Celebrity Century vs Star Princess

[Bobed1927]

We are booked on the Century for an Hawaii cruise but are considering changing to the Star Princess. The Star Princess is more convenient for us because it sails out of San Francisco which is only a 30 minute drive for us. However the Star Princess is a much larger ship. I have limited mobility and, because of its size, I sometimes had problems on the Star's sister ship in getting from one venue to another.

 

On the other hand, I have some concerns about the Century because of comments that I have read about the condition of the ship. Also the Century cruise would involve the extra effort of flying to San Diego.

 

The cost of the two cruises is about the same so that is not a consideration.

 

Comments?

[Bobed1927]

Sorry about posting this question twice. I didn't think that this one posted.

[mcrcruiser]

We are booked on the Century for an Hawaii cruise but are considering changing to the Star Princess. The Star Princess is more convenient for us because it sails out of San Francisco which is only a 30 minute drive for us. However the Star Princess is a much larger ship. I have limited mobility and, because of its size, I sometimes had problems on the Star's sister ship in getting from one venue to another.

 

On the other hand, I have some concerns about the Century because of comments that I have read about the condition of the ship. Also the Century cruise would involve the extra effort of flying to San Diego.

 

The cost of the two cruises is about the same so that is not a consideration.

 

Comments?

 

With mobility problems we would recommend that you rent or buy a electric scooter.They glide over carpet ,where it is hard to push a wheel chair;) .You can charge it in a handicap cabin or if no handicap cabin available then the cabin attendant will charge it for you over night:D.We have done both before my 2 hips were replaced .now I don't need the assitance of the scooter;but ,it was a life saver aboard ship & in ports:D

 

We sailed on the Star Princess & yes the ship is much larger ;however ,if we were you we would frive 30 minurwes vs flying .so much easier ;):D

[LuAnn]

on both ships...and liked them both! Not sure about the mobility issues but I would take the ship close to home...just so much easier! Enjoy!! LuAnn

[Kellie Poodle]

The thing that made me choose Celebrity over Princess and

Carnival for the Hawaii cruise is the better non-smoking policy on Celebrity. I know Princess and Carnival are changing some of the smoking rules as of the first of the year, but I am really looking forward to a non-smoking casino.

 

Other than that, what ever is more convenient for you is probably best.

[montgomeryfamily]

If you have mobility issues, then DON'T take the Century. It is an old ship with narrow hallways and only has about 4 or 6 wheelchair accessible staterooms on whole ship. It has the bumps in the hallways and areas and also has several non-accessible areas.

 

The Star Princess is a great ship and we have sailed it several times--it is much more accessible than the Century.

 

If you were trying to choose between a different Celebrity ship and the Star Princess, my answer would probably be different, but you don't want to take the Century. We would never take the Century again and we are Elite on Celebrity.

[Bobed1927]

Maybe I overstated my mobility issue. I can walk short distances and use a walker but get tired with the walker walking from one end of a large ship to another.

[novicecruiser56]

I would definitely choose the ship that I can drive to not fly and save money for casino on board:D

[montgomeryfamily]

Even if you use a walker and not a wheelchair, I still would not choose the Century because of the raised bumps and several areas only accessible with steps/stairs, in addition to being old and, IMHO, not in that great condition. We also were surprised that the staff on the Century was not that helpful (in general, not just with the HC issues).

 

I agree that the Star is bigger and I understand why you would have trouble walking from one end to the other. Have you thought about renting a scooter? Instead of flying you could probably rent a scooter for less than the airport cost and you could take onboard at the port (just take a lift wheelchair taxi/shuttle (Supershuttle has a wheelchair accessible shuttle) to the port instead of your car and you can board with it too, which would be so much more convenient for you. Or you could just contact Carevacations and rent a scooter which would be in your cabin. However, if you get a scooter, you will have to reserve a wheelchair accessible cabin unless you make certain the scooter is small enough to fit through the doorway. Whatever you do, be sure and take your walker too, since you may need it for ports, especially tender ports.

 

I also agree that if you can fly instead of drive, that is a bonus.

 

BTW, Princess has instituted a no smoking policy too.

[Kellie Poodle]

 

BTW, Princess has instituted a no smoking policy too.

 

In the casino?

[montgomeryfamily]

To clarify, the non-smoking policy doesn't take effect until beginning next year. And No, not in the casino. They have one or two nights that are non-smoking, but otherwise you can smoke in the casino and in the cigar/sports bar. I understand there will be some designated smoking area out on deck. But no smoking on the balconies or staterooms or other public rooms.

[SAN]

There is a company we used to rent a wheel chair for my mother when we went to the Baltics. The wheel chair was in her cabin when we arrived and then left there when we departed the ship. I forgot the name but try to find it on the boards under handicap or mobility problems.

 

My mother was 82 yrs of age when we went. She was able to walk but the wheel chair was helpful when she had to walk far on board the ship and the excursions.

 

Good Luck!!

[lyndenfa]

There is a "transport chair" that might fit your needs if you drive. It il lightweight, collapsable, fits easily in the trunk of the car. It has four small wheels and leg rests and easy to push/pull. Many people use this from their homes when they go places that require a lot of walking (musuem, shopping mall, etc.). The cost is about $150 and I think they are now available with a carrying case as well (which would raise the cost?).

 

I am very concerned about the condition of the Century that many say is poor and the staff unfriendly. We plan to do the Hawaii San Diego RT next April and will be bringing our teen grandsons. Are we making a mistake?

[montgomeryfamily]

Carevacation is probably the company that your mother rented from as it is one of the primary medical equipment companies recommended by the cruise lines. I would not suggest using a transport chair because this requires someone to push you and it is actually harder to push over bumps and uneven terrain. You can get some inexpensive wheelchairs from Walgreens, who this week is having a 33% off sale--also craigslist or even borrowing from the senior citizen closet is a possibility. However, even with a wheelchair, unless you are used to pushing yourself, it can be difficult. The cruise line will have wheelchairs for embarkation and disembarkation, but you are on your own for the ship and ports.

 

I have two teenaged nephews and I would not take them on the Century as I think they would be bored to tears and also the ship is small, with a very small pool and not in very good condition. (and the poor staff attitude make it an even worse choice.) If you want to sail on Celebrity with teens, choose the Solstice class or at a minimum the M class. We actually sell on Royal Caribbean and Princess with my two nephews--one is very active and loves the rock climbing wall, etc. The other is really into video games and greatly enjoys the video gaming onboard the Grand class ships, including the video tournaments on the giant Movies Under the Stars screen.