Ruby Princess vs Grand Princess

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess, launched in 2008, presents a welcoming and family-focused atmosphere, feeling more intimate than its 3,080-passenger capacity might suggest. Fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, it aims to combine classic Princess charm with updated amenities. The ship seamlessly integrates MedallionClass technology, enhancing personalization throughout the voyage. Despite being a Crown-class vessel, its layout feels easy to navigate, offering a balanced mix of lively public spaces and quiet retreats, making it adaptable for both warm and cold-weather adventures. It's a ship that invites you to relax and engage at your own pace.

Grand Princess

The Grand Princess, built in 1998 and last refurbished in 2016, offers a classic, casual-yet-elegant cruising experience. Carrying 2,594 guests, it has a sophisticated but unpretentious atmosphere that resonates particularly well with young retirees and multi-generational groups. While some areas show its age, Princess has made efforts to keep it fresh, notably with the modern Piazza atrium. The ship's design, spread across 17 decks, provides ample space for both social interaction and serene moments, embodying the traditional cruise ship feel without being overly grand or stuffy.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess fosters a laid-back and friendly atmosphere, where guests often describe the service as remarkably personalized and intimate despite hosting 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew members. The ship never feels overly crowded, a testament to its thoughtful design and flow. Activities like daily trivia and 'The Voice of the Ocean' competition see strong audience participation, quickly building a sense of camaraderie among cruisers. It’s an environment where families and social explorers can easily connect and enjoy the journey together, with plenty of diverse spaces for all energy levels.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess, with a slightly smaller capacity of 2,594 guests and 1,100 crew, cultivates an atmosphere that is generally affordable, well-worn, and casual-yet-elegant. It appeals to a broad demographic, from young retirees to multi-generational families. While the ship can feel crowded at times, particularly in main corridors and popular dining venues, the overall vibe remains sophisticated yet unpretentious. Passengers are often found engaging in traditional cruise activities like bingo and trivia, or enjoying live music in the Piazza, contributing to a consistently pleasant and social environment.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, from included options like the Horizon Court buffet, International Café (open 24/7), Slice Pizzeria, and The Salty Dog Grill, to specialty restaurants. For an added fee, guests can indulge in Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, the popular Crown Grill steakhouse, or the exclusive Chef’s Table Experience. Unique options like the Crab Shack within Horizon Court and Ultimate Balcony Dining provide varied culinary adventures. The 'Dine My Way' service offers flexibility, ensuring a personalized dining schedule that caters to individual preferences, and the 'Chocolate Journeys' program provides delightful treats.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess provides a high-quality dining experience with a mix of complimentary and specialty venues. Guests can enjoy traditional main dining in Michelangelo, Botticelli, and DaVinci, offering both Anytime and Set Seating. Casual bites are plentiful at Alfredo's Pizzeria, Trident Grill, and the 24-hour International Cafe. For a surcharge, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill steakhouse are highly regarded for their exquisite menus and service. The ship also features a Crab Shack within Horizon Court and the luxurious Ultimate Balcony Dining, ensuring a wide array of choices to satisfy diverse tastes, alongside the included 'Chocolate Journeys' program.

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess offers a vibrant array of entertainment options. The Princess Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions and original musicals, while Movies Under the Stars provides an open-air cinematic experience with 7.1 surround sound. Nightlife includes the Vegas Style Casino, dancing at Skywalker's Nightclub (with panoramic views 15 decks up), and lively events in Club Fusion. For more relaxed evenings, guests can enjoy live piano music at Crooners Bar or themed drinks at Explorer's Lounge. The ship also features 'Discovery at Sea' programs and various guest entertainers, ensuring diverse options from high-energy shows to quiet cocktails.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess provides a diverse entertainment program designed to engage a broad audience. The Princess Theatre showcases Broadway-style productions, while Movies Under the Stars offers poolside films with free popcorn. Guests can try their luck at the Grand Casino or enjoy live music in venues like Crooner's Bar, Explorer's Lounge, and the Wheelhouse Bar, which often features country and western music. For late-night revelry, The One5 nightclub keeps the party going. Interactive events like trivia, game shows, and 'The Voice of the Ocean' competition foster passenger participation, ensuring there's always something engaging happening day and night.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a range of accommodations, from comfortable Interior staterooms (approx. 158-162 sq ft) to spacious Suites (approx. 460-932 sq ft). Many cabins boast balconies (approx. 214-222 sq ft), with nearly 900 available. Mini-Suites, at around 323 sq ft, provide extra space and a separate sitting area. The Reserve Collection Mini-Suites and full Suites come with enhanced amenities like priority services and complimentary mini-bar setups. While basic cabins are comfortable, guests should note that some Oceanview staterooms, particularly on Deck 8 and 15, have obstructed views, so checking deck plans is advised to ensure optimal privacy and view.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess features accommodations ranging from Interior staterooms (approx. 158-162 sq ft) to expansive Suites. Standard cabins are noted for being clean and comfortable, though smaller than the industry average, with an intelligent use of space despite a somewhat dated color palette. Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq ft) include a sofa bed and separate sitting area, while larger Suites with verandas offer enhanced amenities. A notable design feature is the tiered balconies, which means some lower-deck balconies may have reduced privacy. The ship also offers Two Bedroom Family Suites, perfect for larger groups, which include two bathrooms and an expansive private balcony.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is celebrated for its warm, personalized service, with a staff-to-guest ratio that supports an intimate experience even on a larger ship. The MedallionClass technology significantly enhances onboard style, offering seamless room access, personalized recommendations, and efficient ordering via the Medallion app. This integration allows the crew to provide more attentive service, anticipating needs and making interactions feel tailored to each guest. The overall style is one of casual elegance, where guests feel well-cared for without excessive formality, contributing to a relaxed yet refined cruising experience.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess maintains a reputation for high-quality service, delivered with a sophisticated yet unpretentious approach. While the ship itself may show its age in some design elements and cabin decor, the crew consistently provides attentive and efficient service in dining rooms and public areas. The onboard style is geared towards a relaxed elegance, suitable for guests who appreciate traditional cruising values. The Princess@Sea service, accessible via personal devices without internet, allows guests to navigate daily schedules and communicate onboard, offering a practical layer of personalized convenience that complements the classic service model.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is a versatile vessel, well-suited for a wide array of destinations. Its design and activities make it particularly fitting for both warm-weather itineraries, such as the Caribbean and Hawaii, and cooler climates like Alaska, where features like 'Movies Under the Stars' and 'Puppies in the Piazza' (on Alaska sailings) add unique touches. The ship’s ability to cater to diverse interests, from active families to leisure seekers, allows it to excel in varied scenic cruising routes, providing memorable experiences regardless of the destination.

Grand Princess

Grand Princess is a strong contender for a variety of itineraries, particularly those departing from the U.S. West Coast. It offers appealing options for destinations like the Mexican Riviera, and its robust 'Wild for Alaska Seafood' menu makes it a popular choice for Alaskan cruises. The ship’s blend of casual elegance and engaging activities, such as 'Itinerary-Specific Celebrations' like a Day of the Dead event for Mexico voyages, enhances the destination experience. It's ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring diverse regions while appreciating a ship that delivers consistent quality and value.