Crown Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Crown Princess

    Emerald Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Emerald Princess

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    Ship Comparison

    Crown Princess vs Emerald Princess

    For cruisers seeking a refined yet family-friendly Princess experience, Crown Princess offers elegant relaxation and enrichment, while Emerald Princess shines with destination-focused exploration and modern comforts.

    The verdict

    Both Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, as sister ships from the Grand-class, share a core Princess charm, offering a balanced blend of classic cruising and modern amenities. Crown Princess, with its 2018 refresh, leans into a tranquil and enriching adult experience, though it capably caters to families. Emerald Princess, renovated in 2019, emphasizes a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a slightly broader casual dining appeal and robust destination integration. Your choice ultimately hinges on whether your priority is a more serene, elegant escape or a vibrant, family-oriented journey focused on exploration.

    Choose Crown Princess if…

    Crown Princess is well-suited for adults and couples desiring a refined, unpretentious cruise with ample opportunities for relaxation and intellectual enrichment. It's also a good choice for families with children aged 3 and up who appreciate dedicated kids' programming within a generally calm onboard environment.

    Best for

    • Adults and couples seeking elegant relaxation and enrichment
    • Travelers who appreciate diverse culinary experiences, including an exclusive Chef's Table
    • Families with children aged 3 and up looking for dedicated kids' clubs and activities
    • Cruisers preferring a classic, refined cruise experience over mega-ship gimmicks
    • Those who value effective crowd management and spacious public areas

    Avoid if

    • Families with infants or toddlers requiring nursery or in-room babysitting services
    • Guests expecting complete privacy on all balcony cabins due to tiered deck designs
    • Travelers who prefer cutting-edge, high-tech entertainment and numerous specialty dining options found on newer mega-ships
    • Those sensitive to noise from public areas in cabins on Decks 5 and 8

    Choose Emerald Princess if…

    Emerald Princess appeals to multi-generational families and relaxed explorers who value well-crafted shore excursions and a ship that balances modern comforts with a focus on destinations. It's ideal for those seeking a vibrant social atmosphere alongside diverse dining options without relying on flashy, high-tech gimmicks.

    Best for

    • Families seeking a relaxed yet engaging cruise experience for all ages
    • Travelers prioritizing well-crafted shore excursions and destination immersion
    • Culinary enthusiasts eager to try new casual dining like Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ
    • Social cruisers who enjoy vibrant plazas, diverse bars, and lively music & dancing
    • Guests who appreciate excellent service and a comfortable, well-maintained ship

    Avoid if

    • Guests who dislike crowded main pools and casual eateries on sea days
    • Those sensitive to persistent upsells for products in the spa
    • Cruisers seeking consistent, narrative-driven production shows in the main theater
    • Guests who prefer non-smoking casinos, as smoking is allowed at some slot machines

    Overall Vibe

    Crown Princess

    The Crown Princess, launched in 2006 and refreshed in 2018, is a Grand-class vessel weighing in at approximately 113,561 gross tons. She spans 19 decks, offering a balanced experience of relaxation and enrichment. This ship embodies a simple yet elegant cruise option, appealing to those seeking romance or a tranquil escape. Her design cleverly minimizes crowds, creating an unpretentious environment where guests can truly unwind and enjoy the journey without feeling overwhelmed. It's a classic Princess experience, focused on comfort and quality rather than flashy, over-the-top attractions.

    Emerald Princess

    The Emerald Princess, a slightly newer vessel launched in 2007 and renovated in 2019, is also a Grand-class ship with a similar tonnage and deck count. She offers a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, balancing contemporary comforts with rich, destination-focused excursions. This ship provides an excellent vacation for diverse groups, emphasizing genuine experiences over gimmicky features. Her refreshed spaces, including the re-imagined Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Centres and the tranquil Sanctuary, contribute to a well-rounded and inviting onboard style.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Crown Princess

    Carrying 3,080 guests with a dedicated crew of 1,200, Crown Princess maintains a pleasing guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to a sense of attentive service. The atmosphere is generally uncrowded, appealing to a slightly older demographic, including many couples and groups traveling together. Four spacious pool areas effectively manage guest flow, ensuring ample space for relaxation. While welcoming to families, the ship leans into a vibe of adult relaxation and enrichment, fostering a calm and refined environment where guests can connect and unwind.

    Emerald Princess

    Also hosting 3,080 passengers with 1,200 crew members, Emerald Princess offers a similar guest-to-crew ratio, supporting its relaxed and family-friendly ambiance. The ship's central Piazza serves as a vibrant hub for gathering and impromptu entertainment. While the main family pools on Deck 15 can be quite lively and popular on sea days, leading to higher foot traffic, the ship thoughtfully provides a more secluded Terrace Pool on Deck 14, often discovered by those seeking a quieter spot to relax.

    Dining

    Crown Princess

    Dining on Crown Princess offers a broad array of choices. Complimentary options include the main dining rooms—Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo—which feature a "Wild for Alaska Seafood menu" and classic white-glove afternoon tea. Casual fare can be found at the 24-hour International Cafe, Horizon Court buffet, The Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, and Coffee & Cones. For an additional cost, guests can savor Italian cuisine at Sabatini's, steak and seafood at Crown Grill, or an exclusive Chef's Table experience, lauded as exceptional value.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess elevates its culinary journey with a diverse range of dining, including newly introduced casual venues like Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ (both additional cost). Complimentary options mirror her sister ship, with the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, the bustling International Cafe, and the World Fresh Marketplace. For an added fee, guests can indulge at Crown Grill for steak, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, or the intimate Chef's Table. Vines Wine and Seafood Bar offers complimentary sushi or tapas with a wine purchase, adding a refined touch.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Crown Princess

    Entertainment on Crown Princess is varied, from Broadway-style productions like the "Magic To Do" musical revue in the Princess Theatre to more interactive events. "Movies Under The Stars" offers films and concerts on a giant poolside screen, complete with blankets and popcorn. The Vegas Style Casino provides gaming thrills, while "The Voice of the Ocean" engages singing enthusiasts. Live music, themed parties, and guest entertainers fill venues like Club Fusion, Explorer's Lounge, and the panoramic Skywalkers Nightclub on Deck 15, ensuring vibrant evenings.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess provides a robust entertainment lineup, including production shows, comedy acts, and films in the Princess Theatre. The popular "Movies Under The Stars" offers open-air viewing with cozy amenities. Interactive fun abounds with the "Voice of the Ocean" singing competition and game shows like "Princess Pyramid" in the Explorer's Lounge. Nightlife heats up with live DJs at Skywalkers Nightclub (18+), live music in Crooner's Bar and the nautical-themed Wheelhouse Bar, and unique cocktail experiences at Good Spirits at Sea.

    Cabins & Suites

    Crown Princess

    Crown Princess offers a range of 1,540 cabins, including nearly 900 balconies, all featuring the comfortable Princess Luxury Beds. Standard interior staterooms measure 158-162 sq ft, while balcony staterooms provide 214-222 sq ft, including the outdoor space. Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, offer a separate sitting area and two TVs. Suites range from 460 to 932 sq ft, boasting enhanced amenities like priority services and mini-bar setups. Guests should note potential noise on Decks 5 and 8 and varying privacy levels on some balconies.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess features 1,540 cabins, similarly equipped with Princess Luxury Beds and Egyptian cotton linens for enhanced comfort. Interior staterooms are 162-182 sq ft, and oceanview cabins range from 158-179 sq ft. Balcony cabins, at 231 sq ft with a 45 sq ft private balcony, offer outdoor seating, though some staggered designs may have less privacy. Mini-Suites are 323 sq ft with a 57 sq ft balcony, while full Suites span 460-687 sq ft, offering extensive perks. Guests seeking quiet should aim for cabins on Decks 9 through 12.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Crown Princess

    Crown Princess exudes an elegant yet unpretentious onboard style, characterized by a balanced blend of relaxation and attentive service. The "Dine My Way" program offers a personalized approach to mealtime, while specialized offerings like "white-glove afternoon tea" add a touch of classic refinement. Staff throughout the ship, such as the cheerful team at the International Cafe and the Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary, contribute to a welcoming atmosphere. The MedallionNet Wi-Fi and Princess@Sea app enhance convenience, offering seamless connectivity and onboard navigation.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess prides herself on an excellent service level, maintained consistently since her launch. The ship's onboard style is relaxed and family-friendly, yet still offers refined touches like the tranquil, adult-only Sanctuary, where Serenity Stewards cater to guests' needs. Culinary experiences are elevated by experienced mixologists at Good Spirits at Sea and the personalized Chef's Table Experience. The highly useful Princess app assists with ship navigation and activity schedules, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all passengers.

    Best Itineraries

    Crown Princess

    Specific itineraries for Crown Princess were not provided in the available payload for this comparison, so we cannot offer tailored recommendations for routes or destinations.

    Emerald Princess

    Specific itineraries for Emerald Princess were not provided in the available payload for this comparison, so we cannot offer tailored recommendations for routes or destinations.

    What reviewers say

    Crown Princess

    4.5/5

    One of Princess' Grand-class ships, Crown Princess excels at providing fun, relaxing and enriching experiences for adults, while also featuring great children's spaces and special programming for families. It offers a simple yet elegant cruise option for those seeking relaxation or romance, with a layout that effectively minimizes crowds.

    Emerald Princess

    4.5/5

    Emerald Princess offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on destination exploration and well-crafted shore tours. It provides a solid entertainment program and diverse dining options without relying on over-the-top gimmicks.

    Itineraries to compare

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