Trip Bacon — The secret ingredient to the perfect getaway logo

Princess vs Royal Caribbean 2026 Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?

Solo Travel 1974
Solo Travel 1974
🥈Expert
👁️ 2K views📅 6 months ago⏱️ 8:25
What This Creator Said
Creator Had Mixed FeelingsShip Comparison🥈Expert Creator
MediterraneanFrom SouthamptonVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

But if you want longer itineraries, great service, calmer lounges, better buffet variety, and the convenience of Medallion Class, then Princess Cruises will be a far better fit.

Medallion Class genuinely changes the feel of the holiday. Your cabin opens automatically. Drinks and food can be delivered anywhere on the ship.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Consider the total cost including gratuities and packages rather than just the base fare when comparing Royal Caribbean to Princess.
Choose Royal Caribbean if traveling with children or teens for the high-energy activities.
Choose Princess if you prefer longer itineraries and a more relaxed, refined atmosphere.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Hidden costsLook beyond the initial price and factor in gratuities, specialty dining, and drink packages.
Ship atmosphereDecide if you want a high-energy 'resort at sea' (Royal) or a calmer, more refined experience (Princess).

Questions This Creator Answers

QWhich cruise line is better for families?
QIs Princess Cruises better value than Royal Caribbean?
QWhat are the main differences between Princess and Royal Caribbean?
QHow does Medallion Class technology compare to Royal Caribbean's app?

Topics Covered

Value Pricing3½ Happy BaconEntertainment Shows3½ Happy BaconKids Family4½ Happy BaconService Crew1½ Sad BaconDining Buffet4 Happy BaconItinerary Route3½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Southampton
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
Happy Bacon — creators loved this aspect
Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

This is my full Princess vs Royal Caribbean comparison for 2026, breaking down the biggest differences between the two cruise lines. If you’re deciding whether to book Princess Cruises or Royal Caribbean, this guide covers it all, from dining and entertainment to service, itineraries, MedallionClass, and what the atmosphere is really like onboard. I’ve cruised on both lines recently — most recently on Sky Princess in the Mediterranean, and on Independence of the Seas from Southampton — so everything here is based on real experience, not brochure talk. Timestamps below. Whether you prefer a relaxing, elegant cruise with excellent service, or a high-energy resort-style ship with loads of things to do, this video will help you choose the right cruise line for your next holiday. If you want more Princess content, watch my Sky Princess Dining Options video next — linked here and in the end screen https://youtu.be/NK0eyhF77ww #princesscruises #royalcaribbean #cruisetips #cruisereview 📍 New videos every week – Subscribe & join the adventure! https://www.youtube.com/@solotravel1974?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Cruise eSIM from Saily If you don’t want to buy the ship’s WiFi package, a cruise eSIM could be another option to consider. Saily has recently launched a cruise eSIM designed to provide mobile data at sea and in selected ports. You can find out more here: https://go.saily.site/SH11q Use code solotravel15 for 15% off. This is an affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. 🧳 Cruise Essentials I Use (Amazon) 👉 Magnetic hooks (perfect for extra storage in your cabin): https://amzn.to/4d0ndOW 👉 Packing cubes (keep your suitcase organised): https://amzn.to/3Pyh5DA 👉 Cruise luggage tags (protect your tags at the port): https://amzn.to/47XWA9H 👉 Travel Extension Lead UK https://amzn.to/41iaqA4 EU https://amzn.to/4d5SCQ1 👉 Toiletry organiser (great for small bathrooms): https://amzn.to/4uGmQiN (Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.) Chapters 00:00 - Princess vs Royal Caribbean (2026) | Which Cruise Line Is Better? 00:45 - Price and Value — What You Actually Get 01:44 - Food and Dining — Princess vs Royal Caribbean 02:55 - Entertainment and Activities — Which Cruise Line Does It Better? 03:54 - Activities — Families vs Adults 04:51 - Service Comparison 05:33 - Ship Design, Vibe and Onboard Atmosphere 06:07 - Technology — MedallionClass vs the Royal Caribbean App 06:42 - Itineraries — Longer vs Shorter Sailings 07:24 - Princess or Royal Caribbean — Which Is Right for You? 07:59 - Final Thoughts & Watch Next!