Cruise Ship Videos

Explore your princess cruises cruise ship fleet, with ships just as incredible as the cruise destinations you'll be visiting..

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Park19 Sea Breeze Rollglider® on Sun Princess®

Get a 360 virtual sneak peek of the Sea Breeze Rollglider® and how it will take you high above to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean on Sun Princess®.

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Spellbound on Sun Princess®

Something magical is coming to Sun Princess. Can you guess what's behind the door?

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Star Princess® – A Star is Born

The second of our next generation of cruise ships, Star Princess®, arriving 2025.

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Sail in Style Aboard Sun Princess® and Star Princess®

Sail in style aboard Sun Princess® and Star Princess®

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Sun Princess®

Introducing our next-generation cruise ship!

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The Princess Cruises Experience - From Ship to Shore

Find out why Princess Cruises has been named the top cruise line by travel organizations all over the globe. Come aboard and come back new!

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Why Celebrate with Princess?

Watch our video on celebrations with Princess cruises.

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Princess Cruises Sky Suites Reveal

Princess Cruises Sky Suites Reveal: The largest balcony at sea

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Princess Cruises Take 5: The Only Jazz Theater At Sea

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Majestic Princess ship highlights

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Cat Greenleaf‘s First Cruise

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Explore Alaska with Princess Cruises - 360° Video

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Princess Cruises Staterooms

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Diamond Princess Japanese Bath Preview

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Introducing Sky Princess' Culinary Journey

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OCEAN TREKS TM with Jeff Corwin

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THE VOYAGER TM with Josh Garcia

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VACATION CREATION TM with Tommy Davidson and Andrea Feczko

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Ocean Medallion™ Class

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GOOD SPIRITS TM with Matthew Biancaniello

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Jennifer Jolly Introduces O·C·E·A·N™ at CES

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California Coast Cuisine: Santa Barbara

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California Coast Cuisine: Ensenada

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Royal & Regal Princess In-Depth Cruise Ship Video Tours

Join Ron Goodman on Royal Princess as he gives you an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at several of the extraordinary features onboard Royal Princess and Regal Princess! 

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Chef's table lumiere dining, seaview bar, princess® watercolor fantasy, princess live, spectacular live show, sanctuary cabanas, princess seawalk®, lotus spa cabanas.

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A Tour of Princess Cruises’ Ship Majestic Princess [VIDEO]

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

Sarah Bretz, Contributor

  • December 13, 2021

Princess Cruises’ ship  Majestic Princess  was originally built for the Asian market, and debuted in 2017. From then through 2021, the ship split her time between Australia and Asia. In summer 2021, she was repositioned to the U.S. west coast.

Because of her original deployment, many spaces on Majestic  were designed specifically with the Asian market in mind, and that sets this ship apart from her other Royal-class sisters. Some venues were converted when she headed to America — such as karaoke rooms being transformed into spa treatment rooms — but others stayed, like the Harmony specialty restaurant which is where you’ll find Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria on the sister ships.

Those differences make  Majestic Princess  unique, which you will notice during our video tour.

majestic princess

In this ship tour, we start on what is essentially the bottom public deck, deck five — the Plaza deck. Here, you’ll find the Lotus Spa with its treatments rooms and The Enclave thermal suite, as well as its beauty salon. Guest Services and the shore excursions desk can also be found on deck five, along with Asian specialty restaurant Harmony. This deck is also home to the bottom floor of the ship’s atrium, called The Piazza. There, you’ll find a few bars, the International Café, and shops. Further aft is the Symphony main dining room.

Deck six, the Fiesta deck, features the Allegro and Concerto dining rooms, as well as the art gallery, internet café, photo gallery, and the ever-popular Alfredo’s Pizzeria. Further forward is the Grand Casino, video arcade, and the lower level of the main theater.

Deck seven is the Promenade deck, which includes the theater’s upper level, more shops, Ocean Terrace Bar, and French specialty restaurant Bistro Sur La Mer. Further back is the Princess Live! mini theater, Crown Grill steakhouse, The Library, and the Vista Lounge.

Decks eight through 15 (with no deck 13!) are staterooms.

Deck 16, the Lido deck, features the Wake View Bar, the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, and the main pools with some hot tubs, bars, and counter-service dining options surrounding it. This is also the deck where you’ll find the glass-floored SeaWalk that goes over the side of the ship.

seawalk majestic princess

Deck 17 is the Sun deck, which houses the fitness center, Camp Discovery kids’ clubs, and The Beach House teen lounge. This deck features a lot of outdoor deck space with loungers, as well as the Hollywood Pool Club which is like a solarium. All the way forward is the Hollywood Conservatory, which is basically an observation deck with skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cabanas that can be rented.

Deck 18 is the Sports deck with a basketball court, jogging track, and workout equipment.

The top and final deck on  Majestic Princess  is the Sky deck — deck 19, where you’ll find the mini golf course.

Watch Our Majestic Princess Ship Tour

READ NEXT:  9 Pros and Cons of Majestic Princess

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All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

Here’s everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises fleet.

princess cruise ship videos

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Sailors of all ages love Princess Cruises for its quality, service, value, and serene style of cruising.  What’s more, the 2023 T+L World’s Best Award-winning mega-ship line   — which is also a WBA Hall of Fame Honoree — tends to steer clear of splashy entertainment (for example, you won’t find go-karts, water slides, or ziplines on board most ships) in favor of more refined activities. Discovery at SEA programming is a standout offering: In partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet, guests can partake in nature-centric onboard activities and shore excursions. Most Princess ships boast a majestic atrium modeled after an Italian piazza, and it’s here where you’ll find some of the best drinking, dining, and shopping venues on board. 

According to travel advisor and cruise specialist Jennaca Boose of Marvelous Mouse Travels , Princess’ fleet of 15 ships — 16 if you count the upcoming Sun Princess , which will make its long-anticipated debut this year — is family-friendly, and each vessel is “equipped to entertain all ages;” however, some cater towards specific age demographics better than others. For example, she says, travelers sailing with younger children will especially love Royal Princess and Regal Princess , which “have even more to offer” beyond the kids club, such as “outdoor play areas with jungle gyms and a separate teen space with a hot tub.” Meanwhile, says Boose, cruisers craving an intimate onboard experience may consider sailing aboard Coral Princess or Island Princess , which are two of the line’s smaller ships. 

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the line ​​offers dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries across the globe, including Alaska, Mexico, Japan, the Mediterranean, and many more. “Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or an immersive cultural itinerary,” says Boose, “Princess has a ship for you.” Without further ado, keep scrolling for a breakdown of each ship in the Princess Cruises fleet to help you narrow down which vessels would be best for you. 

Related: 21 Cruise Tips That Will Help Make Your Trip Even Better, According to Experts

Sun Princess

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Sphere

Ship Capacity: 4,300 guests

The inaugural ship in Princess' new Sphere class, Sun Princess is the line's largest — and flashiest — vessel to date. Set to sail the Mediterranean and Caribbean, this 20-deck mega-ship is sure to make waves following its early 2024 debut. The Park19 family zone will offer nine fun-filled activities, including the Sea Breeze (the first Rollglider at sea), The Lookout (an open-air observation deck), and Coastal Climb (a climbing structure for adventure enthusiasts of all ages). There’s also a two-deck arena, the multi-level Dome entertainment space, and the brand-new Spellbound, a Victorian-themed bar where guests can watch magicians while sipping theatrical cocktails.

Discovery Princess

Inaugural Year: 2022

Ship Class: Royal

Ship Capacity: 3,660 guests

For an elegant onboard experience complete with world-class specialty dining that’ll entice any gourmand, spectacular live entertainment in the lavish Princess Theater, and the largest balconies at sea (spanning over 1,000 square feet) found in one of the ship’s splurge-worthy Sky Suites, look no further than Princess’ final Royal-class ship. Spend sea days soaking up the sun — and the ocean views — by the infinity Wake View Pool.

Enchanted Princess

Inaugural Year: 2021

The elegant Enchanted Princess is a haven for relaxation-seekers with four sparkling pools (including the infinity-edge Wake View Pool), 10 hot tubs, and a serene spa offering Asian-inspired treatments. For the ultimate splurge, reserve one of the sprawling Sky Suites, best known for their expansive balconies offering 270-degree sea views. Other honorable mentions include the Sanctuary, Discovery at SEA, movie screenings under the stars, and the SeaWalk, a 60-foot-long glass-enclosed hallway with floor-to-ceiling ocean vistas.

Sky Princess

Inaugural Year: 2019

The snazzy Sky Princess made its grand debut in 2019; fast-forward five years later, and the ship has retained its allure. The three-story atrium is the beating heart of the ship, dotted with shops, bars, and restaurants galore. Check out Chef’s Table Lumiere, or try your luck at the casino for the ultimate splurge. Finally, for the best ocean views, book one of the Sky Suites.

Majestic Princess

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Inaugural Year: 2017

Ship Capacity: 3,560 guests

This Royal-class ship was initially designed for cruises from Shanghai, which means passengers can expect Chinese-inspired decor along with the fantastic specialty restaurant, Harmony, which features mouthwatering Asian menu items like wok-fried lobster, spring rolls, and more. Also unique to Majestic Princess is the adults-only Hollywood Pool Club, a perfect spot for grown-ups looking to soak in style. Meanwhile, don’t miss the dazzling casino and incredible SeaWalk, where panoramic ocean views await.

Regal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2014

This 2014 mega-ship definitely delivers in terms of onboard attractions. A few fan favorites include movies under the stars (best enjoyed with popcorn and candy in hand, of course), original productions, an outdoor musical fountain show, and Princess Live!, where passengers will find interactive culinary shows along with late-night comedy and game shows that can be viewed in-person or from the comfort of one’s stateroom. Last but not least, don’t forget to snap a selfie on the SeaWalk.

Royal Princess

Inaugural Year: 2013

Prepare to receive the royal treatment (pun intended) aboard the 3,560-passenger Royal Princess . The ship’s dazzling common spaces, including the grand atrium and the SeaWalk, are sure to impress design lovers, while the drinking and dining options, including the extravagant Chef’s Table Lumiere — available only on Royal-class ships — will delight culinary connoisseurs of all ages. 

Ruby Princess

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Crown

Ship Capacity: 3,080 guests

Entertainment options abound on the 19-deck Ruby Princess , from movies under the stars and basketball to golfing and (hopefully) winning big at the casino. While party-going cruisers can dance ‘til the wee hours of the night at Skywalkers, serenity-seeking travelers may choose to hit the sack early before waking up to enjoy the spa or The Sanctuary.

Emerald Princess

Inaugural Year: 2007

Last refurbished in 2019, Emerald Princess features something for families of all ages, including  reimagined Camp Discovery youth and teen centers and the serene Sanctuary, a kid-free slice of paradise in the middle of the sea. Passengers can also perfect their swing at the putting course, enjoy poolside movie screenings, unwind at one of several swanky bars and lounges, including the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, hit the spa, or dance the night away at the onboard club. In summary, it’s pretty much impossible to be bored on this ship.

Crown Princess

Inaugural Year: 2006

Despite its 3,000-plus passenger capacity , Crown Princess never feels super crowded thanks to abundant onboard amenities and activities. Highlights include three main dining rooms, a three-story atrium, and, of course, ample activities and programming, which run the gamut from basketball courts and pajama movie nights for kids to karaoke and an onboard nightclub.

Diamond Princess

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Class: Grand

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests 

Best known for its Asia itineraries, Diamond Princess is sure to wow cruisers of all ages with its unique onboard features. Wellness-seekers need not miss the Izumi Japanese Bath, where guests can enjoy a traditional Japanese bathing experience coupled with breathtaking ocean views. There’s also the adults-only Sanctuary sun deck, Broadway-caliber entertainment, ample restaurants (including five main dining rooms), a nightclub, and so much more.

Caribbean Princess

Ship Capacity: 3,140 guests

This massive 18-deck ship was last refurbished in 2019 to bring it up to par with the line’s latest vessels. The European-inspired piazza , boasting street performers, eclectic boutiques, restaurants and bars, and a striking spiral staircase, is the beating heart of the ship. Plus, as part of the line’s partnership with Discovery, guests can enjoy nature-filled activities and lectures.

Sapphire Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,670 guests

Those craving a traditional cruising experience need not look further than the 20-year-old Sapphire Princess . With an onboard nightclub, five main dining rooms (plus many other bars and lounges, including a cigar lounge), this 2,670-passenger ship is among the line’s buzziest. After dancing the night away, adults can spend the day relaxing at The Sanctuary, while families will surely appreciate the dedicated spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Island Princess

Inaugural Year: 2003

Ship Class: Coral

Ship Capacity: 2,200 guests

Island Princess was purposefully built to sail through the Panama Canal. This 2,200-guest, 20-plus-year-old ship offers a more refined onboard experience compared to the line’s newer, flashier vessels. Sea days are well spent at the spa, in swimming pools, or sipping cocktails in the massive atriums; come nighttime, watch movies under the stars (a Princess staple) or catch live musical performances before hitting the sack — and getting ready to do it all again the following day.

Coral Princess

Ship Capacity: 2,000 guests 

Coral Princess is Princess’ smallest ship; however, there is still plenty to see, do, and experience on board. Guests can make themselves right at home in the piazza-style grand atrium, where prime people-watching awaits. For some R&R, grown-ups can head to the tranquil, adults-only Sanctuary while the kids are at play at the children’s centers.

Grand Princess

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Capacity: 2,600 guests

Princess’ oldest ship underwent a major renovation back in 2019, adding fan-favorite restaurants like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. Catch a Broadway-style show, relax at The Sanctuary, or partake in nature-centric activities as part of the line’s Discovery at SEA programming.

Princess Cruises: 15 Tips, Tricks and Insider Secrets

Princess Cruises 15 Tips, Tricks and Insider Secrets for first time cruisers

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Princess Cruises Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

If you’re going on a Princess cruise, here are some cruise tips you should know before you cruise. 

The reality is, that although you can read a lot of general cruise tips , every cruise line is unique and has different amenities and offerings. 

For this reason, this article focuses on features found on Princess Cruises ; with Princess cruise tips, hacks and insider “secrets” you really want to know!

  • How to get discounts on your cruise booking
  • Hacks to get extra onboard credits
  • Princess Cruises dining “secrets” and specialties
  • Princess Cruises drink packages
  • Cruise cabin information
  • Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion
  • A shore excursion tip that will surprise you
  • and more…

Please know that this is not “official” Princess information, so always verify with the cruise line web site for current information, as well as any specifics related to your cruise booking.

Princess Cruises Tips You Need to Know

Recommended first-time cruiser posts (for general info):

15 Epic Tips First Time Cruisers Need to Know

25 Recommended Amazon Items to Bring on a cruise

10 Ways to Prevent and Avoid Seasickness on a Cruise

Things to know about cruising with Princess (that are pretty amazing)

We’ve cruised on Princess several times, and cruise on other lines as well. However, there are some things we genuinely love about our Princess Cruises.

Princess is a really good cruise line that seems to have something for everyone. We’ve done a few family cruises, couples only cruises, and even one large family cruise – I highly recommend Princess for multi-generational travel .

Firstly, some cruise advice that will pretty much guarantee that you’ll find out all the important stuff

1. Read your Princess Patter (daily planner) or check the daily schedule and activity guide on your Ocean Medallion or Princess Cruises App . The various activities, restaurants and specialty food venues will all be written in the planner. Check the back as well, as sometime the info is there.

cruise daily planner

2. Just Ask.  When you aren’t sure, just ask your fellow cruise passengers or the staff on board. They’ll be happy to share their knowledge and steer you in the right direction.

3. Go to the first time cruisers information sessions. On many cruise ships, there will be Ocean Medallion and even cruise port talks. These information sessions can be super helpful in answering questions you didn’t even know you had. When are they? Check your Princess Patter 😉

Read more:  12 Top Reasons to Cruise with Princess Cruises

Princess First-time Cruiser Tips

Before we begin, I will let you know – you may want to grab a pen and paper, print out, or better yet, save on your favorite Pinterest board for later :-). If you find this helpful, please share.

Princess Cruises 15 Insider Secrets

1. Princess Cruise Cabins

While Princess cabins aren’t the largest we’ve ever seen, they have something we just love! Princess Cruises staterooms have amazing large open closets. From inside cabins to balcony staterooms, the cruise cabins have a sort of separator wall between the sleeping area and closet and washroom area.

While these cabins don’t have large sofa chairs or couches in them, for this you’ll need to move up to a mini-suite, this large open space as you enter your cabin is really practical.

There are even a couple of full size mirrors. In our family, it served as a bit of “private” dressing area, right outside the washroom.

Whether you’re an over-packer like me or not, this extra large hanging space, along with a few shelves. Even though I still love some good cruise cabin hacks , this just makes it easier on everyone.

2. Princess Cruises Dining Options

dinner main dining room life well cruised

Princess has some of the best dining options at sea. There’s literally so much available and included .

Recently, I saw a fun Facebook thread, asking Princess Cruisers to name their first-time cruiser lessons or mistakes. One common first cruise “mistake” was how many people didn’t realize that most of the food on-board the ship was actually included.

We had friends who cruised several years ago, and they recounted the story and lesson from their first cruise. It seemed that they ate each breakfast, lunch and dinner in the buffet. There’s nothing wrong with eating in the buffet, but it wasn’t until the last night of their cruise, that they realized that dinner in the dining room was actually included!

Here is a list of Princess restaurants and food venues that are included (no extra fees)

international cafe

  • Main Dining Room (Traditional and Anytime Dining)
  • International Cafe – This is literally open almost all the time and offers breakfast, lunch (even salads), snack and dessert options
  • Poolside Grill – Outdoors near the pool there is a grill with burgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers, french fries and more (fries at 4 pm are too good!)
  • Poolside Pizza – Princess has some of the best pizza at sea (possibly THE best)
  • Horizon Court Buffet – the buffet has quite a lot available from morning to night
  • Alfredo’s Pizzeria – while not available on every ship, Alfredo’s is a casual sit down Italian venue open for lunch and dinner and there’s no extra charge.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria Tip

Alfredo's Pizza Princess Cruises

If you’re cruising on Regal or Royal Princess (or another ship with an Alfredo’s restaurant), consider having your lunch here on embarkation day , while your fellow cruisers still don’t realize it’s included. The buffet will be busy that first day, so avoid it if you can.

I put together this review with pictures and the menus , so you could get an idea of what to expect.

On top of this there’s ice cream and popcorn on the pool deck. My best for any ship, is to explore as much as possible, and discover all it has to offer.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria (review and menus):   Princess Cruises Alfredo’s Pizzeria; the Best Pizza at Sea (link to article)

3.What food isn’t included?

Specialty restaurants such as Sabatini’s, Crown Grill and Crab Shack have an additional charge. If you’d like to have a more intimate or special meal, you may really enjoy this.

Other food items that aren’t included are the gelato shops in the Piazza (Princess Atrium) and a few odd items like chocolate covered strawberries. There is a fairly small charge if you enjoy them.

15 Princess Cruise Tips and Tricks PIN

4. Are drinks and coffee included?

Princess Cruises Coffee

With cruise lines promoting beverage packages, it can be hard to know what drinks are included, and which are not.

There are additional charges for alcoholic drinks, soda or pop, water bottles and some juices. There’s also an extra charge for specialty coffee and tea.

While “regular” coffee and tea is available in the buffet and in the Main Dining Room, freshly brewed coffee, specialty coffee and premium teas are additional. 

Consider purchasing a coffee package at International Cafe, which is an excellent value.

Alcohol and non-alcohol/soda packages can also be purchased as well.

Here’s an extensive guide to the Princess Cruises Drink Packages , that I’ve recently put together. I’ve included bar menus and drink photos as a resource, so do check it out:

  Princess Cruises Drink Packages (with bar menus and drink photos)

Tip: You can bring a bottle of wine per adult in the cabin. A corkage fee of $15 may be applied if you drink it in a public area.

5. Bonus for Foodies: Princess Fan Favorite Foods

nutella donuts international cafe

There are some foods that frequent Princess cruisers just love – they are really kind of fan favorites. So, if you’re cruising with Princess for the first time, and you love cruise food, you might want to know this.

Poolside pizza – It’s really good, and was even voted best at Sea by USA today. More importantly, regular cruisers rave about it, so give it a try.

Fettuccine  Alfredo – In my opinion, this dish which is served in the main dining room as a full meal or appetizer, was actually much better when it was served in a parmesan cheese bowl, but it’s still really good and definitely a favorite.

Nutella Donuts – Look out for these in the International Cafe, as they are not available every day. They are so good they’re almost sinful.

Chocolate Journey’s desserts – Most chocolate desserts on Princess are really good. If you see one of these on the dessert menu in the dining room or at the International Cafe, they are worth the calories.

Princess Cruises Love Boat Dream – While this isn’t my personal favorite, it’s certainly popular and perhaps the most romantic dessert on the menu. Shaped in a heart and made of chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, it’s worth a try.

Princess Cruises - Best Tips, Tricks and Secrets PIN image

6. Princess Love Boat Nostalgia

If you’re on a Princess Cruise, there’s going to be some Love Boat nostalgia. From the cruise ship horn playing the Love Boat Theme Song (on some ships), to the Love Boat Disco Deck Party – it’s all in good fun!

You can even find Love Boat reruns on your cruise cabin TV.

7. Hooray for Room Service!

Cruise View

When we first started cruising, most cruise lines offered free room service. But, over the years we’ve seen that change. We love that Princess continues to offer a pretty decent room service menu!

Whether you order a light breakfast to have in your cabin before an early shore excursion, or a late night snack, just know that this is included with your cruise fare.

8. Princess Cruises Discounts and on board credit benefits

There are all sorts of discounts you should check for, if you’re booking a Princess Cruise.

From Military benefits,  Past Passenger discounts, and additional on board credits for *referring your friends (did you know about this one?) , these are things you should ask about when booking a Princess Cruise.

These additional onboard credits can be substantial – if you are a veteran or in the military, please inquire about the military benefit when booking with your travel agent or Princess directly.

To use the Refer Your Friends program, you must register your friend as a referral online. You will both get an additional on board credit, even if you aren’t cruising together. Check Princess Cruises website for details and current information.

9. Princess Cruises OceanMedallion Ships

Ocean medallion app to download

Over the last year or so, you’ve probably heard a lot about Ocean Medallion cruises.

Basically, the Medallion device replaces the cruise card, and quite a bit more. Although not yet available on every cruise ship, Princess has said that 15 of its cruise ships will be OceanMedallion ready by the end of 2020.

If you have a smart phone, there’s a lot that you can do on your device. However, you don’t need to have a smart phone to use this, and it’s “free”. There is no additional charge.

I won’t go into all the details here, as I’ve put together a lot of information in these 2 previous posts (below).

If you’d like to read more about our personal experience with Ocean Medallion, you can find our review here: Our Ocean Medallion Cruise Experience on the Regal Princess

Additionally, as more information was released about Ocean Medallion,  I put this together to help answer any questions, from a cruiser perspective:  21 Things You Need to Know About Ocean Medallion

Princess Cruises Tips and Secrets PIN image

10. Princess Cruises MedallionNet – Internet and Wifi

Could it be that the days of expensive and sluggish internet on a cruise ship are slowly becoming a thing of the past?

After cruising on the Regal Princess last Christmas and New Year’s and paying less than $10 a day for unlimited internet – it has really spoiled us!

MedallionNet is available on all OceanMedallion cruise ships. The updated technology has allowed for fast internet, that works well even in your cabin.

However, this isn’t available on all Princess Cruise Ships yet. Check to see if your ship has this, and otherwise what internet packages you can buy, if you need this.

Remember that you don’t need to buy any internet package to use the Medallion or it’s features. You only need to purchase MedallionNet if you want to use the internet.

If you’d like to know more, please read this post .

If you’d like a video explanation of Ocean Medallion, you can see this in my YouTube video below.

11. Future Cruise Deposits and Booking On-board

If you’re cruising for the first time, or even if you’ve cruised a few times, you may not be aware of the advantages of booking your “next” cruise on board.

Most cruise lines offer an on-board booking incentive program, and generally they are advantageous. Princess Cruises has a really good one, which I believe is very worth it.

How does booking on-board work?

I often recommend to people, that if they have enjoyed their cruise, they should put down a deposit for a future cruise. Not only is the deposit reduced, but it will give you additional on-board credits on a future cruise, just for booking on-board.

That’s free money – and who doesn’t love this?!?

If you’ve booked with a travel agent, the future cruise reservation agent will send the booking to him or her, if you wish. You can even go home and transfer it to an agent, which may get you even more perks back home. There are some conditions , so please check before you book.

15 Princess Tips and Tricks you wish you knew sooner

12. Princess Cruises Loyalty Program

One thing you’ll notice on a Princess Cruise, is the amount of repeat cruisers there are.

Why? Well, overall they offer a really good cruise experience and people want to cruise again.

However, they also have a really good loyalty program, called Captain’s Circle. They offer past passenger discounts, free internet minutes, a small discount in stores, and even at a certain loyalty level, free laundry, and more!

Seriously, they had me at free laundry. Ladies, am I right? 😉

13. Some Special Princess Cruise Ship Experiences that we Love!

Regal Princess British Pun Lunch

I feel like I talk about food a lot, but Princess has some really great casual food and special experiences that are worth doing, and many cruisers just don’t know about it (and I want to make sure you do!)

Some “free” foodie experiences that you may enjoy include:

The British Pub Lunch

british pub lunch fish and chips

This is served on sea days often in the Wheelhouse Bar or Crown Grill. There is no extra charge for it.

They serve fish and chips, prawns, bangers and mash, and more. We think it’s fabulous and love it!

Tip: It gets busy and it’s quite popular, so go early.

Afternoon Tea

There are actually 2 afternoon teas served. One is served in the main dining room and there is no extra charge. The other is has a small charge and is served in a more intimate setting.

We did the afternoon tea, in the MDR for the first time while on our last Princess Cruise. We had some little cucumber sandwiches and some scones, cream and jam – it was soooo good!

Afternoon Tea Ilana Regal Princess

14. Princess Cruises Shore Excursions Tips

I’m by no means suggesting that you book every shore excursion with Princess, or even that you need an excursion in every cruise port. However, there are times when it’s a good idea to book an excursion .

I’ve found a really good advantage, which many cruisers just don’t know about.

It’s the Best Price Shore Excursion Guarantee . Basically, the way this works is that if you find a very similar shore excursion online with another vendor, Princess will not only match the price, but give you a 10% difference in extra on-board credit.

Here is the form , which you can download from the Princess website.

princess cruise tips and advice first timers

15. Princess Cruises Glossary and Cruise Lingo Acronyms

First time cruisers will learn quickly that cruisers have a language all their own. You’ll hear frequent cruisers speak in cruise jargon and acronyms all the time.

These are just a few:

MDR – main dining room

IC – International Cafe

FCC – Future Cruise Credit

OBC – On board credit

TA – Travel Agent

B2B/B2B2B – 2 and 3 and more cruises all in a row

For a more extensive list of cruise vocabulary:  Cruise Lingo Glossary – 55 Words You Need to Know

Princess Cruises Embarkation Day – What to expect

I’ve put together this YouTube video about our recent Princess Cruise on the Crown Princess. It begins with our embarkation day, and you can follow along on our Caribbean cruise if you’d like to see some samples of dining and other aspects of cruise life on Princess.

If you enjoy, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel where I share helpful cruise tips and vlogs.

15 best tips for new princess cruisers

Read next:   Princess Cruises Drink Packages (the details and menus) – Premium Beverage Package, New Grounds Coffee Package, Princess Plus perks

Recap:15 Awesome Tips for First-Time Princess Cruises

We’ve gone through some of the best things about cruising with Princess, and things first time cruisers will appreciate knowing.

One of the most important things to do, is actually to refer to your Princess Patter, the daily planner. This, or the app on your phone or portal, will help you to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

Even though my intention is to provide useful and helpful information, always check your own cruise personalizer, with your travel agent and/or Princess Cruises website for the most accurate information, that is relevant to your own booking.

Have you cruised with Princess or are you cruising soon? Do you have any extra tips?

Happy Cruising!!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Popular Posts:

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Will be “hopefully” leaving for a princess cruise up the coast of N.E./ Can. 7 days. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise & now I can. We are traveling on the newest Ship. Enchanted Princess. Your videos/blog, besides being filled with information have me really excited for this trip. I’d like to see if there are any videos or the suites, other than the Sky suite (i.e. the Owner’s suite)and that class of suites. Also can you tell me what changes are to be expected due to Covid 19. For example will I need to mask in the MDR? What about at the pool? Etc.

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What a great cruise and cruise ship! I’m so glad my videos & blog posts are helpful as you plan for your cruise.

For changes and policies, a lot will change and be updated before you sail. However right now you don’t need to wear a mask when eating, drinking or in a pool and outdoors in most cases. Let’s keep looking at the info from Princess and we’ll know more as it gets closer 🙂

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I’m new to cruising and your content has been so helpful in figuring out my first cruise coming up at the end of March on Discovery Princess! I see Discovery Princess has Gigi’s Pizza instead of Alfredo’s. Is it the same? Similar? I don’t want to miss out on the Best Pizza at Sea!

Thanks! John

I’ll have to check into Gigi’s to see what is offered. The pizza on Princess is really good, even on the pool deck where there’s a pizzeria, so no need to miss out either way. Have an amazing cruise!!

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Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

I was rushing to make my dinner reservation on Princess Cruises’ new ship. But when I arrived at the restaurant, the view made me stop.

From the windows at the sushi eatery Makoto Ocean – part of a sphere-shaped structure near the middle of the vessel – I saw the sun sinking below the horizon, a reddish-orange dot on the Mediterranean Sea. The Sun Princess facilitates scenes like that by design.

“We wanted to make sure that within how we designed the (venues) and placed the furniture, we gave maximum opportunity for our guests to be able to celebrate those outward views,” Denise Saviss, Princess’ vice president of entertainment experience, told USA TODAY. “It is really, really unique to have so much glass on the ship.”

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That was one of several striking features during a recent sailing (the ship is now cruising the Mediterranean before it moves to the Caribbean in October). Here are three takeaways from the first in the line’s aptly named Sphere Class.

1. The design showcases views at sea and in port

Makoto isn’t the only venue that offers that kind of view.

Other spaces inside the Sphere – which also houses lobby-slash-entertainment venue The Piazza – feature similarly sweeping vistas across decks 7, 8 and 9. I watched the light sparkle on the water while I sipped coffee one morning at International Café, and patrons dining at Alfredo’s Pizzeria can take in the scenery during their meal from many seats.

That’s also true elsewhere on the ship. At Horizons Dining Room, floor-to-ceiling windows face the ship’s wake. At the other end of the vessel, the Dome, a geodesic structure that Princess has said was inspired by the hills of Santorini, is like a massive solarium.

The space – which will also host shows including acrobatics – has multiple tiers of loungers, an indoor-outdoor pool and the Cascade Bar (which comes in handy for cooling off, as it felt a bit muggy in the Dome at one point on a sunny sea day).

The overall effect helped to bring the outside in.

2. The ship is bigger but still intimate

Sun Princess is the largest ship in the Princess fleet, and the 21-deck vessel can accommodate 4,300 guests. But that doesn’t mean everything is huge.

Given the scale of the offerings, a number of spaces on board feel notably intimate. One night, I walked to Good Spirits at Sea, a cocktail bar crafted in partnership with mixologist Rob Floyd that also hosts classes, and thought I was lost before stumbling upon it tucked around a corner on Deck 7. Inside, the 40-person venue offered a laid-back alternative to other more boisterous nightlife options.

On Deck 9, the ship’s buffet-like venue, The Eatery, gives way to narrower hallways toward the aft with backlit wood paneling and benches. At the end, they open back up to reveal specialty restaurants The Catch by Rudi and The Butcher’s Block by Dario (from Princess’ head of culinary arts, Rudi Sodamin, and in partnership with famed butcher Dario Cecchini, respectively).

Even the multi-configuration Princess Arena felt cozier than its near-1,000-guest capacity would suggest. I sat in the second-to-last row of my section for a performance by the vocal group ODY·C and was still close enough to see clearly.

3. The line leans into family-friendly activities

Part of Sun Princess’ expanded footprint has been used to broaden the line’s family offerings.

Park19, a new space on the ship’s top decks, features a variety of activities in an open-air setting. Saviss said the line worked to balance the interests of core customers and a growing family market “and make sure we're prioritizing spaces that everybody can enjoy.”

“There are some attractions that I think naturally, at first blush, people would say, ‘Oh, it's just for kids,’ but actually, the space is really comprehensive,” she said. “Our attractions are available for many different levels of ability and mobility.”

Those include Coastal Climb, an obstacle course that culminates in 360-degree views from The Lookout observation deck (the highest point accessible to guests on the ship, also reachable via elevator) and The Net ropes course.

On Sea Breeze, billed as the first Rollglider on a cruise ship, passengers will glide along the outer edges of the ship on an electric track (the ride will also be ADA-accessible, though Saviss said some mobility is required for maneuvering into the seat).

It’s as close as the ship gets to an amusement park (Princess’ version). “We're not running the rat race, if you will, of like, who can do it bigger, better,” Saviss said. “If you want to just have a really incredible bird's-eye view of Sun Princess, and in and around where the ship is sailing, you can do that. But there is an option to push a little lever while you're riding it and dial up the speed a bit faster, and then it does become a bit more thrilling.”

The ride was not yet available when I was on board, as the line moved through a testing, certification and training process, but is expected to open on April 27. Sun Princess’ original launch was delayed with the cruise line citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard, which pushed back the opening of some onboard amenities.

When is the best time to take a cruise?: We broke it down by region.

There is also a hammock area to chill when guests need a break, a recreational court that can host activities from pingpong to morning meditation, a jogging track and more. Elsewhere on board, guests will find the Firefly Park kids club and hangout spaces Neon Grove and The Underground for tweens and teens, respectively.

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Princess Cruises. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bigger ship, better views: 3 takeaways from Princess Cruises' newest vessel

Sun Princess is the first ship in the Sphere Class.

Sun Princess® – Talk About Exciting and New

You'll love it to the sun and back.

Find Sun Princess Cruises    View Sun Princess Deck Plans

Experience the Piazza on Sun Princess

What Were We Thinking of When We Designed the New Sun Princess? You.

We pondered everything, so you can feel the love on the cruise vacation of your dreams.

Because here, the sun revolves around you.

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Park19 – An Adventure That’s Tops

We know you love spending time with your favorite people, so we created a (tip)top-deck space everyone can enjoy...together. Soar like a bird 19 decks above the waves on the Sea Breeze Rollglider®, a first at sea.(You can even go for a ride now with this AR preview!) It's just a taste of what you'll find at this wonderland for kids and adults alike.

Watch Video: Sea Breeze Rollglider® AR (Augmented Reality) Preview

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Sea Breeze Rollglider® and The Net Ropes Course

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Infinite Horizon Tilt Wall

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Coastal Climb, Splash Pad & The Lookout

Spellbound theater on Sun Princess

Be Spellbound on Sun Princess®

What’s behind the black door? Spellbound, a spectacular one-of-a-kind experience created in partnership with The Magic Castle™. This Victorian-themed bar features magicians performing mind-bending entertainment, themed rooms and theatrical cocktails served with sleight of hand. Feel like you’ve stepped into Hollywood’s iconic Magic Castle™, where time stands still and your imagination runs wild.

Watch Video: Spellbound on Sun Princess

Inaugural Cruise: 2024  |  Guest Cabins: 2,150  |  Guest Capacity: 4,300  |  Number of Decks: 21  |   Tonnage: 175,500  |   Length: 1,133 feet

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Get ready for the greatest entertainment under the Sun.

This glass-enclosed dome is multilevel and multipurpose: pool by sunlight, stage for shows by starlight. .

art beat graphic heart with colors

Come Fly Away

"ooh" and "ahh" over artists who fuse acrobatics, dance, comedy and daring feats to visually dazzle you in the dome, a pretty breathtaking venue in its own right. that's just a taste of what you expect from three new dome shows created in collaboration with world-renowned cirque é loize..

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We know you enjoy sweeping views, so we built our Piazza in a sphere of glass.

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See the World in a Whole New Light

It’s more than ocean vistas in every direction; it’s being immersed in the world around you like never before. The heartbeat of our ship, our Piazza may have been inspired by the town squares of Europe, but her evolution is out of this world.

The Venues of The Piazza

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Coffee Currents

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Bellini's Cocktail Bar

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Alfredo's Pizzeria

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International Cafe

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We know you want amazing entertainment, so we made our theater a showstopper.

Our most technologically advanced performance space can shapeshift into different designs, even in the round, to suit all our new production shows..

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We know you love great food, so we’ve elevated our dining – three decks high.

When it came to our main dining room, we dreamed big...or should we say "tall" three stories, an elegant design, multicourse meals guests rave about and a different experience for each level., whether new favorites or fan favorites, when it comes to dining, the flavors shine through..

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Crown Grill

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Sabatini's Italian Trattoria

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World Fresh Marketplace

new

Umai Teppanyaki

new

O'Malley's Irish Pub

new

The Promenade

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Wheelhouse Bar

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Good Spirits At Sea

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We know you crave relaxation, so we created even more places to come feel the "ahhh!"

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The Views Revolve Around You

In these all-new spaces, all you gotta do to recharge is take in the ocean vistas. Our Sea View Terrace sets the tone at the front, while the new Wake View Terrace features an infinity pool and aft life redefined.

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Soak Up The Fun

We've surrounded this preferred poolside spot with lots of options for food and drinks: Lido Grill, Lido Slice by Alfredo’s, Lido Tacos, Lido Greens, Coffee & Cones and THREE bars.

princess cruise ship videos

Lotus Spa® - Now Two Stories!

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The Sanctuary

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Sea View Terrace

Family & Kids

Psst...kids, want your own space? Firefly Park, Neon Grove and The Underground are ALL YOURS.

With games, themed events and activities all reserved for you. so let the adults have their fun; you’ll have yours too..

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Firefly Park Kids Club

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Neon Grove Tweens Club

princess cruise ship videos

The Underground Teen Lounge

Accommodations

We know you want new accommodations, so we designed a variety of them.

Reserve Collection

Reserve Collection, debuting on Sun Princess®, includes premium location Mini-Suites and Cabanas, plus exclusive access to a private restaurant and additional luxuries.

Signature Collection

Introducing the Signature Collection, exclusively on Sun Princess®. In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection Suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge and private Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.

princess cruise ship videos

Signature Sun Deck

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Signature Lounge

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Signature Restaurant

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Reserve Collection Restaurant

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Cabana Deck

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Premium Accommodations

Some things just go together, like relaxation and premium accommodations. The bonus? Staterooms that take lounging and views to the next level with more possibilities than ever before. See what we mean!

Watch Video: Sun Princess Premium Accommodations

princess cruise ship videos

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Our largest, most premium stateroom with accommodations for up to five guests

The most relaxing accommodations at sea, enjoy breathtaking views in this resort-style stateroom, treat yourself every time you walk into your stateroom, a front row seat for beautiful scenery, a room with an expansive view, our most affordable option for guests who just want a comfortable spot to recharge, for guests with limited mobility, you may also like.

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Ships & Staterooms

See everything our ships have to offer.

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MedallionClass® On All Ships!

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

princess cruise ship videos

The Onboard Experience

Hot spots and cool escapes, blissful pursuits and play days—come see what’s aboard a Princess® ship.

princess cruise ship videos

Women's March Madness team faced racial threats

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Joe Lieberman, former Connecticut senator and vice-presidential candidate, is dead

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Ski resort town votes on whether to create more affordable housing

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New pressure on White House amid relentless violence in Haiti's capital

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Bodies of two missing workers recovered after Baltimore bridge collapse

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4 people killed in stabbings in northern Illinois

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Ship's data recorders recovered after bridge collapse

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After the Baltimore bridge disaster, inspiration from the words of Francis Scott Key

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Biden and Harris campaign together in North Carolina

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View from the air of the collapsed bridge and the cargo ship

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Known associate of Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrested in raids, law enforcement source says

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Baltimore bridge collapses after being struck by cargo ship

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Parents of Evan Gershkovich speak out almost a year after reporter was detained in Russia

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Investigators search for answers in bridge collapse

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Shohei Ohtani says interpreter stole from his account and 'told lies'

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Feds search homes of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, sources say

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The biggest question about Trump’s Truth Social merger

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Mourning in Moscow for terrorist attack that killed 137

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Famed waiters' run returns to Paris

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Boeing CEO announces he'll step down amid quality control failures

Nightly news, fire breaks out on carnival cruise and 2 crew members killed aboard holland america ship.

Flames billowed from the back of the Carnival Freedom cruise ship after a fire ignited in the ship’s exhaust funnel as the vessel was just off the coast of the Bahamas. Two crew members on a Holland America cruise ship were killed after an incident in an engineering space aboard the vessel. NBC News’ Marissa Parra reports. March 24, 2024

Best of NBC News

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NBC News NOW

Ntsb says 56 containers of hazardous materials were on cargo ship.

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Nightly News Netcast

Nightly news full broadcast (march 27th).

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Multiple NYC women speak out on TikTok saying they were punched on streets

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Life inside a Haitian orphanage

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Baltimore city council president speaks on salvage operation at bridge

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Paris prepares security operation for 2024 Olympics

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Watch the emotional moment Kate Middleton shares her cancer diagnosis with the world

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The Princess of Wales has announced she is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer in an emotional video message.

She revealed the news in a broadcast on Twitter on Friday evening.

Here is the statement in full:

‘I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you, personally, for all the wonderful messages of support and for your understanding whilst I have been recovering from surgery.

‘It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I am so grateful.

‘In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and at the time, it was thought that my condition was non-cancerous.

‘The surgery was successful.

‘However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present.

‘My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.

‘This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

‘As you can imagine, this has taken time.

‘It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.

‘But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George , Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.

‘As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits.

‘Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.

‘As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you.

‘It means so much to us both.

‘We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.

‘My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.

‘At this time, I am also thinking of all those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

‘For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope.

‘You are not alone.’

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] . Or you can submit your videos and pictures here .

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MORE : Harry and Meghan react to Royal shock of Kate’s cancer battle

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The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapses, 6 feared dead

Headshot of Jonathan Franklin

Jonathan Franklin

Jason Breslow

Rachel Treisman

Ayana Archie

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In an aerial view, the cargo ship Dali sits in the water after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images hide caption

In an aerial view, the cargo ship Dali sits in the water after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on Tuesday.

At least six people are presumed dead following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday morning, officials said.

The bridge fell into the Patapsco River after it was struck by a nearly 1,000-foot-long container ship, sending several people plunging into the frigid waters below.

During a news update Tuesday evening, the U.S. Coast Guard told reporters they are ending an active search and rescue operation for the six people left unaccounted for at 7:30 p.m. local time.

Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said that based on the length of time since the bridge collapsed and the water temperatures, they don't believe that search teams are going to find any of these individuals still alive.

More from WYPR in Baltimore:

  • Construction worker says friends, colleagues missing in bridge collapse
  • Federal government pledges full support to rebuild FSK bridge, reopen port

For the latest from member station WYPR in Baltimore head to wypr.org

Gilreath told reporters that the Coast Guard is not leaving, but is going to "transition to a different phase."

The recovery phase will begin at 6 a.m. local time Wednesday when divers will begin searching for remains of all missing victims , Gilreath said.

Col. Roland L. Butler, Jr., Secretary of Maryland State Police, told reporters the conditions have changed and made it dangerous for first responders and divers to be in the water.

He emphasized that police will still have surface ships out in the water overnight.

"We're hoping to put those divers in the water and begin a more detailed search to do our very best to recover those six missing people," Butler said.

The collision set off a rapid search-and-rescue operation. Eight people from a construction crew that was working to repair potholes on the bridge are thought to have fallen into the water, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld told reporters.

Authorities did not believe any drivers were submerged in their cars, Wiedefeld said.

The bridge collapsed instantly

Eyepress/Reuters

The bridge, which is part of Interstate 695, collapsed around 1:30 a.m. when it was struck by a massive cargo vessel named the Dali. Dramatic video of the collision shows the hulking ship–the length of more than three football fields– slamming into one of the bridge's pillars, and then an expanse of the bridge falling into the water instantly.

The Dali, a Singapore-flagged ship, had left Baltimore at 1 a.m. and was bound for Colombo, Sri Lanka, according to Marine Traffic , a maritime data site.

Photos: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses; search and rescue efforts continue

The Picture Show

Photos: baltimore's key bridge collapses; search and rescue efforts continue.

Synergy Marine Group, the company that manages the ship, said in a statement that all 22 crew members are accounted for and that there were no injuries resulting from the crash. The company also said there was no pollution to the water.

In a briefing for the media, Moore said the crew of the container ship had notified authorities about a power outage onboard shortly before the collision. The crew notified authorities of "a power issue," Moore said, confirming earlier reports that they had lost power on the ship.

The ship was traveling at approximately 8 knots when it hit the bridge, Moore said. In the immediate aftermath of the collision, officials feared motorists might be submerged in the river, but Moore said that a mayday signal was issued with enough time for authorities to stop the flow of traffic coming over the bridge.

princess cruise ship videos

A collapsed section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is seen in the waters of the Patapsco River. The bridge collapsed early Tuesday after it was struck by a 984-foot-long cargo ship. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

A collapsed section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore is seen in the waters of the Patapsco River. The bridge collapsed early Tuesday after it was struck by a 984-foot-long cargo ship.

"I have to say I'm thankful for the folks who once the warning came up, and once notification came up that there was a mayday, who literally by being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes. They saved lives," Moore said.

FBI and state officials said the preliminary investigation points to an accident and that there was no credible evidence of any terrorist attack. Moore said the Francis Scott Key Bridge was fully up to code and there was no structural issue with the bridge.

"In fact, the bridge was actually fully up to code," Moore said.

The ship has had at least one previous accident

Vessel traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest on the East Coast, was suspended "until further notice," port officials announced, as search-and-rescue operations continued and the preliminary investigation into the crash was getting underway.

"This does not mean the Port of Baltimore is closed," port officials said in a statement. "Trucks are being processed within our marine terminals."

Gov. Moore declared a state of emergency and said his office was in close communication with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The secretary was due to arrive in Baltimore to visit the crash site and receive updates on the investigation.

princess cruise ship videos

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, left, speaks during a news conference as Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) looks on near the scene where a container ship collided with a support on the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Steve Ruark/AP hide caption

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, left, speaks during a news conference as Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) looks on near the scene where a container ship collided with a support on the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it will investigate what happened, announcing on X (formerly Twitter) that it was launching a "go team" to Baltimore.

Prior to the crash, the ship had completed 27 inspections, according to a database by the maritime safety site Equasis. In one inspection at a port in Chile last year, the ship was determined to have a deficiency related to "propulsion and auxiliary machinery," according to Equasis.

In 2016, an inspection found "hull damage impairing sea worthiness" after the ship hit a dock on its way out of the port of Antwerp. Video of the incident shows the stern of the ship scraping against the quay as it attempted to exit the North Sea container terminal.

The bridge is an important travel route with a deep history

princess cruise ship videos

Members of the National Transportation Safety Board listen to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy speak during a news conference near the scene where a container ship collided with a support on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in Dundalk, Md., Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Matt Rourke/AP hide caption

Members of the National Transportation Safety Board listen to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy speak during a news conference near the scene where a container ship collided with a support on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, in Dundalk, Md., Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

The bridge's collapse leaves Baltimore and travelers along the East Coast without a vital transit corridor for the foreseeable future. The four-lane, 1.6-mile-long bridge carries some 11.3 million vehicles each year, according to state data, and is one of three ways to get through Baltimore on the interstate.

Reconstructing the bridge will be a "long-term build," Moore told reporters.

Speaking from the White House, President Biden said he intends for the federal government to "pay for the entire cost of reconstructing that bridge."

"We're gonna get it up and running again as soon as possible," Biden said. "Fifteen thousand jobs depend on that port, and we're gonna do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers."

The bridge isn't just a vital transportation route. It also has a special historical significance.

It opened to the public in March 1977, but its history goes much deeper than that. Scholars believe it stood within 100 yards of the site where its namesake, Francis Scott Key, witnessed the failed British bombardment of Fort McHenry in September 1814.

Key, an American lawyer, watched the battle from the British warship he had boarded to negotiate the release of a detained American civilian. The awe he felt at seeing the flag rise the next morning inspired him to write "Defense of Fort McHenry," which was later renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and became the U.S. national anthem in 1931.

Shippers are scrambling to re-route their cargo

Roughly $80 billion worth of cargo passes through the Port of Baltimore each year. But with the port's shipping channels now closed indefinitely due to the accident, shippers have been left scrambling to find alternate routes to transport their goods to and from the East Coast.

Some vessels have already been diverted to Norfolk, Va., Margie Shapiro, who runs a freight handling business in Baltimore, told NPR . Other traffic could be re-routed through New York or Philadelphia.

The Dali was being chartered by Maersk and carrying cargo for Maersk customers, the shipping giant said in a statement . The company said it would be omitting Baltimore from its services "until it is deemed safe for passage through this area."

Cargo already at the Port of Baltimore will have to travel overland, but truck traffic will also be snarled by the loss of the bridge.

"The whole ecosystem is going to be a little bit off," Shapiro said. "When the ecosystem gets messy, things get messy. Freight rates go up. The world gets a little bit chaotic."

NPR's Dave Mistich and Scott Horsley contributed to this report.

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Watch CBS News

After Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses into river, Baltimore residents "can't believe it's gone"

By Rohan Mattu , Christian Olaniran

Updated on: March 27, 2024 / 6:36 AM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE --  Witnesses could not believe their eyes early Tuesday morning, looking at where the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge once spanned the Patapsco River. The span  collapsed into the water below  overnight. 

A water search for six missing workers turned into a recovery effort Tuesday night.  

Locator map showing the typical traffic routes of cargo vessels passing beneath the bridge and the trajectory Dali followed prior to the allision.

A large container ship struck a column of the bridge around 1:30 a.m., fire department spokesman Kevin Cartwright said. There are at least six people unaccounted for, and a massive search and rescue effort is underway. 

Footage obtained by WJZ shows a fiery explosion before the collapse, in which a ship appears to hit a strut of the bridge. 

'Can't believe it's gone'

A witness told WJZ's Mike Hellgren the sound accompanying the collapse was massive, shaking his home. 

"Earthquake - sounded like a big bash of thunder," the resident said. "And then just like I said it felt like an earthquake, the whole house vibrated. Like my house was falling down."

The resident said he never thought in his "wildest dreams" he would see something like this happen. 

"I've been in this neighborhood 57 years, I remembered when they built this bridge," he said. "Can't believe it's gone."

Another resident speculated about the possible implications of the crash.

"This is going to be catastrophic for many reasons," he said. "Number one, the harbor's blocked. Number two, we're not going to get any more new car deliveries at this time. Amazon is just on the other side of the river and you can forget your same-day, next-day delivery packages. The beltway is going to be a parking lot. The tunnels are going to be over-jammed."

'I was there yesterday'

"I was there yesterday," another resident told WJZ, a thought surely shared by many Tuesday morning. "To see the bridge gone knowing I was on that bridge not even 10 hours ago - it's devastating."

John, who says he grew up in the area, described the scene as surreal, adding that the structure had personal significance to him.

"That scene, that bridge - it's just surreal. Unbelievable. It's hard to believe," he said. "My uncle, he helped build that bridge, when he worked it as part of Iron Workers Local 16."

John says he's a commercial diver, and empathizes with crews dealing with harsh conditions as they try to recover bodies from the wreckage.

"And as a commercial diver, I've been in these waters, and I know what the divers are going through right now looking for bodies with no visibility, if any at all, going through the wreckage, much dirt up not being able to share things. So their job was very difficult."

'Like a war zone'

Nancy, another witness, said the scene was "like a war zone."

"I didn't believe it, to tell you the truth. And I came downstairs and looked out, and it's flabbergasting," she said.   

Nancy says she's concerned about the impact that the collapse will have on the flow of ships. 

"The helicopter pilot went out to the bay and he said look like a parking lot out there. The ships waiting to come in. Now, where are they going to go?," she said.   

'It's unbelievable'

People say they are looking at how this collapse will impact their commute for the foreseeable future and the impacts on the Port of Baltimore.

Ships cannot come in or out of the port right now.

"It's one thing to see it on TV, but to see it in person, now coming here to see the bridge, it's unbelievable," said Brian Pinson. "You know, would never expect something like this to be happening in my lifetime."

Francis Scott Key Bridge

The Francis Scott Key Bridge bridge spans the Patapsco River and is a link of I-695. Officials say commuters should take I-95 or I-895 instead . 

Officials said the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, the Baltimore County Fire Department , the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Transit Authority are among the agencies responding to the incident. 

The 1.6-mile-long bridge, named for the author of the Star Spangled Banner, opened in 1977 and is one of three toll crossings of Baltimore's Harbor, according to the MDTA.

Rohan Mattu is a digital producer at CBS News Baltimore. Rohan graduated from Towson University in 2020 with a degree in journalism and previously wrote for WDVM-TV in Hagerstown. He maintains WJZ's website and social media, which includes breaking news in everything from politics to sports.

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