Princess vs Celebrity Cruises: Which One Wins?

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 under Carnival Group, and Celebrity is under 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 four distinct classes of ships, each catering to different cruising experiences. The Sphere Class, their latest addition, hosts an impressive 4,300 guests, while the Royal Class boasts six large ships, accommodating 3,560 to 3,660 passengers. 

For a more mid-sized option, the Grand Class has eight ships ranging from 2,600 to 3,140 guests. Meanwhile, the Coral Class features the two oldest ships, welcoming 2,000 to 2,220 travellers. 

The Grand Princess, launched in 1998, is the fleet’s oldest gem, while the sparkling Discovery Princess set sail in January 2022 as the newest member of the family.

Celebrity Cruise Line ships

Celebrity Cruises features four ship classes, each offering a unique experience. The Edge Class, their most modern, consists of four ships that carry 2,900 to 3,200 guests. The Solstice Class follows with five ships, accommodating 2,800 to 3,000 passengers. 

For a more intimate experience, the Millennium Class has four ships with a capacity of around 2,200 guests. Celebrity also has a fleet of Expedition Ships, designed for exploring smaller, remote ports like Antarctica, with three vessels carrying just 16, 48, and 100 guests. 

The oldest ship, Celebrity Millennium, fittingly launched in 2000, while the newest addition is the Celebrity Ascent, part of the sleek 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.

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.

With an impressive 33 embarkation ports worldwide, Celebrity offers an abundance of choices. Of these, 11 are located around North America and the Caribbean, while 9 are in Europe.

Travellers from the UK will appreciate the convenience of embarking from Southampton for a European adventure.

Celebrity also boasts exceptional journeys in South America and the Galapagos Islands. Their Expedition ships are designed for these unique routes, accessing smaller, intimate harbours 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 programme 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 ships.

These rooms are enhanced with better amenities, and the concierge team can help you plan activities like special dining or theatre 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.

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 flavour 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 favourite 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.

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 flavours 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 favourite 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 practising their swing. Pickleball, 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 theatre performances that wouldn’t feel out of place in a big city.

These shows are not just any performances; they’re crafted by top talents who’ve previously worked on real Broadway productions. So, prepare yourself for some memorable evenings on your cruise.

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 marvellous 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 travellers 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, fares can be quite a good deal. On certain modern ships, a 7-night Caribbean journey can start around £70/$90 per person per night.

Upgrading is possible with various packages, which bundle together drinks, tips, dining, and more. Individually purchasing these can add up, so considering a package might be more economical depending on what you plan to use.

Celebrity Cruises Price Tag

Celebrity Cruises usually come at a higher cost compared to Princess, as they aim for a more upscale experience. For a 7-night Caribbean cruise on their newer ships, you can expect prices ranging from £100/$130 to £150/$190 per person, per night, based on the itinerary.

They also offer the option to upgrade your fare to a package that includes more amenities. If you prefer to keep it simple, stick with the basic cruise fare.

Cruiser Profiles

Demographics of Travellers on Princess

When sailing with Princess, you might notice a more traditional and upscale cruising environment. This cruise line tends to attract guests who are slightly older.

A lot of the travellers are in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s. While there are some families onboard, the age group is generally mature, making it perfect for those looking for a relaxed and classic cruise experience.

Demographics of Travellers 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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