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British luxury yacht builder Princess Yachts manufactures fibreglass yachts ranging from 13 to 40 metres in length. French luxury group LVMH is the parent company of Princess Yachts. The shipyard is headquartered in Plymouth, UK.

History of Princess Yachts

Luxury yacht builder Princess Yachts was founded as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd in 1965, in a region of England known for its seafaring tradition. The first Princess GRP luxury motor yacht, featuring a flybridge, launched in 1974.

In 1995, Princess Yachts formed an alliance with luxury yacht builder Viking Yachts of New Gretna, New Jersey, to market Princess yachts in the U.S. Today, Princess Yachts America (formerly Viking Sport Cruisers) remains a major distributor of Princess Yachts.

Throughout the late 20th century, the size of Princess luxury yacht models continued to grow. In 2001, the luxury yacht builder entered the megayacht market with the launch of the Princess 25 Metre motor yacht. Luxury goods conglomerate LVMH acquired Princess Yachts in 2008.

Notable Princess Yachts

Luxury yacht builder Princess Yachts introduced its M Class superyacht range in 2011, with the launch of the Princess 32M motor yacht.

The shipyard launched its new flagship, the 40.16-metre Princess 40M Solaris , in 2014. Superyacht Solaris features exterior styling by Princess Yachts and Bernard Olenski, Ltd. , and interior design by Mark Berryman .

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Luxury yacht builder Princess Yachts specialises in manufacturing high-quality production and semi-production motor yachts in fibreglass composite.

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How Princess Yachts are built

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Based in Plymouth at the traditional maritime hub of England’s southwest, Princess Yachts expanded fast after the original founder moved into a rental shed on an offshoot of the River Tamar back in 1965. By the time the company had reached its 40 th anniversary in 2005, it boasted 81,000 square metres of space, 1,450 employees and global sales in excess of £140 million. And following its entry into the superyacht sector in 2011 with the first of the new M Class yachts, it continued to expand. The company we see today employs more than 3000 people across seven manufacturing plants and has raised production from 230 boats a year to more than 300.

One of the most fundamental differences at Princess Yachts is the fact that the company designs and builds 80% of its components in-house. Princess runs dedicated in-house departments for a variety of specialist tasks that most builders are compelled to outsource. For instance, Princess operates its own mould shop, where it builds its own plugs with a pair of five-axis cutting machines and uses resin infusion to create everything from its decks and structures to the hull of its 40-metre flagship. The fact that the process is controlled by computer and put under vacuum helps ensure exact fibre-to-resin ratios for greater consistency, stiffness and strength. And in addition to reducing weight for uprated on-water speed and efficiency, the absence of cumbersome stiffening beams helps optimise internal volume for increased space and versatility. Princess also runs a dedicated metal shop, where all the stainless steel fittings are built, as well as its own specialist loom shop. Here, specialist technicians pre-assemble all the required wiring harnesses in preparation for the fit-out of a yacht – and while that gives Princess the ability to alter designs mid-build, it also enables them to incorporate customer requests with far greater flexibility than other yacht builders can achieve. One of the yard’s most impressive assets, however, is its furniture shop. This bustling department is responsible for building all the timber elements of a Princess yacht, including the structural pieces, bulkheads, sidelinings and headlinings. And whether fixed or freestanding, it also builds the furniture from scratch, enabling it to optimise continuity throughout each yacht by using timber of precisely the same grain texture, pattern and colour.

To ensure that a new design works properly, the entire boat is built from plywood in exhaustive detail, enabling the designers to step on board and examine it first-hand – to explore head heights, door openings, spatial arrangements and furniture; to think about materials and real human usability. It enables them to inhabit the space and get a genuine feel for it in a way that a 3D CAD drawing can never achieve. Things can then be tweaked before the final design is put into production and while it does of course involve a highly skilled and labour-intensive process, its value in terms of the end product is fundamental to what Princess does. Princess makes a point of encouraging customers to come to its Plymouth headquarters and witness first-hand how its boats are put together. It urges them to take an active role partly because it is proud of its standards and partly because a customer who is properly equipped to collaborate in the detailing of his yacht is likely to end up with something much better tailored to his needs. To that end, Princess has a team of designers dedicated solely to helping customers navigate their way through the options and select the choices that will be of greatest benefit to their favoured cross-section of boating activities. The company’s fastidious in-house approach has an impact on the long-term quality of the ownership experience in other ways too. For instance, in addition to safeguarding the standard of each finished yacht with exhaustive sea trials encompassing more than 3,000 checks, every part of the build process is archived and traceable. That enables the yard to examine original engineering diagrams for each yacht and to identify the ‘who, how and when’ of every individual element. It can then leverage its distributor network to provide bespoke support for a customer’s yacht throughout its lifetime, even after that yacht is sold on to new owners.

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Inside Princess Yachts: How are they built

Saturday 30th November 2019

The sports boat and motoryacht market is by no means deficient in boat buying options. The modern buyer is now able to explore a vast range of designers, builders and brands in a bid to tailor his boat to his favoured marine application before committing to a decision. In terms of choice and accessibility, that certainly has its merits, but as we continue to see established brands taking ever greater advantage of the production efficiencies offered by third-party suppliers, overseas workforces and shared construction facilities, a builder like Princess Yachts stands out as markedly different.

Based in Plymouth at the traditional maritime hub of England’s southwest, Princess Yachts expanded fast after the original founder moved into a rental shed on an offshoot of the River Tamar back in 1965. By the time the company had reached its 40 th anniversary in 2005, it boasted 81,000 square metres of space, 1,450 employees and global sales in excess of £140 million. And following its entry into the superyacht sector in 2011 with the first of the new M Class yachts, it continued to expand. The company we see today employs more than 3000 people across seven manufacturing plants and has raised production from 230 boats a year to more than 300. And yet the story of yacht production at Princess is not defined by scale of operations or speed of production. It’s defined by culture, process and mindset…  

Keeping it in-house One of the most fundamental differences at Princess Yachts is the fact that the company designs and builds 80% of its components in-house. There’s an argument that the yard’s relative geographical isolation has compelled it to become self-sufficient over the years but whatever the truth might be, Princess now runs dedicated in-house departments for a variety of specialist tasks that most builders are compelled to outsource. For instance, Princess operates its own mould shop, where it builds its own plugs with a pair of five-axis cutting machines and uses resin infusion to create everything from its decks and structures to the hull of its 40-metre flagship. The fact that the process is controlled by computer and put under vacuum helps ensure exact fibre-to-resin ratios for greater consistency, stiffness and strength. And in addition to reducing weight for uprated on-water speed and efficiency, the absence of cumbersome stiffening beams helps optimise internal volume for increased space and versatility. Princess also runs a dedicated metal shop, where all the stainless steel fittings are built, as well as its own specialist loom shop. Here, specialist technicians pre-assemble all the required wiring harnesses in preparation for the fit-out of a yacht – and while that gives Princess the ability to alter designs mid-build, it also enables them to incorporate customer requests with far greater flexibility than other yacht builders can achieve. One of the yard’s most impressive assets, however, is its furniture shop. This bustling department is responsible for building all the timber elements of a Princess yacht, including the structural pieces, bulkheads, sidelinings and headlinings. And whether fixed or freestanding, it also builds the furniture from scratch, enabling it to optimise continuity throughout each yacht by using timber of precisely the same grain texture, pattern and colour. As Paul Bailey, Commercial and Technical Manager at Princess Motor Yacht Sales, points out: “This stuff is not sourced off the shelf at the same impersonal third-party plant that other manufacturers might use. It’s designed and built by Princess’s own craftsmen, so whether a customer chooses to spec up his boat or buy the ‘standard’ package, a Princess yacht will always have the feeling of something special; something unique; something much more artisan and bespoke than you might experience from other builders.”

Creating a culture of quality One of the key drivers behind Princess’s fastidious approach is the Chairman, Anthony Sheriff. Having come from an automotive background, he invested heavily in a quality management system based around a process known as ‘No Fault Forward’. This involved rooting out any faults early on in the build process, so they could be remedied before the issue was passed forward onto subsequent production stages. Its effective integration would require a very structured and transparent approach to problem solving, so he established a dedicated Quality Control Division that has since grown from six people to around 30. The idea behind this investment was to transform ‘quality’ from a formal manufacturing protocol into a culturally ingrained attitude inhabited by everyone at Princess Yachts – and to help achieve that, the quality division is involved throughout the entire process, from the moment a build begins right through to a yacht’s entry to market. The division’s personnel go out on the boats themselves; they talk to the test engineers and the boat management professionals; they do everything they can to understand the customer experience because getting things completely right is the means by which Princess aims to differentiate itself from the competition. The team have an inspiring approach to the yacht design, the most striking exponents being the company’s full-scale mock-ups. To ensure that a new design works properly, the entire boat is built from plywood in exhaustive detail, enabling the designers to step on board and examine it first-hand – to explore head heights, door openings, spatial arrangements and furniture; to think about materials and real human usability.  It enables them to inhabit the space and get a genuine feel for it in a way that a 3D CAD drawing can never achieve. Things can then be tweaked before the final design is put into production and while it does of course involve a highly skilled and labour-intensive process, its value in terms of the end product is fundamental to what Princess does.

Equipping the customer Princess makes a point of encouraging customers to come to its Plymouth headquarters and witness first-hand how its boats are put together. It urges them to take an active role partly because it is proud of its standards and partly because a customer who is properly equipped to collaborate in the detailing of his yacht is likely to end up with something much better tailored to his needs. To that end, Princess has a team of designers dedicated solely to helping customers navigate their way through the options and select the choices that will be of greatest benefit to their favoured cross-section of boating activities. The company’s fastidious in-house approach has an impact on the long-term quality of the ownership experience in other ways too. For instance, in addition to safeguarding the standard of each finished yacht with exhaustive sea trials encompassing more than 3,000 checks, every part of the build process is archived and traceable. That enables the yard to examine original engineering diagrams for each yacht and to identify the ‘who, how and when’ of every individual element. It can then leverage its distributor network to provide bespoke support for a customer’s yacht throughout its lifetime, even after that yacht is sold on to new owners. As the industry’s appetite for international third party construction plants continues to gather traction, that degree of care, accountability and control looks set to become even more special than it is today.

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Princess Cruises Brings Sought-After Destination of Japan to the Culturally Curious Traveler with Release of 2026 Cruise Season

Diamond princess to sail on over 50 departures showcasing the land of the rising sun - january through november 2026.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (September 19, 2024) – The scenic island nation of Japan continues to be a hot destination for tourists who are inspired by architecture, local cuisine and natural landscapes, and this trend is expected to extend into 2026. Today, Princess Cruises – recognized as the leading North American cruise line in Japan – released its 2026 Japan cruise season, offering the most immersive and authentic experiences for the culturally curious traveler who wants to plan ahead.

The 2,670-guest Diamond Princess, built in Japan and designed for this great destination, returns to offer a longer season, from February through November 2026, with 50 departures ranging in length from seven to 28 days, on 35 unique itineraries visiting 38 destinations in three countries.

No matter the itinerary, Diamond Princess guests will take in legendary cities from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima; temples and shrines like the Aomori’s Sannai-Maruyama ruins, Kochi Castle and Itsukushima Shrine, the most recognizable red torii ; arts, culture and tradition from baseball, Sumo wrestling, Kabuki theater and Zen gardens; natural wonders and landscapes with the celebrated cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji and Nagai Botanical Gardens in Osaka; to vivacious festivals, sake, seafood and celebrated cuisine.

“Only on Princess can you become immersed into Japan’s rich culture, ancient traditions and incredible beauty while enjoying a completely unique onboard fusion of eastern and western cultures,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “The extended 2026 season lets guests choose a cruise in the season they find most appealing – from spring cherry blossoms, to summer festivals, autumn foliage or snowy, wintery landscapes.”

2026 Itinerary Highlights

The season offers opportunities to view the famed Spring Flowers, experience the epic Fall Foliage, and enjoy five top festivals, including the Aomori Nebuta Festival and the Kumano Fireworks Festival. Itinerary highlights include:  

• 10- and 11-day Spring Flowers cruises  in March and April to all four main islands, following the predicted blooming season as it moves from south to north. 
• 9- to 14-day Circle Japan Voyages  circumnavigate the island of Japan, with stops including Nagasaki, Kanazawa and Maizuru (for Kyoto). 
• 9-day Southern Islands itineraries  call to Okinawa, Ishigaki in Japan, along with Taipei (Keelung) and Hualien on the island of Taiwan. 
• 7- to 11-day Japan Explorer voyages  visit some of the country’s most iconic destinations, such as Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji), Osaka (for Kyoto) and Hiroshima. 
• Longer voyages  from 15 to 28 days, allowing for a deeper exploration of the region. 
• More Ashore late-night stays in six ports including Aomori (for Nebuta Festival), Hakodate (for Minato Festival), Kochi (for Yosaki Festival), Shimizu (for Mt. Fuji) and Tokushima (for Awa Odori Festival).

Southeast Asia Grand Adventures

Before Diamond Princess arrives for the Japan season, the ship sails to exotic locations in southeast Asia, with opportunities to explore Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand in January 2026, including:

• 10-day Vietnam with Halong Bay sailing roundtrip from Singapore and visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Halong Bay/Hanoi with scenic cruising and Da Nang.
• 11-day Malaysia & Thailand from Singapore with stops in Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Phuket, Penang, Ko Samui and Bangkok.

These two itineraries can be combined for an unforgettable 21-day Southeast Asia Grand Adventure with Halong Bay , roundtrip from Singapore.

Onboard Diamond Princess 

Built by Mitsubishi in Nagasaki, Diamond Princess features uniquely designed, Japanese-inspired experiences including an Izumi Bath modeled after a traditional onsen, regional dishes from the Noodle Bar or freshly prepared sushi at Kai Sushi, fine Japanese whiskeys, sake and shochu, 400-year-old traditional “rakugo” storytelling, karaoke-filled evenings and folkloric dancers showcasing the arts.

The Princess Experience

No matter the cruise, Princess delivers a premium vacation with the line’s award-winning, signature Princess MedallionClass experience which offers unparalleled service and personalization. Guests booking can take advantage of inclusive packages like Princess Plus and Princess Premier (with new unlimited offerings!) which add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, specialty dining, desserts, fitness classes, crew appreciation and more at an even greater savings of up 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com .

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

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. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

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