Ship Comparison
Ruby Princess vs Regal Princess
Ruby Princess offers a laid-back family adventure with classic charm; Regal Princess provides modern elegance and innovative features on a larger, vibrant ship.
The verdict
Ruby Princess, built in 2008 and recently renovated, offers a warm, intimate atmosphere, despite its size, emphasizing personalized service and a traditional cruise feel with a robust children's program. Regal Princess, launched in 2014, presents a more contemporary and sophisticated experience, leveraging innovative features like the SeaWalk and MedallionClass technology to enhance guest convenience and engagement. Both deliver excellent dining and entertainment, but Ruby leans into classic Princess charm, while Regal embraces modern amenities.
Choose Ruby Princess if…
Families and multi-generational groups seeking a friendly, laid-back cruise with diverse activities and a strong emphasis on personalized service, appreciating a ship that blends traditional charm with modern comforts.
Best for
- Families with children and teens
- Multi-generational groups
- Travelers seeking personalized, friendly service
- Cruisers who enjoy a laid-back, social atmosphere
- Those interested in Alaska itineraries with unique cultural programming
Avoid if
- Guests expecting ultra-modern, cutting-edge decor throughout
- Those who prefer a very quiet, solitary cruise experience
- Travelers on a strict budget for all activities (some classes and spa services are extra)
- Individuals sensitive to ship motion (it's advisable to check deck plans for potential issues)
Choose Regal Princess if…
Travelers looking for a modern, sophisticated cruise experience with innovative technology, varied dining, and vibrant entertainment, suitable for couples and families who appreciate contemporary design and efficient service.
Best for
- Travelers who appreciate modern design and innovative technology (MedallionClass)
- Foodies seeking diverse and high-quality dining, including specialty options
- Couples and families looking for a balance of relaxation and vibrant entertainment
- Guests who enjoy unique architectural features like the SeaWalk
- Cruisers who value efficient, seamless service
Avoid if
- Those who prefer a very traditional, low-tech cruise experience
- Travelers on a strict budget for specialty dining and premium relaxation areas (Sanctuary, Enclave)
- Guests expecting very spacious standard balconies
- Individuals who dislike larger ships with more passengers
Overall Vibe
Ruby Princess
Built in 2008, Ruby Princess, a Crown-class vessel, exudes a welcoming, laid-back charm after its multi-million dollar renovation. Despite carrying 3,080 guests across 14 decks, it maintains an intimate feel, fostering a friendly environment where guests often form quick connections. It strikes a balance between traditional cruising and modern amenities, making it a comfortable choice for those who appreciate classic elegance without being overly formal. The ship’s design prioritizes ease of navigation, contributing to its relaxed atmosphere.
Regal Princess
Launched in 2014, Regal Princess, a Medallion Class ship, offers a distinctly modern and sophisticated ambiance. As a larger vessel, accommodating 3,560 guests across 19 decks, it introduces innovative features like the dramatic SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway extending beyond the ship's edge. The overall feel is one of relaxing fun, appealing to a mix of ages with its contemporary design and state-of-the-art technology, all while retaining beloved Princess traditions in a more expansive setting.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Ruby Princess
With a guest capacity of 3,080 and a crew of 1,200, Ruby Princess maintains a favorable guest-to-crew ratio, contributing to its renowned personalized and intimate service. The atmosphere is notably laid-back and family-oriented, fostering engagement and quick friendships among passengers. It never feels overly crowded, creating a comfortable environment for multi-generational groups and social explorers alike. The vibrant daily activities and strong audience participation highlight a communal, friendly spirit throughout the voyage.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, accommodating 3,560 guests with a crew of 1,346, offers a slightly larger scale yet still delivers efficient service. Its atmosphere is described as relaxing and fun, successfully appealing to a diverse mix of older and younger couples, as well as families. The ship's modern amenities and integrated MedallionClass technology streamline the experience, allowing guests to personalize their journey. While larger, the well-designed spaces ensure a vibrant, yet manageable crowd, maintaining a sophisticated and engaging cruise environment.
Dining
Ruby Princess
Dining on Ruby Princess offers a wide array of options, balancing complimentary and specialty venues. Guests can enjoy traditional and Anytime dining in the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, or casual fare at Horizon Court and the 24-hour International Café. Complimentary top-deck options like Slice Pizzeria and The Salty Dog Grill are popular. For an extra fee, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill steakhouse provide elevated experiences, while unique offerings like Ultimate Balcony Dining and the exclusive Chef’s Table cater to special occasions.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess boasts a comprehensive and highly praised dining program. Complimentary options include the Allegro, Symphony, and Concerto Dining Rooms for traditional and Anytime dining, plus the expansive Horizon Court and Horizon Bistro. Guests rave about Alfredo's Pizzeria for its thin-crust pizzas and the casual Trident Grill. For a fee, Sabatini's, Crown Grill, and the exclusive Chef's Table Lumiere offer gourmet experiences. Unique additions like the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar and Gelato expand culinary choices, with even a dedicated Pastry Shop.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Ruby Princess
Ruby Princess offers a varied entertainment lineup, from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to popular Movies Under The Stars with 7.1 surround sound. Nightlife heats up at Skywalker's Nightclub on Deck 15, Club Fusion, and the Vegas Style Casino. Smaller, more intimate venues like Explorer's Lounge, Crooners Bar with its piano music, and the Adagio Bar provide diverse atmospheres. Trivia, karaoke, and "The Voice of the Ocean" foster lively guest participation, creating a consistently engaging and social evening experience across the ship.
Regal Princess
Entertainment on Regal Princess is both modern and diverse. The Princess Theatre hosts Broadway-style shows, while Princess Live! offers interactive culinary shows, live concerts, and comedy in a TV studio setting. The unique SeaWalk provides thrilling ocean vistas, and the Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show dazzles on the Lido Deck. Nightlife thrives at Club 6 with its DJ, the Vegas Style Casino, and the Vista Lounge for comedians and musicians. Bellini's and Crooner's Martini Bar offer sophisticated spots for drinks and music.
Cabins & Suites
Ruby Princess
Ruby Princess offers a wide range of 1,539 cabins, including nearly 900 balconies, catering to various preferences. Standard interior cabins are 158-162 sq ft, Oceanview 146-206 sq ft, and Balcony staterooms 214-222 sq ft. Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, feature a separate sitting area and a welcome glass of bubbly. Suites, ranging from 460 to 932 sq ft, boast larger balconies and enhanced perks like priority services and complimentary mini-bar. Two Bedroom Family Suites are available, accommodating up to eight guests.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess features 1,780 cabins, with a high percentage of over 1,400 balconies, offering guests ample outdoor space. Interior cabins are 166-175 sq ft, while Balcony staterooms measure 214-222 sq ft, including a 41 sq ft balcony. Deluxe Balcony cabins are slightly larger at 233-279 sq ft with a sofa bed. Mini-Suites, around 323 sq ft, include a separate sitting area. Suites, from 440 to a sprawling 1,500 sq ft, come with premium amenities and exclusive Concierge Lounge access, though some standard balconies are noted as feeling quite tight.
Service & Onboard Style
Ruby Princess
Ruby Princess is praised for its personalized and intimate service, a hallmark of Princess Cruises, even with its 1,200 crew members attending to 3,080 guests. The crew is consistently described as friendly and engaging, contributing significantly to the ship's laid-back and welcoming atmosphere. The MedallionClass technology further streamlines service, allowing for efficient requests and interactions, while still maintaining a human touch. The overall style is classic Princess, blending comfort with a touch of elegance that feels accessible rather than stuffy.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess, with its 1,346 crew members serving 3,560 guests, maintains the high service standards expected from Princess Cruises. The MedallionClass technology is a key differentiator, offering an integrated, seamless experience from cabin access to ordering drinks anywhere on board. This modern approach enhances efficiency and personalization, allowing the crew to focus on guest needs. The onboard style is contemporary and sophisticated, with well-maintained public spaces and a focus on convenience and modern amenities, appealing to those who appreciate a polished yet relaxed environment.
Best Itineraries
Ruby Princess
Ruby Princess is exceptionally versatile, well-suited for a wide array of itineraries, particularly excelling in both warm and cold-weather destinations. It's a fantastic choice for Alaska sailings, offering engaging activities like National Park ranger lectures and "Puppies in the Piazza," complementing the scenic cruising. The ship also regularly sails to popular sunny locales such as Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the Caribbean, making it a flexible option for travelers seeking diverse port experiences and panoramic views from its ample outdoor decks.
Regal Princess
Regal Princess is a popular choice for diverse itineraries, with a particular strength in Caribbean cruises due to its modern amenities and numerous outdoor spaces, including its signature SeaWalk. Its contemporary design and robust MedallionClass technology make it ideal for travelers seeking a streamlined experience in popular, vibrant destinations. While not explicitly detailed in the payload, its general appeal to a mix of ages and its modern infrastructure suggest it is well-suited for a range of popular routes, offering a sophisticated base for exploration.
What reviewers say
Ruby Princess
4.5/5Ruby Princess offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with diverse activities and excellent, personalized service. It's a great choice for multi-generational travelers seeking a variety of experiences, despite showing its age in some areas.
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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