Ship Comparison
Regal Princess vs Caribbean Princess
Regal Princess offers modern tech and diverse dining for a sophisticated yet fun experience, while Caribbean Princess provides a mellow, family-friendly escape with enriching itineraries.
The verdict
Choosing between Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess really comes down to your personal cruising style. Regal Princess, being newer and Medallion Class from the outset, offers a more technologically integrated and modern experience, perfect for those who appreciate seamless convenience and a wider array of dining and entertainment. Its atmosphere is vibrant yet sophisticated, appealing to a broad demographic looking for a comprehensive cruise. Caribbean Princess, while a beloved classic, offers a more intimate and laid-back charm, having been thoughtfully refurbished. It excels with its diverse, port-intensive itineraries and strong family-friendly features, making it ideal for those who value destination immersion and a more traditional, mellow pace, even with the modern convenience of OceanMedallion technology.
Choose Regal Princess if…
Regal Princess is ideal for the modern cruiser who appreciates sophisticated dining, advanced technology for convenience, and a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. It suits couples and families looking for a comprehensive and engaging experience with plenty of entertainment and relaxation options.
Best for
- Upscale dining and gourmet experiences
- Seamless, tech-forward cruising with OceanMedallion
- Dedicated adults-only retreats like The Sanctuary
- Broadway-style shows and diverse entertainment
- Families seeking varied activities and kids' clubs
Avoid if
- Prefer larger, more expansive private balconies
- Seek a continuous, wrap-around promenade deck
- Desire a more traditional, less technology-integrated experience
- Want complimentary in-cabin babysitting for extended hours
- Are on a strict budget for specialty dining
Choose Caribbean Princess if…
Caribbean Princess is a wonderful choice for those who cherish a more traditional, intimate cruise experience with a strong focus on family fun and destination immersion. It appeals to multi-generational groups and travelers seeking diverse, port-intensive itineraries with a laid-back vibe.
Best for
- Traditional cruising with a mellow, intimate atmosphere
- Multi-generational families with a dedicated splash zone
- Immersive, port-intensive itineraries in diverse regions
- Socializing with live music and varied nightlife
- Guests who appreciate classic, cherry wood cabin decor
Avoid if
- Expect modern, sleek cabin aesthetics
- Prefer extensive, contemporary dining options at no extra cost
- Dislike crowded main pools and buffets during peak times
- Rely heavily on a perfectly user-friendly and complete app experience
- Are sensitive to small standard bathrooms with clingy shower curtains
Overall Vibe
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, launched in 2014, offers a modern and sophisticated ambiance, much like its sister ship Royal Princess, weighing in at approximately 142,714 gross tons and spanning 14 decks. It strikes a balance between contemporary design and a relaxing, fun atmosphere, designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of guests. It integrates its innovative Medallion Class technology seamlessly into the experience, aiming for a streamlined and effortless journey. From the dramatic SeaWalk to the dazzling Princess WaterColour Fantasy show, there's a sense of grandeur paired with comfortable elegance throughout.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess, a Grand-class ship launched in 2004 and last refurbished in 2019, carries a more intimate and mellow vibe. With 19 decks, it blends classic Princess charm with modern updates, particularly evident in the reimagined Reef Splash Zone. The ship's atmosphere leans towards laid-back and family-friendly fun, making it a comfortable choice for those who appreciate a more traditional cruising experience without sacrificing contemporary amenities. Its focus remains on creating carefree moments at sea, with engaging entertainment and venues to match various moods.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Regal Princess
Carrying up to 3,560 passengers with a crew of 1,346, Regal Princess cultivates a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere that draws a diverse mix of both older and younger couples, alongside families. The ship feels modern and vibrant, with ample spaces designed for both social interaction and quiet relaxation. The staff-to-guest ratio ensures a good level of Personalized attention, contributing to the overall comfortable and enjoyable environment, even with its larger passenger capacity.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess, hosting 3,124 passengers and supported by a crew of 1,200, offers a more intimate and mellow atmosphere. Despite its size, it maintains a laid-back and family-friendly feel, appealing to guests who prefer a less bustling environment. The ship provides a good balance for those seeking old-fashioned fun and relaxation, with a slightly more personal touch from the crew due to the smaller guest count compared to its larger counterpart.
Dining
Regal Princess
Regal Princess boasts a tremendous variety of dining options. Complimentary choices include the expansive Horizon Court buffet, Alfredo's Pizzeria for acclaimed thin-crust pizzas, the 24-hour International Café, and the poolside Trident Grill. Specialty dining, available for an additional charge, features the elegant Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria with its seafood focus, and the exclusive Chef's Table Lumiere. The ship also offers unique experiences like Ultimate Balcony Dining and the casual Crab Shack, ensuring diverse culinary journeys.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess provides a satisfying array of dining venues for every palate. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals at the World Fresh Marketplace buffet, the popular Salty Dog Grill for gourmet burgers, and Slice Pizzeria for Neapolitan-style classics. For a nominal fee, specialty restaurants like Crown Grill offer premium steaks and seafood, while Sabatini's Italian Trattoria serves a five-course Italian menu. Newer additions like Steamers Seafood and Planks BBQ offer family-style options, alongside the intimate Chef's Table Experience for an exclusive culinary adventure.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Regal Princess
Entertainment on Regal Princess is varied and engaging. The Princess Theatre hosts lavish Broadway-style productions like 'Bravo' and 'Born To Dance,' while Princess Live! offers interactive game shows and culinary demonstrations. Outdoors, Movies Under the Stars provides films with popcorn and blankets, complemented by the dazzling Princess WaterColour Fantasy fountain show. Nightlife extends to Club 6 for dancing, the Vegas-style Casino, and more intimate lounges like Crooner's Martini Bar and the Wheelhouse Bar.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess offers a compelling blend of classic and modern entertainment. The Princess Theatre features big-stage song and dance productions, alongside guest acts. For evening fun, Skywalker's Nightclub provides panoramic views for dancing, while Club Fusion offers themed parties and karaoke. Guests can also enjoy live music in the Piazza, interactive game shows in Explorers Lounge, or a quiet drink in Crooner's Bar or the Wheelhouse Bar. Movies Under the Stars remains a popular open-air option for films with complimentary popcorn.
Cabins & Suites
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers a comfortable retreat with a high percentage of balcony cabins, totaling over 1,400. Standard Balcony cabins are around 222 sq ft, including a 41 sq ft private outdoor space, while Deluxe Balcony cabins are slightly larger and include a sofa bed. Mini-Suites provide approximately 323 sq ft with a separate sitting area and tub/shower. Suites, ranging from 440 to 1,500 sq ft, offer enhanced amenities like priority services and complimentary mini-bar. While decor is neutral with browns, creams, and dark wood, some balconies can feel quite snug.
Caribbean Princess
With 1,569 cabins, Caribbean Princess offers a range of accommodations. Inside cabins are 158-162 sq ft, and oceanview cabins provide 146-206 sq ft with a window. Balcony cabins, the most numerous, are 214-222 sq ft including the balcony, while Premium Balconies offer a larger private space. Mini-Suites are approximately 323 sq ft with a separate sitting area. Suites, from 460 to 932 sq ft, include separate living areas and enhanced perks. The classic cherry wood decor reflects the ship's age, and standard bathrooms are noted for being small with limited storage.
Service & Onboard Style
Regal Princess
Regal Princess truly shines with its Medallion Class experience, offering a highly Personalized onboard style. The OceanMedallion device streamlines everything from cabin access to purchases, while the robust smartphone app allows guests to easily communicate, locate companions, and order food and drinks directly to their location. This integrated technology significantly enhances convenience and personal service, contributing to a smooth and modern cruise journey for its 1,346 crew members serving 3,560 passengers.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess, while older, has embraced modern convenience with the OceanMedallion system, aiming for enhanced service. Guests can utilize the OceanNow app for on-demand service, though some find the overall Princess app usability inconsistent. The ship maintains a classic service approach with its 1,200 crew catering to 3,124 passengers, offering a blend of traditional hospitality and new tech. Despite some reported disorganization with transfers, the onboard service generally contributes to a mellow and comfortable experience.
Best Itineraries
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers a diverse array of voyages, appealing to a wide range of cruisers seeking both relaxation and activity. While specific itineraries aren't detailed in the provided information, the ship's modern amenities and sophisticated atmosphere make it well-suited for popular routes that attract a mix of couples and families looking for a comprehensive and engaging experience at sea, benefiting from its Medallion Class technology.
Caribbean Princess
Caribbean Princess is celebrated for its diverse and port-intensive itineraries across regions like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and Canada/New England. This ship is a strong choice for those who prioritize immersive destination experiences and regional programs, such as the 'North to Alaska' offerings. Its emphasis on outdoor decks and family-friendly features complements these varied routes, making it ideal for travelers eager to explore different cultures and natural beauty.
What reviewers say
Regal Princess
4/5Regal 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.
Caribbean Princess
4/5Caribbean Princess offers an intimate and mellow cruise experience, blending classic charm with modern tech like OceanMedallion. While some aspects like cabin decor can feel dated, the ship provides ample dining choices, outdoor spaces, and family-friendly features for a fun, laid-back vacation.
Itineraries to compare
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