Ship Comparison
Crown Princess vs Regal Princess
Crown Princess offers classic elegance with a cozy feel, while Regal Princess delivers modern amenities and tech-forward touches for a vibrant, contemporary voyage.
The verdict
Crown Princess, a Grand-class vessel refurbished in 2018, provides a balanced blend of relaxation and enrichment, appealing to adults and couples who appreciate a more traditional, uncrowded cruise experience. Its design effectively manages passenger flow, ensuring a serene atmosphere. Regal Princess, launched in 2014 as a Medallion Class ship, brings a modern and sophisticated flair, integrating innovative technology with a lively, fun vibe. It caters to a diverse mix of travelers seeking both cutting-edge features and beloved Princess traditions. Both ships uphold Princess's commitment to quality dining and service, but they diverge in their overall character and technological integration.
Choose Crown Princess if…
Travelers seeking a classic, elegant cruise experience with a focus on relaxation, enrichment, and attentive service, particularly couples and adults who appreciate a more intimate atmosphere without large crowds. Families with children aged 3 and up will also find good facilities.
Best for
- Couples seeking relaxation and romance
- Adults who prefer a less crowded, elegant atmosphere
- Families with children aged 3 and up
- Guests who appreciate traditional cruise experiences with modern comforts
- Travelers seeking diverse dining, including exclusive gourmet options
Avoid if
- Families with children under 3 (no nursery services)
- Those seeking cutting-edge, high-tech entertainment and attractions
- Guests who require complete privacy on all balcony types
- Travelers who prefer a continuous outdoor promenade deck
- Budget-conscious diners who solely rely on buffet options
Choose Regal Princess if…
Guests who enjoy a modern, sophisticated cruise with innovative technology like OceanMedallion, a lively atmosphere, and diverse dining, appealing to both younger and older couples, as well as families looking for engaging activities.
Best for
- Families with children and teens (dedicated clubs, sports, movies)
- Tech-savvy travelers who appreciate innovative onboard technology like OceanMedallion
- Guests seeking a lively, modern cruise experience with diverse entertainment
- Food enthusiasts looking for varied dining, including specialty options and celebrity chef collaborations
- Travelers who enjoy unique features like the SeaWalk and light/water shows
Avoid if
- Guests who prefer a very intimate, small-ship atmosphere
- Those who dislike relying on apps or wearable tech for onboard services
- Passengers seeking extensive oceanview cabin options (none explicitly listed)
- Individuals expecting a traditional, uninterrupted promenade deck
- Budget-conscious travelers who prefer all-inclusive gourmet dining without extra fees
Overall Vibe
Crown Princess
Crown Princess, a Grand-class ship launched in 2006 and refreshed in 2018, embodies a simple yet elegant cruise experience. Weighing in at 113,561 tons and spanning 19 decks, she offers a refined atmosphere that feels less overwhelming than some of the newer, larger vessels. Her design cleverly minimizes crowds, creating a comfortable environment for guests seeking relaxation or romance. The 2018 refresh brought modern comforts and improved family facilities, ensuring a well-rounded and appealing ambiance for a diverse set of travelers who appreciate classic Princess charm.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, a contemporary Medallion Class ship launched in 2014, presents a modern and sophisticated atmosphere. At 142,714 tons, this larger vessel, with its 19 decks, offers a vibrant, fun-focused experience. Key features like the dramatic SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the ship's edge, and the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, contribute to a lively ambiance. She successfully blends cutting-edge technology with traditional Princess elements, appealing to guests who enjoy innovation alongside classic cruise comforts.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Crown Princess
Carrying 3,080 guests with a crew of 1,200, Crown Princess fosters a balanced atmosphere that is both relaxing and enriching. The passenger-to-crew ratio of approximately 2.5:1 suggests a good level of personalized service. The ship generally appeals to a slightly older crowd, with many couples and groups traveling together, but also accommodates families. Its layout, with four spacious pool areas and a three-story Atrium, effectively manages guest flow, preventing a crowded feeling. Public spaces like The Piazza buzz with activity, yet tranquil retreats such as The Sanctuary remain available for quiet moments.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess accommodates 3,560 passengers with a crew of 1,346, resulting in a passenger-to-crew ratio of about 2.6:1. This modern ship attracts a diverse mix, including older and younger couples, as well as families, especially during peak seasons. The atmosphere is generally fun and lively, particularly around the Lido Deck's Fountain Pool, which hosts light and water shows. The innovative OceanMedallion technology, enabling seamless interactions and Personalized service, enhances the contemporary feel. Despite its larger capacity, the ship's design and efficient technology aim to keep the environment comfortable and engaging for all.
Dining
Crown Princess
Crown Princess offers a broad culinary journey, from the flexible Dine My Way℠ in the main dining rooms (Da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo) to the 24-hour International Café and the casual Horizon Court buffet. Specialty options include the Tuscan-inspired Sabatini's, the intimate Crown Grill steakhouse, and the exclusive Chef's Table Experience, lauded as exceptional. Guests can enjoy complimentary handmade burgers at The Salty Dog Grill or award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas at Slice Pizzeria. The ship also features unique offerings like Chocolate Journeys℠ and a traditional pub lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess boasts an extensive and varied dining scene, with three main dining rooms (Allegro, Symphony, Concerto) offering both traditional and Anytime Dining. The vast Horizon Court and Horizon Bistro provide international buffet selections, complemented by The Pastry Shop. Complimentary Alfredo's Pizzeria serves highly-rated thin-crust pizzas, while the Trident Grill offers poolside burgers and evening BBQ. For a surcharge, guests can savor seafood at Ocean Terrace, Italian delights at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, or premium steaks at Crown Grill℠. The Chef's Table Lumiere provides a dazzling, exclusive culinary adventure.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Crown Princess
Entertainment on Crown Princess ranges from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to popular Movies Under The Stars on the Lido Deck, complete with blankets and popcorn. Guests can test their vocal talents at The Voice of the Ocean singing competition or try their luck at the Vegas Style Casino. Nightlife thrives with live music and dancing in Club Fusion and Skywalkers Nightclub, perched 15 decks high for panoramic views. The European-inspired Piazza serves as a vibrant hub for roving street performers and musical acts, while intimate lounges like Crooner's Bar offer a more relaxed evening.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers a dynamic entertainment lineup, highlighted by the Princess Theatre's Broadway-style shows and the interactive Princess Live! studio, featuring culinary shows and game shows. The unique SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway, provides thrilling ocean vistas, while the Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show dazzles on the Lido Deck. Nightlife includes dancing at Club 6 with a resident DJ and a full Vegas Style Casino. The Grand Piazza hosts diverse acts, from string quartets to acrobats. Guests can also enjoy Movies Under the Stars, or sip specialty cocktails during a "Good Spirits at Sea" mixology demonstration.
Cabins & Suites
Crown Princess
Crown Princess offers a range of accommodations, including interior, oceanview, balcony, mini-suite, and full suite categories, with nearly 900 balconies. Standard cabins are noted for comfortable Princess Luxury Beds and ample storage, though outlets are limited. Suites, averaging 329 sq ft with a 166 sq ft balcony, offer enhanced amenities like complimentary laundry and priority services. Two Bedroom Family Suites connect a mini-suite and interior cabin, providing two bathrooms and space for up to eight. Guests should note potential noise from public areas on Decks 5 and 8, and some balconies may lack complete privacy.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess features a high percentage of balcony cabins (81%), with no oceanview staterooms. Accommodations range from interior (166-175 sq ft) to balcony (222 sq ft), deluxe balcony (249-333 sq ft with sofa beds), mini-suites (299-329 sq ft), and various full suites, some as large as 1,500 sq ft. All cabins boast a neutral decor and include Princess Luxury Beds, mini-fridges, and large flat-screen TVs. While standard balconies are generally on the smaller side, suites offer upgraded amenities and exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge, enhancing the experience for those seeking extra luxury.
Service & Onboard Style
Crown Princess
Crown Princess maintains a classic Princess standard of service, with cheerful and attentive staff noted particularly in the International Café. The 2018 refresh brought modern comforts, complementing the ship's traditional elegance. The MedallionNet Wi-Fi is superfast and unlimited, and the Princess@Sea app allows for convenient access to daily activities and free messaging among travel companions. Guests in Club Class Mini-suites and full suites benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation, reflecting a commitment to Personalized experiences and smooth logistics.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess excels in service and onboard style, largely due to its innovative Medallion Class technology. The OceanMedallion wearable device and robust smartphone app offer a seamless, Personalized experience, allowing guests to locate companions, navigate the ship, and order food/drinks anywhere. This technology enhances efficiency and convenience, complementing the ship's modern aesthetic. Service is generally attentive, though some specialty dining staff knowledge can be inconsistent. The overall style is sophisticated and fresh, blending contemporary design with the familiar, comfortable atmosphere Princess guests appreciate.
Best Itineraries
Crown Princess
While specific itineraries are not provided in the payload, Crown Princess, as a versatile Grand-class ship, is well-suited for a variety of destinations. Her editor's summary highlights her appeal for "relaxation or romance" and "enriching experiences." Given her balanced offerings and effective crowd management, she would thrive on itineraries that attract couples and adults seeking serene sea days punctuated by engaging port calls. Her size allows access to many global ports, making her a solid choice for classic cruise routes that blend scenic beauty with cultural exploration.
Regal Princess
Specific itineraries are not detailed in the payload, but Regal Princess, with its modern amenities and diverse appeal, is ideal for routes that cater to a broad audience, including families and those who appreciate innovative onboard features. Her larger capacity and contemporary design suggest she is well-suited for popular, vibrant destinations that offer a mix of adventure and relaxation. The ship's focus on engaging entertainment and flexible dining would complement itineraries with varied shore excursions and opportunities for both active exploration and leisurely enjoyment.
What reviewers say
Crown Princess
4.5/5One of Princess' Grand-class ships, Crown Princess excels at providing fun, relaxing and enriching experiences for adults, while also featuring great children's spaces and special programming for families. It offers a simple yet elegant cruise option for those seeking relaxation or romance, with a layout that effectively minimizes crowds.
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.
Itineraries to compare
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