Is Princess Cruise Better Than Royal Caribbean?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to choosing a cruise line, there are a lot of factors to consider. Two popular options are Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Both of these cruise lines offer a wide range of destinations, activities, and amenities. But which one is better? Let’s take a closer look.

Destinations
Princess Cruises offers voyages to over 300 ports around the world, including Alaska, Australia, Europe, and Asia. They also have a number of unique itineraries, such as their “World Cruise” which travels to multiple continents over the course of several months.

Royal Caribbean also offers a variety of destinations, including the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Asia. They are known for their private island destination in the Bahamas called “Perfect Day at CocoCay”.

Winner: It’s hard to say which cruise line has better destinations since it largely depends on personal preference. However, if you’re looking for more unique itineraries and an extensive World Cruise option, Princess Cruises may be the better choice.

Activities
Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer a wide range of onboard activities for all ages. Princess has partnerships with Discovery Channel and Animal Planet to provide educational programs and interactive experiences. They also have sports courts, pools, dance classes, and live entertainment.

Royal Caribbean is known for their innovative onboard features such as rock climbing walls, zip lines, ice skating rinks, and surf simulators. They also have Broadway-style shows and parades on select ships.

Winner: If you’re looking for more adventurous activities like rock climbing or surfing simulations then Royal Caribbean would be better suited for you. However if you want more educational entertainment options then Princess Cruises is the way to go.

Amenities
Both cruise lines offer similar amenities such as spas, fitness centers, multiple dining options including specialty restaurants, and casinos.

However, Princess Cruises offers unique amenities such as their “Movies Under the Stars” program where guests can watch movies on a giant outdoor screen. They also have The Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat with private cabanas and spa treatments.

Royal Caribbean has a unique feature called “Virtual Balconies” on interior staterooms which display real-time ocean views through floor-to-ceiling screens. They also have a Sky Pad attraction which combines virtual reality technology with bungee trampolines.

Winner: Again, this largely depends on personal preference but if you’re looking for more unique amenities Princess Cruises may be the better choice.

Value
Princess Cruises tends to be slightly more expensive than Royal Caribbean. However, they often offer deluxe perks such as free drinks and Wi-Fi packages as part of their promotions.

Royal Caribbean is known for their affordable pricing and frequent discounts. They also offer a loyalty program for frequent cruisers called Crown & Anchor Society which provides exclusive benefits.

Winner: If you’re on a tight budget then Royal Caribbean may be the better option. But if you’re willing to spend extra for deluxe perks then Princess Cruises could be worth it.

The Verdict

In conclusion, both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer unique experiences. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a cruise line.

If you enjoy more adventurous activities and innovative onboard features then Royal Caribbean may be the better option. If you prefer more educational entertainment options or unique amenities like Movies Under the Stars then Princess Cruises would be the way to go.