Please help me to decide on New Zealand cruise- Royal Princess vs. Celebrity Edge

[JLC0912]

Are there any seasoned cruisers that can help me with this?  I find the decision tougher for me because we are on a budget and only cruise every other year.  So, I am trying to make a choice that I like a lot since we will not do this itinerary again. I am trying to decide between the Royal Princess and the Celebrity Edge for a January/ February cruise to/ from Sydney to New Zealand Sounds and other ports in NZ.  I am looking at a deluxe balcony cabin on Royal Princess or an ocean view cabin on the Edge.  It seems I might be able to get them for about the same price. I don't care for the infinity veranda style stateroom on the Edge, plus the oceanview is much cheaper.  The itineraries are the same, except Royal starts in Auckland and ends in Sydney and Edge does the opposite.

 

Here are some of my considerations:

 

• We are not big drinkers and would only get the drink pkg on Princess since it is less costly
• If we chose Edge, I could order a "gift" bottle of alcohol to our room like I did on RC.  In addition, we would likely have one glass of wine per day and perhaps 8 mixed drinks over the course of 11 day cruise. Our bill on RC was very low on the ship when we did this.
• It would be nice to not worry about a bar bill and drink as we like on Princess.
• We do like access to the internet and would consider getting one device with upgraded internet on Edge (share ipad) and then one basic internet service.
• I like the Edge itinerary better because the Sounds and sea days are at the beginning of the cruise, which would allow us to fully recover from our very long trip from the midwest to AU/ NZ.  The second day of the cruise on Royal would have the busiest port day as it is in Tauranga for 12 hours and there are man things to do there.
• I also like the Edge itinerary better because it ends in Auckland on a Friday and there are some weekend things to do there post-cruise.
• Edge cruise has two additional ports: Napier and Picton.  These are two ports that I might like, but are not essential to me to enjoy the trip.  Of note is that extending the trip a few days means higher boarding costs for our 2 dogs and cat.
• Having a balcony cabin on Royal would help us not miss any part of the views going through the Sounds.
• We will likely do main dining room for dinners with just one specialty restaurant on the trip
• Looking at videos online, I have seen that Celebrity has similar desserts to RC and I do no like the RC desserts as they all seem to have some sort of whipped gelatin frosting or are similarly not very tasty.
• I much prefer the storage (drawers space) on the edge than the one big closet on Princess.  I usually bring a lot of knit shirts and dresses and have no need to hang much on a cruise and would rather use drawer space.
• I don't really care about top shelf liquor or wine, so the Princess Plus pkg would be fine.

 

Entertainment concerns

• Entertainment on the ship is important because we will have approx. 4-5 sea days.
• Something that I found made a really big difference on our last RC cruise: the fantastic entertainment on the Symphony. 
• We loved the ice skating shows and the Circus Soleil style shows.
• We are younger retired, at 58 yrs old and our entertainment and music tastes are more in line with younger generations.
• I have seen a few videos of Princess entertainment around the ship which consists of short themed dancers and I will be really, really disappointed if the comprises a large portion of what they offer.  My daughter was competitive dancer at one of the top studios in the country and we have spent years watching exceptionally well-trained dancers perform with great choreography. the Princess dance performances that are not on a stage seems kind of hokey to me.
• We like Broadway style shows that a little more sophisticated, choreographed, and staged dancing and singing.
• We also like Circus Soleil style shows.
• We do not like game show type of entertainment, but we might like Bingo on the ship.
• We like date nights and dancing to recent music.

 

I know this is a lot of info, but I don't see the point in comparing the cruise lines without comparing specific information.  I have read comparisons, but they mostly compare dislike information, like "the Edge has more choices of staterooms," which is not relevant to our decision. I am hoping some seasoned cruisers  will help us out with more specific info.  Thanks for any info and advice you can give! 🙂

-Jen

 

Edited December 10, 2023 by JLC0912
typo

[Mauidiver]

The biggest question in my mind when making this type of decision is what is most important: the experience on the ship or the itinerary?  Once I’ve decided that, I typically make a pro/con list just based on that criteria.  Usually it becomes clear what my decision should be.

 

We’re doing a NZ cruise next year on Edge, but ours is round trip from Sydney and we plan to arrive at least 5 days early so we can not only explore, but also not be jet lagged for the cruise.

 

one thing is for sure, whatever you choose it’ll be an epic trip!

[JLC0912]

@Mauidiver.  Thanks.  I think I will make a new list and divide it by these categories. But I would still like to get more info on the entertainment and music on both of these ships.  Then I can see where I end up with regard to that category.

Have you been on the Edge before in a room with the “Infinite Veranda”? How do you think the view of the somewhat similar Panoramic Oceanview cabin would compare with a regular balcony cabin?  

[NMTraveller]

IMHO the best part of NZ is the sounds.  I would prefer the balcony for this.  Or if not I would book the land excursion on Celebrity.  I would probably choose the balcony ...

Edited December 11, 2023 by NMTraveller

[snoozecrooze]

Hi @JLC0912, 

I haven't yet cruised with X to New Zealand but I have done the Princess itinerary on a sister ship to the Royal, so I can comment on that as well as the entertainment aspects of both, which seems to be a pretty strong criterion for you. We do not drink so I cannot comment on the packages you mentioned. Also, I would recommend soliciting the Princess forum with your questions for additional feedback.

 

I think you should be aware that the balcony sizes on Royal Princess has been the source of ire for many guests who cruise on that particular ship. Princess learned to adjust starting from the Majestic, but you'll be stuck with a balcony that's probably much narrower than you would've experienced on other ships you've had before. Just wanted to prepare you for that.

 

Both Princess and X are both headed in the direction of Starlink for Wifi so coverage should be very comparable and the difference will just be price, especially if you're booking Princess Plus but not All-Included on X.

 

Dinners! Princess no longer has traditional, set-time dining, as you might have known, which Celebrity still offers. In theory, it should work seamlessly on Princess when you set your preferred time in the app and then it just magically comes together...but of course, that doesn't always happen, so it tends to be a bit chaotic at peak times. I would either go as soon as they open or much later into the evening for the best service or potentially risk waiting in a line you really don't want to be in. You may or may not have difficulty in obtaining a private table for two that you like (hopefully the latter!). It highly depends on the management responsible for that dining room, as some can get it done seamlessly and some look like they've seen a ghost when you make the request. I think Celebrity's option to have set-time dining simply speaks for itself, so I'll leave it at that. I personally prefer the menus' variety (quality is a different tale) onboard Princess...but then you have the four dining rooms to choose from on the Edge so this is probably moot anyways.

 

Now, for the shows. First off, neither ship will really compare to the Symphony in terms of entertainment, as you've referenced, so do lower the expectations slightly. Anyways, if you want the most cutting-edge entertainment Princess can offer for their New Zealand cruises, you'd be better off postponing your trip to the following year when the Discovery arrives in the region, which has three of Princess's newest shows that also have a much larger dance focus. The Edge has the significantly more modern theater and the shows are definitely more contemporary, all of which allows for more complex choreography and variety (i.e. acrobatic elements). You can easily see short and long excerpts of the shows from onboard the Edge on YouTube and notice that they're high-energy and modern. The Royal Princess has four production shows, three of which have basically been on since she debuted a decade ago (and the fourth from 2018 being slightly more avant-garde but a bit chaotic to grasp). To me, the emphasis is much more on the singing in all four of the shows (for example, a guest soprano is often flown in for one of the shows) and the dancers are used to just accentuate the singing instead of having their equal moments (except maybe a bit in the fourth one). You are highly unlikely to be getting any Cirque-type entertainment onboard the ship. If you want a quick example of a show onboard the Royal (and don't mind spoilers), consider viewing this. Both lines will have a good amount of casual, modern music that you can dance to, so this is not a worry.

 

This has been a very long response that's gotten really into the minutiae, so apologies. I hope it helps a bit. If there's anything more specific to the cruise or itinerary, don't hesitate to ask.

[timtam2]

Edge!!!!

 

I cruised on Royal Princess in a balcony cabin in early November and just disembarked Edge after 14 nights in an ocean view cabin. Edge wins hands down for me on all fronts. The food, crew, entertainment were all superior. Royal seems dowdy now to me in comparison.

 

I did not miss a balcony and found the oceanview cabin on deck 3 to be lovely. However, make sure you do NOT HAVE A CABIN UNDER CAFE AL BACIO, in particular 3138 or 3140. These are directly under the galley and the noise from cleaning and restocking at 1-3am makes sleep impossible. I was able to be moved further forward after a few nights and it was so quiet.

[the penguins]

8 hours ago, JLC0912 said:

@Mauidiver.  Thanks.  I think I will make a new list and divide it by these categories. But I would still like to get more info on the entertainment and music on both of these ships.  Then I can see where I end up with regard to that category.

Have you been on the Edge before in a room with the “Infinite Veranda”? How do you think the view of the somewhat similar Panoramic Oceanview cabin would compare with a regular balcony cabin?  

The only way to appreciate the Sounds us to be up on the deck looking out at the front  - regrettably that's one thing you can't do on Edge unless you have a suite.

 

[Mauidiver]

I would think an aft view of the sounds would be just as amazing as a forward view (similar to inside passage cruising in AK).  Fortunately there are good venues for  spectacular aft views if you’re not in an aft cabin. 

[JLC0912]

18 hours ago, snoozecrooze said:

Hi @JLC0912.....

 

This has been a very long response that's gotten really into the minutiae, so apologies. I hope it helps a bit. If there's anything more specific to the cruise or itinerary, don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you so much!  Lots of useful information here.I was not aware that Princess had smaller balconies.  I checked out the link you posted, so now I know that the Princess entertainment is not really my cup of tea.  So I think I can now add that factor into my analysis.

[JLC0912]

@Mauidiver.  You answered my next question- Can the sounds be viewed in a public area in the ship's aft?  I will see if I can find info on where the best public spaces to view the Sounds on the Edge.

[Mauidiver]

Yes, Edge class ships have great aft viewing in Eden (indoors), the Sunset Bar, and the Oceanview Cafe.

[snoozecrooze]

18 minutes ago, JLC0912 said:

Thank you so much!  Lots of useful information here.I was not aware that Princess had smaller balconies.  I checked out the link you posted, so now I know that the Princess entertainment is not really my cup of tea.  So I think I can now add that factor into my analysis.

I will add that if you are still considering Princess for the balcony alone, the Crown Princess will be sailing from Sydney at the same time and it has much larger balconies, particularly if you book a cabin on deck 10. But you may also find the ship more dowdy if you're into more contemporary design like you see on the Edge. It's a subjective thing. Though the production shows on the Royal are, in my opinion, better than what you'd see on the Crown, so...that may be another ding on the Princess report card. However, I just wanted to make this known to you here as many loyal Princess cruisers tend to view ships like the Crown more fondly due to their more spacious balconies, promenade decks, and the like.

[Gaynors]

I know this is the celebrity board and celebrity is probably my preferred cruise line but I'm not loyal to any one line. 

We cruised the Royal princess to Alaska the first season she sailed there and all we heard was how that was a terrible ship for Alaska.  We loved it.

That being said, just two weeks ago I booked royal princess for New Zealand in February 2025.  Price for a deluxe balcony was a steal IMHO.

Never sailed edge class yet and would be willing to try it but the prices were much much higher.

Pretty sure either choice would be good for me.  Just super excited to see New Zealand!!

[elaine5]

We’re on princess majestic to NZ this spring. We had the same decision. Princess balcony vs celebrity OV. We’re about the same age. For this cruise, we don’t care much about entertainment. But I find Celebrity entertainment better including a great 2 person cirque type show. The overall celebrity vibe was a bit cooler, hipper than princess. Think princess-very nice Marriott, celebrity-hotel indigo. 
We ultimately decided on princess for balcony and slightly better timing. 

[ccqueenanne]

I sail both X and Princess and will happily said either, but there are things I prefer about each. If I, from the US, were doing a NZ cruise, I'd probably pick based on itinerary vs ship. However, if you enjoy time (awake) in your stateroom, having a balcony will make a difference.

 

X - main dining food slightly better than Princess, buffet considerably better than Princess. Specialty dining on X a bit better as well, but the specialty dining pricing is also significantly higher than on Princess.

 

Princess - with Plus package, you not only get free drinks and internet, you'll also get included room service (vs the delivery fee with X). Given a hope to enjoy scenic cruising on your balcony, included room service for food AND alcohol is very nice. It also comes with 2 included casual dining meals (Alfredo's is a very nice pizza meal). The International Cafe is open 24 hours, good for late/early bites, and your specialty coffee drinks will be included in Plus. I also enjoy ordering food/drink via the app and having it delivered to me wherever I am, located via the Medallion. In general, it feels like you get more for your money on Princess.

 

On Royal Princess I didn't enjoy the lack of a disco/club. Dancing was in the main atrium and it was too much on display for my taste. I've found dancing to be better on X, including the Silent Disco.

 

I think you have a difficult decision and I'm not sure what I'd do in your shoes. If it were me, I'd pick the option where (I think) you pay less and get a bit more, which ends up being Princess. By the time you add in internet and some drinks on X, you'll be paying more for your OV than you will for the balcony on Princess. Unless the Edge itinerary is noticeably better, or course. Decisions decisions!

 

[the penguins]

13 hours ago, Mauidiver said:

I would think an aft view of the sounds would be just as amazing as a forward view (similar to inside passage cruising in AK).  Fortunately there are good venues for  spectacular aft views if you’re not in an aft cabin. 

Looking forward is the only way to appreciate how impossible negotiating the Sounds appears to be. The attached are a few pics including one with a stern view for comparison.

 

[the penguins]

Just now, the penguins said:

Looking forward is the only way to appreciate how impossible negotiating the Sounds appears to be. The attached are a few pics including one with a stern view for comparison.

 

sorry sent to soon. Pics 1 and 2 Dusky Sound, 3,4,5 Doubtful Sound and 6,7 Milford Sound. First pics at 08.00 last pics at 16.600. 

[villauk]

Personally, if the Princess cruise in a balcony was cheaper than X, I’d go with that one as the ship experience won’t be that majorly different. There will be good and bad things on both ships - things you prefer on one to the other etc. In the end, it will all be about NZ.
 

On a side note, it’s the one place in the world we have sailed to that is the most similar to parts of the U.K. Wherever we went, I felt like it reminded me of somewhere I’d visited over here (obviously only my opinion 😉). 

[JLC0912]

On 12/11/2023 at 1:11 AM, timtam2 said:

Edge!!!!

 

I cruised on Royal Princess in a balcony cabin in early November and just disembarked Edge after 14 nights in an ocean view cabin. Edge wins hands down for me on all fronts. The food, crew, entertainment were all superior. Royal seems dowdy now to me in comparison.

 

I did not miss a balcony and found the oceanview cabin on deck 3 to be lovely. However, make sure you do NOT HAVE A CABIN UNDER CAFE AL BACIO, in particular 3138 or 3140. These are directly under the galley and the noise from cleaning and restocking at 1-3am makes sleep impossible. I was able to be moved further forward after a few nights and it was so quiet.

More good info.  Thanks!  Looks like you were looking at the same options that I am looking for.  Thanks for the heads up on the cabin location. I am a light sleeper, so I might choose one of the oceanview cabins I saw that had the lifeboat at the floor level, but is otherwise unobstructed and also has cabins above and below.

[JLC0912]

8 hours ago, ccqueenanne said:

On Royal Princess I didn't enjoy the lack of a disco/club. Dancing was in the main atrium and it was too much on display for my taste. I've found dancing to be better on X, including the Silent Disco.

 

 

I don't think I would like the Silent Disco on the Edge for a date night because you can't talk to your partner with the headphones on.  To me, it seems like being in a crowd and being isolated at the same time. Do you know if there are other clubs on the Edge for dancing?

 

8 hours ago, ccqueenanne said:

I think you have a difficult decision and I'm not sure what I'd do in your shoes. If it were me, I'd pick the option where (I think) you pay less and get a bit more, which ends up being Princess. By the time you add in internet and some drinks on X, you'll be paying more for your OV than you will for the balcony on Princess. Unless the Edge itinerary is noticeably better, or course. Decisions decisions!

 

I just found out that Princess dropped the price on the Deluxe Balcony Cabin.  All included with the Plus pkg, I priced it out to $3,086 when including the cash back and other discounts with the Costco Citicard!  With the additional discount with their current rate, I am not sure I could get close with the Edge oceanview stateroom.

[JLC0912]

@the penguins.  I will say again, thank you!!!  Those pictures definitely will factor into my decision. I do like the forward view of the Sounds.  Similarly, I read Princess is considered one of the best lines on which to do an Alaska cruise.  One reason I liked the Edge was for the additional two ports because it is possible to book a small boat excursion at one of these ports through a different sound.  But with the views available on the Royal, it seems unnecessary to do a separate sound excursion since Royal already provides a spectacular view.

[villauk]

On 12/12/2023 at 1:11 PM, JLC0912 said:

@the penguins.  I will say again, thank you!!!  Those pictures definitely will factor into my decision. I do like the forward view of the Sounds.  Similarly, I read Princess is considered one of the best lines on which to do an Alaska cruise.  One reason I liked the Edge was for the additional two ports because it is possible to book a small boat excursion at one of these ports through a different sound.  But with the views available on the Royal, it seems unnecessary to do a separate sound excursion since Royal already provides a spectacular view.

 

I know others may not agree, but I think there are differences when cruising certain areas. I always think of Alaska as being about the wildlife, Norwegian Fjords are tactile - as though you can reach out and touch them, and the NZ Sounds are panoramic. You can sit on your balcony and just pan out at the spectacular scenery.