princess cruise lines flag

• CruiseMapper
• Ships and Lines

Cruise Ship Registry, Flag State Control, Flag of Convenience

Cruise ship registry and flags, what is flag-state (control & responsibilities), flags of convenience - all of these are the subject of the following survey. We offer you a list of smaller and really big cruise ships sailing under foreign flags and some info about cruise ship registration by cruise line company (current operator for chartered ships).

What is "Flag State" (definition)

"Flag State" is the ship's registration country under whose laws it is registered/licensed. Just like any marine vessel, a passenger ship operates under its flag state laws (also used if the ship is involved in an admiralty case). Flag states have the authority and responsibility for a ship, exercising control over the ships. They inspect the ships regularly, certify equipment and crew, issue safety and pollution-related documents, etc.

Each of the flag states has its own ship register where all ships sailing under its flag need to be registered. Some countries even have more than one ship register.

What is "Flag State Control" (definition)

The cruise ship's flag state controls the vessel and its crew - an absolute authority. Ships have to comply with all the flag state's maritime rules and regulations, which are, of course in accordance with the international maritime rules and regulations by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation). The flag state has the absolute authority over the ship, for not complying with the norms the flag state can impose penalties on the ship and crew. Flag states are required to carry out regular inspections, to ensure safe and secure shipping of passengers and goods, to send detailed inspection reports to the IMO. The IMO has 167 Governments as members.

For cruise ships registered in the USA - the USCG (US Coast Guard), search and rescue operations. "The Officer in Charge Marine Inspections" - for the inspection of all US-flagged cruise ships (and other marine vessels) relating to construction/equipment/manning, casualties/accidents and for investigations of cases of misconduct/negligence/incompetence of officers and crew.

For cruise ships registered in the UK - the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) is the flag state control executive agency responsible for the implementation of the GB's and the International maritime law and policies. It operates through the UK's HMCG (Her Majesty's Coastguard) - safety control, coastal water monitoring, and testing, issues licenses to officers/crew, monitoring of the UK's AIS network (real-time ship tracking).

What is "flag of convenience" (definition)

"Flag of Convenience" is called the flag state of a merchant ship when registered in a state different from that of its owners. More than half of all merchant ships in the world are registered under flags of convenience, and according to the latest statistics - around 90% of all commercial marine vessels calling on US ports are under foreign flags. There's only one big sea cruise ship registered in the USA - ms Pride of America, and the sole reason for that is she sails in Hawaii exclusively, the whole year-round.

As the market always determines the prices, often choosing a flag state means minimizing costs to maximize the revenue. And for a cruise ship owner, making a choice between using the fiscal advantages of registering ships in the open registry (under "Flag of Convenience") and registration in a national/close registry means making a choice between good business and not so good business.

In 1922, W. Averell Harriman (American politician/businessman/diplomat) registered two of his American-owned ships under the Panamanian flag, the main reason being to avoid Prohibition. In 1948, E. Stettinius (former Secretary of State under Roosevelt) founded the Liberian ship registry, later followed by Bahamas and Bermuda, Malta and Portugal. Some countries (like Italy and Holland/Netherlands) have cruise ships registered in their national registries.

World's most popular cruise ships flags of convenience

• The list of Bahamas-registered cruise ships includes some of the largest passenger ships in the world from the fleets of RCCL, NCL, and Carnival.
• Under the Panamanian flag operate 2 major cruise ship companies - Carnival (CCL started the "Panama flag state" cruising experience with the Mardi Gras ship in 1972) and MSC Cruises (brand of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, one of the world's largest container shipping lines ).
• Bermudian Flag of Convenience and Cruise Weddings. Bermuda is offering its offshore registry for UK-owned ships since 1974. First, the P&O Cruises line changed its cruise ships' flags from London to Hamilton. Most of the Bermuda-flagged cruise ships (all registered in Hamilton ) are from the fleets of Princess, P&O, and Cunard. And the main reason for that is the Bermudian flag of convenience allows captains to perform onboard weddings (the Bermudian flag is, of course, British, but Bermuda's registry has different legislation).
• Under the Italian flag are Costa and AIDA, with all vessels being registered in Genoa .
• Under the flag of Malta are the RCCL brands Celebrity and TUI. In Malta ( Valletta ) are also registered the ships of Celestyal Cruises transferred away from the expensive flag of Greece.
• Under the royal flag of The Netherlands/Holland are all Holland America ships (a Carnival brand).
• Madeira ( Funchal ) is the offshore registry of Portugal, registered in Portugal ships are from the fleets of Classic International and Iberocruceros (Carnival's brand).
• There are no cruise ships registered in Liberia today. For many years, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity operated under the Liberian flag, but the dictator Charles Taylor changed all that. Under the Liberian flag of convenience, today sail many cargo ships, though.
• CCL-Carnival Cruise Lines is now the only major brand to split its ships between two flags of convenience (Panama and Bahamas), while the others usually stick to one.
• All Galapagos-based ships are Ecuador-flagged.

Cruise ship flags of convenience vs national flag

The flag of convenience helps ship owners to evade their home nation's "inconvenient" rules/regulations, and often for reasons that are not so good. The negative impact is solely on the crew/staff who works on such ships.

• Lower standards of working conditions due to lesser regulations. The crew on such ships often work under stress, or under dangerous conditions, and often without compensation.
• The crew is deprived of basic rights, such as the right to form/join trade unions, and the right to demand proper pay/working conditions.
• A ship under the flag of convenience is under its flag state's jurisdiction, but ship records and other documents can be easily manipulated in cases of illegal trade (like smuggling, for example). Crew members could be charged for a criminal activity they were not even a part of.
• Generally, ships sailing under the flag of convenience offer lower salaries or pay crew/staff later than required.
• Insufficient or no compensation in cases of onboard accidents . Such ships have the right to refuse to pay compensation to a crew member and/or his/her family.
• Busy work schedule without the necessary rest time between assignments (compared to the standard).
• Uncertainty/stress - working on a flag of convenience ship can endanger your career, resulting in sickness, physical and mental impairments, and even bad work record if you decide to seek justice.

Open registry /flag of convenience states today account for more than 55% of the world's shipping.

Flag of convenience list of countries with an open registry

Currently, 27 countries have been declared "Flag of Convenience" states by ITF Global (International Transport Workers' Federation). Founded in 1896, the ITF currently represents a combined membership of around 5 mill workers from 148 countries. ITF (headquartered in London, UK) runs an international campaign against these countries through its "Fair Practices Committee" (seafarers' & dockers' unions).

ITF's list of "bad guys" (flag of convenience countries) includes:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba
• Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda
• Cambodia, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Cyprus
• GIS (German International Ship Register), Gibraltar
• Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg
• Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Myanmar
• Netherlands/Dutch Antilles
• St Vincent, Sri Lanka
• Tuvalu (Ellice Islands, Polynesia)
• Vanuatu (South Pacific).

As a rule, cruise ships under the flag of convenience have a multinational crew and are owned by large multinational companies.

What is the difference between closed and open registries?

"Open Registries" are organizations that will register foreign-owned ships. One of the first open registries is the Liberian and Panamanian registries, followed by the Bahamian and Bermudian, and more recently - those of Malta and Portugal.

"Closed (national) Registries" require that a cruise ship be owned and constructed by national interests and to be fully or partially crewed by its citizens. This usually increases the ship's construction and operating costs. Italy (Genoa) and The Netherlands (Rotterdam) are two of the national registries featuring big-size cruise liners owned by companies like HAL-Holland America, Costa, AIDA.

Flag states list of the largest ship registries in the world

Note: These are flag-states serving all types of ships (official data 2011).

• PAN-PANAMA (22,6 %) registry port Colon
• LBR-LIBERIA (11 %) registry port Monrovia
• MHL-MARSHALL ISLANDS (6%) registry port Majuro
• HKG-HONG KONG (5,8%)
• GRC-GREECE (5,3%)
• BHS-BAHAMAS (5%) registry port Nassau
• SGP-SINGAPORE (4,8%)
• MLT-MALTA (4,4%) registry port Valletta
• CHN-CHINA (3,5%)
• CYPRUS (2,5%) registry port Limassol
• SOUTH KOREA (1,6%)
• NORWAY (1,5%) registry port Oslo
• JPN-JAPAN (1,4%)
• GERMANY (1,4%)
• ITALY (1,3%) registry port Genoa
• ISLE OF MAN (1,3%) registry port Douglas
• INDIA (1,2%)
• DENMARK (1%)
• ANTIGUA & BARBUDA (1%)

When the Coronavirus crisis started (2020), Looyd's List ranked as "the world's top 10 flag states" the following countries:

• Panama, with total GT 234,735 million tons, total DWT 350,511 million tons, total vessels 9596
• Liberia (187,801M / 299,328M / 4295)
• Marshall Islands (170,971M / 276,365M / 4313)
• Hong Kong (130,306M / 206,273M / 2739)
• Singapore (96,101M / 142,956M / 4914)
• Malta (82,443M / 116,279M / 2588)
• Bahamas (64,127M / 77,341M / 1474)
• China (61,065M / 91,718M / 5130)
• Greece (38,042M / 65,755M / 1527)
• Japan (28,689M / 42,933M / 3852)

The following infographic shows 2015 statistical data about the number of commercial vessels (passenger and cargo ships) registered in foreign states compared to those carrying the boat's national flag.

Cruise Ship Registry

Cruise ships registry choices are made by cruise lines (or ship operators when the vessel is on charter). The main factors determining their decision are:

• flag-state's capabilities to deliver the services the company needs
• flag's reputation in the worldwide community of major international shipping companies
• flag-state's performance (how a cruise ship is prioritized by port states)
• seafarers pool (officers and crew) able to meet the flag's needs
• the number of fees (charges) and taxes (country's tax rates).

In summation, because the cruise shipowner immediately becomes subject to all safety/labor/environmental laws of the flag-state, the majority of nations with the most popular open registries tend to be countries with the laxest safety/labor/environmental codes, low tax rates, very cheap port fees.

Why most cruise ships are registered in Bahamas/Panama, and not in USA?

The Bahamas (port of Nassau) is the No 1 registry of cruise ships worldwide and the world's 3rd largest ship registry after Panama and Liberia. Why cruise lines do not enjoy the idea of having their ships registered in the United States and prefer to operate ships registered in other countries?

The biggest of the largest in the cruise travel industry (Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney) along with major shipping companies (like Chevron, Texaco and Exxon - the parent company of Esso and Mobil) prefer The Bahamas as flag-state/flag of convenience (see the definitions below) over USA simply because for a "Bahamian" ship US labor laws do not apply.

On any marine vessels registered in the Bahamas there are no codes about the number of hours a seafarer may work or his/her days off, no minimum wages, staff can be punished by the captain in case of complaining about issues (such as safety or food quality, for example). In other words, while on the ship, the captain has the absolute authority. This is the classic maritime law. Similar "benefits" offer Panama and Liberia as flag states.

Royal Princess® Cruise Ship

A welcoming ambience and innovative offerings create the perfect way to see the world.

• Inaugural Cruise: June 16, 2013
• Christener: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge
• Guest Cabins: 1,780 total
• Number of Decks: 19
• Tonnage: 142,229
• Length: 1,083 feet
• Height: 217 feet

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

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.

Most Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

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

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

Dine My Way℠

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A (Seafood) Fan Favorite Returns!

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Hand-tossed pizza, hot out of the oven.

Horizon Court

An ever-changing selection of favorites.

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock.

Trident Grill

Traditional southern bbq, with poolside ease, specialty dining.

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

A Dazzling Dining Adventure

A taste of italy, enjoyed in luxury, timeless steakhouse traditions, wines from around the world, celebrate seafood, a private breakfast with a view, a sweet treat from italy.

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

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with discovery™.

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The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

Art Gallery & Auctions

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Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

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Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts, entertainment.

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.

Princess® Watercolor Fantasy Show

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Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small.

Music & Dancing

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At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

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Lively Nightlife

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Good spirits, good stories, joyful rejuvenation.

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.

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

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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.

• Princess Cruises

Princess boat flag ?

By Scotto97 , June 6, 2015 in Princess Cruises

Recommended Posts

Has anyone made a Princess "Seawitch" boat flag? It would look great and promote the brand here on Lake Mead which we frequent quite often in our SeaRay cruiser.

When I mention this to Princess Reps, they love the idea and promise to pass it along, but so far I haven't heard they are for sale either online or onboard.

The standard size is 18" x 12"

I'm considering having a sign shop look into making one, but wonder if someone else has beat me to it

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Do you mean a Seawitch flag to display on a pleasure craft or a flagpole?

AE_Collector

Don't the tenders have them?

I have wanted one for years. To me it would be the perfect souvenir. I have asked and Princess does not sell them. But I want a bigger one than 18 x 12. More like 40 x 20.

I have a Seawitch tender flag and it measures 11X38 inches.

I have had boat flags made at Gettysburg Flag. No minimum and you pick colors and upload logo.

I have wanted one for years. To me it would be the perfect souvenir. I have asked and Princess does not sell them. But I want a bigger one than 18 x 12. More like 40 x 20. Chris

I have a really big one -- 72 x 116. Are you interested?

Colo Cruiser

Yes I want a boat flag.

I'm pretty sure uploading a Trademarked or Copyrighted logo to them is illegal.

I was wondering about that aspect.

I am suprised that Princess does not sell them in the stores on the ship and on line. I think it would be a money maker.

Prepare to be sued. ;):):D

Princess probably doesn't want their flags on something like this ...

I don't know, at least the shiny side is still up. :eek:

I have a really big one -- 72 x 116. Are you interested?   SilverBird

Yes. email me. cefrance at Comcast dot net

notentirelynormal

I don't know about that. I thought they would be upset with us using their ship photo to put on our t-shirts. Nope. They told me how to download the picture. We have often put a picture of the ship we were sailing on.

There's nothing wrong with using a picture of the ship, but any sort of art, like a logo, is illegal without permission from the owner.

I know, nothing's likely to happen. I'm just saying it as a FYI. My wife is in an art career, so I deal with this from time to time.

Thanks for the great ideas.

I've got some direction on how to proceed and will post a picture when it's done.

Princess would be crazy to spend money suing me for flying the flag on my Sea Ray cruiser. They should be paying me for the free advertising

Perhaps I'll send them a bill.........Lol !

Thanks for the great ideas.   I've got some direction on how to proceed and will post a picture when it's done.

There is a special flag for 50th anniversary.

So, you have a choice...

Princess clip-art used to be available online for travel agents to

use in advertising, but now it is password protected.

You can still get a large sea witch logo by upscaling a pdf, and converting

it in something like photoshop bridge.

I don't really remember the house pennant, but I think it is simply

a sea witch.

Thanks for the great ideas.   I've got some direction on how to proceed and will post a picture when it's done.   Princess would be crazy to spend money suing me for flying the flag on my Sea Ray cruiser. They should be paying me for the free advertising   Perhaps I'll send them a bill.........Lol !

Let us know how it works out.

I don't think you will have any problems as we flew one for years on a Sumerset Houseboat. Like you said, it is advertising.

KruzeKrazy!

If you're not using the logo for commercial gain it should be ok.

From time to time, I see folks walking around the ship

in some group 't' shirts.

Often with the princess logo, and often with the ship name.

The blah-blah-blah family cruise on crown princess.

I am always shocked that the trademark symbol is not placed

after the ship name! After all, a princess ship name is a trademark.

But seriously, I have never heard of anyone being ask to remove

the shirts because of trademark or copyright issue.

So many things are problems on cruise critic, but not in the real world.

I never said it was a problem on Cruise Critic either. Please do not embellish my advice. My post you quoted was in response to the suggestion of having a third party print a Princess flag. Nothing more, nothing less.

I understood what you were saying, some comments are made to stir up trouble.

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Table of Contents

About Princess Cruises

What’s included in a princess cruise, princess cruises loyalty program: captain’s circle.

Princess Cruises is a U.S. cruise line owned by Carnival Corp., which also owns and operates other lines including Carnival, Holland America and Cunard.

First launched in 1965, Princess Cruises offers passengers the opportunity to sail all over the world, including to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.

Here’s a quick overview of some of Princess Cruises' key features.

Cabin types: Princess Cruises ships feature room types that are standard across most cruise lines. These include interior, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite and suite rooms. Princess Cruises’ inside rooms are contemporary and well-furnished, as are its higher-end offerings. 

Main U.S. routes: You’ll find Princess Cruise ships throughout the U.S., though routes are heavily season-dependent. Look for Caribbean cruises out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and for destinations along the West Coast, out of Los Angeles.  

Loyalty program: Captain’s Circle is the name of Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, which provides elite benefits based on how much you’ve cruised with the line. 

Princess Cruises destinations

Princess Cruise offers a large array of itineraries and destinations. Its sailings range in length from two-day getaways to a 116-day journey that travels around the globe, and it stops in seven continents and 330 ports of call.

» Learn more: Do you need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

Princess Cruises prices

Princess ships tend to be a little more upscale than some other options, which means it can be more expensive to travel on one. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily be paying luxury prices.

Prices for rooms can vary dramatically based on when you travel. The cost is higher during the holidays. For example, a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise leaving from Fort Lauderdale can cost as little as $548 for an interior room. However, if you’re traveling during the winter holidays, the price skyrockets up to $1,178 for the same room.

What is the best Princess cruise ship?

There are a total of 15 vessels on this cruise line, with two more ships planned for sailings in 2024 or later.

Many of the line’s ships score well with reviewers, including the Discovery Princess ship, which is one of six Royal Class vessels. These vessels feature a larger atrium (the social hub of the ship), private poolside cabanas, a glass-bottomed over-water SeaWalk and more staterooms with balconies.

» Learn more: How to plan a cruise in 6 steps

What is the newest Princess Cruises ship?

The Discovery Princess is the newest ship. It debuted in 2022 and can carry up to 3,660 guests. However, according to Princess Cruises news, the Sun Princess will soon take the title of newest ship with its inaugural voyage in 2024.

While most cruises include many services and amenities with the base fare, not everything comes at that rate. There are some extras that you may need to pay more for.

Here’s what comes with each fare package on a Princess cruise:

The Princess Standard fare includes your cabin, use of facilities, all meals, snacks and entertainment. 

The Princess Plus fare includes all the amenities of the Princess Standard fare but also provides Wi-Fi service to one device, crew gratuities, premium beverages (including most alcoholic drinks), fitness classes, food delivery and two nights of dining at a casual sit-down restaurant.

The Princess Premier package includes all of the above, with Wi-Fi available on multiple devices, a superior drink package, two nights of specialty dining, unlimited casual dining, a photo package and reserved seating at shows. 

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

The Captain’s Circle is the loyalty program for Princess Cruises, and after you complete your first cruise, you’re automatically a member with Gold tier status.

Captain’s Circle levels

The Captain’s Circle levels are Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite. Here’s how to reach each tier as well as the benefits you’ll receive.

How to earn: Complete one Princess cruise. 

Best benefits: Preferential pricing, members-only events. 

How to earn: Complete three cruises or 30 cruise days.

Best benefits: Vacation protection upgrade, shoreside access to priority phone line.

How to earn: Complete five cruises or 50 cruise days. 

Best benefits: 50% off Wi-Fi package, priority boarding, early access to dining reservations, exclusive member lounge, 10% discount on spa treatments. 

How to earn: Complete 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. 

Best benefits: Early access to new itineraries, 10% off-shore excursions, complimentary mini-bar setup, complimentary laundry services, priority embarkation and disembarkation.

(Top photo courtesy of Princess Cruises)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Which cruise lines does Carnival own? Here’s a list of cruise lines owned by Carnival Corp.

Carnival Corporation & PLC owns and operates many popular cruise brands, including namesake brand Carnival Cruise Line, also the corporation's largest.

Nine cruise lines fall under the Carnival umbrella, making it the largest parent company in the cruise industry. You've likely heard of Carnival Cruise Line but may be less familiar with the smaller brands in the group.

Here's a full list of cruise brands owned by Carnival Corporation & PLC.

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

Aida Cruises

Aida might not be familiar to you, but that's by design. It caters fully to a German-speaking market, which means North Americans might find it difficult to mingle with fellow passengers and crew if they sailed on one of the line's 12 ships.

Aida's vessels are painted with the line's trademark faces, featuring yellow eyes, blue eyeshadow and bright red lips.

The line became part of Carnival Corp. in 2003, when the corporation merged with P&O Princess Cruises, which included Aida, P&O, P&O Australia and Princess.

Carnival Cruise Line

Founded in 1972 by Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Line started out with just one secondhand ship, Mardi Gras. Since then, it has grown to be the industry's largest cruise brand with more than two dozen vessels currently in operation, all of which were built specifically for the line (including one of its newest, also named Mardi Gras in honor of the original ship).

Carnival refers to its fleet as the "fun ships," offering a lively onboard atmosphere that focuses on pool parties, game shows and original entertainment. It prides itself on friendly service and a plethora of casual yet delectable dining venues. The line is an excellent choice for families, and it offers both short and long voyages at a variety of price points that make cruising affordable for most travelers.

Related: All you need to know about Carnival

Costa Cruises

Carnival Corp. took full ownership of Italian line Costa Cruises in 2000 after originally obtaining just 50% in 1997. The brand largely serves the Italian cruise demographic in the Mediterranean. In 2022, following the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, Carnival Corp. transferred some of Costa's ships to Carnival Cruise Line, touting "Fun Italian Style" and offering North Americans a taste of what Costa has to offer.

Like its North America-based counterparts, Costa sails ships that include several restaurants, bars and entertainment venues but with an Italian flare – right down to gondola decor and pasta galore.

Cunard Line

The Carnival parent company took over a majority stake in Cunard in 1998, but the brand's history began in 1840, when a Canadian war veteran established a fleet of steam-powered ferries and, later, ocean liners.

Throughout the years, Cunard vessels have been responsible for serving in wars, transporting immigrants and running transatlantic routes between the U.S. and Europe. The line started out offering necessary transportation but eventually pivoted to the luxurious leisure travel for which the line is known today.

On board, try a fencing class, learn flower arranging, or enjoy a full-service afternoon tea with real clotted cream served by white-gloved waiters.

Related: All you need to know about Cunard

Holland America Line

Acquired by Carnival Corp. in 1989, Holland America also carries a rich history dating back to 1873. It initially sailed transatlantic voyages that ferried immigrants between The Netherlands and New York City.

The line currently relies heavily on its heritage to inform its current identity. On board, passengers will find excellent food, music and customer service, all of which tend to draw slightly older passengers and multigenerational family groups.

Related: All you need to know about Holland America

P&O Australia

P&O Australia was acquired by Carnival in 2003, and it remains the only cruise line in the world that caters entirely to Australian passengers who enjoy fun-in-the-sun cruises.

With just three ships in its fleet, the line is small but specific, offering round-trip voyages from Sydney and Brisbane in Australia and sailing throughout the Australia and New Zealand regions.

P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is the U.K. counterpart to P&O Australia, providing a fun and affordable cruise experience for Brits.

It features an onboard vibe that's slightly more upscale than sister brand Carnival but at a similar price point and with decidedly English touches, such as an absolutely scrumptious — and free — afternoon tea.

Like several of Carnival Corp.'s other brands, the line came under the umbrella in 2003 during the P&O Princess Cruises merger.

Princess Cruises

Princess was rolled under the Carnival umbrella in 2003 when Carnival Corp. combined with P&O Princess Cruises.

Princess' ships walk the line between courting older passengers with their connection to popular 1980s television show "The Love Boat" and staying current with technological advancements that include the industry's first fleetwide wearable, the OceanMedallion . As a result, the line appeals to a variety of passengers of all ages, including couples hoping to share a romantic vacation.

Related: All you need to know about Princess

Seabourn Cruise Line

In 1992, Carnival Corp. acquired a 25% stake in Seabourn before purchasing the entire brand outright in 2001. The luxury cruise line, which includes things like alcohol, Wi-Fi and gratuities in its fares, sails a fleet of lovely ships with a focus on high-end furnishings and next-level service.

Seabourn also began offering expedition sailings with a couple of vessels that were built specifically for cruises to rugged, far-flung and less-traveled destinations that include the Arctic and the Galapagos.

Related: All you need to know about Silversea

Carnival Corp. FAQ

Does carnival own royal caribbean.

No. Royal Caribbean International is owned and operated by the Royal Caribbean Group, which also includes Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises , among other brands.

Does Carnival own Disney Cruise Line?

No. Disney Cruise Line is owned by The Walt Disney Company.

Is Princess owned by Carnival?

Yes. Princess Cruises is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation & PLC.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• 5 ways cruise lines are nickel-and-diming worse than ever
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• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Crown Princess

Ship specifications.

City Fort Lauderdale

City Seattle

City Vancouver

Crown princess itineraries, 16 night hawaiian islands, 7 night classic california coast, 7 night pacific northwest coast, 11 night inside passage (with glacier bay national park), 11 night inside passage (roundtrip san francisco), 23 night hawaii, tahiti & south pacific crossing, 31 night hawaii, tahiti & south pacific crossing, 8 night australia & new zealand, 6 night southern australia, 28 night round australia, 11 night southern australia explorer, 26 night round australia, 4 night australia seacation, 24 night round australia, 22 night round australia, 17 night northern explorer, 15 night northern explorer, 2 night australia seacation, 10 night queensland, princess cruises fleet.

Sun Princess

Grand Princess

Diamond Princess

Caribbean Princess

Sapphire Princess

Island Princess

Coral Princess

Regal Princess

Royal Princess

Ruby Princess

Emerald Princess

Discovery Princess

Enchanted Princess

Sky Princess

Majestic Princess

Princess Cruises Now Has a Train-to-port Service With Florida's Brightline — and You Can Have Your Luggage Delivered to the Ship

T ravelers boarding a Princess cruise will now be able to take advantage of the new “Rail & Sail" service from any of Brightline’s Florida stations.

High-speed rail company Brightline is making it easier to catch a cruise in Florida thanks to a new partnership with Princess Cruises.

Travelers boarding a Princess cruise will now be able to take advantage of the new “Rail & Sail" service from any of Brightline’s Florida stations, Princess Cruises shared with Travel + Leisure . The cruise line will then provide a complimentary motorcoach service between either the Orlando or Fort Lauderdale train stations and the embarkation terminal.

Travelers who take the train to the port will also have the ability to opt-in to a new luggage express service, which costs $35 per bag. With the new service, passengers will be able to check their bags upon arrival at the train station and have them delivered directly to their staterooms.

To start, the luggage express service will only be offered on Orlando to Fort Lauderdale trains. Princess plans to add the service on Fort Lauderdale to Orlando trains in the future.

“A Princess cruise is already the best value in travel and this new partnership with Brightline makes it even easier and more enjoyable to sail with us from the top-rated ports in South and Central Florida,” John Padgett, the president of Princess Cruises, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Our guests can just sit back, relax, and let us do the rest, including delivering their luggage directly to their stateroom.”

To celebrate the new train partnership, Princess is offering a credit to use on Brightline’s tickets for passengers who book a cruise through May 5. Travelers who book an interior or oceanview stateroom will receive a $50 per person Brightline credit, passengers who book a balcony or deluxe stateroom will receive a $100 per person credit, and passengers who book a mini-suite or a suite will receive a $150 per person credit.

Brightline first launched in 2018 with service between West Palm Beach , Fort Lauderdale, and Miami before expanding to Aventura and Boca Raton. Last year, the company opened its new route between Miami and Orlando . And in 2026, Brightline plans to add a brand-new stop along Florida’s Treasure Coast.

The company offers the option of both “Smart” and “Premium” fares. Premium tickets include added perks like a dedicated lounge at the departure station, priority boarding, checked luggage, and complimentary snacks and beverages. All Brightline trains come with complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

Bangor Daily News

Maine news, sports, politics, election results, and obituaries

The era of large cruise ship visits to Bar Harbor might soon end

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Unless another court ruling overturns Bar Harbor’s new cruise ship limits, 2025 is expected to be the last year that large passenger ships drop anchor in Frenchman Bay.

But it could be sooner than that — or may have already passed — if a judge decides that the town must enforce the new limits this year.

“Large” can be a relative term when the smallest cruise ships that visit Bar Harbor are more than 200 feet long and can accommodate 100 paid passengers. Most of the ships that visit Bar Harbor, Maine’s busiest cruise ship port, are closer to 1,000 feet long and carry between 1,800 and 4,000 passengers per voyage.

It is these larger ships that effectively will be banned from visiting the tourist destination when the town’s new daily limit of 1,000 passengers per day  starts being enforced. Of Bar Harbor’s current 104 cruise ship visits scheduled for this year, 70 would be prohibited if the daily limit was to go into effect before May 2, when the first large ship of the year, carrying nearly 2,400 passengers, is expected to arrive.

Of the ships that will still be allowed, most carry approximately 100 to 200 passengers and rarely do two of them appear in Bar Harbor on the same day. As a result, the town most likely will get only a couple hundred passengers ashore on cruise ship days — below the daily 1,000-passenger limit and far below the 2,000 to 5,000 passengers that have sometimes come ashore when multiple ships are in town at the same time.

But when the new limit will be fully enforced is a heated subject of debate  in Bar Harbor, where the council says it will honor reservations made by large ships before voters approved the new limits on Nov. 8, 2022. Charles Sidman , a local resident who spearheaded the referendum vote, is taking the town to court to try to legally compel it to enforce the cap now.

In addition, a coalition of local businesses is challenging the new daily limit in federal court, arguing that it runs counter to federal maritime law and is unfairly onerous. A federal judge upheld the new daily limit  in February, but the business group has said it intends to appeal the decision.

Regardless of which entity prevails in court, the number of annual cruise ship visits to Bar Harbor, which gets millions of visitors each year who arrive each year by car or bus, already is declining and likely will never regain the volume of recent years.

Outside the COVID-19 pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 — when the global cruise ship industry ground to a halt and no ships came to Bar Harbor  — the town recently has averaged roughly 150 visits each year, all between late April and early November, and received an annual total between 200,000 and 250,000 passengers. This year, even if large ships are allowed, the town will get fewer than 200,000 passengers for the first time — apart from 2020 and 2021 — since 2016.

After cruise ships first started showing up sporadically off Bar Harbor in the 1980s, their numbers jumped above 50 per year in 2001 and then above 100 per year in 2008. The town’s first year with more than 100,000 cruise ship passengers was in 2004, when it welcomed 87 ships into Frenchman Bay.

Along the way, the town has worked with local cruise industry officials to find ways to manage the flow of passengers to and from the downtown waterfront. It moved anchorage points in the bay behind the Porcupine Islands to make the ships less visually imposing from downtown, and tried making adjustments to how tour buses come and go from West Street to relieve traffic congestion, even as the number of visits consistently increased over time.

But as complaints continued to come in, the town decided in 2021 — when annual visits to Acadia National Park soared to more than 4 million  — to conduct a survey to ask local people what they thought about local cruise ship traffic. More than half  of the survey’s respondents said the volume of cruise ship visits was hurting the town.

With the writing on the wall, both town officials and local cruise industry officials began discussing how to reduce the number  of large ships that visit each year.

Together, they came up with a plan to impose a daily passenger cap of 3,800 passengers for May, June, September and October, and a daily cap of 3,500 for July and August. They also agreed on monthly caps of 30,000 passengers in May and June, 40,000 in July and August, and 65,000 in September and October.

But Sidman’s 2022 citizens’ petition effort, which led to the November referendum that year, derailed that plan.

For now, with Bar Harbor officials saying they plan to honor large cruise ship reservations made prior to the November 8, 2022 vote, the number of visits scheduled for 2025 stands at 18, all of which are large ships that together would bring nearly 57,000 ship passengers to town between late August and early October. The Regal Princess, which carries 3,560 passengers, would be the final large ship to visit Bar Harbor, on Oct. 28, 2025.

All large ship reservation requests that have come in since residents approved the daily 1,000-passenger cap have been denied, according to town officials.

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Bill trotter.

A news reporter in coastal Maine for more than 20 years, Bill Trotter writes about how the Atlantic Ocean and the state's iconic coastline help to shape the lives of coastal Maine residents and visitors.... More by Bill Trotter