Princess vs. Royal

[susyg]

We've been on RC lots of times and LOOVVEE Oasis but it is so expensive. How does Princess compare? It's much cheaper. Food quality, crowd control, comfortable beds, shows? Ships that you particularly liked? Or maybe I should post this on the Princess boards.

Thanks

[DonnaK]

Which Princess ship are you considering? There are variations between the classes of ships, just like on RCI.

[camofwilliamsburg]

We are Diamond on Royal and Platinum on Princess so I feel I can give you some info.

 

We love PCL so much better. They treat returning cruisiers better with a better loyalty program. One board, the food I find is much better on PCL and so is service. ON PCL the buffets are open much later than on RCI which close at 9 PM. ON PCL they have so much to do in the evening with special themed parties to trivia to outdoor movies. They interact on the morning wake show with passengers and if you play along the daily question, get it right, and are picked from all the right answers you win things. On one cruise ewe won drink coupons, on another a try at the vault game in the casino.

I think PCL ships are nicer in decor and you can find the atrium area ( the piazza, always something doing there.). I love the design of the ships, and better yet, they have great scholarship at sea programs. Also, Fewer kids on PCL which to us is a plus! They have any time dining where you do not need to pre-pay your tips as you have to do on RCI. Another great perk is the future cruise certs are combinable with military and stock benefits.

They are service oriented and make sure clients are happy with friendly service and high quality service.

[RSLeesburg]

Which Princess ship are you considering? There are variations between the classes of ships, just like on RCI.

 

 

I am also considering Princess - Ruby or Crown for Alaska cruise in June. :).

 

 

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[Merion_Mom]

We are Diamond on Royal and Platinum on Princess so I feel I can give you some info.

 

We love PCL so much better. They treat returning cruisiers better with a better loyalty program. One board, the food I find is much better on PCL and so is service. ON PCL the buffets are open much later than on RCI which close at 9 PM. ON PCL they have so much to do in the evening with special themed parties to trivia to outdoor movies. They interact on the morning wake show with passengers and if you play along the daily question, get it right, and are picked from all the right answers you win things. On one cruise ewe won drink coupons, on another a try at the vault game in the casino.

I think PCL ships are nicer in decor and you can find the atrium area ( the piazza, always something doing there.). I love the design of the ships, and better yet, they have great scholarship at sea programs. Also, Fewer kids on PCL which to us is a plus! They have any time dining where you do not need to pre-pay your tips as you have to do on RCI. Another great perk is the future cruise certs are combinable with military and stock benefits.

They are service oriented and make sure clients are happy with friendly service and high quality service.

 

Although most of my cruises have been on Royal Caribbean, I will be on my third Princess cruise in a few weeks.

 

I like Princess, but most of the things (not all) that you mentioned as preferences, are also on RC.

 

:)

[OCruisers]

It's hard to compare Oasis class to other classes of RCCL ships much less to Princess ships. :o

In addition to other RCCL ships we've cruised on Oasis and enjoyed her basically as a "floating resort" (meant in a good way) ... but still prefer cruising on Princess. :)

LuLu

[tserface]

We've been on both several times, but mostly on RCI/Celebrity. There are things to like about either, but I'd cruise either without a hesitation.

 

Princess doesn't have as many huge ships as RCI and we really love the Voyager and larger ships because of the Promenades, but we've always felt very excited to be aboard any of the Princess ships we've been on as well.

 

I think the RCI buffet is a nicer layout, but, as mentioned, the PCL buffets are open more often so if you're a late night snacker you may like that option.

 

PCL specialty restaurants are a lot cheaper and just as good IMO although not as varied (mostly just Italian and Steak).

 

We're scheduled on a cruise for October on PCL mostly because we didn't want to have to travel to the east coast and Princess has west coast and Mexico cruises in the fall so it's really convenient. If RCI had a Mexico cruise still we would have likely done it instead. We went to Mexico on the Mariner years ago and really liked it. Alas...

 

You can't lose either way. If an RCI or PCL ship is going where you want to go for the price you want to pay I'd say you can't lose.

 

Tom

[Trekker954]

I'm really looking forward to my first PCL in November. The brand new Regal (well brand new for PEV). I'm D+ on Royal, so this will be hard being a nobody on Princess. :)

[Topo Gigio]

I'm really looking forward to my first PCL in November. The brand new Regal (well brand new for PEV). I'm D+ on Royal, so this will be hard being a nobody on Princess. :)

 

I'm also planning a cruise in November on the Regal. Haven't been since Nov 2008 on a Princess ship.

[stoneharborlady]

I'm really looking forward to my first PCL in November. The brand new Regal (well brand new for PEV). I'm D+ on Royal, so this will be hard being a nobody on Princess. :)

 

You will not be a nobody on Princess, I promise you. I think you will enjoy your cruise very much. A tip for you, do not forget to try the International Cafe, open 24 hours. Really yummy!

 

Karen

[bigeagle12]

We would not hesitate to cruise either Princess or Royal anytime. Really all the major cruise lines are more similar than different.

 

We do like the food a little better on Princess and also like the International Cafe.

 

Service and entertainment are great on both.

 

Also love their Coffee Card .. And their soda card is cheaper than Royal.

 

 

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[susyg]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to go on Princess. It's like more than half off.

[OCruisers]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to go on Princess. It's like more than half off.

 

Good choice! Have a GREAT cruise! :D

LuLu

[tobyt]

Hello all, it really depends on what you are looking for, entertainment our Allure cruise had amazing shows BUT the reservations are kind of painful. Food I love the Princess options.....however, we did not care for our winter trip on Royal. The entertainment was bland and few options not geared to a very specific ballroom listener. We booked Oasis for this winters trip to enjoy the entertainment and shows. Whatever you decide to do the fun of the trip is still up to you!

[Desert Cruizers]

We have enjoyed the service, food etc on our Princess cruises, but find their rooms to be smaller. The include the balcony with the room size. we prefer the shows on RCCL however I will book another cruise on Princess if the price is right. PCL has I feel fabulous itineraries. Our most recent cruises have been with RCCL because the prices have been better on the cruises we have done. If you compare the two cruise lines for their service, food and you will find them very alike.

[dz9yvr]

Princess sounds good to me. Dynamic Dining was the last straw and is sending me away from RCL

[camaro69]

Thanks for the input, I am looking at the Royal Princess Ship out of Fort Lauderdale vs the Adventure out of San Juan - any comments on either ship in terms of which one you may have liked better? Neither one has super positive reviews but then again that is all subjective ...thanks in advance!

[Llmtax2000]

I am also considering Princess - Ruby or Crown for Alaska cruise in June. :).

 

 

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We've been on Ruby -- it's a beautiful ship. 😄

 

 

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[dancinman66]

I like both but personally would incline to adventure as more prefer benefits and layout on royal

 

 

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[Linsifer]

I'm a big Princess fan. Love their late night buffets! I enjoy their deep fried shrimp at midnight after playing the penny slots. RCI only had sweets available at night. And Princess buffets just have a tastier selection overall. I love their warm, fresh water pools! I've only sailed on RCI Mariner and will be on the Brilliance next year. While the promenade was fun, I felt a separation from the sea. I'm looking forward to the Brilliance and the glass elevators. I would sail on either Princess or RCI. Some of it depends on itinerary and price. Or ship.

[Sue's Mom]

We were n the Ruby Princess sat February. I know a lot of people love the ship but to be honest, I found the decor and layout to be boring and the quality of the food was not up to snuff. In the MDR we were at a table for six and we all had great difficulty holding a conversation due to the noise level. I am hoping that we do not encounter the same experiences on Indy in a week or so.

[Topo Gigio]

We were n the Ruby Princess sat February. I know a lot of people love the ship but to be honest' date=' I found the decor and layout to be boring and the quality of the food was not up to snuff. In the MDR we were at a table for six and we all had great difficulty holding a conversation due to the noise level. I am hoping that we do not encounter the same experiences on Indy in a week or so.[/quote']

 

You will love the Indy! Freedom Class is my favorite.

[PSCruiser]

We are Diamond on Royal and Platinum on Princess so I feel I can give you some info.

 

We love PCL so much better. They treat returning cruisiers better with a better loyalty program.

 

Although I like many aspects of cruising on Princess, I have a hard time seeing how anyone would think they have a superior loyalty program. Care to elaborate on this point?

[davy jones]

Princess food is better than Royal in all areas. Their matresses are like rocks. Ask the cabin steward for egg crate foam.

 

The ships are very nice on both lines. I have never been on Oasis, but I believe (from what I read) that the entertainment options likely exceed the Princess options.

[Dwalkerdave]

We have sailed both and as has ben mentioned all in all very similar. However on RCI the oral nights have no end goal whereas on PCL. Thy start/end with champagne towers and captain speech in atrium and party after dinner in atrium which meant you actually got dressed up for one hint out of the usual whereas RCL it was just a normal night.

 

Also big screen near pool is not used for films in late evening/night which PCL do use to give you an alternative to the she or pub act on offer on RCL.

 

Both recommended as you know so sure it will be a fab cruise.

 

Enjoy