Switched to Princess for one cruise

[magmagee]

I have been on 4 Celebrity cruises and have loved all of them. I just got off of the Dawn Princess and we cruised to Alaska out of San Francisco. I went on board with the attitude that I was not going to like it because I have been spoiled on Celebrity. It turned out to be a great cruise and the ship was very nice. It was clean and the food was good and I would cruise with them again. But, the service on Celebrity can not be beat as far as I am concerned. The one thing I really like about Celebrity is the dinner seating because you know ahead of time if you are eating early or late and you know where you are going to be seated. On this Princess cruise everyone was very confused the first night and some people were getting frustrated. It settled down after a few nights. This is kind of petty but when we went to eat at the buffet we never knew if silverware was going to be at the table or if we had to bring it to the table. Sometimes it would be at the table and sometimes not. That sounds kind of petty but it was just kind of a waste because we would end up bringing it to the table and then there would be extras sometimes. Looking forward to my next Celebrity cruise.

[jt1120]

We tried Princess for the first time a year ago and came away with a "just ok" review. To be concise, there just seemed to be too many inconsistencies. Some days the food was good, other days it was sub par (almost like it was warmed up leftovers). The service was hit and miss, the entertainment was hit and miss, the staff was hit and miss. I've never encountered hit and miss on a =X= cruise. The best thing about the cruise was the balcony cabin that we had on the Emerald Princess. Great cabin, lots of space and felt like I got more cabin for my money than I get from =X=. Then again we'll see what the Solstice has for us in November.

[usha]

We're pretty underwhelmed by Princess, for the most part, too. We weren't at all impressed with the level of service, although we liked (most of) the food on Princess. The biggest let-down for me was how crowded Princess' ships are; WAY too many people sharing the same space!

I wouldn't say "never again" about Princess, but it would not be my first choice (or even my second choice:o ) if I could find something similar on Celebrity.

[Denny01]

We sailed on a Princess Canalcryise and had a great time - went with friends. We've sailed Celebrity 6+ times. Think the service and food quality a cut above on Celebrity. Princess Balcony was a bit larger - loved the larger closet that was not inline with exit. Easier to use. But bathroom and especially shower was smaller. I decided I do like set Celebrity dining seating and formal nites. Gives it a special 'cruise' feel while Princess was fine, but more like a shore restaurant.Would sail again but always check Celebrity first for similar itinerary.Denny

[can786]

I have cruised with Princess 10 times now and am trying Celebrity for the first time in February. It sounds like the OP had Anytime dining, which can be a little confusing if you don't understand how it works before you go. One thing to note, however, is that traditional, fixed seating is also available on Princess though it tends to book up early and those who don't get it then are given the Anytime dining. I personally enjoy the Anytime dining very much and it is probably the one thing I will miss most when I cruise on Celebrity. Other than that I am really looking forward to trying Celebrity.

[Bruin Steve]

I've just got to chime in here...

 

We've cruised on seven different lines...

And Celebrity is easily my favorite...I think it is the best combination of food, service, elegance and spaciousness...and a bargain at the cost...

 

However, for various reasons--itineraries, scheduling, etc., we often take other lines as well. Quite simply, Celebrity has a limited number of ships and does not always deploy them where we want to go...

 

Which is part of the reason why we will again find ourselves on Princess in December...

 

Celebrity has abandoned the Mexican Riviera routes...

We would have gone on Royal Caribbean, but we just did this route in March on Vision of the Seas--too soon for an exact repeat...If it were next year, RCCL would have the vastly superior Marinner of the Seas on the route and we would have gladly gone on that...

 

But, for this one, Princess takes the nod...The Sapphire (and its sister the Diamond) Princess is actually superior to most of the other larger Princess ships in one respect that actually is somehting akin to one of the reasons we love the Celebrity M-Class: Unlike Princess' "standard" large ship--which sails at full double capacity of 3,070 passengers in a 113,000 gross ton ship, the Sapphire sails with only 2,670 passengers on a 116,000 gross ton ship...ALMOST as roomy as the M-class' 2,000 passengers on a 91,000 gross ton ship...

 

We are expecting this to be more to our liking than our last Princess cruise on the old Crown Princess...

 

On the whole, I don't feel Princess is as good a cruise experience as Celebrity, but, standing on its own, it's not bad either...it's still a major step or two above Carnival or Norwegian...

 

At least I hope I'm not wrong...We'll certainly know by New Year's...

[TomTN]

I have cruised with Princess 10 times now and am trying Celebrity for the first time in February. It sounds like the OP had Anytime dining, which can be a little confusing if you don't understand how it works before you go. One thing to note, however, is that traditional, fixed seating is also available on Princess though it tends to book up early and those who don't get it then are given the Anytime dining. I personally enjoy the Anytime dining very much and it is probably the one thing I will miss most when I cruise on Celebrity. Other than that I am really looking forward to trying Celebrity.

 

 

we booked a Princess cruise last March that sails in 2 weeks . We were surprised to find that we were wait listed #105 for traditional dining. When we booked there were many cabins left, and our cruise was cheaper than other weeks before and after.

 

That is on the Caribbean Princess. do you know about how many tables are used for traditional vs anytime dining?

 

Just as you will miss anytime we will miss traditional.:)

[Woodmnky]

The one thing I really like about Celebrity is the dinner seating because you know ahead of time if you are eating early or late and you know where you are going to be seated. quote]

 

 

We will be cruising X for the first time next September. Previously sailed Princess and had anytime dining. Am I to understand by the OP's statement that I will know where I will be seated before I cruise?

 

We had our TA request a small table and am wondering if we will know this before we get on the ship.

[SandDragon]

Sailed the Crown Princess to the Caribbean in July 07 and the Celebrity Century to the Arctic Circle August 08.

 

My 2c:

 

- cabin: Celebrity

- dining room food: equal

- buffet food: Princess

- buffet organisation: both hopeless

- dining choices: Princess (not a fan of traditional seating)

- entertainment: Princess

- bar service: Princess (yes, Princess. Never had to wait for a drink on the Crown, even with 3500+ pax. Almost died of thirst a few times on Century plus had to send a few back as undrinkable)

- customer service: not evident on either

- cabin staff friendliness: Celebrity

- activities staff: Princess

- uncrowdedness: Celebrity

- less money-grubbing: Princess

- casino: Celebrity (although won more on Princess)

- engine noise (ie quieter): Princess

- liked being able to check bill on TV on Celebrity

 

Overall, wouldn't hurry back to Celebrity and certainly wouldn't pay a premium for it.

[can786]

we booked a Princess cruise last March that sails in 2 weeks . We were surprised to find that we were wait listed #105 for traditional dining. When we booked there were many cabins left, and our cruise was cheaper than other weeks before and after.

 

That is on the Caribbean Princess. do you know about how many tables are used for traditional vs anytime dining?

 

Just as you will miss anytime we will miss traditional.:)

 

On the larger, newer ships such in the Grand class (including the Caribbean Princess) there is one dining room dedicated to traditional dining with two seatings and two dining rooms dedicated to Anytime dining. The older, smaller Sun class ships have one dining room for each and the former Renaissance ships offer only a traditional dining room.

[Putterdude]

I have to agree that Celebrity's service is head and shoulders above Princess's. However we have found that Princess has done a better job with their cabin arrangements, furniture sizing and closet space....but fails miserably with their showers.

[magmagee]

I have cruised with Princess 10 times now and am trying Celebrity for the first time in February. It sounds like the OP had Anytime dining, which can be a little confusing if you don't understand how it works before you go. One thing to note, however, is that traditional, fixed seating is also available on Princess though it tends to book up early and those who don't get it then are given the Anytime dining. I personally enjoy the Anytime dining very much and it is probably the one thing I will miss most when I cruise on Celebrity. Other than that I am really looking forward to trying Celebrity.

The one fun thing that I like about the fixed seating is that you see the same people everynight and it is kind of fun to see what everyone is wearing and just have a bond thing thing going in a light weight sense. On Princess I never saw the same people twice and I have to say the dress code was not enforced very well. I have been ready everyone elses feeling about princess and I agree with all what is being said. I will cruise with Princess again but Celebrity would be my first choice. I did find things to be hit and miss on Princess and Celebrity really is more consistant.

[magmagee]

The one thing I really like about Celebrity is the dinner seating because you know ahead of time if you are eating early or late and you know where you are going to be seated. quote]

 

 

We will be cruising X for the first time next September. Previously sailed Princess and had anytime dining. Am I to understand by the OP's statement that I will know where I will be seated before I cruise?

 

We had our TA request a small table and am wondering if we will know this before we get on the ship.

You should know ahead of time. When you get your itinerary it should say on there if your request has been granted. When you get to your room there should be a notice telling you when and where you will be seated. I never thought I wanted to sit with others at dinner but we had to do it 2 times and we had the best time. I am still writing to one of the couples we met last year.

[usha]

I have to agree that Celebrity's service is head and shoulders above Princess's. However we have found that Princess has done a better job with their cabin arrangements, furniture sizing and closet space....but fails miserably with their showers.

I couldn't agree more about Celebrity's service over Princess'.

And the SHOWERS..... WOW!!!!:eek: Big difference!!!:eek:

[Cruise Arizona]

I have been so happy with Celebrity, I have not found a reason yet to book with another line.

 

But if I did, I would go in with no expectations or preconceived ideas and just try to go with the flow and enjoy my vacation. After I got home I think I'd then try to compare and decide who I'd choose for my next cruise.

 

I am so please the that OP posted their Princess experience for us. It is so helpful to get that insight from other people who have enjoyed their Celebrity cruises and are brave enough to try something else and post their experience.

 

But every coin has two sides. On my Infinity cruise to Hawaii, I struck up a conversation in the Cova with another passenger. "Are you enjoying your cruise?"

 

Passenger replies "Uh, Well, Its OK, but its just not up to my Princess Cruises."

 

I rank that cruise as maybe my favorite of all time.

[jt1120]

Sailed the Crown Princess to the Caribbean in July 07 and the Celebrity Century to the Arctic Circle August 08.

 

My 2c:

 

- cabin: Celebrity

- dining room food: equal

- buffet food: Princess

- buffet organisation: both hopeless

- dining choices: Princess (not a fan of traditional seating)

- entertainment: Princess

- bar service: Princess (yes, Princess. Never had to wait for a drink on the Crown, even with 3500+ pax. Almost died of thirst a few times on Century plus had to send a few back as undrinkable)

- customer service: not evident on either

- cabin staff friendliness: Celebrity

- activities staff: Princess

- uncrowdedness: Celebrity

- less money-grubbing: Princess

- casino: Celebrity (although won more on Princess)

- engine noise (ie quieter): Princess

- liked being able to check bill on TV on Celebrity

 

Overall, wouldn't hurry back to Celebrity and certainly wouldn't pay a premium for it.

 

With all due respect, I couldn't disagree more on many if not most of your posts:

- cabin: Princess (best thing about our Princess cruise was the cabin)

- dining room food: Celebrity (Princess was good some nights, leftovers on others)

- buffet food: Celebrity, only because the morning buffet on Princess is a joke (are you sure these are eggs?), the rest were about equal.

- buffet organization: Celebrity, again the morning buffet on Princess was a cluster mess.

- dining choices: Princess (I agree with you on that one, but wait till the Solstice!)

- entertainment: draw, but have actually had better shows on NCL of all places.

- bar service: Celebrity, because I'm glad that they DON'T hound me like Princess did.

- customer service: draw, though Celebrity staff seems more professional.

- cabin staff freindliness: draw, our Princess cabin steward was one of the best we've had.

- activities staff: Celebrity, the Princess CD started things then left them early. The subordinates were ok though.

- uncrowdedness: definitely Celebrity.

- less money-grubbing: Celebrity (see bar service above)

- casino: who cares, I always lose and they're too smoky.

- engine noise: huh? like I noticed?

 

I'll cruise Princess again, but I'm not in any hurry. A guy I work with sails them exclusively, which goes to show you that everybody looks at things differently. Let's face it though, anything is better than Carnival!!!

[rolfecms]

But every coin has two sides. On my Infinity cruise to Hawaii, I struck up a conversation in the Cova with another passenger. "Are you enjoying your cruise?"

 

Passenger replies "Uh, Well, Its OK, but its just not up to my Princess Cruises."

 

I rank that cruise as maybe my favorite of all time.

 

Did you compare notes with them? I'd be interested in hearing what they enjoyed about Princess that makes them their cruiseline of choice. :confused:

[junglejane]

Here are some things I like better about Princess: huge Caribe deck balconies, better closet location, self serve laundry, more entertainment options, freshwater pools, better past passenger perks, availability of Anytime dining.

 

Having said the above, I would still probably pick Celebrity over Princess when possible due to the better food and service I have experienced on Celebrity. I also think that the size and layout of the M-class ships are just about perfect.

 

But Princess has one more thing in its favor: more choice of itineraries that appeal to me. For example, I would love to have booked my upcoming British Isles cruise on Celebrity, but alas, Celebrity doesn't offer a British Isles cruise in the summer. So I'm booked on the Crown Princess.:)

 

--Junglejane

[Cruise Junky]

Given the choice of the two we would always pick Princess over Celebrity. Not that I'm bashing Celebrity, we had a great cruise but Princess is just more "us", bit more layed back, more fun activities....we went to quest on Millie and were two of 6 people there :( Our cabin steward on Millie was the best that we've ever had but I think we got a bum deal on the food, it really wasn't good. Hopefully that was just a fluke, the amount of people raving here about the food can't all be wrong.

[tbelian]

Given the choice of the two we would always pick Princess over Celebrity.

 

Exactly the opposite opinion here

 

Given the choice of the two we would always pick Celeberity over Princess.

 

Not that I'm bashing Princess.

[Cruise Junky]

Exactly the opposite opinion here

 

Given the choice of the two we would always pick Celeberity over Princess.

 

Not that I'm bashing Princess.

 

Which is why there are many cruise lines catering to many different types of people.

[tbelian]

Which is why there are many cruise lines catering to many different types of people.

 

 

I could have typed that, but I figured you put it best.

 

Enjoy your next princess cruise.

[Lois R]

Given the choice of the two we would always pick Princess over Celebrity. Not that I'm bashing Celebrity, we had a great cruise but Princess is just more "us", bit more layed back, more fun activities....we went to quest on Millie and were two of 6 people there :( Our cabin steward on Millie was the best that we've ever had but I think we got a bum deal on the food, it really wasn't good. Hopefully that was just a fluke, the amount of people raving here about the food can't all be wrong.

 

Hi:) ....yours is the first post I have read that said

"Quest" was on board. I believe it is offered on the

Royal ships so I am surprised to read this.

In 15 cruises I have never seen it nor read it in the daily.

[Cruise Junky]

Hi:) ....yours is the first post I have read that said

"Quest" was on board. I believe it is offered on the

Royal ships so I am surprised to read this.

In 15 cruises I have never seen it nor read it in the daily.

 

It's funny you said that because I don't think since I've heard about it on Celebrity, but swear to god, we attended on one of our sea days and it was really lame. Maybe not many people knew what it was to attend? it was also during the day which on both RCI cruises it's always been at night.

[Buffalo Man]

Ok, what's Quest?