Coral Princess vs Royal Princess

Coral Princess

Launched in 2003 and last refurbished in 2009, Coral Princess is a mid-sized Panamax vessel, weighing in at 91,627 gross tons and spanning 16 decks. She offers a unique blend of glitz and comfort, designed to feel intimate yet surprisingly spacious. Her custom build allows her to navigate the historic Panama Canal, shaping her into a ship for voyages of discovery. The atmosphere is generally calm and welcoming, catering to guests who appreciate traditional cruising with a touch of elegance and efficient operation.

Royal Princess

As the first of the Royal Class ships, Royal Princess debuted in 2013 and received a refurbishment in 2018. This larger vessel, at 142,714 gross tons and 19 decks, offers a welcoming ambiance with innovative features. She strikes a balance between traditional cruising and modern amenities, creating a mellow yet fun and contemporary atmosphere. Her design incorporates grand spaces like the Piazza and the thrilling SeaWalk, appealing to those who enjoy a vibrant, resort-like experience with plenty of options to explore.

Coral Princess

Carrying 2,000 guests and supported by a crew of 900, Coral Princess maintains an intimate and comfortable atmosphere, even when sailing at full capacity. The ship's design ensures a surprising sense of spaciousness in public areas, preventing an overly crowded feel. The vibe leans towards a mature crowd, appreciative of classic cruising comforts and destination enrichment programs. It's a place where guests can feel right at home, enjoy quiet moments, and engage in social interactions without feeling overwhelmed.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess accommodates a larger crowd of 3,560 guests with a crew of 1,346, fostering a more bustling and energetic atmosphere. She appeals to a broad demographic, from first-time cruisers to seasoned travelers and families. The ship balances traditional elements with modern, fun offerings, though popular areas like the Horizon Court and main pools can become quite lively during peak times. The overall feel is one of relaxed adventure, with plenty of opportunities for both social engagement and quiet relaxation in designated areas.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, with complimentary options including the traditional Bordeaux Dining Room and flexible Provence Dining Room, along with the extensive Horizon Court buffet. Casual bites are available at Princess Pizzeria, The Bar & Grill, and the 24-hour International Café. For a surcharge, guests can savor New Orleans-inspired Cajun and Creole cuisine at Bayou Cafe & Steakhouse ($20), authentic Italian at Sabatini's Italian Trattoria ($25), or an exclusive Chef's Table Experience. Room service is available 24-hours, with charges on select menu items.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess boasts a wide array of dining, with complimentary options across the Allegro, Symphony, and Concerto main dining rooms, plus the expansive Horizon Court/Bistro featuring a dedicated Pastry Shop. Casual poolside fare can be found at Trident Grill, while the International Café offers light bites (coffee extra). Specialty dining, mostly at an additional cost, includes the elegant Sabatini's, the premium Crown Grill, the seafood-focused Ocean Terrace, and Alfredo's Pizzeria (included with Princess Plus/Premier, otherwise a cover charge). Unique experiences like Chef's Table Lumiere and Wine Maker’s Dinners are also available for an additional fee.

Coral Princess

Entertainment on Coral Princess blends classic cruise fun with enriching experiences. The Princess Theatre showcases Broadway-style productions, while the versatile Universe Lounge hosts a variety of shows and enrichment lectures. Guests can try their luck at the Vegas Style Casino, enjoy live music in the Atrium, or relax with Movies Under the Stars on a large outdoor screen. Lounges like Explorers Lounge, Crooners Bar with dueling pianos, and the Wheelhouse Bar offer varied evening atmospheres, complemented by engaging ScholarShip@Sea programs and culinary demonstrations.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess offers a vibrant entertainment lineup, from dazzling productions in the Princess Theatre, featuring Stephen Schwartz musicals and a live orchestra, to interactive game shows at Princess Live! The Piazza is a lively hub with street performers, live music, and themed dances, including a Champagne waterfall on formal nights. Unique features like the SeaWalk, a cantilevered glass walkway, and the Water & Light Show with dancing fountains provide memorable spectacles. Nightlife continues at Club 6, the Vegas Style Casino, and various bars, while Movies Under the Stars offers poolside films.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess features 987 cabins, with an impressive 83 percent of outside staterooms offering private balconies. Accommodations range from Interior (156-166 sq ft) and Oceanview (162-212 sq ft) to Balcony (217-232 sq ft), Mini-Suite with Balcony (285-302 sq ft), and Balcony Suites (470 sq ft). Mini-suites offer a separate sitting area and a bathtub. Suite guests enjoy perks like complimentary laundry and internet. While cabin decor is simple and savvy, some guests have noted dramatically uneven room temperatures in certain parts of the ship.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess offers 1,780 cabins, with all outside accommodations featuring balconies. Stateroom categories include Interior (158-162 sq ft), Balcony (214-222 sq ft), Deluxe Balcony (233-277 sq ft), Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq ft), and expansive Suites (440-1,500 sq ft). Mini-suites include a sofa bed and welcome champagne, while full suites offer exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge. A notable design element is the SeaWalk, which overlooks certain starboard balconies (409-433), impacting privacy. Cabins, being from a 2013 build, have limited electrical outlets and no USB ports.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess provides a service experience that feels both attentive and unpretentious, reflecting its intimate atmosphere. The crew of 900 for 2,000 guests contributes to a personalized touch, making passengers feel truly at home. Operational efficiency is a standout, particularly noted in the crisp disembarkation process. The overall onboard style balances traditional elegance with a comfortable, familiar ambiance. While internet access cards occasionally had minor complaints, suite passengers enjoy complimentary internet, enhancing their experience.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess aims for a modern, Personalized service experience, largely facilitated by the OceanMedallion technology. This wearable device simplifies embarkation, cabin access, and is intended to streamline onboard purchases, though staff consistency in its use can vary. With a crew of 1,346 serving 3,560 guests, the service is generally consistent within a larger ship environment. The onboard style is contemporary and vibrant, blending traditional Princess elements with new features like MedallionNet Wi-Fi, which is promoted as 'the best Wi-Fi at sea'.

Coral Princess

Coral Princess is uniquely suited for specific voyages, having been custom-built to navigate the historic Panama Canal. This capability opens up fascinating itineraries that larger ships cannot access, making her an excellent choice for travelers prioritizing destination immersion and unique routes. Beyond the Canal, her size and design lend themselves well to other voyages of discovery, complemented by enriching Discovery at SEA programs and destination-themed activities that connect guests more deeply with the places they visit.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess is designed to explore a wide range of global destinations, offering a robust platform for diverse itineraries. While no specific itinerary is highlighted, her modern amenities and comprehensive onboard programming make her well-suited for popular routes where guests appreciate a full-featured ship experience. Her extensive destination enrichment programs, including those inspired by Discovery and Animal Planet, ensure that regardless of the route, guests can engage with the culture and natural wonders of their chosen regions.