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What Activities Are Available on Princess Cruises Ships?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 23 September 2026

What Activities Are Available on Princess Cruises Ships?

If you are planning a cruise with Princess Cruises, you will find much more to do than simply visiting ports. Princess Cruises ships offer a broad selection of onboard activities, including sports, swimming, fitness classes, entertainment, games, enrichment programs, movies, dancing, youth activities, and relaxation.

The exact activities and venues vary by ship and sailing, so it is useful to check the schedule for your specific cruise before planning your days. Princess also notes that venues can change by ship.

Princess Cruises offers activities designed for different interests and age groups. Depending on the ship and itinerary, passengers may be able to enjoy:

  • Swimming pools and hot tubs
  • Movies Under the Stars®
  • Basketball and other sports
  • Pickleball
  • Table tennis
  • Putting and golf-related activities
  • Shuffleboard
  • Dance classes
  • Zumba and fitness classes
  • Trivia and game shows
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Art activities and auctions
  • Discovery at SEA™ programs
  • Stargazing
  • Live music and dancing
  • Broadway-style productions
  • Comedy and magic shows on select cruises
  • Casino and bingo
  • Kids' and teen programs
  • Spa and wellness activities
  • Shopping and photography experiences

This variety means passengers can create a relaxing day, an active day, or a schedule filled with entertainment.

1.Sports and Outdoor Activities

Princess Cruises provides several ways to stay active while at sea. Available facilities depend on the ship.

2.Basketball and Sports Courts

Some Princess ships have sports courts where guests can participate in basketball and other recreational activities. Certain ships also offer facilities for volleyball or tennis.

These activities can be particularly enjoyable for families and groups traveling together.

3.Pickleball

Pickleball is another activity available on Princess ships. Princess specifically highlights pickleball among its current sports and family activities.

Because facilities differ between ships, check your ship's onboard information for availability.

4.Table Tennis

Table tennis can provide a casual way to spend time between meals or scheduled entertainment. It is suitable for passengers who want some activity without committing to a full workout.

5.Golf and Putting

Some Princess ships feature putting areas or golf-related facilities. Princess describes options such as miniature-golf putting courses and driving-range facilities on certain ships.

6.Shuffleboard and Lawn Games

Shuffleboard and lawn games are available on some ships and provide a slower-paced alternative to more demanding sports.

2.Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Swimming is one of the easiest ways to relax during a Princess cruise.

Ships can feature freshwater pools, hot tubs, loungers, and poolside spaces. Some pool areas also host organized competitions and other activities.

1.Movies by the Pool

One of Princess Cruises' recognizable activities is Movies Under the Stars®. Guests can watch films, concerts, sporting events, and other programming on a large outdoor screen while relaxing on the deck. Princess says the screen is approximately 300 square feet.

Complimentary popcorn may also be available for the movie experience.

3.Fitness and Wellness Activities

Passengers who want to maintain their fitness routine have several options.

Princess ships can feature fitness centers with exercise equipment and fitness classes. Princess also highlights jogging and fitness facilities as part of its onboard wellness offering.

Depending on the ship and sailing, activities may include:

  • Fitness classes
  • Zumba
  • Jogging
  • Gym workouts
  • Dance-based exercise
  • Other scheduled wellness activities

Some wellness services have additional charges, particularly spa treatments and certain specialized facilities.

Lotus Spa

For passengers who prefer relaxation rather than exercise, the Lotus Spa offers treatments such as massages, manicures, acupuncture and other services, depending on the ship.

4.Dance Classes and Music Activities

Dance is another popular part of the Princess onboard program.

Depending on the sailing, passengers may find classes such as:

  • Country line dancing
  • Ballroom dancing
  • Salsa
  • Other dance lessons
  • Zumba

Princess also offers live music and dancing in various onboard venues.

These activities are useful for travelers who want something social rather than competitive.

5.Trivia, Games and Competitions

You do not need to be athletic to stay busy on a Princess cruise.

Daily schedules can include trivia contests, pool competitions, bingo, game shows, and other interactive activities. Princess describes trivia as covering subjects ranging from popular culture to more challenging general knowledge.

1.Game Shows

Some Princess cruises feature game-show-style entertainment. Examples highlighted by Princess include Deal or No Deal and The Voice of the Ocean on applicable sailings.

Availability can vary, so check the daily schedule once onboard.

6.Cooking Demonstrations and Enrichment Activities

Princess Cruises also provides activities for passengers who enjoy learning something new.

Cooking demonstrations can give passengers an opportunity to watch food preparation and learn techniques or recipes. Princess also lists enrichment programs and destination-related educational activities among its onboard offerings.

Art programs can include gallery visits, art history lectures, and art auctions.

7.Discovery at SEA Activities

Discovery at SEA™ brings educational and entertainment programming to Princess cruises through experiences inspired by Discovery programming.

Activities can include:

  • Stargazing
  • Discovery-themed trivia
  • Science-focused experiences
  • MythBusters-inspired activities
  • Shark Week-themed activities
  • Family-oriented experiences
  • Selected Discovery and Animal Planet shore excursions

1.Stargazing

On eligible cruises, guests can take part in guided stargazing on the deck. A Princess Stargazing Specialist can explain constellations and other features of the night sky. Weather and lighting conditions can affect the experience.

8.Live Shows and Evening Entertainment

Princess ships offer entertainment throughout the day and evening.

1.Broadway-Style Productions

Princess features large-scale production shows with professional performers, music, costumes, and stage effects.

2.Live Music

Passengers can find live music in different areas of the ship, including performances in the Piazza and other lounges.

3.Comedy and Magic

Selected cruises may feature comedy performances and magic or illusion shows. Princess specifically lists comedians and Spellbound by Magic Castle among entertainment offerings on applicable cruises.

4.The Piazza

The Piazza is a central social area on many Princess ships. It can host live music, dancing, performers, and other activities while also providing access to shops, bars, and dining areas.

5.Casino and Bingo

Adults looking for gaming entertainment can visit the onboard casino where available.

Princess describes casino options including:

  • Slot machines
  • Table games
  • Tournaments
  • Video poker
  • Bingo

Casino activities are subject to applicable age and local regulations.

9.Activities for Children and Teens

Families have dedicated options for younger passengers.

Princess offers youth programming for children and teenagers, with age-specific spaces and activities. Its current materials describe programming for ages 3–17, with different experiences for younger children and teens.

Activities can include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • Games
  • Movies
  • Pizza parties
  • Talent shows
  • Video games
  • Social activities
  • Discovery-themed programs

Princess states that its youth centers are staffed by experienced counselors. Its FAQ says children ages 3–12 can participate in the youth program, while the Beach House Teen Lounge is designed for ages 13–17.

10.Family-Friendly Activities

Families can also participate in activities together rather than using separate children's programs.

Options can include:

  • Swimming
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Trivia
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Dance classes
  • Sports
  • Discovery at SEA activities
  • Game shows
  • Holiday-themed activities on applicable sailings

This gives families flexibility to spend some time together and some time pursuing age-specific activities.

11.Shopping, Art and Photography

Not every activity requires physical exertion.

1.Shopping

The Shops of Princess offer merchandise, souvenirs, jewelry, beauty products and other items. Princess notes that shopping offerings vary by ship.

2.Art Gallery

Passengers interested in art can explore onboard galleries and attend art-related lectures or auctions.

3.Photography

Professional photography services are also available on Princess ships, providing opportunities for formal portraits and photographs taken during the cruise.

12.Are Princess Cruise Activities Free?

Many everyday onboard activities are included with the cruise, but not every activity or service is necessarily free.

Generally, passengers can participate in many scheduled activities such as:

  • Trivia
  • Dance classes
  • Pool activities
  • Many sports
  • Live entertainment
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Some enrichment activities

However, additional charges may apply to certain services, treatments, specialty experiences, or other activities. Princess specifically notes that some wellness offerings carry nominal charges.

Always check your sailing's schedule and onboard pricing for the activity you want.

13.How Do I Find the Daily Activities on My Princess Cruise?

The easiest way to plan your day is to check the current onboard schedule provided for your sailing.

Look for information about:

  1. Activity name
  2. Start time
  3. Location
  4. Age restrictions, if any
  5. Whether reservations are required
  6. Whether an additional fee applies
  7. Whether the activity is affected by weather or other conditions

Because activities and venues vary by ship, do not assume that an activity advertised for one Princess vessel will operate in exactly the same way on another ship. Princess explicitly states that venues and offerings can vary by ship and may change.

14.How to Choose Activities on a Princess Cruise

If you have a busy itinerary, you do not need to participate in everything.

A simple approach is to choose activities from three categories:

Morning:Start with exercise, swimming, a fitness class, or a relaxed breakfast followed by an enrichment activity.

Afternoon:Try sports, trivia, cooking demonstrations, pool activities, or Discovery at SEA programming.

Evening:Watch a production show, listen to live music, attend a game show, or watch Movies Under the Stars.

This gives you a mixture of active, educational and relaxing experiences without making the entire cruise feel like a fixed schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.What activities are available on Princess Cruises ships?

Princess Cruises offers swimming, sports, fitness classes, dancing, trivia, game shows, movies, live entertainment, enrichment programs, Discovery at SEA activities, youth programs, casino gaming and wellness experiences. Exact offerings depend on the ship and sailing.

Q2.Does Princess Cruises have activities for adults?

Yes. Adults can participate in sports, fitness classes, dancing, trivia, live entertainment, casino gaming, spa experiences, art activities, movies and other onboard programs.

Q3.Does Princess Cruises have activities for children?

Yes. Princess provides youth programming for children and teens, including games, crafts, movies, talent activities and Discovery-themed experiences.

Q4.Can families watch movies together on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Movies Under the Stars® provides outdoor movie and entertainment programming, and the experience can include films, concerts and sporting events.

Q5.Does Princess Cruises have sports activities?

Yes. Depending on the ship, sports facilities and activities can include basketball, pickleball, table tennis, putting, shuffleboard and other recreational pursuits.

Q6.Are there dance classes on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Princess lists dance classes such as country line dancing, ballroom and salsa, although the schedule can vary by sailing.

Q7.Does Princess Cruises offer fitness classes?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centers and offer fitness classes. The exact class selection can vary by ship and sailing.

Q8.What is Discovery at SEA on Princess Cruises?

Discovery at SEA is a collection of educational and entertainment experiences inspired by Discovery programming. Activities can include stargazing, themed trivia and science-focused experiences.

Q9.Is there a casino on Princess Cruises ships?

Princess operates onboard casinos with options such as slots, table games and tournaments, subject to ship and itinerary requirements.

Q10.Do Princess Cruises activities cost extra?

Many standard onboard activities are included, but some services and experiences can have additional charges. Check the activity details and your ship's current schedule for specific pricing.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises offers a wide range of activities for passengers who want to stay active, learn something new, relax, socialize or enjoy evening entertainment. Sports, pools, fitness classes, dance lessons, trivia, cooking demonstrations, Discovery at SEA programs, movies, live shows and children's activities provide plenty of ways to spend time onboard.

The most important thing to remember is that activities vary by ship and sailing. Checking the schedule for your specific Princess cruise is the best way to confirm what will be available during your trip.

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