What You Need to Know About Royal Princess
If you’ve been thinking about sailing with Princess Cruises and the Royal Princess keeps popping up in your search—boo, let me put you on.
We got the chance to experience this ship on the Mexican Riviera itinerary, and let me tell you, it’s definitely giving grown and sexy vacation vibes.
Now, you know I keep it real—no sugarcoating, no fluff—so I’m about to break it all down for you: what the ship’s like, where it sails, the highlights that had me like “yes, this is it,” and also the things I think are missing. By the end of this, you’ll know if Royal Princess is your kind of cruise or if you might want to peek at another option.
The Ship: Royal Princess at First Glance
The Royal Princess is part of Princess Cruises’ Royal Class, and when you step onboard, it feels grand. Like, you immediately know this ship was designed for people who want that classy vacation energy without it being too over the top. The décor is elegant, lots of gold accents, shiny marble floors, and chandeliers that make you want to grab a glass of champagne and do a little twirl.
This ship can carry about 3,500 guests with over 1,300 crew members, so it’s not the biggest cruise ship out there (especially compared to Royal Caribbean or Carnival’s mega-ships), but it definitely holds its own. It feels spacious without being overwhelming, and there’s always a place to relax whether you’re by the pool, in the Piazza (that’s the central atrium), or tucked away in one of the lounges.
What I liked most is how the ship feels balanced: it’s not trying to be a theme park at sea—it’s giving resort energy. That means less chaos, fewer loud distractions, and more of that “grown folks’ getaway” vibe.
The Itinerary: From LA to the Mexican Riviera
The sailing we did was round-trip from Los Angeles down to the Mexican Riviera, and baby, if you want a mix of culture, sunshine, and tacos that’ll have you rethinking life choices—this is the move.
Here’s the rundown:
Los Angeles (Embarkation/Disembarkation)
You start and end in LA, which is clutch because flights into LAX are easy to find. Pro tip: arrive the day before if you can. LA traffic is no joke, and missing your ship is not the vibe.Cabo San Lucas
Cabo is that spot where the desert meets the ocean, and the views are insane. Most people tender in (meaning smaller boats take you from the ship to shore), and once you’re there, it’s a vibe. Think beach bars, jet skis, boat tours out to see the famous Arch, and margaritas bigger than your head. Cabo’s energy is lively, and you can really make it as chill or as turn-up as you want.Mazatlán
Now, Mazatlán doesn’t always get the love it deserves, but we were pleasantly surprised. The old town has beautiful colonial-style buildings, cute shops, and the Malecón (a long boardwalk along the beach) is perfect for strolling. I’d say Mazatlán is more about soaking in the local culture versus partying, and the food here? Chef’s kiss.Puerto Vallarta
This was my personal favorite. Puerto Vallarta is colorful, vibrant, and has a little bit of everything—beaches, mountains, art, and nightlife. The Malecon (their seaside promenade) is full of sculptures, street performers, and little shops. You can go ziplining, do tequila tastings, or just park it at a beach club with guac and margaritas. Honestly, Puerto Vallarta alone is worth the cruise.
Sailing this itinerary gives you that perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and plenty of culture. If you’ve never been to the Mexican Riviera, put it on your list.
Highlights of the Ship
Okay, let’s get into what makes the Royal Princess shine:
The Piazza (Atrium)
This is the heart of the ship. It’s three levels of pure elegance—cafes, bars, shops, and live entertainment. At night, it turns into a whole vibe with music, dancing, and performances. If you like people-watching or sipping a cocktail while soaking in live music, this is your spot.Movies Under the Stars
Princess knows how to make an outdoor movie feel magical. You’re laying back in a lounge chair, popcorn in hand, wrapped in a blanket, with the ocean breeze while watching a film on a giant screen. It’s simple but so good.The Sanctuary
This adults-only retreat area is everything. If you’re like me and want a little peace and quiet away from the main pool scene, this is worth the extra cost. Think plush loungers, attentive service, and a calm atmosphere. It’s basically a spa day without leaving the ship.Dining Options
Royal Princess has multiple dining rooms, specialty restaurants like Crown Grill (steakhouse) and Sabatini’s (Italian), and plenty of casual spots. The food overall was solid, and the service was on point. And if you’re a buffet person, Horizon Court had a lot of variety.Entertainment
The shows in the main theater are high quality—think Broadway-style productions with strong singers and dancers. They also had comedians, live bands, and game shows to keep things fun.
What’s Missing on the Ship
Now let’s talk about what the Royal Princess doesn’t have, because I know some of y’all like your ships to be packed with options.
No Water Slides or Go-Karts
If you’re cruising with kids or you’re the type who wants to race around or splash down a slide, this isn’t the ship for that. Royal Princess is more about relaxation and sophistication.Limited Nightlife
Don’t get me wrong—you can find music and dancing, but if you’re expecting a full-on nightclub or that Carnival/Royal Caribbean-style late-night hype, you might feel like something’s missing. The nightlife here is more chill.Pool Space
The pools aren’t tiny, but with a ship this size, they can get crowded, especially on sea days. If you’re a pool person, you might want to grab your chair early or head to The Sanctuary.More Local Food Vibes
While the food onboard was tasty, I would’ve loved to see more Mexican-inspired dishes to tie in with the itinerary. That would’ve made the whole experience feel more connected.
Main Takeaways from the Trip
So after sailing on Royal Princess, here’s the bottom line:
If you want elegance, relaxation, and great service, this ship delivers. It’s perfect for couples, friends, or even solo travelers who want something polished but not stuffy.
The Mexican Riviera itinerary is stunning and worth doing at least once. Each port has its own flavor, and together they give you a well-rounded vacation.
The ship is missing some of the high-energy bells and whistles other lines have, but if that’s not your style, you won’t even notice.
Would we sail Royal Princess again? Absolutely. It’s the kind of ship you choose when you want to slow down a little, sip something pretty by the pool, and just enjoy the ride. It’s not about rushing from activity to activity—it’s about enjoying the journey.
So if you’re sitting there debating whether Royal Princess is “for you,” here’s my advice: if you’re craving a mix of luxury and laid-back vibes, go for it. But if you need high-octane activities and nightlife that doesn’t quit, you might want to look elsewhere.
Every ship has its own personality, and Royal Princess is like that classy auntie who always shows up dressed to the nines, knows how to have a good time, but also knows when to call it a night. She’s elegant, she’s refined, and she’s got a little sparkle that keeps you smiling the whole way through.
If you’re ready to explore the Mexican Riviera with a touch of elegance, this might just be your next perfect cruise. Click below if you are ready to book your next perfect cruise.
