Ship Comparison
Emerald Princess vs Star Princess
Emerald Princess offers classic comfort and family fun, while the newer Star Princess dazzles with modern innovation and exclusive pampering, catering to different cruising desires.
The verdict
Choosing between Emerald Princess and Star Princess truly comes down to what kind of experience you're seeking. Emerald Princess, a seasoned vessel launched in 2007 and refreshed in 2019, offers a more traditional, relaxed cruise focused on destination immersion and comfortable, familiar spaces. It's a ship that delivers on classic cruising expectations with a warm, attentive service. Star Princess, set to launch in 2025, represents Princess Cruises' next generation, a larger Sphere-class mega-ship packed with innovative features and exclusive, upscale experiences. While it promises cutting-edge entertainment and diverse dining, guests should be prepared for a larger ship environment and potentially more complex navigation. Both ships uphold Princess's commitment to quality dining and comfortable accommodations, but their 'vibe' is distinctly different.
Choose Emerald Princess if…
Emerald Princess is ideal for multi-generational families and comfort-oriented cruisers who appreciate a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, well-crafted excursions, and diverse dining options. It caters to social seekers and culinary connoisseurs who enjoy traditional cruise charm without flashy gimmicks, valuing attentive service and a comfortable onboard experience.
Best for
- Families seeking diverse activities and dining for all ages.
- Cruisers who prioritize destination exploration and well-organized shore tours.
- Those who appreciate a comfortable, classic cruise experience with excellent service.
- Social guests looking for lively lounges and interactive entertainment.
- Food lovers interested in both traditional and specialty dining options.
Avoid if
- Travelers seeking a cutting-edge, ultra-modern ship with high-tech features.
- Those sensitive to crowds, especially on the Lido Deck or during peak dining times.
- Guests who prefer very private balconies, due to the staggered design.
- Cruisers who dislike persistent upsells, particularly in the spa.
- Individuals expecting narrative-driven, cohesive theatrical productions.
Choose Star Princess if…
Star Princess appeals to those seeking a contemporary, classy yet casual experience, with innovative entertainment and diverse gourmet dining. It's particularly suited for connected cruisers who value seamless digital experiences, lively socialites, and premier pamperers who appreciate exclusive amenities and a serene retreat in the Sanctuary Collection.
Best for
- Guests who appreciate innovative and technologically advanced entertainment venues.
- Food enthusiasts eager to explore new and diverse specialty dining experiences.
- Travelers who value seamless digital integration and the convenience of the Medallion device.
- Those seeking exclusive, pampered experiences through the Sanctuary Collection or Signature Suites.
- Social cruisers looking for vibrant hubs and unique immersive activities like Spellbound.
Avoid if
- Passengers who prefer intuitive ship layouts and easy navigation.
- Budget-conscious travelers, as many premium perks come with a significant upcharge.
- Those sensitive to crowds in buffet areas, which can be very busy.
- Guests who prefer traditional, quiet main pools over lively, event-driven ones.
- Individuals who dislike the 'sterile' ambiance of some modern entertainment venues.
Overall Vibe
Emerald Princess
The Emerald Princess, launched in 2007 and refurbished in 2019, exudes a grand yet relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. This large cruise ship, spanning 14 decks, is designed for those who appreciate balancing modern comforts with enriching destination excursions. Its overall feel is one of understated elegance, focusing on a solid cruise experience without relying on flashy gimmicks. It's a comfortable vessel that has consistently delivered a high level of service and a well-rounded vacation for diverse groups, promising delightful diversions as you explore the world.
Star Princess
The Star Princess, a new Sphere-class mega-ship launching in 2025, aims to be brighter than a supernova, connecting guests to the world with dynamic views and innovative experiences across its 18 decks. Its vibe blends sophistication with relaxation, offering a contemporary and classy yet casual atmosphere. While promising comfort and a wide array of activities, this larger vessel introduces new concepts and technologically advanced spaces, signaling a shift towards more immersive and modern onboard offerings designed to bring the world to you.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Emerald Princess
With a passenger capacity of 3,080 and a crew of 1,200, Emerald Princess fosters a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a welcoming choice for diverse groups. The central Piazza serves as a lively hub for gatherings and impromptu performances, while the popular Movies Under The Stars provides a cozy, communal experience with complimentary popcorn and blankets. The ship's emphasis on well-constructed shore tours and a balance of modern amenities without excessive gimmicks creates an environment where guests can comfortably explore destinations and unwind onboard.
Star Princess
The Star Princess, accommodating 4,300 passengers with a crew of 1,200, cultivates a classy yet casual atmosphere, bustling with diverse activities. Its three-deck-high Piazza hub offers expansive sea views and a vibrant social scene. Guests can expect a lively environment, especially around innovative spaces like The Dome, which transitions from a relaxed pool area by day to an entertainment venue at night. The ship's focus on new experiences and the highly praised Sanctuary Collection, including an exclusive sun deck, appeals to those seeking a blend of energetic social interaction and serene relaxation.
Dining
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess offers a robust selection of dining, from the complimentary Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Main Dining Rooms—with both fixed and anytime options—to the 24-hour International Cafe and the World Fresh Marketplace buffet. Casual bites are plentiful at Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, and Coffee & Cones. For specialty experiences, guests can indulge at the elegant Crown Grill for steak and seafood, the romantic Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria, or unique offerings like Planks BBQ and Steamers Seafood. Vines Wine and Seafood Bar also provides complimentary sushi and tapas with a wine purchase, adding to the culinary diversity.
Star Princess
Star Princess elevates dining with a mix of familiar favorites and innovative new concepts. Complimentary options include the expansive Eatery buffet, the Americana Diner for classic comfort food, and multiple Main Dining Rooms with flexible seating. Standouts like Alfredo's Pizzeria offer authentic Neapolitan pies, while O'Malley's Irish Pub provides an expanded, lively pub experience. Specialty dining takes a modern turn with Umai Teppanyaki and Hot Pot, The Catch by Rudi for upscale seafood, and The Butcher's Block by Dario for premium steakhouse fare. The chic Makoto Ocean for sushi and the creative Love by Britto gastro-fusion restaurant further diversify the culinary journey.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess provides a diverse entertainment lineup, centering around The Piazza for impromptu performances and the Princess Theatre for lavish stage productions like 'Magic To Do'. Guests can enjoy open-air films at Movies Under The Stars, participate in interactive game shows like 'Voice of the Ocean' in the Explorers Lounge, or test their vocal skills at karaoke in Club Fusion. Nightlife thrives at Skywalker's Nightclub with a DJ, Crooner's Bar for martinis and piano music, and the sophisticated Adagio Bar. Gatsby's Casino and the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge offer additional adult-focused options.
Star Princess
Star Princess introduces cutting-edge entertainment with its technologically advanced Princess Arena, offering configurable staging for dynamic productions like 'Meridian'. The Dome transforms from a daytime pool area into a vibrant entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe and stunning lighting for events like the Candlelight Concert Series. Princess Live! hosts game shows and live concerts, while the Princess Casino offers a sleek new look. For a unique experience, 'Spellbound by Magic Castle' provides an immersive magic show and speakeasy. Live music permeates various bars and lounges, including the new Sea View Terrace and Wake View Terrace, ensuring a lively atmosphere day and night.
Cabins & Suites
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess offers a range of comfortable accommodations, from Interior (158-162 sq ft) and Oceanview (146-206 sq ft) staterooms to Balcony (214-222 sq ft) and Mini-Suites (323 sq ft). All cabins feature Princess Luxury Beds, Egyptian cotton linens, and flat-screen HD TVs. Suites, ranging from 460-932 sq ft, provide enhanced amenities like priority embarkation, complimentary mini-bar setup, and specialty dining. While standard balcony cabins may offer less privacy due to staggered designs, the Two Bedroom Family Suites provide ample space for larger groups, sleeping up to eight across two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Star Princess
Star Princess elevates cabin design with exceptionally quiet and comfortable rooms, featuring incredible medium-firm beds, generous glassed-in showers, and elegant neutral decor with modern accents. Interior cabins are 136-145 sq ft, while Deluxe Balcony rooms are 235 sq ft, and Mini-Suites measure 303 sq ft. Unique Cabana Mini-Suites (329 sq ft) offer an extra-large private lounge space with a cabana, though some on Deck 9 face privacy concerns. Signature Sky Suites, at 1,262 sq ft, are the largest, accommodating up to five guests with two bedrooms. Many suites and mini-suites also include exclusive access to the Sanctuary Collection perks, like the Sanctuary Restaurant.
Service & Onboard Style
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess maintains an excellent level of service, a hallmark since its launch, contributing to its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. The onboard style is consistent, with warm ruby-red patterned carpets and light maple wood trims creating an inviting environment. The Piazza's Old World charm and the Crown Grill's classically elegant setting speak to a refined yet approachable cruise experience. The Princess app is highly useful for navigation and activity schedules, while Wi-Fi is available via various packages, supporting a comfortable and well-managed journey.
Star Princess
Star Princess aims for a classy yet casual onboard style, integrating modern aesthetics with personalized service. The ship leverages the acclaimed Medallion device for seamless room access and identification, complemented by one of the best cruise apps at sea for digital convenience. While Guest Services is discreetly located, the ship's overall layout can be challenging to navigate. Service is enhanced by offerings like the Sanctuary Collection, with dedicated Serenity Stewards, and a Suite Experience Manager for top-tier accommodations, ensuring a pampered journey. The ship’s excellent Wi-Fi, included with the Princess Premier package, supports a highly connected experience.
Best Itineraries
Emerald Princess
Emerald Princess is well-suited for itineraries that emphasize rich destination exploration, appealing to the 'Relaxed Explorer' persona. While specific itineraries are not detailed in the provided information, the ship's focus on well-constructed shore tours and a comfortable, unhurried onboard atmosphere suggests it excels on routes where guests wish to deeply engage with ports of call. Its balance of amenities and family-friendly environment makes it a strong choice for cruises that combine scenic beauty with cultural immersion, allowing guests to truly experience the world at their own pace.
Star Princess
Star Princess is designed for itineraries that showcase the world, particularly those with stunning scenic vistas. The ship's innovative features, such as The Dome's glass-enclosed viewing area, make it an ideal choice for destinations like Alaska, where appreciating the landscape is paramount. Its 'Gourmet Voyager' and 'Premier Pamperer' personas suggest that guests will enjoy longer, more immersive journeys where the ship itself is a destination, with ample time to explore diverse dining and exclusive amenities while sailing through beautiful regions.
What reviewers say
Emerald Princess
4.5/5Emerald Princess offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong focus on destination exploration and well-crafted shore tours. It provides a solid entertainment program and diverse dining options without relying on over-the-top gimmicks.
Star Princess
4/5A classy but casual ship where you can bank on comfort at the end of the day, with plenty to do from dawn til dusk, though you'll likely get lost trying to get around.
Itineraries to compare
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