For those who have cruised with both Princess & RCCL

[LadyLion_AP]

Hi all. I would like to hear your thoughts/opinions about switching my Spring Break cruise. Our family of 4 (2 teens) are booked on the Quantum for March 29. We really want to experience the ship. Reviews, the amount of money we're spending, & the not-so-great ports have me considering switching ships. I am looking at Regal Princess as a possibility. I've never cruised with Princess but did enjoy Carnival (1st 2 cruise experiences). My family LOVES Royal Caribbean and have cruised both the Indy & Oasis of the Seas during peak seasons. We are accustomed to a lot of passengers & kids. (Constraints of school!) Regal is a new ship which is why I'm considering it. To know....Entertainment/Activities are very important to me on sea days. If I switch, the following will change....

1) We live in the DC area so we will have to fly as opposed to drive but will still save money, as the Regal cruise is half the price. FYI...We always book two staterooms.

2) We'll visit better ports.

3) We'll probably never experience Quantum but would potentially cruise on Anthem in the future.

 

Please tell me your thoughts.

Thanks in advance.

 

 

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[OfTheSeasCruiser]

I cruised on the Caribbean Princess after several Royal cruises. Did not enjoy it as much, but we got to visit new ports, so it made up for it.

 

I personally would probably not sail on Princess again unless they had a great itinerary to ports I've never been to that Royal doesn't do. We found the atmosphere quieter and the clientele older on princess. We also found the service to be not as personal, I don't remember any staff that actually 'stuck out', like we usually find on Royal.

 

Edit: I was considering that exact cruise on Quantum for awhile, but due to the not-so-good ports and Dynamic Dining, I decided against it. After seeing all these subpar and negative reviews of Quantum, I think I'd have a hard time sailing on her. I love the other ships in the Royal fleet, and IMO, since I know that I would have an enjoyable time on the other ships, "why fix what's not broken?"

Edited December 6, 2014 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[LadyLion_AP]

I cruised on the Caribbean Princess after several Royal cruises. Did not enjoy it as much, but we got to visit new ports, so it made up for it.

 

 

 

I personally would probably not sail on Princess again unless they had a great itinerary to ports I've never been to that Royal doesn't do. We found the atmosphere quieter and the clientele older on princess. We also found the service to be not as personal, I don't remember any staff that actually 'stuck out', like we usually find on Royal.

 

 

Thanks for replying. Good information, as I've sailed the itinerary before with the exception of their private island (Princess Cays).

 

 

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[celebrity]

Have sailed on both. If you can book Princess for half the price and a better itinerary, I would jump on it.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Thanks for replying. Good information, as I've sailed the itinerary before with the exception of their private island (Princess Cays).

 

 

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No problem.

 

But you might completely enjoy a Princess cruise. Don't get me wrong it was a good cruise, just different. I just think a Royal Caribbean cruise is the perfect mix of laid back/fun/etc and good service/professional/etc

Edited December 6, 2014 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[Langley Cruisers]

Hiya - yes, given the negative comments about Quantum and the kinks that have yet to be worked out - and the PRICE! - I do not blame you for considering the change. We have sailed both lines and prefer Royal but do like some of the features Princess offers. The biggest negative for us (and this is so subjective and personal) is the disorganized buffets that we find on Princess ships. Some complain about the Windjammer, but IMO Princess is much worse. No, we don't spend all our time in the buffet of course, but it's enough of an issue that it has us considering not cruising Princess again. We'll see. :)

 

Having said that..... you say Princess is half the price. I would jump on that in a heartbeat. :)

.

[reedprincess]

Have cruised both lines extensively. They are quite different, especially in the onboard activities. Royal has lots of onboard amenities and activities such as rock wall, flowrider, bumper cars, Ifly, etc (Quantum). Princess has none of those things.

Princess has beautiful ships, and the new Royal class is quite beautiful and elegant, but as far as activities and inclusions, not the same class as Royal Caribbean, especially with all the things on Quantum.

Princess is much more laid back and relaxing, has a somewhat older clientele, especially for longer sailings, not as extensive kids programs, or as many kids, great food and service, etc. Entertainment in the evenings is not as flashy as Royal,shows are much more singing and dancing rather than acrobatics, elaborate staging, and popular Broadway shows such as on RCI.

Royal - good food and service, great kids programming, more elaborate shows, more activities onboard, etc.

For half the price and better itinerary, I would not hesitate to cruise Princess, but you know your family beat, and what they would enjoy more: new ship with all the bells and whistles, or new ship that is much more laid-back and traditional.....

[Desert Cruizers]

We have sailed Princess 3 X's and overall prefer Royal. We have had excellant cruises with Princess, however their rooms are smaller and the Regal Princess is one of their older ships and smaller. Our major compaint with Princess is the size of their rooms and feel the entertainment is much better with RCCL.

[OCruisers]

Now could be a wonderful time to give Princess a try since the price & itinerary are so much better.

We've cruised on both Princess and RCCL and have found Princess to be the best fit for us (even when we were much younger than we are now) ... but do sometimes cruise on RCCL. For what it means, both of our teenaged grandchildren like Princess better than RCCL.

We have always especially liked the bar/lounge entertainment in the evening on Princess ships. :D

Whichever you pick, feel sure you'll have a great time. :)

LuLu

[hansolosmom]

We crusied the Caribbean Princess a few years ago when ours were teens (I think they were 13 & 15) We had a nice time. It is a different atmosphere then Royal, I think it was more laid back. They don't have all the bells & whistles but we like to hang out at the pool. My older one laid at the pool or the balcony, while my other one hung in the teen room. My mom and I enjoyed the atrium area. They had different acts in the atrium, there was a juggler the kids loved. I thought they had a nice mix of activities on the ship & the cruise director was great, I wish I could remember his name.

 

I think it depends on your family, if you don't need a flowrider & rock wall then I think you should give Princess a try.

[icat2000]

We have sailed Princess 3 X's and overall prefer Royal. We have had excellant cruises with Princess, however their rooms are smaller and the Regal Princess is one of their older ships and smaller. Our major compaint with Princess is the size of their rooms and feel the entertainment is much better with RCCL.

You must be thinking of the old Regal Princess, as the lastest Regal Princess is their newest ship.

[Wilda]

Your kids have sailed Oasis and Independence class ships. Princess will probably be a step back in their opinion but if you are cruising during school vacation then there should be lot of other kids and activities (other than rock climbing and flow riders) to keep them busy. Kids will make their own fun....

 

Agree with you about the Quantum ports, they leave much to be desired.

Edited December 6, 2014 by Wilda

[LovesCruising]

We've cruised both Royal and Princess

 

More on Royal

 

Id book Princess again in a minute - enjoyed both

 

Id probably pick Regal over Quantum - Quantum is over priced and getting no so good reviews

 

Not sure about Regal reviews - haven't researched it - but your saying better itinerary and cheaper

 

No brainer to me

[drmomsc]

My family has been on both. I have two teen sons (ages 14 and 16). They prefer RCCL, but not by a ton. It depends on whether you will use the flow rider, rock wall, etc. like we do. That's the main reason they prefer RCCL. As far as my husband and I go, it's almost a tie.

 

I'd say switch to Allure or give Regal a try.

[LadyLion_AP]

This is to OP...

Thanks everyone. I did actually consider switching to Allure but it will cost us even more than Quantum after airfare. I thought Princess might be my next best choice.

 

Here is what is critical for me, as my hubby says he's ok with the switch....

 

I love to be entertained by people so...I people watch (usually from the promenade), love theater, movies, parades & other shows. Loved the variety of shows on RCCL. I also enjoy lectures and Art. I usually participate in activities with the boys (my kids) but will not partake in the surf simulator! What I love about Royal is that I was NEVER bored, even with back-to-back sea days. I do not take advantage of the pools, contests, or most trivia games. My hubby works like crazy so he sleeps a lot during our cruises. Eating, sleeping & the casino is all he cares about. I like to get up & go! Activities that I can do on my own or with the boys during days at sea are SUPER important to me.

 

The kids...love shows as well & are very active with ALL that is offered.

 

With this being said, my only worry is that I may get bored if I switch. I am definitely willing to pay more to ensure I won't be bored but I don't want to pay more than I already have.

 

With that being said...Although Princess is more laid back, do you think they offer enough activities on sea days to keep me active & entertained?

 

 

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[LadyLion_AP]

Regarding the post above...I meant to say this is "THE OP"

 

Thanks again for your insight.

 

 

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[wheretonow?]

We go back and forth between the two as well. We are the Freedom this holiday season and on Princess over Spring Break, because the prices were amazing.

 

My kids are younger, and possibly less active. They are happy hanging at the pool, doing trivia with us, etc.

 

Princess had fewer athletic activities it seemed (again, rock wall, Flowrider) but more lectures, crafts and group activities during the day. They also often do a Princess Pop Choir show (several rehearsals and a performance). I have also had better luck with their sing along/bar entertainers in the evenings, but that is completely depending on who is onboard that week.

 

We love Princesses Afternoon tea (even the kids) and the food in general has been great. I don't recall every being bored on a sea day, and often having to decide between several activities.

 

Maybe see if anyone has the Patters from a recent Regal sailing and check through to see what the sea days look like? That may give you a sense of what to expect and if it's for your family.

 

I'm sure you'll enjoy either ship - it's all about best fit for you.

[LadyLion_AP]

 

 

 

We love Princesses Afternoon tea (even the kids) and the food in general has been great. I don't recall every being bored on a sea day, and often having to decide between several activities.

 

 

 

Maybe see if anyone has the Patters from a recent Regal sailing and check through to see what the sea days look like? That may give you a sense of what to expect and if it's for your family.

 

 

Good to hear & great idea. I'll start looking as I'll want to book ASAP if I decide to change ships. Thanks.

 

 

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[LadyLion_AP]

Just confirmed my love/hate relationship with reviews.

We all know about Quantum reviews...now this is what I just read about Regal...

 

Some good reviews & others that say:

- soot problems on some balconies

- small balcony rooms

- hard beds

- not easy to navigate due to stairways that end in inconvenient places.

- too many ships at port on the March 29th sail date.

- Lost some of the luster that previous ships offer.

 

Maybe we'll just do Oasis since I know what to expect. 😒 Frustrating!!!!!

 

 

 

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[matj2000]

We like Princess just as much as RC.

 

So do the kids.

 

You don't need all the novelties to have a good time.

 

But the arcade on RC is much better.....

Edited December 7, 2014 by matj2000

[smeck]

You should post the same question on the Princess boards.

[kaftigr]

I did a cruise on Regal Princess last month. The food was amazing. I think it was the best buffet I had on all of my cruises. There will be a lot more activities for your teens on Quantum but for half price I would go on the Regal in a heartbeat. Cruising on the Regal opened up my eyes on Princess and will probably cruise them more often now.

[KS Sunflower]

Good to hear & great idea. I'll start looking as I'll want to book ASAP if I decide to change ships. Thanks.

 

 

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We were on the Quantum TA and by now Royal should have taken care of the kinks but from what I've read, there are still problems. The Quantum is an amazing ship but I would not want to cruise out of Bayonne on her, especially in the winter. I hate the checkin system they have now. It seemed to me, there were lines for everything. We stood in line 2 1/2 hours to ride the North Star. I understand they now give out tickets but you have to stand in line to get those.

 

Personally, I would fly to Florida and board a ship there. Prices will go down, on the Quantum and her sister ships, after the new wears off.

 

There were very few activities, during the day, on the eight sea days we had on the TA. There were evening shows, except for the times they were cancelled.:rolleyes:

[LadyLion_AP]

Thanks all. I think we'll make the switch. I need to get my cousin on board as I convinced her & her hubby to travel with us on the Quantum. We'll make the decision tomorrow & let you guys know. Of course I'll feel inclined to come back and share our experience.

 

I thought about posting on the Princess boards but feel I've gotten good, honest, feedback here. Plus I really wanted to hear from people who I figure really enjoy Royal but has also tried Princess. (As opposed to those who really enjoy Princess but have tried Royal. If that makes sense.)

 

 

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[Cruzin Carol]

I have been a die hard Royal Caribbean cruiser but this year did two Princess cruises because of thier availability on the west coast. I throughly enjoyed both of them. The only thing I don't like is the way they run thier any time dining. It's difficult to make reservations, as they require you call on a daily basis and you can't get reservations for 7:30 my preferred time. On RCI I can make reservations for the whole cruise before I board. I also prefer the Windjammer over Horizon Court but over all, it was very good.