More opinions needed: Princess or Celebrity

[dakrewser]

I mentioned we have the itch to go to Alaska again next summer, and sailing from San Francisco has definite benefits (no planes!), but HAL only goes from Seattle and Vancouver. I'm looking at a 10-day (9/5/05) on the Regal Princess or a 12-day (9/3/05) on Celebrity Infinity. I've never used either cruise line so I wonder which would be more "HAL like" in terms of service and amenities. All opinions gratefully accepted!

[Jacqueline]

Crystal also has a 12 day round trip from San Francisco on the Harmony. I would see what kind of pricing I could get before commiting to Celebrity.

Princess is a nice line- but people love or hate the Regal depending on how they feel about older smaller ships. It would not be a consideration for me becuase it has a small older gym in the lower decks and a casino up and foward where the view is. But people do have a very positive feeling about the level of service on this ship.

The Infinity is the opposite in terms of size and modernity ! I very much liked the Connie which is the sister ship to the infinity. There is an indoor thalasotherapy pool which is free on the Infiinity - a nice plus to a cold destination. It is also a more outward orientented ship in terms of viewing the scenery.

But I did just review The Harmony for next year and the published prices are even less than for 2004. This is a 50gt ship with a third fewer pax than the mainstream lines. Quality of food and service is up a few notches.

[Druke I]

Have sailed HAL three times, Princess some 18 times or so, and Celebrity but once.

 

I think Celebrity probably closer, food service and presentation, to HAL than Princess.

 

I think Princess beats both Celebrity and HAL in main show room sightlines and production shows.

 

Sailing out of San Francisco is a real thrill.

 

Have sailed twice on Regal Princess, and have booked her Mar 06, 'round the Horn. We think she is a nice ship, nice size, but that the Casino (in the Dome) is in the wrong place, and the space there badly misused; would be better utilized as an observation lounge. She is an older ship, well maintained, but does not have all the "bells and whistles" of the newer ships in the Princess fleet.

[dakrewser]

Crystal also has a 12 day round trip from San Francisco on the Harmony.

Yes, the Harmony leaves the same day as the Infinity - but at $2000/pp more for the equivalent cabin. After additional credits and taking into account what's included in th price it's probably more like a $1500-1600 difference, but that is per person. I'm not sure the better food & service is worth more than $100 per day each! :)

 

We'd probably like the Regal P quite well, but the Infinity does do more ports.....

 

THanks!

 

-dave

[Jacqueline]

As long as you dont mind a big ship, I'd vote for the infinity ! I think the M ships are really nice. But its really different strokes for different folks.

Druke makes gvery good points !

Nice discussion.

[Tatka]

I didn't sail Princess yet...and I liked HAL (Zuiderdam) very much but IMHO Celebrity beats HAL in service (quality and promptness) and food. (Zui had a little bit better buffets and more choices of fresh juice though)

 

Celebrity also offers some nice perks like cold/hot towels in ports (depending on weather), champagne/OJ on embarkation and more.

[dakrewser]

I think Princess beats both Celebrity and HAL in main show room sightlines and production shows.

 

Have sailed twice on Regal Princess, and have booked her Mar 06, 'round the Horn. We think she is a nice ship, nice size, but that the Casino (in the Dome) is in the wrong place, and the space there badly misused; would be better utilized as an observation lounge. She is an older ship, well maintained, but does not have all the "bells and whistles" of the newer ships in the Princess fleet.

The shows didn't matter that much to me. I'll go, but that's not why I cruise. A soft jazz trio in a lounge is more to my taste. The smaller size is what appeals to me about the Regal P, but I have heard lots of people complain about the casino location. Bell's & whistles are sometimes nice, sometimes an annoyance but (to me) not necessary. Thanks!

 

As long as you dont mind a big ship, I'd vote for the infinity!

Don't mind them, but - all else being equal - prefer the smaller ships. THanks!

 

but IMHO Celebrity beats HAL in service (quality and promptness) and food.

Those are big pluses in my book, thanks!

 

-dave

[Debi_D]

I have been on HAL 11 times and Princess 7 times and Celebrity 2 times. I have been on Infinity for 11 day Hawaii and LOVED IT ..... Service and food was the best and the ship was beautiful..... Our cabin was a Sky Suite and it was nice and roomy and well taken care of, the butler service is fantastic....

 

This next cruise on Princess will be my last, the only reason why we are doing the CP this year is because Princess gave us a $700.00 credit do to some really bad experiences we had on our Panama Cruise on the Island Princess.

 

Deb