Royal Caribbean vs. Princess

[esbclb]

DH and I have cruised three times on Princess (Grand, Golden, and Caribbean). We are booked on the Navigator in April. What differences should we expect/prepare ourselves for between Princess and Royal Caribbean? Any info--good, bad, and/or ugly--would be very much appreciated!

[Jtd724]

never sailed Princess but heard there mealtime food is slightly better, RCCL ships have saltwater pools not fresh like Princess. No outdoor movie theatre and RCCL serves hot breakfast for room service even without a suite.

[GMoney]

No MUTS on RCI! :( That's the biggest difference to me!

[Gradelady]

I find RCI to be more lively and fun. The ships are prettier and have a lot more large open spaces. Princess brags about intimate spaces, but I found them more claustrophobic. I also found Princess to be rather stuffy and boring.

[esbclb]

I was specifically wondering about the following: 1) deck chairs--how early do you need to get to the pool to get a good seat? 2) piano bar--any bar similar to the piano bar on princess? (bert stratton!) 3) spa--is there a steam room area similar to that on the Caribbean Princess and can you prebook spa treatments? 4) pool band/entertainment? 5) disco/nightclub? 6) room amenities--refrigerators, storage space, etc. 7) difficulty of securing reservations for alternative dining venues?casino--any differences? Responses to any of these would be very much appreciated!!!!!

[TexasMom2]

RCI voyager class ships are much more attractive. The dining room on Adventure was gorgeous - have to agree with the claustrophobic feeling in some spaces on the Grand class. The low ceilings in the dining room on the Grand made the room not special - just like a banquet in a small hotel. We really enjoyed the Promenade cafe, especially the coffee, sandwiches and desserts after a shore excursion, it took the edge off before dinner if you skipped lunch. You will be amazed at how well laid out the Windjammer is compared to the Horizon Court. The speciality restaurants on RCI are comparable with the ones on Princess.

 

The cabins will make better use of the storage space, and I like the shower door instead of the clingy plastic shower curtain. The crew on the Grand wasn't as friendly as the crew on AOS and ROS, wonder if it has to do with the differences in tipping? Some people say the food is better on Princess but I guess I need to sail other ships before I can agree with that, maybe the Grand was "off" the week I was on her. I'm not a foodie so I am always happy to eat what someone else has cooked for me. RCI doesn't have a buffet open 24 hours, but on the flip side you can get yummy snacks at the Promenade cafe and order regular dinner items off the menu for room service. You can also get a hot room service breakfast instead of Continental.

 

We have a pool at home so swimming in a tiny, chilly pool with tons of other people isn't a big attraction for me, although it does matter to some people. RCI uses salt water and Princess uses chlorinated water.

 

If you liked your 3 cruises on Princess, you will also like RCI. We are on the Navigator later this year and I can't wait. Have a great cruise!

[love2vacation]

I was specifically wondering about the following: 1) deck chairs--how early do you need to get to the pool to get a good seat? 2) piano bar--any bar similar to the piano bar on princess? (bert stratton!) 3) spa--is there a steam room area similar to that on the Caribbean Princess and can you prebook spa treatments? 4) pool band/entertainment? 5) disco/nightclub? 6) room amenities--refrigerators, storage space, etc. 7) difficulty of securing reservations for alternative dining venues?casino--any differences? Responses to any of these would be very much appreciated!!!!!

 

Although I haven't been on Princess, maybe I can help with some answers to the above because we have been on the Explorer which is basically the same as Navigator.

1. I have always been able to find a chair. It might not be right by the pool but they are there.

2. Schooner Bar has a piano. This is one of our favorite places. There may be other bars on that ship with a piano but we don't hang out in the lounges all that much, but I know the Schooner has one.

3. Very nice spa, etc... You can book appts. ahead, in fact if you want a particular day/time I would advise this and book as soon as you get on the ship. They do have specials for port days, and I did take advantage of the specials while in the Caymans. You could check out the deck plans to find out exactly what is available in the spa/fitness area.

4. There are bands by the pool and entertainment. Look in your Compass flyer that is delivered the night before to plan your day!

5. Yes, they have a disco.

6. We had a small frig in our room (balcony) it was filled with beverages, etc. but there is room to add your own stuff. We thought there was enough storage in our cabin and I am an over-packer! We stored our large luggage pieces under the bed.

7. Can't help with this one- we always ate in the dining room or Windjammer.

 

Hint- Don't miss the Parade in the Promenade and be sure to take your camera. I didn't bring mine and wish I had pictures.:mad:

 

Have a great cruise.

[garnetjanet]

Hi. We have sailed on both Golden Princess and Mariner.

Here is my 2 cents:) .....

1) There always seemed to be a deck chair open somewhere (in the sun, in the shade, etc.by the 2 main pools) by the solarium pool if you just want a nice chair with not as many people/kids/noise there.

2) I agree that Bert Stratton was great!! The Schooner Bar is the place to go for similar entertainment. It all depends on who the pianist is, but it will probably be just as excellent.

3) Yes, there is a steam room area. I didn't see the area on Princess, but you can view a picture or two from the Mariner by clicking on the link to "My Cruise Photos" below my name. You can (and should) book spa appointments early. Go to the spa tour the day you board the ship as they will give you a code for a discount off any treatment you buy (at any time during the cruise).

4) There is live music/bands by the main pools.

5) There is a disco/nightclub that has music/dancing into the wee hours.

6) There is a small room fridge same as on Princess. If you need more room or don't want to drink want is pre-stocked in the fridge (or don't want to get charged for it if YOU move it) ask your room steward to remove the beverages for you. There is much storage space in the room!! It is about the same as Princess if you are comparing balcony cabins, RC has more if you are comparing smaller cabins between the two.

7) From experience, I can tell you to book for alternative dining the day you board. It is well worth the extra charge and does book up very fast!

8) The casinos are pretty much the same on both ships. (The only thing Princess had was a cruise-themed slot machine that I LOVED and miss on RC!!)

 

Some additional thoughts...

My own personal "thing" (if you will) is that the public restrooms on RC are very spacious and "glamorous" and I love to look in all of them while they all seemed like airplane washrooms on the Golden.

The Cafe Promenade is wonderful. Especially nice very early or very late for a bite of something (sweet/pizza/sandwich) and coffee, etc. Also, the Wig and Gavel Pub on the Promenade is a fun place that also has entertainment/music in the evenings.

There is no PC dining on RC ships.

I prefer a non-saline pool (but will swim anywhere-and do) but my daughter will not swim in salt water at all, but we get use of pools at our hotel the night before we cruise and on some excursions we choose. Our Golden cruise was the only one where we swam on the ship together and swam every day.

There is a nice large (yet secluded since most people go to the ones outside by the pools) hot tub in the spa area.

Princess didn't have anything to match the Promenade Parades. Really nice to watch from your room if you have a Promenade Cabin with bay window overlooking the Promenade.

You will have a great time, I'm sure!!:)

 

Any other questions, please ask.