Celebrity vs. Princess

[RosiePosie1013]

:rolleyes: We are contemplating 2 southern caribbean cruises in March: Celebrity Summit or Crown Princess. We've been on Celebrity 7 times, RCCL 10, but never Princess. Are a bit nervous/unsure about making the switch.

If any of you have been on both lines, please let me know your thoughts.

My husband & I are in our late 40's and our top priorities are the food/service and nice accomodations. We're not late night party people and can take or leave the shows. We've heard that the Summit is in need of a refurbishment and is going into drydock in June 2008.

[geoherb]

If you enjoy Royal Caribbean, you'll probably like Princess. It's not as formal in terms of service as Celebrity. I think in general the food is about as good. We've sailed on Princess five times and Celebrity twice. I always say I'd book either of them again (and Holland America, too).

[mii]

I agree with Geoherb. I have sailed Princess 8 times and Celebrity and while they both have their good and not so good points I would sail either one again depending on the itiniery. We currently have Princess booked for 4 more cruises but that is not to say that if Celebrity had a good itiniery that Princess did not offer I would go with Celebrity. The food is generally the same, the rooms are not that much different so really it is pretty much a toss up. You will get varying opinions but this is mine.

 

Marilyn

[BurBunny]

I'd put the food and service generally on Celebrity a notch above Princess, but Celebrity's service is more "formalized" - more European in tone. But, they do usually pay attention to the little details.

 

Cabins it depends on what you're looking to book. The Princess Mini-Suites are better than anything on Celebrity except a full suite, and similar (though I'd still give the nod to Princess) to RCCL's Junior Suites. Balcony cabins, I'd give the nod to Celebrity, especially in Concierge level, for size and comfort (especially since they have a small sofa). Oceanviews are a toss up between the three (if you're considering Voyager, Freedom or Brilliance Class on RCCL), and there are some insides on Celebrity I'd give the nod to Celebrity (those which are parallel to the length of the ship.)

 

Princess is more a direct competitor to RCCL anymore than Celebrity, and I actually place Princess between RCCL and Celebrity as far as service and style. If you've liked both of those, chances are you'll also enjoy Princess, especially on this newer ship.

[Host Caroline]

I prefer Princess over Celebrity in part bec. it's less formal but also because there are more dining options (Anytime dining is wonderful if you don't want to be on a "schedule" and the seafood buffets on Crown/Caribbean Princess are excellent IMHO). We also enjoy the evening activities more on Princess.

[Druke I]

We tried Celebrity once (Mercury to Mexican Riviera, Mar 04), and think we prefer Princess.

 

Food in dining room on Mercury very similar to HAL's, and perhaps a notch above Princess.

 

We did think Princess' food in the Lido better than Celebrity's - but opinions of food are very subjective.

 

Princess certainly has a greater variety of itineraries than Celebrity.

[Coral]

I actually prefer Princess (over Celebrity).

 

Our service on Celebrity was at best, mediocre. I also prefer the food on Princess - it has more of an Italian flair compared to the French flair on Celebrity. I also found Princess more flexible with simple dining requests (such as a salad dressing different than what is listed on the menu, etc..).

[DOUGLASH]

Princess Hands down. I think the the amenities on the Princess ships are nicer and better maintained, and the food is great. Service is slightly better on Celebrity . I was on the Celbrity Constellation a few years ago in the Caribbean and thought the food and service was great and then did the mediterranean on the Galaxy and was less than pleased. the ship was not well maintained and the food was very bland. I have been on the Golden Princess in the Caribbean and was was just on the Star Princess in N. Europe and really enjoyed them both. The one weak area in Princess in general is the entertainment in my opinion. The Crown Princess has been docked in N.Y . this year and looks like a beautiul ship. Go for it.

[barbarah33]

I have done 10 Celebrity - my 11th will be next month, 8 Princess; my most recent was last month and 14 RCCL. I put Princess in between the two cruise lines; not quite up to Celebrity but better than RCCL. I do prefer the more formal service on Celebrity along with the little touches like making a big effort to memorize your name, likes, dislikes, etc. opening your cabin door for you when they see you coming down the hall, etc. But Princess has, in my opinion, newer, nicer ships and cabins along with better itineraries. (And the Princess mini-suite is perfect!) I seem to be able to get better deals on Princess cruises as well. I certainly don't consider myself a 'cheap' person but recently when I have gone to book a cruise I get the same itinerary, or similar, on Princess literally for half the price of Celebrity. And I'm not sure that I find Celebrity to be worth double. But it should be noted that the great prices could be because Princess's past passenger program is head and shoulders above Celebrity's and they do offer lots of discounts.

 

I suppose it depends on what you prefer. You said food was important. I do think the food on Celebrity is a tad better than that on Princess - and Celebrity's specialty restaurants are the best. But Princess's food is good and better than Royal Caribbean's. You didn't mention what kind of cabin you are looking at but I would give the edge there to Princess.



I say take the one that you feel comfortable with but I certainly wouldn't be afraid to give Princess a try. If you are happy on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity I have no doubt that you will also be happy on Princess. Whatever you pick have a wonderful time!!

[JerryinBWB]

I have to agree with almost everyone who has posted. Celebrity slightly better food and perhaps service, Princess slightly better in some other areas, but you seem to be contemplating an older Celebrity with a newer Princess on similar itineraries. My overall thought is that the cruise lines are comparable and I would be happy with either (yes, I have been on RCCL, Princess, and Celebrity) but in your case I would opt for the newer ship.

[ginagirl]

DH and I have been sailing quite frequently on many different lines. We just came off a 2 week sailing on the Summit, and found it to be definitely up there with our best experiences on the seas. We truly enjoy Princess and Holland America, but Celebrity, on the Summit, was a cut above in many areas.

[agabbymama]

Nobody has mentioned the pod problems on the Summit. Celebrity M-Class ships (Summit, Infinity, Millennium & Constellation) all suffer from it. Constellation is the newest and seems to have the least trouble.

 

If the ports are important to you, missing a port entirely or shortened time in port has happened frequently on these ships. I think more so on the Alaska route, but it could happen anywhere.

 

If you do a search, you'll see all the various problems these ships have had. I did Constellation for New England/Canada in '06. I had already booked when I started reading about the problems here on this webpage. I worried for a year, but didn't have any problems on our cruise, but I'm not willing to take that chance with my vacation time and dollars.

 

Just be prepared for whatever may come if you decide to book Summit.

[turquoisesea]

I have to agree with most of the previous posters. We have sailed on the Caribbean Princess and the Infinity and we much preferred Princess. Yes, I would agree that the food on Celebrity was excellent, but nothing else compaired. The ship seemed small and the standard balcony room on the CB is much more comfortable (and bigger) than the Infinity. (opps, except the shower!) Our biggest disappointment on the Infinity was the significant lack of entertainment. Canned music at the pool and no headliners in the theater. We went to bed after dinner each night! As for service, I have had excellent service on all of our cruises(16 I think) however, I think it is hit or miss when I hear what some people write.

We have just book the Crown for the end of March and are looking forward to the MUTS, and the beauty of this ship. I'm sure you'll love either ship. Good luck and happy cruising.

[CruiseFever]

:rolleyes: We are contemplating 2 southern Caribbean cruises in March: Celebrity Summit or Crown Princess. We've been on Celebrity 7 times, RCCL 10, but never Princess. Are a bit nervous/unsure about making the switch.

If any of you have been on both lines, please let me know your thoughts.

My husband & I are in our late 40's and our top priorities are the food/service and nice accommodations. We're not late night party people and can take or leave the shows. We've heard that the Summit is in need of a refurbishment and is going into drydock in June 2008.

 

I have sailed and like both lines but there are some differences, especially when comparing the two ships you have to choose from

• Year built: Crown 2006, Summit 2001
  
• Crown layout reflects all the new bells and whistles
  
• Both have fabulous Eucalyptus lotion. I think the same company makes both
  
• Princess is fully edocs, Celebrity can if you want to but you don't have to
  
• A whole lot more guests (3700+) on Crown compared to Summit (2038) and you'll notice it
  
• Celebrity you choose how you tip, Princess adds them automatically
  
• Clientèle (IMHO) about the same
  
• Anytime Dining on Crown not available on Summit
  
• Way better and faster Internet access, terminal and wireless, on Summit
  
• Concierge Class on Celebrity not available on Princess
  
• Extra suite goodies pile up faster on Celebrity. Princess mini-suites= not much extra
  
• You will miss your past guest status on X if you have a combined 17 sailings
  
• Princess onboard Future Cruise Credit program well organized, easy to use and gives more bang for the buck
  
• Food (IMHO) very good on both.
  
• Steaks on X room service menu but not on Princess
  
• Princess room service fast, X not so much
  
• Traditional "by the course" dining moreso on X. Princess' "large plate" and "small plate" system offer similar products and service style but more flexibility.
  
• Princess lush and plush robes superior to deluxe waffle robes on X
  
• X deluxe bedding perhaps a bit more comfy
  
• Comparing slogans "Be treated famously" to "Escape Completely", Escape Completely hits the mark consistently and combined with C.R.U.I.S.E program is more than a slogan. (much like Carnival really does have the "Funships") We never feel famous on X.
  
• We lose money about the same in either ship/lines casino. Neither give us free drinks like NCL (sometimes)
  
• Princess does have Ocean Players Club: lose $500 and get a t-shirt. Maybe.
  
• Princess management easily accessible. Good luck emailing the boss of X
  
• Princess prices negotiable (for now), not so much on X
  
• Princess Bon Voyage gift selection blows away X and individual items a much better value
  
• X guest relations able to move mountains
  
• X provides baby food and supplies for infants

Bottom Line: If you told me I could have a free cruise of equal length at the same time on either ship I would pick the Crown, mainly because the Crown is newer though.

[mafig]

I'd pick Crown because it's newer. Also, I'm one of the few, I guess, that prefer Princess' food. I thought the food on Celebrity was boring.

 

I would not ever take the chance of going on a Celebrity M-class ship because of the reliability factor. I worry enough about little things, without having to worry about whether my Celebrity ship will have a pod malfunction.:(

[jt1120]

Go with what you know... Celebrity!

 

We just got back from our first Princess cruise, and while it wasn't horrible, Celebrity is still number one in our book.

[SmokinActuary]

Go on HAL, because frankly that is the only line I have ever cruised on and the only cruise I have been on for that matter!!! :D

[many cruises]

PRINCESS VS. CELEBRITY

FOOD: We prefer the Princess food over Celebrity & we love anytime dining.

ENTERTAINMENT: Princess has many options for entertainment with some of the best comics, singers, and variety shows we have seen on any cruise.

SERVICE: The service on Celebrity is very formal and excellent. The service on Princess is very good, but less formal.

SHIPS: Princess maintains their ships very well. The Celebrity ships we have been on were not well maintained and they showed quite a few signs of wear & tear.

POOLS: Princess keeps their pools and hot tubs open until late at night & Celebrity closes much earlier.

DRINK PRICES: Celebrity overcharges for drinks onboard & Princess charges you a reasonable amount.

SHORE EXCURSIONS: Princess has their shore excursions extremely organized & on Celebrity we have experienced much chaos in this area.

POD PROBLEMS: Celbrity's "M" class ships frequently experience pod problems and they break down. We have never experienced repeat mechanical problems on any Princess ship.

CHILDREN: Princess has youth security to keep the kids in line. We have never seen children running wild on a Princess ship. The Celebrity cruises we have been on have had a limited number of children.

 

All in all, we would choose Princess over Celebrity for the cost and the product you receive. That's not to say we wouldn't cruise on Celebrity again, but we would definitely stay away from the "M" class ships because of the pod problems.

 

 

[dileep]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=669992

[senior lady]

Princess has "fresh water" pools:D

[rdsqrl]

As a correction to CruiseFever, the Crown carries approx. 3100 passengers, NOT 3700. And, I disagree that you'll notice them; I thought the Crown's layout really did a good job of masking the fact that you're on a ship with 3100 other passengers. I haven't ever sailed Celebrity so I have no helpful comment to make concerning your dilemma, except to say that I thought the Crown was a lovely ship with some really nice features (the Piazza, International Cafe, Vines, Adagio). Good luck with whatever you decide!

[julinue]

My husband and I have been on Princess twice and Celebrity 3 times. I'd choose Celebrity over Princess. I just like the smaller ships - We've been on Caribbean Princess and Star Princess. The size was just overwhelming and I always felt crowded at the pools.

Celebrity's sushi bar in the late afternoon was a treat, the service is always outstanding and the attention to details is consistent.

[Brad1185]

Celebrity does not charge extra for ice cream. Pizza is $3 through rs on Princess included on Celebrity. Sushi is $1 each, included on Celebrity.

 

A lot of snacks are extra charge at intl cafe on Princess.

 

Celebrity gives you cold towels to use when you come back to the ship each day.

 

All the towels you would ever want to use are up by the pools on Celebrity. Princess you have to bring the one towel per person they let you use from your room.

[Clutterlady]

Celebrity does not charge extra for ice cream. Pizza is $3 through rs on Princess included on Celebrity. Sushi is $1 each, included on Celebrity.

 

A lot of snacks are extra charge at intl cafe on Princess.

 

Celebrity gives you cold towels to use when you come back to the ship each day.

 

All the towels you would ever want to use are up by the pools on Celebrity. Princess you have to bring the one towel per person they let you use from your room.

 

Yummy free Pizza free all day long....$3 charge for whole Pizza delivered to your cabin, free sushi in Horizon Court, great free food at the International Cafe, with small charge for some speciality items, wouldn't be too concerned about the towel situation:rolleyes:

[DC2OC]

I'm sure both have their plus/minuses.I've sailed only RCL and Celebrity and would do both again.Some would consider open dining a plus,others a minus.The formality on X can be a plus or minus.I want to do both the 10 day Connie out of Ft Lauradale on Celebrity and the 10/11 day Panama Canal cruise on Princess.All cruiseline have +/- and I will consider RCL,Celebrity,HAL,Princess and all others for my future cruises......Frank:)