When you start hunting for images of Royal Princess cruise ship, you're usually met with those hyper-saturated, perfectly blue PR photos. You know the ones. The ship looks like it’s glowing, the water is a shade of turquoise that doesn't exist in nature, and there isn't a single soul in the SeaWalk. It’s pretty, sure. But it’s not exactly what it feels like when you're standing on the Lido deck with a melting soft-serve cone in your hand.
The Royal Princess isn't just another boat. Launched in 2013 and christened by the Duchess of Cambridge, it marked a massive shift for Princess Cruises. It was the first of the Royal-class ships, a blueprint that changed how the line approached space, luxury, and that somewhat controversial "open" feel. If you’re looking at photos to decide if you should drop three grand on a balcony suite, you need to see past the marketing gloss.
The SeaWalk: Gimmick or Great View?
Probably the most iconic shots you’ll see in any gallery of images of Royal Princess cruise ship feature the SeaWalk. This is that glass-bottomed walkway that curves out over the starboard side. It hangs about 128 feet above the ocean.
Honestly? It's smaller than it looks in the brochures.
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In professional photos, it looks like a massive transparent bridge to nowhere. In reality, it’s a cool sixty-foot stroll. If you’re someone who gets vertigo, even looking at pictures of it might make your stomach do a little flip. But for the photographers among us, it’s the best spot on the ship for a "top-down" shot of the waves churning against the hull. Just be prepared for the fact that on a sea day, getting a clean photo without fourteen other people’s legs in the background is a challenge.
Most people don't realize that there's a matching SeaView Bar on the port side. It doesn't have the glass floor, but it has the same cantilevered view. It’s often less crowded. If you want the view without the "am I about to fall into the Atlantic" anxiety, that's your spot.
What the Staterooms Really Look Like
Let’s talk about the rooms. This is where the images of Royal Princess cruise ship can be a bit deceiving. The Royal-class design famously did away with most "oceanview" cabins—those rooms with just a window but no balcony. On this ship, it’s pretty much inside cabins or balconies.
If you're looking at a standard balcony room, it’s functional. It’s "Princess elegant," which basically means lots of beige, wood tones, and high-quality linens. The "Luxury Bed" is legit; it’s one of the few things in the cruise industry that actually lives up to the marketing hype.
- The Closet Situation: Princess does this open-closet design that looks a bit messy in photos but is incredibly practical. It acts as a room divider between the bathroom area and the bed.
- The Balconies: Here is the catch. The balconies on the Royal Princess are notoriously shallow. If you look at profile shots of the ship, you’ll notice the superstructure is very flat. Unless you book a premium aft-facing suite or a specific "angled" balcony, you’re looking at enough space for two chairs and a tiny table, but not much else.
- The Bathroom: It’s a cruise ship bathroom. Unless you’re in a Mini-Suite or higher, you’re getting the "clinging curtain" shower.
The Piazza: The Heart of the Ship
If you scroll through images of Royal Princess cruise ship, you’ll inevitably see the Atrium, or "The Piazza." This is where the ship feels most like a high-end European hotel. It’s three decks of marble, gold accents, and spiral staircases.
It’s loud. It’s busy. It’s the soul of the vessel.
You’ll find the International Café here. If you take one photo of food on this ship, make it the almond croissants or the small-batch cookies. They are the best "free" food on the ship. The Piazza is also where the "Balloon Drop" happens on formal nights. It looks spectacular in photos—thousands of balloons falling through the multi-story space—but in person, it’s a chaotic, sweaty, wonderful mess of people trying to pop them for prizes.
Sanctuary and the Adults-Only Escape
One area that often looks serene in images of Royal Princess cruise ship is The Sanctuary. This is a private, pay-to-access deck at the front of the ship.
Is it worth the extra cost?
Depends. If you’re sailing during spring break and the main pool looks like human soup, then yes. The Sanctuary has plush loungers, "serenity stewards" who bring you chilled towels, and a specific light-bite menu. The photos usually show it empty, but on sea days, these spots sell out within minutes of the ship departing. If you want that "private yacht" vibe you see in the pictures, you have to run—literally run—to the shore excursions desk the moment you board.
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Dining Spaces and Visual Vibes
The dining rooms—Symphony, Allegro, and Concerto—are classic. They don't have the flashy, neon-lit decor of some newer mega-ships. They feel like actual restaurants.
However, the real visual star is Sabatini’s. The Italian specialty restaurant on the Royal Princess has this sleek, modern look with amazing glass etchings. Then there’s Crown Grill. It’s dark, moody, and looks like a London gentleman’s club. If you’re taking photos of your steak, the lighting in here will fight you, but the food is arguably some of the best in the fleet.
Practical Realities of the Top Decks
When you look at wide-angle images of Royal Princess cruise ship from above, you’ll see the "Movies Under the Stars" screen. It’s huge. It’s iconic. At night, they put out lounge chairs with fleece blankets and serve popcorn. It’s one of those things that looks exactly like the brochure. It’s genuinely magical to watch a blockbuster while the salt air hits your face.
But look closer at the deck plans in those images. One major criticism of the Royal Princess when she launched was the lack of a wrap-around promenade deck. On older ships, you could walk the entire circumference of the ship near the waterline. On Royal, that’s gone. You have a jogging track on the upper decks, but it’s not the same. If you’re a traditionalist who loves that "old-school" cruise feeling of walking the teak decks, you won't find those specific images here.
The Fountain Show
The Royal Princess was one of the first ships to feature a water and light show on the top deck. Think a much smaller version of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas.
In photos, the water jets are illuminated in neon purples and greens, shooting 30 feet into the air. In person, it’s a fun 10-minute diversion. It usually happens a couple of times a night. It’s a great "vibe" setter, but it’s not something you’ll stand and watch every single evening. It does, however, make for some of the best nighttime images of Royal Princess cruise ship you can take with a smartphone.
Actionable Insights for Your Royal Princess Trip
If you’re using these images to plan a trip, don't just look at the shiny decks. Look at the "boring" stuff that actually matters for your comfort.
- Check the "Obstructed" Views: Many balcony cabins on Decks 8 (Emerald) have lifeboats right in front of them. When looking at images of Royal Princess cruise ship from the side, notice those big yellow boats. If your cabin is right behind them, you won't be seeing much ocean.
- The "Secret" Terrace: There is a small, often ignored sun deck at the very back of the ship (Aft) on the higher decks. It offers a stunning view of the wake. Most people stay by the main pools, so this is your best bet for a quiet photo op.
- The Horizon Court Buffet: It’s massive. Probably one of the largest at sea. It’s divided into several stations, which means you don't get those long, depressing cafeteria lines. The "Pastry Shop" area is a standalone section and it’s a visual (and literal) dessert heaven.
- Bridge Views: You can’t go onto the bridge, but there are glass-enclosed areas near the fitness center where you can peek out and see the same view the Captain has.
Final Visual Check
The Royal Princess is a "grand" ship. It doesn't have go-kart tracks or massive water slides. You won't find images of people zip-lining across the deck. Instead, you'll find images of wine tastings, fine dining, and quiet corners with a book. It’s built for people who actually like being at sea, rather than people who want a floating theme park.
When you look at images of Royal Princess cruise ship, pay attention to the colors. The ship uses a palette of "Champagne and Gold." It’s designed to feel expensive but accessible. If those photos look like somewhere you could spend seven days without feeling overwhelmed by neon lights and loud music, then the Royal-class experience is likely a good fit for your travel style.
To get the most out of your visual research, cross-reference official Princess gallery photos with "live" shots from cruise forums or social media tags. This helps you see the wear and tear, the actual size of the crowds, and how the lighting looks when it’s not being manipulated by a professional crew. Look for photos of the "MDR" (Main Dining Room) menus as well; they change daily and are a huge part of the visual experience on board.
Next Steps for Planning
- Verify your cabin's location: Use a deck plan tool to ensure your "balcony" isn't actually looking directly into the side of a lifeboat.
- Download the MedallionClass app: This is how you'll navigate the ship and order those drinks you see in the photos directly to your lounger.
- Book specialty dining early: Sabatini’s and Crown Grill are small; if you want the "romantic dinner" photo, you need to reserve it weeks before you sail.
- Pack for the "White Party": Many Royal Princess sailings feature a "Department of Chill" or "White Party" on deck; you'll want the right outfit if you want to blend into those festive deck photos.