Regal Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Regal Princess

    Sun Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Sun Princess

    vs

    Ship Comparison

    Regal Princess vs Sun Princess

    Regal Princess offers a refined, tech-forward classic cruise, while Sun Princess redefines the brand with innovative spaces and a lively, family-focused atmosphere.

    The verdict

    Choosing between Regal Princess and Sun Princess truly comes down to your cruising style. Regal Princess, launched in 2014, provides a comforting blend of modern sophistication and cherished Princess traditions, enhanced by its Medallion Class technology for a seamless experience. It's a ship that appeals to a wide demographic, from couples seeking relaxation to families enjoying the diverse activities. Sun Princess, a brand-new vessel from 2024, represents a significant evolution, offering a more active, energetic, and family-centric environment with truly innovative venues and cabin designs. If you appreciate the familiar elegance with modern touches, Regal Princess is a solid choice. If you're eager to embrace a bolder, more contemporary Princess experience with a focus on immersive entertainment and new-generation spaces, Sun Princess is ready to impress.

    Choose Regal Princess if…

    Travelers who appreciate a modern yet traditionally elegant cruise experience, valuing excellent dining, advanced technology for convenience, and dedicated spaces for both relaxation and family fun.

    Best for

    • Couples seeking a balance of relaxation and engaging activities
    • Travelers who appreciate modern technology enhancing a traditional cruise experience
    • Guests who enjoy diverse dining options, including specialty restaurants
    • Families looking for dedicated kids' clubs and shared entertainment like Movies Under the Stars

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very quiet, small-ship experience
    • You are looking for the absolute latest in 'whiz-bang' thrill attractions for children
    • You dislike the idea of Medallion Class technology and prefer a completely traditional approach
    • You require expansive cabin balconies in all categories

    Choose Sun Princess if…

    Families, multi-generational groups, and cruisers seeking an innovative, lively, and highly active ship with brand-new entertainment concepts, diverse dining, and contemporary cabin designs.

    Best for

    • Families and multi-generational groups seeking a highly active and engaging ship
    • Cruisers eager to experience Princess Cruises' newest and most innovative ship design
    • Those who enjoy unique, immersive entertainment and vibrant nightlife
    • Travelers who appreciate modern, redesigned cabins with enhanced features

    Avoid if

    • You prefer a very traditional, quiet, or intimate cruise experience
    • You are easily overwhelmed by large ships and bustling public spaces
    • You prefer complimentary specialty dining options (Alfredo's Pizzeria is now fee-based)
    • You dislike navigating potentially confusing ship layouts

    Overall Vibe

    Regal Princess

    The Regal Princess, a near twin to Royal Princess and launched in 2014, exudes a modern and sophisticated charm that feels both relaxing and fun. As a Medallion Class vessel, it seamlessly integrates advanced technology to enhance the guest experience. Weighing 142,229 gross tons and spanning 19 decks, this ship offers a substantial yet navigable environment. Its design features, like the dramatic SeaWalk, a glass-floor walkway extending 28 feet beyond the ship's edge, contribute to a sense of contemporary elegance while maintaining the beloved Princess traditions.

    Sun Princess

    The Sun Princess, a new mega-ship launched in 2024, is a bold statement from Princess Cruises, delivering an innovative and lively atmosphere that truly redefines the brand. This vessel, at 175,500 gross tons and 21 decks, is designed to feel fresh and energetic, with a focus on immersive experiences. Iconic new spaces like The Dome, a multi-purpose glass-enclosed area, and the reimagined Piazza Atrium, set a forward-thinking tone. It's a ship that embraces a more active and contemporary cruising style, appealing to those ready for a new kind of Princess journey.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Regal Princess

    On Regal Princess, you'll find a welcoming atmosphere that balances relaxation with engaging activities, attracting a pleasant mix of older and younger couples, as well as families. Carrying 3,560 passengers with a crew of 1,346, the ship maintains a comfortable passenger-to-crew ratio. The ship's layout facilitates both social interaction in bustling areas like the Piazza and tranquil escapes in spots like The Sanctuary, ensuring everyone can find their rhythm. This creates a versatile environment where guests can enjoy lively entertainment or quiet moments by the pool.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess cultivates a noticeably hipper and more active vibe, making it the most family-oriented ship in the Princess fleet. With a capacity for 4,300 guests, the ship's energy is vibrant and dynamic, geared towards those who thrive on constant activity and social engagement. The ship’s design encourages exploration and interaction, from the bustling three-level Piazza to the innovative entertainment venues. It's a ship where the younger set and active families will feel right at home, seeking out new experiences and a lively holiday atmosphere.

    Dining

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess offers an excellent and varied dining landscape, from traditional main dining rooms like Allegro, Symphony, and Concerto, to the extensive Horizon Court buffet with its international selections. Complimentary options also include Alfredo's Pizzeria, praised as a 'perfected pizzeria at sea,' the 24-hour International Cafe, and the poolside Trident Grill. For a fee, guests can indulge in specialty venues such as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill steakhouse, Ocean Terrace seafood bar, or the exclusive Chef's Table Lumiere, ensuring diverse culinary journeys.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess elevates the dining experience with a diverse array of options, including a grand Three-level Dining Room for classic meals and The Eatery, a new buffet concept with enhanced variety. Casual complimentary venues like The Americana Diner and The Promenade offer convenient bites. Specialty dining is a highlight, featuring returning favorites like Crown Grill and Sabatini's, alongside new concepts such as The Catch by Rudi for seafood, The Butcher's Block by Dario for prime cuts, and Makoto Ocean for sushi. Alfredo's Pizzeria, while still popular, now incurs a cover charge.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Regal Princess

    Entertainment on Regal Princess spans from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to interactive shows at Princess Live! Movies Under the Stars on the Lido Deck, complete with popcorn and blankets, provides a relaxed evening option. Nightlife thrives in venues like Club 6 for dancing, Crooners Martini Bar for piano melodies, Bellini's overlooking the Piazza, and the Vegas-style Casino. The unique SeaWalk offers thrilling ocean vistas, adding a distinctive element to the ship's array of diversions.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess boasts truly innovative entertainment and nightlife options. The Dome transforms from a pool area by day into an acrobatic performance space by night, showcasing Cirque Éloize productions. The Princess Arena, a technologically advanced theater, presents dynamic production shows. The reimagined Piazza Atrium is a constant hub of activity, featuring live music and aerial acts. For unique, immersive experiences, Spellbound by Magic Castle combines fine dining with close-up magic, while the expanded Princess Casino offers gaming excitement and the first 'Buffalo Zone' at sea.

    Cabins & Suites

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess offers a comfortable retreat with 81% of its cabins featuring balconies. Accommodations range from Interior cabins (166 to 175 sq ft) to Balcony (214-222 sq ft) and Deluxe Balcony (233-279 sq ft) staterooms, though some balconies are noted as being on the smaller side. Mini-Suites (323 sq ft) provide a separate sitting area and a welcome glass of bubbly. The Reserve Collection Mini-Suites and various Suite categories, including Penthouse and Owner's Suites (440 to 1,500 sq ft), offer enhanced space and amenities like priority services and complimentary mini-bar setups.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess features completely redesigned cabins with a crisp, modern décor, offering abundant storage and improved bathrooms with glass shower doors. Interior cabins range from 136 to 145 sq ft, while Premium Oceanview rooms are approximately 212 sq ft. New categories include Cove Balcony cabins on Deck 6 and Cabana Mini-Suites (329 sq ft) with an extra-large outdoor lounge area and exclusive Cabana Deck access. Signature Collection Suites, including the expansive Signature Sky Suite at 1,262 sq ft, offer access to exclusive lounges and dining, elevating the onboard living experience.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Regal Princess

    Regal Princess prides itself on its Medallion Class technology, which personalizes and streamlines the onboard experience. The OceanMedallion allows for effortless cabin access, purchases, and even locating companions via a robust smartphone app. Guests can order food and drinks to any location on the ship, enhancing convenience significantly. The ship's overall style is one of understated elegance, with attentive crew members, including 'Serenity Stewards' in The Sanctuary, dedicated to guest comfort and a seamless vacation.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess, while incorporating the latest Princess Cruises app for digital vacation management, presents a more contemporary and dynamic onboard style. The focus is on innovative design and new experiences. While the ship offers a dedicated Suite Experience Manager for Signature Sky Suites, the general layout has been noted as potentially confusing, with Guest Services tucked away on Deck 6. This suggests that while service aims for personalization, guests might need to rely more on the app and exploration to navigate the ship's fresh, albeit intricate, design.

    Best Itineraries

    Regal Princess

    Given its balance of relaxation and activities, Regal Princess is well-suited for diverse itineraries that appeal to a wide range of travelers, including couples and families. Its unique SeaWalk and Movies Under the Stars experiences are particularly enjoyable on scenic routes or during voyages with pleasant evenings at sea. The ship’s versatile dining and entertainment options make it a fitting choice for destinations that offer a mix of cultural exploration and opportunities for leisurely days, such as classic Caribbean routes, Mediterranean cruises, or Alaskan voyages.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess, with its lively, active vibe and strong family focus, is ideal for itineraries that emphasize engaging port experiences and dynamic onboard activities. Destinations known for adventure, beautiful scenic cruising, and family-friendly excursions would be a perfect match. The ship's innovative entertainment, including The Dome and Wake View Terrace, shines brightest on voyages where guests are keen to maximize both their time ashore and their experience on the ship, such as popular European routes, Caribbean sailings, or perhaps even longer, destination-rich journeys.

    What reviewers say

    Regal Princess

    4/5

    Regal 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.

    Sun Princess

    Sun Princess marks a significant departure for Princess Cruises, embracing innovation and a hipper, more active atmosphere that reimagines the brand. While its new design and lively spaces may challenge loyalists, an open mind reveals a ship that shines brightly with welcomed improvements and unique features.

    Itineraries to compare

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