Ship Comparison
Enchanted Princess vs Grand Princess
Enchanted Princess offers a modern, tech-forward journey with diverse dining and entertainment, while Grand Princess delivers a classic, comfortable, and value-oriented experience, perfect for multi-generational families.
The verdict
Choosing between Enchanted Princess and Grand Princess hinges on whether you prioritize modern amenities and seamless, Personalized service or a more traditional, value-focused cruise with established charm. Enchanted Princess, a newer vessel, truly shines with its MedallionClass technology, offering an effortless experience from door opening to drink delivery. Its dining is diverse, featuring innovative options like the 360 Experience, alongside beloved Princess staples. Entertainment is vibrant and varied, catering to all ages with large-scale productions and interactive shows. However, some popular venues can get crowded, and exclusive adult retreats come with an extra cost. Grand Princess, while older and showing its age in some areas, provides an affordable and unpretentious journey. It boasts above-average food quality, a revamped kids' club, and a good balance of social and serene spaces. The ship's tiered balconies and occasional crowding in public areas are minor trade-offs for its value and classic appeal. Ultimately, Enchanted Princess is for those seeking contemporary sophistication and convenience, while Grand Princess appeals to those who appreciate a well-worn, comfortable, and classic cruise experience.
Choose Enchanted Princess if…
Travelers seeking a modern, technologically advanced cruise experience with diverse dining and entertainment, who appreciate a bustling social atmosphere balanced with tranquil adults-only retreats.
Best for
- Tech-savvy travelers who appreciate seamless, Personalized service via MedallionClass
- Foodies seeking diverse dining, including gourmet specialty restaurants and unique culinary experiences
- Socializers who enjoy vibrant public spaces, live music, and interactive entertainment
- Families looking for engaging, educational kids' programs combined with modern comforts
- Adults desiring tranquil retreats like The Sanctuary and dedicated quiet pools
Avoid if
- You prefer a more traditional, less technologically-driven cruise experience
- You are on a strict budget, as many premium experiences and services come with additional costs
- You dislike crowds in popular areas, as some venues can get very busy
- You are sensitive to cabin location, due to potential obstructed views or vibrations in certain areas
Choose Grand Princess if…
Guests looking for an affordable, casual-yet-elegant cruise with a traditional feel, offering a good balance of family activities and adult relaxation, especially appealing to multi-generational groups and young retirees.
Best for
- Budget-conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and affordable cruise experience
- Multigenerational families who appreciate a mix of activities for all ages and revamped kids' clubs
- Guests who enjoy traditional cruising with classic entertainment and live music in lounges
- Food enthusiasts looking for above-average dining, including quality specialty restaurants like Crown Grill
- Travelers seeking Alaska itineraries, as indicated by specialized onboard offerings
Avoid if
- You prefer cutting-edge, ultra-modern ship amenities and decor
- You are sensitive to signs of an older ship, as some areas show wear and tear
- You prioritize privacy on your balcony, due to the tiered design of some verandas
- You expect fast, reliable Wi-Fi for heavy streaming or work, as connection speeds are not optimal
Overall Vibe
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess, launched in 2020, presents a modern and sophisticated ambiance. As a newer Royal-class vessel, it offers guests a refined yet vibrant experience across its 19 decks. The ship blends classic cruise elements with contemporary comforts, aiming for an effortless journey through its innovative MedallionClass technology. Its design focuses on creating engaging communal spaces while still providing tranquil retreats, appealing to those seeking an elevated and well-rounded holiday at sea.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess, built in 1998 and last refurbished in 2016, offers a more traditional, casual-yet-elegant cruise experience across its 18 decks. While it shows some signs of its age, particularly in cabin decor, it maintains a comfortable and unpretentious atmosphere. The ship aims to provide a reliable and enjoyable voyage, balancing classic cruising elements with updated features like its modern Piazza and revamped kids' clubs, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate established charm and a relaxed pace.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess cultivates an attractive and sophisticated atmosphere, designed to cater to a broad audience seeking an elevated cruise experience. With a passenger capacity of 3,660 and a crew of 1,346, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio. Public spaces, particularly the multi-level Piazza, are often bustling with live music and interactive events, creating a lively and social environment. Yet, dedicated adults-only areas like The Sanctuary and the Retreat Pool offer quieter escapes for those desiring tranquility.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess accommodates up to 2,594 passengers with a crew of 1,100, fostering a more intimate feel compared to larger, newer vessels. The ship's atmosphere is generally relaxed, casual, and unpretentious, drawing a crowd often composed of young retirees and multigenerational families. While popular areas like the Horizon Court buffet and main corridors can feel crowded, the overall vibe remains sociable, with ample opportunities for connection in lounges and during daily activities.
Dining
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess offers a diverse culinary landscape, blending included options with several enticing specialty restaurants. Guests can savor complimentary hand-tossed pizzas at Gigi's Pizzeria or Slice Pizzeria, indulge in artisanal chocolate treats through Chocolate Journeys, and explore varied international fare at World Fresh Marketplace. For an elevated experience, options like Crown Grill's premium aged beef, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, and the exclusive 360: An Extraordinary Experience provide gourmet journeys, though many specialty venues feature additional upcharge items beyond their cover fees.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess provides an above-average dining experience, balancing traditional main dining rooms with beloved specialty venues. Complimentary options include elegant meals in the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and DaVinci Dining Rooms, along with made-to-order pizzas at Alfredo's Pizzeria and casual poolside fare at Trident Grill. For an additional cost, guests can enjoy premium steaks and seafood at Crown Grill, authentic Italian dishes at Sabatini's, or a unique Crab Shack experience within the Horizon Court, complemented by Norman Love chocolate desserts.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess delivers a dynamic entertainment program, from dazzling Broadway-style productions like "Rock Opera" and "5-SKIES" in the Princess Theatre to interactive game shows at Princess Live! The vibrant Piazza serves as a central hub for live music, silent discos, and impromptu performances, offering constant engagement. Adults can enjoy specialty cocktails and live jazz at Take Five, piano melodies at Crooners, or lively socialising at O’Malley’s Irish Pub, while Movies Under The Stars provides a relaxing, all-ages cinematic experience on the pool deck.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess offers a range of classic cruise entertainment, featuring Broadway-style production shows in the Princess Theatre and engaging performances by magicians and comedians. The ship's nightlife is centered around live music in venues like Crooner's Bar and the Explorer's Lounge, and a DJ spinning tunes in The One5 nightclub, though the late-night scene tends to quiet down after 11 p.m. Popular activities include daily trivia, karaoke, and the interactive "The Voice of the Ocean" competition, alongside Movies Under the Stars for evening relaxation.
Cabins & Suites
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess provides a range of comfortable and modern accommodations, with over three-quarters of its staterooms featuring balconies. Standard interior cabins are approximately 158 to 162 sq ft, while Deluxe Balcony and Mini-Suites offer increased space, often including a sofa bed and larger bathrooms. The top-tier Sky Suites are a standout, boasting up to 1,873 sq ft with an expansive, 270-degree wraparound balcony and a dedicated Suite Experience Manager. Guests should be aware that some Deck 8 balconies have obstructed views, and forward cabins on Deck 12 may experience vibrations.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess's cabins, though clean and comfortable, tend to be smaller than the industry average, with interior staterooms around 160 sq ft, and show some dated decor. Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, offer more living space with a sofa bed and a divider. The ship also features Two Bedroom Family Suites for larger groups, combining a Mini-Suite with an inside cabin. A key design note is the tiered balconies, which can reduce privacy for those on lower decks, and some cabins on Deck 8 may have partially obstructed views.
Service & Onboard Style
Enchanted Princess
Enchanted Princess excels in modern, Personalized service through its MedallionClass experience. This wearable device and accompanying app streamline the entire cruise, offering effortless stateroom door opening, companion tracking, and convenient food and drink delivery anywhere on the ship. The crew of 1,346 supports this high-tech approach, aiming to make every guest's journey smooth and tailored to their preferences, from pre-cruise concierges for Sky Suite guests to responsive service in dining venues.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess maintains a reputation for quality, unpretentious service from its 1,100 crew members, contributing to its casual-yet-elegant style. While not featuring the full MedallionClass experience of newer ships, it offers the Princess@Sea service for onboard navigation and communication without internet access. This ship delivers a more traditional approach to service, where the attentive crew focuses on classic hospitality in an environment that, despite showing its age, aims for comfort and guest satisfaction, especially appealing to those who prefer a less tech-driven experience.
Best Itineraries
Enchanted Princess
The provided information for Enchanted Princess does not detail specific itineraries for this particular ship, so a general recommendation cannot be made based on the payload.
Grand Princess
Grand Princess is well-suited for guests interested in Alaska sailings, as indicated by its "Wild for Alaska Seafood menu." While specific routes are not exhaustively detailed in the provided information, its historical deployment suggests it offers a comfortable and engaging experience for those exploring the natural beauty of the region.
What reviewers say
Enchanted Princess
4/5A classic cruise experience, on a ship that does its best to offer something for everyone.
Grand Princess
3.5/5Grand Princess offers an affordable, casual-yet-elegant cruise experience, particularly appealing to young retirees and multigenerational groups. Despite showing its age and feeling crowded at times, it delivers high-quality food and service.
Itineraries to compare
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