Crown Princess Cruise Ship: Reviews, Dress Code & Dining Tips

There’s a moment when planning a cruise where the sheer volume of advice — dress codes, dining rules, discount fine print — starts to feel like a second job. The Crown Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ most popular mid-sized ships, but the real question is whether it delivers on its nearly 900 balconies and three-story atrium without hidden catches. This guide unpacks what’s actually true, what’s worth knowing, and what policies you’ll face onboard.

Year Built: 2006 ·
Gross Tonnage: 113,561 ·
Passenger Capacity: 3,080 ·
Crew: 1,200 ·
Decks: 19 ·
Number of Balconies: Nearly 900

The numbers below stack the Crown Princess against its own fleet siblings — nine specs that define what you’re stepping onto.

Is the Crown Princess a nice ship?

Passenger Reviews and Ratings

Across major review platforms, the Crown Princess earns a consistent reputation as a clean, friendly, and well-run mid-sized ship. On U.S. News Travel (consumer travel guide), reviewers highlight its refurbished interiors and improved dining options. Cruise Critic passengers describe a ship with a “friendly crew, clean ship, great entertainment.” The recurring theme: it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a traditional cruise experience without the overwhelming scale of mega-ships.

Recent Refurbishment Updates

The Crown Princess underwent a major dry dock refurbishment in 2018 that included new carpets, updated staterooms, and technology upgrades. Video reviews from passengers note the ship felt “brighter, fresher, and more modern” after the work. Some onboard venues were reportedly replaced or reimagined, though Princess Cruises has not published a detailed list of every change.

The implication: if you sailed before 2018, expect a noticeably updated ship. If you’re booking for 2025 or 2026, the 2018 refurbishment holds up well — but newer ships in the fleet will have more contemporary amenities.

Key Features and Amenities

• Three-story Piazza atrium for entertainment and dining
• Nearly 900 balcony cabins
• Mini-suites with separate living room and larger bathroom with tub
• Thermal suite with spa passes ($149.99 for 7-day itinerary, per passenger review on Forever Karen)
• Wi-Fi from $14.99/day for full voyage, $19.99 one-day pass

What is the dress code on Crown Princess Cruises?

Formal Nights

Formal nights on Crown Princess require tuxedos, suits, or gowns. The dress code is enforced in main dining rooms and specialty restaurants, not just the theater. Princess Cruises’ official policy states that passengers who do not comply may be directed to alternative dining venues.

Smart Casual Dress

On non-formal evenings, the dress code is smart casual: slacks, collared shirts, skirts, and blouses are standard. Swimwear, shorts, and flip-flops are not allowed in main dining rooms at dinner. The policy applies across all enclosed dining areas, including the buffet after 5 PM.

Dress Code Exceptions

• Pool areas and Horizon Court buffet during daytime: swimwear and casual are fine
• Formal night: passengers in t-shirts or shorts may be directed to the buffet instead of main dining
• Specialty restaurants: follow same dress code as main dining rooms

What are the five foods to avoid on a cruise ship?

Foods to Avoid at the Buffet

• Scrambled eggs — often held at unsafe temperatures; risk of bacterial growth
• Raw seafood — sushi and oysters at buffets may sit out too long
• Unpeeled fruits — communal handling raises cross-contamination risk
• Self-serve salad bars — other passengers may not use tongs properly
• Rice dishes left in chafing dishes — Bacillus cereus risk from prolonged holding

Why Scrambled Eggs Are Risky

The CDC (food safety authority) notes that buffet-style scrambled eggs are often held below the safe temperature of 140°F. Cruise ship buffets, despite high turnover, can leave eggs sitting on steam tables for extended periods, creating conditions for bacterial growth.

Room Service and Bringing Food to Cabin

Room service is available 24/7 on Crown Princess with a limited menu. Passengers are allowed to take food back to their cabin if it is wrapped or sealed. However, buffet items brought to cabins without proper covering increase the risk of attracting pests or creating hygiene issues.

What age is senior discount on Princess Cruises?

Senior Discount Eligibility Age

Princess Cruises offers a senior discount for passengers aged 55 and older. The discount varies by sailing and is not combinable with other promotions. It typically applies to the cruise fare, not to onboard services or shore excursions.

How to Apply Senior Discounts

• Available on both interior and balcony cabins
• Must be requested at booking — cannot be applied retroactively
• Available on select sailings only, not guaranteed for all itineraries
• Proof of age required at check-in

Automatic Gratuities and Refunds

Princess Cruises charges an automatic gratuity of $14.50 per person per day for standard staterooms. This covers dining and housekeeping staff. Passengers can have this charge adjusted or removed at Guest Services, though the cruise line strongly advises against it. Professionally, removing gratuities impacts crew income directly.

What does Charlie Charlie mean on a cruise ship?

Common Emergency Codes on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships use internal emergency code systems to communicate security threats, medical emergencies, and fire incidents to crew without alarming passengers. The codes vary by cruise line, but the system is standard across the industry for operational response.

What Does “Charlie Charlie” Mean?

Code Charlie typically indicates a security threat or security emergency. The repetition of “Charlie” — “Charlie Charlie” — is a crew alert that signals a specific escalation level, not a passenger-facing announcement. On some cruise lines, Code Charlie might mean a lockdown or a perimeter security situation. The exact meaning differs between cruise lines, and there is no universal industry standard.

How Crew Responds to Codes

• Crew members are trained to respond with lockdown or muster protocols
• Passengers are typically not notified of internal codes unless there is a general emergency
• If you hear “Charlie Charlie” over crew channels, it may not mean anything visible to passengers

For those planning a trip Down Under, the Princess Cruises Australia guide offers a comprehensive look at itineraries and onboard experiences.

Frequently asked questions