A Royal Princess Adventure

Nothing beats an all girl crew! The backdrop ain't too bad...

Last weekend, I set sail on a three-night sampler cruise aboard the Royal Princess, joined by seven fabulous friends for a quick getaway at sea. This was my first time cruising with Princess Cruises — a line that's long been a favorite among traditional cruisers — and I was genuinely curious to see what all the fuss was about.

The Royal Princess, launched in 2013, is a big girl — 3,500 passengers big. And we wanted big. Mainly because a few members of our party are prone to the kind of motion sickness that could make a teacup ride at a funfair seem like a poor life choice. Theoretically bigger ship = smaller swell. So we boarded with expectations low, excitement high, and scopolamine patches securely stuck on.

Here’s a breakdown of the experience — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

The Cons

❌ Dated Design and Cramped Spaces

Public spaces were plentiful but often felt crowded, especially around the atrium. The decor leaned toward “classic,” but in a way that felt more tired than timeless. Think browns and beiges in ways that don’t spark joy.

❌ Small, Underwhelming Cabins

Our staterooms were disappointing — compact and showing their age. The balconies were so shallow we had to sit sideways like demure ladies at afternoon tea, and reclining the chairs was more theoretical than functional. 

❌ Hit-or-Miss Dining
Food is always subjective, but for us, the meals skewed average. Several dishes leaned overly sweet (including savoury items, oddly enough), and overall the cuisine lacked finesse. The "premium dessert" experience consisted of a few rotating cakes and syrup-heavy sundaes that felt more cafeteria than cruise indulgence.

❌ Service That Missed the Mark

The crew was polite but lacked warmth. Our dining room servers were slow and at times gave the impression they’d rather be anywhere else. While not unfriendly, the service lacked the sparkle you’d hope for.

❌ Juice bar, Where Forth Art Thou?
Included in our Princess Plus package, the mythical juice bar was more concept than reality. Unless you count orange cordial in a plastic jug — which we do not.

Beds were comfortable but the space was lacking

The Pros

✅ Seamless Embarkation
We were pleasantly surprised by how smooth the boarding process was. Despite a large volume of passengers, the lines moved quickly and efficiently. We were on board, settled in, and sipping mocktails in no time.

✅ Entertainment and Onboard Fun

There was a solid variety of activities and shows — we especially loved the ABBA dance party, which delivered feel-good energy and a reason to bust out some very questionable moves. There was always something happening, just enough going on to keep the FOMO alive without being overwhelming. Was it Cirque du Soleil? No. Was it fun after a cocktail or three? Absolutely.

✅ Impressive Drink Selection
While the fresh juice options were a letdown, the cocktail and mocktail lists were fantastic. We made it a mission to try as many as we could — purely in the name of research, of course. Each bar had its own vibe and menu, which kept things interesting.

✅ Hidden Gem: Eden, NSW

Our one port stop was in Eden, a charming town on the NSW South Coast. We chose a 3-hour guided kayak tour along the Pambula River and were the only passengers from the ship on it (either a secret find or a complete oversight by the masses). It was calm, and scenic. We paddled past oyster farms, watched sea eagles circle overhead, and finished the morning with freshly shucked oysters that were, quite honestly, perfection. 

Superb Sydney Rock Oysters

Gorgeous Pambula River near the mouth

One of many excellent drinks. This one was the Tokyo Tea

The premium desserts range

Final Thoughts

Despite the flaws, we still had a fun and relaxing weekend — mostly thanks to great company, calm seas, and a well-priced package that included Princess Plus perks. That said, Princess Cruises feels like it’s aimed at a more traditional cruising crowd, with a focus on the “classic” cruise experience — familiar menus, predictable programming, and a slightly older demographic.

Would I cruise with Princess again? Possibly — but it wouldn’t be my first pick. For the right itinerary and value, it could still be a great option, especially for a short escape sailing out of my home port or a leisurely itinerary. 

Next up: Crown Princess, sailing from Perth to Sydney in May. I’m boarding with cautiously optimistic energy, a backpack full of snacks, and yes — still on the hunt for a juice bar that actually exists.

Cheers ladies!