Caribbean Princess review — what it’s really like onboard
As someone who’s sailed more than 150 times but never with Princess Cruises, I boarded the Caribbean Princess with a mix of curiosity and cautious expectations. Would it feel a little too old-school? Would the food live up to the hype? Would I miss the big-ship bells and whistles? What I found instead was a ship that doesn’t need to shout to impress, and that quiet confidence is exactly what made it shine.
This review breaks down exactly what I experienced onboard, from the cabin quirks and dining highs to what to do in Grand Turk cruise port and why the Princess Plus package might be the best upgrade I’ve ever made.
Related: My Sun Princess cruise review — now sailing the Caribbean
On this page:
- Caribbean Princess: An older ship with smart tech
- Caribbean Princess inside cabin: Surprisingly comfortable
- Dining onboard the Caribbean Princess
- Caribbean Princess bars: Cocktails and characters
- Caribbean Princess entertainment and activities
- What to do in Grand Turk from cruise ship to shore
- What to do in Nassau cruise port
Explore sailings on the Caribbean Princess:
Caribbean Princess: An older ship with smart tech
Caribbean Princess isn’t new, and at first glance, it wears its age. You’ll notice traditional design touches — darker wood paneling, lower ceilings, and a more intimate layout than the massive, wide-open spaces on newer ships. But what it lacks in flash, it makes up for in function.
The Princess Medallion is a standout feature. Worn around your neck or clipped to your wrist, this coin-sized device replaces your key card and connects with onboard systems in a surprisingly smart way. The medallion even triggers facial recognition — staff would greet me by name before I said a word, which was both impressive and, as one guest put it, "a little creepy." Using the Princess app, I could order coffee, sunscreen, or snacks with the OceanNow feature and have them delivered anywhere on the ship. I also used it to track my travel companion’s location onboard in real time. These are the kinds of details that feel effortless once you’re using them — and missed the moment you sail with someone else.
Embarkation day gave us a minor delay due to extra sanitization protocols, but once things were moving, check-in was organized and smooth. The app also let me complete my safety briefing by watching the video in advance and showing up to my muster station briefly — a convenient change from past sailings.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Drop your bags in your stateroom as soon as you board — even if the room isn’t officially ready. It saves you from lugging them through the buffet or muster drill.
Caribbean Princess inside cabin: Surprisingly comfortable
I booked an interior stateroom (category IB, cabin A617) expecting little more than a box with beds. What I got instead was one of the smartest cabin layouts I’ve seen. Instead of cramming all the furniture together, the room separates the sleeping area from a large open closet with built-in shelving. It feels like a dressing area, and it worked especially well since I was traveling with a friend.
Motion-sensor night lights under the bedside tables and near the closet lit the way without waking either of us. There was even a cold mini fridge, not lukewarm like you find on some lines, and a TV that let you play blackjack or do on-demand fitness classes from your room.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Bring a compact multi-port charger. With only one usable outlet, you’ll thank yourself when everything’s charged by morning.
Dining onboard the Caribbean Princess
Here’s what you need to know about dining: book early. Princess uses a system called Dine My Way, and if you wait to make reservations until embarkation, most specialty dining and set-time dining slots will be gone.
My advice? Snag a reservation at Sabatini’s. This five-course Italian dinner easily matched the quality of top restaurants back home. I had veal marsala that rivaled anything in Little Italy. Just don’t go in a rush — this meal takes two hours, minimum.
I also loved the International Café, especially for breakfast and midday snacks. The honey vanilla lattes became a daily ritual, and the café’s lineup of fresh sandwiches, sliced pineapple, and avocado toast meant I never needed to fight the buffet crowd.
Want something casual? There’s a pizza window, a grill with tacos and burgers, and even complimentary cones from the coffee and dessert stand near the pool. Those with a Princess Plus package can also get two premium desserts per day, and the sundaes here come topped with lollipops and candy sticks. If you have kids, they’ll go wild for it.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: If you can’t get a reservation at Sabatini’s in advance, visit the maître d’ after 5 PM on embarkation day, they often keep a few spots open for walk-ups.
Caribbean Princess bars: Cocktails and characters
Bars onboard Caribbean Princess are more character-driven than theme-driven. The standout was Good Spirits at Sea, where a bartender nicknamed Baby Josh puts on a cocktail show complete with backstory, ingredients on screen, and a narrated tasting. He’s a crowd favorite, and it’s worth checking the schedule early to get a seat.
Skywalkers Night Club, accessible via a sloped escalator, transforms into a dance club at night, but it’s also a great quiet place to watch sailaway thanks to its panoramic windows. There’s even a cigar lounge tucked away near the theater (yes, a real cigar bar). This ship has layers.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Baby Josh’s Good Spirits show is standing room only if you don’t arrive early. Scope the schedule on Day 1 and get there 20 minutes ahead.
Caribbean Princess entertainment and activities
Let’s talk entertainment. You’re not getting Broadway here. Think jugglers, tribute singers, and magic acts — some great, some skippable. One night featured sand art by an America’s Got Talent alum, which was interesting but didn’t hold the whole room.
In addition to evening shows, the Princess Theater also hosted The Voice of the Ocean, a passenger talent competition officially licensed by The Voice. Real spinning chairs, guest auditions, and live performances made it a standout for guests who enjoy audience participation.
One thing that stood out (and not in the best way): theater seating filled fast, and crew would declare it at capacity even when front rows were still empty. Guests in-the-know used the Deck 6 side entrance near the cigar lounge to sneak in without hassle.
As for the daytime vibe? It was a bit light on planned activities, unless you're excited about seminars like "Eat More to Weigh Less" or back pain demos in the spa. That said, the Promenade Deck became a favorite retreat. It wrapped around the ship with uninterrupted ocean views, shaded benches, and plenty of people walking laps. Not a jogging track per se, but one of the quietest places to disconnect.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Use the lesser-known Deck 6 entrance near Churchill’s Cigar Lounge to snag front-row seats in the theater, even if the “full” sign is up.
What to do in Grand Turk from cruise ship to shore
Grand Turk surprised me. You don’t need an excursion to enjoy it. The beach at Grand Turk cruise port is right off the ship — soft sand, blue water, and lounge chairs that don’t cost extra. Behind the beach is a row of restaurants and shops, including the pool at Margaritaville (free to use).
If you’re after activities, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear or booking the FlowRider surf simulator in advance. The FlowRider is located at Margaritaville inside the Grand Turk Cruise Center, just a short walk from the ship. I spoke with a dad who tried to book a session for his son on the spot, but they were turned away because the minimum group size of six wasn’t met. Lesson learned: book early or round up a group in advance.
Many people ask, “do you need a passport for Grand Turk cruise shore excursions?” Not if you're sailing on a closed-loop cruise from the U.S., but it's always recommended.
If you're wondering is Grand Turk a good cruise port, the answer depends on what you're looking for. If you want something built for convenience — walk-off access to beach, pool, and restaurants — this is one of the best setups in the Caribbean. And yes, what to do in Grand Turk on a cruise is really as simple as picking a chair, grabbing a drink, and watching the water lap against the sand.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: The loungers under the palm trees on the far right of the Grand Turk beach fill up slower, and stay shaded longer.
Related: 5 best Caribbean islands to visit on your cruise
What to do in Nassau cruise port
Caribbean Princess also stops in Nassau, Bahamas, a port that’s easy to explore without booking a tour. If you’re deciding what to do in Nassau from cruise ship, walk off and you’ll immediately find duty-free shops, a lively straw market, and local food vendors. You can walk to the Queen’s Staircase, a limestone landmark with 66 steps carved by slaves in the 1700s.
If you're looking for beach time, Junkanoo Beach is a 30-minute walk or quick taxi ride from the terminal. It’s free and has chair rentals, snack shacks, and music. If you’re wondering is Nassau safe for cruise passengers, the answer is yes, but like any major city, keep your belongings close and stay in tourist-frequented areas.
Most importantly, don’t overthink it. When it comes to what to do in nassau bahamas cruise port, the best plan is often to walk, snack, and enjoy the local vibe.
🛟 Cruisebound tip: Walk one block off Bay Street for less crowded local restaurants and better prices on souvenirs.
Related: Best Bahamas Cruises
Is the Caribbean Princess right for you?
Caribbean Princess isn’t the newest ship, and it doesn’t try to be. What it does well is comfort, simplicity, and consistency. You’ll eat well if you plan ahead, you’ll rest well if you pick the right cabin, and you’ll appreciate the crew who seems to know your name before you say a word.
This ship is best for:
- Adults seeking low-key Caribbean sailings without gimmicks
- Princess loyalists or those who want to try something more traditional
- Guests who value strong service, good food, and the occasional surprise (like blackjack in your stateroom)
Caribbean Princess is ideal for cruisers who want a break from the spectacle. It’s not trying to compete with the newest ships on sea, and that’s what gives it character. From unexpectedly smart cabin design to bartender-hosted cocktail shows and a tech-forward medallion system that actually works, this ship is proof that classic doesn’t mean outdated.
It’s not a ship that demands your energy every second. It gives you space — to rest, to eat well, to wander, to sit by a pool and not think about anything. And for the right traveler, that makes all the difference.
Ready to hit the waves on the Caribbean Princess? Let Cruisebound find you the best deals.
