Coral Princess vs Ruby Princess

Coral Princess

The Coral Princess, launched in 2003 and last refurbished in 2009, offers a distinct blend of the exotic and familiar. As a Panamax-sized vessel across 12 decks, she was custom-built to navigate the historic Panama Canal, which speaks to a focus on captivating destinations. Despite accommodating 2,000 guests, the ship maintains an intimate feel, with spacious public decks that never feel overly crowded. Her atmosphere leans towards pleasing glitz paired with a homey comfort, appealing to those who appreciate traditional cruising with signature Princess touches.

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess, launched in 2008 as a Crown-class vessel across 13 decks, is positioned as a luminous jewel on the seas, ideal for relaxation and exhilaration. Accommodating 3,080 guests, she offers a larger, yet still well-designed, environment. Having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, the ship blends a stylish retreat with modern enhancements, including the MedallionClass technology. This creates a versatile atmosphere, catering to diverse interests, from quiet moments by the pool to lively nights in expansive entertainment venues.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess cultivates an intimate and spacious atmosphere, often appealing to a mature crowd. With a capacity for 2,000 passengers and a dedicated crew of 900, the ship maintains a comfortable crew-to-guest ratio, contributing to a sense of personalized attention. Guests frequently note that even when fully booked, the ship doesn't feel overwhelmed, allowing for a relaxed pace. The vibe is one of understated elegance and efficiency, where guests can feel right at home while exploring fascinating destinations.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a distinctly laid-back, family-friendly vibe, characterized by its friendly and engaging passenger base. Despite her larger capacity of 3,080 guests and a crew of 1,200, the ship's design ensures public areas rarely feel crowded, fostering a surprisingly intimate service experience. The atmosphere is social and vibrant, with many opportunities for interaction and participation in activities. This makes her particularly well-suited for multi-generational groups or those who enjoy a lively, communal cruising environment.

Coral Princess

Dining on Coral Princess offers a mix of traditional and specialty experiences. Complimentary options include traditional fixed-seating in the Bordeaux Dining Room or flexible 'anytime dining' at the Provence Dining Room, both serving classic American fare. The Horizon Court buffet provides extensive international choices, and casual bites are found at Princess Pizzeria and The Bar & Grill. For an additional cost, guests can savor Italian cuisine at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria or delve into New Orleans-inspired flavors at the unique Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse, a culinary standout. The International Café is also available 24/7 for coffee and snacks.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess boasts a wide array of dining, from complimentary to specialty. Main dining options are available in the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, offering both traditional and 'anytime' choices. Horizon Court provides a diverse buffet, while top-deck casual venues like The Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, and Coffee & Cones offer quick, tasty options. Specialty dining for an additional cost includes the elegant Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and the popular Crown Grill steakhouse. Vines Wine Bar offers complimentary tapas with wine purchases, and the new Salty Dog Gastropub adds a fun, pub-style experience. The International Café is also open 24/7 for quick bites.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess features a solid lineup of entertainment. The Princess Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions, while the Universe Lounge offers a versatile space for cabaret shows, enrichment lectures, and cooking demonstrations. For more casual fun, Movies Under the Stars (M.U.T.S.) on the Lido Deck screens films and concerts with complimentary popcorn. The Vegas Style Casino provides gaming lessons and tournaments, and several lounges like Explorers Lounge, Good Spirits at Sea, and Crooners Bar offer live music and themed cocktails. ScholarShip@Sea programs provide enriching activities, from dance classes to destination history.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a dynamic entertainment scene with a focus on immersive experiences. The Princess Theatre showcases lavish original musical productions, while Movies Under the Stars features a giant screen with 7.1 surround sound for an enhanced cinematic experience. Nightlife thrives at Skywalker's Nightclub, perched high above the sea, and Club Fusion, known for its dance floor and themed parties. The Vegas Style Casino, Explorer's Lounge, and Crooners Bar provide additional options for gaming and live music. Unique programs like 'The Voice of the Ocean' engage guests with interactive competitions, and Discovery at Sea lectures provide enriching content, especially on Alaska itineraries.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess offers 83% of her outside cabins with private balconies, totaling over 700 balcony staterooms, providing ample opportunities for scenic views. Accommodations range from Interior, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms to Mini-Suites and full Suites. Standard balcony cabins, approximately 217 to 232 sq. ft., are roomy and include amenities like a mini-refrigerator and flat-screen TV, though shower-only bathrooms can be tight. Suites, ranging from 470 sq. ft., offer enhanced perks such as complimentary laundry and Internet access. Some deck plans note dramatically uneven room temperatures in parts of the ship as a minor consideration.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess features nearly 900 balconies among its diverse cabin categories, which include Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Reserve Collection, Suite, and Two Bedroom Family Suite options. Basic cabins are comfortable with ample storage, while Mini-Suites, around 323 sq. ft., offer separate sitting areas and bathtubs. A standout is the Two Bedroom Family Suite, perfect for larger groups, featuring two bathrooms and an expansive balcony. Suites, from 460 to 932 sq. ft., come with extensive amenities like complimentary mini-bars and priority services. Guests should review deck plans carefully, as some Oceanview staterooms have obstructed views, and noise considerations exist.

Coral Princess

Service on Coral Princess is characterized by its attentive and international staff, contributing to the ship's personalized feel. The operational efficiency is a notable highlight, with disembarkation processes often praised for their speed and smoothness. The onboard style is one of classic cruising, balancing elegance with approachability, ensuring guests feel both pampered and at ease. While not featuring the latest technological integrations, the crew's dedication to guest comfort and satisfaction shines through in every interaction, embodying a traditional service ethos.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess excels in providing excellent, personalized, and intimate service, even with her larger guest capacity. A key differentiator is the MedallionClass technology, which streamlines the onboard experience through a wearable OceanMedallion device. This allows for personalized services, from expedited room access to easy payment and ordering via the Medallion app, enhancing convenience without feeling intrusive. The crew is known for being friendly and engaging, contributing to a welcoming and efficient onboard style that blends modern tech with classic Princess hospitality.

Coral Princess

The Coral Princess is uniquely positioned for destination-rich itineraries, being custom-built to navigate the historic Panama Canal. This capability opens up a world of 'offbeat itineraries' that larger ships cannot access, appealing to travelers eager for unique transit experiences and cultural immersion. While she sails to various regions, her design and size make her particularly well-suited for routes that emphasize scenic cruising and in-depth exploration of specific, often more challenging, waterways.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers highly versatile itineraries, making her suitable for a broad spectrum of destinations. She is a strong choice for both warm-weather cruises to locales like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Mexican Riviera, as well as cold-weather adventures, most notably Alaska. Her ample outdoor deck space and adaptable indoor activities ensure guests can comfortably enjoy the scenery and ports regardless of the climate. The ship's homeports provide convenient access to these diverse and popular cruising regions.