises has undergone five distinct generations of ship design since the late 1990s. The original Grand-class ships (1998-2004) — Grand, Diamond, and Sapphire Princess — established the modern Princess template: large mainstream ships with traditional dining, the Movies Under the Stars deck, and the line's signature Sanctuary adults-only space. The Coral-class ships (Coral and Island Princess, 2003) were smaller Panama Canal-capable vessels designed for narrower itineraries. The later Grand-class refits (Caribbean through Ruby Princess, 2004-2008) added more balcony cabins and modernized amenities while keeping the original hull design.
The Royal class (2013-2022) marked Princess's biggest fleet leap — the Royal, Regal, Majestic, Sky, Enchanted, and Discovery Princess introduced the SeaWalk glass-floor balcony, expanded specialty dining, and significantly more balcony cabins. The current Sphere class (Sun Princess in 2024, Star Princess in 2025) represents Princess's largest ships ever — designed for the LNG-fuel era and built around the Dome and Piazza atrium concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the newest Princess cruise ship in 2026?
Star Princess, launched in 2025, is the newest Princess ship. She is the second Sphere-class ship in the fleet, after Sun Princess (2024).
What is the oldest Princess ship still sailing?
Grand Princess, launched in 1998, is the oldest Princess ship still in active service in 2026. She sails primarily West Coast and Alaska itineraries.
How many Princess cruise ships are there in 2026?
Princess Cruises operates 17 active ships in 2026 across five generations: Sphere class (2), Royal class (6), later Grand class (4), original Grand class (3), and Coral class (2).
What ship classes does Princess Cruises operate?
Princess operates five active ship classes in 2026: Sphere class (Sun, Star Princess), Royal class (Royal, Regal, Majestic, Sky, Enchanted, Discovery), later Grand-class refits (Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby), original Grand class (Grand, Diamond, Sapphire), and Coral class (Coral, Island).
How old is the average Princess cruise ship?
As of 2026, the average age of Princess's active fleet is approximately 14 years. The fleet spans from 1 year old (Star Princess, 2025) to 28 years old (Grand Princess, 1998).
Which Princess ship is the largest?
Star Princess and Sun Princess, both Sphere-class ships, are tied as Princess's largest at approximately 177,800 gross tonnage, holding up to 4,300 guests each.
Are older Princess ships still worth booking?
Older Princess ships often offer the same destinations at lower prices, with the same dining, service, and many of the same amenities as newer ships — though without the newest design features like the Sphere-class Dome venue. For our take on which Princess ships are best overall, see our Princess Cruise Ships Ranked guide.
Has Princess retired any ships recently?
Princess retired Pacific Princess in 2021 and Sea Princess in 2020 as part of the line's pandemic-era fleet consolidation. All 17 currently listed ships remain in active service.
Conclusion
Princess Cruises has a variety of ships to suit all kinds of travelers. Newer ships like the Star Princess and Sun Princess offer modern features, great dining, and plenty of activities. Older ships, such as the Grand Princess and Coral Princess, still provide a cozy, familiar atmosphere with excellent amenities. No matter which ships you choose, Princess Cruises ensures a fun and comfortable journey with excellent service and amazing experiences for everyone.
