Royal Princess

Royal Princess is the 2013 lead ship of Princess's Royal class, the vessel that introduced the now-signature SeaWalk glass-bottom walkway cantilevered 28 feet over the ocean and the line's largest three-deck Piazza atrium. It carries about 3,560 guests in a refined, classic-cruising style aimed at travelers who love sea days, live music and a social atmosphere that stops short of being a floating waterpark. Compared with its near-identical 2014 sister Regal Princess, Royal is the original and slightly older of the pair, so it can feel a touch more worn even after refurbishments, but the core layout and amenities are essentially the same.

Dining spans anytime and traditional main dining rooms, the Horizon Court buffet, complimentary Alfredo's pizza and International Cafe, plus extra-fee Crown Grill steakhouse and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, both of which review well even as guests grumble about declining standard-dining quality. Cabins are comfortable and the Lotus Spa, casino, Princess Theater and Princess Live! cover the entertainment bases, while the top-deck pool hosts Movies Under the Stars and the WaterColor Fantasy light-and-water show. The adults-only Sanctuary is a standout for relaxation, though the main pool deck can feel loud and busy thanks to the ever-running poolside screen. The MedallionClass app ties it together with keyless entry and order-anywhere delivery.

Royal Princess best suits couples, multigenerational families and older cruisers who want a polished mainstream experience with strong itineraries at a mid-market price that undercuts premium lines like Celebrity or Holland America while feeling more refined than Carnival or NCL. Its standout draws are the SeaWalk, the oversized Sanctuary and Movies Under the Stars; just temper expectations on standard buffet food and staffing, which have slipped fleetwide. If choosing between the sisters, pick Royal for slightly cheaper fares or a preferred itinerary, and Regal for the marginally newer hull.