Choosing between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean can feel like picking between two completely different styles of vacation—because honestly, it kind of is.
One gives you refined relaxation with a splash of sophistication, while the other delivers adventure-fueled fun on mega-resorts at sea.
I’ve sailed on ships from both lines multiple times, and while I’ve enjoyed everything from Sky Princess’s serene elegance to Anthem of the Seas’ thrilling vibe, the best cruise for you comes down to your travel style, your budget, and who you’re sailing with.
Let’s break it down, starting with the ships.
1. Fleet & Ship Comparison: Big, Bold, or Balanced?
Princess Cruises: Classic Elegance With a Modern Twist
Princess has 16 ships currently sailing, with one more on the way, spread across four classes.
While their fleet is smaller than Royal Caribbean’s, it offers a nice range of mid-size ships and a few larger ones with sleek, stylish layouts.
I’ve personally sailed on Royal Princess and Sky Princess—and they feel spacious, calm, and well-designed for quiet escapes.
Princess Ship Classes:
- Sphere Class – Brand-new ships for ~4,300 guests (Sun Princess)
- Royal Class – 6 modern ships (3,560–3,660 guests)
- Grand Class – 8 mid-sized ships (2,600–3,140 guests)
- Coral Class – Oldest, most intimate ships (~2,200 guests)
🛳 Oldest: Grand Princess (1998)
🆕 Newest: Sun Princess (2024)
Royal Caribbean: Supersized Ships, Supercharged Fun
Royal Caribbean’s fleet is massive, with 28 ships sailing and four more coming soon. These ships are all about pushing boundaries.
When I boarded Icon of the Seas, it felt like a full-blown resort—with neighborhoods, zip lines, and water parks—all at sea.
Royal Caribbean Ship Classes:
- Icon Class – Up to 7,600 guests (biggest cruise ships in the world)
- Oasis Class – 6 mega-ships (around 6,800 guests)
- Quantum / Quantum Ultra Class – Smart ships with skydiving & bumper cars
- Freedom / Voyager / Radiance / Vision Classes – Mid-sized ships
🛳 Oldest: Grandeur of the Seas (1996)
🆕 Newest: Utopia of the Seas & Icon of the Seas (2024)
Ship Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | 16 ships (+1 coming) | 28 ships (+4 on the way) |
| Largest Ship Capacity | 4,300 guests (Sphere Class) | 7,600 guests (Icon Class) |
| Ship Style | Elegant, refined, traditional cruising | High-energy, innovation-focused |
| Smallest Ships | 2,000–2,200 guests | 2,400–2,700 guests |
| Oldest Ship | Grand Princess (1998) | Grandeur of the Seas (1996) |
| Newest Ship | Sun Princess (2024) | Icon & Utopia of the Seas (2024) |
| Best For… | Relaxed travelers, mature cruisers | Families, thrill-seekers, active couples |
My Take: Which Fleet Wins?
- Choose Princess if…
You want a ship that’s elegant and relaxing, where you can enjoy quieter public spaces and sophisticated design. It’s great for couples, retirees, and those who love traditional cruising done right. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You’re into action, attractions, and non-stop energy. With massive ships and record-breaking features, it’s a perfect fit for families, multi-gen groups, or anyone who loves being wowed.
2. Destinations & Departures: Where Can These Ships Take You?
If you’re wondering whether Princess or Royal Caribbean can take you to your dream destination, the answer is: yes, and then some.
Both cruise lines sail nearly everywhere, but they each have regional strengths that may sway your decision.
I’ve sailed Europe on Princess and the Caribbean on Royal—and the vibe, port selection, and embarkation experience were totally different. Let’s break down who sails where and what makes each line stand out.
Princess Cruises: Globetrotting Experts With Unique Routes
Princess Cruises is known for its world-spanning itineraries, especially in Australia, South America, and long-haul voyages.
Their World Cruises and Cruisetour options in Alaska (which include land + sea with lodges and train rides) are truly next-level.
Princess Destination Highlights:
- 30 embarkation ports worldwide.
- Strong presence in Australia, South America, Japan.
- Multiple ships homeported in the UK (Southampton).
- Long itineraries like World Cruises and Panama Canal.
- Princess Cays private beach in the Bahamas.
- Cruise + land tour combos (Alaska Wilderness Lodges).
I once did a Princess itinerary from Southampton to the Norwegian fjords—smooth embarkation, great ports, and plenty of scenic cruising time. It’s ideal for more immersive travel.
Royal Caribbean: Caribbean King With Global Reach
Royal Caribbean dominates in North America with the most ships sailing from Florida ports, and they also have a large footprint in Europe and Asia.
Their private island—Perfect Day at CocoCay—is an absolute showstopper if you’re into thrill-based beach days.
Royal Caribbean Destination Highlights:
- 35 embarkation ports worldwide
- Huge Caribbean and Bahamas presence (from FL, TX, NJ)
- Seasonal ships in UK, Europe, Asia, Australia
- Perfect Day at CocoCay (waterpark island) + Labadee (Haiti)
- Strong Alaska & Mediterranean itineraries
- No world cruises, but plenty of 3–12 night global options
I cruised from Miami to CocoCay and Key West with Royal once—incredible energy, tons of shore excursion choices, and CocoCay was honestly more fun than any water park I’ve been to on land.
Destinations Comparison Table
| Region | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | ✅ 23 itineraries | ✅ 96 itineraries |
| Australia & New Zealand | ✅ 96 itineraries | ✅ 29 itineraries |
| Europe | ✅ 147 itineraries | ✅ 107 itineraries |
| Caribbean & Bahamas | ✅ 54 itineraries | ✅ 47 itineraries |
| South America | ✅ 19 itineraries | ❌ Not offered |
| Asia / East Asia | ✅ 20 itineraries | ✅ 36 itineraries |
| Panama Canal | ✅ 22 itineraries | ✅ 5 itineraries |
| World Cruises | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Private Island | Princess Cays | CocoCay & Labadee |
| Cruisetours (Alaska) | ✅ Yes (Lodges + Train) | ❌ No |
My Take: Who Wins on Destinations?
- Choose Princess if…
You want unique, immersive, and bucket-list itineraries, especially in Australia, Asia, South America, or you’re dreaming of a World Cruise or Alaska Cruisetour. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You’re after fun-packed Caribbean sailings, want to visit their private waterpark island, or you’re sailing from the U.S. and want maximum ship variety with more departure options.
3. Staterooms & Suites: Where Will You Sleep Best at Sea?
After a long day of port exploring or zip-lining across the ship, your stateroom becomes your home base—so it’s worth picking a cruise line that offers the right comfort, space, and style for your needs.
I’ve stayed in a variety of rooms on both lines—from a basic inside cabin on Mariner of the Seas to a balcony stateroom on Sky Princess—and each offered a totally different onboard experience.
Let’s look at how each line stacks up when it comes to where you’ll rest your head.
Princess Cruises: Understated Luxury With Balcony Bliss
Princess leans more into classic elegance than over-the-top flair. The rooms feel refined and calming, even in the entry-level categories.
But where Princess really shines is in its Sky Suites and Reserve / Signature Collection offerings on newer ships like Sun Princess.
Notable Princess Room Types:
- Inside / Oceanview / Balcony Cabins – Modern, spacious layouts
- Sky Suites – Massive balconies (up to 1,000+ sq ft!) + outdoor TVs
- Reserve Collection Mini Suites & Cabanas – Prime locations + private dining
- Signature Collection Suites – Premium suites w/ exclusive lounge & sun deck
- Solo Cabins – Only available on Sun Princess (very limited)
These cabins feel ideal for couples, retirees, and chill cruisers who want a peaceful, upscale environment to relax in.
Royal Caribbean: Creative, High-Tech, Family-Focused
Royal Caribbean goes for variety, tech, and family innovation. Some of their accommodations—especially the Ultimate Family Townhouse—are basically cruise condos with slides, bunk beds, and game zones.
Standout Royal Caribbean Room Types:
- Virtual Balcony Rooms – Inside rooms w/ a live-streamed digital “window”
- Boardwalk & Central Park Balconies – Face inward over ship neighborhoods
- Two-Story Loft Suites – Multi-deck luxury with massive windows
- Ultimate Family Suites – Slides, karaoke, gaming zones (Icon/Oasis/Quantum)
- Solo Cabins – Found on some newer ships, but still limited
These rooms are built for adventure-seekers, big families, and guests who love tech-driven spaces with a wow factor.
Stateroom Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Cabin Types | ✅ Inside, Oceanview, Balcony | ✅ Inside, Oceanview, Balcony |
| Largest Balcony | ✅ Sky Suite (1,000+ sq ft!) | ❌ Smaller balconies overall |
| Innovative Features | ❌ More traditional style | ✅ Virtual Balcony, inward-facing balconies |
| Solo Cabins | ✅ Only on Sun Princess | ✅ Limited ships |
| Family Suites | ❌ Not many family-specific options | ✅ Ultimate Family Suites/Townhouses |
| Themed Collections | ✅ Reserve & Signature on new ships | ✅ Royal Suite Class (Loft, AquaTheater) |
| Best For… | Couples, older cruisers, balcony lovers | Families, groups, tech-savvy cruisers |
My Take: Which Stateroom Experience Wins?
- Choose Princess if…
You want a quiet, spacious, and elegant room, especially if you’re into balcony lounging or want a suite that feels more like a boutique hotel than a high-rise. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You’re all about clever design, family space, or innovative layouts. Their Ultimate Family Suites are jaw-dropping—and perfect for making core memories at sea.
4. Food & Dining: Elegant Bites or Endless Variety?
Food on a cruise isn’t just about staying fed—it’s about the experience. From steakhouse date nights to pizza by the pool, both Princess and Royal Caribbean have something tasty to offer.
I’ve had lobster tail on Princess and devoured sushi on Royal, and while both were delicious, the dining vibe and variety are where the differences really show up.
Princess Cruises: Sophisticated, Regionally Inspired Dining
Princess aims for quality over quantity, offering a more traditional dining structure. The focus here is on elevated presentation and flavor, with regional dishes inspired by where the ship is sailing.
Princess Dining Highlights:
- Main Dining Room – Rotating gourmet menus with excellent service
- Specialty Restaurants:
- Crown Grill – Classic steakhouse (a favorite of mine)
- Sabatini’s – Upscale Italian with handmade pasta
- The Catch by Rudi – Seafood-focused fine dining (on select ships)
- Casual Eats:
- World Fresh Marketplace – The main buffet
- Slice Pizzeria – Often voted best pizza at sea
- The Salty Dog Grill – Gourmet burgers and dogs
The food always feels refined, not rushed. If you’re the kind of cruiser who enjoys lingering dinners and quiet café snacks, Princess delivers.
Royal Caribbean: Variety, Volume & Flavor That Pops
Royal Caribbean leans into abundance and innovation. Even on their mid-size ships, you’ll find tons of dining venues—and most of them are fun, theme-driven, and built for different moods.
Royal Dining Highlights:
- Main Dining Room – Rotating menus with flexible dining times
- Specialty Restaurants:
- Chops Grille – Classic steakhouse
- Izumi – Sushi & hibachi
- Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen – Italian with a modern twist
- Wonderland – Themed sensory experience with whimsical plating
- Casual Eats:
- Windjammer Café – Massive buffet with global cuisine
- Sorrento’s Pizza – Late-night pizza spot
- El Loco Fresh / Johnny Rockets / Dog House – Poolside bites
The range of options is what makes Royal stand out—especially if you’re traveling with picky eaters, teens, or people who like to eat every two hours (no judgment!).
Dining Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Main Dining Experience | ✅ Elegant, regionally themed | ✅ Flexible, rotating menus |
| Specialty Variety | ✅ Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Rudi’s | ✅ Chops, Izumi, Wonderland, Giovanni’s |
| Casual Dining | ✅ Buffet, pizza, burgers | ✅ Buffets, taco stands, cafés |
| Pizza Quality | ⭐ Known for best pizza at sea | 😐 Good, but thinner and more casual |
| Creative Dining Options | ❌ More classic/traditional | ✅ Wonderland + themed venues |
| Best For… | Foodies who love refined flavors | Families & variety-seekers who love choice |
My Take: Who Wins on Food?
- Choose Princess if…
You want calm, elegant meals with regionally inspired menus. Great for foodies who value presentation, quality ingredients, and a more traditional dinner setting. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You prefer endless variety, casual eats, and creative specialty venues. Great for adventurous palates, families, and snackers who love flexibility.
5. Onboard Activities: Chill & Classic vs Wild & Wow
What you do between ports matters just as much as where you sail. If your perfect sea day involves nonstop thrills, Royal Caribbean is hard to beat.
But if you lean more toward quiet sophistication and traditional cruise fun, Princess might be your speed.
I’ve done everything from ballroom dancing on Sky Princess to ziplining across the back of Allure of the Seas—and trust me, the experience couldn’t be more different.
Princess Cruises: Laid-Back Fun With a Touch of Adventure
Princess Cruises tends to keep things relaxed and traditional. Expect activities that feel more classic—think dance classes, wine tastings, and spa time.
That said, the line has stepped things up recently with some surprising new features, especially on Sun Princess.
Top Princess Activities:
- The Sanctuary – Adults-only retreat with private cabanas (seriously peaceful)
- Park19 & Sea Breeze Rollglider (Sun Princess) – Suspended ride around the ship’s top deck
- Dance lessons, art auctions & enrichment classes
- Casino & live trivia events
- Self-service laundry – A small but handy perk if you’re on longer sailings
Princess focuses more on unplugging and relaxing, which suits older cruisers or couples who want to take it easy.
Royal Caribbean: Adrenaline-Packed, Resort-Level Fun
If you’re the kind of person who wants something exciting to do every hour, Royal Caribbean ships are basically floating amusement parks.
I’ve tried the FlowRider surf simulator, gone rock climbing, and even jumped into an escape room—all without leaving the ship.
Top Royal Caribbean Activities (varies by ship):
- FlowRider – Surfing simulator
- RipCord by iFLY – Skydiving tunnel
- Zipline – Soar across the Boardwalk neighborhood
- Rock climbing wall, escape room, bungee trampoline
- Skating rink + bumper cars (on Quantum-class ships)
- Splash parks, thrill slides, and epic water coasters
- The Ultimate Abyss – A dry slide that drops 10 decks
Even on smaller ships, there’s a solid mix of casual fun and jaw-dropping attractions.
6. Activities Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Attractions | ❌ Mostly relaxed, with a few new additions | ✅ Waterslides, zip lines, skydiving sim |
| Top Deck Thrills | ✅ Sea Breeze Rollglider (Sun Princess) | ✅ Surfing, slides, ropes, skating, etc. |
| Poolside Fun | ✅ Relaxed vibes, hot tubs | ✅ Waterparks, pool games, splash zones |
| Adult-Only Retreat | ✅ The Sanctuary | ❌ Spa only (no adults-only outdoor area) |
| Classes & Enrichment | ✅ Cooking, dance, art history | ✅ Trivia, dance, art auctions |
| Self-Service Laundry | ✅ Yes | ❌ Only full-service laundry available |
| Best For… | Low-key cruisers, couples, retirees | Activity-lovers, teens, multi-gen families |
My Take: Who Wins on Activities?
- Choose Princess if…
You prefer peaceful sea days, enriching classes, and elegant spaces to unwind. Their newest ships do offer a bit more action—but this is still a cruise built around relaxation. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You want a nonstop, action-packed floating resort, where every deck brings something new to try. Great for families, kids, or anyone with energy to burn.
6. Entertainment & Evening Shows: Broadway vs Bespoke
When the sun goes down, cruise ships come alive with live music, theatre, game shows, and comedy.
Both Princess and Royal Caribbean take evening entertainment seriously—but the style, scale, and wow-factor vary greatly.
Having watched everything from original musicals on Princess to Grease and Mamma Mia! on Royal Caribbean, I can confidently say: you won’t be bored on either—but one may feel more like Vegas, and the other more like Lincoln Center.
Princess Cruises: Elegant, Original & Theater-Forward
Princess takes a more artistic and classy approach to evening entertainment. Think Broadway-style original productions, classical music performances, and cabaret-style shows.
Princess Evening Entertainment Highlights:
- Original musical productions – Some created by Broadway composers (yes, really)
- Magic To Do – A signature show by Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked)
- Live music & vocal performances
- Guest entertainers – Comedians, illusionists, tribute acts
- Movies Under the Stars – Classic Princess feature (I loved this while bundled under a blanket with popcorn)
The shows are polished, immersive, and tend to lean into storytelling and vocal talent, rather than visual effects or spectacle.
Royal Caribbean: Big, Bold & Broadway Famous
Royal Caribbean doesn’t just do musicals—they go all in on actual Broadway hits. And on some ships, you’ll find multiple high-budget shows running during the week.
Royal Caribbean Entertainment Features:
- Broadway Shows (select ships)
- Grease
- Hairspray
- Cats
- Mamma Mia!
- We Will Rock You
- AquaTheater shows – High-diving stunts at the ship’s aft (Oasis Class)
- Ice-skating shows – Stunning visuals & storytelling on the rink
- Karaoke, live music in bars, late-night comedy
- Outdoor movie nights + interactive game shows
There’s always something unexpected—like jaw-dropping aerial performances in the main theater or impromptu salsa in a Latin lounge.
Entertainment Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Broadway Shows | ❌ Original musicals only | ✅ Actual Broadway hits on select ships |
| Theater Quality | ✅ High-end, classic productions | ✅ High-tech, visually dynamic |
| Aqua / Ice Shows | ❌ Not available | ✅ AquaTheater & Ice Rink shows |
| Movies Under the Stars | ✅ Yes (signature experience) | ✅ On select ships |
| Late-Night Comedy & Bars | ✅ Yes, more relaxed | ✅ Yes, with multiple themed venues |
| Guest Entertainers | ✅ Yes (comedians, vocalists, illusionists) | ✅ Yes |
| Best For… | Fans of storytelling, elegant performances | Lovers of big shows, stunts & Broadway hits |
My Take: Who Wins on Entertainment?
- Choose Princess if…
You enjoy classy, original productions, a touch of magic, and live music with a more sophisticated vibe. It’s an ideal setup for quiet evenings, date nights, or enjoying a theater show without overwhelming spectacle. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You want Broadway blockbusters, high dives, and ice skates. It’s perfect for those who want something flashy, fast-paced, and full of “how did they even do that on a ship?” moments.
7. Kids & Family Facilities: Quiet Learning vs All-Out Playtime
Cruising with kids? Both Princess and Royal Caribbean are family-friendly, but the onboard experience for younger travelers is very different between the two.
I’ve cruised with younger family members on both lines—and let me tell you, Royal keeps kids moving, while Princess keeps them thinking (in a fun way!).
Let’s break down what each line offers for babies, kids, tweens, and teens.
Princess Cruises: Calm, Educational, and Nature-Inspired
Princess doesn’t try to turn the ship into a theme park—and that’s kind of the point.
Their Camp Discovery kids’ clubs are built around nature, science, and learning through play, in partnership with Discovery and Animal Planet.
Princess Kids’ Facilities Highlights:
- Camp Discovery (Ages 3–12) – Divided into:
- The Treehouse (3–7)
- The Lodge (8–12)
- The Beach House (Ages 13–17) – A laid-back teen lounge with games & social hangouts
- Animal Planet & Discovery activities – Nature, science, craft projects
- Kids-only dining events – Pizza & ice cream parties 🍕🍦
- Limited babysitting / no nursery for under-3s
The vibe is more tranquil and thoughtful—ideal for well-behaved kids, older tweens, or multigenerational families looking for a calmer experience.
Royal Caribbean: Energetic, Immersive, and Tech-Driven
Royal’s Adventure Ocean program is next-level, especially on their larger ships. It’s nonstop energy, with loads of spaces that feel more like mini play zones than classrooms. My younger cousin practically lived in the Adventure Ocean Science Lab.
Royal Caribbean Kids’ Facilities Highlights:
- Adventure Ocean (Ages 3–12) – With separate areas by age
- Activities include science experiments, arts, games & scavenger hunts
- Teen Program (Ages 13–17) – Lounge, dance nights, sports tournaments
- Adventure Science Lab & Imagination Studio – Hands-on STEM fun
- Adventure Theater – Movie nights, performances, & workshops
- Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (6–36 months) – Available on select ships
- Family-focused accommodations – Like the Ultimate Family Suite
The vibe is fun, loud, and engaging—perfect for kids who love interaction, movement, and tech toys.
Kids & Family Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Kids’ Clubs | ✅ Camp Discovery (3–12) | ✅ Adventure Ocean (3–12) |
| Teen Lounge | ✅ Beach House (13–17) | ✅ Teen Lounge (13–17) |
| Educational Partnerships | ✅ Discovery & Animal Planet | ✅ STEM Lab, Imagination Studio |
| Nursery (Under 3s) | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available on select ships |
| Special Activities | ✅ Pizza/Ice Cream parties | ✅ Scavenger hunts, movie nights |
| Family Suites | ❌ Limited | ✅ Themed Family Suites available |
| Best For… | Quiet families, multigen cruisers | Active kids, tech-savvy tweens & teens |
My Take: Which Line Wins for Families?
- Choose Princess if…
You’re cruising with calm, curious kids or older family members, and want a structured but peaceful environment with educational flair. Ideal for kids who love crafts, science, and storytelling. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You want your kids to burn energy from morning ‘til night, make tons of friends, and enjoy a more immersive, activity-packed program. Great for large families and adventurous teens.
8. Who Cruises—and What It Costs: Crowd & Cost Breakdown
You’ve compared ships, food, and fun—but what about the kind of people onboard and how much you’ll actually pay?
These two cruise lines attract very different demographics, and that can majorly affect your overall vibe onboard.
Having sailed both, I can tell you: Princess feels like a peaceful retreat, while Royal Caribbean feels like a floating resort buzzing with energy.
Princess Cruises: Sophisticated, Relaxed & Multigenerational
Princess generally draws a slightly older crowd—think adults in their 50s and 60s, empty-nesters, and multigenerational families.
It’s not just for retirees, but if you’re cruising outside of school holidays, you’ll notice a quieter, more elegant atmosphere.
Typical Princess Guests:
- Mature couples
- Solo travelers and seniors
- Multigenerational families (grandparents, adult kids, grandkids)
- Travelers who prefer enrichment, culture, and quiet deck time
It’s also a popular choice for UK-based cruisers, since multiple ships sail from Southampton throughout the year.
Royal Caribbean: Energetic, Family-Focused & Diverse
Royal Caribbean caters to a younger, more active demographic. You’ll see lots of families with kids, young couples, and groups of friends—especially on newer, larger ships like Wonder of the Seas or Odyssey of the Seas.
Typical Royal Caribbean Guests:
- Families with kids and teens
- Parents in their 30s–50s
- Young couples & multigenerational groups
- First-time cruisers looking for fun over formality
During spring break or school holidays, Royal ships are packed with families and energy. If you love a lively cruise, you’ll feel right at home.
Price Comparison: Value vs Variety
When it comes to pricing, both lines offer good value—but the cost varies a lot depending on the ship. Newer ships = higher prices, period.
Here’s what I’ve seen on recent sailings:
| Cruise Line | Example Ship | Inside Cabin (7-Night Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Sky Princess | $90–$110 per person, per night |
| Royal Caribbean | Wonder of the Seas | $130–$165 per person, per night |
💡Tip: Princess tends to start cheaper—but add-ons like Premier/Plus packages (for drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, etc.) can bump up the price significantly. Royal Caribbean is often more expensive upfront but has more inclusions on older ships.
Demographics & Pricing Comparison Table
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Age Range | 50s–70s, older adults, retirees | 30s–50s, young families, active couples |
| Vibe | Calm, relaxed, refined | Energetic, family-oriented, lively |
| Best For… | Mature couples, multigen groups | Kids, teens, fun-loving adults |
| Entry-Level Price | Slightly lower base fare | Slightly higher, esp. on newest ships |
| Package Options | Cruise-only, Plus, and Premier tiers | Basic cruise fare with add-ons |
| Great Value On… | Longer sailings, older ships | Short cruises, off-season sailings |
My Take: Who & What Fits You Best?
- Choose Princess if…
You enjoy peaceful ships, cultural enrichment, and good value, and don’t mind fewer bells and whistles. Ideal if you’re over 50, or cruising with your parents or grandparents. - Choose Royal Caribbean if…
You’re after high-energy fun, family bonding, and crowd-pleasing thrills. Great for active travelers, kids, first-timers, and anyone who wants a cruise to feel like an adventure.
Final Verdict: Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean — Which One’s Best for You?
So, after comparing ships, suites, food, shows, kids’ clubs, and activities—it’s clear that Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer two very different cruise experiences.
I’ve enjoyed them both—dancing on deck under the stars on Princess and racing down slides on Royal Caribbean. But the cruise line that’s best for you depends on what kind of vacation you’re after.
Let’s wrap this up with an easy, side-by-side guide to help you choose with zero regrets.
Side-by-Side Recap
| Category | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Calm, elegant, traditional | Bold, lively, resort-like |
| Best For | Couples, older travelers, multigen | Families, teens, fun-seekers |
| Ship Size | Mid-size to large | Mega-ships with record-breaking features |
| Food Style | Refined, regionally inspired | Wide variety, creative casual eats |
| Entertainment | Original musicals, cabaret, classics | Broadway shows, AquaTheater, ice shows |
| Kids’ Programs | Educational & chill (Camp Discovery) | Energetic & immersive (Adventure Ocean) |
| Suites & Rooms | Huge balconies, elegant suites | Innovative family suites, tech-savvy |
| Destinations | Strong in Australia, South America, World Cruises | Strong in Caribbean, Europe, Asia |
| Private Islands | Princess Cays (relaxing) | CocoCay & Labadee (action-packed) |
| Price | Often cheaper base fare | More inclusions on newer ships |
My Final Take: Which Should You Choose?
🎨 Choose Princess Cruises if you want:
- A quieter, more elegant cruising experience
- Beautiful balcony cabins and classic suites
- Cultural immersion, enrichment activities, and scenic itineraries
- A slower pace perfect for relaxation or multigenerational bonding
Ideal for: Mature couples, solo travelers, retirees, and classic cruise lovers.
Choose Royal Caribbean if you want:
- Nonstop entertainment and thrill-based onboard fun
- Ships with slides, surf simulators, escape rooms, and skydiving
- Broadway-level shows and modern dining variety
- A vibrant, social atmosphere with younger families and active adults
Ideal for: Families, teens, first-timers, friend groups, and travelers who love big resorts.
💡 Bonus Tip:
Still can’t decide? Here’s what I often tell friends:
Try both!
Take a shorter cruise with Royal Caribbean to see the “floating theme park” side of things.
Then take a longer, destination-rich voyage with Princess to see if the refined elegance suits you better.
The best part? You really can’t go wrong with either—they just deliver their magic in very different ways.
