Crown Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Crown Princess

    Ruby Princess

    Princess Cruises

    Ruby Princess

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    Ship Comparison

    Crown Princess vs Ruby Princess

    For those seeking a blend of classic elegance and family-friendly fun, the Crown Princess offers refined relaxation, while the MedallionClass Ruby Princess delivers personalized service and versatile adventures.

    The verdict

    Both the Crown Princess and Ruby Princess, as Grand and Crown-class vessels respectively, share many beloved Princess Cruises hallmarks, including a strong emphasis on destination immersion and a comfortable, unpretentious onboard experience. The Crown Princess, with its 2018 refresh, leans into a more balanced adult-centric vibe with thoughtful family amenities, excelling at managing crowds and offering a relaxed elegance. The Ruby Princess, having undergone a recent multi-million dollar renovation, stands out with its MedallionClass technology, providing a truly personalized and seamless service experience, alongside a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it highly adaptable for a wide range of itineraries. Your choice may come down to whether you prioritize classic elegance or the modern conveniences of MedallionClass technology and a slightly more overtly family-focused feel.

    Choose Crown Princess if…

    Travelers who appreciate a classic, elegant cruise experience with a balanced mix of relaxation and enrichment, particularly couples and adults, but also families with children aged 3 and up.

    Best for

    • Couples seeking a romantic and relaxed getaway
    • Adults who enjoy enrichment activities and quality dining
    • Families with children aged 3 and up looking for good kids' programs
    • Travelers who prefer a classic cruise experience with modern comforts
    • Guests who appreciate effective crowd management on a larger ship

    Avoid if

    • You prefer the very latest in high-tech attractions and mega-ship amenities
    • You need nursery services for children under 3 years old
    • You require complete privacy on all balcony types
    • You are seeking a cruise with a distinctly party-centric atmosphere

    Choose Ruby Princess if…

    Families and multi-generational groups looking for a laid-back, engaging cruise experience with personalized service and modern conveniences provided by MedallionClass technology.

    Best for

    • Families and multi-generational groups
    • Travelers who value personalized service and MedallionClass technology
    • Guests seeking diverse itineraries, from warm beaches to Alaska
    • Social cruisers who enjoy engaging group activities and live music
    • Those looking for a laid-back and friendly onboard atmosphere

    Avoid if

    • You expect an ultra-modern aesthetic in all areas of the ship
    • You prefer a very quiet and solitary cruise experience at all times
    • You are on a strict budget for onboard activities, as many classes and spa treatments are extra
    • You prefer booking all excursions directly through the cruise line to avoid additional costs

    Overall Vibe

    Crown Princess

    Built in 2006 and refreshed in 2018, the Grand-class Crown Princess offers a refined yet comfortable atmosphere, balancing relaxation with engaging activities. Carrying 3,080 guests across 14 passenger decks, it maintains an uncrowded feel due to its thoughtful design and four spacious pool areas. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate classic cruising with modern touches, seeking an elegant environment without the flash of newer mega-ships. The ambiance leans towards adults and couples, though its updated family facilities ensure a welcoming experience for all.

    Ruby Princess

    Debuting in 2008 and recently revitalized, the Crown-class Ruby Princess offers a distinctly laid-back and friendly ambiance, making it a versatile choice for diverse travelers. With a capacity for 3,080 guests and an efficient 1,200 crew, the ship maintains a personalized, intimate service feel. Its MedallionClass technology, coupled with an easy-to-navigate deck plan, contributes to a seamless experience. This vessel fosters a welcoming community, ensuring guests feel engaged and well-cared for, whether sailing to warm beaches or Alaskan glaciers.

    Atmosphere & Crowd

    Crown Princess

    The atmosphere on Crown Princess strikes a pleasant balance, appealing significantly to adults and couples looking for a mix of relaxation and enrichment. With a guest capacity of 3,080 and a dedicated crew of 1,200, the ship maintains an uncrowded feel. Its design incorporates features like four spacious pool areas and a three-story Piazza, which effectively disperses guests. The crowd tends to be a slightly older demographic, often traveling in couples or groups, enjoying the sophisticated yet unpretentious environment.

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess cultivates a friendly, laid-back, and family-oriented atmosphere, welcoming a diverse crowd that often includes multi-generational groups. With 3,080 guests and 1,200 crew, the ship manages to feel intimate despite its size, largely thanks to its personalized service and MedallionClass approach. The onboard energy is engaging, with guests noted for their participation in activities, fostering quick friendships. It's a ship where everyone, from active families to social explorers, can find their rhythm without feeling overwhelmed.

    Dining

    Crown Princess

    Crown Princess offers a broad culinary journey, featuring included options like the flexible Dine My Way and delightful Chocolate Journeys. Guests can enjoy casual bites at the 24-hour International Café, diverse buffet selections at Horizon Court and Cafe Caribe, or poolside fare from Slice Pizzeria and The Salty Dog Grill. For specialty dining, options include the intimate Crown Grill steakhouse, the Tuscan-inspired Sabatini's, and the exclusive Chef's Table Experience. The main dining rooms also offer a unique Wild for Alaska Seafood menu.

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess provides a varied dining landscape, from the main Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms to the casual Horizon Court buffet and 24/7 International Cafe. Top-deck options include Slice Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Grill, and Coffee & Cones for complimentary treats. For an elevated experience, guests can indulge in Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the popular Crown Grill steakhouse, or the exclusive Chef’s Table. The Salty Dog Gastropub, located in the Wheelhouse Bar, offers unique small plates for an additional fee.

    Entertainment & Nightlife

    Crown Princess

    Entertainment on Crown Princess ranges from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to open-air movies under the stars, complete with popcorn and blankets. The Vegas Style Casino offers gaming excitement, while the Piazza serves as a vibrant hub for live music and roving performers. Nightlife thrives at Club Fusion, Explorer's Lounge, and the panoramic Skywalkers Nightclub. Guests can also participate in "The Voice of the Ocean" singing competition and enjoy themed "Festivals of the World" events.

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess boasts a dynamic entertainment lineup, starting with big-stage musicals in the Princess Theatre and popular Movies Under the Stars, now enhanced with 7.1 surround sound. The Vegas Style Casino, Explorer's Lounge, and Skywalkers Nightclub offer diverse evening options. Guests can engage in "The Voice of the Ocean" competition, daily trivia, and various live music and dancing opportunities across the ship. The "Discovery at Sea" program adds enrichment, while "Good Spirits at Sea" offers immersive cocktail experiences.

    Cabins & Suites

    Crown Princess

    Crown Princess offers a comprehensive range of accommodations designed for comfort. Standard cabins, approximately 158-222 sq ft, feature Princess Luxury Beds, ample storage, and functional bathrooms. Balcony staterooms (214-222 sq ft) offer private outdoor space. Mini-Suites (323 sq ft) provide a separate sitting area and a welcome glass of bubbly. Suites, averaging 329 sq ft with a 166 sq ft balcony, include enhanced amenities like priority services and complimentary laundry. Two Bedroom Family Suites are available for larger groups.

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess provides comfortable accommodations, all featuring Princess Luxury Beds. Basic cabins, ranging from 158-222 sq ft, offer sufficient storage and essential amenities. Balcony staterooms include a private outdoor area. Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq ft) offer a separate sitting area and a larger bathroom. Suites (460-932 sq ft) come with expansive balconies and premium perks like priority services and exclusive dining. Two Bedroom Family Suites accommodate up to eight guests, ideal for larger families. Guests should note potential obstructed views on Deck 8 and 15.

    Service & Onboard Style

    Crown Princess

    Crown Princess delivers a classic cruise experience with attentive service and thoughtful touches. While not explicitly MedallionClass, its Princess@Sea app offers free messaging and daily activity access, and MedallionNet Wi-Fi is available. The crew-to-guest ratio ensures a good level of service. The ship's style is one of understated elegance, aiming for a relaxing and enriching environment. Priority embarkation and disembarkation are offered to guests in Club Class Mini-suites and full suites.

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess shines with its personalized and intimate service, largely powered by the MedallionClass technology. This system streamlines room access, purchases, and offers convenient app features for daily planning. Serenity Stewards at The Sanctuary provide attentive care in the adults-only retreat. The crew-to-guest ratio of 1:2.56 ensures a high level of individual attention, contributing to the ship's friendly and engaging atmosphere, making guests feel genuinely cared for throughout their voyage.

    Best Itineraries

    Crown Princess

    Crown Princess is well-suited for diverse itineraries, with its "Wild for Alaska Seafood menu" strongly suggesting a focus on Alaska sailings, providing a unique regional culinary experience. The ship's balanced offerings, from enrichment seminars to family programming, make it adaptable for destinations where guests appreciate both cultural engagement and relaxation. Its design and onboard activities are conducive to voyages where scenic cruising and port exploration are key components of the journey.

    Ruby Princess

    Ruby Princess excels in offering versatile itineraries, prominently sailing to popular destinations like Hawaii and the Caribbean, alongside cold-weather adventures to Alaska. The ship enhances its Alaska cruises with unique programs such as "Puppies in the Piazza" and "National Park ranger lectures," enriching the destination experience. Its ample outdoor deck space and MedallionClass features make it comfortable for both sunny and cooler climates, catering to travelers eager to explore varied regions with ease.

    What reviewers say

    Crown Princess

    4.5/5

    One 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.

    Ruby Princess

    4.5/5

    Ruby 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.

    Itineraries to compare

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    Crown Princess

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    Ruby Princess

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