Princess Cruises may not have the name recognition of its parent company's namesake brand Carnival Cruise Line, but it has an impressive pedigree, at least with people of a certain age. Many Americans, at least those over age 40, got their first exposure to the idea of cruising from "The Love Boat," which aired on ABC from 1977 until 1986.
The show highlighted various romantic plotlines in each episode and was known for casting big-name guest stars. In the much smaller, mostly pre-cable world where the show aired, it gave the cruise industry wide exposure and that's something that Carnival's Princess Cruises still leverages in commercials.
Related: Carnival explores a controversial Royal Caribbean megaship move
"Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships," the cruise line shared on its website.
Essentially, Princess fills the same role for Carnival that Celebrity Cruises fills in Royal Caribbean's portfolio. It's a brand that's more focused on adults than families which offers a higher-end experience compared to Carnival.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
That, however, does not mean that Princess Cruises passengers aren't down for a good time and the cruise line has made some changes to its liquor and wine lineup that will bring in some star power.
Image source: Shutterstock
Princess Cruises bets big on upscale adult beverages
Princess Cruises has made mixology and higher-end beverages a part of its brand offering. The cruise line's Premier Beverage Package offers an upscale bar experience for passengers including:
- Top-shelf spirits, reserve wines by the glass, and new high-end crafted cocktails by Mixologist Rob Floyd
- Selection of 75+ spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ high-end, crafted cocktails
- Premier wines by the glass including Duckhorn, Stag's Leap, Grgich Hills, and Cattier Champagne
- Private Woodford Reserve Bourbon Selection created exclusively for Princess
- Personalized Jack Daniel's Whiskey Single Barrel Select
Now, the cruise line plans to expand its adult beverage offering with its all-new "Love Line Premium Liquors" collection.
"Crafted in collaboration with renowned celebrities Pitbull, Jason Aldean, and Romero Britto, this exclusive line of wines and spirits promises an unparalleled experience for guests sailing aboard ships from the Love Boat," Princess Cruises shared on its website.
The "Love Line" collection is currently being offered on Sun Princess and it will roll out to the rest of the fleet later this summer.
Princess's "Love Line Premium Liquors collection features meticulously selected wines and spirits, each bearing the unique touch of its celebrity partner. From the smooth allure of premium vodka to organic notes of crafted wine, this collection caters to the discerning tastes of Princess Cruises guests," the cruise line added.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Big-name musicians, artist bring alcohol to Princess Cruises
You can blame Sammy Hagar for so many celebrities launching their own brands of alcohol. The former Van Halen frontman sold an 80% stake in his Cabo Wabo tequila brand to Gruppo Campari for $80 million in 2007.
That set off a wave of famous people lending their names to liquor brands. Princess Cruises has capitalized by adding alcohol from three very different celebrities. The cruise line detailed some of its offerings:
- Voli 305 Vodka by Pitbull: A celebration of style and sophistication, Voli 305 Vodka embodies the vibrant energy of Miami nightlife. Created in partnership with Pitbull, this ultra-premium vodka is distilled to perfection, offering a taste of luxury with every sip.
Love Prosecco by Britto: Artist Romero Britto and esteemed winemaker Villa Sandi have joined creative forces to unveil Love Prosecco, a private label that marries artistry with the essence of fine Italian craftsmanship and is included as part of the dining experience at Love by Britto aboard Sun Princess, as well as available in bars across the Princess fleet.
- Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon by Jason Aldean: Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc, Melorosa Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon from celebrated country music icon Jason Aldean and his sister Kasi Wicks and fellow country music artist and entertainer Chuck Wicks round out the initial brands that make up the exciting new Love Line collection.
Anyone sailing with Princess Cruises who has a Premier beverage package will be able to try the new line of drinks without any additional charges.
"The Love Line Collection is a natural extension of the elegance and sophistication found throughout our Princess ships and makes every sip a journey worth savoring,” said Princess Cruises President John Padgett.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
