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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.

newest cruise ship princess

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 ships from newest to oldest — a complete list

Gene Sloan

What is the newest Princess Cruises ship? If you're in the market for a Princess cruise, it's something worth knowing.

The newest Princess cruise ship is typically also the Princess ship with the most up-to-date restaurants, bars, attractions and cabins. It's the one to choose if you want the very latest and greatest in a vessel for your Princess cruise vacation.

As of this year, the newest Princess cruise ship is Discovery Princess. It sailed on its maiden voyage in March 2022.

That said, Discovery Princess soon will be supplanted as the newest Princess Cruises vessel by Sun Princess — the first of a new class of vessels for the line. Sun Princess begins sailing in February 2024.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Other relatively new Princess ships include Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess and Majestic Princess. All began sailing in the last six years.

In all, Princess Cruises operates 15 vessels. On average, the line comes out with one new ship every two years or so, and it typically keeps vessels in its fleet for around 20 to 30 years before retiring them. The oldest Princess Cruises ship, Grand Princess, is 25 years old.

In general, Princess Cruises' newest ships are bigger and more venue-packed than its older ships. If you crave a lot of options for restaurants, bars and pool areas for your Princess cruise vacation, you'll want to stick to vessels built in the last 10 or so years.

Related: The 3 types of Princess Cruises ships, explained

The oldest Princess cruise ships — those built in the late 1990s and early 2000s — can be as much as 30% smaller than the line's newest vessels.

Here, every Princess ship currently in operation is ranked from newest to oldest:

1. Discovery Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2022. Size: 145,000 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,660.

2. Enchanted Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2020. Size: 144,650 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,660.

3. Sky Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2019. Size: 144,650 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,660.

4. Majestic Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2017. Size: 143,700 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,560.

5. Regal Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2014. Size: 142,229 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,560.

6. Royal Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2013. Size: 142,229 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,560.

7. Ruby Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2008. Size: 113,561 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,080.

8. Emerald Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2007. Size: 113,561 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,080.

9. Crown Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2006. Size: 113,561 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,080.

10. Caribbean Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2004. Size: 112,894 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 3,149.

11. Sapphire Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2004. Size: 115,875 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 2,670.

12. Diamond Princess

newest cruise ship princess

13. Island Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2003. Size: 92,822 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 2,200.

14. Coral Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 2002. Size: 91,627 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 2,000.

15. Grand Princess

newest cruise ship princess

Maiden voyage: 1998. Size: 107,517 gross tons. Passenger capacity : 2,600.

What is the newest Princess cruise ship?

The newest Princess cruise ship is Discovery Princess. As noted above, it debuted in March 2022.

Measuring 145,000 gross tons, Discovery Princess is the biggest Princess cruise ship ever built and has more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top pool space than many older Princess ships.

Discovery Princess is part of Princess Cruises' six-ship Royal class of vessels, which is comprised of bigger ships than the line's earlier classes of vessels. The Royal class began debuting in 2013 and also includes Enchanted Princess, Sky Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess and Royal Princess.

For more details on Discovery Princess, including what venues are on board and what it's like to sail on the vessel, see TPG's first impressions of Discovery Princess after an early sailing.

What is the oldest Princess cruise ship?

The oldest Princess cruise ship is Grand Princess. Unveiled way back in 1998, it's the namesake vessel for the line's Grand class of vessels, which remain at the core of the Princess fleet.

There are seven Grand-class vessels in the Princess fleet in all, making it the biggest grouping of ships at the line. Unveiled between 1998 and 2008, the Grand-class vessels are smaller than the Royal-class vessels at around 107,000 to 116,000 tons in size. This smaller size allows them to operate a wider range of itineraries than the Royal-class ships, as the vessels can access some smaller ports that aren't as accessible to the bigger ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

Still, the Grand-class vessels are big enough to offer a lot of onboard venues. The Grand-class ships carry between 2,600 to 3,100 passengers at double occupancy.

What new Princess cruise ships are coming?

Princess currently has two new cruise ships on order. The first to arrive will be Sun Princess in February 2024. As noted above, it's the first of all-new Sphere-class series of vessels for the line that, as of now, will be made up of two ships (Princess could order more Sun-class ships in coming years — we'll see).

The second ship in the Sphere-class series, to be called Star Princess, is due to begin sailing in 2025.

The Sphere-class vessels are being built at the Fincantieri shipyard near Monfalcone, Italy.

TPG recently got a sneak peek at the most notable new features under development for Sun Princess during a visit to the partly completed vessel at the Fincantieri shipyard. They include The Dome, a glass dome-covered pool area with tiers of seating facing the bow that will turn into a nighttime entertainment zone with a stage at night.

What is the newest Princess cruise ship available for booking?

Sun Princess is the newest Princess cruise ship you can book right now. While the vessel isn't yet in operation, its initial sailings scheduled for February 2024 already are on sale, as are future voyages through March 2025. The one other Princess ship on order, Star Princess, has yet to open for bookings.

What is the newest class of Princess cruise ships?

The Sphere class is the newest class of Princess ships. It'll be made up of at least two vessels, the first of which (Sun Princess) is due to debut in February 2024.

At 175,500 tons, Sun Princess will be about 21% bigger than the biggest ships currently in the Princess fleet — a significant jump in size for the line. And yet, while it's 21% bigger, it's designed to hold just 17% more passengers.

In other words, its space-to-passenger ratio will be greater, making the ship feel roomier — if only modestly.

Related: Everything to know about Princess cabins and suites

In addition to being significantly bigger than past Princess ships, Sun Princess will also be the first Princess ship with suites that come with exclusive access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck — a sign Princess hopes to draw more upmarket travelers.

In all, the vessel is designed to hold 4,300 passengers at double occupancy.

What's the difference between newer and older Princess ships?

Newer Princess ships generally are bigger than older Princess ships and thus have more and bigger onboard venues than the line's older vessels.

On the newest Princess vessels, the Royal-class vessels, for instance, you'll find the largest piazza-like central atriums in the Princess fleet surrounded by lots of bars and restaurants; multiple entertainment venues for live shows, comedy acts and more; and expansive pool decks with more space for sunning than you'll find on smaller Princess vessels.

You'll also find some only-on-the-Royal-class-ships extras, including, on some of the ships, a glass-floored "SeaWalk" that extends over the side of the vessel.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess ship

Princess' oldest cruise ships are significantly smaller than its newest ships and lack some of the above features. They have a more intimate feel, at least in the pantheon of relatively big, mass-market ships, and they hold fewer people. While Royal-class ships can hold more than 4,500 passengers with every berth full, the line's oldest vessels (particularly the relatively small Island Princess and Coral Princess) often sail with just 2,000 or so passengers on board.

That makes them a good choice for someone who wants to try Princess Cruises but isn't eager to travel with huge crowds. The oldest ships in the Princess fleet thus appeal to a subset of Princess fans who prefer more intimacy in a cruise vessel and don't mind giving up some onboard amenities to get it. They are also often less expensive to sail on, on a per-day basis.

Related: Don't miss out on these Princess loyalty perks

In addition, because of their size, the oldest ships at Princess Cruises are able to operate itineraries to places that aren't as easy for big ships to visit. Not all ports in the world can handle a ship the size of Discovery Princess.

Note that all Princess Cruises ships are renovated and upgraded on a regular schedule every few years, so even the oldest Princess vessels have newer carpeting, updated furniture, modern decor in cabins and other updates. In many cases, they also have had entire eateries and bars renovated over the years with concepts that first debuted on newer vessels.

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  • Cruise packing list: The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

Grand Princess® Cruise Ship

Expect the extraordinary as you step aboard and discover the captivating possibilities, all true to her name.

  • Inaugural Cruise: May 26, 1998
  • Christener: Olivia de Havilland
  • Guest Cabins: 1,301
  • Number of Decks: 17
  • Tonnage: 107,517
  • Length: 949 feet
  • Height: 188 feet

With top deck dining venues, Slice Pizzeria, The Mix, Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones you’ll have even more options to choose from during your stay on board Grand Princess. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, enjoy Movies Under the Stars® poolside or see an award-winning Broadway-style production show in the Princess Theater, showcasing an even more immersive audio experience.

Princess MedallionClass

Your Vacation – Effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Accommodations

newest cruise ship princess

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.

Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, front row seat for beautiful scenery, a room with a view, our most affordable option, perfect for large groups, for guests with limited mobility, dining options.

newest cruise ship princess

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

newest cruise ship princess

Dine My Way℠

Dine when, how and where you like.

newest cruise ship princess

A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

newest cruise ship princess

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven.

newest cruise ship princess

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock.

newest cruise ship princess

Horizon Court

An ever-changing selection of favorites.

newest cruise ship princess

The Salty Dog Grill

newest cruise ship princess

Coffee & Cones

Specialty dining.

Crown Grill

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions

Exclusive glimpse into the princess kitchen, wines from around the world, a private breakfast with a view.

newest cruise ship princess

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

newest cruise ship princess

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with discovery™.

newest cruise ship princess

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers.

newest cruise ship princess

Take a Stroll into the European-style Piazza

newest cruise ship princess

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

newest cruise ship princess

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard.

newest cruise ship princess

Photo Gallery

Take home a unique photo keepsake.

newest cruise ship princess

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation.

newest cruise ship princess

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

newest cruise ship princess

Princess Links

Practice your putt and play like a champion.

newest cruise ship princess

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best wi-fi at sea.

newest cruise ship princess

Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts, entertainment.

newest cruise ship princess

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night.

newest cruise ship princess

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small.

newest cruise ship princess

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night.

newest cruise ship princess

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

newest cruise ship princess

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea.

newest cruise ship princess

Vista Show Lounge

Sip cocktails and watch top entertainment.

newest cruise ship princess

Explorers Lounge

One of the ship’s coolest hangouts.

newest cruise ship princess

A Prime Spot for Party-minded People

Joyful rejuvenation.

women relaxing in spa lounge chairs.

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

Relax in a tranquil retreat just for adults, go ahead, be pampered – you deserve it, a host of ways to get an energizing workout, kids, teens & family.

Group of young passengers smiling

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programs, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Explore the Treehouse

Step into the lodge, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

Norovirus: Nearly 200 sick in outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean ships, CDC says

Tourists crowd upper decks and stateroom balconies as the Anthem of the Seas

FILE - Tourists crowd upper decks and stateroom balconies as the Anthem of the Seas owned by Royal Caribbean International on Aug. 9, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Nearly 200 passengers on U.S. cruise ships suffered from diarrhea and vomiting in norovirus outbreaks in April, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported that 94 of the 2,532 (3.71%) passengers on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess ship reported getting sick during its current voyage. The 32-day, roundtrip cruise began on April 5 and ends on May 7, according to the cruise tracking and information site CruiseMapper . 

Another 20 of the 1,066 crew members on board also reported getting sick, the CDC said.

Cruise ship rescued 14 stranded at sea for over a week

This was the scene from the lunch buffet during the first full day of cruising for the Icon of the Seas. The crew rescued all 14 from the distressed boat which was dwarfed by the largest cruise ship in the world.

On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas ship, 67 of the 1,993 (3.36%) total passengers on board became ill during a voyage that began on April 8 and ended on April 22, according to the agency. Two crew members aboard also got sick. 

In both of the norovirus outbreaks, the main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting, the CDC said.

Princess Cruises told FOX Television Stations that "at the first sign" of an increase in passengers reporting gastrointestinal illnesses, "we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus."

"Our sanitization program, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard," the company told FOX Television Stations.

Royal Caribbean International did not immediately return a request for comment, but the CDC said in its notice that the company also took several steps in response to the outbreak – including isolating the sick passengers and crew members and "increased cleaning and disinfection procedures." 

RELATED: 'Vampire facials' at unlicensed spa likely resulted in HIV infections: CDC

Cruise ships expose passengers to high volumes of people and new environments, which can "create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact," the CDC says. 

The agency recommends that anyone feeling sick should report their illness. If it happens before the voyage, travelers can ask their cruise line about any possible alternative cruising options. 

Those on board should wash their hands often to prevent illness, as well as get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. 

This story was reported from Cincinnati.

COMMENTS

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  11. Princess Cruises welcomes its biggest ship ever with help from a star

    The Sun Princess, that is. Princess Cruises on Tuesday officially hailed the arrival of its newest megavessel — at 177,882 tons, its biggest ever —with the help of "Ted Lasso" star Hannah Waddingham. The Emmy Award-winning actress and singer presided over a star-studded 19-minute christening ceremony in the ship's Princess Arena theater ...

  12. Princess Names New Sphere Class Cruise Ship Sun Princess

    Sep 15, 2022. Read time. 5 min read. (Updated 12:15 p.m. EDT) -- Princess Cruises revealed Thursday that its first new Sphere-class cruise ship will be called Sun Princess and offered up initial ...

  13. All 16 Princess Cruises Ships, From Newest to Oldest

    Courtesy of Princess Cruises. 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 ...

  14. Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive Sanctuary Collection Aboard

    Introducing the Sanctuary Collection on Star Princess and Sun Princess - Photo by Princess Cruises Princess Cruises has introduced its exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection area aboard its newest ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess.Guests staying in staterooms located in this ship-within-a-ship area will be able to experience exclusive access to a number of special ship experiences and ...

  15. Princess Cruise Ships

    Condé Nast Traveler. 2011-2014. Every Princess ship is a destination in itself with wide-ranging amenities, elevated culinary experiences and delightful activities. Below you'll find the deck plans, stateroom details, ship dining information and more for every vessel in our fleet. Visit the links, and get to know what we offer and what makes ...

  16. Princess Cruises ships from newest to oldest

    The newest Princess cruise ship is Discovery Princess. As noted above, it debuted in March 2022. Measuring 145,000 gross tons, Discovery Princess is the biggest Princess cruise ship ever built and has more restaurants, bars, showrooms and deck-top pool space than many older Princess ships.

  17. These Are The Newest Princess Cruises Ships

    The newest Princess Cruises ships: Sun Princess. Discovery Princess. Enchanted Princess. 1. Sun Princess - 2024. The Sun Princess is the first in a brand new class of ship for the cruise line - the Sphere-class. Launched in February 2024, she is the largest ship to ever sail for Princess Cruises by some distance.

  18. Grand Princess

    Bridge cams. Find Cruises. Guests 2,600. Crew 1,150. Refurbished Mar 2019. More Facts. With top deck dining venues, Slice Pizzeria, The Mix, Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones you'll have even more options to choose from during your stay on board Grand Princess. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, enjoy Movies Under ...

  19. Princess Cruises Ships by Age: Newest to Oldest

    When the newest Princess Cruises ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, launch in 2024 and 2025 respectively, they will be the biggest ships in the cruise line fleet by quite some way. As a new class of ship, the Sphere Class vessels will have a gross tonnage of 175,500 tons and accommodation for 4,300 guests.

  20. Norovirus: Nearly 200 sick in outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean

    Nearly 200 passengers on U.S. cruise ships suffered from diarrhea and vomiting in norovirus outbreaks in April, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC reported ...