Ruby Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Ruby Princess

    Emerald Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Emerald Princess

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Ruby Princess vs Emerald Princess

    For a blend of classic cruising with modern touches and a focus on personalized service, Ruby Princess offers a vibrant family experience, while Emerald Princess excels with its refreshed spaces and destination-rich voyages.

    The verdict

    Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess, both from Princess Cruises, share a foundational Grand-class design, accommodating 3,080 passengers with a crew of 1,200. Ruby, built in 2008 and recently renovated, leans into a friendly, engaging atmosphere with a focus on intimate service and diverse activities for all ages. Emerald, launched in 2007 and refurbished in 2019, offers a slightly fresher feel, particularly in its top-deck dining and kids' areas, while maintaining a relaxed, destination-focused ambiance. Your choice between these two will hinge on whether you prioritize Ruby's established, engaging community feel or Emerald's more recently updated facilities and emphasis on enriching excursions.

    Choose Ruby Princess if…

    Travelers who appreciate a lively, social atmosphere with a strong sense of community, enjoy interactive activities, and value personalized service on a ship that has a proven track record for diverse itineraries, particularly those seeking a robust family experience with a touch of classic cruising elegance.

    Best for

    • Families and multi-generational groups seeking engaging activities.
    • Social cruisers who enjoy interacting with fellow passengers and lively entertainment.
    • Travelers who appreciate personalized service and a warm, community-like atmosphere.
    • Guests looking for diverse itineraries, from Alaska to the Caribbean.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer an ultra-modern, brand-new ship aesthetic.
    • You seek constant solitude and prefer a very quiet, non-interactive environment.
    • You are on a strict budget for specialty dining, as many unique options are extra.

    Choose Emerald Princess if…

    Cruisers looking for a relaxed, family-friendly environment with updated amenities, a wide array of dining choices, and a focus on enriching destination experiences. It's well-suited for those who enjoy traditional cruise entertainment without flashy gimmicks, preferring well-crafted shore tours and comfortable onboard leisure.

    Best for

    • Families seeking updated amenities and dedicated kids' spaces.
    • Cruisers who prioritize well-crafted shore excursions and destination immersion.
    • Guests desiring a relaxed, comfortable environment without overly flashy attractions.
    • Those who appreciate consistently excellent service and a well-maintained ship.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a highly intimate or boutique-style cruise experience.
    • You dislike bustling public areas, especially on the Lido Deck during sea days.
    • You expect all fitness classes and premium spa amenities to be complimentary.

    Overall Vibe

    Ruby Princess

    The Ruby Princess, launched in 2008 and fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, presents itself as a stylish retreat and a romantic destination in its own right. As a MedallionClass vessel, it blends classic Grand-class design with modern convenience, offering a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The ship's design, with nearly 900 balconies, encourages guests to connect with the sea, fostering a sense of relaxation and exploration. It's a vessel that, despite its size, aims for a personalized experience, making it a versatile choice for various cruising styles.

    Emerald Princess

    The Emerald Princess, built in 2007 and significantly refurbished in 2019, exudes a grand yet relaxed vibe, effectively balancing contemporary comforts with its core mission of rich destination exploration. The recent revitalization brought fresh life to top-deck venues like The Salty Dog Grill and Slice Pizzeria, alongside new casual dining options such as Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ. The refreshed Sanctuary, an adults-only haven, further enhances its appeal for those seeking tranquility, ensuring a comfortable and modern experience without relying on over-the-top gimmicks.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess cultivates a laid-back, friendly, and engaging atmosphere, frequently described as feeling less crowded than its 3,080-passenger capacity might suggest. With a dedicated crew of 1,200, the ship maintains an impressive crew-to-guest ratio, contributing to a personalized and intimate service feel. Guests often commend the strong audience participation in activities like trivia and 'The Voice of the Ocean,' fostering quick friendships and a vibrant community spirit, making it a wonderful choice for multi-generational families and social cruisers alike.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess offers a relaxed and genuinely family-friendly atmosphere, adeptly balancing modern guest needs with a strong emphasis on destination-rich excursions. Carrying 3,080 passengers and supported by a 1,200-person crew, the ship manages to feel welcoming without being overwhelming. Its ambiance is well-suited for those who appreciate a comfortable, inclusive environment where diverse groups can find their niche, whether it's enjoying the lively Piazza or seeking quiet relaxation in refreshed spaces like The Sanctuary.

    Dining

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess offers a wide array of dining options, from the complimentary Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, serving traditional and anytime meals, to casual favorites like the 24-hour International Café and the popular Slice Pizzeria. Specialty venues include Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and the acclaimed Crown Grill Steakhouse, both for an additional fee. Unique experiences like Ultimate Balcony Dining and the exclusive Chef’s Table are available, alongside the complimentary Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones, which serves ice cream. The 'Dine My Way' option provides personalized mealtime flexibility.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess boasts a comprehensive culinary journey with both included and specialty options. The main dining rooms – Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci – offer traditional and anytime dining. Complimentary casual spots abound, including the 24-hour International Café, the extensive World Fresh Marketplace buffet, The Salty Dog Grill, and Slice Pizzeria. For an additional charge, guests can indulge in Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Planks BBQ, Steamers Seafood, or the exclusive Chef's Table Experience. Coffee & Cones offers complimentary ice cream, though specialty coffees are extra. The 'Dine My Way' program allows for personalized dining choices.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess provides a diverse entertainment lineup, anchored by Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre and feature films at Movies Under The Stars with 7.1 surround sound. Nightlife buzzes in venues like the Vegas-style Casino, the panoramic Skywalker's Nightclub on Deck 15, and the lively Club Fusion, which hosts karaoke and theme parties. Unique offerings include the intimate Adagio Bar for jazz and the classic Crooners Bar for martinis and piano music. The Piazza acts as a vibrant hub for roving performers, while the Leaves Tea Room and Library offers a quieter, enriching space.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess offers a robust entertainment program, highlighted by the Princess Theatre's original productions like 'Magic To Do' and the popular Movies Under the Stars on the Lido Deck, complete with popcorn and blankets. The ship's central Piazza is a bustling hub for impromptu performances and activities. Nightlife options include Gatsby's Casino, the lively Skywalkers Nightclub on Deck 18, and Club Fusion, which hosts game shows and dancing. Guests can also enjoy live music at Crooners Lounge and Bar, the nautical-themed Wheelhouse Bar, or craft cocktails at Good Spirits, ensuring diverse options for evening enjoyment.

    Cabins & Suites

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess offers a range of accommodations across 14 passenger decks, from comfortable Interior (approx. 158-162 sq ft) and Oceanview (approx. 146-206 sq ft) staterooms to expansive Suites (approx. 460-932 sq ft). Many cabins feature a balcony (approx. 214-222 sq ft), while Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq ft) provide extra living space with a sofa bed. Reserve Collection Mini-Suites and Full Suites come with enhanced perks like priority services and complimentary mini-bar setups. All cabins feature Princess Luxury Beds, though guests should note that some Oceanview cabins, particularly on Deck 8 and 15, have obstructed views.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess provides a variety of cabin categories across its 14 passenger decks, all featuring the comfortable Princess Luxury Beds. Interior cabins (approx. 162-182 sq ft), Oceanview (approx. 158-179 sq ft), and Balcony staterooms (approx. 231 sq ft) are well-appointed. Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq ft) offer a separate sitting area and a welcome glass of bubbly, while Reserve Collection Mini-Suites add exclusive dining benefits and priority services. Full Suites (approx. 460-687 sq ft) boast generous space, upgraded amenities, and extensive VIP perks, including complimentary thermal suite access. Deck plans should be consulted to avoid cabins near noisy public areas or those with obstructed views.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess is consistently praised for its personalized and intimate service, a testament to its 1,200 crew members attending to 3,080 guests. The crew's engaging approach fosters a friendly environment where guests feel genuinely cared for, contributing to the ship's overall welcoming ambiance. The MedallionClass technology further enhances this by streamlining services and allowing for a more tailored experience, from expedited boarding to on-demand food delivery, which makes navigating the ship and accessing services effortless and efficient.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess maintains an excellent service level, a hallmark of Princess Cruises since its launch. With 1,200 crew members serving 3,080 passengers, guests often report a high degree of attentiveness and professionalism. The ship's style balances traditional cruise elegance with modern updates, creating a comfortable and well-maintained environment. The onboard experience is designed to be relaxed and seamless, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in their vacation, whether they are enjoying a quiet moment in The Sanctuary or participating in a lively Piazza event.

    Best Itineraries

    Ruby Princess

    The Ruby Princess is notably versatile, proving suitable for both warm and cold-weather itineraries. It's a popular choice for iconic Alaska sailings, where guests can enjoy enriching daily nature lectures and even 'Puppies in the Piazza' featuring sled dog huskies. Beyond Alaska, the ship frequently sails to sun-drenched destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Mexican Riviera, offering ample outdoor deck space and activities tailored for these regions. Its diverse homeports facilitate access to a wide range of captivating global destinations.

    Emerald Princess

    Emerald Princess excels in offering destination-focused excursions, providing a balance of onboard comfort with opportunities for rich cultural immersion ashore. While specific itineraries aren't detailed in the payload, its emphasis on well-crafted shore tours suggests a versatility that complements various regions. The ship's design, with its refreshed public spaces and family-friendly amenities, makes it an excellent choice for exploring diverse ports of call, ensuring guests have a comfortable base from which to discover new places and enjoy enriching experiences.

    What reviewers say

    Ruby Princess

    4.5/5

    Ruby Princess offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with diverse activities and excellent, personalized service. It's a great choice for multi-generational travelers seeking a variety of experiences, despite showing its age in some areas.

    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

    Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.

    Ruby Princess

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Emerald Princess

    No upcoming itineraries listed. Ask our concierge to source private inventory →

    Compare different ships

    Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.

    Ship A

    Ship B

    More comparisons