Ruby Princess vs Star Princess

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess, built in 2008 and recently refurbished, exudes a comfortable, classic cruise ship feel. As a MedallionClass vessel, it blends traditional Princess hospitality with modern technology, creating a welcoming environment for its 3,080 guests across 19 decks. The multi-million dollar renovation added fresh touches, but the ship retains a familiar, established character. It’s a vessel where the focus is on a relaxed journey, offering a balance of engaging activities and quiet corners, making it a reliable choice for those who appreciate a well-loved ship with a proven track record.

Star Princess

The brand-new Star Princess, launching in 2025, represents a significant leap forward in design as a Sphere-class mega-ship, accommodating 4,300 guests across 21 decks. Its vibe is decidedly contemporary and grand, centered around innovative spaces like the multi-level Piazza and the transformable Dome. This ship is designed to impress with its scale and modern features, offering dynamic views and cutting-edge entertainment. It promises a vibrant, energetic atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a fresh, technologically advanced, and visually stunning cruise experience from the moment they step aboard.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess maintains a genuinely laid-back and friendly atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among its 3,080 guests. With a dedicated crew of 1,200, the ship offers a good crew-to-guest ratio, contributing to a personalized and intimate service experience that guests often highlight. Despite its size, the ship never feels overly crowded, and the passenger engagement in activities like trivia and "The Voice of the Ocean" creates a lively, social environment where friendships form quickly. It's a welcoming space for multi-generational families and social cruisers alike.

Star Princess

Star Princess, a larger vessel designed to carry 4,300 guests with a crew of 1,200, presents a more expansive and bustling atmosphere. While also aiming for a classy yet casual feel, its sheer size suggests a livelier energy, particularly in central hubs like The Piazza. The larger passenger capacity means a different dynamic, where finding personal space might require seeking out specific areas. It’s built for those who enjoy a grander scale of cruising with abundant activity and a constant hum of excitement, where the crowd is part of the vibrant experience.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a diverse culinary journey, balancing complimentary and specialty options. Guests can enjoy traditional and Anytime dining in venues like Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, or grab casual bites at the 24-hour International Cafe. Popular complimentary outdoor choices include The Salty Dog Grill for gourmet burgers and Slice Pizzeria. For an elevated experience, Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and the Crown Grill steakhouse are highly regarded, though they come with an additional fee. The unique "Wild for Alaska Seafood" menu is a standout on specific itineraries.

Star Princess

Star Princess elevates dining with an array of new and reimagined venues designed for its larger scale. Complimentary options include the expansive Eatery buffet and the Main Dining Rooms (Soleil, Eclipse), alongside casual favorites like Alfredo's Pizzeria and an expanded O'Malley's Irish Pub. Specialty dining introduces exciting concepts such as Umai Teppanyaki and Hot Pot, the chic seafood experience at The Catch by Rudi, and the innovative Love by Britto, each offering distinct culinary adventures for an additional charge. The ship aims for a sophisticated yet casual gourmet experience.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess provides a robust entertainment lineup with a classic cruise feel. The Princess Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions, while Movies Under the Stars, with its 7.1 surround sound, offers open-air cinema. Nightlife thrives in venues like Club Fusion for dancing, Skywalker's Nightclub for panoramic views and tunes, and the Vegas Style Casino. Smaller, intimate bars such as Crooners and Adagio Bar offer live piano or jazz music, catering to various moods and ensuring there's always a spot for a lively evening or a quiet drink.

Star Princess

Star Princess introduces cutting-edge entertainment spaces designed for immersive experiences. The Princess Arena, a technologically advanced theater, allows for varied stage configurations, while The Dome transforms from a daytime pool area to a vibrant entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe at night, hosting events like the Candlelight Concert Series. Princess Live! offers interactive game shows and comedy. A standout is Spellbound by Magic Castle, an immersive magic show and speakeasy. The multi-deck Piazza serves as a dynamic hub with live music and bustling activity throughout the day and evening.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a variety of accommodations, totaling nearly 900 balconies, with comfortable basic cabins and more spacious Mini-Suites (approx. 323 sq. ft.) featuring separate sitting areas. Guests seeking enhanced perks can opt for Reserve Collection Mini-Suites, while full Suites (460-932 sq. ft.) provide generous living space and exclusive benefits like priority services. Families are well-catered for with Two Bedroom Family Suites. It's worth noting that some Oceanview staterooms on decks 8 and 15 have obstructed views, so careful deck plan review is advisable.

Star Princess

Star Princess features exceptionally quiet and comfortable cabins, from Interior (approx. 136-145 sq. ft.) to the expansive Signature Sky Suites (approx. 1,262 sq. ft.). Deluxe Balcony staterooms offer about 235 sq. ft. including the balcony. A notable addition is the Cabana Mini-Suite (approx. 329 sq. ft.), providing an extra-large private outdoor lounge space, though privacy on the Cabana Deck can be a concern. Signature Collection suites offer premium amenities and exclusive access to the Signature Restaurant, Lounge, and Sun Deck, catering to guests seeking an elevated experience.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess prides itself on personalized and intimate service, a hallmark of Princess Cruises, supported by its 1,200 crew members for 3,080 guests. The MedallionClass technology is seamlessly integrated, allowing for convenient room access, purchases, and personalized experiences via the app. The ship's overall style is one of classic elegance, refreshed but retaining a comfortable, familiar charm. Serenity Stewards in The Sanctuary exemplify the attentive, guest-focused approach, ensuring a relaxed and well-cared-for journey.

Star Princess

Star Princess, while also a MedallionClass vessel with a highly functional app for navigation and services, presents a grander, more contemporary onboard style. The crew-to-guest ratio is lower (1,200 crew for 4,300 guests), which might impact the intimacy of service compared to its older counterpart. Its design emphasizes sleek, modern aesthetics, particularly in public spaces like The Piazza and The Dome. However, the ship's challenging physical layout has been noted, requiring guests to actively use the app or explore to find venues, contrasting with its advanced digital convenience.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is a versatile vessel, well-suited for a range of climates and destinations. It frequently sails to both warm-weather locales like Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the Caribbean, as well as cooler regions such as Alaska, where its "Discovery at Sea" programming and National Park ranger lectures enhance the experience. Its design with ample outdoor deck space and Movies Under the Stars makes it adaptable for scenic cruising or enjoying sunny days, offering varied routes for those seeking diverse travel experiences.

Star Princess

As a brand-new vessel launching in 2025, Star Princess is poised to offer itineraries designed to showcase its innovative features and grand scale. While specific routes aren't detailed in the payload, its modern design, including the glass-enclosed Dome and Wake View Terrace with infinity pool, would be particularly appealing for itineraries with scenic cruising or those visiting warmer destinations where these spaces can be fully enjoyed. Guests can anticipate a focus on voyages that highlight the ship's contemporary amenities and dynamic onboard experience.