My take on Celebrity Eclipse vs Royal Princess

[Andy]

Very interesting comparison OP and yet if I read you correctly, none of this really matters to you . "I came on Royal Princess because of Perry Grant, and I have three more cruises booked there. As long as he stays with Princess, so will I. " Watched a couple of his U Tube videos and while I'm not a fan , I am very impressed by the loyalty he earns from his fans.

 

Sorry Rich, but I disagree with your comments. IMO, there's no need to question a member's insights due to them liking a performer. We all have our favorite areas of enjoyment on each cruise, and reasons why we choose one brand (or ship) over another.

 

When someone makes a huge effort to share their valuable insights as Cruisestich most certainly did.... the least anyone can do, is not give them attitiude for it. IMO, Cruisestitch is a wonderful source of information, and her efforts are greatly appreciated. If you do not agree with a members comments, why not move on to the next thread ? There's always plenty to discuss around here :)

 

FWIW, while we enjoy Perry very much... I'm not going to book a cruise strictly for Perry. He is a factor, but not a dealbreaker. We plan to stay very loyal to Celebrity. The only way that changes, is if & when we no longer care for their product. I know that many loyal Celebrity guests have cancelled bookings due to Perry moving to Princess (and Crystal next Summer), and do not plan to sail with Celebrity in the near future. That's their personal choice, and I respect their decision. Everyone will feel differently for sure.

 

The bottom line ? We should encourage & appreciate our member's insights. Whether we agree or disagree is not critical. The level of information is what's important, as I strongly feel we learn a great deal from their insights.

Edited October 25, 2015 by Host Andy

[TomTN]

Please research the Princess ships. They are very different.

some are horribly over crowded. They were expanded to add significantly more passengers without expanding the buffet or the theatre. UGH!!

 

The two ships in this thread might be very similar, but Caribbean Princess was the most over crowded ship I have ever been on.

Edited October 26, 2015 by TomBeckCruise

[cruisestitch]

I was asked "So, no Perry, no Princess?' and the answer, is mostly yes. I do, however, have a couple of other Princess cruises booked due to a wonderful set of coincidences, and an opportunity I couldn't pass up, and they happen to be on the Caribbean Princess, so I will get a chance to have a look at another ship in their line.

 

There were over sixty fans on Perry's inaugural cruise which began October 10, many of whom stayed on for back to back (and even longer) cruises, and more are scheduled to see him in the coming months. I'll be back on Royal Princess three more times while he is there, and will continue to refine my observations and opinions of that ship. I know that in a line that has so many ships, just because you've seen one doesn't mean that you've seen 'em all, so I'll be posting further thoughts later.

 

Nice seeing you again, too, Andy.

[Andy]

Please research the Princess ships. They are very different.

some are horribly over crowded. They were expanded to add significantly more passengers without expanding the buffet or the theatre. UGH!!

 

The two ships in this thread might be very similar, but Caribbean Princess was the most over crowded ship I have ever been on.

 

Hi TomBeckCruise,

 

Just as an FYI, we did not find Royal to feel overcrowded at all. Yes, I heard it wasn't all that easy to get a seat in the theatre if you arrived last minute... but if you arrived well before the show, it wasn't a major issue.

 

As for the buffet - we had not observed any overcrowding on Royal. Seats were plentiful. Other than 1 very small wait, seats were available. Hope this helps !

[Texed]

I I do, however, have a couple of other Princess cruises booked and they happen to be on the Caribbean Princess, so I will get a chance to have a look at another ship in their line.

 

Ms. Stitch,

 

I hope you like Caribbean Princess better than we did. :)

[eandj]

Good comparison. We (I) have toyed with trying a Princess cruise and after your comparison I have decided to stick with Celebrity.

 

We are elite X but also recently have added Princess ( after four) as a viable alternative. If you cruise often, I wouldn't skip over Princess. Adds new experiences and itineraries to the mix.

[stratixman]

"Kiosks to check your on-board account" ????

 

So how frequently do you need to check your account? I'm guessing that you must not be aware that you can check your Celebrity account any time you want in your stateroom using the interactive TV system.

 

Regarding ship design and features the Solstice class celebrity ships beat anything Princess has to offer.

 

Is Gopher still serving on Princess and if so which ship?

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

We are just a couple of cruises away from Elite plus on Celebrity, so I guess we'll stay for those, but I have been tempted to try Princess Royal or Regal Princess. I love their horn that plays "Love Boat."

 

The comparison was especially good and answered questions I had wondered about in regard to Princess.

[richstowe]

More wonderful analysis this time from another coldcdn .;) . Your comments pertaining to accessibility issues were certainly illuminating . I know someone who would certainly benefit from your analysis .

ere

Sorry Rich, but I disagree with your comments. IMO, there's no need to question a member's insights due to them liking a performer. We all have our favorite areas of enjoyment on each cruise, and reasons why we choose one brand (or ship) over another.

 

When someone makes a huge effort to share their valuable insights as Cruisestich most certainly did.... the least anyone can do, is not give them attitiude for it. IMO, Cruisestitch is a wonderful source of information, and her efforts are greatly appreciated. If you do not agree with a members comments, why not move on to the next thread ? There's always plenty to discuss around here :)

Honestly I am surprised by your post . I believe cruisestitch did an excellent job comparing the 2 brands with full details . But I believe that for the OP the crucial fact is that Perry Grant is the key element . Or as cruisestitch themselves posted " I was asked "So, no Perry, no Princess?' and the answer, is mostly yes." .

I don't think she took offence at my post and it certainly wasn't my intention . I am shocked that you so aggressively responded to me .

Edited October 26, 2015 by richstowe

[ginak1112]

Ms. Stitch,

 

I hope you like Caribbean Princess better than we did. :)

 

Wow, way to go on trying to bring her down before she even sails! My parents sail several times a year on all cruise lines including Crystal, Azamara, etc. and they absolutely love Caribbean Princess. They live in Miami and book it quite often for a quick getaway.

[Formerly known as Seabee]

As to the loyalty program, I was trying to look at the two programs overall, not just my status with each. There doesn't seem to be any breakfast with mimosas, bloody mary's etc. on Princess, while for Elites and above on Celebrity there is.

 

So as an Elite, I get free mimosa and bloody Mary's at breakfast? Tell me more.

[BosoxI]

So as an Elite, I get free mimosa and bloody Mary's at breakfast? Tell me more.

 

Celebrity has an Elite breakfast which provides various cold food items but also includes specialty coffees and certain alcoholic drinks including Bloody Marys, sparkling wine, Bellinis, and a few more. A very nice bonus.

[hokiefans]

"Kiosks to check your on-board account" ????

 

So how frequently do you need to check your account? I'm guessing that you must not be aware that you can check your Celebrity account any time you want in your stateroom using the interactive TV system.

 

Regarding ship design and features the Solstice class celebrity ships beat anything Princess has to offer.

 

Is Gopher still serving on Princess and if so which ship?

 

Dear Readers,

 

Cruisestich, many thanks for the comparison! As someone who has only sailed on Princess and booked on her first Celebrity cruise in February 2017, I found it very helpful.

 

We sailed on the Royal Princess for her Maiden Transatlantic and the Grand Med cruise immediately before (29 days straight). There are many things we love on Princess that are different on this ship and sister (Regal) from the rest of the fleet. Some of the things disliked were apparently changed on the Regal but the Royal is a lovely ship!

 

For those who mentioned it, besides the kiosk, you are able to check your onboard account on your tablet at Princess@Sea. (I check it every few days to ensure our onboard charges are in order.)

 

Regards,

hokiefans (denise)

[luv4cruises]

Great comparison since I was wondering. Love Perry, but want to continue our points to Elite.

 

Perry is doing great on the Royal Princess! In addition to his regular perfirmance in Crooners, he performs in the Vista Lounge. The other night in addition to his scheduled performance in the Vista Lounge he gave a second performance by demand!

Please let's not bring out the Perry haters! I'm just pointing out his success elsewhere.

 

I have cruised both the Royal and the Eclipse. For me entertainment wins on the Royal hands down( see my thread), more variety, more venues, more shows to choose from, more light hearted!

I understand new entertainment is coming to the the S class ships- finally! I have cruised the Eclipse 3 times and have 2 more booked because the Eclipse HAD in IMHO the best southern Caribbean itinerary. Now they have taken away Bonaire after the fact from my previously booked 2016, 2017 sailings

And Perry is gone! :( That leaves the same old tired, mostly sedate entertainment with little hope of variety or levity, and no Bonaire.

 

Princess Positives:

 

Three MDRS compared to one very NOISY MDR on the Ecliipse - now DIVIDED, less open, with one entrance, and smaller to make room for Luminae.

Piano bar, (Celebrity took away Michael's club from the non-suite cruiser)

A true cabaret lounge

4 or 5 pools on each ship, including a swim against the current pool, compared to 2 on the Eclipse- the main pool is really ONE divided by a bridge

More space given to pools and outdoor venues than an entire upper deck mainly taken up by a useless lawn that is blocked off most of the time.

Princess's Crown class ships and lower have a true wrap-around Prominade Deck.

Better exterior design- no struts and huge overhangs on upper deck balconies.

Elevators - at least there are three banks of elevators, compared to two.

The Royal Princess Piazza is huge, light and bright, and offers varied entertainment all day and night.

Better spa on Royal Princess

Cabin storage is better - an entire wall of closet perpendicular to the bathroom, and an easy-access wall of shelves, no struggle to get into the small closet crammed next to the bed or sofa.

A large variety of On Demand Movies that can be started and resumed at any time.

Mini suites

International Cafe

Better Loyalty program at lower levels- some free internet after 5 cruises is a very usable perk.

IMHO - MDR food, quality, variety, and selections are better on Princess.

Themed specialty dinners in the buffet.

Embarkation lunch avaiable for all in one of the MDR's

The BEST website of all cruise lines! Celebrity's is the worst.

The Welcome Aboard letter sent a few weeks prior to cruise outlining entertainment and other info for your cruise.

 

Eclipse Positives:

 

The Ocean view buffet and outdoor seating area.

Speciality dining - better quality, variety, venues

Better Room Service- but now a charge!

the Martini bar

the Molecular bar was fabulous. - they replaced it. ( we'll see how World Class Bar compares)

Cabin interiors higher quality with a sofa.

Robes for all balcony and above guests.

Better balconies- a ledge -not a balcony on the Royal.

Bathrooms - best

Solarium - no extra fee:

Champagne welcome embarkation day

Internet lounge

First to offer123 Go perk that included complimentary drink package.

SMOKE free casino.

Best smoking policy in general!

...

The Eclipse has:

Taken away part of the Sky Lounge to add more suites.

Taken away part of MDR to create the suite only restaurant Luminae, creating wall seating for some in what was once an open dining room, and limiting entry to the dining room.

Taken away Michael's club from the non-suite cruiser.

Implemented room service charges for non- suite guests after 11:00 PM.

Replaced the popular Molecular Bar

Replaced Cellar Masters ( hopefully the World Class Bar and Gastro Pub will be better than the Molecular Bar and Cellar Masters)

Lost Perry Grant

Taken away ports of call from itineraries that had already been booked by many

to create overnight stays in ports like Curaçao that already had an 11 PM departure. Then not having fully researched and implemented excursions for day 2 offer only 2 choices for day 2. When questioned a few weeks ago I was told that they're working on it. Why would you add day 2 if you did not already have in place great choices to offer your guests?

 

In addition to the above I feel that

Celebrity seems to be punishing the non-suite cruiser by taking away space, access, and availability once enjoyed by them and arbitrarily changing itineraries after guests have booked their cruises based on a published itinerary,

 

Like a previous poster stated I enjoy the variety offered on different cruise lines.

It would be very boring for me to be totally loyal to one. Each of the cruise lines and ships do some things better or worse than another.

Edited October 31, 2015 by luv4cruises

[hcat]

We are elite X but also recently have added Princess ( after four) as a viable alternative. If you cruise often, I wouldn't skip over Princess. Adds new experiences and itineraries to the mix.

 

We agree...we have 3 booked on Celebrity but have also booked on Ruby for coastal Ca....looking forward to a change of scene....expect we will also try Azamara as well.....

 

Nothing too wrong with X but looking for some variety. FB previews of the new X shows so far not a plus...alot of loud!

Edited October 31, 2015 by hcat

[need2bespoiled]

Perry is doing great on the Royal Princess! In addition to his regular perfirmance in Crooners, he performs in the Vista Lounge. The other night in addition to his scheduled performance in the Vista Lounge he gave a second performance by demand!

Please let's not bring out the Perry haters! I'm just pointing out his success elsewhere.

 

I have cruised both the Royal and the Eclipse. For me entertainment wins on the Royal hands down( see my thread), more variety, more venues, more shows to choose from, more light hearted!

I understand new entertainment is coming to the the S class ships- finally! I have cruised the Eclipse 3 times and have 2 more booked because the Eclipse HAD in IMHO the best southern Caribbean itinerary. Now they have taken away Bonaire after the fact from my previously booked 2016, 2017 sailings

And Perry is gone! :( That leaves the same old tired, mostly sedate entertainment with little hope of variety or levity, and no Bonaire.

 

Princess Positives:

 

Three MDRS compared to one very NOISY MDR on the Ecliipse - now DIVIDED, less open, with one entrance, and smaller to make room for Luminae.

Piano bar, (Celebrity took away Michael's club from the non-suite cruiser)

A true cabaret lounge

4 or 5 pools on each ship, including a swim against the current pool, compared to 2 on the Eclipse- the main pool is really ONE divided by a bridge

More space given to pools and outdoor venues than an entire upper deck mainly taken up by a useless lawn that is blocked off most of the time.

Princess's Crown class ships and lower have a true wrap-around Prominade Deck.

Better exterior design- no struts and huge overhangs on upper deck balconies.

Elevators - at least there are three banks of elevators, compared to two.

The Royal Princess Piazza is huge, light and bright, and offers varied entertainment all day and night.

Better spa on Royal Princess

Cabin storage is better - an entire wall of closet perpendicular to the bathroom, and an easy-access wall of shelves, no struggle to get into the small closet crammed next to the bed or sofa.

A large variety of On Demand Movies that can be started and resumed at any time.

Mini suites

International Cafe

Better Loyalty program at lower levels- some free internet after 5 cruises is a very usable perk.

IMHO - MDR food, quality, variety, and selections are better on Princess.

Themed specialty dinners in the buffet.

Embarkation lunch avaiable for all in one of the MDR's

The BEST website of all cruise lines! Celebrity's is the worst.

The Welcome Aboard letter sent a few weeks prior to cruise outlining entertainment and other info for your cruise.

 

Eclipse Positives:

 

The Ocean view buffet and outdoor seating area.

Speciality dining - better quality, variety, venues

Better Room Service- but now a charge!

the Martini bar

the Molecular bar was fabulous. - they replaced it. ( we'll see how World Class Bar compares)

Cabin interiors higher quality with a sofa.

Robes for all balcony and above guests.

Better balconies- a ledge -not a balcony on the Royal.

Bathrooms - best

Solarium - no extra fee:

Champagne welcome embarkation day

Internet lounge

First to offer123 Go perk that included complimentary drink package.

SMOKE free casino.

Best smoking policy in general!

...

The Eclipse has:

Taken away part of the Sky Lounge to add more suites.

Taken away part of MDR to create the suite only restaurant Luminae, creating wall seating for some in what was once an open dining room, and limiting entry to the dining room.

Taken away Michael's club from the non-suite cruiser.

Implemented room service charges for non- suite guests after 11:00 PM.

Replaced the popular Molecular Bar

Replaced Cellar Masters ( hopefully the World Class Bar and Gastro Pub will be better than the Molecular Bar and Cellar Masters)

Lost Perry Grant

Taken away ports of call from itineraries that had already been booked by many

to create overnight stays in ports like Curaçao that already had an 11 PM departure. Then not having fully researched and implemented excursions for day 2 offer only 2 choices for day 2. When questioned a few weeks ago I was told that they're working on it. Why would you add day 2 if you did not already have in place great choices to offer your guests?

 

In addition to the above I feel that

Celebrity seems to be punishing the non-suite cruiser by taking away space, access, and availability once enjoyed by them and arbitrarily changing itineraries after guests have booked their cruises based on a published itinerary,

 

Like a previous poster stated I enjoy the variety offered on different cruise lines.

It would be very boring for me to be totally loyal to one. Each of the cruise lines and ships do some things better or worse than another.

 

Thanks for your comparisons. Suites on Ecelipse have not touched the Sky Lounge, that's just on Reflection and no impact on Eclipse.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[luv4cruises]

Thanks, Jenna, for update on Eclipse Sky Lounge. On my 2/2015 Eclipse cruise they were discussing the addition of suites. I am happy that they have not touched the Sky Lounge!

[sheffield]

[quote name='richstowe;48110147

Honestly I am surprised by your post . I believe cruisestitch did an excellent job comparing the 2 brands with full details . But I believe that for the OP the crucial fact is that Perry Grant is the key element . Or as cruisestitch themselves posted " I was asked "So' date=' no Perry, no Princess?' and the answer, is mostly yes." .

I don't think she took offence at my post and it certainly wasn't my intention . I am shocked that you so aggressively responded to me .[/quote']

 

 

 

I agree with you, I was also surprised by the aggressive response from Host Andy. Particularly as there are so many rude and unpleasant posts on here that go ignored by the hosts.

[debandbruce]

Spot on in my opinion. I don't think there is one thing I would disagree with. Royal Princess does have a sauna but you have to pay extra for access to the Enclave. Not something we would ever do again. Loved your comparison. My poor parents got stuck in the midship elevators with a group of people. Very scary, stuffy and way too close for comfort. My Mom would not get back on that same elevator the remainder of the cruise.

Edited November 2, 2015 by debandbruce

[seapals2]

One thing that Princess has that we love is the mini-suite. Celebrity doesn't really have a similar product. On Regal (Royal would be identical) there is a lovely sitting area and the cabin has 2 flat screen tvs, one by the bed and one by the sofa. There is a curtain to divide the room. It was just my husband and myself but we enjoyed the extra space. It was nice for someone who wakes a bit earlier and can let the other sleep while enjoying coffee and a little tv or going out on the balcony without letting light into the entire cabin. They always run specials on them and we paid only $799 for a Caribbean cruise which was comparable to Celebrity's veranda cabin that week.

 

We also enjoyed the constant live music all over the ship on Princess. We only found music in on Celebrity from early evening on. The Crown steakhouse is also very good with a very reasonable cover charge.

 

Having done many Princess cruises our next is the first on this type of larger ship, Regal Princess. We have sailed on Eclipse and Equinox recently. Will be very interested if our comparison matches the OP. We are in a mini suite but on checking our allocated GTY cabin its directly below the glass sky walkway. Despite having a larger balcony I don't think it will compare favourably to the regular balcony grade we had on Celebrity which was totally private. Loved the Celebrity bathroom too.

We do have Elite loyalty status so will be looking forward to the laundry, internet and mini bar perks which we do not receive with Celebrity.

Going to reserve judgment. Will post back after January next year.