Ruby Princess vs Caribbean Princess

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess, launched in 2008 and having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, presents a laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere. Despite showing its age in some design elements, it maintains a comfortable elegance. With 19 decks, the ship feels well-distributed, fostering an intimate experience where guests often remark on never feeling overcrowded. It’s a vessel that balances traditional cruising comforts with modern amenities, creating a relaxed environment suitable for diverse travel styles, from romantic getaways to family adventures.

Caribbean Princess

The Caribbean Princess, built in 2004 and refreshed with a multi-million-dollar refurbishment in 2019, offers a blend of classic charm and updated features, including the reimagined Reef Splash Zone. This Grand-class ship, at 112,894 gross tons and spanning 19 decks, can accommodate 3,140 guests. While its interiors retain some traditional cherry wood finishes, the overall vibe is distinctly mellow and family-friendly, focusing on carefree moments at sea. It successfully integrates modern technology like OceanMedallion into its established, comfortable setting.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess cultivates a genuinely friendly and engaging atmosphere, often described as having a laid-back, family vibe. With a capacity for 3,080 guests and a crew of 1,200, the ship maintains an impressive guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to a sense of personalized and intimate service. Guests frequently participate enthusiastically in activities like trivia and 'The Voice of the Ocean,' fostering quick friendships. It's a ship where a diverse, multi-generational crowd feels comfortable, and despite its size, it rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess, carrying 3,140 guests and a crew of 1,200, offers an intimate and mellow atmosphere that balances family-friendly fun with a focus on old-fashioned cruising charm. While generally relaxed, certain high-traffic areas like the main pools and buffets can become crowded during peak times. The ship attracts a diverse crowd, including families drawn to its updated kid-friendly features. It’s a place where guests can enjoy a leisurely pace, yet still find ample opportunities for social interaction and engaging entertainment.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess provides a broad culinary journey with both complimentary and specialty options. Guests can enjoy traditional and Anytime dining in the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, or casual buffet fare at Horizon Court. Quick bites are available at the 24-hour International Café, The Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, and Coffee & Cones. For an elevated experience, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill offer exquisite meals for an additional cost, with the latter being particularly popular for its steak and seafood.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess boasts a diverse array of dining venues, from the main Island, Palm, and Coral Dining Rooms offering traditional cruise fare, to the expansive World Fresh Marketplace buffet. Casual options include The Salty Dog Grill for gourmet burgers and tacos, and Slice Pizzeria. Specialty restaurants like Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill are available for an extra fee, alongside unique pop-ups like Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ. The 24-hour International Café provides complimentary light bites, while Coffee & Cones offers free soft-serve and specialty drinks for a charge.

Ruby Princess

On Ruby Princess, entertainment spans from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to outdoor Movies Under The Stars, featuring 7.1 surround sound. Nightlife heats up at Skywalker's Nightclub, offering panoramic views, and Club Fusion, known for karaoke and theme parties. The ship also features a Vegas Style Casino, various bars like the Wheelhouse Bar and Crooners Bar with dueling pianos, and enriching activities through the Discovery at Sea partnership, including stargazing and themed events.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess provides a vibrant entertainment scene, centered around Broadway-style shows in the Princess Theatre and open-air Movies Under The Stars. Night owls can head to Skywalker's Nightclub for dancing or the Grand Casino for gaming. The ship also features a variety of lounges and bars, including Crooner's Bar for piano music and martinis, and the intimate Churchill's Cigar Lounge which doubles as a sports bar. Unique offerings like the 'High Seas Heist Mystery Game' and a pop-up inflatable planetarium add interactive fun.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a variety of accommodations, including nearly 900 balcony staterooms. Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, feature a separate sitting area and a balcony. Reserve Collection Mini-Suites add VIP perks and exclusive dining access. Standard Suites range from 460 to 932 sq ft, boasting larger balconies and enhanced amenities. Family Suites can accommodate up to eight guests with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. While comfortable, some standard cabins can feel snug, and guests should note potential obstructed views on Deck 8 and 15 Oceanview staterooms.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess features 1,569 cabins, with Balcony staterooms being the most numerous and popular, typically around 214-222 sq ft including the balcony. Mini-Suites offer a bit more space (approx. 323 sq ft) with a separate sitting area. The ship also has seven categories of Suites, ranging from 460 to 1,277 sq ft, including Two-Bedroom Family Suites. While comfortable, the decor in standard cabins with cherry wood finishes can feel dated, and bathrooms are noted for being small. Guests should be aware of potential noise from public venues for cabins on Deck 5 and near the pool areas.

Ruby Princess

The service on Ruby Princess is consistently praised for being personalized and intimate, a significant highlight of the guest experience. As a MedallionClass vessel, it seamlessly integrates technology with service, allowing guests to use the Medallion app for everything from checking daily schedules and menus to accessing their stateroom and making purchases. This system, combined with a dedicated crew, contributes to an efficient and comfortable onboard style, where individual preferences are often anticipated.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess embraces a service style that blends classic cruising charm with modern efficiency, largely powered by its OceanMedallion system. This technology enables on-demand service and personalized experiences, from expedited boarding to ordering food and drinks anywhere on the ship. The onboard style is mellow and laid-back, yet attentive. While the digital tools offer significant convenience, some guests have noted inconsistencies in the broader app's usability, though the core Medallion features for service delivery work well.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is particularly well-suited for diverse itineraries, excelling in both warm and cold-weather destinations. It is a popular choice for Alaska sailings, where guests can enjoy special programs like National Park ranger lectures and 'Puppies in the Piazza.' The ship also frequently sails to scenic regions like Hawaii and the Caribbean, providing ample outdoor deck space and activities to complement these varied voyages, making it a versatile option for destination-focused travelers.

Caribbean Princess

Caribbean Princess offers a robust selection of itineraries, making it an excellent choice for destination-driven travelers. The ship frequently sails to the sun-drenched Caribbean, the majestic landscapes of Alaska with its 'North to Alaska' program, and cultural European and Canada/New England routes. Its port-intensive itineraries are designed for immersive experiences, providing guests with ample opportunities to explore. The ship's spacious outdoor decks and varied activities are well-suited to enjoying the scenic beauty of these diverse regions.