When choosing a cruise that offers a touch of refinement, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises often come to mind. I’ve been on both, and they provide an elevated level of service compared to some other cruise lines, catering to those who appreciate a bit more elegance in their travel experience.
Owned by major players in the cruise industry, Princess is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, while Celebrity belongs to Royal Caribbean Group. These lines compete in the premium market. While they have some similarities, each offers unique features that can help you decide which one is the best fit for your next cruise.
The Ships
Princess Cruise Ships
Princess Cruises offers several classes of ships, each catering to different cruising experiences. The newest Sphere Class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, are the largest in the fleet and carry around 4,300 guests at double occupancy.
The Royal Class includes multiple large ships accommodating roughly 3,500–3,700 passengers, while Grand Class ships provide a slightly smaller, more mid‑sized feel with capacities from about 2,600 to just over 3,000 guests. Older vessels such as Coral Princess, Island Princess, and Grand Princess offer a more traditional layout and typically carry around 2,000–2,200 travellers.
The Grand Princess, launched in 1998, is the fleet’s oldest gem, while the newest additions are the Sphere Class vessels Sun Princess and Star Princess.
Celebrity Cruise Line ships
Celebrity Cruises features several ship classes, each offering a different style of experience. The newest Edge Class ships include Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and Xcel, which typically carry around 2,900–3,300 guests at double occupancy and showcase the line’s most modern design and amenities. The Solstice Class adds five stylish ships with capacities in the high‑2,000 range, while the Millennium Class offers four slightly smaller vessels that carry around 2,000–2,200 guests.
For a more intimate experience, Celebrity also runs special expedition cruises in the Galápagos, using much smaller ships that are built to visit remote places.
Celebrity Millennium, launched in 2000, is one of the oldest ships in the fleet, while the newest is currently Celebrity Xcel from the Edge Class.
Which Cruise Line is Best for You?
Choosing between Princess and Celebrity comes down to what you want in a cruising experience. While both lines offer a variety of ships, Princess stands out with its newer Sphere Class ships.
Celebrity, however, offers unique Expedition Ships. If you’re looking for a holiday packed with grandeur and adventure on smaller, more intimate ships, Celebrity’s expedition option might be your perfect fit. The choice ultimately depends on what kind of journey you are dreaming of.
Destinations
Where Princess Cruises Can Take You
Princess Cruises offers a wide array of destinations to explore. If you’re keen on the sights of Australia and New Zealand, this cruise line should definitely catch your attention.
With a strong presence in this region, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Sydney is a major starting point; you can find many journeys beginning from there, as well as numerous routes departing from Fort Lauderdale and other North American ports. If you’re based in the UK, there’s good news with plenty of ships setting sail from Southampton.
For thrill-seekers interested in Alaska, Princess offers unique cruise tour itineraries. These trips combine ocean sailings with land stays at Princess Wilderness Lodges, complemented by stunning rail journeys.
If the Bahamas are on your wishlist, some itineraries stop at Princess Cays, the cruise line’s private island paradise on Eleuthera.
Suggested read: Cruising With Princess? Here Are 21 Things to Know About the Medallion
What to Expect with Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises, much like Princess Cruises, provides a rich array of destinations, but if Alaska is at the top of your travel list, Celebrity should be a contender. They have a large number of cruises heading to this breathtaking location, giving you ample opportunity to enjoy its scenic beauty.
Across its global program, Celebrity uses dozens of embarkation ports in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and beyond, giving travelers a wide range of starting points to choose from.
Travelers from the UK will appreciate the convenience of embarking from Southampton for a European adventure.
Celebrity also boasts exceptional journeys in South America and Antarctica. Their small expedition cruises are designed for these unique routes, accessing smaller, intimate harbors unavailable to other ships.
Accommodation Options on Board
Princess Cruises Room Choices
When you sail with Princess Cruises, there are several staterooms and suites to choose from. Whether you prefer an Interior, Ocean View, or Balcony room, there’s an option to fit your budget and desires.
For those seeking something extra special, the Sky Suites can be found on select Royal-class ships. These suites stand out for their stylish design and ample space. The balcony is particularly noteworthy, offering one of the largest viewing platforms at sea. To top it off, it includes an outdoor TV, for when you want to relax with a film under the night sky.
Princess Cruises also introduced the Reserve Collection within its Sphere Class offerings. This collection boasts top-tier Mini Suites and Cabana rooms situated in prime locations on the ship.
Guests here get the added perk of a private dining area, which is usually exclusive to suite guests or loyalty program members.
On the upper end, the Signature Collection offers high-end luxury. The Signature Sky Suites provide panoramic views and access to private areas like a sun deck, dining place, and lounge. Here, you can unwind away from the ship’s many activities with exclusive menus and drink choices.
Stateroom and Suite Choices on Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises presents a range of unique accommodation options for cruisers. Concierge Class rooms are available throughout the fleet, with the exception of expedition cruises.
These rooms are enhanced with better amenities, and the concierge team can help you plan activities like special dining or theater bookings.
Another interesting choice is the AquaClass suite, which is built around the ship’s spa offerings. You not only get a superior room but also receive services focusing on health and well-being.
Related reading: Avoid These 14 Celebrity Cruises Cabins – Here’s Why
Priority spa booking and complimentary access to wellness facilities make this option appealing if relaxation is your main goal.
For those wanting ultimate luxury, The Retreat might be the ideal choice. This area of the ship features top-tier suites and lets you enjoy exclusive spaces like a lounge, sun deck, and the Retreat Restaurant with a special menu.
Staying in The Retreat could provide the peaceful and lavish experience you desire.
Dining Options
Food on Princess Cruises
When you’re aboard a Princess cruise, you’re in for a culinary treat. The food here often takes its inspiration from the regions the ships travel through, promising a unique and local flavor experience.
Each dining spot has its own character and serves dishes crafted from genuine ingredients and traditional recipes.
If you like simple and tasty food, their casual venues won’t disappoint. My favorite is the pizza, which is often praised as the finest at sea and a must-try.
There are also a few venues with a small fee, depending on your cruise fare. However, you’ll still have plenty of free choices, so you can try something new each day.
Related reading: 10 Things You’ll Love About Princess Cruises (Compared to Other Lines)
Dining on Celebrity Cruises
On Celebrity Cruises, every meal is meant to feel special. Dining is more than just eating—it’s an event. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, expect top-notch cuisine and service designed to make every bite memorable.
There are casual dining options, but the speciality restaurants are where Celebrity truly excels.
These restaurants are known for serving dishes that meet Michelin standards, showcasing flavors from around the world.
Newer ships boast four Main Dining Rooms, each with a unique theme. These rooms offer complimentary choices that change as you sail.
Activities Aboard
Princess Cruises Fun
On a Princess cruise, you’ll find a variety of daily happenings that offer more than just lounging by the swimming pool.
You can join dance classes, perfect for learning some new moves, or try your hand at art auctions. Get creative in cooking lessons where you can learn to whip up some favorite dishes from the menu.
If you fancy some entertainment under the stars, enjoy Movies under the Stars, where films are shown on deck for an open-air cinema experience.
Plus, one handy feature on Princess ships is the self-service laundry facilities, allowing you to freshen up your clothes without the higher cost of onboard laundry services. This is especially useful on longer journeys.
Celebrity Cruises Fun
Celebrity Cruises shares a similar style of activities with Princess yet adds its own touch of uniqueness.
You’ll find a casino for testing your luck, along with art auctions and cooking classes. How about catching a film on the pool deck for some outdoor relaxation?
For something different, try glass blowing on certain ships. It is a truly unique experience for those eager to learn a new skill.
Golf fans will find full golf simulators available, perfect for practicing their swing. Pickle ball, a growingly popular sport, is also available, making these ships ideal for sports enthusiasts.
Entertainment
Fun at Sea: Princess Cruises
On Princess Cruises, you’re in for much more than just a sunny deck and a relaxing pool. The assortment of entertainment will keep you happily busy.
Imagine attending live comedic acts, enjoying soulful live music, and being swept away by theater performances that wouldn’t feel out of place in a big city.
These shows are not just any performances; Princess invests in full‑scale, Broadway‑style productions featuring professional casts and creative teams with strong theater backgrounds, so evenings on board can feel surprisingly polished for a ship in the middle of the ocean.
Dazzling Displays: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises steps up the game with its unique and original shows. Instead of offering the traditional Broadway list, they have crafted their own captivating performances.
These are enhanced by stunning technological elements, giving each show an added wow factor. You’ll experience innovative and engaging performances that leave a lasting impression.
Your Entertainment Choice
When deciding which cruise to pick based on entertainment, think about what suits your style. If you’re passionate about witnessing unforgettable shows with impressive technology, Celebrity Cruises is your go-to. Their blend of music and tech in live performances will keep you on the edge of your seat.
On the other hand, if you lean towards Princess Cruises for other qualities, worry not! You won’t miss out on marvelous performances. The vibrant productions and talented performers ensure that you enjoy every minute on board.
Facilities for Kids
Things for Children on Princess Cruises
On board Princess Cruises, the young ones can join the Camp Discovery clubs. These clubs cater to different age groups with activities that are both fun and educational.
Thanks to links with Discovery and Animal Planet, children can engage in exciting learning experiences and build new friendships throughout the cruise. The clubs even plan kids-only dinners, letting adults enjoy their own meals while the young ones have fun with pizza and ice cream.
Activities for Kids on Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises might not have the same official collaborations for their kids’ clubs as Princess does, but the focus remains on exciting learning experiences. A variety of games, crafts, and activities keep children entertained and engaged.
With sleepover parties and video game tournaments, there is never a dull moment for the young ones.
Deciding Which to Pick?
Young travelers and teens will have an enjoyable time in the clubs aboard both Princess and Celebrity Cruises. Both lines offer similar experiences where young children can indulge in a variety of games and art activities. Meanwhile, teenagers can hang out in a more laid-back lounge, enjoying video games, board games, and a modern chill zone.
Cost
Princess Cruises Costs
With Princess Cruises, entry‑level fares are often competitive for the premium segment, especially on slightly older or off‑peak sailings, and value can be further improved by choosing a bundled Princess Plus or Premier package that wraps in Wi‑Fi, drinks, and other perks.
Celebrity Cruises Price Tag
Celebrity Cruises usually come at a higher cost compared to Princess on like‑for‑like itineraries, reflecting their more overtly upscale positioning and newer Edge Class ships. As with Princess, promotions and bundled “All Included”‑style fares can narrow the gap, so it’s worth comparing total package value rather than just base fare.
As a very rough guide, off‑peak Caribbean sailings on older Princess ships can sometimes price under £100/$130 per person per night, while newer Celebrity ships often come in higher, especially in peak seasons—but these figures fluctuate widely with demand and promotions, so always check current fares.
Cruiser Profiles
Demographics of Travelers on Princess
On Princess, you’ll often find a more traditional and upscale cruising environment that tends to attract a slightly older crowd, especially on longer itineraries, with many guests in mid‑life and beyond, plus multi‑generational families in school‑holiday periods.
Demographics of Travelers on Celebrity
On a Celebrity cruise, you’ll find a crowd that leans a bit younger. The majority of guests are in their 40s and 50s, featuring many couples and a fair number of solo travellers as well.
Families do join these cruises, though they’re not as common. Celebrity is known for being stylish and trendy, giving it a more contemporary vibe. This modern approach makes it appealing to those who enjoy a chic and vibrant atmosphere at sea.
The Decision?
Choosing between Princess and Celebrity cruises can be tricky as both offer amazing experiences.
Princess cruises have a classic and timeless atmosphere, perfect if you enjoy a more traditional cruise style. On the other hand, Celebrity offers a modern and sleek experience with cutting-edge features on their ships.
If you are young or young at heart, Celebrity might have the lively vibe you’re looking for. But Princess is not just for the older generation; it’s great for families and all age groups.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for which is better. Both offer fantastic cuisine, welcoming service, and memorable journeys. It’s about what suits your taste and what you seek in your cruise adventure.
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I'm Kat, and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember — now I get to carry on the tradition with my own family!
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The Princess medallion along with the app put them over the top when locating your shipmate friends and family. Using the app now feature for ordering food and drinks in lounges is unique on Princess . The $65 charge to add WIFI Gratuites and drinks is one the best combos pricing in the industry even if your mate does not drink. You get 2 specialty restaurants and premium deserts