Grand Princess was launched in 1998 and was once the pride of the Princess Cruises fleet. Although now one of the older ships, it remains popular with some traditional Princess cruisers for its classic layout, adherence to Princess traditions, and good value for longer itineraries. I sailed on a transpacific cruise from Vancouver, Canada (where I stayed) to Sydney, Australia on a bucket list itinerary.
With space for around 2,600 passengers, Grand Princess is decisively midsized by today’s standards, large enough to offer variety, but smaller than the megaships many cruise lines (including Princess) are building. This overview explains what to expect onboard Grand Princess, including cabins, dining, entertainment, and the overall feel of the ship.
Grand Princess
Homeports: Seasonal deployments in North America and repositioning itineraries to Australia & New Zealand
Key Facts about Grand Princess
- Launched: 1998
- Refurbished: 2019
- Passenger capacity: ~2,600
- Crew: ~1,150
- Length: 290m
- Decks: 17 (13 for passengers)
Cabins and Accommodation
The cabins on Grand Princess reflect its age, simpler in style and often smaller than newer ships, but I found my ocean view cabin tight but comfortable, especially with Princess’s well-regarded bedding.
- Inside and Oceanview: Compact, with limited storage but fine for singles or couples.
- Balcony cabins: More outdoor space, though balconies are smaller and furniture less modern compared to newer Princess ships.
- Mini-Suites & Suites: Extra living space and some added perks.
- Accessibility: Several adapted cabins are available.
The layout of my Oceanview Cabin on Grand Princess was definitely tight, with two fold-down bunks making access to my bed a bit of an issue. This was fine for a solo cruiser like me, but it would have been difficult with the bunks down. The cabin was kept spotlessly clean, but have no doubt this is an older style, particularly visible in the bathroom layout and style.
For me, a Grand Princess cruise is a good choice if there’s a deal or a great itinerary like mine, but I’d choose a newer ship if all else were equal.
Dining on Grand Princess
Princess is known for its consistently strong dining program, and Grand Princess continues that tradition, though it lacks some of the specialty venues introduced on the line’s newest ships. I found some good sugar-free dining options that suited my diet too.
Dining Options on Grand Princess:
- Main Dining Rooms: Michelangelo (Anytime Dining), Botticelli (Traditional Dining), and DaVinci (both)
- Buffet: Horizon Court, serving a wide range of dishes but with limited space at peak hours.
- Casual: Alfredo’s Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Grill (poolside burgers), Coffee & Cones, and International Cafe (24h).
- Crown Grill (steakhouse)
- Sabatini’s (Italian)
Generally, I found the food to be of really good quality across every venue, although the choice became limited in the buffet as we progressed across the Pacific Ocean. The one problem was seating in the Buffet. The layout was surprisingly small compared to comparable ships on other lines, meaning seating was a premium, particularly as some people used the buffet seating to play cards and games.
Entertainment and Activities
Grand Princess offers a very traditional mix of cruise entertainment.
- Theatre shows: Musicals, dance shows, and guest performers.
- Movies Under the Stars (MUTS): Princess’s signature poolside cinema (read my review)
- Bars and lounges: Smaller venues with live music or piano performances.
- Pools and spa: Multiple pools and hot tubs, plus a Sanctuary adults-only retreat.
There was a decent variety in terms of shows, but the most talented group was the live band. I enjoyed MUTS the best — a movie is shown as it gets dark and there are blankets to snuggle under and a crew member with cookies and milk!! Read more about it.
What’s the Vibe Onboard?
Grand Princess is really popular with loyal Princess passengers, and I got to meet a few people who were on a return visit. What I gathered was their preference for the traditional or classic feel of the ship and how the service was excellent but not too stuffy. Onboard, expect:
- A mix of older and repeat cruisers with fewer families than usual on my transpacific repositioning cruise.
- A slightly more traditional cruise feel than NCL or Virgin Voyages.
- A casual but not party-heavy environment (early to bed!!).
Who Grand Princess is Best For
- Travellers who prefer a classic, mid-size ship with less of the megaship bustle.
- Couples and families who want a relaxed environment.
- Princess loyalists who appreciate the consistency of the line.
- Less ideal if you want cutting-edge design, flashy activities, or a modern ship feel.
- Less ideal for solo travellers unless you see a single supplement waiver like I did.
Does Grand Princess have Anytime Dining?
Yes, Princess offers both fixed-time traditional dining and the more flexible Anytime Dining option.
Is Wi-Fi available onboard?
Yes, the MedallionNet system is available fleetwide, with pretty reliable speeds except when in the furthest parts of the ocean.
Is Grand Princess family-friendly?
Yes. Kids’ clubs and family pools are available, though facilities are more limited than on newer ships.
What is Movies Under the Stars?
It’s Princess’s signature open-air cinema by the pool, a highlight of evenings onboard. More here.
Final Thoughts
Grand Princess may not have the latest bells and whistles, but it delivers the Princess Cruises experience, if that’s what you prefer: good dining, reliable service, and a relaxed onboard vibe. For those who prefer a smaller ship with a more classic feel, it’s a solid choice, especially on longer itineraries or repositioning cruises. It’s not my top pick within Princess, but for the right deal or itinerary, it’s worth considering.