Princess vs. RCCL

[Cowie]

Hi all,

 

I've only cruised RCCL and am looking at Princess for a change of pace and itineraries.

 

Can anyone compare the two? I've posted this on RCCL as well.:)

 

TIA

 

Cowie

[PoohUnderstands]

Does RCCL have anytime dining yet? If they do, there really is no difference that really counts for a hill of beans. No, the only better thing on RCCL is that they have a better flow and bigger area for their "Lido" deck buffet area.

 

Therefore I would choose the line based on the itinerary and price. We leave tomorrow for a 10 day RT FL Panama Canal on Princess because we liked the ports of call and the price!

 

Pooh

[mek]

IMO, food is much better on Princess and they have anytime dining. Princess has fresh water pools, MUTS, on some ships. Entertainment is about the same for me on both lines. RCCL has more unique on-board activities such as rock climbing, ice skating, surfing. I prefer Princess, but cruise on RCCL as well.

[critterchick]

I prefer RCI, but cruise Princess as well, LOL. Others have said, and I agree, that the lines are more similar than different. I think the food is about the same in the traditional dining rooms, but if you're sailing on an RCI ship that has a Portofino or Chops, those are infinitely superior to Sabatini and Sterling Steakhouses on Princess (haven't been on a ship with a Crown Grill yet).

 

Our preferred cabin is a minisuite (Princess) or junior suite (RCI). I like the layout of the JS much better (except when compared to a Sun class mini (P), which is more like a full suite on a Grand class ship).

 

I think RCI has the superior past guest program, especially when you get into the 5+ cruise level - better onboard coupons, parties, gifts in your cabin. RCI also offers good discounts on balcony & higher categories, and allows you to combine discounts such as onboard booking credits, shareholder credits & credit card discounts. Princess only allows you to apply one such credit.

 

We have always had a good time on both lines, but we usually have a better time on the RCI ships - the staff and crew are usually far more personable and actually seem to enjoy their work (most of the time) where on Princess they are much more "speak when spoken to." I like to make friends wherever I go, including onboard, and it's easier to do on RCI than on Princess. Many people prefer a more arm's length relationship, so they may prefer the Princess approach.

[land lover]

The main difference for me......movement from floor to floor..........RCI fewer elevators and on some ships confusing to find stairs....... Princess more elevators and stairs always easy to find.

Seldom a wait for elevators on Princess, always wait on RCI.

[CruiseFever]

I like the notion that they are "more similar than they are different" as an accurate assesment.

 

While so much of a cruise experience is such a subjective matter (food I think is great, you may think is awful, etc.) there are some factual differences. How important those are is up to the individual I suppose. In all fairness, I have been on several Royal Caribbean and other lines cruises since my last Princess sailing. I'll be interested to see what I think after sailing the Caribbean Princess again next week.

 

One notable difference is in some elements Royal Caribbean has that Princess does not

• Rock-climbing wall on all ships
  
• Royal Promenade on some ships, a mall-like interior center of interest running much of the length of the ship. Kind of like an atrium on it's side as far as the open space goes.
  
• Full court basket ball
  
• Some signature eateries like upscale Chops and Portofino restaurants, Sorrentos Pizza, Seattles Best Coffee, Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream and Johnny Rockets fast-food restaurant
  
• Ice Skating rink, A recording studio, Surfing and other unique attractions on some ships
  
• Self-service ice cream machine much of the day
  
• Offers more choices for active individuals
  
• In general, better Internet Cafe Setup with more "hot spots" for those with wireless computers in tow

Princess' unique facilities are equally notable if not moreso in areas...again, up for personal grabs as to how important these are to each individual

• Skywalkers- still ruler of all cruise ship nightclubs, ocean-wide
  
• Movies Under The Stars
  
• Signature eateries like Sterling Steak House, Sabatinis Italian Restaurant
  
• Subtle "extras" included as part of the experience like fresh fruit in the cabin, fresh-made pasta (as opposed to boxed),
  
• Hand-crafted ice creams served to you in the afternoon
  
• Choice (for the most part) of Traditional Dining time or Anytime Dining
  
• Princess seems more service oriented with offerings like the Champagne Balcony Breakfast or Ultimate Balcony Breakfast and upgraded amenities as you work your way up in cabin categories (especially suites)
  
• Top-end accomodations come with a lot more goodies on Princess, mainly more and nicer space on Royal Caribbean

Here are some direct comparisons:

• Both are about as efficient in their procedures for getting on and off the ship.
  
• Tipping is automatic for your convenience on Princess while you will need to tell them to make it so on Royal Caribbean or pass out envelopes on the last night for tips.
  
• Huge, fiercely loyal following to both lines. I have friends who sail one or the other and would never dream of cruising another line.
  
• Either lines casino operations equally well-versed at taking my money and not giving much back.
  
• General observation: About the same amount of smokers on either line. If you like to smoke you will have plenty of fellow smokers on either line. If you don't, and find it tough to walk throug smoky areas, this could be a problem. I do not smoke on land but find it very difficult not to at sea. I know, that's wierd.
  
• No smoking in cabins on most Royal Caribbean ships now, entire fleet soon. Still plenty of open air places, bars and balconies though.
  
• Princess safety drill in comfortable lounges. Royal Caribbean on deck in sardine formation.
  
• Princess still sails to more places, although Royal Caribbean is catching up.

That's all I can think of. I'm sure there are more differences, probably important ones.

 

This is often a difficult comparison to make as so much of what interests one person might not another. Personally, I could care less about the Rock Climbing wall on Royal Caribbean but there are those for whom that is the main reason they sail the line. Those people are rabidly into which ship has the best wall, etc.

 

For me it's very simple; as long as Princess offers Fettuccini Alfredo, made the way they do, I am a fan.