Majestic Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Majestic Princess

    Royal Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Royal Princess

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    Ship Comparison

    Majestic Princess vs Royal Princess

    Majestic Princess offers a refreshed classic cruise experience with abundant live music and diverse dining, whereas Royal Princess provides a consistent, tech-enhanced journey focused on immersive destination discovery.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Majestic Princess and Royal Princess comes down to your preference for a classic, recently updated experience versus a slightly older but well-maintained vessel with strong destination enrichment. Majestic Princess, having undergone a significant refurbishment in 2025, offers a slightly more modern take on the Princess experience, particularly in its dining and entertainment venues like O'Malley's Irish Pub. It boasts a relaxed, social atmosphere that's vibrant but tends to quiet down earlier. Royal Princess, as the first of its class, delivers a consistent and traditional cruise feel, enhanced by its OceanMedallion technology for seamless service and a stronger emphasis on destination-focused activities through its Discovery at Sea programs. Both ships excel in culinary variety and dedicated spaces for all ages, but Majestic may appeal to those seeking a contemporary refresh, while Royal Princess is a reliable choice for a broad demographic valuing traditional comforts with modern conveniences.

    Choose Majestic Princess if…

    Travelers who appreciate a recently updated classic cruise experience, enjoy abundant live music, diverse dining options, and value dedicated adult-only relaxation spaces, but prefer evenings that are social without being overly boisterous.

    Best for

    • Couples and adult groups seeking a classic cruise with modern updates.
    • Guests who enjoy abundant live music and diverse dining options.
    • Travelers prioritizing dedicated adult-only relaxation spaces.
    • Those who prefer social evenings that conclude before midnight.

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a late-night party atmosphere with a dedicated nightclub.
    • You seek the absolute latest 'whizz-bang' cutting-edge ship features.
    • You dislike the idea of specialty dining incurring additional charges.

    Choose Royal Princess if…

    Guests who seek a consistent and traditional cruise experience blended with modern technology, enjoy destination-focused enrichment, diverse dining, and a balanced atmosphere that caters to a wide range of ages and preferences.

    Best for

    • Travelers seeking a consistent, traditional cruise experience with modern tech.
    • Families and multi-generational groups looking for diverse activities.
    • Guests interested in destination-focused enrichment programs.
    • Those who appreciate a lively Piazza with evening music and a disco.

    Avoid if

    • You require USB charging ports in all cabins for multiple devices.
    • You prefer an adults-only pool that is fully enclosed.
    • You expect spa facilities to always have natural light and ocean views.

    Overall Vibe

    Majestic Princess

    Majestic Princess, launched in 2017 and significantly refurbished in 2025, offers a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance. As a Royal-class ship, it skillfully blends features from Princess's Grand and Royal classes, creating a familiar comfort with refreshed touches. Spanning 16 decks, the vessel feels spacious without being overwhelming, providing a fun and social environment that appeals to those seeking a classic cruise experience with a contemporary polish. The 2025 updates brought new dining and bar venues, contributing to its vibrant, yet unpretentious, character, perfect for unwinding and enjoying diverse onboard offerings.

    Royal Princess

    Royal Princess, the inaugural Royal Class ship launched in 2013 and refurbished in 2018, presents a consistent and traditional cruise experience with modern enhancements. Also spanning 16 decks, it offers a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere that appeals to a broad demographic, from first-time cruisers to seasoned travelers and families. The ship’s design incorporates technology like the OceanMedallion to streamline the journey, while still upholding the classic Princess commitment to service and comfort. It’s a solid choice for those who appreciate reliability and a well-rounded vacation without needing the very latest innovations.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Majestic Princess

    Carrying 3,560 guests and supported by a crew of 1,346, Majestic Princess cultivates a fun, relaxed, and social atmosphere. It's well-suited for couples and adult groups looking for a classic cruise feel, with ample opportunities for interaction in venues like the Piazza and the newly added O'Malley's Irish Pub. While lively during the day and early evening, the ship tends to be quieter after midnight, making it ideal for those who prefer social gatherings without a late-night party scene. Dedicated family spaces ensure a balanced environment for all ages.

    Royal Princess

    With a passenger capacity of 3,560 and a crew of 1,346, Royal Princess maintains a mellow yet fun atmosphere that successfully blends traditional cruising with modern elements. It attracts a broad age group and diverse lifestyles, from multi-generational families to solo cruisers. The ship fosters a laid-back environment where guests can enjoy enriching destination programs or simply relax by the pool. While generally not a wild party ship, its Piazza remains a lively hub with nightly music and a disco kicking off around 11 p.m., catering to those who enjoy a bit more evening energy.

    Dining

    Majestic Princess

    Majestic Princess offers outstanding dining variety, from the expansive World Fresh Marketplace buffet to the 24-hour International Café. Complimentary options also include the Salty Dog Café for poolside burgers and the grab-and-go Alfredo’s Slice. For specialty dining, guests can indulge in premium aged beef at Crown Grill, Italian favorites at Sabatini's, fresh seafood at The Catch by Rudi, or a unique Chef's Table Lumiere experience. The addition of O'Malley's Irish Pub provides casual pub fare, and the 'Dine My Way℠' option allows for flexible meal planning.

    Royal Princess

    Royal Princess features a wide array of dining choices, including the Horizon Court/Bistro buffet, which offers international cuisine, and the dedicated Pastry Shop. Complimentary poolside options include Prego Pizzeria and Trident Grill for burgers and hot dogs. Specialty restaurants like Sabatini's for Italian, Crown Grill for steak and seafood, and Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar for sushi offer refined experiences. Guests can also enjoy Gelato, Chef's Table Lumiere, or a casual Crab Shack pop-up. The ship also offers 'Chocolate Journeys℠' for sweet treats and 'Dine My Way℠' for personalized meal scheduling.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Majestic Princess

    Majestic Princess shines with an abundance of live musical performances across its venues, catering to a diverse range of tastes. The Princess Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions, while Princess Live! offers interactive shows, concerts, and game shows. Evenings in the Piazza feature live music and a DJ for clubbing around 11:30 p.m., though the ship generally quiets down before midnight. Highlights include a live Irish band at O'Malley’s Irish Pub, a pianist at Crooners, Movies Under the Stars, and the Hollywood Conservatory for quieter games and intimate musical performances.

    Royal Princess

    Royal Princess offers a robust entertainment lineup, including Broadway-caliber productions with a live orchestra and Stephen Schwartz musicals at the Princess Theatre. The Vista Lounge hosts diverse acts like live bands, comedians, and illusionists, while Princess Live! focuses on interactive game shows and trivia. The vibrant Piazza is a central hub for cultural performances, live music, and transforms into a disco nightly around 11 p.m. Other highlights include Movies Under the Stars, the unique Water & Light Show with dancing fountains, and Club 6 for lively nightlife with a DJ, alongside a Vegas-style casino.

    Cabins & Suites

    Majestic Princess

    Majestic Princess cabins are adorned in a clean, fresh decor of brown, cream, burgundy, and wood tones. Standard room sizes are typical for the industry, with balconies generally being on the smaller side outside of suites. All accommodations feature the Princess Luxury Bed, flat-screen TVs with on-demand content, and ample storage including walk-in wardrobes. A notable convenience is the presence of two USB ports on one side of the bed, alongside U.S., U.K., and European power outlets at the desk. The ship also offers interconnecting balcony and mini-suite options for families.

    Royal Princess

    Royal Princess staterooms feature two twin beds convertible to a queen, pillow-topped mattresses, and a flat-screen TV. While comfortable, storage is somewhat limited with three desk drawers and two nightstand drawers. A key difference is the cabin's older electrical setup, offering only one European and two North American outlets at the desk, with no USB ports. Bathrooms are compact with a hand-held shower and clingy curtain. Deluxe Balcony cabins add a loveseat, and Mini Suites are substantially larger at approximately 323 sq ft, offering a separate sitting area and a roomier balcony.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Majestic Princess

    Majestic Princess delivers a classic cruise experience underscored by excellent service and a Personalized approach. The ship utilizes Medallion technology to enhance convenience, enabling seamless experiences like automatic cabin door unlocking and app-based reservations for most venues. With 1,346 crew members serving 3,560 guests, the crew-to-guest ratio supports attentive service. The overall style is refined yet comfortable, maintaining a high standard across its diverse offerings, ensuring guests feel well-cared for throughout their voyage.

    Royal Princess

    Royal Princess provides a consistent, traditional cruise experience, augmented by modern touches like the OceanMedallion. This technology replaces key cards, offering automatic cabin door opening and app-based navigation, aiming for intuitive service, though its full utilization by staff can vary. The ship’s 1,346 crew members cater to 3,560 guests, maintaining a good service standard. Its onboard style is polished and welcoming, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of time-honored cruising elements with contemporary conveniences, ensuring a solid and reliable vacation experience.

    Best Itineraries

    Majestic Princess

    While specific itineraries are not detailed, Majestic Princess is well-suited for voyages that emphasize a classic cruise experience with opportunities for cultural engagement and relaxation. Its diverse dining, abundant live music, and dedicated adult spaces like the Hollywood Pool Club would complement any destination where guests seek a blend of enrichment, entertainment, and a relaxed pace. The ship’s refreshed ambiance is ideal for exploring various regions, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and scenery while enjoying a comfortable and social onboard environment.

    Royal Princess

    Royal Princess is particularly strong for itineraries that incorporate destination enrichment, with its 'Discovery at Sea' programs explicitly mentioning explorations of the Caribbean, European castles, and Alaskan crab boats. This focus on immersive experiences makes it an excellent choice for travelers eager to connect deeply with their destinations. Whether it’s a snorkeling adventure, a historical tour, or wildlife viewing, the ship's offerings enhance the journey, providing a balanced experience of onboard comfort and meaningful exploration in culturally rich or naturally beautiful regions.

    What reviewers say

    Majestic Princess

    4/5

    Majestic Princess offers a classic cruise experience, with excellent food and service. While it may not have the cutting-edge features of more modern ships, its wide range of venues, entertainment, and outstanding dining ensure a very good voyage.

    Royal Princess

    4/5

    Royal Princess offers a consistent, traditional cruise experience with modern touches like the OceanMedallion, appealing to a broad demographic. Despite a few age-related shortcomings, the ship maintains a very good standard across its amenities and service.

    Itineraries to compare

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