Island Princess vs Ruby Princess

Island Princess

The Island Princess, launched in 2003 and last refurbished in 2015, offers a comfortable, traditional cruise experience. As a mid-sized Coral-class vessel, she carries 2,214 passengers across 16 decks, creating a classic, unpretentious atmosphere. While some areas might feel a bit dated, the ship maintains a welcoming ambiance, designed to be a relaxing retreat. Her custom build for Panama Canal transits speaks to a focus on unique itineraries, appealing to those who appreciate established routes and a familiar, dependable cruising style.

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess, a Crown-class vessel, boasts a laid-back, family-friendly vibe, having recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation to refresh her spaces. Carrying 3,080 passengers across 19 decks, she feels surprisingly open, with a focus on engaging activities and personalized service. The ship is designed as a romantic destination in itself, offering a blend of classic Princess elegance with modern enhancements, including the latest in immersive audio for Movies Under the Stars. It's a ship that balances relaxation with lively social opportunities.

Island Princess

Island Princess cultivates a comfortable, traditional, and family-friendly atmosphere. With a passenger capacity of 2,214 and a crew count of 900, the ship maintains a reasonable crew-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:2.46. While generally pleasant, some public areas can feel a bit crowded, especially on sea days, due to the ship's mid-size and layout. The overall feel is one of familiarity, appealing to those who enjoy a classic cruising pace and easy-going social interactions, without overly boisterous crowds.

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess is known for its laid-back, friendly, and engaging atmosphere, often described as having a strong family vibe. Despite accommodating 3,080 passengers with a crew of 1,200, resulting in a crew-to-guest ratio of roughly 1:2.56, the ship never feels overly crowded. This is partly due to its well-designed public spaces and the MedallionClass technology that helps manage guest flow. The ship fosters a sense of personalized and intimate service, with guests often finding themselves making quick friendships through popular group activities and lively participation in events.

Island Princess

Island Princess offers a good variety of dining experiences, blending traditional and specialty options. Complimentary choices include the elegant Bordeaux and Provence Dining Rooms for traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside the casual Horizon Court buffet, Princess Pizzeria, and The Trident Grill for American classics. For an additional charge, guests can savor Italian cuisine at Sabatini's or New Orleans-inspired dishes at the Bayou Café & Steakhouse. While the Bayou Cafe and Horizon Court scrambled eggs have received mixed reviews, the overall selection, including the popular Chocolate Journeys program, ensures diverse culinary experiences.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess provides a diverse and generally well-regarded culinary journey. Guests can enjoy complimentary meals in the Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, or opt for the extensive Horizon Court buffet. Casual top-deck options like The Salty Dog Grill for burgers and tacos, Slice Pizzeria, and Coffee & Cones for ice cream are popular, alongside the 24-hour International Café. Specialty dining, available for an extra fee, includes the highly-rated Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, and the exclusive Chef's Table. The ship also offers unique experiences like the Crab Shack pop-up and the delightful Chocolate Journeys program.

Island Princess

Entertainment on Island Princess centers around classic cruise offerings. The Princess Theatre hosts production shows, lectures, and afternoon movies. Movies Under The Stars provides an open-air poolside cinema experience. Guests can try their luck at the Vegas Style Casino or enjoy live music in the Wheelhouse Bar and piano tunes at Crooners. The Explorers Lounge offers cabaret acts and karaoke. While there are plenty of engaging activities throughout the day and early evening, the nightlife tends to quiet down significantly after midnight, with most venues becoming deserted.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a lively and diverse entertainment lineup. The Princess Theatre stages Broadway-style productions and featured guest entertainers, while Movies Under The Stars provides an immersive audio experience with its 7.1 surround sound. Nightlife flourishes across multiple venues, including Skywalker's Nightclub for dancing, Club Fusion for themed parties and karaoke, and the Adagio Bar for live piano and jazz. The ship also features a Vegas Style Casino, engaging Discovery at Sea programs, and vibrant Festivals of the World events, ensuring a dynamic and social atmosphere well into the evening.

Island Princess

Island Princess offers 987 cabins, ranging from Interior and Oceanview staterooms to Balcony, Mini-Suite, Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, and full Suites. Standard cabins are comfortable but noted for their bland decor, small bathrooms with fixed showerheads, and compact balconies. Suites, spanning 460 to 932 sq. ft., provide more spacious living areas, sofa beds, walk-in closets, and enhanced amenities like complimentary mini-bars and priority services. The Reserve Collection Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq. ft., also offer additional dining and embarkation perks.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess provides a wide selection of accommodations, including nearly 900 balconies among its varied stateroom categories: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, Two Bedroom Family Suites, and full Suites. Cabins are generally comfortable, featuring 'Luxury Beds' and ample storage, though standard bathrooms are not overly spacious. Suites, from 460 to 932 sq. ft., offer generous space and exclusive benefits, while the 323 sq. ft. Mini-Suites, especially the Club Class, come with added perks like priority services and dedicated dining. Guests should note that some Oceanview staterooms on Decks 8 and 15 have obstructed views.

Island Princess

The Island Princess provides a traditional and dependable service experience, typical of Princess Cruises. With a crew of 900 serving 2,214 passengers, the service is generally attentive. The onboard style is classic and comfortable, promoting a relaxed journey. Personalized elements like 'Dine My Way' offer flexibility for meal times, and the dedicated Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary provide a touch of tailored pampering in the adults-only retreat. The overall approach is focused on consistent, quality service within a familiar cruise environment.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess distinguishes itself with a highly personalized and intimate service, notably enhanced by its MedallionClass technology, which streamlines many onboard interactions. The crew of 1,200 for 3,080 passengers maintains a friendly and engaging demeanor. The onboard style balances classic elegance with modern functionality, creating an inviting atmosphere. Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary cater to guests' relaxation needs, and the overall service is noted for being attentive and fostering a welcoming environment, making guests feel well-cared for throughout their voyage.

Island Princess

The Island Princess is uniquely well-suited for specific voyages, most notably her Panama Canal transits, for which she was custom-built. Her mid-size allows her to navigate these iconic locks, offering an enriching experience for travelers keen on this particular route. While she sails to various destinations, her design and traditional ambiance make her an excellent choice for longer, more destination-focused itineraries where the journey through a significant landmark is a key highlight, appealing to those who prioritize scenic cruising.

Ruby Princess

The Ruby Princess is a versatile vessel, capable of handling a broad range of itineraries from the warm waters of Hawaii and the Caribbean to the cooler climates of Alaska. Her design and robust activity offerings make her suitable for both sun-drenched beach escapes and scenic glacier viewing. With homeports providing easy access to these diverse regions, Ruby Princess is an adaptable choice for travelers eager to explore varied destinations, offering comfortable travel regardless of the climate, with ample outdoor deck space and engaging indoor options.