Quick Answer:
For family cruising, I typically recommend 40–60 ft Princess Flybridge or V Class yachts. These vessels strike an excellent balance between spaciousness, manoeuvrability and comfort, making them well-suited for cruising with children and elderly family members on both short and extended voyages.
As a boat owner with over a decade of yachting and trading experience, I've witnessed numerous families using Princess yachts for both coastal and ocean cruising. Compared to other brands, Princess's advantages for family cruising are particularly evident: well-designed cabin layouts, spacious social areas, straightforward operation, and high safety standards, making them especially suitable for voyages with children and elderly relatives.
The cornerstone of family cruising lies in comfort and safety. Princess yachts are designed with diverse family needs in mind—featuring child safety provisions, non-slip flooring, spacious cabins, and ample storage—ensuring a relaxed and secure seagoing experience. Furthermore, most Princess models incorporate modern entertainment facilities, enhancing the enjoyment of family cruising.
Key Considerations for Selecting a Princess Yacht for Family Cruising
Hull Type and Design
Hull type directly impacts the cruising experience. I advise owners on hull selection based on family size, intended cruising distance, and usage habits:
| Hull Type | Length Range | Family Size | Cabin Comfort | Suitable Cruising Type |
| Flybridge | 45–65 ft | 6–10 | High | Offshore/Long-distance |
| V Class | 40–55 ft | 4–6 | Moderate | Inshore/Weekend |
| Sportbridge | 40–50 ft | 4–6 | Moderate | Short-range/Speedboat cruising |
The Flybridge series features a spacious upper deck, ideal for socialising and entertaining larger families, while also being well-suited for ocean cruising. The V Class offers a more compact design with agile handling, perfect for weekend coastal cruising or short trips. The Sportbridge, with its sportier profile, caters to families seeking speed and manoeuvrability for short sea excursions.
Cabin Layout and Comfort
Family cruising is not merely about sailing; it demands comfort for every member. For me, the ideal family cruising yacht should feature:
Spacious master and guest cabins, ensuring each person has a private retreat;
A fully equipped galley and dining area, facilitating family meals and cooking;
Ensuite bathrooms with showers in each cabin, minimising queues and waiting times;
Child safety features such as handrails, non-slip flooring, and secure storage spaces.
In my experience, yachts with well-planned cabin layouts and ample space significantly enhance the family cruising experience, particularly during extended voyages.
Power and Range
Power and range are essential considerations for family cruising. Princess yachts predominantly feature twin diesel engines, offering stable performance with moderate fuel consumption. At cruising speeds, typical fuel consumption is as follows:
Princess 50 Flybridge: Approximately 25–30 litres of diesel per hour, with a full tank enabling approximately 350–400 nautical miles of cruising range;
Princess V50: Approximately 20–25 litres of diesel per hour, with a full tank enabling approximately 300–350 nautical miles of cruising range.
- 10 knots → Maximum range approx. 400 nautical miles
- 12 knots → Maximum range approx. 350 nautical miles
- 15 knots → Maximum range approx. 280 nautical miles
Such data assists owners in selecting the optimal speed for weekend short trips or extended ocean cruises, balancing comfort and fuel efficiency.
Safety and Stability
Safety is paramount for family cruising. Princess yachts feature robust hull designs suited to coastal waters and moderate swells. I typically advise family owners to prioritise:
- Life-saving equipment: lifeboats, life jackets, and hull alarm systems;
- Auxiliary navigation: GPS, radar, and autopilot systems;
- Non-slip surfaces and handrails: ensuring safe embarkation/disembarkation for children and elderly passengers.
Recommended Princess Models for Family Cruising
Drawing upon years of owner experience and client feedback, I have identified six Princess models exceptionally suited for family cruising:
| Hull Type | Recommended Model | Family Suitability | Comfort Highlights |
| Flybridge | Princess 50 | 6–8 persons | Spacious saloon, generous deck areas, dual guest cabins |
| Flybridge | Princess 60 | 6–10 persons | Strong ocean-going capability, luxurious master cabin |
| V Class | Princess V39 | 4–6 persons | Agile handling, fuel-efficient stability |
| V Class | Princess V50 | 4–6 persons | Well-planned cabin layout, comfortable coastal cruising |
These models are designed with the safety and comfort of family members in mind, while catering to diverse cruising needs: Flybridge is suited for long-distance ocean voyages, V Class for coastal weekend trips, and Sportbridge for short, high-speed sea excursions.
Essential pre-purchase inspection points
Whether purchasing a new or used yacht, I strongly advise family owners to rigorously inspect the following aspects before acquiring a Princess yacht:
Mechanical and electronic systems: Engines, generators, and navigation equipment must be fully functional and fault-free.
Hull and watertight integrity: Inspect for hull cracks, condition of the antifouling coating, and hatch seals.
Maintenance records: Used boats must have complete maintenance logs to ensure long-term reliability.
Sea trial: Assess handling, speed, and comfort during actual sailing.
Customisation Options: New vessels can be tailored to family requirements, such as adding dedicated child safety features or entertainment facilities.
Conclusion
Selecting a Princess yacht suitable for family cruising hinges on comfort, handling, safety, and range. From my experience, the 40–60-foot Flybridge and V Class models are most family-friendly, accommodating both offshore cruising and weekend coastal excursions.
Conducting sea trials, inspecting machinery and hulls, and tailoring the vessel to family requirements ensures the safest, most comfortable and enjoyable maritime experience for families.
About the Author
Emery, yacht broker, yacht transaction consultant, and contributing writer for Yachting Magazine, possesses over a decade of yachting industry experience. As a SAMS-certified surveyor, he has been recognised as one of ‘Asia's Top Ten Yachting Industry Experts’ and honoured with multiple industry accolades including the ‘Outstanding Service Award for Yacht Brokers’.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for general informational purposes only, based on the author Emery's extensive yachting and transaction experience. It does not constitute specific investment, purchase, or navigation advice. Yacht performance, fuel consumption, range, and suitability vary by model, maintenance condition, weather conditions, and operating environment. Prior to purchasing a new or pre-owned yacht, always conduct professional sea trials, mechanical and hull inspections, and consult a registered broker or certified surveyor to ensure safety and legal compliance. This article accepts no liability for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this information.
FAQ
Q1: Which Princess yacht is best suited for families with children?
A: The Princess Flybridge series is the preferred choice, offering spacious decks and safety features that provide a secure environment for children's activities.
Q2: Are Princess yachts fuel-inefficient?
A: Taking the Princess 50 Flybridge as an example, it consumes approximately 25–30 litres of diesel per hour, offering good cruising economy suitable for family weekends or short ocean voyages.
Q3: What safety equipment is required for family cruising yachts?
A: Life jackets, lifeboats, hull alarm systems, navigation aids, and firefighting equipment are essential. Additionally, child-specific safety measures should be configured according to the ages of family members.
