Ship Comparison
Coral Princess vs Regal Princess
Coral Princess offers classic charm and intimate exploration, ideal for Panama Canal transits, while Regal Princess delivers modern sophistication and innovative experiences with its Medallion Class technology.
The verdict
Choosing between Coral Princess and Regal Princess really comes down to your preference for scale and modern innovation versus classic, intimate cruising. Coral Princess, a more seasoned vessel, excels in offering a traditional, comfortable journey, particularly for destination-rich itineraries like the Panama Canal. Regal Princess, on the other hand, embraces a larger, more contemporary feel, integrating advanced technology and a wider array of entertainment options, making it suitable for those who appreciate a bustling, tech-enhanced experience. Both uphold Princess Cruises' commitment to attentive service and diverse dining, ensuring a quality vacation regardless of your choice.
Choose Coral Princess if…
Travelers who appreciate a classic, mid-sized ship experience with a focus on destination immersion and a blend of familiar comforts and unique culinary offerings.
Best for
- The Savvy Culinary Enthusiast
- The Panama Canal Explorer
- The Social Balcony Dweller
- The Serene Wellness Seeker
- The Classic Cruise Lover
Avoid if
- Seeking high-octane activities and mega-ship thrills
- Requiring consistently even room temperatures throughout the ship
- Strictly adhering to a budget (some wellness and premium dining options incur fees)
- Preferring larger, ultra-modern ships with the latest tech
Choose Regal Princess if…
Guests seeking a modern, larger ship with innovative technology, diverse entertainment, and a lively atmosphere, ideal for families and those who enjoy a more dynamic onboard experience.
Best for
- The Culinary Connoisseur
- The Relaxed Explorer
- The Tech-Savvy Traveler
- The Family Fun-Seeker
- The Classic Cruise Enthusiast
Avoid if
- Seeking a continuous wrap-around promenade deck
- Preferring larger cabin bathrooms (standard showers are small)
- Disliking new technology and app-driven experiences
- Seeking private in-cabin babysitting services
Overall Vibe
Coral Princess
Launched in 2003, Coral Princess, a "Panamax mid-sized" vessel spanning 16 decks, offers a distinctive blend of glitz and comfort. She's custom-built for unique transits like the Panama Canal, providing a more intimate yet spacious feel. Her atmosphere leans towards traditional cruising with signature Princess touches, focusing on voyages of discovery to fascinating destinations. The ship's design cultivates a relaxed journey, appealing to those who appreciate classic elegance and a well-managed operation without the overwhelming scale of mega-ships, making passengers feel right at home.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, a newer ship launched in 2014 with 19 decks, presents a modern and sophisticated cruise experience. As a "Grand-class twin," she offers a considerably larger, more vibrant, and fun atmosphere. Her design incorporates innovative features like the dramatic SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway extending beyond the ship's edge, and the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show. This ship successfully blends contemporary amenities with beloved Princess traditions, appealing to guests looking for a dynamic onboard environment and the latest offerings at sea.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Coral Princess
Coral Princess cultivates an intimate and spacious atmosphere, comfortably carrying 2,000 guests with a crew of 900, resulting in a favorable guest-to-crew ratio. This allows for attentive service, making passengers feel right at home. The ship generally appeals to a mature crowd and those who appreciate a more relaxed pace and traditional cruising ambiance. Despite being fully booked, the ship maintains a surprising sense of spaciousness and operational efficiency, ensuring a comfortable and unhurried environment for all onboard.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, a larger vessel, accommodates 3,560 passengers with a crew of 1,346, fostering a more bustling and energetic atmosphere. The ship is noted for its modern, sophisticated, relaxing, and fun vibe, attracting a diverse mix of older and younger couples, as well as families. The larger capacity means more fellow travelers, contributing to a lively communal feel. The Medallion Class technology further enhances the experience, allowing for a personalized and streamlined journey despite the higher passenger count.
Dining
Coral Princess
Coral Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, with complimentary options including traditional fixed-seating at Bordeaux Dining Room, flexible 'anytime dining' at Provence Dining Room, and the extensive Horizon Court buffet. Casual bites are available at Princess Pizzeria and The Bar & Grill, with complimentary soft-serve ice cream. For a fee, guests can savor New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine at Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse ($20), or elegant Italian dishes at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria ($25). The exclusive Chef's Table Experience and private Ultimate Balcony Dining are also available for an additional cost.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess boasts a wide array of dining, featuring complimentary main dining rooms like Allegro, Symphony, and Concerto, offering traditional and anytime options. The Horizon Court and Horizon Bistro provide a massive, varied buffet, complemented by The Pastry Shop, Alfredo's Pizzeria, and Trident Grill for casual eats. For an additional cost, guests can indulge in Sabatini's Italian Trattoria ($25), the acclaimed Crown Grill steakhouse ($29), or the exclusive Chef's Table Lumiere ($115). Unique options include the Ocean Terrace seafood bar and Gelato, both available à la carte.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Coral Princess
On Coral Princess, entertainment spans classic cruise favorites and enriching experiences. Guests can enjoy Broadway-style shows in the Princess Theatre and performances in the versatile Universe Lounge. The ship features a Vegas-style Casino, and Movies Under the Stars on a giant poolside screen. Lounges like Explorers Lounge, Crooners Bar with its 75-martini menu and dueling pianos, and the British-themed Wheelhouse Bar offer varied evening ambiance. Enrichment comes through ScholarShip@Sea programs, culinary demonstrations, and wine tastings, appealing to a diverse audience.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers a dynamic entertainment lineup, highlighted by Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theater and interactive events at Princess Live!, a television studio at sea. The ship's unique SeaWalk, a cantilevered glass walkway, provides thrilling views. Evenings come alive with the Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, a Vegas-style Casino, and the lively Club 6 dance venue. Guests can also enjoy live music in the Grand Piazza, comedy in the Vista Lounge, whiskey flights at the Wheelhouse Bar, and martinis with a pianist at Crooners Martini Bar.
Cabins & Suites
Coral Princess
Coral Princess offers 83 percent of its outside cabins with private balconies, featuring categories from Insides (156-166 sq ft) to Balcony Suites (470 sq ft). Balcony cabins range from 217-232 sq ft, some with adjoining doors to create larger shared spaces. Mini-Suites (285-302 sq ft) provide extra legroom and a bathtub, while standard bathrooms with showers are efficiently designed but can feel tight. Suite guests receive enhanced amenities like complimentary laundry, high tea, and free Internet access, adding a touch of luxury to their stay.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess boasts over 1,400 balconies, with 81% of its cabins featuring private outdoor space, though there are no oceanview cabins. Interior cabins are 166-175 sq ft. Standard Balcony cabins are 222 sq ft, and Deluxe Balcony cabins are 249-333 sq ft, both noted for having generally small balconies. Mini-suites (299-329 sq ft) offer a separate sitting area with a sofa bed and two flat-screen TVs. Suite guests enjoy upgraded amenities, including a Concierge Lounge and breakfast in Sabatini's, enhancing their luxurious experience.
Service & Onboard Style
Coral Princess
The Coral Princess provides attentive service from its 900-person crew, fostering an onboard style that is both welcoming and efficient. The editor's review highlights "operational efficiency," noting fast disembarkation as a standout feature. The international staff contributes to a pleasant atmosphere, where guests feel well-cared for. The ship's overall style blends traditional cruising comforts with a touch of glitz, ensuring a relaxed and familiar experience that prioritizes guest satisfaction and smooth logistics throughout the voyage.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess distinguishes itself with a service style enhanced by its innovative Medallion Class technology. The 1,346 crew members are well-versed in utilizing the OceanMedallion system to provide a Personalized experience, from seamless purchases to locating guests and delivering food or drinks anywhere on the ship via a robust smartphone app. This integrated technology streamlines interactions, allowing the crew to focus on delivering attentive service. The onboard style is modern and sophisticated, blending new tech conveniences with Princess's renowned hospitality.
Best Itineraries
Coral Princess
Coral Princess is uniquely positioned for "voyages of discovery to fascinating destinations," notably being "custom built to navigate the historic Panama Canal." Her Panamax size allows access to more restricted waterways, offering "offbeat itineraries" that larger ships cannot undertake. This makes her an excellent choice for travelers prioritizing unique, destination-focused cruises where the journey through iconic passages is as important as the ports themselves, providing an enriching and memorable exploration.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, as a larger Grand-class vessel, typically offers broader itineraries that cater to a wide range of popular destinations. While not specifically designed for canal transits like her counterpart, her focus is on delivering a comprehensive onboard experience that complements diverse routes. Guests on Regal Princess can expect itineraries that maximize enjoyment of the ship's modern amenities, extensive dining, and innovative entertainment, making her ideal for those who value the ship itself as a significant part of their vacation experience.
What reviewers say
Coral Princess
4/5Coral Princess blends the exotic (an international staff, elegant Italian restaurant, celebrity-style spa treatments) and the familiar (cruising's ubiquitous buffets, poolside umbrella drinks and, yes, bingo). The ship is a vacation destination that offers up a pleasing amount of glitz yet makes passengers feel right at home.
Regal Princess
4/5Regal Princess offers a modern and sophisticated cruise experience with a relaxing and fun vibe, featuring excellent dining and innovative Medallion Class technology. While some cabins and balconies are noted as being on the smaller side, the ship provides a solid vacation for a diverse passenger mix.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Coral Princess
Regal Princess
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B

