Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are two of the most popular choices for many travellers and cruisers. Both are renowned for their exceptional services, diverse itineraries, and a range of amenities.
However, each offers a distinct experience that can greatly impact your overall journey.
Contents
- 1 Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean Compared
- 2 Cost Comparison
- 3 Destinations
- 4 Dining Options
- 5 Onboard Activities
- 6 Cabin Quality
- 7 Family-Friendly Amenities
- 8 Service Quality
- 9 Ship Comparison
- 10 Loyalty Programs
- 11 Entertainment Options
- 12 Itinerary Options
- 13 Fare Inclusivity
- 14 Booking Process: Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean
- 15 Safety Protocols
- 16 Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
- 17 Who To Pick?
The following sections delve into a comparison between these two popular cruise lines, examining crucial aspects such as pricing, cabin quality, family-friendly amenities, entertainment options, loyalty programs, and more.
These insights aim to assist you in making an informed decision about which cruise line would best suit your preferences and expectations.
Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean Compared
Here is a quick table summary for the differences between Princess and Royal Caribbean;
| Category | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Varies based on itinerary, season, and cabin type. | Varies based on itinerary, season, and cabin type. |
| Cabin Quality | Known for unique features like angled balconies. | Known for innovative and spacious loft suites. |
| Family-Friendly Amenities | Offers family suites, interconnected staterooms, and youth and teen centers. | Provides a wide array of family-friendly amenities like water parks, rock-climbing walls, and surf simulators. |
| Service Quality | Known for personal service and the “Princess difference.” | Renowned for its energetic, friendly, and multilingual staff. |
| Ship Comparison | Ships are known for elegance and sophistication. | Ships are recognized for size and a vast array of activities. |
| Loyalty Programs | Captain’s Circle offers members-only onboard events, priority check-in, and free internet packages for loyal cruisers. | Crown & Anchor Society provides different tiers of benefits based on the number of cruises or nights onboard. |
| Entertainment Options | Known for Broadway-style shows, live orchestral music, and educational lectures. | Offers Broadway shows, ice skating performances, acrobatic shows, live music, and parades. |
| Itinerary Options | Offers exotic itineraries and overnight stays in ports. | Provides a greater number of short cruises and private islands experiences. |
| Fare Inclusivity | Includes more items like 24-hour room service, and all non-alcoholic beverages. Offers an all-inclusive drink package. | Includes basic meals, some non-alcoholic beverages, and most entertainment. Extras often require additional payment. |
| Booking Process | Offers “Best Price Guarantee”, “Future Cruise Deposit”, and “Princess EZAir” features. | Includes “Cruise Planner” tool and a “Price Guarantee”. |
| Safety Protocols | Implemented CruiseHealth program, which includes enhanced cleaning, upgraded air filtration systems, and pre-embarkation testing. | Implemented measures such as testing, mask-wearing and enhanced sanitation protocols. |
| Environmental Responsibility | Focuses on reducing waste, decreasing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable tourism. | Has set ambitious goals for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Implements the Save The Waves program to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste. |
Cost Comparison
What is the difference in pricing between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean?
The cost of a cruise can vary significantly based on a variety of factors including the duration of the trip, the destination, the type of cabin selected, and the time of year. That said, on average, both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer competitive pricing, with some differences.
| Cruise Line | Average Cost per Night |
|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | $150 – $200 |
| Royal Caribbean | $180 – $230 |
In general, Princess Cruises tend to be slightly more affordable than Royal Caribbean. However, the final cost will depend on the specific cruise and package chosen.
Destinations
How do the destinations of Princess Cruises compare to Royal Caribbean?
When comparing the destinations offered by Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, both companies provide a wide range of options, covering various regions across the globe. However, there are some differences in their focus.
Princess Cruises has a reputation for offering a greater number of unique and exotic locations, with a particularly strong presence in Alaska, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. On the other hand, Royal Caribbean shines when it comes to Caribbean cruises, with an extensive selection of itineraries in this region.
Below is a simple table showcasing the regions where each cruise line excels:
| Cruise Line | Signature Destinations |
|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Alaska, Europe, Pacific Rim |
| Royal Caribbean | Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean |
The choice between the two may boil down to the specific region or destination a traveler is interested in.
Dining Options
Which cruise line offers better dining options?
The dining experience can greatly influence the overall enjoyment of a cruise. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer an array of dining options, but there are some notable differences.
Princess Cruises is known for its “Anytime Dining” option which allows passengers to dine when and with whom they wish during dinner hours, providing a flexible dining experience. Their offerings include a mix of classic dishes and innovative cuisine, with a focus on regionally inspired menus that reflect the destinations on the itinerary.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, excels in variety and innovation. They offer a wide range of dining options from casual to fine dining, with numerous specialty restaurants onboard their ships. Some of their highlights include sushi at Izumi, Italian at Giovanni’s Table, and steak at Chops Grille. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has been noted for their adventurous offerings such as the “Wonderland” restaurant, which provides a unique, multi-sensory dining experience.
Given the differences, the choice between the two cruise lines may depend on personal preferences regarding dining flexibility and variety.
Onboard Activities
What are the differences in onboard activities between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean?
Onboard activities are a significant part of the cruise experience. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer a wide array of activities, but there are some key differences.
Princess Cruises tend to focus on more traditional and sophisticated activities. They offer a variety of enrichment classes (such as cooking and art classes), live orchestral music, Broadway-style shows, and even a planetarium on certain ships.
On the contrary, Royal Caribbean is known for its action-packed activities and high-energy entertainment. Their ships often feature rock climbing walls, zip lines, surf simulators, ice-skating rinks, and even bumper cars. They also offer Broadway shows and live music, with a focus on providing a variety of entertainment options.
The choice between the two may come down to whether you prefer a quieter, more traditional cruise experience or a more energetic and active one.
Cabin Quality
How does the quality of the cabins compare?
The quality and variety of cabins is a significant aspect of a cruise experience. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer a range of cabin types from economical interior cabins to luxurious suites.
| Cruise Line | Signature Cabins |
|---|---|
| Princess Cruises | Mini-Suites, Balcony Cabins, The Sanctuary (adults-only area) |
| Royal Caribbean | Loft Suites, Balcony Cabins, Royal Suite Class |
While both cruise lines offer a similar range of cabin types, the specific amenities and perks can vary. For example, Princess Cruises offers unique features in some cabins such as angled balconies that offer more views. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, stands out with its innovative and spacious loft suites.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Which cruise line has better family-friendly amenities?
When it comes to family-friendly amenities, both cruise lines have made considerable efforts to accommodate families. However, they approach family amenities and activities in slightly different ways.
Princess Cruises provides family suites and interconnected staterooms for larger families. The line also offers youth and teen centers with a range of age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, video games, movie nights, and more.
Royal Caribbean, known for its mega-ships, provides a wide array of family-friendly amenities. These include onboard water parks, rock-climbing walls, and surf simulators. The Adventure Ocean program offers age-segregated activities for kids, and there are also teen lounges and nightclubs.
Service Quality
What is the quality of service on Princess Cruises compared to Royal Caribbean?
Quality of service can greatly impact a cruiser’s overall experience. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean are known for their high-quality service, but there are some differences.
Princess Cruises is known for its personal service and the “Princess difference.” This includes details like fresh flowers in the rooms, nightly turndown service, and attentive waitstaff.
Royal Caribbean is renowned for its energetic, friendly, and multilingual staff. The cruise line emphasizes delivering a “Gold Anchor Service” to ensure every guest feels like a VIP.
Ship Comparison
How do the ships of each cruise line compare?
The size, amenities, and layout of a cruise ship can greatly affect your experience. Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer different experiences with their ships.
Princess Cruises’ ships are known for their elegance and sophistication. They feature modern designs, art collections, and features like Movies Under the Stars, an outdoor theater.
Royal Caribbean’s ships are recognized for their size and the vast array of activities. The Oasis-class ships are some of the largest in the world, featuring unique neighborhoods, a Central Park with real plants, and the Boardwalk, an entertainment area with a carousel and aqua theater.
Loyalty Programs
How do the loyalty programs of Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean compare?
Loyalty programs are a way for cruise lines to reward repeat customers, and the offerings vary between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle offers benefits like members-only onboard events, priority check-in, and free internet packages for the most loyal cruisers.
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society provides different tiers of benefits based on the number of cruises or nights onboard. Benefits range from discounted laundry and internet to priority check-in and exclusive lounge access.
Entertainment Options
Which cruise line has better entertainment options?
Entertainment onboard can range from shows and music to parties and games. Both cruise lines offer a variety of entertainment options, but their focuses are slightly different.
Princess Cruises is known for its Broadway-style shows, live orchestral music, and Movies Under the Stars outdoor cinema. They also offer unique experiences like Discovery at SEA programs with educational lectures.
Royal Caribbean shines in terms of high-energy and varied entertainment. They offer Broadway shows, ice skating performances, acrobatic shows in the Aqua Theater, live music, and parades on the Royal Promenade.
Itinerary Options
What are the differences in itineraries offered by Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean?
Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer a wide range of itineraries, from short 3-night getaways to extensive world cruises.
Princess Cruises stands out with its exotic itineraries, including unique destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Arctic Circle. They also offer more overnight stays in ports.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, provides a greater number of short cruises, many of them in the Caribbean. They also have private islands in the Bahamas: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, which offer exclusive experiences.
Fare Inclusivity
How does the inclusivity of fares compare between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean?
The level of fare inclusivity can significantly affect the total cost of a cruise. Both cruise lines include accommodation, dining, and entertainment in their fares, but there are differences in what else is included.
Princess Cruises includes many more items in its fare, such as 24-hour room service, and all non-alcoholic beverages. They also have an all-inclusive drink package which includes specialty coffees, cocktails, wine, and beer.
Royal Caribbean typically includes basic meals, some non-alcoholic beverages, and most entertainment in the fare. However, many extras, such as specialty dining, alcoholic beverages, and certain activities, require additional payment or purchase of a package.
Booking Process: Princess Cruises vs Royal Caribbean
What are the differences in the booking process for each cruise line?
Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer online booking processes that allow potential cruisers to select their preferred ship, itinerary, cabin type, and dining preferences.
Princess Cruises’ website includes a “Best Price Guarantee” and a “Future Cruise Deposit” option that offers onboard credit. They also have a “Princess EZAir” feature which allows cruisers to book their flights through Princess Cruises.
Royal Caribbean’s booking process includes the “Cruise Planner” tool which allows cruisers to book activities, dining, and shore excursions in advance. They also offer a “Price Guarantee” so if the fare drops after you book, they will adjust your rate.
Safety Protocols
How do the safety protocols of Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean compare?
Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean have comprehensive safety protocols in place, and these have been enhanced due to recent global events.
Princess Cruises has implemented their CruiseHealth program, which includes enhanced cleaning procedures, upgraded air filtration systems, reduced capacity, and pre-embarkation testing.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean has a Healthy Sail Panel that has implemented measures such as testing, mask-wearing
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
How do Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean handle sustainability and environmental responsibility?
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial considerations for modern travelers. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean have initiatives in place to tackle these issues, though their approaches vary.
Princess Cruises is a part of the Carnival Corporation, which has a comprehensive sustainability program. The company focuses on reducing waste, decreasing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and supporting sustainable tourism in the destinations they visit. Key initiatives include advanced waste water purification systems, extensive recycling programs, and the use of shore power while in port.
Royal Caribbean takes a multi-pronged approach to sustainability, with programs designed to reduce waste, lower emissions, and conserve water. The company is investing in advanced emissions purification systems, which significantly reduce the sulfur emissions from their ships. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has set ambitious goals for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and is investing in new technologies such as fuel cells and advanced renewables to meet these targets. They also have an extensive Save The Waves program to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste on their ships.
Who To Pick?
Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean are commendable choices for a memorable vacation, each with its unique attributes and advantages.
The decision boils down to personal preferences and what aspects are most important to you.
If you value personal service, sophistication, and exotic itineraries, Princess Cruises may be more up your alley.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an energetic atmosphere, innovative amenities, and a wide array of family-friendly activities, Royal Caribbean might be the better choice.
The information and comparisons in this guide provide a comprehensive overview to help you choose between these two cruise lines.
However, no matter which line you select, an unforgettable journey full of exciting activities, delectable cuisines, and breathtaking sights awaits you.
