Which cruise line is better? Royal Caribbean or Princess?

Question

I am looking into booking a Caribbean cruise for next year, we are looking to go in April or May, I have done alot of researach and Royal Caribbean and Princess keep coming up for the time of year and where we want to go. Any input if one out shines the other? they both seem about the same price, they go to the same stops.

We are a couple that is in our late 30's, early 40's we aren't party animals but we also aren't old folks either. We like good food, a nice drinks, some dancing, we do like casinos, if there is one onboard. We were told to definitely get a balcony room this will be our first cruise. And our first vacation with no kids. One thing we really aren't in to, is the whole formal dinning, tuxedo's and evening gowns, we don't mind dressing up, skirts, dress pants, shirts, we just aren't the formal wear kind of people.

Is one cruise line better than another?

Answer 1

I have been on 3 Princess cruises and about 8 Royal Caribbean cruises and in my opinion both cruise lines are great.  Both have some great ships doing Caribbean itineraries.  Royal Caribbean has the Freedom and Voyage Class ships doing the Caribbean out of Florida and Puerto Rico ports.  I cruised on two great Princess ships in the Caribbean.

I did, however,   see some differences.  Both have great food but Princes foods were more into "presentation" of a pretty meal on the plate.  Princess tended to be just a little more classy.  Both cruise lines had a mixture of people from age 35  to about 65.  Royal Caribbean ships do have more on-board activities like in-line roller skating, ice skating, the rock climbing wall, mini-golf, and some other things, depending upon the ship.

People on Royal Caribbean ships tend to be a little more casual on formal nights.  But remember that the formal nights are REQUESTED  ATTIRE and not REQUIRED.  So on any and every night all you need to do is dress "sports or resort casual" and you will be fine.  Neither cruise line will deny you entrance to the main dining room or anything else on formal nights if you decide not to dress up.  So the things that you have in mind to wear will work just fine.

Answer 2

The first thing I will say is that everyone's opinion is different.  You may love camping and being at one with mother nature while perhaps the person giving you their opinion thinks staying at a Holiday Inn is camping.  So, here is my professional input and what my clients have had to say about both companies over the past 13 years in the travel industry.  I hope this helps.  One of the major differences would be if you are looking at one of the voyager class ships with Royal Caribbean - these would be the Mariner, Freedom, Liberty and so on.  These offer rock climbing, in-line skating, ice skating, mini golf, a full size sports court, and more.  The newer ships(Freedom and Liberty) also have a wave simulator and boxing ring onboard.  Royal Caribbean is a great product.  Princess tends to draw a mid aged crowd, 30's to 50's.  I cruised with them when the Caribbean Princess had her maiden voyage and was impressed with the entire package.  I thought the crew was a bit more attentive to me and it felt as though they had their act a bit more together. However, outside of the amenities on the Voyager class ship, I would say they are somewhat similar.  I would focus more on the itinerary being offered on the sailing and go with the itinerary that you like.  The eastern will take you to their private island(usually in the Bahamas), St Thomas and St Maarten.  The western usually combines  islands such as Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica.  There is also an exotic western itinerary that goes to Belize and Honduras.  I think you would enjoy either cruise line, just focus more on the itinerary that you will enjoy.  You can view the shore excursions available on each cruise lines web site or go to shoretrips.com.  This will give you an idea of the options available at each port of call.

Answer 3

cruises are the BEST! you'll see!  I haven't been on a princess one, but i have been on royal caribbean.  and loved it.  i went to the carribbean and also alaska on that line.  my brother went on a princess and said it was really really nice.  i think if you're not there to party like spring break and looking for a more adult themed trip probably princess, but I think that royal caribean has freestyle dining, where you don't have to eat with the table every night (it used to be two formals for a seven night cruise - you sat with the same people at the same table every night, and there was either early (6:00) or late(8:00)) and now you can go to any different restaurant they have, and they will seat you as you come in  at whatever time you like.  look at the books the travel agencies have, they usually have a good description of what it looks like/what's to do.  and DEFINITELY get a balcony! regardless you'll have a great time!  royal carribean was my favorite of the lines we went on (we went on sun cruises too, ok - but lower end) the other line we went on was norweigan - that was REALLY good too!  maybe check on that one.

Answer 4

Royal Caribbean has a better reputation all around. Remember, you will be surrounded by other people for your entire trip. So what class of people are you willing to be with?

Answer 5

I have been on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney and Princess. Royal Caribbean is 100% better than the rest. I can't even begin to describe the many differences that make it so much better. They have the best staff. It is SO obvious that their #1 concern is that you have the time of your life. They are ALL so nice and will do whatever it takes to go out of their way to please you. The ships are nicer, the food is better. You will not be dissapointed.