Discovery Princess vs Star Princess

Discovery Princess

Launched in 2021, Discovery Princess, the final Royal-class ship, offers a comfortable, classy, and upscale ambiance. Carrying 3,660 guests across 19 decks, it presents a modern yet familiar Princess experience, often described as a carbon copy of its sister ship, Enchanted Princess. The design prioritizes a laid-back atmosphere with touches of elegance, creating a welcoming feel that resonates particularly well with past Princess cruisers and those who appreciate a quality cruise without unnecessary frills. It's built for those who enjoy a consistent, reliable cruising journey.

Star Princess

The brand-new Star Princess, set to launch in 2025, is a larger Sphere-class mega-ship designed for 4,300 guests across 21 decks. Its vibe is a blend of sophistication and relaxation, pushing innovation with architectural marvels like The Dome, a multi-level glass-enclosed space. While aiming for a classy yet casual atmosphere with a wide array of activities, its sheer size and new layout mean that navigating the ship can be quite challenging. It promises a vibrant, modern cruising experience, leaning into a contemporary resort feel.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess, with a capacity for 3,660 passengers and a crew of 1,346, fosters a comfortable and social atmosphere. The ship is noted for its laid-back camaraderie, particularly around the central Piazza Atrium, which serves as a lively hub for various activities and live music. It attracts a multi-generational, family-friendly crowd, offering a balance between engaging social spaces and quieter retreats like The Sanctuary. The crew-to-guest ratio helps maintain an attentive, friendly service, contributing to a pleasant and unhurried onboard experience for all.

Star Princess

Star Princess is a larger vessel, accommodating 4,300 guests with a crew of 1,200, creating a more bustling and lively atmosphere. Its three-deck-high Piazza hub is designed to be vibrant, encouraging social interaction. While aiming for a classy yet casual feel, the increased passenger capacity means public areas like The Eatery buffet can get packed. The ship's innovative design and diverse activity options are likely to draw a broad demographic, including families and those seeking a dynamic and energetic cruise experience, despite the challenge of its complex layout.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess offers a diverse culinary journey with a mix of complimentary and specialty venues. Guests can enjoy Italian fare at Gigi's Pizzeria, varied international cuisine at World Fresh Marketplace, and traditional main dining in The Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan Dining Rooms. Specialty options include the classic Crown Grill steakhouse, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, and the French-inspired Bistro Sur La Mer, often lauded for its unique at-sea dining. The ship also features a seasonal "Wild for Alaska Seafood" program, enhancing regional itineraries.

Star Princess

Star Princess elevates its dining scene with an expanded array of options. Complimentary highlights include the "super-authentic" Alfredo's Pizzeria and the Americana Diner, a quieter buffet alternative to the often-packed main Eatery. Specialty venues are particularly innovative, featuring Umai Teppanyaki and Hot Pot with a chic, moody interior, The Butcher's Block by Dario for complex steakhouse dishes, and the highly acclaimed Love by Britto offering creative, beautifully plated meals with spectacular aft views. The Catch by Rudi also presents a unique seafood experience.

Discovery Princess

Entertainment on Discovery Princess blends classic Princess favorites with modern touches. The Princess Theatre hosts lavish original musical productions, while Movies Under the Stars offers an open-air cinema experience with popcorn and blankets. Live jazz in Take Five provides a sophisticated evening, complemented by pianists in Crooners and lively performances in The Piazza. Princess Live! Café features comedy and music, and the Vista Show Lounge offers a variety of acts, from bands to illusionists, ensuring diverse options for evening enjoyment.

Star Princess

Star Princess introduces bold new entertainment concepts. The Princess Arena, a technologically advanced performance space with configurable staging and an LCD panel, promises dynamic shows like the "Meridian Production." The Dome transforms from a daytime pool area into a vibrant nighttime entertainment venue with a "South Beach vibe" and stunning Candlelight Concert Series. The ship also features the immersive "Spellbound by Magic Castle" speakeasy, boisterous game shows in Princess Live!, and lively music throughout The Piazza and O'Malley's, offering a highly interactive and varied nightlife.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess provides a range of comfortable accommodations, from economical 158-162 sq ft Interior Staterooms to expansive suites. The 753 Balcony Staterooms, at 214-222 sq ft, are a popular choice, while Mini-Suites offer more space with a separate sitting area and larger bathroom. The ship's pinnacle is the two Sky Suites, boasting over 1,500 sq ft, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a massive 270-degree wraparound balcony. Some forward Deluxe Balcony cabins have steel railings, and high-deck forward balconies can experience strong winds.

Star Princess

Star Princess emphasizes comfort and luxury in its accommodations. Cabins are noted for being exceptionally quiet, featuring incredibly comfortable beds and generously sized glassed-in shower stalls. Unique offerings include Cabana Mini-Suites, which provide an additional indoor/outdoor lounge space and access to the exclusive Cabana Deck. Signature Collection Suites and the Signature Sky Suite offer elevated amenities and private access to the Signature Restaurant, Lounge, and Sun Deck. While interior cabins are smaller than on comparable ships, the overall focus is on well-appointed, serene retreats, though some Cabana Mini-Suites have privacy concerns.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess is built around the "effortless, personalised service of the MedallionClass® experience." This includes attentive staff and the MedallionNet Wi-Fi, which is strong in most areas, though it can be limited in mountainous regions like Glacier Bay. While the Medallion app's OceanNow component for ordering food sometimes works inconsistently, the overall service is designed to make guests feel welcomed and at home. Suite occupants benefit from priority embarkation and disembarkation, enhancing their journey.

Star Princess

Star Princess leverages advanced technology for a streamlined experience, with its Princess app praised as one of the best at sea for its functionality. The Medallion device identifies guests and opens doors, aiming to eliminate the need for traditional cruise cards. While the digital experience is robust, the ship's physical layout is described as challenging to navigate, with Guest Services discreetly located. Service for Signature Collection guests is elevated with exclusive access and perks, reflecting a move towards more premium, personalized pampering within the larger ship environment.

Discovery Princess

Discovery Princess is particularly well-suited for Alaskan voyages, offering specific "Wild for Alaska Seafood" menus in its main dining rooms and buffet, alongside regional drinks. The ship's design and programming cater to exploring the majestic landscapes and unique culture of numerous Alaskan ports. While MedallionNet Wi-Fi connectivity may be limited in remote, mountainous areas like Glacier Bay National Park, the ship provides an ideal platform for those passionate about immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Star Princess

As a brand-new Sphere-class vessel, Star Princess is designed to be a global explorer, offering itineraries that aim to "bring you to the world, and the world to you." Its modern facilities, diverse dining, and innovative entertainment are well-suited for a wide range of destinations across the globe. The emphasis on dynamic views from spaces like The Piazza and The Dome, along with a variety of pools and terraces, suggests a ship crafted for enjoying diverse scenic cruising, making it versatile for various international routes.