If you’re trying to decide between Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean (RCL), you’re not alone — as they’re two of the most popular cruise lines out there, but they cater to very different types of travelers.
We’ve sailed with both lines multiple times, and trust me — they each have their strengths. While one might feel like a floating city packed with nonstop thrills, the other is more like a calming escape with a glass of wine in hand and a string quartet playing nearby.
Let’s break it down and see which line might be the better fit for your next adventure.
Ship Size and Vibe
Royal Caribbean:
Think big — like, “floating resort” big. These ships are packed with activities: rock climbing walls, ice skating, surf simulators, zip lines, bumper cars, and more. It’s perfect for families, multigenerational groups, or anyone who likes their vacations on the livelier side.
- Wide range of ships (based on the itinerary, which carry 3,000–6,000+ guests
- Their ships, especially the new Icon Class ships, are modern and have an energetic atmosphere
- Appeals to those looking for “adventure” onboard the ship, as well as for families
Princess Cruises:
Princess ships are more about relaxed elegance. Their ships are generally smaller (though still mid- to large-sized) and focus more on ambiance than adrenaline.
- Their ships carry between 2,000–3,600 guests
- There is a calm, sophisticated vibe throughout the ship
- Geared toward couples, older travelers, and solo cruisers looking to unwind and relax
Dining Experience
Royal Caribbean:
RCL’s has dining options galore — from casual pizza joints to upscale steak houses, plus specialty restaurants like Izumi Sushi or Wonderland (yep, that’s a real thing). But some options do cost extra.
- Main dining is solid, but often busy due to the size of most of their ships
- Specialty dining adds variety, for a fee
- Good variety for families with picky eaters
Wonderland Restaurant
During a cruise last September to Alaska, we decided to try the Wonderland while onboard the Ovation of the Seas. The restaurant is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, where it invites you to “venture down the rabbit hole.” The décor was quite quirky, with mismatched chairs, golden trees, smoky cocktails, and some pretty amazing presentations. It’s designed to ignite your imagination before the food even arrives.
Several of the locations even require you to “paint” your menu with water to reveal your options — as ours did. Overall, the servers played a key role in the overall experience, interacting with us as if we were all part of a fairytale. So the “show,” so to spea,k was quite entertaining, overall the food was very good as well – quirky, but good.
Princess Cruises:
Dining on Princess is more traditional and refined — think white tablecloths, multicourse menus, and a stronger focus on quality over quantity. You can either go with their anytime dining option, giving you flexibility, or you can stick with a set time.
- Their main dining is often praised for quality and consistency
- Their specialty restaurants, like Crown Grill and Sabatini’s, are excellent
- Overall, it’s a more relaxed, quieter dining experience
Entertainment & Activities
Royal Caribbean:
If you like your cruise buzzing with activity from dawn to midnight, this is your line. You’ll find Broadway-style shows, high-diving aqua theater performances, karaoke lounges, and belly flop contests at the pool. No judgment — as I’ve watched more than one of those, but never participated.
Princess Cruises:
Entertainment is a bit more low-key. They offer Movies Under the Stars, musical performances, comedians, enrichment lectures, and ballroom dancing. You won’t find robotic bartenders, but you will find jazz trios and theater shows with some Broadway flair.
Pricing and Value
Royal Caribbean:
While they often offer flash sales and Free at Sea-style promotions (especially on older ships or for off-season sailings), without those promotions and especially with the Icon Class ships, the additional expenses can really add up.
Princess Cruises:
Usually falls in the mid-tier pricing range, and often runs promotions as well, like Princess Plus or Princess Premier, which include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities — making budgeting easier up front.
MAK’n It Work Tip: We booked a Princess cruise during Wave Season and saved hundreds with a drink + Wi-Fi package included. Always compare total value, not just the sticker price.
Itineraries
Both cruise lines sail to similar destinations — the Caribbean, Alaska, and Europe — but they differ in how they approach them.
Royal Caribbean:
Loves to add in private island stops (like Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Caribbean) and short 3–5 day sailings from Florida. Great for quick getaways.
Princess Cruises:
Tends to offer longer, more destination-focused itineraries, like 10–14 day Europe cruises or immersive Alaska land & sea packages.
Both cruise lines attract a wide variety of cruisers, but in our experience, it all depends on what type of cruise vacation you are really looking for.
Royal Caribbean is Best For:
- Families with kids and teens
- First-time cruisers who want options
- Active travelers who want lots to do on board
- Group travelers (there’s something for everyone)
Princess Cruises is Best For:
- Couples and empty nesters
- Solo travelers or honeymooners
- Travelers who care more about destinations than onboard thrills
- Fans of traditional cruising with a modern twist
The Verdict: Princess or Royal Caribbean?
There’s no wrong answer — just what fits your style.
- Want adventure, tons of dining options, and adrenaline at sea? → Royal Caribbean
- Want quiet time, great service, and more intimate vibes? → Princess Cruises
We’ve enjoyed both, and sometimes the right line depends on who you’re sailing with and what kind of vacation you need at that moment. Either way, we’re always MAK’n Waves to find the best cruise for every type of traveler.
Ready to compare real prices and deals? Don’t miss our Best Time to Cruise Guide or download our 12 Cruise Hacks That Can Save You $500 or More.
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https://www.maknwaves.com/princess-vs-royal-caribbean/