Princess Cruises vs Virgin Voyages

The core difference

Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages both serve the premium cruise market, both deploy ships to Australian waters, and both attract travellers who care about food, design, and onboard experience. But the philosophical divide between them is as wide as any in the industry — traditional premium family cruising versus adults-only modern disruption.

Princess Cruises has evolved from a single chartered ship sailing to Mexico in 1965 into one of the world’s most respected premium cruise lines. Seventeen ships sail to over 380 ports across all seven continents, with particular strength in Alaska, where Princess’s Denali-area lodges and rail connections create land-and-sea packages that remain the gold standard. The introduction of the Sphere-class Sun Princess (2024) at 177,882 tonnes and 4,300 guests marked a pivotal moment — Conde Nast Traveler named it the number one mega cruise ship two years running. The fleet-wide MedallionClass technology — a wearable device enabling touchless cabin entry, companion location, and on-demand delivery — is the most ambitious tech platform in mainstream cruising. Princess occupies the sweet spot between mass-market and luxury: better food and service than the volume lines, more relaxed and accessible than ultra-luxury brands. The dress code is smart casual with gentle “Captain’s Circle” evenings. Families are welcome fleet-wide. The casino operates nightly. Part of the Carnival Corporation family alongside Holland America, Cunard, and P&O.

Virgin Voyages launched in 2021 to be everything traditional cruising is not. Four ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady — each carry approximately 2,700 adults in an atmosphere designed to feel more like a floating boutique hotel with a nightclub than a cruise ship. More than 20 dining venues, each with a dedicated galley and executive chef, are all included without surcharges. There is no main dining room, no buffet, no formal night, and no children. The signature Scarlet Night transforms the ship into a red-lit carnival. The Manor nightclub operates until the early hours. A tattoo parlour offers permanent ink at sea. Named Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Mega Ship three years running. Independent of any major cruise conglomerate.

In my experience advising Australian travellers, the choice between these two lines comes down to two questions: are children travelling, and what do you want your evenings to look like? If children are involved, the decision is made — Princess. If adults want nightlife and culinary adventure over tradition and formality, Virgin. If adults want technology, a casino, and broad entertainment, Princess.

What is actually included

The inclusions comparison reveals different packaging philosophies — Princess offers tiered packages; Virgin includes dining but draws the line at drinks.

Princess includes in the base Cruise-Only fare: stateroom accommodation; main dining room meals and buffet; room service (with delivery fee on most orders); basic entertainment and shows; pool and fitness centre access; and Camp Discovery children’s programme.

Princess Plus (approximately US$60 per person per day) adds: Wi-Fi; drinks package (wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails up to US$15 per drink); crew appreciation (gratuities); and a MedallionNet premium Wi-Fi upgrade. Princess Plus is the package most Australian travellers should consider as the baseline.

Princess Premier (approximately US$80 per person per day) adds: everything in Princess Plus, plus two speciality dining meals per person, unlimited juice bar, a photo package, unlimited premium desserts, and a shore excursion credit. This is the closest Princess comes to an all-inclusive model.

Virgin Voyages includes in every fare: all dining across 20-plus restaurants without surcharges; Wi-Fi; gratuities; group fitness classes (yoga, cycling, HIIT, barre, boxing); basic beverages (water, drip coffee, tea, select juices); and entertainment.

Virgin does not include: alcoholic beverages (purchased individually — no drink packages available); shore excursions; spa treatments; the Redemption Spa thermal suite; and speciality fitness sessions.

The critical comparison: Princess Plus at US$60 per day adds drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities to the base fare — covering most of what Virgin includes plus alcoholic beverages, which Virgin does not. Princess Premier at US$80 per day further adds speciality dining and shore excursion credits. A Virgin guest who drinks moderately — two glasses of wine at dinner and a cocktail in the evening — might spend US$40 to $60 per day on beverages. The total cost for a comparable Princess experience with Princess Plus often lands in a similar range to Virgin’s fare plus drink purchases.

The key differences: Virgin includes every restaurant on the ship without exception, while Princess reserves Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, and other premium venues behind surcharges even with Princess Premier. Virgin’s fitness inclusion — all group classes complimentary — is more generous than Princess’s basic gym access. Princess’s MedallionClass technology — on-demand food and drink delivery to your pool lounger, for instance — adds a convenience layer Virgin’s app does not match.

Dining and culinary experience

The dining comparison showcases two strong but philosophically different approaches.

Princess’s dining spans traditional cruise structure and speciality innovation. The main dining rooms on all ships serve a rotating menu each evening with both open seating and fixed-time options — classic cruise dining executed well. The Horizon Court buffet (World Fresh Marketplace on newer ships) is complimentary. Alfredo’s Pizzeria serves Neapolitan-style pizza included in the fare — consistently one of the best casual dining options at sea. The International Cafe offers sandwiches, pastries, and speciality coffees.

Speciality restaurants carry surcharges: Crown Grill steakhouse (approximately US$35); Sabatini’s Italian (approximately US$30); and on Sun Princess and Star Princess, additional premium venues including the Catch by Rudi seafood restaurant. The Dome on Sun Princess — a geodesic entertainment space inspired by classic European gardens — offers dining experiences alongside entertainment. Princess’s food quality has improved substantially in recent years, with the Sphere-class ships raising the culinary standard across the fleet.

Virgin Voyages includes 20-plus restaurants without surcharges. The Test Kitchen is an experimental, multi-sensory dining experience. Gunbae is Korean BBQ with tabletop grilling. Pink Agave serves modern Mexican. Extra Virgin offers Italian with housemade pasta. The Wake is a steakhouse with stern views. Razzle Dazzle is vegetarian-forward. The Galley replaces the traditional buffet with a curated food hall of global street food stations. Casual options include The Pizza Place, Dock harbour-side small plates, and Sun Club pool deck fare. There is no main dining room and no buffet line.

The philosophical divide is clear. Princess maintains the traditional cruise dining framework — a main dining room, a buffet, and speciality restaurants at premium — and does it well, with genuine improvements on the newest ships. Virgin eliminates the hierarchy entirely — every restaurant is included, every cuisine is accessible, and the dining experience feels more like a city restaurant scene than a cruise ship programme.

For food-motivated travellers, Virgin’s inclusion model is hard to beat. Having 20-plus restaurants at no extra cost means genuine culinary exploration across a full voyage. Princess’s Crown Grill is excellent and Alfredo’s is beloved, but the best dining on Princess ships requires surcharges. For travellers who are happy with the main dining room and view speciality restaurants as occasional treats, Princess delivers solid value at the base fare.

Suites and accommodation

The accommodation comparison spans established cruise ship categories and modern design innovation.

Princess offers the widest range of cabin categories in the premium segment. Inside staterooms start from approximately 150 to 162 square feet. Oceanview from approximately 160 to 180 square feet. Balcony staterooms from approximately 217 to 233 square feet including the balcony. Mini-suites from approximately 300 to 323 square feet provide a step up with a separate sitting area. Club Class Mini Suites add exclusive dining in the Club Class restaurant, priority embarkation, and premium amenities. The Reserve Collection on Sun Princess and Star Princess creates a ship-within-a-ship experience with a dedicated restaurant, lounge, and sun terrace for suite guests — Princess’s answer to the suite-class concepts on Celebrity and Norwegian.

Full suites range from 468 to the Signature Suite at approximately 1,340 square feet on select ships. Sun Princess introduced new suite categories including the Sky Suites with panoramic views.

Virgin Voyages’ cabins are design-forward and uniformly modern. The Insider (inside) cabin at approximately 150 square feet is compact but cleverly designed with transformable features and mood lighting. The Sea View adds a porthole. The Sea Terrace (balcony) at approximately 225 square feet features the signature hammock and iPad-controlled ambience. The RockStar Suites range from Seriously Suites (approximately 354 square feet) to the Mega RockStar Suite (approximately 2,147 square feet with a two-deck slide, in-room bar, and outdoor hot tub). All RockStar guests access Richard’s Rooftop, a private deck with bar, hot tub, and sun loungers.

The design aesthetic distinguishes Virgin. The balcony hammock, the mood lighting, and the attention to visual detail make Virgin cabins feel curated in a way Princess cabins do not. Princess’s MedallionClass technology — touchless entry, companion location, on-demand delivery — adds functional innovation that Virgin’s app-based system does not fully match. For travellers who prioritise cabin design and atmosphere, Virgin. For travellers who prioritise cabin variety, suite-class privileges, and technology integration, Princess.

Pricing and value

The pricing comparison requires analysis of total cost including add-on packages.

Princess’s directional pricing for a 7-night Mediterranean or Australian cruise (per person): inside cabin from approximately US$100 to $150 per night; balcony from approximately US$160 to $250 per night. Add Princess Plus at US$60 per day for drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Add Princess Premier at US$80 per day for speciality dining and shore credits on top. A balcony with Princess Plus reaches approximately US$220 to $310 per night.

Virgin’s directional pricing for a comparable 7-night cruise (per person): inside from approximately US$115 to $170 per night; Sea Terrace (balcony) from approximately US$160 to $250 per night. All dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities included. Drinks additional — a moderate-drinking couple might spend US$40 to $60 per person per day.

The per-night totals are remarkably close. A Princess balcony with Princess Plus (US$220 to $310) aligns broadly with a Virgin Sea Terrace plus moderate drink spend (US$200 to $310). The key differences at this price point: Princess Plus includes drinks that Virgin charges for individually; Virgin includes 20-plus dining venues that Princess reserves behind surcharges.

For Australian travellers, Princess offers structural advantages. The line prices in AUD through the Carnival Australia office. Princess is bookable on the Qantas Cruises platform, earning 1 Qantas Point per dollar on the cruise fare. Multiple ships deploy from Sydney each season with established Australian infrastructure. Virgin prices in USD and deploys intermittently to Australian waters.

Princess’s entry-level inside cabins from US$100 per night provide a lower starting point that Virgin cannot match — particularly relevant for budget-conscious Australian families.

Spa and wellness

Both lines offer quality spa facilities, but the fitness inclusion model differs.

Princess’s Lotus Spa operates across the fleet with treatment rooms, a thermal suite, beauty salon, and fitness centre. The thermal suite includes a hydrotherapy pool, heated stone loungers, sauna, and steam room — accessed via a day pass (approximately US$35 to $40) or included for suite guests on select ships. Group fitness classes are limited at the base fare. The Sanctuary on select ships is a premium adults-only relaxation area with Balinese day beds, dedicated stewards, and light meals — at an additional daily charge.

Virgin’s Redemption Spa is more contemporary in design, with a hydrotherapy circuit including a mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds, and rainforest showers. The Athletic Club features a full-size boxing ring, outdoor training area, and an extensive group fitness programme — yoga, cycling, HIIT, barre, boxing, and strength classes — all included in the fare. The pool deck is designed as a social hub with DJ sets and the Aquatic Club atmosphere.

Virgin’s fitness inclusion is notably more generous. All group fitness classes are complimentary, whereas Princess charges for most beyond the gym. The boxing ring and outdoor workout space add a fitness-forward energy that Princess does not match. For wellness-focused travellers, particularly in the 30-to-50 age bracket, Virgin’s offering is more aligned with modern fitness culture. Princess’s spa is competent and well-run but more traditional in approach.

Entertainment and enrichment

The entertainment comparison reveals the widest philosophical gap between these two brands.

Princess delivers broad mainstream entertainment. The World Stage on newer ships hosts production shows with LED screens and modern staging. Cirque Eloize has partnered with Princess for theatrical productions. Movies Under the Stars on the open-air screen is a fleet-wide signature. The Vista Show Lounge and Princess Theatre host nightly performances. The casino operates on every ship with slots, table games, and poker. Camp Discovery provides children’s entertainment for ages 3 to 17. Live music plays in multiple lounges. The Dome on Sun Princess — a geodesic glass-roofed entertainment space — hosts shows, DJs, and events in a spectacular architectural setting. Princess Live hosts game shows, comedy, and interactive events. The entertainment is broad, polished, and designed to serve a wide demographic from families to retirees.

Virgin delivers the most boundary-pushing entertainment in cruising. Scarlet Night transforms the entire ship into a red-lit carnival. The Manor nightclub operates until the early hours. The Red Room theatre hosts immersive, experimental shows — Duel Reality, Ships R Us drag brunch, and acrobatic performances that push beyond traditional cruise production values. Private karaoke suites, a tattoo parlour, themed deck events, and multiple DJ venues fill the programme. The entertainment is deliberately edgy, design-conscious, and exclusively adult.

The distinction is audience-specific. Princess’s entertainment must serve 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds simultaneously — and it does so competently. Virgin’s entertainment serves adults who go out in cities and want that energy at sea — and it does so brilliantly. Princess has the Dome; Virgin has the Manor. Princess has Movies Under the Stars; Virgin has Scarlet Night. Both are excellent at what they set out to do.

Princess’s MedallionClass technology also functions as entertainment infrastructure — ordering a cocktail delivered to your pool lounger, locating your family across the ship, and participating in interactive games through the Medallion app. This ambient technology layer is unique to Princess and adds a dimension of convenience that feels genuinely innovative.

Fleet and destination coverage

The fleet comparison reveals dramatically different scales and coverage.

Princess operates 17 ships across multiple classes, from the intimate Pacific Princess-successor vessels to the 177,882-tonne Sphere-class Sun Princess and Star Princess. The fleet spans decades of shipbuilding but the Sphere-class represents a genuine generational leap. Princess covers all seven continents with particular strength in Alaska (over 50 years, up to seven ships, Glacier Bay permits, Denali lodges), the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Australia/New Zealand. The breadth of itinerary choice — 380-plus ports — is among the widest in the industry.

Virgin operates four ships built between 2021 and 2025, each carrying approximately 2,700 guests. The fleet is uniformly modern. Destinations cover the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Northern Europe, South Pacific, and Australia. The fleet’s youth is an advantage — no dated ships, no inconsistency between classes — but the limited number of vessels restricts itinerary breadth compared to Princess’s 17-ship coverage.

For Australian travellers, Princess’s multiple ships in Australian waters each season provide more departure dates, more itineraries, and more flexibility than Virgin’s intermittent single-ship deployment. Princess’s Alaska dominance is relevant for Australians planning that particular bucket-list destination. Virgin’s strength lies in the uniqueness of its product rather than the breadth of its coverage.

Where each line excels

Princess Cruises excels in:

• Alaska expertise. Over 50 years in Alaska with up to seven ships, Glacier Bay permits, and exclusive Denali lodges connected by rail. Unmatched in the industry.
• MedallionClass technology. Touchless cabin entry, companion location, on-demand delivery to anywhere on the ship, and personalised service. The most ambitious tech platform at sea.
• Family and multigenerational travel. Camp Discovery for ages 3 to 17, family staterooms, and a fleet designed to serve all ages simultaneously.
• Fleet breadth. Seventeen ships covering 380-plus ports across every continent. More itinerary choice than Virgin can offer with four ships.
• Australian market infrastructure. AUD pricing, Carnival Australia office, Qantas Points earning, and multiple ships deployed to Sydney each season.
• Casino. A full casino on every ship — one of the last things absent from Virgin’s product that matters to many travellers.
• The Dome. Sun Princess’s geodesic entertainment space is a genuine architectural innovation at sea.

Virgin Voyages excels in:

• Culinary inclusion. More than 20 restaurants without surcharges — the broadest complimentary dining programme in mainstream cruising.
• Design aesthetic. Bold, modern cabins with balcony hammocks, mood lighting, and a design-magazine sensibility that appeals to travellers who find traditional cruise ships unappealing.
• Adults-only nightlife. Scarlet Night, The Manor, immersive shows, drag brunch, and a tattoo parlour create an evening scene unmatched in cruising.
• Fitness inclusion. All group classes complimentary, including boxing, cycling, HIIT, and barre in a purpose-built Athletic Club.
• No formal nights. No dress code whatsoever — come as you are, every night.
• Fleet consistency. Four identical modern ships means no dated vessels and no class-dependent quality variation.

Standout itineraries for Australian travellers

Princess Cruises

Australian Season Sailings (Majestic Princess and others, ex-Sydney). Multiple ships each season with itineraries to New Zealand, the South Pacific, and around Australia ranging from short getaways to extended explorations. The most consistent premium cruise presence in Australian waters.

13-Night New Zealand (ex-Sydney, Majestic Princess). Milford Sound, Fiordland, and key New Zealand ports on a premium ship with MedallionClass technology. One of Princess’s most popular Australian-season itineraries.

7-Day Alaska Inside Passage (roundtrip Seattle or Vancouver, multiple ships). Princess’s signature itinerary with Glacier Bay and up to three Alaskan ports. Combinable with Denali overland packages. Accessible from Australia via direct flights to Seattle.

5-Night Sampler (ex-Sydney). Short sailings for Australian travellers testing Princess for the first time. Low commitment, domestic departure, and a taste of the full product.

Virgin Voyages

Australian Season Sailings (Resilient Lady, from Sydney or Melbourne). When deployed to Australian waters, these domestic departures offer the Virgin experience without international flights. South Pacific and regional itineraries.

7-Night Greek Island Hop (Valiant Lady, ex-Piraeus). Mykonos, Santorini, and Rhodes with 20-plus included restaurants and Mediterranean sunshine.

7-Night Caribbean (Scarlet Lady, ex-Miami). The core Virgin product in its spiritual home — Caribbean sunshine, Scarlet Night, and The Beach Club at Bimini.

Ship-by-ship recommendations

Princess Cruises

Sun Princess or Star Princess — The Sphere-class flagships and the best introduction to Princess. The Dome, the Reserve Collection ship-within-a-ship, and the most refined dining and entertainment in the fleet. Conde Nast Traveler’s number one mega cruise ship two years running.

Majestic Princess — The primary Australian-season ship. A Royal-class vessel with a strong Chinese-cuisine influence reflecting its original deployment to the Asian market. Solid mid-fleet choice for Australian departures.

Any ship for Alaska — Princess’s Alaska programme is the gold standard regardless of vessel. Glacier Bay permits, Denali lodges, and decades of expertise matter more than ship class in Alaska.

Virgin Voyages

Resilient Lady — The ship most likely to deploy to Australian waters. Book for domestic departures when available.

Brilliant Lady — The newest ship (2025) with any refinements from lessons learned across the fleet.

All four ships are essentially identical in design and facilities. Choose on itinerary and departure port.

For Australian travellers specifically

Both lines have meaningful Australian presence, but the depth and consistency differ substantially.

Princess has deep Australian market infrastructure. Multiple ships deploy to Sydney each season under the Carnival Australia umbrella, providing the most consistent premium cruise presence in Australian waters. The Australian office handles bookings in AUD. Princess is available on the Qantas Cruises platform, earning 1 Qantas Point per dollar on cruise fares — a meaningful loyalty benefit for Australian travellers. Itineraries from Sydney cover New Zealand, the South Pacific, Australia coastal, and Southeast Asia. The line’s long-standing Australian presence means travel agents know the product intimately.

Virgin has intermittent but impactful Australian presence. Resilient Lady has deployed to Sydney and Melbourne for select seasons, offering a product unlike anything else in Australian waters. When in the region, Virgin provides domestic departure options for travellers who want the adults-only, 20-restaurant, nightlife-forward experience without flying internationally. However, the single-ship deployment is less predictable than Princess’s multi-ship seasonal commitment.

For Australian families, Princess is the obvious choice — Camp Discovery, family staterooms, MedallionClass technology, and multiple ships from Sydney each season. For Australian adults in their 30s to 50s seeking something different, Virgin’s periodic Australian deployment offers a unique alternative that no other line in Australian waters replicates. Many Australian travellers will find both lines appealing for different occasions — Princess for a family holiday or Alaska bucket list, Virgin for a couples’ getaway or friends’ trip.

The onboard atmosphere

The atmospheric contrast reflects the different audiences each line serves.

Princess’s atmosphere is polished, welcoming, and gently premium. The ships feel like well-run resort hotels — comfortable, competent, and designed to please a broad demographic simultaneously. The Piazza on newer ships creates a central gathering space with live music and cafes. The Dome on Sun Princess adds architectural drama. MedallionClass technology adds a layer of seamless convenience — ordering a drink to your exact location, locating your children on the ship, and unlocking your door without a card. The passenger base spans families, couples, and retirees. Captain’s Circle evenings add gentle formality. The casino creates energy for those who want it. The atmosphere is mainstream premium — polished enough to feel special, relaxed enough to feel comfortable.

Virgin’s atmosphere is energetic, curated, and deliberately unconventional. The pool deck pulses with DJ sets. Restaurants buzz with experimentation across 20-plus venues. Scarlet Night transforms the ship into a sensory carnival. The Manor nightclub operates until the small hours. The design is Instagram-ready — every corner is photographable. The passenger base is adults in their 30s to 50s who specifically chose Virgin because it does not look, feel, or operate like a traditional cruise. The energy is high, the aesthetic is bold, and the atmosphere rewards participation.

Princess accommodates multiple moods on the same ship. Virgin commits to a single mood and delivers it with conviction. Princess guests can find a quiet library corner or a lively casino floor on the same vessel. Virgin guests are surrounded by the same energy wherever they go — which is either invigorating or overwhelming, depending on the traveller.

The bottom line

Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages are both strong premium products that serve the Australian market, but they serve fundamentally different audiences with fundamentally different expectations.

Choose Princess if you want a polished premium cruise that works for families, couples, and multigenerational groups simultaneously. Choose it for MedallionClass technology, Alaska expertise with Denali lodges, 17 ships covering 380-plus ports, and a full casino. Choose it for the Australian market infrastructure — AUD pricing, Qantas Points, and multiple ships from Sydney each season. Choose it for the Sphere-class Sun Princess, which Conde Nast Traveler named the number one mega ship two years running. Accept that speciality dining carries surcharges, that the fleet spans multiple generations with varying quality, and that the atmosphere is mainstream rather than cutting-edge.

Choose Virgin if you want a modern, adults-only cruise that deliberately breaks every traditional convention. Choose it for 20-plus included restaurants, immersive nightlife, design-forward cabins, and a fitness programme included in the fare. Choose it for Scarlet Night, The Manor, the tattoo parlour, and an atmosphere that does not feel like a cruise. Choose it for Australian departures when Resilient Lady is in the region. Accept that drinks are not included and there are no packages, that the adults-only policy excludes families, that four ships limit itinerary breadth, and that the high-energy atmosphere is not for everyone.

For Australian families, Princess is the clear choice. For Australian adults seeking something different from conventional cruising, Virgin delivers a product no other line in Australian waters replicates. For many travellers, both lines serve different occasions — and booking one does not preclude enjoying the other.