RCI vs. Princess Comparison

[WolfpackFan]

We will be sailing on the Harmony of the Seas next year (Eastern Caribbean). This will be our first RCI cruise. We have sailed on Princess a number of times and really like their cruises, but we can only sail in October of next year and like the Harmony itinerary plus like the fact we will be sailing out of Port Canaveral. Can anyone clue me in as to the differences between the two cruise lines. Thanks in advance. We have always wanted to sail on one of the "big" RCI ships and this is our chance.

[karena1]

We will be sailing on the Harmony of the Seas next year (Eastern Caribbean). This will be our first RCI cruise. We have sailed on Princess a number of times and really like their cruises, but we can only sail in October of next year and like the Harmony itinerary plus like the fact we will be sailing out of Port Canaveral. Can anyone clue me in as to the differences between the two cruise lines. Thanks in advance. We have always wanted to sail on one of the "big" RCI ships and this is our chance.

 

Other than more kids, they are very alike. We have been on Regal as well as other Princess ships. Hubby thinks the buffet is totally better on Princess. Horizon Court on Regal was amazing. But we also think the layout of Royal ships is better than Princess and the pools are WAY warmer on Royal than Princess. But we like both. I think you will be very happy with Harmony. We have been on her and she is gorgeous, so much to do. Last night go to the WJ, in the back they were making homemade crepes and also stir fry!

[Clarea]

Other RC vs Princess threads:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2633983

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2596378

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2594053

[Aquahound]

The ship itself will be the biggest difference. Harmony is a very massive and very impressive ship. The wow factor will be unlike anything you've experienced on Princess.

 

I think RCI's decor is a lot more modern than Princess. The Princess ships I've sailed (other than Regal) felt very dated.

 

You'll find the living space in your cabin to be larger. Standard rooms don't have walk-in closets like Princess, but they do have a couch. RCI also has larger balconies (significantly larger than Regal).

 

Entertainment isn't even close. Other than the ship itself, this is probably what will impress you the most. Princess does have good entertainment, but not on this level.

 

On the other hand, you'll find on board prices to be a little higher than Princess. Drinks cost more and RCI recently started charging for room service....although, I don't seem to remember Princess having an impressive room service menu.

[Pmorton3360]

Sailed Princess many times. RCCL only twice but another booked. The Harmony is a big, beautiful ship. Loved the park and so many restaurants. Wonderland for one. Princess has nothing like it. Miss the International Cafe though. Shows are different. Have to reserve. Grease was fun. The water shows and Ice skating shows are amazing. Not as laid back as Princess. If you love the new and big, you'll love it. Ofcourse I do miss my Princess perks.

 

 

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[FunTimeIsSunTime]

We've done 4 Princess and 2 RCCL. For us, we prefer Princess because of the laid back feel but our next is on RCCL. They are very similar and appeal to very similar (not identical though) crowds. I agree the entertainment is different (not better or worse) and that the buffet is better on Princess but just go into knowing that things may be different and you will have a fantastic time, I mean you will be on vacation after all. Have a great trip.

[teachingforme]

Husband, 6 year old and I have sailed Princess twice, Liberty once with another booked on Freedom for next summer. We like the size of RCI balcony room compared to Princess (felt much smaller and no sofa). We also like the Promenade level on RCI, princess is split up and I tend to get lost more on Princess that RCI.

 

Each cruise line has its pros and cons what works for one family/group another hates.

But any cruise is better than not being on vacation!

[OCruisers]

It's always good to Sleep Around from time to time. :D

That's the only way you'll know which is the best fit for you.

[sellwingri]

We started cruising with Princess and switched to Royal Caribbean because they’re balcony rooms had a sleeper sofa and Princess had the bunk bed, which our daughter didn’t like. We’ve gone back a few times but prefer Royal Caribbean. We think the entertainment and options are better, the casino (which is important to me) is bigger and has more table options, and the clientele is a bit more casual. Minor point but if I recall correctly, Bingo on Princess is a lot cheaper and payouts larger. I rarely play anymore but I do remember this from the past.

 

Since we’re diamond plus, we obviously cruise Royal Caribbean a lot and absolutely love the ships. I can’t imagine sailing without a Schooner Bar.

[George C]

I always felt crowded on princess ships, even on large rccl ships never felt crowded, on princess was not able to see many shows since there were no seats, have not had that issue on rccl, but princess buffet and there pizza is way better than rccl.

[Bookish Angel]

Having sailed both, I feel they are more alike than not. I did think the main dining room food on Princess was better.

[Gators77]

The biggest difference you will notice is the quality of food at the buffet and MDR. Princess wins hands down. We personally thought the shows on Princess were better. We were not at all impressed with the shows on the Harmony. The headline show and Grease were not very good. Columbus and 1887 were mediocre at best in our opinion. If they can get their sound system fixed, the Fine Line was very good, and they have a non reservation ice skating show called iSkate that we liked a lot.

[TEXASMUNK]

Nothing negative about Princess, just that the only reaction we cam away with was vanilla. Not one thing wrong, had a great time, but if asked to pick out something special or memorable, cannot.

[Aquahound]

The biggest difference you will notice is the quality of food at the buffet and MDR. Princess wins hands down.

 

I also think Princess' buffet food is better (a little better, not hands down though). The problem with Princess is, other than on Royal/Regal, you have to stand in line in order to enter a tiny little serving area. It's a really odd concept. At peak times, that line can extend to the entrance doors. RCI's island design in their buffets is so much better.

 

Princess did get it right with Royal/Regal though. That's the most impressive buffet I've ever seen on a cruise.

[CFIGuy]

Nothing negative about Princess, just that the only reaction we cam away with was vanilla. Not one thing wrong, had a great time, but if asked to pick out something special or memorable, cannot.

 

This basically described our experience as well. It also seemed Princess was a little more lacking in activities compared to RCI.

 

The one thing that I didn’t like (we sailed Caribbean Princess) was how on certain decks to go from front to back, you had to either go up a deck and then back down, or vice versa. On RCI, with the exception of the ice skating rink, most ships allow forward to aft access without changing decks.

 

On Princess we did like the specialty balcony dining (don’t know if it is still offered), was basically a Chops like meal served on your balcony with a private wait staff team. Included cocktails prior to dinner, a mini bottle of sparkling wine & an 8x10 photo. At the time it was $100 and worth every penny.