Ship Comparison
Enchanted Princess vs Emerald Princess
Enchanted Princess offers a modern, tech-enhanced journey with unique dining and spacious suites, while Emerald Princess provides a classic, relaxed family-friendly experience focused on enriching destinations and traditional comforts.
The verdict
Choosing between Enchanted Princess and Emerald Princess comes down to your preference for modern innovation versus classic comfort. Enchanted Princess, a newer vessel, leans into the personalized MedallionClass experience, offering a seamless, tech-forward journey with standout dining like the 360 Experience and impressive Sky Suites. It feels more like a floating resort, bustling with activity and diverse entertainment. Emerald Princess, while older, has been thoughtfully refurbished and maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. It excels in delivering well-crafted destination-focused cruises, providing a solid, traditional experience without relying on flashy gimmicks. Both ships offer the warm Princess service, but Enchanted feels a touch more contemporary and expansive, while Emerald provides a cozy, familiar charm.
Choose Enchanted Princess if…
Travelers seeking a modern, tech-enhanced cruise with innovative dining and entertainment, and those who appreciate personalized service and larger, contemporary spaces.
Best for
- Tech-savvy cruisers who value seamless, personalized service via the MedallionClass experience.
- Foodies looking for innovative dining, including the unique 360 Experience and diverse specialty restaurants.
- Travelers seeking modern, vibrant social spaces and a wide range of entertainment options.
- Couples or families desiring spacious and luxurious suites, particularly the Sky Suites with their expansive balconies.
Avoid if
- Guests who prefer a more intimate or traditional cruise experience without extensive technology.
- Those sensitive to crowds, as popular venues can become standing-room-only.
- Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium dining and spa experiences incur additional costs.
- Families specifically seeking large water slides or elaborate splash parks for children.
Choose Emerald Princess if…
Families and individuals looking for a relaxed, traditional cruise experience with a strong emphasis on destination exploration, comfortable amenities, and a slightly more intimate feel.
Best for
- Families seeking a balanced, relaxed cruise with engaging kids' clubs and diverse activities for all ages.
- Travelers who prioritize destination exploration and well-crafted shore excursions.
- Cruisers who appreciate a traditional, comfortable cruise experience without over-the-top gimmicks.
- Guests looking for excellent service in a slightly less crowded environment than newer, larger ships.
Avoid if
- Passengers desiring the latest in cruise ship technology and cutting-edge innovations.
- Those seeking a constant, high-energy party atmosphere and ultra-modern nightlife.
- Travelers who require extensive luxury suite amenities, as the top-tier suites are less grand than on newer ships.
- Individuals who prefer only complimentary specialty dining options, as several popular venues incur extra fees.
Overall Vibe
Enchanted Princess
Launched in 2020, Enchanted Princess is a sophisticated Royal-class ship that presents an elevated and contemporary cruise experience. Carrying 3,660 guests across 19 decks, it embraces modern design and technology, particularly with its MedallionClass features designed for seamless personalization. The ship balances grand spaces with intimate nooks, aiming to offer something for everyone. Its overall ambiance is one of comfortable luxury, with a focus on innovative features and a vibrant, bustling energy that feels distinctly current.
Emerald Princess
The Emerald Princess, built in 2007 and refurbished in 2019, offers a more classic, relaxed cruise experience, accommodating 3,080 guests across its 19 decks. As a large cruise ship, it successfully blends traditional Princess elements with updated amenities, creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere. The ship is designed to be comfortable and engaging without relying on cutting-edge gimmicks, emphasizing well-constructed shore tours and a balanced approach to onboard activities. It's a vessel that feels familiar and dependable, ideal for those who appreciate a solid, unpretentious journey.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Enchanted Princess
With a capacity for 3,660 guests and a crew of 1,346, Enchanted Princess fosters a lively and social atmosphere. The ship's attractive and sophisticated decor sets a refined tone, yet the bustling multi-level Piazza ensures a dynamic, energetic feel. The MedallionClass experience allows for a highly personalized journey, from effortless stateroom entry to food and drink delivery anywhere on board, contributing to a relaxed yet engaged crowd. Popular venues like O'Malley's Irish Pub and Princess Live! often draw standing-room-only crowds, indicating a social and active passenger base.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess, hosting 3,080 guests with a crew of 1,200, cultivates a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The ship prides itself on balancing modern comforts with a focus on enriching destination experiences, attracting a diverse, multi-generational crowd. While the main pools and casual eateries on the Lido Deck can be quite lively, the ship also offers quieter retreats like the Terrace Pool. The general ambiance is one of ease and comfort, where guests can enjoy social interactions in venues like the Piazza or find peaceful moments without the constant buzz of a larger, newer ship.
Dining
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, from included options like the World Fresh Marketplace buffet and Gigi's Pizzeria to a host of specialty restaurants. Standouts include the unique 360 Experience, a multi-sensory Mediterranean tour, and The Catch by Rudi for seafood lovers. Guests can also enjoy premium cuts at Crown Grill, Italian favorites at Sabatini's, and French bistro fare at Bistro Sur La Mer. For casual bites, The Salty Dog Grill and the 24-hour International Café are popular, with options for personalized dining through Dine My Way. Note that many specialty options and certain room service items incur additional costs.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess provides a comprehensive selection of dining experiences. The Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms offer traditional main dining, with flexible or fixed seating. Complimentary casual options abound, including the World Fresh Marketplace, Salty Dog Grill for burgers, and Slice Pizzeria. Specialty dining, available for an additional cost, includes the popular Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini’s for Italian cuisine, and the unique Planks BBQ and Steamers Seafood venues. Vines Wine and Seafood Bar offers complimentary sushi and tapas with a wine purchase, adding a refined touch to the experience. Afternoon Tea and the exclusive Chef's Table are also available for a fee.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Enchanted Princess
The entertainment on Enchanted Princess is vibrant and diverse, featuring large-scale production shows like "Rock Opera" and "5-SKIES" in the Princess Theatre. The Vista Show Lounge hosts live bands and comedians, while Princess Live! offers interactive game shows and culinary demonstrations. The multi-level Piazza is a constant hub of activity with live music and silent discos. For nightlife, guests can enjoy martinis at Crooners, live jazz at Take Five, or inventive cocktails at Good Spirits at Sea. The O'Malley's Irish Pub is particularly popular with live bands, and Movies Under the Stars provides a cozy evening experience.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess offers a robust entertainment program with a focus on classic cruise ship fun. The Princess Theater stages production shows like "Magic To Do," alongside comedy acts. The Explorers Lounge is a versatile venue for game shows, trivia, and karaoke, while Club Fusion keeps the party going with dancing and theme nights. The central Piazza serves as a lively hub for impromptu performances. For late-night revelry, Skywalkers Nightclub features a live DJ, while Crooner's Bar offers piano melodies and martinis. Movies Under the Stars is a beloved feature, providing films with popcorn and blankets on the pool deck.
Cabins & Suites
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess offers a wide array of accommodations, though standard balcony cabins can feel a bit snug without a dedicated sitting area beyond a desk chair. Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, provide a welcome increase in space with a sofa bed and a curtain to separate the living area. The ship's crown jewels are the Sky Suites, boasting an expansive 1,873 sq ft with a 1,000 sq ft wraparound balcony, ideal for up to five guests and offering unparalleled views of Movies Under The Stars. All cabins feature modern decor and comfortable Princess Luxury Beds, though bathrooms are compact with shower curtains. Note that some cabins on Deck 8 may have obstructed views.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess provides comfortable and well-appointed cabins, featuring a consistent decor of ruby-red patterned carpet and light maple wood trims. Interior cabins, ranging from 162 to 182 sq ft, are the most affordable option. Balcony cabins, at 231 sq ft with a 45 sq ft private balcony, are a popular choice, though some staggered balconies offer less privacy. Mini-suites, at 323 sq ft, include a separate sitting area with a sofa bed and a shower/tub combo. For larger groups, the 606 sq ft Two-bedroom Family Suites can accommodate up to eight guests. Full suites offer enhanced amenities, including complimentary thermal suite access and priority services, providing a touch of relaxed luxury.
Service & Onboard Style
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess distinguishes itself with the MedallionClass experience, which greatly streamlines onboard service through a wearable device and powerful app. This technology enables personalized interactions, TrulyTouchless™ stateroom access, and convenient food and drink delivery anywhere on the ship, enhancing efficiency and relaxation. The crew of 1,346 is dedicated to delivering attentive service within the ship's sophisticated and modern environment. While popular venues can get crowded, the personalized nature of the Medallion system helps manage guest flow and requests, ensuring a generally smooth and elevated experience.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess maintains a strong reputation for excellent service, with a crew of 1,200 providing attentive care within its relaxed and classic setting. The onboard style is one of comfortable elegance, balancing traditional cruise charm with modern updates. While not featuring the full MedallionClass delivery service of newer ships, the onboard app is useful for navigation and activity schedules. Suite and Club Class Mini-Suite guests benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation, reflecting a commitment to enhanced service for those seeking a more exclusive experience. The overall approach is one of warm hospitality and a focus on guest satisfaction.
Best Itineraries
Enchanted Princess
With its modern amenities, sophisticated ambiance, and MedallionClass technology, Enchanted Princess is well-suited for itineraries where the ship itself is a significant part of the destination experience. Its numerous pools and whirlpools, diverse dining options including the immersive 360 Experience, and expansive Sky Suites with their large balconies lend themselves to voyages that emphasize relaxation, indulgence, and a seamless onboard journey. This ship thrives on popular routes where guests appreciate the convenience of personalized service and a wide array of activities.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess, with its balance of contemporary comforts and a focus on destination immersion, is ideally suited for itineraries that prioritize exploration and cultural engagement. The ship's well-crafted shore tours and relaxed atmosphere make it a good choice for guests who want to deeply experience ports of call while enjoying a comfortable home base. Its family-friendly facilities, including the re-imagined Camp Discovery, cater well to multi-generational travel, making it a strong contender for diverse routes where families can explore together and unwind with traditional cruise offerings.
What reviewers say
Enchanted Princess
4/5A classic cruise experience, on a ship that does its best to offer something for everyone.
Emerald Princess
4.5/5Emerald 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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