Royal Princess vs Sun Princess

Royal Princess

Launched in 2013 and refreshed in 2018, Royal Princess maintains a welcoming, consistent ambiance that blends classic cruising with thoughtful innovations. As the first of the Royal Class ships, she measures in at a substantial size, accommodating 3,560 guests across 19 decks. Her design prioritizes comfortable public spaces and a relaxed flow, incorporating signature features like the dramatic SeaWalk, a cantilevered glass-bottomed walkway 128 feet above the waves. The overall feel is one of polished tradition, offering a well-rounded experience that’s both familiar and engaging, underscored by Princess Cruises' commitment to destination enrichment.

Sun Princess

Debuting in 2024 as a new mega-ship for Princess Cruises, Sun Princess presents a bold, innovative departure for the brand. Designed for 4,300 guests across 21 decks, she radiates a lively, modern, and energetic atmosphere. This vessel pushes boundaries with architectural marvels like The Dome, a multi-purpose glass-enclosed space, and the reimagined Piazza Atrium, creating vibrant new social hubs. The vibe is distinctly contemporary, focusing on fresh experiences and elevated comfort, signaling a forward-thinking evolution for Princess, appealing to those keen on a dynamic and immersive journey at sea.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess offers a mellow yet engaging atmosphere, attracting a broad age group from first-time cruisers to seasoned travelers and families. With a capacity for 3,560 passengers and a crew of 1,346, the ship maintains a comfortable guest-to-crew ratio. While popular areas like the Horizon Court buffet can get quite busy, especially on port days, there are ample quiet corners for relaxation, such as the adults-only Sanctuary. The ship fosters a traditional cruise community feel, with many guests appreciating the balance of classic activities and the opportunity for destination immersion. Even with its size, the ship manages to feel navigable and welcoming.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess is designed to cultivate a lively, modern, and family-oriented atmosphere, appealing to a more active and social crowd. As a larger vessel accommodating 4,300 guests, the energy onboard is palpable, particularly in its innovative public spaces like the expansive Piazza Atrium and The Dome. The ship aims to be a hub of activity and new experiences, which can mean bustling environments during peak times. It’s geared towards multi-generational families and those who appreciate a dynamic social scene, with a focus on immersive entertainment and diverse age-specific venues that encourage interaction and exploration.

Royal Princess

Dining on Royal Princess offers a mix of included and specialty options. The Allegro, Symphony, and Concerto main dining rooms provide traditional early/late seating or flexible choices, with a special section for Suite guests. The Horizon Court/Bistro is a popular, albeit often crowded, buffet with diverse international fare, complemented by The Pastry Shop. Complimentary casual options include poolside Prego Pizzeria and Trident Grill, plus the 24-hour International Café for light bites. For an extra cost, guests can indulge at Sabatini's, Crown Grill, Ocean Terrace, or the exclusive Chef's Table Lumiere, offering a range of culinary journeys from Italian to steakhouse classics.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess elevates the dining experience with a wide array of new and reimagined venues. The three-level Main Dining Room offers distinct experiences on each floor, while The Sanctuary Restaurant is exclusive for Sanctuary Collection guests. Complimentary casual options include The Americana Diner, The Eatery buffet (noted for variety but sometimes crowded), and various grab-and-go spots at The Promenade and The Lido. Specialty dining, often for an additional cost, includes the refined Crown Grill, elegant Sabatini's, the unique Butcher's Block by Dario, seafood-focused The Catch by Rudi, and Japanese options like Makoto Ocean and Umai Teppanyaki. O'Malley's Irish Pub offers traditional pub fare, enhancing the diverse culinary landscape.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess provides a robust entertainment program, highlighted by the Princess Theatre's Broadway-style productions, complete with a live orchestra and Stephen Schwartz musicals. The Princess Live! studio offers interactive game shows and culinary demonstrations, while the Vista Lounge hosts diverse performances. The vibrant Piazza is a hub of activity with live music, themed dances, and a nightly disco. Unique features include Movies Under the Stars, a poolside amphitheater, and the Princess WaterColor Fantasy, a dazzling water and light show. For evening relaxation, guests can enjoy cocktails at Bellini's, Crooner's Lounge and Bar, or the Wheelhouse Bar, or try their luck at the Vegas Style Casino.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess redefines entertainment with innovative, high-tech venues. The Dome is a multi-purpose glass-enclosed space that transforms from a pool area by day into an acrobatic stage by night, featuring performances created with Cirque Éloize. The Princess Arena is a technologically advanced theater with a configurable circular stage, hosting high-energy production shows. The reimagined Piazza Atrium serves as a dynamic social hub with constant live music, game shows, and dance classes. For unique immersive experiences, Spellbound by Magic Castle combines an exclusive dinner with close-up magic, offering an evening unlike any other at sea. The expanded Princess Casino, with its

Royal Princess

Royal Princess offers 1,780 cabins, encompassing Interior, Balcony, Deluxe Balcony, Mini-Suite, Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, and Full Suite categories. Standard cabins feature comfortable queen or twin beds, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, though storage is somewhat limited, and electrical outlets (one European, two North American) are few, lacking USB ports. Bathrooms are compact with hand-held showerheads. Mini-Suites are larger with a separate sitting area and sofa bed. Full Suites provide significantly more space and perks like priority embarkation, complimentary mini-bar setup, and access to the Concierge Lounge, providing a more luxurious, amenity-rich experience.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess features completely redesigned cabins and suites across 2,157 staterooms, prioritizing modern comfort and abundant storage. Interior cabins are 136-145 sq ft, while Deluxe Balcony rooms are approximately 235 sq ft, and Premium Oceanview staterooms offer 212 sq ft with expansive views. All accommodations boast updated décor, improved bathrooms with glass shower doors, and ample electrical outlets. New categories like Cove Balcony cabins and Cabana Mini-Suites (329 sq ft with an extra-large private lounge space) offer unique outdoor experiences. The lavish Signature Suites, including the expansive 1,262 sq ft Signature Sky Suite, provide exclusive access to the Signature Lounge and other premium benefits, truly elevating the onboard living experience.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess upholds Princess Cruises' reputation for consistent and attentive service, supported by a crew of 1,346 dedicated to guest satisfaction. The onboard style is one of understated elegance and traditional comfort, with a welcoming ambiance that feels familiar and polished. The Personalized OceanMedallion technology aims to streamline services, from cabin entry to embarkation, though its full integration for ordering food or payments can be inconsistent, with staff often preferring traditional cabin number requests. Despite this, the crew generally provides warm, knowledgeable assistance, contributing to a relaxed and comfortable journey for all passengers.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess, as a brand-new vessel, introduces a refreshed onboard style that is distinctly modern, vibrant, and focused on innovative guest experiences. While specific crew counts are not available, the service aims to be seamless and intuitive, leveraging the Personalized OceanMedallion technology as a core component of the vacation experience. The ship's design elements, such as the glass-enclosed Piazza and The Dome, contribute to a contemporary and lively atmosphere. Guest Services, however, is noted to be in a smaller, less accessible location on Deck 6, which can lead to queues. Overall, the ship strives for an elevated, tech-forward, and comfortable guest journey.

Royal Princess

Royal Princess is well-suited for a variety of itineraries that appeal to guests seeking a blend of cultural immersion and relaxed cruising. Given its established Royal Class design, it excels on voyages that allow for a comfortable pace of exploration, such as classic Caribbean routes, scenic Alaska sailings with Discovery at Sea enrichment, or European cruises visiting diverse ports. The ship's robust enrichment programs, including Scholarship@sea and destination-themed lectures, enhance journeys that focus on cultural learning and scenic enjoyment. Its traditional amenities and comfortable atmosphere make it an excellent choice for those who value both port experiences and onboard relaxation.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess, with its innovative design and modern amenities, is ideally positioned for itineraries that complement its forward-thinking approach to cruising. It is particularly well-suited for popular Mediterranean voyages and other destination-rich routes where its unique entertainment venues and diverse dining options can shine during sea days. The ship's family-friendly focus and comprehensive kids' clubs make it perfect for holiday sailings or routes during school breaks. Its emphasis on immersive experiences, like the Discovery at SEA programs and Festivals of the World, enhances journeys to culturally vibrant regions, appealing to travelers eager for new adventures both on and off the ship.