In the case of NCL and Royal Caribbean’s ships, on order at Meyer Werft, they will have almost 8% less space per passenger, and in the case of the Princess ships, being built at Fincantieri, a full 16.5% less than the Diamond Princess.
A high passenger space ratio indicates a roomy ship. Britain’s “Choosing Cruising” web site breaks this down into categories as follows: “below 20 poor; 20-30 average; 30-40 good; 40-50 very good; over 50 excellent.”
Just as cruise lines have been building bigger and bigger so that economies of scale could allow them to keep cruise prices down and attract a wider audience, so now they have decided to squeeze a few more passengers aboard their newest ships.
Part of this has no doubt been caused by the fact that the lines have had to significantly to reduce fares to attract custom during the recent recession, making them more reliant on on board revenue, which can now generate additional 40-50% revenue over the ticket price.
Cruise lines (the notable exception being NCL) have been building ships with PSR’s in excess of 40, so there has been very good space for customers even if passenger numbers have been growing.
But now, Princess and Royal Caribbean are planning to go back from the 40′s into the 30′s to join NCL with the “less space per pax” concept.
Princess passengers who are used to their two Panamaxes, the Coral Princess and Island Princess and the Mitsubishi-built Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess are particularly likely to notice less space on the new Royal Princess when she arrives.
Carnival, on the other hand, seems to be going in the opposite direction with its latest trio and staying above 40.
