As a past cruiser on Princess and now a devoted Regent cruiser I understand your concern about the price difference. Strongly suggest the smaller ship. The 2000 plus Princess ships are real "cattle boxes". Also suggest you look at the cruises early and late in the season. September as an example. Weather is not bad and Princess can offer some great deals. I agree with Marc that it is a must to compare the Princess mini-suite to the Regent offering. I would not do a cruise with out a balcony. Do not have much expectations about the food. On Princess my experience is that at best it is mediocre. Just my humble views.