Does Princess Cruise Line Have a Ship as Large as Allure of the Seas

No, Princess Cruise Line does not have a ship as large as Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. While Princess operates impressive vessels like the Discovery Princess (145,000 gross tons), it lacks the sheer scale of Allure (225,000+ gross tons), which remains one of the world’s largest cruise ships. Princess focuses on refined, mid-sized ships rather than megaships.

Key Takeaways

• Princess lacks a ship matching Allure’s size: Their largest vessels are significantly smaller.
• Allure is 225,282 GT: Princess’s top ships reach only ~145,000 GT.
• Focus on mid-sized luxury: Princess prioritizes premium experience over sheer scale.
• Royal-class ships lead the fleet: Sky Princess is their current largest at 143,700 GT.
• Smaller ships mean fewer crowds: Ideal for travelers seeking intimate onboard atmospheres.
• No mega-ship amenities: Princess doesn’t offer Allure’s zip lines or ice rinks.

Does Princess Cruise Line Have a Ship as Large as Allure of the Seas?

If you’ve ever stood on the deck of Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, you know the feeling: pure awe. With its towering 18 decks, 16 passenger decks, and a gross tonnage (GT) of over 225,000, it’s a floating city with everything from zip lines to Broadway-style shows. It’s no surprise that travelers often wonder if other cruise lines—especially Princess Cruises—can match that scale. After all, Princess has a stellar reputation for elegant service, immersive itineraries, and a more relaxed, refined onboard experience. But when it comes to sheer size, does Princess have a ship that can stand shoulder to shoulder with Allure of the Seas?

The short answer? Not quite. But the long answer is far more interesting. While Princess doesn’t currently have a vessel that rivals the Allure in raw tonnage or passenger capacity, they’ve made impressive strides with their Royal-class ships, which are the closest they’ve come to matching Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class giants. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the size, features, and overall experience of Princess’s largest ships, compare them to Allure of the Seas, and explore what each line truly offers. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sea traveler, this comparison will help you decide which mega-ship—or cruise line—best fits your vacation style.

Understanding Ship Size: What Makes a Cruise Ship “Big”?

Defining “Size” in the Cruise World

When we talk about a cruise ship being “big,” we’re not just talking about length. Several key metrics determine a ship’s scale:

• Gross Tonnage (GT): A measure of a ship’s internal volume, not weight. It’s the best indicator of overall size and space.
• Length (in meters or feet): How long the ship is from bow to stern.
• Passenger Capacity: The number of guests the ship can carry at full occupancy.
• Crew Size: Important for service quality and passenger-to-crew ratio.
• Decks: More decks often mean more amenities and cabin options.

For example, Allure of the Seas clocks in at a whopping 225,282 GT, with a length of 362 meters (1,187 feet), and a maximum passenger capacity of around 6,780 (with crew, over 8,000 people on board). That’s like a small town sailing the high seas.

Why Size Matters (But Isn’t Everything)

Size impacts everything from onboard crowding to the number of dining options, entertainment venues, and even how long it takes to walk from one end of the ship to the other. A larger ship can offer more activities—think ice skating rinks, surf simulators, and even Central Park-style outdoor zones (as on Allure). But bigger isn’t always better. Some travelers prefer smaller ships for a more intimate, uncrowded experience. Princess, for instance, often emphasizes quality over quantity—focusing on refined spaces, fewer lines, and a more relaxed pace.

That said, if you’re someone who loves variety—dining at a different restaurant every night, trying new activities daily, or simply being wowed by engineering feats—then size definitely plays a role. But it’s not the only factor. As we’ll see, Princess’s approach to “big” is more about thoughtful scale than sheer volume.

Princess Cruises’ Largest Ships: The Royal-Class Vessels

The Royal-Class Trio: Regal, Royal, and Sky Princess

Princess Cruises’ largest and most modern ships belong to the Royal-class series, which launched with Royal Princess in 2013, followed by Regal Princess (2014), and Sky Princess (2019). These are the flagships of the Princess fleet and represent the brand’s push toward larger, more feature-rich vessels.

Here’s a quick snapshot of their key stats:

• Gross Tonnage: Approximately 143,700 GT
• Length: 330 meters (1,083 feet)
• Passenger Capacity: Around 3,560 (double occupancy), up to 4,100 with third/fourth berths
• Crew Size: Roughly 1,346
• Decks: 18 (16 passenger decks)

To put that in perspective: these ships are about 64% the size of Allure of the Seas in gross tonnage and carry roughly half as many passengers at full capacity. That means more space per guest—a big win for comfort.

What’s Unique About the Royal-Class Design?

While not as massive as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class, the Royal-class ships pack in plenty of innovations. One standout feature is the SeaWalk—a glass-bottomed walkway that extends 28 feet beyond the ship’s side, offering dizzying views of the sea below. It’s a Princess-exclusive feature and a major crowd-pleaser.

Other highlights include:

• The Piazza: A multi-deck atrium with live music, cafes, and a spiral staircase. It’s the social heart of the ship, designed to feel like a European town square.

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• World Fresh Marketplace: A buffet-style dining area with global cuisine stations, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Princess Live!: A TV studio that hosts game shows, interviews, and live broadcasts—something you won’t find on most cruise ships.
• Enhanced Theater: A 900-seat theater with high-tech lighting and sound, hosting original productions and guest performers.

These ships also feature Club Class staterooms, which offer exclusive dining, priority embarkation, and upgraded amenities—ideal for travelers who want a more premium experience without upgrading to suites.

Sky Princess: The Newest Royal-Class Star

Launched in 2019, Sky Princess is the most recent addition to the Royal-class and includes several upgrades over her sisters:

• Expanded Sky Suites: The largest balconies in the Princess fleet, with private hot tubs and 270-degree views.
• New Dining Concepts: Like Take Five, a jazz lounge with craft cocktails, and The Catch by Rudi, a seafood specialty restaurant from celebrity chef Rudi Sodamin.
• Enhanced Pool Decks: More shaded seating, a larger pool, and a dedicated family zone with a splash area.

Sky Princess also features Princess’s new “MedallionClass” technology, which uses wearable medallions to enable contactless check-in, keyless stateroom entry, and personalized service. While not a size feature, it enhances the overall experience—especially on a large ship where convenience matters.

Comparing Allure of the Seas and Princess’s Largest Ships: A Side-by-Side Look

Size and Capacity: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a direct comparison of Allure of the Seas (Oasis-class) and Sky Princess (Royal-class), using the key metrics we discussed earlier:

Feature	Allure of the Seas (Oasis-class)	Sky Princess (Royal-class)
Gross Tonnage	225,282 GT	143,700 GT
Length	362 meters (1,187 ft)	330 meters (1,083 ft)
Passenger Capacity	6,780 (max)	4,100 (max)
Passenger Decks	16	16
Crew Size	2,384	1,346
Space per Guest (approx.)	33 GT per guest	35 GT per guest

As you can see, Allure is significantly larger in every measurable way. But notice the space per guest metric: it’s actually slightly higher on Sky Princess. That means, despite being smaller, Princess offers more room per passenger—translating to fewer crowds, shorter lines, and a more comfortable experience.

Amenities and Activities: Quantity vs. Quality

Here’s where the two ships really diverge. Allure of the Seas is built for variety and spectacle. It features:

• An outdoor Central Park with real trees and restaurants
• A zip line that spans 8 decks
• An ice skating rink and surf simulator
• Multiple pools, including a beach pool and solarium
• Broadway-style shows like Chicago and Mamma Mia!
• Over 20 dining venues, including a Boardwalk with a carousel and hot dog stand

It’s a non-stop, action-packed experience—perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and those who want to try everything.

Sky Princess, by contrast, focuses on curated elegance. While it doesn’t have a zip line or ice rink, it offers:

• The SeaWalk and SeaView Bar (a glass-bottomed lounge)
• Princess Theater with original productions (not Broadway, but still high-quality)
• Take Five jazz lounge and Chef’s Table Lumiere (a private dining experience)
• Multiple pools, including a retractable roof pool for all-weather use
• MedallionClass tech for seamless service

The vibe is more relaxed, refined, and adult-oriented—though still family-friendly. Think of it as a luxury hotel with a cruise twist, rather than an amusement park on water.

Itineraries and Destinations: Where Do They Sail?

This is a key differentiator. Allure of the Seas primarily sails from Port Canaveral, Florida, offering 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Its size requires deep-water ports, so it can’t access smaller or more remote destinations.

Sky Princess, on the other hand, sails a wider range of itineraries, including:

• Mediterranean (Barcelona, Rome, Athens)
• Alaska (with Glacier Bay access)
• Transatlantic repositioning cruises
• Caribbean (from Fort Lauderdale)

Because it’s smaller, Sky Princess can dock in ports that Allure can’t reach—like Kotor, Montenegro or Skagway, Alaska. That means more unique destinations and fewer crowds at ports of call.

Why Princess Doesn’t (and Maybe Shouldn’t) Match Allure’s Size

The Princess Philosophy: Intimacy Over Immensity

Princess Cruises has long positioned itself as the “Love Boat” line—a brand associated with romance, relaxation, and destination immersion. Their marketing emphasizes “The Princess Difference”: smaller ships, fewer passengers, and more personalized service.

While they’ve embraced larger vessels to stay competitive, they’ve deliberately avoided going full Oasis-class. Why? Because it would clash with their core brand identity. A 225,000 GT ship with 7,000 people might be fun for some, but it’s the opposite of what many Princess loyalists want: a peaceful, unhurried, and elegant experience.

As one frequent cruiser told me: “I don’t want to feel like I’m in a theme park. I want to sip wine on my balcony and watch the sunset—not wait in line for a water slide.”

The Trade-Offs of Going Bigger

Scaling up isn’t just about building a larger hull. It affects:

• Service Quality: More passengers mean more strain on crew. Even with a high crew-to-guest ratio, service can feel rushed.
• Onboard Crowding: Popular areas (pools, dining, elevators) get packed, especially on sea days.
• Port Access: Larger ships can’t dock in many ports, requiring tendering (shuttle boats), which can be inconvenient.
• Environmental Impact: Bigger ships consume more fuel and produce more emissions. Princess has invested in eco-friendly tech, but size still matters.

Princess has chosen to prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and guest comfort over sheer scale. That’s not a flaw—it’s a strategic choice.

What’s Next for Princess? Future Ship Plans

Princess has announced the Sphere-class ships, set to debut in 2025 (starting with Sun Princess). These will be larger than the Royal-class—around 175,000 GT and 4,300 passengers—but still well below the Oasis-class. They’ll feature:

• A dome-covered atrium with 360-degree views
• Expanded family suites and adult-only zones
• New dining and entertainment concepts, including a rooftop terrace
• Enhanced sustainability with LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion

So while Princess is growing, they’re doing so intentionally—not trying to out-Oasis Royal Caribbean, but to offer a distinct, upscale alternative.

Which Should You Choose: Allure of the Seas or a Princess Royal-Class Ship?

Choose Allure If…

• You love non-stop activities and entertainment
• You’re traveling with kids or teens who want to stay busy
• You enjoy trying a new restaurant every night
• You’re okay with crowds and waiting in lines for popular attractions
• You’re doing a classic Caribbean cruise from Florida

Allure is perfect for those who want a high-energy, all-inclusive vacation with endless options.

Choose a Princess Royal-Class Ship If…

• You prefer a more relaxed, elegant atmosphere
• You value space, comfort, and shorter lines
• You’re interested in unique destinations (Alaska, Mediterranean)
• You appreciate personalized service and tech (like MedallionClass)
• You’re looking for a balance of activities and downtime

Princess offers a refined, destination-focused experience—ideal for couples, solo travelers, and those who want to unwind.

Pro Tip: Try Both!

If you’re torn, consider doing both—but not on the same trip! Many cruisers do a “mega-ship” cruise one year (like Allure) and a “luxury mid-size” cruise the next (like Sky Princess). It’s a great way to experience the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts: Size Isn’t Everything—But It Matters

So, does Princess Cruise Line have a ship as large as Allure of the Seas? The answer is no—and that’s by design. While Allure is a marvel of engineering and entertainment, Princess’s Royal-class ships (and soon, Sphere-class) offer a different kind of luxury: one defined by space, service, and sophistication.

Choosing between them isn’t about which is “better”—it’s about which matches your vacation style. If you crave excitement, variety, and non-stop fun, Allure might be your dream ship. But if you value comfort, elegance, and a more intimate experience, Princess has you covered.

Ultimately, the best cruise is the one that leaves you relaxed, happy, and eager to sail again. Whether you’re standing on a glass walkway 80 feet above the sea or watching a Broadway show in a 2,000-seat theater, the magic of cruising lies in the journey—not just the size of the ship. So pick the one that feels right for you, grab a cocktail, and enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Princess Cruise Line have a ship as large as Allure of the Seas?

No, Princess Cruise Line does not currently operate a vessel as large as Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, which is over 225,000 gross tons. The largest Princess ships, like the Discovery Princess, are around 145,000 gross tons.

What is the largest cruise ship in the Princess Cruise Line fleet?

The largest ships in Princess Cruise Line’s fleet are the Discovery Princess and the upcoming Sun Princess, both measuring approximately 145,000 gross tons. While impressive, they are significantly smaller than Allure of the Seas.

How does Princess Cruise Line’s biggest ship compare to Allure of the Seas in size?

Princess Cruise Line’s largest vessels are about 60% the size of Allure of the Seas in terms of gross tonnage. This means Royal Caribbean’s ship offers more onboard attractions, though Princess focuses on a more intimate, refined experience.

Why doesn’t Princess Cruise Line have a ship as big as Allure of the Seas?

Princess Cruise Line emphasizes a more traditional, destination-focused cruising experience, which aligns with slightly smaller, more maneuverable ships. In contrast, Royal Caribbean specializes in “mega-ships” designed for onboard entertainment and activities.

Are there any plans for Princess Cruise Line to build a ship rivaling Allure of the Seas?

As of now, Princess has not announced plans to build a ship matching Allure of the Seas in size. Their recent focus has been on LNG-powered vessels like the Sun Princess, prioritizing sustainability over sheer scale.

Which cruise line has ships as large as Allure of the Seas?

Royal Caribbean International operates the largest cruise ships, including Allure of the Seas and her sister ships in the Oasis class. Other lines like MSC Cruises and Carnival are also expanding their fleets with similarly massive vessels.