Featured image for which cruise line is better princess or royal caribbean
Image source: cruisespotlight.com
Choosing between Princess and Royal Caribbean depends on what you value most: Princess excels in refined, destination-focused cruising with exceptional service and elegant dining, ideal for travelers seeking a more relaxed, traditional experience. In contrast, Royal Caribbean leads with innovation, offering larger ships, thrilling onboard activities like skydiving and rock climbing, and vibrant entertainment—perfect for families and adventure-seekers. Both deliver quality, but your ideal cruise hinges on whether you prefer serene sophistication or high-energy fun.
Key Takeaways
- Choose Princess for refined, traditional cruising with exceptional service.
- Pick Royal Caribbean for high-energy, innovative onboard experiences.
- Family-friendly focus: Royal Caribbean wins with kid-centric amenities.
- Dining variety: Princess excels with gourmet, specialty restaurants.
- Destinations matter: Compare itineraries—both offer unique global routes.
- Value-driven perks: Royal Caribbean includes more in base fares.
📑 Table of Contents
Which Cruise Line Is Better Princess or Royal Caribbean Compared
Overview and Brand Identity
Princess Cruises: The Refined, Classic Experience
Princess Cruises has long been associated with a more traditional, elegant cruising experience. Founded in 1965, the line has built a reputation for offering a refined atmosphere, exceptional service, and itineraries that emphasize cultural immersion and scenic destinations. Whether you’re sailing through the Norwegian fjords, exploring the glaciers of Alaska, or relaxing in the Caribbean, Princess Cruises positions itself as a premium brand focused on comfort, relaxation, and destination-centric voyages.
Visual guide about which cruise line is better princess or royal caribbean
Image source: cruisemummy.co.uk
Princess is particularly known for its “MedallionClass” technology—a wearable device that streamlines boarding, unlocks staterooms, enables contactless payments, and even helps locate family members onboard. This innovation enhances convenience without sacrificing the line’s signature calm and sophisticated ambiance. The brand appeals to travelers seeking a less frenetic environment, with a strong emphasis on adult-oriented relaxation, gourmet dining, and enrichment activities.
Royal Caribbean: The Thrill-Seeker’s Playground
Royal Caribbean International, founded in 1968, takes a radically different approach. Known for its megaships—including the record-breaking Symphony of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas—Royal Caribbean is all about innovation, energy, and non-stop entertainment. The brand has pioneered onboard attractions like surf simulators, skydiving simulators, zip lines, ice rinks, and even robotic bartenders. If you’re looking for a cruise that feels like a floating theme park, Royal Caribbean is the clear frontrunner.
Royal Caribbean’s identity is built around adventure and variety. Its ships are designed to cater to families, thrill-seekers, and multigenerational groups. With a strong focus on onboard experiences, Royal Caribbean offers something for everyone—from Broadway-style shows to escape rooms, surf parks, and high-energy nightlife. The brand also invests heavily in sustainability and digital innovation, including its Royal App and WOWbands (wearable tech for kids and families).
Target Audience and Demographics
The two lines attract distinctly different demographics. Princess Cruises tends to draw older couples, retirees, and solo travelers who appreciate a quieter, more cultured experience. Their average passenger age is slightly higher, and the atmosphere is more subdued—ideal for those who want to unwind with a good book, enjoy a sunset at sea, or attend a lecture on ancient civilizations.
In contrast, Royal Caribbean caters to families with children, young adults, and active travelers. The line’s appeal is broad, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Mediterranean markets. Royal Caribbean’s ships are often packed with kids during school holidays, making it a favorite among families. However, the line also offers adult-only solariums, specialty dining, and spa retreats for those seeking a quieter corner of the ship.
Tip: If you’re traveling with young kids or teens, Royal Caribbean offers far more age-appropriate activities. For a romantic getaway or a solo journey, Princess may provide a more serene backdrop.
Onboard Amenities and Entertainment
Dining Options and Culinary Experience
Princess Cruises prides itself on destination-inspired cuisine. Their “Local Connections” program features regional dishes and ingredients sourced from ports of call. For example, on an Alaskan cruise, you might enjoy fresh salmon, reindeer sausage, or wild berry desserts. Princess also offers Chef’s Table Lumiere, an exclusive, intimate dining experience with a multi-course menu and wine pairing. The main dining rooms follow a traditional rotational system, but guests can also opt for anytime dining.
Specialty restaurants include SHARE by Curtis Stone (a collaboration with the celebrity chef), Ocean Terrace (sushi and seafood), and Crab Shack. Room service is available 24/7, and the line offers a Chef’s Table Encore experience on select ships.
Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, emphasizes variety and spectacle. Their dining options are more eclectic and often themed. You can dine in a 1950s-style American diner (Johnny Rockets), a Brazilian churrascaria (Chops Grille), or a French bistro (Jamie’s Italian or 150 Central Park). The line also introduced Wonderland, a whimsical, avant-garde restaurant with dishes inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.”
Royal Caribbean’s main dining room offers a flexible dining system, allowing guests to choose their dining time and tablemates. The buffet at Windjammer Marketplace is expansive and open nearly all day. For families, the Adventure Ocean program includes themed dinner events for kids, such as pirate nights and superhero feasts.
Tip: If you value culinary creativity and themed experiences, Royal Caribbean wins. For authentic, regionally inspired cuisine and a more refined atmosphere, Princess is the better choice.
Entertainment and Activities
Princess Cruises offers a more curated entertainment lineup. You’ll find Broadway-inspired shows in the Princess Theater, live jazz in the Club Fusion, and classical music in the Vista Lounge. The line also features Discovery at Sea programs in partnership with the Discovery Channel, offering interactive exhibits, stargazing events, and wildlife talks—especially popular on Alaska and Galapagos itineraries.
Daytime activities include cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, trivia, and enrichment lectures. The Princess Fine Arts program brings onboard artists, musicians, and historians. For relaxation, the Lotus Spa offers thalassotherapy pools, thermal suites, and a range of wellness treatments.
Royal Caribbean takes entertainment to another level. Their ships feature Broadway-caliber shows like Grease, Hairspray, and We Will Rock You, performed in state-of-the-art theaters. The AquaTheater on Oasis-class ships hosts high-diving acrobatics and synchronized swimming shows under the stars.
Onboard activities are non-stop: rock climbing walls, surf simulators (FlowRider), ice skating rinks, zip lines, mini-golf, laser tag, and even escape rooms. The Adventure Ocean kids’ program is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, with age-specific zones and themed activities. Teens have their own lounges with DJ booths, gaming consoles, and movie nights.
Tip: If you want a cruise where you can do nothing and still be entertained, Princess is ideal. If you want to do everything—from skydiving to Broadway—Royal Caribbean delivers.
Spa, Wellness, and Relaxation
Both lines offer excellent spa and wellness facilities, but their philosophies differ. Princess Cruises focuses on holistic wellness. The Lotus Spa features hydrotherapy pools, thermal suites, and treatments like hot stone massages and aromatherapy. The line also offers Wellness Cruises with yoga, meditation, and fitness classes led by experts. The SeaView Spa on newer ships includes a meditation garden and a thermal suite with heated loungers.
Royal Caribbean takes a fitness-first approach. The Vitality Spa & Fitness Center includes a full gym, spin studio, and fitness classes (Zumba, TRX, Pilates). The Vitality Cafe offers smoothies and healthy snacks. Royal Caribbean also introduced the SeaPlex—a multipurpose sports arena with bumper cars, roller skating, and a trapeze school.
Both lines offer adult-only solariums, but Royal Caribbean’s Solarium is often larger and more resort-like, with retractable glass roofs and poolside cabanas. Princess’s Retreat Pool is quieter and more secluded, perfect for reading or napping.
Tip: For a serene, spa-focused experience, choose Princess. For a high-energy, fitness-driven environment, Royal Caribbean excels.
Itineraries and Destinations
Geographic Reach and Route Variety
Princess Cruises is renowned for its destination expertise. The line offers some of the most in-depth itineraries in the industry, particularly in Alaska, where they’ve been sailing since 1969. Their “North to Alaska” program includes scenic cruising through Tracy Arm Fjord, Hubbard Glacier, and College Fjord, with onboard naturalists and rangers from the U.S. Forest Service.
Princess also excels in world cruises and extended voyages. Their 111-day “Circle South America” cruise stops at 34 ports, including remote destinations like Ushuaia (Argentina) and Easter Island. The line also offers small-ship cruising through its Princess Yachts division, which sails to destinations like the Galapagos and the Amazon.
Royal Caribbean focuses on popular, high-demand routes, especially in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska. Their Caribbean itineraries often feature stops at their private destinations: Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas) and Labadee (Haiti). These private islands offer exclusive beaches, water parks, zip lines, and cabanas—ideal for families.
Royal Caribbean’s Alaska cruises are also strong, with visits to Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan, plus glacier viewing. However, their itineraries tend to be shorter (7–10 days) and more focused on onboard activities than deep cultural immersion.
Tip: For off-the-beaten-path destinations and extended voyages, Princess is unmatched. For family-friendly Caribbean escapes with private island fun, Royal Caribbean wins.
Port Experience and Shore Excursions
Princess Cruises emphasizes local culture and authenticity. Their “Discovery at Sea” program offers excursions like whale watching in Alaska, wine tasting in Tuscany, and cooking classes in Greece. The line also partners with local guides and artisans to create immersive experiences. On an Alaskan cruise, you might take a dog-sledding tour with Iditaram mushers or a Tlingit cultural tour in Hoonah.
Princess also offers overnight stays in select ports, allowing guests to experience nightlife and local dining. Their Princess Patter daily newsletter includes detailed port information and excursion descriptions.
Royal Caribbean offers a broader range of excursions, including adrenaline-pumping activities like jet skiing, scuba diving, and helicopter tours. Their excursions are often more action-oriented and less focused on cultural depth. However, the line does offer some unique experiences, like a submarine tour in the Bahamas or a zipline canopy tour in Costa Rica.
Royal Caribbean’s private destinations (CocoCay and Labadee) are a major draw. CocoCay features Thriller Water Park, with slides, wave pools, and a 135-foot-tall tower. Labadee offers a dragon’s breath zip line over the Caribbean Sea.
Tip: If you want authentic, educational excursions, choose Princess. For thrill-seeking, adrenaline-fueled activities, Royal Caribbean is the better option.
Cabin and Stateroom Experience
Cabin Types and Layouts
Princess Cruises offers a range of staterooms, from interior cabins to Grand Suites. Their Premium Balcony cabins are spacious (230–270 sq ft) and feature large verandahs. The MedallionClass technology allows for personalized room settings—your favorite lighting, temperature, and even music preferences are saved and activated when you enter.
Princess also introduced Club Class mini-suites and suites, which include access to a private dining room (Club Class Dining), priority boarding, and concierge service. The Retreat Collection cabins are located near the Retreat Pool and offer enhanced privacy and amenities.
Royal Caribbean cabins are generally larger and more varied. Their Central Park and Boardwalk neighborhoods (on Oasis-class ships) feature cabins with balconies overlooking lush gardens or a carousel. The Ultimate Family Suite (on select ships) includes a private slide, cinema room, and LEGO wall—perfect for families.
Royal Caribbean’s Virtual Balcony interior cabins use floor-to-ceiling HD screens to simulate an ocean view, a unique feature for those who want more space without the balcony price tag.
Tip: For spacious, tech-enhanced cabins with a focus on comfort, Princess is ideal. For creative layouts, family-friendly suites, and innovative features, Royal Caribbean shines.
Service and Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Both lines pride themselves on service, but their styles differ. Princess Cruises emphasizes attentive, unobtrusive service. The crew-to-guest ratio is around 1:2, and staff are trained to anticipate needs without being intrusive. The Medallion system allows for personalized service—waitstaff remember your drink preferences, and room stewards know your schedule.
Royal Caribbean offers energetic, friendly service with a more visible crew presence. The ratio is similar (1:2.2), but staff are often more interactive, especially in kids’ programs and entertainment venues. The Royal App allows guests to message crew members directly for requests.
Tip: If you prefer quiet, personalized service, choose Princess. For engaging, high-energy interactions, Royal Caribbean delivers.
Pricing and Value for Money
Base Fare and Inclusions
Princess Cruises is positioned as a premium brand. Base fares are slightly higher than Royal Caribbean, but they include more in the initial price: complimentary room service, enrichment lectures, and basic beverage packages (coffee, tea, water). Specialty dining and premium drinks are extra.
Royal Caribbean offers lower base fares but fewer inclusions. Room service is limited to certain hours, and lectures are fewer. However, the line often runs promotions like “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” or “Free Specialty Dining.” Beverage packages and Wi-Fi are usually add-ons.
Both lines offer all-inclusive packages (Princess Plus, Royal Upgrades), which bundle Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities. These can offer significant savings if used fully.
Data Table: Pricing Comparison (7-Night Caribbean Cruise, Double Occupancy)
| Feature | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Average Base Fare | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| All-Inclusive Package (Per Person) | $70/day | $80/day |
| Specialty Dining (Avg. Cost) | $30–$50 | $35–$60 |
| Wi-Fi (Unlimited) | $20/day | $25/day |
| Beverage Package (Premium) | $70/day | $80/day |
| Gratuities (Per Person, Per Day) | $16 | $18 |
Tip: Calculate your expected onboard spending before booking. If you plan to use Wi-Fi, drinks, and specialty dining, an all-inclusive package can save hundreds.
Conclusion: Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Choosing between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ultimately comes down to your travel style, preferences, and who you’re sailing with. If you’re seeking a refined, culturally rich, and relaxing experience with exceptional service and destination-focused itineraries, Princess Cruises is the clear winner. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, and those who value quiet elegance, gourmet dining, and immersive shore excursions.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for non-stop action, family-friendly fun, and innovative onboard attractions, Royal Caribbean delivers in spades. Its megaships offer something for every age and interest, from toddlers to grandparents, and its private destinations provide exclusive beach days with thrilling activities. It’s perfect for families, multigenerational groups, and thrill-seekers who want to pack every moment with excitement.
Both lines are leaders in their respective niches, with strong reputations for safety, sustainability, and guest satisfaction. Princess excels in authenticity and tranquility, while Royal Caribbean dominates in variety and energy. Consider your priorities: Do you want to unwind and explore, or adventure and entertain?
Ultimately, there’s no “better” cruise line—only the one that better matches your vacation vision. Whether you’re sipping wine on a Princess balcony as a glacier looms in the distance, or racing down a waterslide at CocoCay with your kids, both lines offer unforgettable experiences. Choose wisely, and set sail for your dream voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cruise line is better, Princess or Royal Caribbean, for families?
Royal Caribbean generally offers more family-friendly amenities, including larger waterparks, kids’ clubs, and interactive activities. Princess Cruises provides a more relaxed atmosphere but fewer dedicated family attractions.
Which cruise line has better dining options: Princess or Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean stands out with diverse specialty dining and celebrity chef partnerships, while Princess focuses on classic, refined dining experiences. Both offer complimentary main dining, but Royal Caribbean has more innovative options.
Is Princess or Royal Caribbean better for first-time cruisers?
Royal Caribbean is often better for first-timers due to its intuitive layouts, extensive onboard activities, and modern tech features. Princess Cruises suits travelers seeking a quieter, traditional cruise vibe.
Which cruise line is better for luxury travelers: Princess or Royal Caribbean?
Princess Cruises excels in luxury with its exclusive “Princess Medallion” service and premium staterooms. Royal Caribbean’s luxury tier, “The Key,” offers perks but leans more toward energetic experiences than refined elegance.
Which cruise line has better entertainment, Princess or Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean wins with Broadway shows, ice skating, and high-tech productions. Princess Cruises focuses on live music, theater, and enrichment lectures for a more low-key entertainment style.
What’s the difference in destinations between Princess and Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean offers more Caribbean and short-duration itineraries, while Princess Cruises is renowned for Alaskan, European, and longer global voyages. Both cover major destinations, but Princess has deeper niche market coverage.