Princess Cruises
Discovery Princess
- Cruises
- 20
- From
- $429
Ship comparison
Discovery Princess vs Freedom of the Seas
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
- Cruises
- 71
- From
- $299
The verdict
Which should you choose?
Discovery Princess is a large Princess Cruises ship carrying 3,668 passengers, in service since 2022. Freedom of the Seas is a large Royal Caribbean ship carrying 3,634 passengers, in service since 2006.
Choose Discovery Princess if you want a newer ship, a more romantic trip or better-rated dining: it outscores Freedom of the Seas for romantic (7.0 vs 6.0) and dining (7.0 vs 6.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores and its maiden voyage was in 2022 (vs 2006).
Choose Freedom of the Seas if you want a more family-friendly ship, a more active cruise or a better-rated spa and gym: it outscores Discovery Princess for family friendly (10.0 vs 7.0), active (8.0 vs 6.0) and spa & fitness (8.0 vs 7.0) in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores.
Side by side
Specifications
marks the better figure where more, or less, is plainly better.
| Discovery Princess | Freedom of the Seas | |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise line | Princess Cruises | Royal Caribbean |
| Ship size | Large | Large |
| Maiden voyagenewer highlighted | 2022 (better) | 2006 |
| Last refurbishedmore recent highlighted | — | 2018 |
| Gross tonnage | 141,000 | 154,407 |
| Passengers | 3,668 | 3,634 |
| Crew | 1,346 | 1,360 |
| Passengers per crew memberfewer is better | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| Space per passengergross tons per passenger; more is roomier | 38.4 | 42.5 (better) |
| Cabins | 1,834 | — |
| Decks | 18 | 18 |
| Length | 1,083 ft | 1,112 ft |
| Beam | 155 ft | 184 ft |
| Speed | — | 25 mph |
| Cruiseable ratingout of 10 | 9 / 10 (better) | 8 / 10 |
| Cruises on sale | 20 | 71 |
| Upcoming sailings | 148 | 113 |
| Cruise lengths | 4 to 14 nights | 2 to 15 nights |
| Fares fromlower highlighted | $429 | $299 (better) |
Bliss scores
How they rate, out of 10
Cruiseable rates ships out of 10 on ten parts of a cruise holiday. Discovery Princess leads on 5 of the ten, Freedom of the Seas on 3, with 2 level.
- Active
- Adventure & nature
- Cultural
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Family friendly
- Party
- Romantic
- Spa & fitness
- Staterooms
Princess Cruises
Discovery Princess
Discovery Princess, the newest ship from Princess Cruises, debuted in March 2022, sailing out of Seattle in summer and Los Angeles in winter.
Sailing now
20 cruises on sale, from $429.
About Discovery Princess Plan my cruise on Discovery Princess
Royal Caribbean
Freedom of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas features several maritime innovations to stir your imagination. Share a high five with Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theater or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie screen.
Highlights
- Meeting Shrek as part of the DreamWorks Experience
- Shopping on the Royal Promenade
- Ice skating in the onboard ice skating rink
- Sipping delicious wines at Vintages wine bar
Sailing now
71 cruises on sale, from $299.
About Freedom of the Seas Plan my cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Questions
Discovery Princess or Freedom of the Seas?
Which is bigger, Discovery Princess or Freedom of the Seas?
Freedom of the Seas is bigger at 154,407 gross tons, against 141,000 gross tons for Discovery Princess. Discovery Princess carries 3,668 passengers and Freedom of the Seas carries 3,634.
Which ship is newer, Discovery Princess or Freedom of the Seas?
Discovery Princess is newer, with a maiden voyage in 2022 against 2006 for Freedom of the Seas.
Which has more space per passenger?
Freedom of the Seas, with 42.5 gross tons per passenger against 38.4 on Discovery Princess. The higher the figure, the more ship there is for each guest.
Which has more crew per passenger?
They are level, with one crew member for every 2.7 passengers.
Which is better for families?
Freedom of the Seas scores higher for family friendliness in Cruiseable’s Bliss scores: 10.0 out of 10, against 7.0 for Discovery Princess.
Still deciding?
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