I’ve been fortunate to sail on more than three dozen cruises, and the cruise line I’ve sailed on the most is Princess Cruises.
The Original Love Boat, yes, the hit TV show that inspired generations of travelers, helped spark my own desire to see the world. But I’ll admit that before my first cruise, I was nervous. Would I feel claustrophobic? Would I get seasick? My wife and many of my friends had the exact same concerns.
Even after becoming an experienced cruiser, my wife and I had another concern when our children were younger: Would cruising with little kids actually be enjoyable?
Three years ago, we found out firsthand when we booked a last-minute cruise around Europe. It ended up being one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made.
One of the biggest challenges for families traveling in Europe is accommodations. Many European hotels don’t allow four people in a standard room. As a family of four, you’re often forced to book two rooms or upgrade to an expensive suite. Add meals, transportation, and sightseeing costs, and a European vacation can quickly become very expensive.
Cruising changes that equation. Your accommodations, transportation between destinations, meals and entertainment are all included. Better yet, you get to experience multiple countries without constantly packing and unpacking.
After that first European cruise, we booked three more Princess cruises and have another one planned later this summer.
With the help of Princess, our children—now 6 and 9—have already visited more than 25 countries. They’ve stood beneath the Parthenon in Athens, walked through the Colosseum in Rome and experienced firsthand many of the places they learn about in school.
One of the things I appreciate most about Princess is that it’s family-friendly without being exclusively focused on kids. A former executive who worked for both Disney Cruise Line and Princess once told me that Disney cruises are designed primarily for kids, while Princess cruises are designed for families. That distinction has always stuck with me.
Another thing I’ve learned over the years is that some of the best cruise deals can be found by booking early, especially when a cruise line launches a new season. That’s why Princess Cruises’ newly announced Europe 2028 season is worth paying attention to.
Princess’ Biggest Europe Deployment Ever
Princess Cruises has officially opened bookings for its largest-ever Europe season, featuring an impressive 291 departures across 150 itineraries. The 2028 season will include six ships sailing throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, and on Transatlantic voyages. Guests can choose from cruises ranging from seven to 53 days and visit 128 destinations across 37 countries.
The ships deployed in Europe will include Caribbean Princess, Enchanted Princess, Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Sky Princess and Sun Princess.
According to Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer Jim Berra, demand for European cruises continues to grow as travelers seek both iconic destinations and deeper cultural experiences. “Our 2028 Europe season gives guests the broadest range of Europe options we’ve ever offered,” Berra said.
New Destinations and Epic Voyages
Among the biggest highlights for 2028 are Princess’ first-ever visits to Galway and Killybegs, Ireland. These new ports offer travelers the opportunity to explore Ireland’s rugged western coastline, an area rich in history, culture and stunning natural beauty.
Princess is also introducing an ambitious new itinerary called the Pole-to-Pole Odyssey. This 53-day voyage connects Antarctica and the Arctic in a single journey, creating one of the most unique itineraries ever offered by the cruise line. The sailing is designed for travelers seeking bucket-list experiences and combines dramatic landscapes with diverse cultures and remote destinations.
More Time in Port
One trend that continues to appeal to travelers is spending more time ashore and Princess is expanding those opportunities. The Europe 2028 season includes access to 101 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with 32 late-night or overnight port stays.
That means travelers can experience destinations after the day-trippers have left and enjoy local culture during evening hours. Overnight and late-night stays are planned in destinations including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Stockholm, Belfast, Istanbul, Mykonos, Ibiza, Lisbon, Valletta, Split and Florence via La Spezia.
I love being able to spend a night in port because you can really get a better sense of a place once the hordes of day trippers depart like in Santorini or Capri.
Immersive Experiences Beyond the Tourist Trail
Princess is also emphasizing authentic cultural experiences through its Local Connections program and enhanced shore excursions. Examples include making pasta with an Italian family, learning about Indigenous Sami traditions in Arctic Norway, and participating in artisan workshops at Royal Delft in the Netherlands.
For travelers who want more than just a quick photo stop, these experiences offer meaningful ways to connect with local communities and traditions.
Early Booking Perks
Travelers who book between today and October 12, 2026, can take advantage of several early booking incentives, including:
- Up to $500 instant savings
- Up to $500 onboard credit
- Stateroom location upgrades
- Reduced $100 deposits
- Early access to dining reservations
- Early access to arrival groups
- Additional savings for Captain’s Circle loyalty members
For families considering a European vacation, booking early can often provide the best combination of cabin selection and value.
As someone who has repeatedly found cruising to be one of the most affordable and stress-free ways to explore Europe with children, Princess’ record-breaking 2028 season offers plenty to get excited about. Whether you’re dreaming of Mediterranean classics like Athens, Rome and Barcelona or venturing farther north to Norway’s fjords and Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, the new season provides more choices than ever before.
And if history is any guide, the best cabins and best deals won’t last forever. Book your Princess Cruise here.
