Ship Comparison
Regal Princess vs Emerald Princess
Regal Princess offers modern tech and diverse experiences, while Emerald Princess delivers classic charm with strong destination focus.
The verdict
For a cruise experience that blends cutting-edge personalized technology with a wide array of dining and entertainment options, the Regal Princess is a superb choice. However, if your preference leans towards a slightly more intimate, traditionally elegant ship with a proven track record for exceptional service and destination-rich excursions, the Emerald Princess, with its recent updates, truly shines. Both ships offer the warm, attentive service Princess Cruises is known for, but cater to slightly different vacation styles.
Choose Regal Princess if…
Travelers who appreciate modern technology enhancing their cruise experience, enjoy diverse dining with both complimentary and specialty options, and seek a lively yet relaxing atmosphere.
Best for
- The Culinary Connoisseur
- The Relaxed Explorer
- The Tech-Savvy Traveler
- The Family Fun-Seeker
- The Classic Cruise Enthusiast
Avoid if
- Those seeking a truly quiet, intimate ship experience at all times.
- Travelers who dislike advanced technology or prefer a more traditional, less app-reliant cruise.
- Guests who prioritize expansive cabin balconies above all else, as some can feel tight.
Choose Emerald Princess if…
Guests who prefer a classic cruise experience with a strong emphasis on destination immersion, appreciate attentive, traditional service, and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly environment without excessive modern frills.
Best for
- The Culinary Connoisseur
- The Relaxed Explorer
- The Social Seeker
- The Multi-Generational Family
- The Comfort-Oriented Cruiser
Avoid if
- Travelers expecting the latest, most high-tech interactive experiences.
- Those who prefer a completely private and secluded pool deck, as the main Lido can be very lively.
- Guests sensitive to upselling attempts in the spa.
Overall Vibe
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, launched in 2014, offers a contemporary and refined atmosphere across its 19 decks, catering to those who appreciate a blend of modern design and classic cruise comforts. Weighing in at 142,714 gross tons, she feels spacious yet thoughtfully laid out, with a focus on outward-facing experiences like the dramatic SeaWalk and the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy. The ship seamlessly integrates its innovative Medallion Class technology, enhancing the journey with personalized service without sacrificing the traditional elegance Princess Cruises is known for. It's a ship that invites exploration and relaxation in equal measure.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess, a Grand-class ship built in 2007 and refreshed in 2019, provides a welcoming and family-oriented ambiance across its 19 decks. At 113,561 gross tons, she maintains a sense of intimacy despite her size, with a design that emphasizes comfort and classic cruise elements. The ship is cherished for its well-constructed shore tours and its ability to offer a fulfilling vacation without relying on flashy gimmicks. Her recent refurbishment ensures a fresh feel, blending traditional Princess charm with updated amenities for a relaxed and enriching experience.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Regal Princess
Regal Princess fosters a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, appealing to a diverse mix of couples, from seasoned cruisers to those seeking a modern getaway, alongside families. With a passenger capacity of 3,560 and a crew of 1,346, the ship maintains a comfortable crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:2.6, allowing for attentive service without feeling overly crowded. The energy often centers around the Piazza and the Lido Deck, but adults can find tranquil escapes in The Sanctuary, ensuring a balanced environment for various preferences.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess cultivates a genuinely relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming multi-generational groups and those who prioritize destination immersion. She accommodates 3,080 passengers with a crew of 1,200, resulting in a favorable crew-to-guest ratio of about 1:2.5. The ship's ambiance is less about constant high-energy activities and more about comfortable enjoyment and engaging with the destinations. While popular areas like the main pools can be lively, quiet corners and adult-only retreats like The Sanctuary are readily available for peaceful moments.
Dining
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers a broad culinary journey, featuring both traditional and contemporary options. Complimentary choices abound, from the extensive Horizon Court and Horizon Bistro buffet with its themed dinners and dedicated Pastry Shop, to the acclaimed thin-crust pizzas at Alfredo's Pizzeria, praised as "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY. Specialty dining, available for an additional charge, includes the sophisticated Italian fare at Sabatini's, the premium cuts at Crown Grill, and the exclusive Chef's Table Lumiere for a truly special occasion. The International Cafe provides 24-hour light bites.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess presents a comprehensive dining landscape, balancing beloved Princess traditions with fresh, updated venues. Guests can enjoy traditional main dining in the Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, or explore the varied offerings at the World Fresh Marketplace. Casual, complimentary options include gourmet burgers at The Salty Dog Grill and pizza slices at Slice Pizzeria. For a fee, Planks BBQ and Steamers Seafood offer unique family-style experiences, while Crown Grill provides an elegant steakhouse option. The International Cafe remains a 24-hour hub for snacks and coffee.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers a dynamic entertainment lineup, highlighted by Broadway-style production shows in the Princess Theatre and interactive events like "The Voice of the Ocean." The expansive Piazza serves as a lively hub for roving street performers and musical acts. Guests can enjoy movies under the stars on the Lido Deck with complimentary popcorn, or seek out nightlife at Club 6, a dance club, and the Vegas Style Casino. Unique features like the SeaWalk provide thrilling views, while intimate bars such as Crooner's Lounge and Bellini's offer relaxed evening options.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess delivers a robust entertainment program that leans into classic cruise fun. The Princess Theatre hosts production shows and comedy acts, while the Explorer's Lounge is a versatile venue for game shows like Princess Pyramid and live music. The central Piazza is a vibrant gathering spot for impromptu performances and traditional events. For evening revelry, guests can dance the night away at Skywalkers Nightclub or enjoy a martini at Crooner's Bar. Movies Under the Stars remains a popular, family-friendly option, providing films with cozy blankets and popcorn.
Cabins & Suites
Regal Princess
Regal Princess offers 1,780 cabins, with a high percentage of balcony staterooms (over 1,400 balconies). Decor across all categories is consistently neutral with browns, creams, and dark wood accents. Interior cabins are 166 to 175 sq ft, while standard Balcony cabins are 222 sq ft, including a 41 sq ft balcony, often noted for being on the smaller side. Mini-Suites, at 299-329 sq ft with balconies up to 105 sq ft, provide a separate sitting area. Full Suites range from 440 to a generous 1,500 sq ft, offering enhanced amenities and space.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess features a total of 1,540 cabins, including a good selection of Oceanview accommodations (158-179 sq ft) in addition to balconies. The decor is consistent with ruby-red patterned carpet and light maple wood trims. Interior cabins are 162-182 sq ft. Balcony cabins, at 231 sq ft with a 45 sq ft private balcony, offer more space than some newer ships, though some balconies are staggered, impacting privacy. Mini-Suites are a spacious 323 sq ft with a 57 sq ft balcony, and the ship also offers large Two-Bedroom Family Suites and various other Suite categories up to 932 sq ft.
Service & Onboard Style
Regal Princess
Regal Princess emphasizes a modern, personalized service experience through its Medallion Class technology. The OceanMedallion enables seamless cabin access and allows guests to order food, drinks, or retail items to their exact location onboard via a robust smartphone app. With a passenger capacity of 3,560 served by a crew of 1,346, the crew-to-guest ratio of 1:2.6 supports a generally attentive and efficient service style. This integrated approach aims to streamline the cruise experience, making interactions effortless and convenient.
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess is known for maintaining an excellent service level since its launch, with a more traditional, attentive approach. The crew of 1,200 for 3,080 passengers provides a comfortable crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:2.5, fostering a welcoming and responsive atmosphere. While not featuring the full Medallion Class integration of newer ships, the ship's focus on well-constructed shore tours and a relaxed ambiance suggests a service philosophy centered on classic hospitality and guest satisfaction, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for all.
Best Itineraries
Regal Princess
The provided data does not specify particular itineraries for Regal Princess. However, as a modern, sophisticated vessel with diverse dining and entertainment, it is well-suited for popular routes that appeal to a broad demographic, likely including Caribbean, Alaska, or European voyages. Its Medallion Class technology enhances convenience, making it a good fit for guests who appreciate a streamlined experience across various destinations.
Emerald Princess
The provided data does not specify particular itineraries for Emerald Princess. Given its reputation for well-constructed shore tours and a focus on destination immersion, Emerald Princess is ideally suited for itineraries that emphasize rich cultural exploration and scenic beauty. This could include voyages to destinations like Alaska, the Panama Canal, or longer European cruises, where guests value thoughtful excursions and a relaxed onboard experience to complement their time ashore.
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.
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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