New To Princess

[jlmkey]

Having 3 Cruises on RCL...want to step up...although no major complaints with....Royal Caribbean...have heard that Princess is a step up??? Comment appreciated.

[Sonny V]

What RCL ships have you been on? I've never been on a Princess ship, and I'd be interested in hearing your comparison if you decide to try Princess. I never heard that Princess is an upgrade. Some people just don't compare apple to apples. You can't cruise on a RCCL Vision Class Ship and compare it to Grand Class Ship on the Princess line. If I ever decide to cruise on any other line than Royal Caribbean - it would be Princess.

Sonny

[f-mattox]

I'm not so sure "step up" is the right term; I think "different" is probably a better term. Judging from what I've seen and heard here, I think RCI ships have a "wow" factor that you won't find on Princess; but the Princess ships are probably a little more elegant. As for food, service, accomodations and entertainment,
it seems to be pretty much a draw.

But you really need to hear from people who have cruised on both lines--if you can find any :-).

We well be very interested to hear from you after your first Princess cruise.

[jlmkey]

Thanks...for the quick responce, please; understand intent is not to trash "RCL".. we are mid 50's...suspect RCL targets mass market and that some of the shine is lost....might be wrong...but its what I supect.

[jlmkey]

Also this "when and if" about responces is tainted with What Ya"ll scared of???

[f-mattox]

Stick around; I'm sure somebody will tell you what you want to hear.

[jlmkey]

I all I wanted was a opinion of comparing...RCL verses Princess...no fowl intended.....easy fellow......?

[LisaP]

jlmkey, given your last experience that you posted recently, perhaps you should give another line a try.

I also ask that you refer to our Forum Rules. Foul language is not tolerated on this board.

I've been on both lines and Sonny and f-mattox have given you great advice.

[penny3333]

jlmkey, we've sailed on Princess, Royal, Costa, Carnival, HAL, and NCL. Princess is my favorite, but that is because their product offers my tastes the best fit. Each cruise line has it's own character. My impressions are: Princess is elegant without being snobby. Royal is more family oriented with more "glitz". Costa is totally family oriented with an Italian flare. Carnival is family oriented with an emphasis on "fun". HAL is elegant and more subdued. NCL is family oriented with a laid back atmosphere.

Princess ships are immaculate, the service is impeccable, and the food is good to great. Costa's ships are immaculate, the service is wonderful and the food is good to great. And so on with the list.

SonnyV has been on over 50 cruises with Royal, f-mattox has been on about that with Princess. I've been on 9 Princess cruises and 3 Royal cruises. They're just different experiences and I personally prefer Princess. I'm not going to use the rock wall, the ice skating rink, or the florider, so I'm not going to pay more for a comparable itinerary. If Royal had an itinerary that I wanted and at a price I thought was reasonable, I'd book Royal.

I know this doesn't sound like I answered your question, but I'm trying. They're both great cruise lines and I don't think you'd be disappointed in Princess at all. However, I don't think I'd call it a step up. Best wishes!

[Dave]

In the vernacular of cruise lines, Holland America is considered a premium line as is Celebrity. Royal Caribbean and Princess are mainstream lines. But in both categories the differences are not stark.

Some questions cannot be answered with a clear yes or no answer, because there are too many subjectives.