Princess Repositioning Cruises: Routes, Ships and What to Expect

Princess runs more long-voyage repositioning than almost any other mainstream line, across both the Atlantic and the Pacific, and its ships are built for exactly this kind of sailing. For two weeks where the ship is the destination, it is one of the two or three strongest mainstream choices available.

Where Princess repositions

Princess moves ships on every major seasonal route: transatlantic between the Caribbean and Europe, transpacific between the North American west coast, Hawaii, Asia and Australia, and Pacific coastal runs for the Alaska season.

The transpacific program is the notable one. Princess maintains a serious Australian presence, so it runs more long Pacific crossings than most mainstream competitors, including routes via Hawaii and the South Pacific islands that run three weeks or more.

Built for sea days

Princess ships have the features that matter when you are aboard continuously: substantial indoor public rooms, a proper theatre, several distinct bars rather than one noisy central space, and a Piazza atrium that functions as the social heart of the ship in weather.

The enrichment program is among the better mainstream ones. Guest speakers, destination lectures, craft and cooking sessions, and a music schedule spread across venues. Princess also runs a strong film and television-style programming operation, which sounds trivial until day nine of an ocean crossing.

The crowd

Older and quieter than the mass-market average, broadly similar to Holland America but with slightly more variety in entertainment. Few children on crossings. Passengers who choose Princess for a long voyage tend to be repeat cruisers who already know they like sea days, which sets the tone of the ship.

What it costs

Upper-mainstream, roughly level with Holland America and below Celebrity and the premium lines. Princess discounts long itineraries more readily than short ones, so its repositioning voyages are often where the better value appears in a given season.

Watch for fare bundles including drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities, which on a voyage of this length make a large difference to the real total.

Who it suits

Anyone whose priority on a crossing is comfort and something interesting to do with a sea day. Princess is a particularly good pick for a first long crossing: large enough to be steady, calm enough to be restful, and with enough programming that the days have shape without feeling scheduled.

It suits families poorly on crossings, not by policy but because there is little aimed at children and few aboard.