Why Princess Cruises Is Our Cruise Line of Choice
"The love boat promises something for everyone." Love Boat theme song
1/2/20267 min read
In the past 18 months, we have spent more than 70 nights sailing with Princess Cruises, and we already have another 20 day Caribbean cruise, a 7 day Alaska sailing, and a 27 day Trans-Atlantic voyage on the calendar. We have also cruised with Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Each of those cruise lines offers a great product and brings something unique to the table. But when it comes to how we like to travel, Princess Cruises consistently rises to the top.
Princess has found a sweet spot that caters to travelers who value comfort, thoughtful itineraries, and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere. While families do sail with Princess, the overall experience tends to attract an older clientele and seasoned travelers who appreciate enrichment, scenic cruising, and a calmer pace. One of the reasons we love Princess is that there are no water slides. We love kids, just not while we are on vacation, and Princess delivers an environment that feels grown-up without ever feeling stuffy.
Another major reason Princess stands out for us is the value. Princess regularly offers strong pricing on both shorter and longer itineraries, and when paired with the right promotions, those savings can be substantial. Veterans benefits are a standout perk. Depending on the length of the sailing, veterans can receive onboard credit of up to $250 per cruise, which can be used for dining, shore excursions, or spa services. Over multiple sailings, those credits add up quickly and make an already good value even better.
Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation, and while that sometimes raises eyebrows, Princess could not feel more different from the Carnival brand experience. One of the lesser-known benefits of that ownership is the shareholder onboard credit program. Guests who own Carnival Corporation stock can receive onboard credit on eligible sailings. On longer cruises, this benefit can reach up to $250 per stateroom. For us, that means that on cruises longer than 20 days, we routinely receive $500 in onboard credit per sailing when combined with veteran benefits. It is one of the easiest ways we know to enhance the cruise experience without spending extra out of pocket.
Technology is another area where Princess truly excels. Their MedallionClass system is one of the most seamless cruise technologies we have experienced. The Medallion itself is about the size of a large coin and can be worn on a bracelet, a necklace, or simply carried in your pocket. It replaces your room key entirely. As you approach your stateroom door, the system recognizes you and automatically unlocks it, allowing you to walk straight in without stopping to fumble for a card. It is a small convenience that quickly becomes something you never want to cruise without.
The Medallion also enhances service throughout the ship. When you approach a restaurant, hosts can see your name and relevant dining information, including allergies or dietary restrictions, before you even reach the podium. Bartenders and wait staff can confirm your drink package automatically, without repeatedly asking for your room number or card. Even better, you can order food, drinks, or coffee directly from the Princess app while sitting by the pool, relaxing in a lounge, or unwinding in your stateroom. The Medallion tells the crew exactly where you are, and your order is delivered right to you. It feels effortless and surprisingly personal.
For longer sailings, one of our favorite practical features is the availability of self-service laundry rooms. Most decks have laundry facilities that cost only a few dollars per load. This allows us to pack lighter and stay organized on extended trips. We always recommend bringing laundry sheets, which are lightweight and easy to pack, making the whole process even simpler.
Beyond the ships and the technology, what truly keeps us coming back to Princess Cruises is the people. The crew members are consistently professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. Over time, you start to recognize familiar faces, and they remember you as well. That level of service makes a long voyage feel comfortable and welcoming, and it turns a cruise into something that feels more like a floating community than just a vacation.
Princess Cruises delivers the kind of travel experience we value most. It is relaxed but refined, modern but not overwhelming, and designed for travelers who want to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
If Princess Cruises sounds like the right fit for how you like to travel, we would love to help. Contact Tacks Travels to plan and book your Princess cruise. We can help you choose the right itinerary, take advantage of available promotions and onboard credits, and make sure your next sailing is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
And just like the song promises, the love boat really does sail away again.
In the past 18 months, we have spent more than 70 nights sailing with Princess Cruises, and we already have another 20 day Caribbean cruise, a 7 day Alaska sailing, and a 27 day Trans-Atlantic voyage on the calendar.
We have also cruised with Celebrity, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Each of those cruise lines offers a great product and brings something unique to the table. But when it comes to how we like to travel, Princess Cruises consistently rises to the top.
Princess has found a sweet spot that caters to travelers who value comfort, thoughtful itineraries, and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere. While families do sail with Princess, the overall experience tends to attract an older clientele and seasoned travelers who appreciate enrichment, scenic cruising, and a calmer pace. One of the reasons we love Princess is that there are no water slides. We love kids, just not while we are on vacation, and Princess delivers an environment that feels grown-up without ever feeling stuffy.
Another major reason Princess stands out for us is the value. Princess regularly offers strong pricing on both shorter and longer itineraries, and when paired with the right promotions, those savings can be substantial. Veterans benefits are a standout perk. Depending on the length of the sailing, veterans can receive onboard credit of up to $250 per cruise, which can be used for dining, shore excursions, or spa services. Over multiple sailings, those credits add up quickly and make an already good value even better.
Princess Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation, and while that sometimes raises eyebrows, Princess could not feel more different from the Carnival brand experience. One of the lesser-known benefits of that ownership is the shareholder onboard credit program. Guests who own Carnival Corporation stock can receive onboard credit on eligible sailings. On longer cruises, this benefit can reach up to $250 per stateroom. For us, that means that on cruises longer than 20 days, we routinely receive $500 in onboard credit per sailing when combined with veteran benefits. It is one of the easiest ways we know to enhance the cruise experience without spending extra out of pocket.
Technology is another area where Princess truly excels. Their MedallionClass system is one of the most seamless cruise technologies we have experienced. The Medallion itself is about the size of a large coin and can be worn on a bracelet, a necklace, or simply carried in your pocket. It replaces your room key entirely. As you approach your stateroom door, the system recognizes you and automatically unlocks it, allowing you to walk straight in without stopping to fumble for a card. It is a small convenience that quickly becomes something you never want to cruise without.
The Medallion also enhances service throughout the ship. When you approach a restaurant, hosts can see your name and relevant dining information, including allergies or dietary restrictions, before you even reach the podium. Bartenders and wait staff can confirm your drink package automatically, without repeatedly asking for your room number or card. Even better, you can order food, drinks, or coffee directly from the Princess app while sitting by the pool, relaxing in a lounge, or unwinding in your stateroom. The Medallion tells the crew exactly where you are, and your order is delivered right to you. It feels effortless and surprisingly personal.
For longer sailings, one of our favorite practical features is the availability of self-service laundry rooms. Most decks have laundry facilities that cost only a few dollars per load. This allows us to pack lighter and stay organized on extended trips. We always recommend bringing laundry sheets, which are lightweight and easy to pack, making the whole process even simpler.
Beyond the ships and the technology, what truly keeps us coming back to Princess Cruises is the people. The crew members are consistently professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind. Over time, you start to recognize familiar faces, and they remember you as well. That level of service makes a long voyage feel comfortable and welcoming, and it turns a cruise into something that feels more like a floating community than just a vacation.
Princess Cruises delivers the kind of travel experience we value most. It is relaxed but refined, modern but not overwhelming, and designed for travelers who want to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
If Princess Cruises sounds like the right fit for how you like to travel, we would love to help. Contact Tacks Travels to plan and book your Princess cruise. We can help you choose the right itinerary, take advantage of available promotions and onboard credits, and make sure your next sailing is as smooth and rewarding as possible.
And just like the song promises, the love boat really does sail away again.
