Ruby Princess vs Sun Princess

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess, launched in 2008 and having undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, exudes a comfortable, classic Princess charm. While a larger vessel, its design fosters a sense of intimacy, making it feel less overwhelming than its 3,080-passenger capacity might suggest. Across its 19 decks, the ship balances traditional cruise elements with modern touches, offering a familiar and welcoming retreat for those who appreciate a relaxed pace and time-honored cruising traditions. It’s a ship that has matured gracefully, providing a solid, reliable backdrop for diverse itineraries.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess, a brand-new vessel launched in 2024, represents a significant leap forward in design and experience for Princess Cruises. This mega-ship, accommodating 4,300 passengers across 21 decks, introduces innovative architectural elements like the glass-enclosed Dome and a reimagined Piazza. The overall vibe is decidedly modern, lively, and forward-thinking, aiming to create a dynamic and immersive environment. It’s built for travelers seeking a contemporary cruising experience with a focus on fresh, elevated comfort and a more active, vibrant atmosphere that reimagines the brand's offerings.

Ruby Princess

The atmosphere on Ruby Princess is notably laid-back and family-oriented, fostering a friendly and engaging environment. With 3,080 guests and 1,200 crew members, the ship maintains a comfortable space-to-passenger ratio, ensuring it rarely feels crowded. This allows for a more personalized and intimate service experience, where crew members can often anticipate needs. The crowd tends to be a mix of families, couples, and multi-generational groups, all contributing to a sociable yet relaxed onboard community, making it easy to forge quick friendships during activities like trivia.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess cultivates a distinctly lively, modern, and family-oriented atmosphere, designed to be innovative and engaging for its 4,300 guests. The focus is on new experiences and elevated comfort, appealing to a hipper, more active demographic. While specific crew numbers aren't provided, the ship's design, with expansive, multi-purpose spaces like The Dome and a dynamic Piazza, encourages interaction and a bustling energy. It aims for a vibrant social scene, particularly in its cutting-edge entertainment venues, reflecting a departure from more traditional Princess ambiance.

Ruby Princess

Dining on Ruby Princess offers a blend of classic and specialty options. Complimentary choices include the traditional Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Da Vinci Dining Rooms, and the always-available Horizon Court buffet, offering diverse international fare. For more casual bites, guests enjoy The Salty Dog Grill, Slice Pizzeria, Coffee & Cones, and the 24-hour International Café. Specialty venues like Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill provide elegant, extra-cost experiences, while Vines Wine Bar offers complimentary tapas with wine purchases. The 'Wild for Alaska Seafood' menu is a unique highlight on relevant itineraries.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess elevates the culinary journey with a broader and more innovative array of dining. Complimentary options include the impressive three-level Main Dining Room (Soleil and Eclipse), The Americana Diner, and The Eatery buffet, which boasts improved variety. Guests staying in Signature Collection suites have access to The Sanctuary Restaurant. Specialty dining, often with an additional fee, expands significantly with options like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, The Butcher's Block by Dario, The Catch by Rudi, Makoto Ocean for sushi, and Umai Teppanyaki/Hot Pot. Alfredo's Pizzeria now carries a cover charge, reflecting the enhanced offerings.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a diverse range of entertainment, from Broadway-style productions in the Princess Theatre to feature films and concerts at Movies Under The Stars, now with immersive 7.1 surround sound. Nightlife flourishes in venues like Skywalker's Nightclub, perched 15 decks high with panoramic views, and Club Fusion, known for karaoke and themed parties. Guests can try their luck at the Vegas Style Casino, enjoy live piano or jazz at Adagio Bar, or martinis and dueling pianos at Crooners Bar, ensuring a varied evening for all tastes.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess introduces a new era of entertainment with its technologically advanced spaces. The Dome transforms from a pool by day to a stage for acrobatic performances by Cirque Éloize at night. The Princess Arena, a shapeshifting theater, hosts high-energy production shows. The Piazza, now a glass sphere, serves as a dynamic central hub for constant entertainment. Unique, immersive experiences like Spellbound by Magic Castle offer an exclusive, high-cost magical evening. The ship also features a generously sized casino with a 'Buffalo Zone,' along with various bars like Bellini's, Crooners, and O'Malley's Irish Pub.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess offers a comfortable range of accommodations, with nearly 900 balconies across its cabins. Options include Interior (158-162 sq ft), Oceanview (146-206 sq ft), and Balcony (214-222 sq ft) staterooms, all featuring the 'Princess Luxury Bed.' Mini-Suites, at approximately 323 sq ft, provide a separate sitting area, while Reserve Collection Mini-Suites add expedited dining and a complimentary wine setup. Full Suites (460-932 sq ft) offer expanded living spaces and priority perks. Families can opt for the Two Bedroom Family Suites, accommodating up to eight guests with two bathrooms and a large balcony. Guests should note potential obstructed views on Deck 8 and 15 Oceanview cabins.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess features completely redesigned cabins and a more numerous, varied suite selection. Interior (136-145 sq ft), Premium Oceanview (212 sq ft), and Deluxe Balcony (235 sq ft) staterooms boast modern decor, ample storage, and improved bathrooms with glass shower doors. Mini-Suites (303 sq ft) offer a separable living area and larger balconies. Unique Cabana Mini-Suites (329 sq ft) provide a private cabana and exclusive Cabana Deck access. Signature Suites (304-636 sq ft) include access to the Signature Restaurant and Lounge, while the expansive Signature Sky Suite (1,262 sq ft) offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and concierge services. Guests considering cabins on Deck 9, 10, or 16 should be aware of potential noise from the Piazza or The Dome.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is consistently praised for its excellent, personalized, and intimate service, a hallmark of the Princess experience. The crew-to-passenger ratio (1:2.5) contributes to an attentive and engaging onboard style where staff often remember guest preferences. This ship offers a traditional yet comfortable elegance in its decor and atmosphere, providing a welcoming backdrop for its diverse guest activities. The MedallionClass technology further enhances this by streamlining services and personalizing the guest experience, from room access to ordering food.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess aims for an elevated comfort and modern onboard style, reflecting its innovative design. While specific crew counts aren't detailed, the ship emphasizes a seamless experience, particularly for Signature Collection guests who enjoy pre-cruise concierge services and a dedicated Suite Experience Manager. The overall style is contemporary, with sleek designs and high-tech integrations, including the MedallionClass app for digital vacation management. However, the new layout, with Guest Services tucked away on Deck 6, might initially present navigational challenges for guests seeking in-person assistance, potentially impacting perceived ease of service.

Ruby Princess

Ruby Princess is a versatile vessel, well-suited for a variety of itineraries, including both warm and cold-weather destinations. It excels on scenic cruises to Alaska, where daily nature lectures and 'Puppies in the Piazza' events enhance the experience. The ship also sails popular routes to Hawaii, offering ample outdoor deck space to enjoy the tropical sun, and the vibrant Caribbean. Its established design and comprehensive offerings make it a reliable choice for travelers seeking classic cruise experiences in diverse geographical regions.

Sun Princess

Sun Princess, as a brand-new ship, is designed to enhance destination immersion with its 'Festivals of the World' and 'Destination-Themed Activities.' While specific itineraries aren't detailed, these programs imply a focus on diverse cultural explorations, from Rio’s Carnival to Alaskan lumberjack meet-and-greets. The ship's innovative design, including the Wake View Terrace with an infinity pool, is ideal for enjoying scenic vistas from various global routes. Its modern amenities and expanded family offerings are well-suited for popular cruise regions that attract a broad spectrum of travelers.