Ship Comparison
Crown Princess vs Royal Princess
For a classic, uncrowded Princess experience emphasizing relaxation and enrichment, Crown Princess shines; for modern amenities, high-tech personalization, and destination immersion, Royal Princess delivers.
The verdict
Both Princess ships offer a distinct charm within the fleet. Crown Princess, a Grand-class vessel, leans into a more traditional, elegant, and unpretentious cruising style. Its 2018 refresh ensured modern comforts, while its design effectively manages crowds, making it ideal for adults and couples seeking a serene escape. Royal Princess, the first of the Royal Class, offers a contemporary blend of traditional elements with innovative technology like the OceanMedallion. Launched in 2013 and refurbished in 2018, it provides a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, appealing to a broader demographic, including families and those who appreciate tech-enhanced services. The choice truly depends on whether you prefer a timeless, refined ambiance or a more modern, interactive journey with enhanced personalization.
Choose Crown Princess if…
Travelers seeking a classic, elegant, and serene cruise experience with a focus on relaxation and cultural enrichment, particularly adults and couples. Also suited for families with children aged 3 and up.
Best for
- Those seeking a classic, elegant, and uncrowded cruise experience.
- Adults and couples prioritizing relaxation and intimate dining.
- Families with children aged 3 and up who appreciate dedicated kids' spaces.
- Guests who enjoy traditional enrichment activities like seminars and lectures.
- Travelers looking for a balanced experience of comfort and quality service.
Avoid if
- You prefer the latest high-tech attractions and mega-ship features.
- You require a nursery or child-minding services for children under 3.
- You are sensitive to potential noise in cabins above/below public venues.
- You seek extensive privacy on all balcony types, as some views are tiered.
- You desire cutting-edge, ultra-modern entertainment over classic productions.
Choose Royal Princess if…
Cruisers looking for a modern, tech-savvy experience with personalized service via OceanMedallion, diverse dining, and engaging entertainment, appealing to a broad age range including families and first-time Princess guests.
Best for
- Travelers who enjoy modern amenities and Personalized service through OceanMedallion.
- Families and multi-generational groups looking for diverse activities and robust kids' programs.
- Guests seeking immersive destination enrichment and unique onboard features like the SeaWalk.
- Foodies interested in a wide variety of dining options, including specialty partnerships.
- Cruisers who appreciate a lively yet traditional atmosphere with plenty of social opportunities.
Avoid if
- You prefer a very quiet, intimate, and secluded pool experience on sea days.
- You are sensitive to potential cabin noise from entertainment venues or deck activities.
- You prioritize extensive natural light in spa facilities.
- You need numerous USB charging ports or more electrical outlets in standard cabins.
- You prefer a purely traditional cruise without modern tech integrations.
Overall Vibe
Crown Princess
The Crown Princess, a Grand-class vessel launched in 2006 and refreshed in 2018, offers a comfortable and elegant cruising experience across its 19 decks. It's designed to balance relaxation with enriching activities, appealing to guests who appreciate a classic cruise feel without excessive glitz. The ship's layout is thoughtfully arranged to minimize crowding, fostering a serene atmosphere even with its 3,080-passenger capacity. This vessel strikes a harmonious note between traditional Princess offerings and modern comforts, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a well-rounded and unpretentious voyage.
Royal Princess
As the inaugural Royal Class ship, launched in 2013 and refurbished in 2018, the Royal Princess presents a more contemporary take on the Princess experience, spanning 19 decks. With a larger capacity for 3,560 guests, it blends traditional elements with innovative features like the dramatic SeaWalk and immersive destination-themed programs. The ship aims for a mellow yet fun atmosphere, integrating modern technology such as OceanMedallion for a Personalized journey. It appeals to a broad demographic, from first-time cruisers to seasoned travelers, offering a consistent and modern cruising standard.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Crown Princess
The Crown Princess cultivates a balanced and uncrowded atmosphere, thoughtfully designed to cater to adults, couples, and groups seeking both relaxation and enrichment. With a guest capacity of 3,080 and a dedicated crew of 1,200, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio. The vibe leans towards a slightly older crowd, fostering a welcoming environment for social interaction without feeling overly boisterous. Even with good facilities for families, the ship primarily appeals to those desiring an elegant, laid-back voyage where tranquility is easily found.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess offers a lively yet traditional atmosphere, welcoming a broad spectrum of 3,560 guests and supported by a crew of 1,346. The ship's design aims to create a fun, modern environment that appeals to a wide age range, from first-timers to seasoned Princess cruisers, including families and solo travelers. While the main pool areas can get busy on sea days, the ship provides ample spaces like the adults-only Retreat Pool for quieter moments. The overall feel is laid-back, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience for diverse lifestyles.
Dining
Crown Princess
Crown Princess offers a comprehensive culinary journey with options like the flexible Dine My Way℠ and delectable Chocolate Journeys℠. Complimentary choices include the 24-hour International Café, the varied Horizon Court buffet, Slice Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones. For an additional cost, guests can indulge in the intimate Crown Grill steakhouse, the Tuscan-inspired Sabatini's, or the exclusive Chef's Table Experience. The ship also features a "Wild for Alaska Seafood menu" in its main dining rooms and a charming white-glove afternoon tea, ensuring diverse flavors for every palate.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess provides a diverse dining landscape, featuring complimentary options such as the main dining rooms (Allegro, Symphony, Concerto), the extensive Horizon Court buffet, The Pastry Shop, Prego Pizzeria, Trident Grill, Swirls Ice Cream, and the 24-hour International Café. Specialty experiences, available for an additional cost, include the elegant Sabatini's, the upscale Crown Grill℠, the unique Chef's Table Lumiere, and the Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar. Partnerships with Napa Valley wineries also offer exclusive Wine Maker’s Dinners, catering to discerning palates.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Crown Princess
Entertainment on Crown Princess spans from Broadway-style productions at the Princess Theatre and open-air Movies Under The Stars to interactive fun like The Voice of the Ocean singing competition. Guests can try their luck at the Vegas Style Casino, enjoy live music and dancing at Club Fusion or the vibrant Piazza, or relax with a cocktail in the Explorer's Lounge or Crooner's Bar. For those seeking late-night excitement, Skywalkers Nightclub offers panoramic views and dancing. Regular events like "Festivals of the World" and engaging game shows round out the lively offerings.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess offers a dynamic entertainment lineup, highlighted by the Princess Theatre's production shows with a live orchestra and Stephen Schwartz musicals. The innovative Princess Live! studio hosts interactive game shows and trivia, while the Piazza comes alive with nightly live music, cultural performances, and themed parties. Unique features include the dramatic SeaWalk, the dazzling Princess WaterColor Fantasy with dancing fountains, and the intimate Club 6 for dancing. Guests can also enjoy Movies Under The Stars, Vegas-style gambling, and themed cocktail experiences at Good Spirits at Sea.
Cabins & Suites
Crown Princess
Crown Princess offers a range of accommodations, from standard Interior (158-162 sq ft) and Oceanview (146-206 sq ft) cabins to Balcony (214-222 sq ft) and Mini-Suites (323 sq ft) with a separate sitting area. Full Suites (460-932 sq ft) and Two Bedroom Family Suites provide expansive layouts and enhanced amenities like complimentary laundry and exclusive dining access. All cabins feature comfortable Princess Luxury Beds and ample storage. Guests should be aware of potential noise from public areas on Decks 5 and 8, and some limited privacy on certain balconies due to the tiered deck design.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess features a variety of cabins, including Interior (158-162 sq ft), Balcony (214-222 sq ft), and Deluxe Balcony (233-279 sq ft) staterooms, plus Mini-Suites (323 sq ft) and expansive Suites (440-1,500 sq ft). All rooms come with Princess Luxury Beds. Mini-Suites and Suites offer enhanced perks, with Suites gaining access to a Concierge Lounge. While comfortable, standard cabins have limited electrical outlets and lack USB ports. Guests should note potential noise from entertainment venues on Deck 8 and the main pool deck on Deck 15, and privacy concerns for some balconies below the SeaWalk.
Service & Onboard Style
Crown Princess
The Crown Princess provides a refined and elegant onboard style, focusing on comfortable, traditional luxury with attentive service. The atmosphere is designed to feel uncrowded, supported by a crew-to-guest ratio that allows for personalized care. Guests benefit from MedallionNet Wi-Fi and the Princess@Sea app, enhancing convenience for daily activities and communication. The ship’s overall ambiance is less flashy than newer mega-ships, appealing to those who value a polished experience, quality dining, and decadent spa treatments within a well-maintained environment.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess blends traditional Princess service with modern conveniences, particularly through its OceanMedallion technology, which aims to personalize the guest experience from automatic cabin door opening to intuitive service. MedallionNet Wi-Fi offers excellent connectivity, though staff consistency in utilizing Medallion for all transactions can vary. The onboard style is mellow yet fun, offering a consistent and solid cruise experience. While the Lotus Spa is located on Deck 5 without natural light, dedicated adults-only areas like The Sanctuary provide a premium, tranquil retreat with attentive Serenity Stewards.
Best Itineraries
Crown Princess
The Crown Princess is well-suited for voyages to a variety of "exotic destinations," offering a blend of cultural enrichment and relaxation. Its "Wild for Alaska Seafood menu" and "Festivals of the World" events suggest it frequently sails to Alaska and other global regions, providing guests with opportunities to explore diverse cultures and natural wonders. The ship's focus on enriching seminars and port lectures further enhances itineraries that delve into the history and highlights of the places visited, appealing to engaged explorers seeking in-depth destination immersion.
Royal Princess
Royal Princess excels in destination-rich itineraries, particularly those enhanced by its "Discovery at Sea" programs, which bring regional residents and naturalists onboard. While "Stargazing with Discovery at SEA" generally excludes Alaska due to the midnight sun, other features like the "Treehouse Masters" connection to its Mt. McKinley Wilderness Lodge confirm its presence in Alaska. The ship’s "destination-themed enrichment programs" and diverse offerings are ideal for travelers looking for an immersive experience that connects them deeply with the places they visit, from cultural demonstrations to survival-style game shows.
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.
Royal Princess
4/5Royal Princess offers a consistent, traditional cruise experience with modern touches like the OceanMedallion, appealing to a broad demographic. Despite a few age-related shortcomings, the ship maintains a very good standard across its amenities and service.
Itineraries to compare
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