Discovery Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Discovery Princess

    Regal Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Regal Princess

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    Ship Comparison

    Discovery Princess vs Regal Princess

    Discovery Princess and Regal Princess offer distinct but equally appealing takes on the modern Princess experience, catering to those who appreciate refined comfort and diverse activities at sea.

    The verdict

    When choosing between Discovery Princess and Regal Princess, you're looking at two ships from the same esteemed cruise line, offering a consistent Princess experience with their own subtle differences. Discovery Princess, being the newer and final Royal-class vessel, leans into a slightly more refined and contemporary feel, particularly with its dedicated jazz lounge and enhanced adults-only spaces. Regal Princess, while built earlier, has been thoughtfully updated and offers unique features like the SeaWalk and the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy, providing a vibrant, active atmosphere. Both excel in dining variety and MedallionClass technology, making the choice often come down to a preference for a ship that's either a touch newer and slightly more laid-back, or one that balances sophistication with a few more lively, signature attractions.

    Choose Discovery Princess if…

    The Discovery Princess is ideal for guests who appreciate a modern, comfortable cruise experience with a laid-back yet upscale ambiance, particularly those interested in diverse culinary options, live jazz, and a personalized MedallionClass journey.

    Best for

    • The Value-Conscious Foodie seeking diverse flavors and gourmet experiences at excellent value.
    • The Relaxed Explorer looking for a calm, unhurried pace with live jazz and sophisticated dining.
    • The Social Seeker who enjoys vibrant social hubs and laid-back camaraderie.
    • The Princess Loyalist desiring classic comfort with subtle modernizations.
    • The Alaska Enthusiast keen on regional culinary experiences and scenic cruising.
    • The Multi-Generational Family wanting engaging activities and comfortable accommodations.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer high-energy attractions like waterslides or ziplines.
    • You rely solely on technology for seamless service, as the OceanNow app can be inconsistent.
    • You dislike the possibility of windy forward-facing balconies on upper decks.
    • You seek a truly groundbreaking or radically different cruise experience.
    • You require constant, uninterrupted Wi-Fi in remote, mountainous regions.

    Choose Regal Princess if…

    The Regal Princess appeals to cruisers seeking a sophisticated yet fun vacation with innovative features like the SeaWalk, robust Medallion Class technology, and a wide array of dining and entertainment that caters to both couples and families.

    Best for

    • The Culinary Connoisseur seeking upscale dining, gourmet experiences, and unique wine pairings.
    • The Relaxed Explorer looking for tranquil adults-only retreats and serene poolside relaxation.
    • The Tech-Savvy Traveler who appreciates innovative, integrated digital convenience.
    • The Family Fun-Seeker with children and teens, offering dedicated clubs and engaging activities.
    • The Classic Cruise Enthusiast who enjoys traditional elegance, Broadway shows, and formal nights.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer all gourmet dining options to be complimentary.
    • You are unwilling to pay extra for exclusive spa thermal suite access.
    • You dislike learning new technology, even if it enhances convenience.
    • You require extensive, free, private in-cabin babysitting services.
    • You expect a continuous, wrap-around promenade deck for strolling.

    Overall Vibe

    Discovery Princess

    As the fifth and final Royal-class ship, launched in 2022, Discovery Princess presents a fresh, modern ambiance that maintains the beloved Princess formula. With 19 decks, it’s a sizable vessel that feels both comfortable and classy. The overall atmosphere is laid-back, yet offers an upscale feel, making it a welcoming home at sea. It's designed to provide an effortless, personalized vacation, building on the line's reputation for quality without drastically altering the experience. Guests often find a sense of familiar elegance here, appealing to those who appreciate consistent quality and thoughtful design.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess, launched in 2014, offers a modern and sophisticated cruise experience, often described as a near twin to Royal Princess. Spanning 19 decks, this ship provides a fun and relaxing atmosphere that appeals to a diverse mix of passengers, from couples to families. Its design incorporates standout features like the dramatic SeaWalk and the enchanting Princess WaterColor Fantasy, giving it a distinct character. The ship successfully blends contemporary amenities with traditional Princess hallmarks, creating a vibrant yet refined environment for those seeking both relaxation and engaging activities.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess cultivates a comfortable, classy, and laid-back social atmosphere, making it genuinely family-friendly. Carrying up to 3,660 guests with a crew of 1,346, the ship maintains a good crew-to-guest ratio, contributing to the attentive service. The public spaces, particularly the central Piazza Atrium, encourage a sense of camaraderie, where guests can easily mingle or find quiet corners. It tends to attract a mix of cruisers who appreciate quality without excessive formality, fostering a relaxed and inclusive environment for all ages.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess draws a mix of older and younger couples, along with families, creating a fun and relaxing atmosphere. With a capacity for 3,560 passengers and a crew of 1,346, the service feels attentive despite the ship's size. The ambiance is modern and sophisticated, allowing for both lively gatherings and serene escapes. Whether you're enjoying the poolside activities or a quiet moment in one of the lounges, the ship balances social opportunities with ample space for personal downtime, appealing to a wide demographic seeking an engaging and comfortable voyage.

    Dining

    Discovery Princess

    Dining on Discovery Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, from complimentary options like Gigi's Pizzeria and the expansive World Fresh Marketplace, to specialty venues such as Crown Grill and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. The main dining rooms (Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan) feature a consistent menu with seasonal Alaskan seafood. Don't miss the casual Salty Dog Grill for gourmet burgers or the elegant Bistro Sur La Mer for French fare by a Michelin-starred chef. The Chef's Table Lumiere provides an exclusive multi-course experience, ensuring a breadth of choices for every palate.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess boasts excellent and varied dining, with three complimentary main dining rooms (Allegro, Symphony, Concerto) offering traditional and international selections, including 'Crafted by Curtis' options. The Horizon Court and Horizon Bistro provide a massive, generally good buffet with themed dinners. For a more intimate experience, Alfredo's Pizzeria serves delicious thin-crust pizza for free. Specialty options like the highly-rated Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, and the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar offer gourmet choices, complemented by unique experiences like the Crab Shack and Winemaker's Dinners.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess shines with diverse entertainment options, from Broadway-style productions in the state-of-the-art Princess Theatre to feature films at the open-air Movies Under the Stars. The Take Five jazz lounge offers live performances and craft cocktails, creating a sophisticated evening spot. You'll also find live music in the vibrant Piazza Atrium, interactive shows at Princess Live! Café, and a Vegas Style Casino for those feeling lucky. Top Deck Parties and featured guest entertainers ensure there's always something engaging, whether you prefer lively or more intimate settings.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess offers a lively entertainment scene, highlighted by Broadway-style shows in the Princess Theatre and the unique Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show on the Lido Deck. Movies Under the Stars remains a popular draw, complete with popcorn and blankets. For nightlife, Club 6 provides a dance floor and DJ, while the Vegas Style Casino offers gaming excitement. Guests can enjoy live music and interactive games at Princess Live!, or unwind with a pianist at Crooner's Lounge. The dramatic SeaWalk also provides unparalleled views and a thrilling experience.

    Cabins & Suites

    Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess offers a range of 1,470+ cabins, including 753 comfortable balcony staterooms, 340 economical interior cabins, and 374 Mini-Suites, which provide extra space with a sofa bed and a bathtub. The standout accommodations are the two Sky Suites, boasting over 1,800 sq ft and a 270-degree balcony. Reserve Collection Mini-Suites offer VIP perks and priority services. Guests should note that some Deluxe Balcony cabins on Deck 8 forward have steel railings, and certain forward-facing balconies on Deck 17 can be windy when the ship is underway.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess features a high percentage of balcony cabins, with over 1,400 balconies among its staterooms. Interior cabins range from 166 to 175 sq ft, while standard Balcony cabins are around 222 sq ft, though their balconies can feel tight. Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, include a separate sitting area and a tub/shower. For ultimate luxury, Suites offer expanded living spaces and premium amenities like Concierge Lounge access. All cabins feature modern comforts, including large flat-screen TVs and comfortable bedding, ensuring a pleasant retreat after a day of exploration.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess provides a highly personalized service experience, largely facilitated by its MedallionClass technology. This system aims for effortless cruising, with dedicated Suite Experience Managers for top-tier guests. The MedallionNet Wi-Fi is generally strong in both staterooms and public areas, although connectivity can be limited in mountainous regions. While the OceanNow component of the Medallion app, used for ordering food and drinks, sometimes experienced inconsistencies, the overall attentive service from a friendly staff contributes to a welcoming and comfortable onboard style.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess is a fully Medallion Class ship, offering a streamlined and connected onboard experience. The OceanMedallion technology enables seamless cabin access, cashless purchases, and a robust smartphone app that allows guests to message companions, navigate the ship, and order food/drinks to any location. MedallionNet Wi-Fi is fast enough for streaming and calls throughout the ship. This innovative approach, combined with the traditional Princess emphasis on attentive service, creates a modern yet familiar onboard style that prioritizes convenience and guest satisfaction.

    Best Itineraries

    Discovery Princess

    Discovery Princess is particularly well-suited for Alaskan itineraries, offering specific 'Wild for Alaska Seafood' menus in its main dining rooms and buffet, alongside regional drinks. Cruisers passionate about the Alaskan wilderness will appreciate the ship's focus on this destination, though it's worth noting that MedallionNet Wi-Fi connectivity can be limited in mountainous areas like Glacier Bay National Park. The ship's comfortable and laid-back atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in scenic cruising and port explorations in the region.

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess, with its modern and sophisticated appeal, is a versatile ship capable of sailing a wide array of popular itineraries, though specific destinations are not detailed in its current profile. Its diverse dining and entertainment options, coupled with its family-friendly amenities, make it suitable for various vacation types, from relaxing Caribbean escapes to cultural European journeys. The ship's robust Medallion Class technology enhances the experience across different regions, providing convenience and personalized service wherever it sails.

    What reviewers say

    Discovery Princess

    4.5/5

    Discovery Princess is a comfortable, classy place to spend a week – or more – living the good life at sea. It provides a quality cruise experience at a great price, ticking all the right boxes for passengers.

    Regal Princess

    4/5

    Regal 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

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