Welcome aboard for an in-depth look at what cruising is *really* like after the global pandemic. We recently embarked on one of the very first Princess Cruises to return to Alaska, sailing on the magnificent Majestic Princess, and we’re excited to share our comprehensive review. This isn’t just a trip report; it’s a guide to navigating the new era of cruising, highlighting enhanced safety, unparalleled comfort, and the enduring magic of a sea vacation. Prepare to discover why a Princess cruise might just be the perfect escape you’ve been dreaming of.
This post is proudly sponsored by Princess Cruises. All opinions and experiences shared are genuinely my own.
In a world where travel can often feel complicated, cruising stands out as an exceptional way to relax, explore stunning destinations, and indulge in incredible food—all without the usual stresses of planning multiple logistics. It offers a unique blend of safety, cleanliness, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for friends and family looking to truly unwind and immerse themselves in vacation mode.
Princess Cruises has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to guest safety, implementing stringent protocols that go above and beyond industry standards. This dedication manifests in several key areas: upgraded HEPA filters and HVAC systems to ensure pristine air quality, significantly increased cleaning protocols throughout the ship, and readily available hand washing and sanitation stations for all passengers. Furthermore, strict requirements for masks, pre-boarding testing, and full vaccination create a carefully controlled environment. After experiencing it firsthand, I can honestly say I felt considerably safer on board the Majestic Princess than I have in hotels, restaurants, or even airports post-pandemic. Having cruised with Princess nine times, I’ve always known their ships to be spotless, but the Majestic Princess somehow managed to feel even more pristine.
The atmosphere on board was overwhelmingly positive. Both fellow cruisers and the dedicated crew were visibly thrilled to be back at sea. While mask-wearing was a requirement, everyone approached it with respect and understanding for each other’s comfort and safety. There was a palpable sense of shared joy and a collective desire to make the most of the experience, free from the negativity that can sometimes pervade post-pandemic interactions. This welcoming and considerate environment was a refreshing change and truly contributed to the relaxing nature of the trip.
If your ideal vacation involves exploring multiple diverse locations, savoring gourmet meals from a variety of restaurants, enjoying top-tier entertainment, discovering lively new bars, lounging by the pool, and dancing the night away—all within a secure and carefully managed “bubble”—then a Princess cruise should undoubtedly be at the top of your travel considerations. It offers a seamless and worry-free way to enjoy a luxurious getaway.
P.S. Are you a fan of themed experiences? This winter, Princess Cruises is offering exciting new theme cruises! I’m absolutely eager to book one of the 80s-inspired sailings—it sounds like an unforgettable blast from the past!
Disclaimer: In accordance with CDC guidelines at the time, my husband and I were required to be fully vaccinated more than 14 days prior to embarkation and tested negative for coronavirus within the specified window before boarding the ship. Our results were negative 35 hours before our cruise.
Out of personal interest for this review, we both conducted additional lateral flow and PCR tests 14 days after our sailing to confirm we remained COVID-free.
Our journey began with an exclusive invitation from Princess Cruises to join one of their inaugural sailings back to Alaska in 2021, marking their highly anticipated return after more than 500 days without cruising. This was my ninth Princess cruise overall, and my first opportunity to experience the Majestic Princess. Originally designed for the Asian market, this stunning vessel is now delighting guests on Western U.S. routes (including the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles and various Alaska itineraries) and in Australia for the foreseeable future.
The Majestic Princess quickly ascended to become one of my favorite ships in the Princess fleet. It’s perfectly configured for cool-weather itineraries, boasting an exceptional indoor pool club—a welcome feature where many other Princess ships feature the outdoor Sanctuary. Among its unique offerings is Harmony, a specialty Chinese restaurant exclusively found on the Majestic. The cuisine at Harmony was phenomenal, a culinary highlight I sincerely wish was available on more Princess ships. Additionally, guests can savor a full selection of exquisite Yao Family wines from NBA legend Yao Ming’s Napa Valley winery, adding another layer of exclusive luxury to the experience.
The ship offers an overwhelming array of activities and amenities; with so much to explore in the Alaskan ports, we barely scratched the surface of all the Majestic had to offer. However, I would happily book routes with several sea days on this ship, as there’s always something new to discover or an activity to engage in. Its generous spaciousness was particularly appreciated in a post-pandemic world, ensuring a comfortable and uncrowded feeling throughout our voyage. While our late August sailing was not at full capacity, being one of the quieter, cooler voyages at the season’s end, the Majestic’s design ensures a spread-out feel even when fully booked. Keep an eye out for my detailed, full review of the Majestic Princess, coming soon!
Our chosen itinerary was the classic Glacier Bay with Inside Passage Route, commencing and concluding in Seattle. This breathtaking journey included captivating port calls in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan—a quintessential Alaskan cruise experience renowned for its jaw-dropping scenery, abundant wildlife sightings, and the awe-inspiring glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park.
Typically, this route would either begin or end in Vancouver. However, due to Canada’s cruise ship restrictions during our sailing, Princess was granted a special exemption from the lesser-known U.S. rule requiring a foreign port stop. This allowed for a convenient roundtrip sailing from Seattle, a temporary adjustment to help restart the industry. While I was a little disappointed to miss Canada, the excitement of returning to sea after two years—since my last Princess voyage for the launch of the Sky Princess in 2019—was immense.
I’ve long dreamed of taking my children on an Alaskan cruise. Although they weren’t eligible to sail with us this time (both being under 12 and unvaccinated at that point), my husband and I had such an incredible experience that we are now actively planning a family sailing for next summer, hoping conditions will allow them to join my parents for their first-ever cruise. Princess’s MedallionClass technology makes cruising with families and groups incredibly seamless and enjoyable, and we eagerly anticipate their maiden voyage!
Even before my blogging career, I had cherished a Princess cruise with my family. My subsequent trips have often been with cousins or friends, as cruising is an ideal option for girls’ getaways! My husband and I also celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the Sky Princess. While I personally adore far-flung, slightly adventurous travels (much to my husband’s occasional consternation!), we both deeply appreciate how cruising provides a level of relaxation and unwinding that other vacations simply cannot match. He was initially skeptical about cruising, but our journey on the Sky Princess, and the overall Princess Cruises experience, completely won him over.
Our voyage on the Majestic Princess coincided with the peak of the Delta variant surge, yet remarkably, we felt an undeniable sense of safety on board—more so than in airports, hotels, or even local restaurants back home. Princess has truly gone above and beyond with its unwavering commitment to passenger well-being and safety.
After the unprecedented challenges of the past few years, we approached getting back to *traveling* with a touch of hesitation, but our excitement to return to *vacationing* was overwhelming! This cruise proved to be even more relaxing, invigorating, secure, fun, and exciting than we could have ever imagined. I am already eagerly counting down the days until our next cruise adventure!
To book your unforgettable Princess Cruise experience, please utilize my affiliate link below:
A Closer Look at Our Post-Pandemic Cruise Experience
Our cruise took place right at the dawn of the 2021 cruise season, coinciding with the initial relaunch of cruising after the global hiatus and specifically during the height of the Delta variant surge. Consequently, our experience may diverge considerably from what other travelers encounter today as guidelines continue to evolve. For the most current and comprehensive safety information directly from Princess Cruises, we highly recommend visiting their official health and safety page. Their commitment to passenger well-being is paramount, and they consistently update their protocols to reflect the latest recommendations.
For the most up-to-date safety information for Princess Cruises, click here.
The specific regulations that governed our voyage, designed to ensure maximum safety, included:
- All cruisers were required to be fully vaccinated with a CDC-approved vaccine, with the second shot administered more than 14 days prior to embarkation.
- A negative COVID-19 test result was mandatory within three days before boarding (Princess has since updated this to two days for many sailings, demonstrating their proactive approach).
- Masks were required in all indoor spaces, with the exception of when guests were actively seated at tables in restaurants and bars.
- Elevator occupancy was limited to fewer than 10 people, with a preference for only one party per elevator. Even during periods when general indoor mask mandates were relaxed on earlier cruises, masks remained compulsory in elevators.
- While masking was initially required in ports, during disembarkation, embarkation, and in crowded indoor areas, as of the publication of this post, the indoor mask order generally remains in effect.
- For shore excursions, tour operators mandated masks on buses, trains, boats, and other enclosed spaces or within group settings. A show we attended on board also required masks except when seated or consuming food or drink.
For convenience, masks were available for purchase in the ship’s gift shop or could be ordered through the MedallionClass app. The crew members were incredibly vigilant yet consistently polite in enforcing mask mandates, and equally firm about encouraging frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizing stations strategically placed throughout the ship. Before entering the buffet or being seated at any restaurant, guests were kindly asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer, further reinforcing a culture of health and hygiene.
Why OceanMedallion Makes Cruising Safer and Easier Than Ever
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Princess Cruises, especially in today’s travel landscape, is their revolutionary OceanMedallion technology. This award-winning innovation acts as your personal digital concierge, transforming every aspect of your cruise experience into something more seamless, personalized, and, importantly, safer. It’s truly a game-changer, elevating cruising to an unprecedented level of convenience and comfort.
Your Medallion itself is a small, quarter-sized wearable device that eliminates the need for traditional room keys, credit cards, or even paper itineraries. You can wear it as a stylish lanyard, bracelet, necklace, or clip, offering complete freedom to move around the ship without fumbling for essentials. This clever piece of tech connects you to every amenity and service on board, streamlining your vacation in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Through interactive screens strategically placed around the ship, your stateroom TV, or the intuitive MedallionClass app on your smartphone, a world of convenience awaits. You can effortlessly order room service directly to your location, book thrilling shore excursions, schedule rejuvenating spa appointments, and view the entire cruise schedule via the “Journey View” feature. Making dinner reservations becomes a breeze, and you can even locate friends and family members traveling with you. For those who enjoy a bit of thrill, the Medallion also connects you to games and casino activities.
OceanMedallion empowers you to tailor your on-ship experience to your exact comfort level. If you prefer a more private retreat, you can order drinks, delectable food, and even gifts directly to your stateroom balcony, allowing you to soak in the gorgeous views without interruption. The delivery time is surprisingly quick, often rivaling the wait at a busy bar or restaurant. Conversely, if you enjoy socializing, you can confidently mingle with other vaccinated and tested passengers, perhaps at a vibrant spot like the Good Spirits bar, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular show along with your handcrafted cocktails.
For world-class entertainment, Princess offers a dazzling array of options. From spectacular productions in the Princess Theater (a special shout-out to the incredible cast, especially Ashley Rose, whose voice is simply amazing!) to live music, captivating comedy acts, mesmerizing magicians, and even engaging bartender mixology shows at Good Spirits, there’s always something happening. If you prefer a more intimate experience, catch first-run blockbuster movies under the stars on the massive outdoor screen, or explore the extensive library of TV shows, movies, and original programming available in your stateroom. Princess’s partnership with the Discovery Channel provides a wealth of fascinating content. Additionally, you can enjoy enriching lectures, live ship shows, and other exclusive Princess programming on your stateroom TV. With the industry-leading MedallionClass internet, staying connected is incredibly easy. We were even able to stream our favorite shows like Ted Lasso while sailing off Juneau, a feat impossible on other ships! There’s simply zero risk of boredom, no matter your preferred level of engagement or comfort.
Beyond convenience, MedallionClass serves as a highly effective contact tracing tool. Designed even before the pandemic, this robust system allows Princess to swiftly identify and notify anyone who may have come into contact with a passenger exhibiting illness. The app’s capabilities have been significantly enhanced, offering more robust options than ever before, providing an additional layer of reassurance and safety for all guests.
Effortless Check-In Ahead of Time
One of the initial benefits of the MedallionClass app is the streamlined check-in process. You can complete all necessary embarkation procedures from the comfort of your home, well before arriving at the port. This includes securely pre-loading your health information, answering health questionnaires, adding credit card details, and setting your preferred dining and room configurations. This “OceanReady” feature allows you to bypass lengthy lines and embarkation day hassles, propelling you straight into vacation bliss.
I utilized the MedallionClass app’s OceanReady tools to efficiently complete my health questionnaire, significantly reducing contact and speeding up our embarkation process at the port:
By completing the health questionnaire and other information ahead of time through the MedallionClass app, my husband and I were granted “green lane status.” This meant our embarkation was incredibly smooth: we simply presented our negative COVID-19 test results, vaccination cards, and medallions upon arrival at the cruise terminal, and were swiftly directed to board, ready to begin our vacation without delay.
Hot tip: If you receive your COVID-19 test results via email, take a screenshot of them on your phone. My phone struggled to connect to the port building’s Wi-Fi, which seemed to be a common issue. Port employees were wonderfully patient, but to save yourself potential frustration, either print a physical copy or ensure you have a screenshot readily available!
Hot tip: Use the app to pre-order special touches for your stateroom! Whether it’s a beautiful flower arrangement or a bottle of champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, you can arrange for these delights to be set up on your first day, creating an immediate sense of celebration and luxury.
Revolutionary In-Room Muster Drill
Gone are the days of congregating in crowded muster stations for a safety presentation that was often difficult to hear and absorb. In the past, these drills were a source of frustration due to long waits and packed spaces. Princess Cruises, with its innovative MedallionClass app, has completely transformed this process, making it significantly more efficient and comfortable.
Now, upon entering your stateroom, you can conveniently watch the essential safety information video on your in-room TV at your leisure. Once viewed, you simply scan your Medallion at your designated muster station before the ship sets sail. This updated procedure is not only far more comfortable but also remarkably effective. Even as a seasoned cruiser who has participated in nine Princess muster drills, I found this new format allowed me to absorb the critical safety information with greater clarity and understanding. This change, planned even before the pandemic, proved incredibly beneficial for maintaining physical distancing and reducing crowds, enhancing the overall safety and ease of the embarkation experience. I certainly won’t miss the crowded theaters and bars on the first day of cruising!
Streamlined and Stress-Free Dinner Plans
The “Dine My Way” feature within the OceanMedallion app fundamentally changes how you approach dining on board, making it effortless and entirely stress-free. We meticulously planned our dinners each night using this intuitive system, choosing between the elegant main dining rooms (with the flexibility to select any room based on ambiance) or one of the exquisite specialty restaurants.
The app ensures you can secure a table at the popular specialty restaurants, which can often book up quickly. This eliminates the frantic rush on embarkation day to reserve all your dinners; instead, you can leisurely make your selections, even before you board the ship. Furthermore, “Dine My Way” plays a crucial role in reducing lines and congestion in the main dining rooms, as it helps to intelligently space out diners, preventing everyone from arriving at peak times. This thoughtful approach supports both efficiency and a more comfortable, distanced dining experience for all guests.
I seamlessly used the Dine My Way feature to select our preferred dinner times each evening. This eliminated any waiting in line and the need to call or physically walk to a restaurant for a reservation! During our cruise, the main dining rooms were all available for Dine My Way, ensuring passengers could dine exclusively with their own party. You can tailor your selection based on your desired ambiance or secure a table at a specialty restaurant. Note that the buffet, quick-serve food bars on the pool deck, and Alfredo’s Pizzeria do not require reservations.
I genuinely adore the “Dine My Way” feature. It was instrumental in ensuring smooth service and maintaining comfortable distancing among diners by effectively pacing arrivals. This seamless system truly enhanced our dining experience throughout the cruise.
Order Room Service Anywhere, Anytime
Imagine this: a sudden craving for chicken fingers at 11 PM, or the delightful thought of coffee and breakfast served right in bed. Perhaps an afternoon calls for a sophisticated cheese plate, hummus, and a glass of wine enjoyed on your private balcony. The convenience doesn’t stop at food and beverages; what if you need Advil, Dramamine, or even a windbreaker or a plush stuffed animal from the gift shop?
With Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass, all of this is at your fingertips. You can order room service directly from your phone, accessing an extensive menu of food and beverages, an array of goods and gifts, and even essential room services like extra hangers, pillows, blankets, or technical assistance—all delivered with remarkable speed and efficiency.
We frequently utilized the OceanNow service within the MedallionClass app for room service, enjoying delights like our favorite egg muffins and cafe-style Americanos delivered every morning!
The truly remarkable aspect? Your order will find you, no matter where you are on the ship! One evening, I ordered some late-night snacks while enjoying the Hollywood Pool & Club, and to my delight, they were delivered directly to me, all thanks to the precise location tracking of the Medallion I was wearing. This unparalleled convenience makes every craving and need effortlessly met.
Enhanced Hygiene and Reduced Touch Points
Princess Cruises has been progressively integrating the MedallionClass program across its fleet, and with each new cruise, the features become even more refined and beneficial. While the Medallion has always been excellent for reducing personal frustration and keeping guests organized, it offers a wealth of advantages for post-pandemic travel, significantly cutting down on physical touch points and enabling seamless communication with crew members without requiring face-to-face interaction. This technology minimizes shared surfaces and promotes a more hygienic environment throughout the cruise experience.
Beyond the Medallion, Princess has implemented additional pandemic-specific measures to further reduce contact points. This includes a thoughtfully updated buffet setup, which we’ll delve into next, demonstrating a holistic approach to guest safety and comfort.
Effortless Room Access with No Key Card
Your Medallion functions as your intelligent room key. As you approach your stateroom door, the smart technology recognizes your Medallion, and the door seamlessly unlocks. There’s no longer any need to fumble for a traditional key card, swipe, or worry about misplacing it. Simply walk right up, and your door opens, providing a smooth and contactless entry every time. This small but significant innovation contributes greatly to convenience and hygiene.
Embrace a Paperless Cruise Experience
Thanks to the comprehensive MedallionClass app, you have all the information you need right on your personal device—whether it’s an iPad or your smartphone. Let’s be honest, we almost always have our phones with us anyway, especially with the exceptional MedallionClass internet making connectivity a breeze, and the constant desire to capture every beautiful moment. This means you can entirely forgo physical brochures and paper schedules, significantly reducing the number of surfaces you touch and contributing to less waste.
From a tap of your Medallion or a click on your app, you can effortlessly track your personalized schedule, locate friends on board, secure reservations, order drinks, review photos taken by the ship’s photographers, make purchases in gift shops, and even engage in casino games. I found this digital approach incredibly organizing, allowing me to participate in more activities I might have otherwise missed. The freedom of not having to carry a purse or wallet to buy things, simply needing my Medallion, truly enhanced the relaxation and spontaneity of my vacation.
The Transformed Buffet Experience
Perhaps the most frequent question I received on Instagram about cruising was regarding the buffet: “Is it open post-pandemic, and how does it work?” I must confess, I was pleasantly surprised by the new buffet system, and I sincerely hope these changes become a permanent fixture. They not only effectively reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission but also help curb the spread of other common illnesses, enhancing overall public health on board.
Under the new protocol, diners can select from a wide array of individually plated items, such as fruit salads, certain soups, and desserts, all served in their own bowls or cups. For other buffet main dishes, a courteous crew member stands behind a protective plexiglass barrier, holding a plate and serving guests according to their specific directions. This personalized service ensures minimal handling of utensils and food items by multiple guests.
Initially, I wondered if this new system would create bottlenecks and slow down the lines, but I never observed any issues. The flow was smooth, the food presentation was excellent, and crucially, I felt even more confident and comfortable eating from the buffet. I’ve always appreciated Princess’s buffet for its delicious variety and fresh, lighter options, with menus that change frequently throughout the day. Now, with these enhanced hygiene measures, I enjoy it even more.
Why We Absolutely Love Cruising Post-COVID
Cruising might not have been at the forefront of your travel considerations before the pandemic, but in this new era of travel, it truly shines as an exceptional option. Where else can you journey to a multitude of breathtaking destinations, all while being assured that everyone around you—passengers and crew alike—has met rigorous testing and vaccination requirements? This level of guaranteed health protocol is simply not achievable in most hotels and restaurants on land. A cruise offers a unique environment where you can confidently explore diverse culinary experiences, vibrant bars, spectacular performances, lively nightclubs, relaxing pools, and even spa and gym facilities, all within a secure and managed setting.
The beauty of cruising is its incredible flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to your comfort level. Whether you’re a social butterfly eager to forge new friendships or prefer to stick with your own group and maintain a comfortable distance from others, a cruise accommodates every preference. There is an endless array of activities on board, and even from the solitude of your own stateroom, you can find immense satisfaction.
Our recent experience highlighted this perfectly. We spent countless hours simply soaking in the magnificent views from our private balcony. We marveled at whales breaching, witnessed the majestic beauty of Glacier Bay and the towering Marjorie Glacier, and enjoyed tranquil moments watching the San Juan Islands drift by as we sipped champagne on embarkation day. Honestly, we could have happily stayed in our room for the entire trip and been perfectly content—though with so much to do on board, resisting the ship’s allure was impossible!
The atmosphere among our fellow cruisers was infectious; everyone was in an overwhelmingly positive mood, genuinely grateful to be back exploring after the long pandemic pause. While travel stories from airports and hotels often highlight stress, none of that negativity touched our ship. Every person we encountered radiated happiness, breathing in the fresh ocean air, respectful of one another’s space, and simply overjoyed to be vacationing. It was such an amazing journey that I almost shed a tear upon disembarking. Cruising truly offers an unmatched sense of freedom, joy, and peace of mind in our post-COVID world.
More Adventures with Sweet C’s & Princess Cruises
Delve deeper into our cherished voyages with Princess Cruises. Explore our favorite trip recaps and discover delicious recipes inspired by our unforgettable experiences at sea by checking out the links below:
Why to Book an Alaska Cruise
What To Eat On The Majestic Princess
Ketchikan, Alaska Cruise Port Guide
Skagway, Alaska Cruise Port Guide
Juneau Alaska Port Guide
What It’s Really Like To Cruise After The Pandemic
Top 11 Things To Do On The Sky Princess Cruise Ship
Easy Greek Tzatziki Recipe
Drømmekage (Danish Dream Cake)
The Ultimate Sky Princess Bar Crawl
The Top 13 Ways To Make A Cruise Romantic
Top 10 Reasons to Book an OceanMedallion Cruise
Cruising With Celiac – Caribbean Princess
Ocean Medallion on Caribbean Princess
The Best Easy Pina Colada Recipe
Four Citrus Margaritas
You can also find our entire cruise travel archives here, or visit our complete travel index here for more travel inspiration.
Book Your Own Real Vacation and Set Sail!
Are you ready to cast off your worries, embrace adventure, and finally take that real vacation you’ve been longing for? Let the stresses of the past few years fade into the horizon as you embark on an unforgettable journey with Princess Cruises. Discover incredible destinations, indulge in world-class amenities, and experience unparalleled service, all within an environment meticulously designed for your safety and enjoyment.
Explore some of the enticing offers and special deals below to start planning your perfect escape:
Take advantage of up to $200 onboard spending money per stateroom. Available on all cruises and cruisetours. BOOK A CRUISE TODAY!
Princess is back — on the California Coast! Guests and crew together again starting October 6 aboard Majestic Princess! We will operate these cruises consistent with CDC guidelines for a vaccinated cruise. Book now!
Check Out Princess Cruises – Alaska 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) – Interior from $899* per person. BOOK TODAY, TO SAIL LATER!
Princess Cruises is deeply committed to not only meeting but consistently exceeding CDC guidance for safe cruising. This dedication ensures that you can truly relax, unwind, and fully immerse yourself in every moment of your vacation with complete peace of mind. If cruising has never been on your radar, or if you’ve been hesitant to travel, now is truly the time to reconsider. Discover the joy and serenity of a Princess cruise, where every detail is handled so you can simply enjoy the journey.
