Celebrity vs Princess for 30-somethings

[Hedgeclipperz]

What are your thoughts on Celebrity vs Princess for young adults w/o children? (30 year olds)

 

I've done RCCL and Disney, and would like to try a new cruise line for my next trip. 

 

GOOD FOOD and SERVICE being my biggest elements on a good cruise! I am not a late night partier (in bed by 10:30 LOL), and I'm not a fan of belly-flop contests by the pool....but also don't want to be the youngest cruiser by 20 years and feel out of place. 

 

Looking at cruises on the Celebrity Reflection, the Celebrity Sunset, and the Sky Princess and the Caribbean Princess, if that makes a difference. (out of Fort Lauderdale)

 

Any thoughts would be great! Thanks! 

[Morecruises1]

I just got back from the edge and only twice on the ship did I even see kids.  I would say I only saw 10 other passengers in their 50's and almost all were 60+.  The service was great onboard, the food was less so IMO.

Edited December 5, 2021 by Morecruises1

[LGW59]

10 minutes ago, Hedgeclipperz said:

What are your thoughts on Celebrity vs Princess for young adults w/o children? (30 year olds)

 

I've done RCCL and Disney, and would like to try a new cruise line for my next trip. 

 

GOOD FOOD and SERVICE being my biggest elements on a good cruise! I am not a late night partier (in bed by 10:30 LOL), and I'm not a fan of belly-flop contests by the pool....but also don't want to be the youngest cruiser by 20 years and feel out of place. 

 

Looking at cruises on the Celebrity Reflection, the Celebrity Sunset, and the Sky Princess and the Caribbean Princess, if that makes a difference. (out of Fort Lauderdale)

 

Any thoughts would be great! Thanks! 

I’m older than you and after sailing on Edge a few years ago, E class are the only celebrity ships I’ll sail on.  I can’t speak to Reflection or Sunset, but food on celebrity is wonderful and their staff/service is world class.  You will be on the younger side but there will be others your age range as well.  Good luck 

[Ken the cruiser]

A couple thoughts plus a link to my thread which covered the 16 days in November we were in the Caribbean on the Apex.

 

1. What type of cabin do you plan on sailing in: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony or higher? It makes a difference, especially if you're looking at an Aqua or higher on Celebrity or a Club Class mini-suite or higher on Princess.

 

2. How many cruise days are you looking at, 7-10 days or two weeks or longer? Princess has some very cool longer 3-5 week itineraries whereas on Celebrity they're more into 7-11 day cruises which you can link together. 

 

3. Princess usually has a little older crowd that Celebrity from our experience. We're BTW in our late 60s.

 

As far as Celebrity ships go, we just got off the Apex and if you want to be wowed on your 7-10 day cruise, you may want to add this ship to your list. For more details, check out the below thread which covered our experiences over 16 days in November on the Apex.

 

 

 

[Lady Arwen]

Celebrity Sunset?  Do you mean Summit?

 

I would recommend  Celebrity over Princess every time.  However, I think Edge class would be more to your liking.  S class is also quite nice, with traditional balconies.  Love Reflection!  M class is fine if you prefer smaller ships,  but don’t look for glitz and glamour.  Princess does have an older  crowd than Celebrity.

Edited December 5, 2021 by Lady Arwen
Spell

[jelayne]

We were on the Edge in mid- October and there were more 30 & 40 somethings on board than we have seen previously.  I would estimate about 25 -30%.  Overall a lower average age than our previous Celebrity cruises.  

[Hedgeclipperz]

51 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

1. What type of cabin do you plan on sailing in: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony or higher? It makes a difference, especially if you're looking at an Aqua or higher on Celebrity or a Club Class mini-suite or higher on Princess.

 

2. How many cruise days are you looking at, 7-10 days or two weeks or longer? Princess has some very cool longer 3-5 week itineraries whereas on Celebrity they're more into 7-11 day cruises which you can link together. 

I think we will likely be doing a balcony, but not one of the fancy suite classes- out of our budget, TBH. Looking at just a 1-week cruise this time around (traveling with friends). 

[davekathy]

1 hour ago, Hedgeclipperz said:

What are your thoughts on Celebrity vs Princess for young adults w/o children? (30 year olds)

 

I've done RCCL and Disney, and would like to try a new cruise line for my next trip. 

 

GOOD FOOD and SERVICE being my biggest elements on a good cruise! I am not a late night partier (in bed by 10:30 LOL), and I'm not a fan of belly-flop contests by the pool....but also don't want to be the youngest cruiser by 20 years and feel out of place. 

 

Looking at cruises on the Celebrity Reflection, the Celebrity Sunset, and the Sky Princess and the Caribbean Princess, if that makes a difference. (out of Fort Lauderdale)

 

Any thoughts would be great! Thanks! 

Does Celebrity have a new ship coming out? The Sunset. 😉

 

What time of year are you considering? 

 

If Celebrity cruises is a consideration book and decide for yourself. Nothing ventured nothing gained. We would never book or not book a cruise line, ship, itinerary and etc. based on others positive or negative opinions or experiences.  

Edited December 5, 2021 by davekathy

[Ken the cruiser]

29 minutes ago, Hedgeclipperz said:

I think we will likely be doing a balcony, but not one of the fancy suite classes- out of our budget, TBH. Looking at just a 1-week cruise this time around (traveling with friends). 

We definitely like the regular balconies on the Celebrity S and M class ships rather than the "pseudo" Infinite Veranda balconies on the E class ships. As far as Princess goes, you may want to focus on premium balconies rather than the regular ones as I hear there is only a desk chair in the regular balcony and below cabins on most of their ships. For some reason they took the barrel chair out of them a couple of years ago. But on either cruise line, we definitely would spend the few extra $$$ to book an aft-facing cabin if they are still available.

 

As far as one week cruises go, we always have fun on both ships and for the most part the food is very tasty on both ships. Both lines also have between 4-6 assistant cruise directors, so there is always something to do in the evening or on sea days.

 

The one big difference right now that I can see where Celebrity has the slight edge over Princess is the mask wearing requirement while onboard due to the pandemic. On Celebrity once you're on the ship, you can take your mask off if you so choose. For us we'll still put it on when we get into an elevator. On Princess ships on cruises less that 10 days, you need to wear your mask in quite a few different areas on the ship.

 

UPDATED: Will I have to wear a face mask or physically distance?

Mask policy varies depending on voyage length.

Voyages less than 10 days:

First, we strongly encourage guests wear face masks when in public spaces indoors. ALL guests will be required to wear a face mask – with no exceptions – in elevators, retails shops, in the casino, and other designated areas except while eating and drinking. Guests will also be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the buffet area, and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate. As a reminder, masks are required during embark and debark in the terminal, and masks should also be worn during the debarkation process on board.

Voyages 10 days or longer:

All guests must wear face masks covering their nose and mouth while indoors at all times. Exceptions are made while they are eating or drinking, receiving spa treatments relating to the face, during high-intensity exercise, in pools, whirlpools or sauna, as well as in their stateroom.

General Mask Guidance:

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality double-layer cloth or medical-grade mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. Unvaccinated guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times while indoors, in accordance with health authority requirements.

Additionally, when going ashore, guests must be prepared to follow all local guidance regarding masks and physical distancing. The status of local guidelines will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.

These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while onboard. Several destinations have implemented their own requirements and all guests will be required to follow the protocols in each destination we visit. We expect these requirements will be temporary and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard.

 

Hope this helps. 😎

[-Lew-]

We've sailed with Princess 50+ times and Celebrity just once...on the Silhouette in February 2020.

 

Although our experience sailing on Celebrity is quite limited, I can tell you the food quality we experienced in the MDR on Silhouette did not approach what we were accustomed to on Princess.  Friends, experienced Celebrity cruisers we were sailing with, tell us our experience was unusual.  Hope so, because we have six cruises booked with Celebrity in 2022.

 

One big turn-off with Princess is the balcony size on all ships beginning with the Royal Princess and newer.  Balconies along the sides of the ships are quite narrow...less than four feet in width. We enjoy balconies and this is one reason we're cruising more with Celebrity.

 

We enjoy Movies Under the Stars on Princess...Celebrity has no equivalent.  Love watching the Super Bowl on the huge screen!!

 

For the past few years we've sailed in suites.  I'd have to say Celebrity takes better care of its suite cruisers than Princess.

 

You'll enjoy either cruise line...there are pluses and minuses with each.  Enjoy your cruise on a new line...

[mackjack9139]

I’m early 30s and just got off a week on Reflection, my third Celebrity cruise. Haven’t sailed Princess but I really like the Celebrity product, more than RCCL and NCL. There were at least 20 other couples appearing to be in their 30s who we would see around and chatted with many, and the ship was at very low passenger numbers, around 700. Also I think for most 30ish and up age becomes less important, some of my favorite conversations from the week were with people appearing to be in their 40/50/60s. World Class Bar is great if you like craft cocktails (not sure if Princess has a comparable bar) and also a good number of craft beers in addition to the usual stuff. The gym is great and has yoga and Peloton. I also like to be in bed by 10:30 but made it to midnight during the Silent Disco 😂

[kwokpot]

1 minute ago, -Lew- said:

We enjoy Movies Under the Stars on Princess...Celebrity has no equivalent.

On E-Class Ships movies are shown outdoors in the Rooftop Garden. On other Revolutionized ships (Millenium, Summit, Equinox) movies are shown on the rooftop terrace areas.

[bill0021]

We have done about 8-10 Princess Cruises and 4 Celebrity with 2 booked in January on the Apex.  We have not done Edge Class Ships yet but by most accounts wonderful.

 

IMO: Princess is more classic, than Celebrity where Celebrity is a bit more modern (modern luxury).  Both excellent.  This translates into some of the entertainment as well.  Age wise, you will be in the younger demographic on both but Celebrity might be a bit younger.  The service is good on both but found Princess to be better.  Little things like cutlery on your table at the buffet and super fast drink service instead of getting it yourself, even the complimentary beverages.  (This was pre-Covid)

MDR the same but again, on the last few cruises found Princess to be very good.  It was an improvement  over the past.  

A regular balcony room is smaller on Princess and as mentioned the regular side balconies on the Royal Princess up Ships are small, but compared to the new ones on the Edge Class not sure.

Sunset = Summit?

The Reflection is part of the Soltice Class but it has one more passenger cabin deck than the others so a bit more crowded.  The Carribean Princess has more pools, and they are separated.  Only one has the entertainment going on with the belly flops, band entertainment and big screen, so you have choice and there is always space.  The Sky, a newer ship, also has room at the pools, two in the middle and one in the aft.

 

I am 55 and have been doing between 1-4 cruises a year for the past 15 years.  We have done all the majors except Carnival and like them all but our preferences are Princess and Celebrity.  Look at itinerary, especially now with some extra restrictions at some of the ports and pick the one you like.  We tend to less on a Princess Cruise than on a Celebrity.  If I was forced to suggest for you, without knowing other specifics like Itinerary, it would be Celebrity.
 

[bill0021]

40 minutes ago, mackjack9139 said:

I’m early 30s and just got off a week on Reflection, my third Celebrity cruise. Haven’t sailed Princess but I really like the Celebrity product, more than RCCL and NCL. There were at least 20 other couples appearing to be in their 30s who we would see around and chatted with many, and the ship was at very low passenger numbers, around 700. Also I think for most 30ish and up age becomes less important, some of my favorite conversations from the week were with people appearing to be in their 40/50/60s. World Class Bar is great if you like craft cocktails (not sure if Princess has a comparable bar) and also a good number of craft beers in addition to the usual stuff. The gym is great and has yoga and Peloton. I also like to be in bed by 10:30 but made it to midnight during the Silent Disco 😂

Yeh, although I am older, I agree with this 100%.  My wife and I also say, we like Celebrity more than Princess but always want to do another Princess Cruise, so they are almost equal for us.  They both have their pros and cons.

We would put RCCL third on our list but we are on one next week and still love it.  We have done one NCL, The Bliss and it was beautiful and loved lots of it but really did NOT like the pool deck.  After making space for the go-karts, The Haven Suite Area, the slides, and kid's pool.   Totally overcrowded.  We go south for the sun and swimming, so the pool area is important to us.

[Guppy99]

I'm 65 and among the youngest on Celebrity 9with the possible exception of cruises when school is out and extended families cruise).  Sure, there are some 30 something folks, but they are in the far minority.

I've also cruised many Princess cruises. Here 30 - 40 something is the norm.

Food is generally good.  

[Christiem01]

I have sailed Celebrity, Carnival, and MSC.  We early 30's on our Equinox cruise.  It was also my now husband's first cruise.  We didn't feel like we were the youngest there or ever felt out of place.  My husband is a talker and we had conversations with other guest who were older and gave us a bunch of cruise insights (all the tips and tricks).  I enjoyed it better than my Carnival Cruise.  I went with a group of teachers and it was party party everywhere.  Not my jam at all.  We took our honeymoon cruise on the MSC Seaside for 14 nights.  That ship was beautiful BUT definitely has a more European menu and atmosphere.  I would book Celebrity all day everyday.  The service, food and entertainment are more of what I enjoy on a vacation.  

Edited December 5, 2021 by Christiem01

[Prost Seattle]

Check out Tips for Travellers website where he has some videos comparing Celebrity and Princess, you may find it helpful. 

[Roxydog15]

Hi there.  We are mid-60s and have only sailed with X as we've only recently started our cruising, well at least until the shutdowns. But we hope to try other lines sometime.  We like the almost luxury style without getting over-the-top luxury.  But maybe that's a good thing too! Anyhoo, my son and DIL are 31 and they prefer X.  They recently did a 10-day Caribbean, and felt they were about the only ones under 50. So a note is that it seems the longer the cruise, the older the crowd.  I've seen it and also read similar on CC comments.  Plus I think more sea days may attrack older crowd.  They felt there weren't enough port stops on their ABC cruise.  Lesson learned.  The younger crowd may not be able to take as much time off.  If you are in the 7-9 day timeframe, you may encounter more in your age range.  But us "old folks" can be pretty chatty and have seen some pretty hardy partying amongst us too!  Either way you'll have fun.

[BennyBrun]

I recommend Celebrity over Princess.  Celebrity offers better food choices and the overall food quality is better.  The service I would say is about the same.  On Princess the 50’s crowd is young and there are more scooters on Princess than Celebrity and they are parked everywhere.

[LGW59]

35 minutes ago, Prost Seattle said:

Check out Tips for Travellers website where he has some videos comparing Celebrity and Princess, you may find it helpful. 

Agree, Gary is one of the most informative cruise vloggers with out the drama of several others.

[EffortlessVoyages]

In my early thirties and taking my first X cruise in a few weeks. I’m a travel agent and I would def suggest X over princess. I’d also consider NCL which has pretty lively ships. But what you should really look at is Virgin Voyages. They are really trying to break the mold (note the name Voyages vs. Cruise Line) and are focused on the 25-55 market (no one under 18 allowed). Take a look at some of the videos on YouTube and you’ll get a sense of the vibe!

[Guppy99]

33 minutes ago, EffortlessVoyages said:

In my early thirties and taking my first X cruise in a few weeks. I’m a travel agent and I would def suggest X over princess. I’d also consider NCL which has pretty lively ships. But what you should really look at is Virgin Voyages. They are really trying to break the mold (note the name Voyages vs. Cruise Line) and are focused on the 25-55 market (no one under 18 allowed). Take a look at some of the videos on YouTube and you’ll get a sense of the vibe!

There is a significant difference between the cost on each line and I would guess that is a consideration as well. 

[nekzaadvakil]

Been on Celebrity's S class ships 5 times in my 30s. My wife and I never felt out of place. Plenty of guests in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Love the food, love the ambiance. The service is always top notch. Can't go wrong with their newer ships. 

[Wedgeh]

Another 30 something cruiser who'd recommend celebrity - though if princess has an itinerary that appeals more I would, and have, booked them instead. Celebrity's bars in particular have a vibe that I prefer.

[Ipeeinthepools]

17 hours ago, Hedgeclipperz said:

I think we will likely be doing a balcony, but not one of the fancy suite classes- out of our budget, TBH. Looking at just a 1-week cruise this time around (traveling with friends). 

 

I don't want to turn you question into a debate about the virtues of the E-class ships, but if you are looking for a balcony please check out many of the other discussions about E-class balconies.  They are not true balconies.  In fact, on some newer MSC ships, the same type of cabin is described as an ocean view cabin.  The E-class ships were designed with a focus on the Suite guests and a "ship within a ship" concept to focus on the Suite guests.  The E-class ships really do not offer anything special for the n0n-suite guest.

 

The two lines probably have more similarities than differences, you may want to consider the choice of itinerary into your choice and you may want to consider the cost of each cruise.  Perhaps you can find a better sale on one of the cruise lines.

 

Good luck with your choice, I'm sure you will enjoy either cruise line.

 

(BTW, did you post the same question on the Princess Board?  Did they say Celebrity was better?)