Emerald Princess vs Celebrity Infinity - Mediterranean

Hi all - we are sailing to the Mediterranean in Sept 2019 with 2 other couples. Currently we are booked in a mini-suite on Emerald for 11 nights. We are looking at switching to Celebrity Infinity for their 12 night itinerary. The other 2 couples are booked in balconies. We've all sailed Princess before but not Celebrity. After doing some research we have some questions:

• Balcony rooms on Emerald are similar in size to veranda on Infinity but definitely smaller than the mini-suite. The verandas do have a loveseat which is similar to the mini-suite but concerned about the overall size difference. Infinity doesn't seem to have anything comparable to mini-suite without going to full suite. Any opinions?
  
• Read some reviews mentioning smoking in Princess casinos. Do they still allow this?
  
• Are the showers larger on Infinity?
  
• Are beds more comfortable on Infinity or Emerald? I realize this is subjective.
  
• Has Infinity had a dry dock renovation lately? I ask this since it is an older ship.
  

Any other input would be greatly appreciated. We've never sailed to the Mediterranean either so this will be a new adventure for our group.

Thank you!

Hi all - we are sailing to the Mediterranean in Sept 2019 with 2 other couples. Currently we are booked in a mini-suite on Emerald for 11 nights. We are looking at switching to Celebrity Infinity for their 12 night itinerary. The other 2 couples are booked in balconies. We've all sailed Princess before but not Celebrity. After doing some research we have some questions:

 

• Balcony rooms on Emerald are similar in size to veranda on Infinity but definitely smaller than the mini-suite. The verandas do have a loveseat which is similar to the mini-suite but concerned about the overall size difference. Infinity doesn't seem to have anything comparable to mini-suite without going to full suite. Any opinions?
  
• Read some reviews mentioning smoking in Princess casinos. Do they still allow this?
  
• Are the showers larger on Infinity?
  
• Are beds more comfortable on Infinity or Emerald? I realize this is subjective.
  
• Has Infinity had a dry dock renovation lately? I ask this since it is an older ship.
  

Any other input would be greatly appreciated. We've never sailed to the Mediterranean either so this will be a new adventure for our group.

 

 

Thank you!

Have you considered Aqua class on Infinity? They have some newer staterooms up on deck 11 that were added just a few years ago. Very nice rooms, good sized balconies, showers with sliding round doors. These rooms also have a couch.

There really isn't anything like a Princess mini-suite on Celebrity ships so hard to compare but Aqua class is very nice and with the added bonus of your own dining room in Blu it could be very nice.

Have never been on Emerald so can't comment on it.

Thank you Gracie 115. We did look at Aqua class but they looked to be the same size and the regular veranda. Is this incorrect? Would definitely consider.

Hi all - we are sailing to the Mediterranean in Sept 2019 with 2 other couples. Currently we are booked in a mini-suite on Emerald for 11 nights. We are looking at switching to Celebrity Infinity for their 12 night itinerary. The other 2 couples are booked in balconies. We've all sailed Princess before but not Celebrity. After doing some research we have some questions:

 

• Balcony rooms on Emerald are similar in size to veranda on Infinity but definitely smaller than the mini-suite. The verandas do have a loveseat which is similar to the mini-suite but concerned about the overall size difference. Infinity doesn't seem to have anything comparable to mini-suite without going to full suite. Any opinions? Balcony cabins are within a few square feet if each other between the two lines - it's the layout and storage thsts so different. Celebrity has a much, much smaller closest area, that opens directly into the room, basically side wall bathroom. That allows for the space for the small sofa sitting area.. Bathrooms are small either way, although perfectly adequate. Mini-suite on Princess is significantly larger than balcony cabins on either. More square footage, semi separate sitting area with large couch, small coffee table, and separate TV, larger bathroom with shower/tub combo, and a ridiculous amount of storage. (Princess cabins win hands down for storage.)
  
• On Celebrity Infinity, Concierge Class balcony cabins and some Aqua Class balconies are somewhat larger than regular balconies, but same layout - we're talking some square footage, not a lot..
  
• All balcony cabin bathrooms on Celebrity are the same, smallish with capsule shower versus shower curtain, Basin, toilet, very good storage, etc.
  
• The closest thing to a mini-suite on Celebrity Infinitum is the Sky Suite - which is a suite, with all the suite class benefits.
  
• Read some reviews mentioning smoking in Princess casinos. Do they still allow this? Yes, Princess still allows smoking in casino on all ships except those based in Australia . There's also no smoking on formal night.. Otherwise, yes, smoking in casino, and in cigar lounge (Churchill's)
  
• Are the showers larger on Infinity? No, still fairly small - they're capsules with sliding door versus the square with shower curtain on Emerald. Probably close in size, but the clear glass/plexiglass doors make it seem more spacious I suppose...
  
• Are beds more comfortable on Infinity or Emerald? I realize this is subjective. Yes, subjective. Emerald has the "new" Princess luxury beds. They've had them about 2 years though, so - how new are they really ?! Lol. Totally subjective, never had a bad sleep on either line's beds..
  
• Has Infinity had a dry dock renovation lately? I ask this since it is an older ship. Not up on drydock schedules - but drydock is mostly to do with under the water line maintenance and upkeep, not necessarily time that any major renos happen. Infinity is quite well kept, she's been updated several times since she launched ..
  

Any other input would be greatly appreciated. We've never sailed to the Mediterranean either so this will be a new adventure for our group.

 

 

Thank you!

See above.

For extra info: Celebrity has higher onboard costs, including for specialty restaurants, beverages (plus higher gratuity), etc. Then again, they also have slightly more options in specialty dining than Princess does.. And often have discounts and packages for specialty dining.

Celebrity is much more class separated than Princess also - ie "regular" cabins, Concierge Class (not a lot more but a fee extra perks), Aqua Class with their own separate dining room, room sections, in cabin perks, Persian Garden access, etc and Suite class , with their own restaurant, lounge, etc . Princess has Club Class now, which is a small section of the MDR with a few extra dishes, a couple extra in room perks, etc or suites, which get breakfast I'm specialty restaurant and Club Class dining and s few extra perks - no separate lounges or dining rooms, etc for the difference categories, everyone's in the same boat, so to speak. (yes, Royal class ships on Princess have concierge lounge, specialty coffee machine and some snacks, and concierge with limited hours - no comparison to Michael's Club, full seevice lounge).

Decor is more understated, sort of South Beach meets mariner vibe on Celebrity. Less live music onboard than on Princess, and often a dead ship after 10/11 except for - maybe - the Martini Bar..

Oh yeah, no 2/7 food venue, charge for room service from 11pm-5 am (hours can vary), buffet shuts between meals, and the deck Grill is only open till 6pm.. All those do make s difference to us, may not to you

We've sailed both lines an awful lot and like them both for different reasons.. Each have made some interesting (sarcasm) changes over the last couple years, which have us branching out to other lines also..

All things being equal, we'd likely do Emerald for your cruise, although the itineray and pricing would make the final decision! Factors, beside itineray/price would be due to the few things above like no charge room service, International Cafe, and better priced drinks (and drinks packages).. YMMV.

Enjoy, whichever you choose - both great ships...

We've been watching some YouTube videos of both ships and I think we are going to stay with Princess. My husband and I really don't want to give up our mini-suite. We've sailed in one before and really like the extra room. The one thing we dislike is the smoking in the casino. I remember smelling smoke the last time we sailed which I admit was quite a while ago.

Thanks to everyone for their input! You were all very helpful and quick in responding. Might try Celebrity another time on a shorter cruise to check them out.

I've started a Roll Call for the cruise so if anyone else is on this cruise please check-in the roll call.

:-)

See above.

For extra info: Celebrity has higher onboard costs, including for specialty restaurants, beverages (plus higher gratuity), etc. Then again, they also have slightly more options in specialty dining than Princess does.. And often have discounts and packages for specialty dining.

Celebrity is much more class separated than Princess also - ie "regular" cabins, Concierge Class (not a lot more but a fee extra perks), Aqua Class with their own separate dining room, room sections, in cabin perks, Persian Garden access, etc and Suite class , with their own restaurant, lounge, etc . Princess has Club Class now, which is a small section of the MDR with a few extra dishes, a couple extra in room perks, etc or suites, which get breakfast I'm specialty restaurant and Club Class dining and s few extra perks - no separate lounges or dining rooms, etc for the difference categories, everyone's in the same boat, so to speak. (yes, Royal class ships on Princess have concierge lounge, specialty coffee machine and some snacks, and concierge with limited hours - no comparison to Michael's Club, full seevice lounge).

 

Decor is more understated, sort of South Beach meets mariner vibe on Celebrity. Less live music onboard than on Princess, and often a dead ship after 10/11 except for - maybe - the Martini Bar..

 

Oh yeah, no 2/7 food venue, charge for room service from 11pm-5 am (hours can vary), buffet shuts between meals, and the deck Grill is only open till 6pm.. All those do make s difference to us, may not to you

 

We've sailed both lines an awful lot and like them both for different reasons.. Each have made some interesting (sarcasm) changes over the last couple years, which have us branching out to other lines also..

 

All things being equal, we'd likely do Emerald for your cruise, although the itineray and pricing would make the final decision! Factors, beside itineray/price would be due to the few things above like no charge room service, International Cafe, and better priced drinks (and drinks packages).. YMMV.

 

Enjoy, whichever you choose - both great ships...

Regular balconies on X’s M class ships do not have shower doors, it’s still curtains. On M class ships, the Concierge and Aqua cabins are slightly bigger than the regular size balcony cabins on X (which are very similar to Princess regular sized veranda cabins with the chair). X discount on their specialty restaurants because they are roughly double the price of Princess and they need to fill them - saying that, they are very good. Agree with all your other points above ;).

OP,

I did post on your other thread on the X board. Have a great cruise :).

Thank you Gracie 115. We did look at Aqua class but they looked to be the same size and the regular veranda. Is this incorrect? Would definitely consider.

They are pretty much the same size, the ones on Deck 11 being a bit larger..but quite comfortable we thought.

Probably a good idea to stay with Princess for this trip...… I would suggest if you plan to try Celebrity in the future to try and book one of the much newer "S" class ships - Equinox/Eclipse/Solstice/Silhouette/Reflection... just beautiful ships and better way to experience the cruiseline for the 1st time … IMHO.... enjoy your cruise whatever you choose....

We cruise both lines and base our choice on itinerary. All of the Millennium class ships will be undergoing a complete refurbish in the coming years but the Infinity isn't scheduled until 2121. They will be changing everything about the ship, including the staterooms. We are fans of Aqua Class on Celebrity but our next two cruises are on the Emerald Princess.

They are pretty much the same size, the ones on Deck 11 being a bit larger..but quite comfortable we thought.

 

Probably a good idea to stay with Princess for this trip...… I would suggest if you plan to try Celebrity in the future to try and book one of the much newer "S" class ships - Equinox/Eclipse/Solstice/Silhouette/Reflection... just beautiful ships and better way to experience the cruiseline for the 1st time … IMHO.... enjoy your cruise whatever you choose....

I’d knock Reflection off that list if it’s in the Med during the peak summer season - I’ve never been on such a crowded ship, so much so that it tempted us to try Princess on our following cruise (and we are avid X cruisers ;)).

some things we liked on Celebrity:

Can order from Dining Room menu for dinner.

Always available menu has better options including escargots and steak.

Interactive shows in the atrium.

Covered adult pool.

Cabin layout for reg balcony, outside, and inside cabins.

No indoor smoking.

Pretty multi level dining room.

Princess:

Fresh water pools.

Lots of deck space.

Larger balconies in premium category.

Beverage packages - coffee, soda and more, one alcohol package.

Both have good points.

The 'capsule' showers are only on the S class ships of Celebrity. M class still have the rectangular showers, much larger and the aqua class have wonderful jets. EM

A Med cruise is so port intensive that the ship almost doesn't matter that much, as long as it is not a total bust. I would stay with Princess...…..but I only have one Celebrity cruise to offer as a comparison.

Thanks everyone! We really appreciate all the feedback.

Just one more thing before you go. We sailed Emerald last year to Alaska. Ship was almost maxed out but we never felt crowded; staff was wonderful; ship looked great and the beds were very comfortable. Food was good too. Have a Nice Day:)

The 'capsule' showers are only on the S class ships of Celebrity. M class still have the rectangular showers, much larger and the aqua class have wonderful jets. EM

M Class Aqua rooms on deck 11 have the capsule showers too....

Its all nice ,

I am easily pleased and I've never had a bad cruise :)

Hope you are ok.

We are off on the Celebrity Eclipse on Sunday sailing from barcelona to Greek islands :)

Best Wishes

John & mary

Its all nice ,

I am easily pleased and I've never had a bad cruise :)

Hope you are ok.

 

We are off on the Celebrity Eclipse on Sunday sailing from barcelona to Greek islands :)

Best Wishes

 

John & mary

Enjoy your cruise welshtiger! I look forward to reading your review when you get back. Bon Voyage :ship::bottle-pop::champagne-toast:

Thank you Gracie 115. We did look at Aqua class but they looked to be the same size and the regular veranda. Is this incorrect? Would definitely consider.

AQ is about 19sf more than any other veranda on the Millennium Class ships. The best regular veranda cabins to get are the Sweet 16 - Cat. 2C on the forward section of Deck 6: 2C-6016,6018,6020,6021,6022,6023,6024,6025,6026,6027, 6028,6029,6030,6031,6033,6035, 6053,6048

Personally, I don't like Princess' Med. itineraries. I'd go with Celebrity. The showers are bigger and the cabin feels bigger with the sofa. I like the little things like the automatic night light built into the bathrooms and the cabinets on the side of the sink. Celebrity is having a good sale with 2 free perks now too.

What's even better than the AQ cabins that have teeny, tiny balconies and are WAY high up (which will make you feel more movement), is the aft-facing C1 category cabins. The Concierge Class perks aren't that great IMO but the balconies are amazing especially on Deck 7! They often book up years in advance.

Its all nice ,

I am easily pleased and I've never had a bad cruise :)

Hope you are ok.

 

We are off on the Celebrity Eclipse on Sunday sailing from barcelona to Greek islands :)

Best Wishes

 

John & mary

Hi John,

Hope you are both well? Have a great cruise. We have recently returned from Alaska on The Grand - had a fabulous time and thoroughly enjoyed our pre cruise stay in Vegas too (a couple of us celebrated BIG birthdays :eek:).

Jenny

AQ is about 19sf more than any other veranda on the Millennium Class ships. The best regular veranda cabins to get are the Sweet 16 - Cat. 2C on the forward section of Deck 6: 2C-6016,6018,6020,6021,6022,6023,6024,6025,6026,6027, 6028,6029,6030,6031,6033,6035, 6053,6048

 

 

Personally, I don't like Princess' Med. itineraries. I'd go with Celebrity. The showers are bigger and the cabin feels bigger with the sofa. I like the little things like the automatic night light built into the bathrooms and the cabinets on the side of the sink. Celebrity is having a good sale with 2 free perks now too.

 

What's even better than the AQ cabins that have teeny, tiny balconies and are WAY high up (which will make you feel more movement), is the aft-facing C1 category cabins. The Concierge Class perks aren't that great IMO but the balconies are amazing especially on Deck 7! They often book up years in advance.

Regular X balconies on M class ships, of which Infinity is one, do not have the sofas ;), it’s a chair. However, I do agree that the aft Concierge cabins on M class are super and are only surpassed by the FV corner staterooms (we’ve had a few of those and they are the best balconies on the ship except from the PH suites ;)).

I read your other thread and saw you’ve decided to stick with Princess; good choice! We strayed from Princess to Celebrity due to a specific itinerary in the Med a few ears ago and regretted it. The itinerary was great, but the ship experience had us fine with disembarking, which NEVER happens. The over culture onboard was snobby, the food was mediocre, and there was a lack of professionalism with the crew. Stick to the tried and true in blue, Princess! Plus, the Emerald ROCKS!!

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I read your other thread and saw you’ve decided to stick with Princess; good choice! We strayed from Princess to Celebrity due to a specific itinerary in the Med a few ears ago and regretted it. The itinerary was great, but the ship experience had us fine with disembarking, which NEVER happens. The over culture onboard was snobby, the food was mediocre, and there was a lack of professionalism with the crew. Stick to the tried and true in blue, Princess! Plus, the Emerald ROCKS!!

 

 

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Thanks cruisequeen4ever.

We now have another monkey wrench. We've been having trouble finding a land tour from Rome to Venice that lines up with our exit in Rome (10/2/19). We found an itinerary with Oceania which has a lot of the same ports and ends in Venice! This would solve our problem but now leads to more dilemma. The cost is more but includes airfare and soda package, no charge for specialty restaurants, DVD player and some other things that Princess charges for. They are offering a package now where you can pick one from drink package (beer/wine), 6 shore excursions per stateroom or $600 on board credit per stateroom. The drawbacks: we would lose our Premiere Drink package with Emerald (not a big deal since we don't drink that much), go from mini-suite to veranda (lose about 100 sq. ft.), large ship vs. small ship (probably a good thing). I've posted on the Oceania forum but would like additional input. Also, not sure if this makes a difference but all the available cabins are on the starboard side. Most of the sailing will be done in the evenings so not sure if there is a benefit to port or starboard.

Just want to thank everyone for all your replies. You've been very helpful! Love CruiseCritic! <3

Why do you need a tour? Take the train and do it yourselves. Super easy.

We are looking into a Med. cruise, Late Sept-Oct next year.

After reading the current review of Emerald, which are not overwhelmingly positive, we were happy to consider other lines.

A better itinerary, and new ship, has us choosing the Nieuw Statendam on HAL.

The itinerary might be the biggest factor.

While I love Princess, I would have no loyalty to the Emerald.

Celebrity has the new EDGE coming out, and sailing Europe. But, yes, that ship does look to be 'over the edge'!!!!

More pricey, too.

I am not familiar with Oceania at all. But would def. do some research.

Sailing into Venice... WOW!!!!

Why do you need a tour? Take the train and do it yourselves. Super easy.

That's also an option. Not being familiar with the area we wanted to make sure we don't miss something. We can take the train, book the hotels and book tours once we get there. Just thought it would be easier to get it all together. It's been overwhelming already and we haven't even begun to look into hotels. We may still end up going that direction if we don't change to Oceania.

We are looking into a Med. cruise, Late Sept-Oct next year.

After reading the current review of Emerald, which are not overwhelmingly positive, we were happy to consider other lines.

A better itinerary, and new ship, has us choosing the Nieuw Statendam on HAL.

 

The itinerary might be the biggest factor.

While I love Princess, I would have no loyalty to the Emerald.

 

Celebrity has the new EDGE coming out, and sailing Europe. But, yes, that ship does look to be 'over the edge'!!!!

More pricey, too.

 

I am not familiar with Oceania at all. But would def. do some research.

Sailing into Venice... WOW!!!!

I'll have to look at HAL again. I don't remember seeing anything that would work but will check again.