Celebrity vs. Princess?

[CruiserJill]

We're planning a longer (10-12 days) Panama Canal cruise in Jan of next year. Our question is whether to go with the Coral Princess (RT from Ft. Lauderale) or Celebrity Galaxy (RT from Galveston).

We've cruised before on Princess, and really liked it - plus we're captains club members. But Celebrity has a better itinerary for our needs, though we've not cruised Celebrity.

Can someone contrast and compare these two cruise lines and the two ships to help us make our decision?

Thanks!!

[camelia]

We cruised on the Ocean Princess in Jan. 2002 on a 10-day cruise, and the Mercury (sister ship to the Galaxy) in Jan. 2003. Some food for thought: I found the OP to be more dazzling than the Mercury with its beautiful wooden deck around the pool. Food on both ships was very similar (good, not great). Cabins and amenities were also very similar on both ships.

What we liked on the Ocean Princess:
One thing we loved about the OP (but I don't know if this applies to the Coral), was that it was a non-smoking ship. We also liked personal dining and very much enjoyed the specialty restaurants (there are none on Mercury). We found service, and especially our cabin attendant, to be better on Princess. Entertainment was also better.

What we liked on Mercury:
Mainly, that the crowd was younger, but this may have been due to the fact that it was a regular 7-day cruise, which attracts a younger crowd than longer cruises. It was also very fairly priced.

Having said all that, I am sailing on the Galaxy again this summer. Why? because Celebrity has this wonderful itinerary in the summer and the ports of call are more important, to me, than the cruiseline. Therefore, if I were you, I would sail Celebrity if the itinerary is better to you.

Just my two cents!

[Bisous3]

Check out my answer:
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=147097554&m=323106031"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=147097554&m=323106031[/url]
Suzanne

Suzanne
Oceanic '82
Oceanic '83
Century '01
Century '03
Millennium '03
Island Princess '04

[Bruin Steve]

I've cruised both lines...but neither ship...(We've done it on other ships)...So, my answer will be more general and less ship specific...

In my book, Celebrity beats Princess hands down...and across the board...food, service, entertainment, elegance, class--all superior on Celebrity...

As to itineraries, I've never done a Panama Canal cruise...so, I'll use an example I know--Europe (as we've cruised both lines in Europe)...What we found with Princess in Europe was that their itinerary was, in fact, inconvenient...Ships docked farther away from cities (like in Stockholm--where Celebrity takes you to Stockholm, Princess tenders you in at Nynashamn...which requires long and costly bus rides)...they just don't do it well...

I've been on six different cruise lines and the best cruise I ever had was on Celebrity, while the worst was on Princess...

Obviously, though, experiences and opinions may vary...

But, I can pretty much guaranty you this: Even if you've enjoyed Princess, you will NOT be disappointed with Celebrity...in fact, you may also find that you prefer it...

And, if the itinerary is more to your liking, that's even more a reason to give it a try...

You will likely have an excellent cruise...you can't go wrong...

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

[Jacqueline]

I think you would like either. I enjoy both lines. Unless there is something very particular you need for your cruise to be just right- ie you love to swim at night or must have personal choice dining- both are fine lines and provide a quality experience.
I would go with the better itinerary which is why I have tried different lines.

Jacqueline
Constellation 3/20/04
HAL Westerdam 7/30/04
Tahitian Princess August 2003
Grand Princess Western Caribbean 2003
Brilliance of the Seas Baltic 2002
Ocean Princess- Alaska 2001
Celebrity Zenith- Bermuda 2001
Grand Princess Med 2000

[JanMD]

Hi there,

We were just on the Golden Princess and have been on many Princess ships. Thus we have all the perks that you are talking about. We went on the Mill last March and just loved it! It was very close to Radisson cruise ship. It was very special. The only downside to Celebrity is there is no PC eatting. That is the only thing that we missed. But, I understand that this might be happening soon. I would suggest Celebrity. I have been on Princess for at least 15 cruises and 1 on Celebrity. Jan [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[demisod]

This is an interesting topic for me because I will probably be picking between Celebrity, Princess and RCI for a cruise within the next year or so. I have sailed on Princess and had a very positive experience, but things like the Conde Nast traveler's poll and the Berlitz cruise book definitely rate Celebrity ships a notch above Princess or RCI. Yet that advantage does not show up much in threads like this or in the cruisecritic review ratings. Do folks here place much stock in the Berlitz book or Conde Nast poll?

[marco]

We're kind of in the same boat (ha) as Bruin Steve. I notice you are from Mass, so I assume you will be flying to the ship. Check out schedules, flights, prices, availability, service from home to Houston vs Ft Lauderdale. I believe Houston airport is about an hour to the port, and transportation can be over $100, while Ft Lauderdale is 5 mintues and under $10, not to mention what the difference in the airfare would be. This would be the tie breaker for me rather than Princess vs Celebrity.

[msiowa]

I've sailed both cruiselines (not those particular ships) and I liked both. There are some things Princess does "better" (i.e. things that I prefer) such as the fresh water pools that are open 24 hours a day and the PC dining and things Celebrity does better such as bigger showers(!!) and nightly sushi bars.

There is a difference between the 2 ships that may make a difference to you. Mercury is smaller and older than Coral. That could cut either way in my mind.

In general, I think they are comparable and if you like Princess you'll like Celebrity. I'd choose according to the itinerary that's best for you.

Happy sailing.
Joanie

[Guest]

I'm currently on Golden Princess. Have sailed most of the Celebrity ships and several Princess and Royal Caribbean. When I return, I'll give you my thoughts.

But one note....I don't think there are currently any non-smoking ships in the Princess fleet. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll be back this weekend with comments.

Any cruise is a good one!

Host Anne

[Bruin Steve]

Anne, I believe your correct...
To my knowledge, Carnival is the only line with a non-smoking ship (Paradise) and I've heard they are thinking of dropping that...

Quite a shame...
Count me among those who think they should ban smoking everywhere...
It's unpleasant, intrusive and harmful...

Of course, I'm a Californian...
...and I'm an Asthmatic...The "second hand" smoke actually makes me instantaneously physically ill...Tobacco smoke anywhere near me restricts my breathing and just about shuts down my respiratory system entirely...
...and smokers don't seem to WANT to understand that...

Summit, July 3, 2004: Alaska: 13 night cruisetour

[plvogel]

As you can tell by my signature line, I have cruised both many times. We were very loyal Princess customers, until we ended up on the Summit 10 day Carribean. Princess is a fine product, but Celebrity is just a notch above. More class, beautiful ships, little extras that Celebrity offers, better cuisine (especially at the buffet..never cared for Princess's buffets...everything always cold). You will enjoy either, and I would happily sail Princess again, but Celeb is my choice now!

Sun Princess 5/96
Sun Princess 12/97
Crown Princess 1/98
Sun Princess 11/99
R2 5/2000
Sea Princess 9/2001
GTS Summit 12/2002
GTS Summit 5/2003
GTS Summit 9/2003

Until Galaxy Transatlantic
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;9;03;17;00;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

[cruising with marti]

Go for which ever has the best price.



Phil

galaxy trans Atlantic
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FFA000&cdt=2004;9;3;17;00;00&timezone=GMT+0100[/img]

[doctorglaser]

No question....Celebrity wins....don't even think twice...food, class, etc...go for it...!

David

[theawesome1]

Difference to us with Panama Canal cruises on Princess is they specialize in turnarounds at the Lake with RT FLL. The entire canal is only available during repositioning cruises twice a year.

Celebrity has the large majesty INFINITY going year round from SFO-FLL. We are planning Oct 2005 as I was told that is the best time.

My logo: When we disembark, I just have to book another!

[smudge's mom]

Haven't cruised Princess - but am looking forward to giving them a try because of PC. I am a fan of NCL's Freestyle.

Was on my first Celebrity Cruise - Summit Jan 03 - 11 days out of Florida.

Those who say Celebrity is a step above the other mainstream lines are correct. But, for me, it was a small step.

The dining room food was typical - some good stuff some not so great stuff. Nothing horrible, but nothing so out of this world that I would rave. NCL has them beat in the bread department - both lines do OK with desserts. The buffet was a big step above other buffets - both in food and ambience.

Our dinners were very slow. We had a real nice waiter, but for some reason we were always one of the last tables out of the place - no matter when we placed our order. I can't wait to try PC - I want to eat where, with whom, when I choose.

The staff was very nice - but I've had real nice staff on all my cruises. The cabin steward was no better no worse than others. They have all been very good.

Longer Celebrity cruises have a pax age that skews pretty old. Thought the ship "shut down" by 11:00 - so if night life is your thing - it may not be a good choice.


I wouldn't hesitate to do Celebrity again - but the one thing that annoyed me on the Summit was some of the pax behavior. There seemed to be an "attitude" thing going on. I saw pax treating staff as their personal servants and there was a lot of whining going on. I've never experienced that on another line - it was noticeable enough that a couple of times, I needed to get out of the buffet area in a quick hurry.

[theawesome1]

I have cruised Princess 11 times before Carnival stepped in & really downgraded them as far as SERVICE goes. At the buffet, we have never had our plate, no trays ever used, carried to a table let alone having service people show us to a table. We spend a good 15 mins walking around the Lido deck for a table to sit at. If we got up to get seconds or coffee refills, we came back to a cleaned up tabble & new folks at it. IRRITATING!

Celebrity carries trays of food, drinks, etc to a table for us. No walking like "Stepford Wives" looking for a seat. Let alone embarking to champagne & an escort to ur stateroom, which Princess never did, just shove everyone in an elevator & you hope you get off where you need to be.

As far as NCL goes, I didn't care for them & their FREESTYLE, as I love Formal nights. Not them with everyone in shorts & halter tops all day & at dinner. YUK! Food was more McD's not Hyatt caliper. So if you like that, then X isn;t for you! They follow a strict dress code & do not show up in anything but what is required, as I will personally let you know.

My logo: When we disembark, I just have to book another!

[Boo's Mom]

CruiserJill....

I have not cruised on the ships you mentioned...but I have cruised Princess & Celebrity.

IM very HO.... Celebrity rates higher than Princess.

The two big issues of difference were [B]the service and the food[/B]. Celebrity just does them a little better.

Boo's Mom

Even the winds and the waves obey him!
Matthew 8:27

[cruise pup]

I wouldn't turn my nose up on either. Just Princess wouldn't be so pricey. Celebrity is winning just as better value.

Norway - 2/97;Leeward -12/97;
Grand Princess - 1/99; Leeward - 6/99; Dawn Princess - 11/99;Vision of the Seas - 6/00;Carnival Victory - 9/00; Zenith - 10/00
Mercury - 3/01; R1 -7/01; Grand Princess - 11/01; Majesty of the Seas - 12/01; Norwegian Star - 3/02;
Carnival Triumph - 7/02;
Maasdam - 11/02; Holiday - 12/02; Millennium - 4/03; Carnival Victory - 7/03; Zaandam - 8/03; Zuiderdam - 10/03; Enchantment of the Seas - 1/04; Galaxy - 3/04

[Bry]

Others have commented on food and service differences, but I think the one item you should really think long and hard about is the PC dining v. traditional dining. People either love or hate it (my wife and I aren't fans, others won't cruise without it).

However you feel about PC though, it is one quite obvious and significant difference between the two lines and will affect the pacing and feel of your cruise. I can't tell you whether you'll like it or not, but I can recommend that you spend time pondering it.

Now how's that for totally unhelpful?

[smudge's mom]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Not them with everyone in shorts & halter tops all day & at dinner. YUK! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That was not our experience. When we were on the NCL Sky Feb 04, my adult son was told to put slacks on if he wanted admittance to the dining room.

Food and the dress code varies from line to line - from ship to ship - from sailing to sailing.

I do agree with Bry - for those who absolutely love the tradition style of dining - eating at the same time, having the same wait staff - eating with the same people - you will not be happy with Freestyle/PC. If one of the highlights of cruising is the traditional dining style - then you really need to think long and hard about going Freestyle/PC - and, if you chose to give it a try - you need to go with an open mind. If you go on the ship already deciding that Freestyle/PC is a step below traditional dining - you will have a lousy time.

I've been on three NCL cruises recently - one Celebrity. I really enjoy Freestyle - I really enjoy leaving the pantyhose at home. But, gee - these statements that everyone on NCL dresses like a jerk are not fair. For the most part, what you see in the dining room is Country Club casual. Occasionally someone will get past the main desk dressed in somewhat inappropriate clothing, but I HAVE NEVER SEEN THE "DREADED TRIO" AT DINNER - I HAVE NOT SEEN PEOPLE DRESSED IN TANK TOPS, FLIP FLOPS AND SHORTS.

What I have noticed is each of my NCL cruises have been different.

Of course, if you feel dressing up is a main point of your cruise experience - again, I say, don't choose NCL. Because you will be starting out on your cruise with a bias - that will never be overcome - no matter how nice your cruise turns out to be.

[argosy]

this is a Celebrity board, and you'll get more PRO Celebrity and CON Princess. If you go to Princess Boards, you might be surprised at the number of Princess fans who rate both equally, and then a few who will give the nod to Princess.

Having been on both, Princess is my fave. It just depends on what is important to you. I like the more 'involved' cruise staff on Princess. Celebrity is more aloof. If that is your style, then you'll like Celebrity more. I think the food is VERY close. I think Celebrity's is slightly better, but it's because of variety; not that one steak is better than another, or whatever you want to compare. I prefer the 24 hour fresh water pools on Princess. Celebrity has salt water and they close at 8pm (or 9). Princess has no midnite buffet. Celebrity does. I could never eat that much food at midnite anyhow, and since I like to eat late...the midnite buffet is pointless to me. Entertainment is better (in my opinion) on Princess. Celebrity shows were laughable.

OH...and the Personal Choice versus Traditional:
PLEASE, Celebrity-ites...understand that on Princess you CAN have Traditional. There are 3 dining rooms in the Grand Class. Also the Coral and Island. 2 of them are PC, while 1 is traditional. And...if you want to go PC and still have the same waiter and table every night, you can also do that too. It is simply incorrect to say that Princess has eliminated Traditional.

For me, they are more similar than they are different, and my preferences are more in line with what Princess offers, than Celebrity.

I'd go with Celebrity again, but not on the M-Class ships. Their version of the azipod things are just not working out to be very reliable.

[This message was edited by argosy on 04-23-04 at 04:46 PM.]

[Lois R]

Hi[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img].....I have only sailed on Celebrity...(and Carnival over 12 years ago so that doesn't count [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]).
The service and food on all 3 of my cruises has been wonderful. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
I have a question for all of you though. I have read so many comments about the Celebrity staff being "aloof"...the word used most often. After 3 cruises within 12 months...I have no idea where that comes from. I have had the most friendly cabin attendants...waiters....bar staff...always with a smile, a "how are you"?....etc...Where did this aloofness come from? Every time my cabinet attendant sees me...he or she has always been right there....if it is in the afternoon, to ask me how my day has been....
And the wait staff has been fabulous!....Just another person's opinion but I feel like they have been anything but aloof[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]. And its always respectful...its always "Miss Lois"....which makes me feel old too... [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]
Just wondered where they got the reputation of being aloof!

Next up...HORIZON Sept 18th to Bermuda!

See My Century and Mercury Pictures at:
[url="http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising"]http://community.webshots.com/user/lovescruising[/url]

[theawesome1]

On Princess with the new PC Dining of a few years back, we ate at a table for 2 that was set for 4. A few times folks were waiting for tables that we knew from a port or the lifeboat ride to the dock, so we invited them to join us. One night we had the captain's table at ours, which needed 2 pulled together for 8.

NCL was nothing like PC Dining on Princess. During a Carribean getaway for 4 nights, it was paseos around swimsuits for dinner & I am in a glitter top & satin slacks. Felt very out of place for dinner....

Celebrity is one that I always look forward to, as never had a boring table, tho we like 4-6 not 8-10. Seems that they go thru their records to pair folks up with similar ages, likes & dislikes, ports chosen to discuss, etc.

Right from boarding with the glass of bubbly & escort to our stateroom, never had that with Princess, Carnival or NCL. Pitcher of ice water instead of running cold water to get it drinkable as I hate bottled crap. Not sure of prices of pop (soda to some) in the mini bars of diet caliber. If we just tell them to take their stuff away & hit a store before we sail to get our drinks. Granted Ice tea (unsweetened) better be plentiful. Water we drink gallons a day. So then we don't need a diet pop run.

With our 9/7 Transatlantic getting here in a few months, I am so ready for a totally "spoil me" experience from folks I write aboard with us to total strangers that will become great friends online & by phone. Then onto S America & Panama Canal from SFO-FLL for 2005.

My logo: When we disembark, I just have to book another!

[theawesome1]

Argosy: Quite taken with your term of "aloof" with Celebrity. Princess, yes they are. They have -0- care for satisfaction or concern with their customer's reaction to 120 degree stateroom even with the balcony door opened. 11 hours to move us to a new stateroom which happened after I set up my bed on the sofa opposite the Pursers Office.

They are now a Carnival line & Carnival has wrecked them. The dining room for short folks that no basketball player would ever book dinner in whether PC or traditional. Have to have a window next to our seats to add room.......

The remark of having the same waiter each night at PC, never happened on Grand, Golden or Star. 3 Carribeans, Med cruise, or Mexican Riv. Even Captain Bernie couldn't get folks to servie us correctly after he order Asti for our table & we were served red wine. Or Lori's order of Merlot for our stateroom with her card & we got white Zenfidel. (sp) Took the week to correct Lori's gift. She was quite PO'd too.

So we are now back on Celebrity on M Class for room & plenty to do & I better be "TREATED FAMOUSLY" as will everyone else.

My logo: When we disembark, I just have to book another!