Just booked my first Princess cruise! Expectations/differences from Carnival?

[talkorpi]

I just booked the Ruby Princess on her second to last trip out of Galveston.  I wasn't really planning on cruising during this time, but I have always wanted to try Princess and the price was right.

 

I've been on five Carnival cruises and I know that the lines are pretty different.  This will also be my first time in a cabin without a balcony... but I got one of the "not really obstructed" obstructed oceaview staterooms, so we will see how that plays out.  Was wondering if anyone has any experience with the new room upgrade system (I have never recieved a cabin upgrade before or participated in a program like that before) and how much I might expect an upgrade to a balcony cabin to cost.  If nobody knows that's fine - I'm just new here and not sure myself! 🙂

 

Just wondering what kinds of things one should expect coming in!  What are the big differences from Carnival?  Very excited to finally try the line I have been wanting to sail since I was ten years old!

[sirclean]

I have no first hand experience with Carnival.  I can tell you what I have heard on Princess from those who sail Carnival, though.

Remember that the clientele is different.  Carnival are the 'fun ships'.  There is a lot more of a party scene.  Princess is more sedate, and aims for an older group.  (And Holland America, I understand, would be an even older crowd!).

So the last folks I talked to about it were met in the Bellini Bar of Discover over Thanksgiving.  My Bride and I were celebrating our COVID delayed honeymoon, and the other couple were on theirs.  (Im 58 for reference, and the other bride we were talking to mentioned her 20 something children - to give you an age zone).  

She commented that after 10, Discovery was 'dead'.  On Carnival, the parties would just be gearing up! 

As Im 'old' I can say that by 11, Im lucky to be awake! so I could not handle a 'Fun Ship'!

As for the rest, I could not tell you as I dont know about Carnival.  Ive seen water park features on Carnival ships, and those dont really exist on Princess.

 

But do tell... What did you like most about Carnival and we can tell you how that compares on Princess. 

[PacnGoNow]

3 hours ago, talkorpi said:

I just booked the Ruby Princess on her second to last trip out of Galveston.  I wasn't really planning on cruising during this time, but I have always wanted to try Princess and the price was right.

 

I've been on five Carnival cruises and I know that the lines are pretty different.  This will also be my first time in a cabin without a balcony... but I got one of the "not really obstructed" obstructed oceaview staterooms, so we will see how that plays out.  Was wondering if anyone has any experience with the new room upgrade system (I have never recieved a cabin upgrade before or participated in a program like that before) and how much I might expect an upgrade to a balcony cabin to cost.  If nobody knows that's fine - I'm just new here and not sure myself! 🙂

 

Just wondering what kinds of things one should expect coming in!  What are the big differences from Carnival?  Very excited to finally try the line I have been wanting to sail since I was ten years old!

We also have status with CCL, RCCL and  PCL. CCL is the fun ship, but we got tired of the short cruises, rowdy crowds and the amusement park ships coming out on CCL and RCCL also.  We like the laid back, relaxed atmosphere on PCL. 
You will find a big difference in the atmosphere.  The food is a little better on PCL.  However, no one can beat Guy’s burgers on CCL.  I miss Pig and Anchor and the chocolate melting cake.

 

To be fair, CCL was very good to us and we did long cruises on their “journeys” and had great times. Wonderful staff at all of them.

 

The bidding system….just go to the Princess forum here on CC and you will get a lot of great information.  Believe it’s 

“Hows the bidding going” or something like that.
 

You will just have to judge for yourself.

 

Welcome to Princess!  “Come feel the love.”  💕 

 

Edited January 27, 2023 by PacnGoNow

[memoak]

It will be quieter and most night life action after shows the the theatre will be music in a couple of venues and the casino. Not usually a big crowd in a disco type location unless you are on a short booze cruise 

[Cruise till you drop]

1. Average age on Princess will be much older although there will be a wide age diversity onboard 

2. Definitely much much fewer kids and babies

3. No water slide on Princess

4. Nightlife will definitely be quieter on Princess

5. No waiters signing after dinner in MDR on Princess

Edited January 27, 2023 by Cruise till you drop

[PacnGoNow]

3 hours ago, talkorpi said:

I just booked the Ruby Princess on her second to last trip out of Galveston.  I wasn't really planning on cruising during this time, but I have always wanted to try Princess and the price was right.

 

I've been on five Carnival cruises and I know that the lines are pretty different.  This will also be my first time in a cabin without a balcony... but I got one of the "not really obstructed" obstructed oceaview staterooms, so we will see how that plays out.  Was wondering if anyone has any experience with the new room upgrade system (I have never recieved a cabin upgrade before or participated in a program like that before) and how much I might expect an upgrade to a balcony cabin to cost.  If nobody knows that's fine - I'm just new here and not sure myself! 🙂

 

Just wondering what kinds of things one should expect coming in!  What are the big differences from Carnival?  Very excited to finally try the line I have been wanting to sail since I was ten years old!

Just adding:

You’re either doing Caribbean or Panama Canal, so you’ll have a nice mixture of people and ages.  The shows are better on PCL and you may enjoy MUTS…movies under the stars.  

 

[Skai]

I'll hit on the differences in food/dining a little here...

 

One ought to expect less (included in the fare) casual dining options on Princess vs. Carnival.  

 

Instead of various spread-out stations such as: 'Guy's', 'BlueIguana', 'The Deli', 'Pig & Anchor', 'Seafood Shack' etc...  On (Ruby)Princess, there is only the 'Salty Dog Grill'(Lido) - Serving Burgers, Dogs, Sandwiches, Tacos -- all at one single venue.

 

Of note, the Lido Pizza is generally a pretty reliable option on Princess ships for some pretty good pizza (better than Carnival's IMHO).

 

The Ruby Princess also has the 'International Cafe'(on Deck 5-Plaza); with various tasty options throughout the day; including grill-press sandwiches, (deli)salads, pastries, desserts.  The food served at the I.C. is also generally really good.

 

The Princess Buffet may have some anytime ethnic offerings available, and many sailings have themed nights -- I.E. 'Italian Night', 'Mexican Night', 'German Night', 'Make your own Miso Soup/Noodles' etc., but there are no set fixed-venues such as: 'Mongolian Wok', 'Burrito Bar', 'Pasta Bar', Bonsai Sushi, 'Masala Tiger' etc.  Keep an eye out in the daily patter for additional occasional offerings such as 'Fish & Chips' in the 'Wheelhouse' etc. 

 

As for the MDR... Quality of food is subjective.  We've had some good meals in the MDR on both Princess and Carnival, and also some that were rather unmemorable on both lines.  On Princess, enjoy that your meal service won't be interrupted by 'dancing waiters'; unless that your thing.  Expect a more refined decor in Princess MDRs.

 

In addition to the exclusive offerings of: 'Chef's Table' and 'Ultimate Balcony Dining' options, 'Specialty Dining' on the Ruby Princess is limited to only 'Sabatinis'(Italian), the 'Crown Grill'(Steakhouse), and the 'Salty Dog'(Gastropub).  Recent (post C-19) reviews have been mixed.  However, at least in the past, the former two were fairly consistent places to have a solid meal valued as being worthy of the upcharge.  We've eaten at the 'Salty Dog' a few times, and found it to be fairly decent, but some might not feel the upcharge is worth it for what is essentially modern & trendy pub-fare/comfort food.

 

Of note, there are no Asian specialty dining offerings on Ruby Princess (like: Jiji, Bonsai or Bonsai Teppenyaki).

[Cruise till you drop]

Let me add one thing. The Chefs table on Carnival far exceeds that on the Princess (who would have thunk it)

[PacnGoNow]

BTW, I did ask the head pastry chef at PCL to make the chocolate melting cake once, and they did for all the MDR’s the next evening.  😂  It was on the menu that night.  Very nice.  Don’t tell anyone, but it wasn’t quite as good as CCL.

It’s the thought that counts. 😁

[riffatsea]

We are seniors and are platinum at is at is myth on Carnival as,well as,Princess

The longer cruises on Carnival are,not,full,of  wild,partiers!

That is a myth that only holds true for the short cruises

We miss the dedicated comedy club on Carnival with 2 shows a night

You may find one comedian or some sort  of magician/comedian on Princess but not a,lot of those shows

[suzyed]

1 hour ago, Skai said:

I'll hit on the differences in food/dining a little here...

 

One ought to expect less (included in the fare) casual dining options on Princess vs. Carnival.  

 

Instead of various spread-out stations such as: 'Guy's', 'BlueIguana', 'The Deli', 'Pig & Anchor', 'Seafood Shack' etc...  On (Ruby)Princess, there is only the 'Salty Dog Grill'(Lido) - Serving Burgers, Dogs, Sandwiches, Tacos -- all at one single venue.

 

Of note, the Lido Pizza is generally a pretty reliable option on Princess ships for some pretty good pizza (better than Carnival's IMHO).

 

The Ruby Princess also has the 'International Cafe'(on Deck 5-Plaza); with various tasty options throughout the day; including grill-press sandwiches, (deli)salads, pastries, desserts.  The food served at the I.C. is also generally really good.

 

The Princess Buffet may have some anytime ethnic offerings available, and many sailings have themed nights -- I.E. 'Italian Night', 'Mexican Night', 'German Night', 'Make your own Miso Soup/Noodles' etc., but there are no set fixed-venues such as: 'Mongolian Wok', 'Burrito Bar', 'Pasta Bar', Bonsai Sushi, 'Masala Tiger' etc.  Keep an eye out in the daily patter for additional occasional offerings such as 'Fish & Chips' in the 'Wheelhouse' etc. 

 

As for the MDR... Quality of food is subjective.  We've had some good meals in the MDR on both Princess and Carnival, and also some that were rather unmemorable on both lines.  On Princess, enjoy that your meal service won't be interrupted by 'dancing waiters'; unless that your thing.  Expect a more refined decor in Princess MDRs.

 

In addition to the exclusive offerings of: 'Chef's Table' and 'Ultimate Balcony Dining' options, 'Specialty Dining' on the Ruby Princess is limited to only 'Sabatinis'(Italian), the 'Crown Grill'(Steakhouse), and the 'Salty Dog'(Gastropub).  Recent (post C-19) reviews have been mixed.  However, at least in the past, the former two were fairly consistent places to have a solid meal valued as being worthy of the upcharge.  We've eaten at the 'Salty Dog' a few times, and found it to be fairly decent, but some might not feel the upcharge is worth it for what is essentially modern & trendy pub-fare/comfort food.

 

Of note, there are no Asian specialty dining offerings on Ruby Princess (like: Jiji, Bonsai or Bonsai Teppenyaki).

I have never done the Chef's table on Carnival and I am sure it is very nice.  We have done Princess' Chef's Table on several of the ships and the really nice Winemaker's Dinner.  And it's been a while since we sailed Carnival but I always thought the food on Carnival to be very good.
But it sounds like maybe you are comparing a newer Carnival ship with the older Ruby Princess ship? On a recent Enchanted sailing the Buffet had an unbelievable array of food....ethnic food, grilled foods, carving stations, crazy amount of desserts and loads of fresh fruit.  It was the best I have ever seen and I generally don't like buffets.  There is a specialty pizza restaurant, a sushi restaurant and yes, the Salty Dog Gastropub which in my opinion is a waste of space and I would prefer a Vines in the space.  This is all in addition to the Burger joint, pizza and ice cream up by the pool and the great IC and gelato bar.
 

Edited January 27, 2023 by suzyed

[Skai]

40 minutes ago, suzyed said:

I have never done the Chef's table on Carnival and I am sure it is very nice.  We have done Princess' Chef's Table on several of the ships and the really nice Winemaker's Dinner.  And it's been a while since we sailed Carnival but I always thought the food on Carnival to be very good.
But it sounds like maybe you are comparing a newer Carnival ship with the older Ruby Princess ship? On a recent Enchanted sailing the Buffet had an unbelievable array of food....ethnic food, grilled foods, carving stations, crazy amount of desserts and loads of fresh fruit.  It was the best I have ever seen and I generally don't like buffets.  There is a specialty pizza restaurant, a sushi restaurant and yes, the Salty Dog Gastropub which in my opinion is a waste of space and I would prefer a Vines in the space.  This is all in addition to the Burger joint, pizza and ice cream up by the pool and the great IC and gelato bar.
 

 

The OP is sailing on the Ruby Princess.  I didn't see a point in mentioning 'Alfredo's', 'Kai Sushi', 'Bistro Sur La Mer', 'Harmony', 'Bayou Cafe' et. al. venues, as they're nonexistent on the Ruby.

[memoak]

The Salty Dog on the Ruby is an extension of the Wheelhouse. The IC is a nice alternative to the buffet. 

[nbsjcruiser]

1. Quieter more relaxing pool deck  - no hairy leg contests, belly flop contests, rowdy crowds.
2. Older clientele and a calmer, quieter evening experience
3. Much better food. Dining room on our last few cruises was so good that we nixed the idea of specialty restaurants.
4. Classier ships. Toned down - no splashy orange colored decorations
5. Princess medallions - you'll like that
6. Higher end experience.
7. Wonderfully comfy beds

[suzyed]

On 1/26/2023 at 11:35 PM, Skai said:

 

The OP is sailing on the Ruby Princess.  I didn't see a point in mentioning 'Alfredo's', 'Kai Sushi', 'Bistro Sur La Mer', 'Harmony', 'Bayou Cafe' et. al. venues, as they're nonexistent on the Ruby.

Correct but it sounded like you were comparing the venues on the Ruby with venues on a newer Carnival ship.  Apologies if that was not the case.

 

[nbsjcruiser]

On 1/27/2023 at 2:37 PM, nbsjcruiser said:

1. Quieter more relaxing pool deck  - no hairy leg contests, belly flop contests, rowdy crowds.
2. Older clientele and a calmer, quieter evening experience
3. Much better food. Dining room on our last few cruises was so good that we nixed the idea of specialty restaurants.
4. Classier ships. Toned down - no splashy orange colored decorations
5. Princess medallions - you'll like that
6. Higher end experience.
7. Wonderfully comfy beds

Adding to my list

Very few kids - goes along with the older clientele

Better buffets especially on the Regal class of ships. 

 

[Oakman58]

We were on a Carnival cruise this past September and we just returned last week from our first Princess cruise.  Even though I'm very old (77), I felt I was on a ship for the dead on our 16 day Hawaiian cruise .  Music ranged from easy listening lounge music to ballroom dance music.  Over the sixteen days I was on the ship I only heard rock and roll music once, that was on the night they had 50's and 60's music trivia.  I never did hear any disco music or Motown.

 

Onboard entertainment was much better on Carnival.  Complimentary dining was about the same.  One big negative on Princess, at least for me, was our balcony cabin only had seating for one person and that was a chair.  Every other ship we've been on had a couch in a balcony cabin with seating for two and in some cases three.

 

When we returned from our Hawaiian Cruise the first thing I did was call Princess and cancel our December Panama Canal cruise.  Of the sixteen cruises we've been on with various cruise lines, our Princess cruise ranked dead last.  I told my wife many times during that cruise Princess is for the old and stodgy.

 

I'm glad I tried Princess but there won't be anymore cruises for me with that cruise line.  Now if you like Bible study, choir practice, attending Spanish lessons, getting together with knitters, and ballroom dancing, then Princess is your cruise line.

[Cruise till you drop]

21 minutes ago, Oakman58 said:

We were on a Carnival cruise this past September and we just returned last week from our first Princess cruise.  Even though I'm very old (77), I felt I was on a ship for the dead on our 16 day Hawaiian cruise .  Music ranged from easy listening lounge music to ballroom dance music.  Over the sixteen days I was on the ship I only heard rock and roll music once, that was on the night they had 50's and 60's music trivia.  I never did hear any disco music or Motown.

 

Onboard entertainment was much better on Carnival.  Complimentary dining was about the same.  One big negative on Princess, at least for me, was our balcony cabin only had seating for one person and that was a chair.  Every other ship we've been on had a couch in a balcony cabin with seating for two and in some cases three.

 

When we returned from our Hawaiian Cruise the first thing I did was call Princess and cancel our December Panama Canal cruise.  Of the sixteen cruises we've been on with various cruise lines, our Princess cruise ranked dead last.  I told my wife many times during that cruise Princess is for the old and stodgy.

 

I'm glad I tried Princess but there won't be anymore cruises for me with that cruise line.  Now if you like Bible study, choir practice, attending Spanish lessons, getting together with knitters, and ballroom dancing, then Princess is your cruise line.

Me thinks you might be exaggerating a bit but to each their own.  Some might like the laid back atmosphere to the 24/7 raging lunacy on Carnival.

I do tend to think that on longer cruises with many days at sea that you tend to get an older crowd

 

Does Carnival have Hawaiian or Panama cruises ? 

[PacnGoNow]

6 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said:

Me thinks you might be exaggerating a bit but to each their own.  Some might like the laid back atmosphere to the 24/7 raging lunacy on Carnival.

I do tend to think that on longer cruises with many days at sea that you tend to get an older crowd

 

Does Carnival have Hawaiian or Panama cruises ? 

They do and those 15-16 day cruises get more older folks too.  So what?  I think it’s a nice mixture of ages on most PCL cruises.  
 

They also get their share of party goers on the 7 day cruises.  
 

Oh well, to each his own.  😁

Edited January 29, 2023 by PacnGoNow