Diamond Princess vs Ruby Princess

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess, launched in 2004 and refreshed in 2014, offers a well-maintained, culturally rich environment. As a mainstream cruise ship spanning 15 decks, its ambiance is heavily influenced by its homeport in Yokohama, Japan. This translates into a unique blend of traditional Princess offerings with a strong emphasis on Japanese cultural elements. It's a ship that invites exploration, both of the vessel's amenities and the cultural nuances woven into the onboard experience, appealing to those seeking more than just a typical cruise.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess, a Crown-class vessel launched in 2008, presents a laid-back and versatile vibe, having recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. Across its 16 decks, the ship balances classic Princess elegance with a modern, approachable feel. It's designed to be a comfortable retreat, offering a wide array of activities and dining, with a particular focus on providing a seamless experience through its MedallionClass technology. This ship adapts well to various itineraries, from sunny beaches to Alaskan glaciers, making it a flexible option for many.

Diamond Princess

The atmosphere on Diamond Princess is distinctly international and culturally immersive, largely due to its Japanese itineraries. While generally lively, particularly with 2,670 guests and a crew of 1,100, the ship quiets down earlier than some. English speakers might find themselves in the minority, especially on shorter cruises, which can be an enriching experience for those open to global interactions. The crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:2.4 ensures attentive service despite the diverse crowd.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess fosters a friendly, engaging, and notably laid-back family vibe. With a capacity for 3,080 guests and a crew of 1,200, the ship rarely feels crowded, a testament to its thoughtful design and efficient service (a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:2.57). Passengers often describe the atmosphere as intimate and personalized, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers. This ship draws a diverse, multi-generational crowd, all looking for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience.

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess boasts a diverse culinary landscape with a strong Japanese influence. Complimentary options include the International, Santa Fe, Vivaldi, Pacific Moon, and Savoy Dining Rooms, alongside the bustling Horizon Court buffet, which features a ramen bar and a make-your-own-sushi-roll bar. For casual bites, there's Trident Grill and Prego Pizzeria, plus green tea soft serve at Swirls. Specialty dining includes Sabatini's Italian, Sterling Steakhouse, and the exclusive Kai Sushi, offering authentic sushi and sashimi for an additional cost.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a broad selection of dining experiences, blending classic Princess venues with fresh top-deck options. Complimentary choices include the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, the Horizon Court Buffet, International Cafe (24/7), The Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, and Coffee & Cones for ice cream. For an elevated experience, guests can indulge in specialty venues like Crown Grill for steak and seafood, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, or the unique Salty Dog Gastropub, all for an additional fee.

Diamond Princess

Entertainment on Diamond Princess provides a blend of classic cruise shows and unique cultural experiences. The Princess Theatre hosts lavish productions, while venues like Explorer's Lounge and Club Fusion offer live music, comedians, and themed nights. Skywalkers Nightclub provides dancing with panoramic views. Unique to this ship are extensive Japanese cultural classes, including origami and dance, and local folkloric shows. Movies Under The Stars offers open-air films, and a Vegas-style Casino provides gaming excitement.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a vibrant entertainment lineup, from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to an enhanced Movies Under the Stars with 7.1 surround sound. Interactive shows like 'The Voice of the Ocean' are popular, fostering enthusiastic audience participation. Nightlife flourishes with diverse live music at the Adagio Bar, Crooners Bar with dueling pianos, and dancing in Skywalkers Nightclub and Club Fusion. A Vegas-style Casino, Speakeasy Cigar Lounge, and Discovery at Sea programming further round out the offerings.

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess offers 1,337 cabins, ranging from Interior staterooms (158-162 sq ft) to spacious Suites (460-932 sq ft). All standard rooms feature a queen bed, mini-refrigerator, and unique to this ship, electric tea kettles with Japanese teabags. Mini-Suites (323 sq ft) include a separate sitting area and Japanese toilets. Two Bedroom Family Suites accommodate up to six guests. It's worth noting some Oceanview cabins and Vista Suites have obstructed views, so checking deck plans is advisable.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess features 1,540 cabins, providing comfortable accommodations from Interior rooms (158-162 sq ft) to expansive Suites (460-932 sq ft). Mini-Suites (323 sq ft) are particularly appealing with a separate sitting area and a bathroom with a tub. Two Bedroom Family Suites are available for larger groups, accommodating up to eight guests. While comfortable, some Oceanview staterooms on decks 8 and 15 have obstructed views, and it's always wise to review deck plans for potential noise or view considerations.

Diamond Princess

Service on Diamond Princess is attentive, supported by a crew of 1,100 for 2,670 guests. The onboard style balances traditional Princess elegance with a strong cultural flair, incorporating Japanese aesthetics and offerings. Guests booking the Chef's Table Experience receive personalized memorabilia, and Serenity Stewards cater to needs in The Sanctuary. While MedallionNet Wi-Fi is available, its quality can vary. English speakers should be prepared for information often presented in two languages, a reflection of the ship's international appeal.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is known for its personalized and intimate service, a standout feature despite its capacity for 3,080 guests and a crew of 1,200. The ship operates as a MedallionClass vessel, enhancing the onboard experience with seamless access and personalized interactions. Serenity Stewards attend to guests in The Sanctuary, and Club Class and Suite passengers enjoy priority perks like embarkation and specialty dining. The overall style is welcoming and relaxed, with staff contributing to a friendly and engaging atmosphere for all.

Diamond Princess

Diamond Princess truly shines on its Japanese-focused itineraries, making it the premier choice for cultural explorers eager to immerse themselves in Japan's traditions. With Yokohama as its homeport, the ship offers unique opportunities for onboard cultural lessons and performances that directly tie into the destinations. Its design and specific offerings, like the Izumi Japanese Bath, are tailored to enhance a deep discovery of the region, providing an authentic and distinct travel experience.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is exceptionally versatile, offering appealing itineraries across a wide range of destinations, including the sunny Caribbean, the picturesque Hawaiian islands, and the majestic glaciers of Alaska. It's well-suited for both warm and cold-weather voyages, with ample outdoor deck space and adaptable indoor activities. During Alaskan cruises, guests particularly enjoy destination-specific offerings like National Park ranger lectures and the charming 'Puppies in the Piazza' event, enriching the journey with local flavor.