Celebrity vs Princess

[PCLMassachusetts]

Starting to think about plans for a our 20th Anniversary in May 2013. One of the options is a Pacific Coastal cruise. We have been on one cruise (Carnival) for our Honeymoon and are doing another (NCL) this coming April with the kids.

 

Anniversary cruise will be without the kids. We were thinking of NCL for it but they don't seem to have a great itinerary for the Pacific Coastal and they are only 4 days. We prefer at least 7 days. Both Princess and Celebrity offer the longer cruise with what appears to be a good itinerary (based on what is listed for May 2012).

 

We can dress up for dinner or not but would probably enjoy a laid back atmosphere more. We are both in our early early 40's if that matters. What are some of the good/not so good points about each line?

[Putterdude]

IMO there is little to chose between them. Celebrity may be a tad more formal then Princess and have slightly better service. We have found Princess cabins just a little nicer (beds are very hard though) and the entertainment is slightly better. I suspect the demographic age point is a bit higher on Celebrity. We are returning to Celebrity in January after cruising for the past few years with Princess but that relates as much to value and itinerary then anything.

[Keith1010]

I think both would be nice choices. Princess would be a little less formal.

 

Keith

[mizLORInj]

Agreed, both are good choices. For Celebrity, I'd check which ship they're sailing as it seems they are a bit slow to refurbish (Summit has needed it for years; finally happening Jan 2012). I'd read the reviews on each ship too. I think Princess does this itin on Sapphire?

I'd check ship first, and if both are good, I'd go by itin, length and cost. I also keep in mind that Princess has laundromats; Celebrity does not. (I can pack less this way!)

 

ALSO, you will qualify for past guest rate on Princess if you have sailed Carnival.

Have fun--coastals seem like cool cruises and they seem to be rare!

[mr green]

IMO Celebrity is an overrated cruise line. I took the advice of Douglas Ward in 'Berlitz', some years ago to cruise with X, and have regretted my decision ever since.

 

john

[PCLMassachusetts]

Thanks for the help everyone. I will wait until the ship/itinerary are announced and if all is equal it sounds like I will lean toward Princess. Thanks again

[momofmeg]

IMO there is little to chose between them. Celebrity may be a tad more formal then Princess and have slightly better service. We have found Princess cabins just a little nicer (beds are very hard though) and the entertainment is slightly better. I suspect the demographic age point is a bit higher on Celebrity. We are returning to Celebrity in January after cruising for the past few years with Princess but that relates as much to value and itinerary then anything.

 

I agree with most you say-both lines are good. Celebrity, I give the "edge." However, Princess cabins are not better in my opinion-for a similar category your stateroom is smaller in square footage. Princess does have better closet space for staterooms of similar category - but the bathroom area is also usually smaller, along with the bedroom area.

 

To the OP- NCL is a great family line and a great value- in our last 4 cruises-3 were NCL so yes we like NCL fairly well-however when it is just hubby and I, we choose another line. BTW-of the last 4 cruises, daughter was with us the 3 NCL- the other cruise hubby and I chose HAL, which is very similar to Celebrity.

 

Another Celerity plus if you are a non smoker-Celebrity' policies on smoking areas are stricter. No smoking in your stateroom or on the balcony of your stateroom. This is not true of Princess or HAL.

[boogs]

Another Celerity plus if you are a non smoker-Celebrity' policies on smoking areas are stricter. No smoking in your stateroom or on the balcony of your stateroom. This is not true of Princess or HAL.

 

Princess will roll out a more restrictive smoking policy on January 15, 2012 that is quite similar to Celebrity's. Like Celebrity, there will be no smoking in staterooms or balconies. Even Carnival and NCL are tightening their smoking policies by banning smoking in staterooms, also effective in January (smoking will still be permitted on balconies).

[PCLMassachusetts]

Momofmeg,

If NCL had a better/longer itinerary for a Pacific Coastal we would probably stick with them. While we haven't been on it et are are very much looking forward to our NCL in April.

 

Boogs,

Thanks for the info on the smoking. We are both non-smokers.

[momofmeg]

Princess will roll out a more restrictive smoking policy on January 15, 2012 that is quite similar to Celebrity's. Like Celebrity, there will be no smoking in staterooms or balconies. Even Carnival and NCL are tightening their smoking policies by banning smoking in staterooms, also effective in January (smoking will still be permitted on balconies).

 

I know-but one problem with the new policy for me-smoking on the balcony will still be allowed. That was a major problem on my last HAL cruise-next door was a cigar smoker who smoked often-so we rarely enjoyed our balcony-unfortunately. That is why Celebrity's policy is so much more attractive to me.

[momofmeg]

Momofmeg,

If NCL had a better/longer itinerary for a Pacific Coastal we would probably stick with them. While we haven't been on it et are are very much looking forward to our NCL in April.

 

Boogs,

Thanks for the info on the smoking. We are both non-smokers.

 

One other thing about NCL's shorter cruises. We found the Sky had not been upgraded to freestyle 2-which means the bedding was not great. Their 7 day cruise ships have wonderful bedding. I recommend staying away from the shorter NCL cruises for that reason-unless you do not mind hard rock beds. I could be wrong, but I am guessing NCL does not want to put the investment into their ships that do shorter cruises, perhaps they do not make enough off them?

 

Also, I understand, this is a special celebration, so you want a better cruise. I would feel the same way.

[momofmeg]

I know-but one problem with the new policy for me-smoking on the balcony will still be allowed. That was a major problem on my last HAL cruise-next door was a cigar smoker who smoked often-so we rarely enjoyed our balcony-unfortunately. That is why Celebrity's policy is so much more attractive to me.

 

Okay I read your post again boogs-are you sure about the balcony? I understood balcony smoking would still be allowed on Princess and HAL.

[boogs]

Okay I read your post again boogs-are you sure about the balcony? I understood balcony smoking would still be allowed on Princess and HAL.

 

This is the full quote from the Princess FAQ page on smoking:

 

"Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

 

"Designated Smoking Areas

 

"Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

 

"Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

 

"For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely."

[PCLMassachusetts]

This is the full quote from the Princess FAQ page on smoking:

 

"Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

 

"Designated Smoking Areas

 

"Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

 

"Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

 

"For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely."

 

That sold me right there. Hopefully someday soon NCL will also do the same for their balconies!

[kelmac]

Both cruise lines are great, I personally prefer Celebrity; the Solstice Class ships of Celebrity could be the best bang for the Buck at sea!

Here is what each line does well:

 

Princess:

--great entertainment, but at small venues.

--great shore excusions.

--nice upper deck areas.

--large closet areas in the cabins.

--pretty good MDR food.

--good service.

 

Celebrity:

--smooth embarkation.

--excellent food, with the best alternative restaurants at sea.

--relaxed, uncrowded ships.

--super service.

--more formal, but not stuffy.

--clean, modern ships -- Solstice Class outstanding!

--nice cabin bathrooms.

 

 

Good luck!

Kel:)

[momofmeg]

That sold me right there. Hopefully someday soon NCL will also do the same for their balconies!

 

I am glad to hear it-I usually get my info here- obviously that other person was misinformed. You would think I would learn.

 

Yes, it would be nice if NCL adopted this policy, but as I was trying to explain to the OP, although we like them well enough for family cruises, my hubby and I prefer to upgrade a little when it is just the 2 of us. Celebrity, HAL, and Princess, are a bit more upscale, than than NCL.

 

 

In my opinion, (not that is is worth much) Princess is not as nice as HAL, I see Princess as Carnival corporation's middle line between Carnival and HAL. Before Carnival Corporation bought Princess, Princess was more upscale (though still mainstream) and more in competition with HAL and Celebrity's market. Carnival corp. did not need to have two lines in competition, so they downgraded Princess a bit. They needed another mainstream line that could be their competition to the newer RCI ships.

 

NCL is a "bargain" mainstream line. Their competition is Carnival. We like them for value. Our daughter works in our county school system and so her time off is when cruises are the most expensive. We usually book NCL, and then eat several times at their pay extra restaurant. It is true that their main restaurants the food is only mediocre- more on par with hotel banquet food-okay but nothing great. Unlike HAL, Celebrity and Princess whose food is much better. Even Carnival's food is better, however, Carnival ships show wear and tear really bad, and seem to attract a lot of swinging singles so we do not like them as well.

 

Another reason I feel NCL is appealing for families is their kid's club programs will feed the children dinner, and so the parents can go to a pay extra restaurant and really enjoy themselves.

[marco]

Bottom line....I think either is a wonderful cruise experience. We've sailed on both lines many, many times and choosing between one or the other ends up being how well the departure date works for us, price and itinerary.