A 220-nautical-mile delivery cruise from central London to Southampton provided Hugo Andreae an extended sea trial of the new Princess X90
Princess has sold an impressive number of both the Princess X95 and Princess X80 super flybridges so it’s no surprise it is doubling down on that success with this all-new X90 model.
Hugo Andreae managed to gate crash the delivery trip of hull number one from a customer event on the Thames in London to Southampton, where it was being loaded onto a ship for its show debut in Cannes Boat Show.
That exclusive test gave Hugo the time needed to can confirm that it’s everything you’d expect of an X-Class model and more.
Performance, handling, and range
Powered by twin MAN 2,000 hp engines, the X90 combines heavy-displacement refinement with impressive planing capability. At an idle speed, noise levels at the helm sit at just 44 dB. Pushing the throttles to 1,800 RPM delivers a 18-knot cruise while burning ~400 L/hr, with sound levels barely increasing to 48 dB. Wide-open throttle reaches 27 knots at 2,200 RPM.
Underway, Sleipner curved fin stabilisers maintain a flat, controlled trim. During full-lock turns at speed, the fins level out the initial outward lean, applying a natural inward tilt for smooth, civilised handling.
Deck Layout and outdoor socialising
Despite its massive internal volume, the X90 preserves generous outdoor living areas. The aft cockpit and beach club features double folding side balconies (a first for Princess) an optional glass-fronted hot tub, a hydraulic bathing platform with a graduated staircase, and an optional glass transom.
The flybridge houses an outdoor dining table for up to 10 guests, freestanding lounge seating, a fully equipped wet bar, and dynamic foredeck seating that converts into a sunbathing terrace.
Main deck, galley, and accommodation
The enclosed flybridge wheelhouse features five Raymarine displays set low for excellent forward visibility, capped by dual overhead skylights. In the main saloon, panoramic single-pane windows frame an expanding semi-circular dining table and expansive sofa seating.
The galley offers flexible crew integration: an electric rise-and-fall bulkhead isolates the kitchen from the saloon for private catering, with direct side-deck access leading down to dedicated crew quarters.
The forward main-deck master suite stands out with 270-degree glazing, a lifting vanity mirror, an oversized en-suite shower, and a private hydraulic side door opening directly onto the foredeck. On the lower deck, buyers can select three or four en-suite guest cabins, including a full-beam VIP suite rivaling master cabins on other 90-footers.
