• Cruisetalks

Royal Caribbean vs. Princess Cruises: Which Is Better for Your Next Voyage?

Picture of Gina Teo

Gina Teo

Author

On This Page

Choosing between Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises is one of the biggest decisions a traveller can make when planning a dream voyage. These two cruise powerhouses dominate the seas with distinct styles — one known for adventure and innovation, the other for elegance and destination immersion.

This comprehensive comparison explores every key factor—from ship design and dining to pricing and onboard atmosphere—to help you decide which cruise line best fits your travel personality.

Share:

Quick Answer: Royal Caribbean vs. Princess Cruises

  • Royal Caribbean is best for families, thrill-seekers, and travellers who love large, activity-packed ships.
  • Princess Cruises suits couples, retirees, and culture enthusiasts who value relaxation, fine dining, and enriching experiences.


If you want high-energy fun, choose Royal Caribbean.
If you crave serenity and sophistication, go with Princess Cruises.

Overview of the Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International at a Glance

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean is the world’s largest cruise brand, famous for its mega-resort ships and high-tech innovations. From skydiving simulators to robotic bartenders, it redefines what’s possible at sea.

Signature experiences:

  • The Oasis, Quantum, and new Icon Class ships
  • The private island Perfect Day at CocoCay
  • Broadway-style shows and extreme onboard activities

 

Ideal for: Families, groups, and guests who prefer vibrant, high-energy vacations.

Princess Cruises at a Glance

Established in 1965, Princess Cruises became a household name through The Love Boat TV series. Today, it’s recognised for refined luxury, world-class dining, and cultural enrichment.

Signature experiences:

  • MedallionClass Technology for seamless cruising
  • Award-winning Alaska itineraries
  • Discovery at SEA enrichment and cultural programming

 

Ideal for: Couples, seniors, and travellers seeking tranquillity and destination immersion.

Fleet and Ship Design

Royal Caribbean: Floating Cities of Fun

Royal Caribbean’s fleet features some of the largest ships in the world, offering an unmatched sense of variety. Highlights include:

  • Multi-deck neighborhoods like Central Park and Boardwalk
  • Rock climbing, surfing simulators, and zip lines
  • Massive theaters and water shows

 

These ships are like theme parks at sea — bold, modern, and endlessly entertaining.

Princess Cruises: Classic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

Princess ships prioritise space and serenity. Expect:

  • Elegant atriums and marble finishes
  • Adults-only Sanctuary Retreats
  • Smaller ships for more intimate experiences

 

If Royal Caribbean feels like Las Vegas, Princess feels like the Ritz-Carlton.

Destinations and Itineraries

Where Royal Caribbean Sails

With 240+ destinations, Royal Caribbean shines in:

  • Caribbean & Bahamas (including its private island CocoCay)
  • Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America

 

Its focus is on high-energy, tropical getaways with short to mid-length sailings.

Where Princess Cruises Sails

Princess Cruises specialises in global and immersive itineraries, covering 330+ ports worldwide, including:

  • Alaska, Asia, South America, and World Cruises
  • Cruisetours combining land exploration with sea travel

 

Best for: Travellers seeking authentic local experiences and extended routes.

Onboard Atmosphere and Experience

Royal Caribbean: Dynamic and Tech-Driven

From sunrise to midnight, there’s always something happening — live bands, aqua shows, parades, trivia, and more.

Atmosphere: Energetic, social, and fun.

Princess Cruises: Calm, Refined, and Romantic

Princess creates a slower-paced, serene environment with elegant dining, afternoon tea, and world-class spas.

Atmosphere: Relaxed and sophisticated.

Book Your Cruise Now!

Cabins and Accommodations

Royal Caribbean: Modern Family Comfort

Expect contemporary interiors and family-friendly options like connecting cabins and multi-room suites.

Princess Cruises: Refined and Spacious

Princess staterooms focus on comfort and quiet luxury, with plush bedding, private balconies, and tasteful décor.

Tip: Upgrade to a Reserve Collection Suite for exclusive dining and concierge service.

Dining and Cuisine

Royal Caribbean: Variety and Innovation

Known for dining diversity, you can find everything from sushi to steakhouse fare.

Top picks:

  • Wonderland (molecular dining)
  • Chops Grille (steakhouse)
  • Izumi (Japanese cuisine)

Princess Cruises: Gourmet and Destination-Focused

Princess elevates dining with regional menus, curated wine pairings, and dishes designed by world-renowned chefs.

Top picks:

  • Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria
  • Crown Grill Steakhouse
  • The Chef’s Table Experience

Verdict: Royal Caribbean wins on variety; Princess wins on culinary quality and presentation.

Entertainment and Activities

Royal Caribbean: Spectacle and Adventure

  • Broadway shows (Hairspray, Mamma Mia!)
  • Surf simulators, rock climbing, laser tag
  • Ice skating and water acrobatics

Princess Cruises: Enrichment and Relaxation

  • Discovery at SEA lectures and stargazing
  • Movies Under the Stars
  • Live classical performances and cultural events

Verdict: Royal Caribbean for thrill-seekers; Princess for lifelong learners.

Technology and Innovation

Royal Caribbean’s Smart Ships

The Royal App streamlines everything from dining reservations to real-time ship navigation.

Perks: Fastest Wi-Fi at sea via Starlink connectivity.

Princess MedallionClass Experience

A game changer for seamless cruising — your OceanMedallion acts as your room key, payment card, and location tracker.

Perks: No lines, no hassle, all personalisation.

Family-Friendly vs. Adult-Oriented

  • Families: Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs, waterparks, and teen lounges dominate.
  • Couples & Adults: Princess Cruises offers romance-focused experiences like couples’ massages, private cabanas, and candlelit dinners.

Pricing and Value

  • Royal Caribbean: More affordable entry fares with abundant free entertainment.
  • Princess Cruises: Slightly higher price point, but with elevated service and destination quality.

 

Tip: Princess often offers free Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities with its “Princess Plus” fare — great for long voyages.

Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?se

Traveler Type

Best Choice

Why

Families

Royal Caribbean

Bigger ships, kids’ clubs, waterparks

Couples

Princess Cruises

Romantic ambiance, fine dining

Seniors

Princess Cruises

Calm environment, destination depth

Solo Travelers

Princess Cruises

Smaller ships, social experiences

Adventure Seekers

Royal Caribbean

Thrill rides, bold entertainment

Final Verdict

If you want bold, high-energy adventures, Royal Caribbean is unbeatable.
If you crave quiet sophistication and cultural depth, Princess Cruises takes the crown.

In short:

Royal Caribbean is a floating city of excitement; Princess Cruises is a voyage of timeless elegance.

The Perfect Choice Is At Your Hand

Both cruise lines deliver excellence — but in entirely different ways. Royal Caribbean turns cruising into a non-stop adventure; Princess Cruises transforms it into an elegant escape.

Your perfect choice depends on what you value more: energy or elegance, thrill or tranquillity, city or sanctuary.

Book Your Cruise Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line is more luxurious?

Princess Cruises offers more refined service and elegant ambiance.

Yes, but Princess provides a more romantic, adult-focused experience.

Yes — Royal Caribbean for excitement, Princess for relaxation.

Royal Caribbean: Yes (Perfect Day at CocoCay). Princess: Yes (Princess Cays).

Princess Cruises leads in world and grand voyage itineraries.

Picture of Gina Teo

Gina Teo

Author

On This Page

Recent Posts

On Key

More of Cruisetalks

LOAD MORE
WhatsApp Us
Call Us
Email Us