Considering Princess - Advice, Opinions, Thoughts

[RollWave]

I am intrigued by the new Princess Ship - Sun Princess.

 

We have been loyal to Celebrity since November 2001 (our first Celebrity cruise - Western Caribbean). We feel like the quality & service have gone down if you book a basic cabin (ie regular balcony, main dining room). We have started to book Retreat or Aqua in order to have what we consider the Celebrity experience. We do not mind paying for an upgraded experience but looking at pricing on various sailings it really feels & looks like the pricing is out of whack and exorbitant. 

 

We have started to look at other lines such as Silver Seas or Viking but those voyages are longer than we can swing b/c we still work.

 

Princess - Sun Princess in a Sanctuary Mini Suite hits a lot of marks for us. We went on one Princess cruise to Alaska years ago and do not remember anything good or bad just that we had a nice time.

 

Would appreciate comments from anyone who has sailed with Princess and Celebrity. Also any suggestions on other cruise lines to explore would be great too!

 

Thanks!!!

[Mama Rambo]

Absolutely you will love Princess.  Don't miss the International Cafe.  The shows are excellent for us, at least.  Be sure to go about 40 minutes early to get a good seat.  It does get crowded.  The service is top notch, as is the food.  The room you are considering is the same one we had booked, but had to cancel for medical reasons.  There is always a lot to do.  In some ways we liked Princess even better than X and we've been on more than 20 Celebrity cruises.

Just do it.  You will not be sorry.

[mizLORInj]

Agree with above poster.   Best to try it out for yourself.

We enjoy Celebrity and Princess, and others. 

[rustycruzr]

1 hour ago, RollWave said:

We have been loyal to Celebrity since November 2001 (our first Celebrity cruise - Western Caribbean). We feel like the quality & service have gone down if you book a basic cabin (ie regular balcony, main dining room).

 

We're in the same boat. Just got off of the Silhouette and we noted the decline in quality and service in our evaluation of the cruise. We're also considering Princess (along with Virgin) but have never cruised with them so will be interested in the comments to your inquiry.

[1Virgo]

we finally decided to try Princess and booked on the Sun Princess in their Sanctuary class for January. Was significantly less than Retreat.  

[Essiesmom]

Suggest you also try MSC in the Yacht Club.  EM

[Ken the cruiser]

Regardless of which Princess ship we book a cruise on, we always try to book at least a Reserve Class mini suite so we can dine in the Reserve Class dining section where the "anytime" service is always a wonderful experience and where the servers have first access to menu items in the kitchen. 

 

https://www.princess.com/en-us/ships-and-experience/ships/staterooms/reserve-collection

 

[20165]

We've experienced both lines, but this year we're trying something new since it's just the two of us traveling now that the kids are off to college. We're upgrading to suites. In April, we sailed on the Enchanted Princess in an S5 suite, and they really set a high standard. I wrote a review on the Princess board if you'd like to check it out. Next month, we’ll be on the Celebrity Summit in a Royal Suite. However, we’ve already had some issues with the shoreside concierge and pricing, so it’s not the best start. I’ll give a final verdict after the cruise, but so far, it seems like Princess/Carnival might outperform Celebrity/RCL which is not the way we thought this would go.

[mahdnc]

2 hours ago, RollWave said:

I am intrigued by the new Princess Ship - Sun Princess.

 

We have been loyal to Celebrity since November 2001 (our first Celebrity cruise - Western Caribbean). We feel like the quality & service have gone down if you book a basic cabin (ie regular balcony, main dining room). We have started to book Retreat or Aqua in order to have what we consider the Celebrity experience. We do not mind paying for an upgraded experience but looking at pricing on various sailings it really feels & looks like the pricing is out of whack and exorbitant. 

 

We have started to look at other lines such as Silver Seas or Viking but those voyages are longer than we can swing b/c we still work.

 

Princess - Sun Princess in a Sanctuary Mini Suite hits a lot of marks for us. We went on one Princess cruise to Alaska years ago and do not remember anything good or bad just that we had a nice time.

 

Would appreciate comments from anyone who has sailed with Princess and Celebrity. Also any suggestions on other cruise lines to explore would be great too!

 

Thanks!!!

 

We are also long time Celebrity cruisers and are trying Sun Princess for the first time so I have similar concerns and questions as you.

 

We have booked Sun Princess for Europe in Aug 2026 to see the total solar eclipse.  Although Celebrity has 2 ships set to see the eclipse, the aptly named Sun Princess will be in an area (Mediterranean coast of Spain) with historically better clear skies prospects.  My only trepidation (aside from trying something out of our comfort zone and with no loyalty perks) is the Sun Princess is massive as it has a 4300 passenger capacity.  However the ship design and layout looks quite interesting.

[NMTraveller]

1 hour ago, Essiesmom said:

Suggest you also try MSC in the Yacht Club.  EM

This.  I did not realize that the Yacht Club pricing was so reasonable.   It comes highly recommended from many.

[broadwaybaby123]

I've actually been on the Sun Princess, but that was many years ago.  We loved Princess, but due to budgets, we haven't been able to book another cruise with them until next year.

 

Princess is owned by Carnival, so if you've been on Carnival before, you'll likely like Princess.  They are the higher end of Carnival, and in many ways, are direct competition for Celebrity.  You'll find a very similar atmosphere to Celebrity, in the sense that it's much more subdued than it's sister brand.  

 

One big difference from what I've heard is instead of a SeaPass card like Celebrity and Royal have, Princess has a Medallion that's RFID protected.  You will use this for services on the ship, as well as getting you on and off. They're provided by the cruise line for free with a lanyard and can ship to US residents for a small charge before the sailing.  Otherwise, you can pick them up at the terminal.  They also have a wristband option, similar to the Wow Bands on Royal, however, there is a small charge for this option.

[D. B.]

8 hours ago, Mama Rambo said:

Absolutely you will love Princess.  Don't miss the International Cafe.  The shows are excellent for us, at least.  Be sure to go about 40 minutes early to get a good seat.  It does get crowded.  The service is top notch, as is the food.  The room you are considering is the same one we had booked, but had to cancel for medical reasons.  There is always a lot to do.  In some ways we liked Princess even better than X and we've been on more than 20 Celebrity cruises.

Just do it.  You will not be sorry.

I am on a Princess cruise ship Now.

 This is my 3rd. Princess cruise (I/We have done 35 with Celebrity) while some things are the equal of Celebrity I will Not sail  with Princess again. For a lot of small reasons that add up.

i Love Ice cream and the only Ice Cream that’s included on Princess is soft serve outside by the pool (it is 55 degrees outside here and 30 knot winds) while I can have Real Ice Cream on X made Fresh On The Ship Every Day.

No cloth towels in the public restrooms.

to many children onboard.

  Smoking allowed in the Casino. Gag.

the theater seats are Jammed together and you are pressed against the person next to you and you better get there 30-40 minutes before the show.

we do like Oceania but it is pricey.

Edited October 14 by D. B.
Added content

[ccqueenanne]

I enjoy sailing both Celebrity and Princess. Given that you book Retreat or Aqua on Celebrity, and are looking at a Sanctuary Mini, you are willing to spend extra to upgrade your experience. On Celebrity we do that by purchasing All Included, upgrading the drink package and purchasing some specialty dining. On Princess, you can accomplish all that, and more, by purchasing Princess Premier. That gives you the premium drink package, WiFi for 4 devices per guest, crew appreciation, unlimited specialty dining (that you can reserve in advance), included specialty desserts at the gelato stand (to address DB's ice cream reference above), free room service delivery (including drinks delivered to your stateroom), and a whole host of other benefits. 

 

For me, the biggest downside of Princess is the smoky casino. I also miss the martini bar. But Sun Princess is new and fancy - it probably has some great bar options.

 

Basically, I find that my money goes much further on Princess. I'm happy to cruise on either line.

[villageidit]

6 hours ago, broadwaybaby123 said:

  They also have a wristband option, similar to the Wow Bands on Royal, however, there is a small charge for this option.

The medallion fits in Apple air tag accessories that are easily purchased on the internet. Many cruisers like the holder that fits on your watch band. Princess also sells several different holders on board.

[Cruising89143]

1 hour ago, D. B. said:

I am on a Princess cruise ship Now.

 This is my 3rd. Princess cruise (I/We have done 35 with Celebrity) while some things are the equal of Celebrity I will Not sail  with Princess again. For a lot of small reasons that add up.

i Love Ice cream and the only Ice Cream that’s included on Princess is soft serve outside by the pool (it is 55 degrees outside here and 30 knot winds) while I can have Real Ice Cream on X made Fresh On The Ship Every Day.

No cloth towels in the public restrooms.

to many children onboard.

  Smoking allowed in the Casino. Gag.

the theater seats are Jammed together and you are pressed against the person next to you and you better get there 30-40 minutes before the show.

we do like Oceania but it is pricey.

We had an eleven night cruise booked on the Regal to the British Isles. It would have been our first on Princess, We canceled within twenty-four hours. Everything about the booking experience and the follow up felt cheap. They’re selling a package with unlimited specialty dining and only have two specialty restaurants on board the ship. There have been complaints on CC and social media about guests trying to get reservations and have been unsuccessful. We canceled and booked a B2B on X. 

[1Virgo]

8 hours ago, broadwaybaby123 said:

I've actually been on the Sun Princess, but that was many years ago.  We loved Princess, but due to budgets, we haven't been able to book another cruise with them until next year.

 

Princess is owned by Carnival, so if you've been on Carnival before, you'll likely like Princess.  They are the higher end of Carnival, and in many ways, are direct competition for Celebrity.  You'll find a very similar atmosphere to Celebrity, in the sense that it's much more subdued than it's sister brand.  

 

One big difference from what I've heard is instead of a SeaPass card like Celebrity and Royal have, Princess has a Medallion that's RFID protected.  You will use this for services on the ship, as well as getting you on and off. They're provided by the cruise line for free with a lanyard and can ship to US residents for a small charge before the sailing.  Otherwise, you can pick them up at the terminal.  They also have a wristband option, similar to the Wow Bands on Royal, however, there is a small charge for this option.

I think the Sun Princess is now a new ship that debuted in early 2024.  Maybe the original was renamed. This one is over 4000 passengers.  That is what we were told. The suites area also has a suite only deck like on E class on Celebrity 

[zitsky]

What keeps me from booking is that Princess allows vaping inside cabins and smoking in the casino.  I actually found a medical journal that said vape residue can be harmful.

[D. B.]

1 hour ago, ccqueenanne said:

I enjoy sailing both Celebrity and Princess. Given that you book Retreat or Aqua on Celebrity, and are looking at a Sanctuary Mini, you are willing to spend extra to upgrade your experience. On Celebrity we do that by purchasing All Included, upgrading the drink package and purchasing some specialty dining. On Princess, you can accomplish all that, and more, by purchasing Princess Premier. That gives you the premium drink package, WiFi for 4 devices per guest, crew appreciation, unlimited specialty dining (that you can reserve in advance), included specialty desserts at the gelato stand (to address DB's ice cream reference above), free room service delivery (including drinks delivered to your stateroom), and a whole host of other benefits. 

 

For me, the biggest downside of Princess is the smoky casino. I also miss the martini bar. But Sun Princess is new and fancy - it probably has some great bar options.

 

Basically, I find that my money goes much further on Princess. I'm happy to cruise on either line.

I don’t drink so I do not buy upgrade packages.

paying for an expensive package is not worth it to get Ice Cream.

[RollWave]

2 hours ago, ccqueenanne said:

 

 

Basically, I find that my money goes much further on Princess. I'm happy to cruise on either line.

This is what I am finding with my initial research.

I plan to look into Princess suites and MSC Yacht Club.

 

[crusinthrough]

I sailed both.  There are good and bad on both.  IMO Princess pricing tends to be better than Celebrity, which has gotten expensive for a declining experience.  Eden is $75.99 on an upcoming Beyond sailing. Princess Premier package is all inclusive with more extras than Celebrity's all inclusive package, which Celebrity removed gratuities. 

 

I have not been on the Sun but have sailed other Princess class ships.  Celebrity S and E classes are nicer and more elegant than the Princess ships I've been on.  The atrium on Princess is so bright.  Lights really need to be dimmed in the evening.  The smoke in the casino is also a downside.  

 

I prefer craft cocktails from Princess Craft Social bar over the Martini bar, which has lost the flare.  I still wonder why the ice top was not added to the Martini bar on the E class ships.  

 

I think you Princess is worth a try especially the newer ships.  

[RollWave]

Thank you to all for the great input!

 

A prior post mentioned "Celebrity, which has gotten expensive for a declining experience" -- this is exactly the reason we have decided to seek alternatives!

[20165]

3 hours ago, RollWave said:

Thank you to all for the great input!

 

A prior post mentioned "Celebrity, which has gotten expensive for a declining experience" -- this is exactly the reason we have decided to seek alternatives!

For comparison, our S5 suite on Enchanted princess in April of this year was $7500.  Our RS suite on Summit next month is $11600.  To be fair, i think the S5 princess suite is probably more comparable to a celebrity suite, but $4k is a pretty significant for 1 level up.  

[swigso]

11 hours ago, crusinthrough said:

The smoke in the casino is also a downside.  

This is why we remain with celebrity having sailed with Royal the smoking in the casino was a no go for us so Princess is also a no go

Why on earth do cruise ships allow smoking and vaping in indoor areas 

it is proven 2nd hand smoking can cause lung cancer. 

[zitsky]

18 minutes ago, swigso said:

This is why we remain with celebrity having sailed with Royal the smoking in the casino was a no go for us so Princess is also a no go

Why on earth do cruise ships allow smoking and vaping in indoor areas 

it is proven 2nd hand smoking can cause lung cancer. 

FYI a fellow at Princess reservation department says no way do they allow vaping in cabins.  And said smoking only in designated areas.  Of course did not mention the casino.

 

They are telling us deposit is refundable so we might book a Japan cruise on Princess.  I don’t have solid numbers on Celebrity but I expect it to be 25% more expensive than Princess.

[vwlmember]

My one and only experience with Princess was with a cruise we booked on the upcoming Star Princess for early next September. The voyage ended up being cancelled due to the shipyard running behind and the delivery date was pushed back by six or seven weeks. No problem, we get that it is beyond their control and we had plenty of advanced notice.  The problem came when we tried to get our deposit of $900 and the $1500 we paid for the Plus package returned. We filled out the online request for the deposit refund as they requested and the cancellation email stated any other purchases would automatically be refunded to the method of payment when purchased.  Despite these steps and assurances, it took me three months and sixteen phone calls before all of my money was returned.  Nope, never again.