Celebrity reflection or royal princess for e. Med 2013?

[Dr. Pam]

Before I get flamed, I will post this same thread on Princess. (I have cruised on Celebrity, Princess, RCCL, and Disney).

 

THe setting: (costs are approx equal for both)

Eastern Med July 2013 for family of 4 (with 2 teenagers)

Celebrity Reflection Royal Suite vs. Royal Princess Suite (S2) with a balcony (BD) beside us.

 

We have been to all of the ports on both itineraries with the exception of Istanbul.

So my questions:

 

1. Celebrity is in Istanbul for 1.5 days, Princess 1 day.

2. Princess more port intensive...is it too much so?

3. Venice is start point for Princess, Rome is for Celebrity

4. Rome is end point for Celebrity, Barcelona is for Princess

5. I have not saile Princess for 10 years.....how would the food compare?

 

Many questions.....I would love to hear all thoughts. Thank you in advance!

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Wow- the Royal Princess looks AWESOME!

 

I think you will have an equally good time on either cruise ship. Princess excels in one area that is lacking on Celebrity- the pools.

 

I think you should do the Princess cruise because you had me at Venice. Venice is a spectacular cruise port! It is absolutely without a doubt the most wonderful place to sail out of. The airport is a quick taxi ride to the port (20-25 min). The city is so wonderful. Barcelona is also a very cruise friendly port- the airport is only 20-25 minutes (25 Euro)

 

The problem with a roundtrip out of Civitavecchia is that the port is far from the airport in Rome. So this would not be my first choice for cruise ports. Venice and Barcelona are better.

 

Istanbul is wonderful but you will be able to see the main sites- Haiga Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the underground Cisterns and the Grand Bazaar all in one day. The sites are really close together. An overnight would be preferable but would not be a deal breaker for me- with all the other ports offered by Royal Princess.

 

I want to add that I kind of got turned off Princess from a customer relations standpoint and I am a diehard Celebrity fan.. but in summer you'll be happier with the Princess pools for the kids. Youth program will be good too on either ship.

[gacruisergal]

First question is can you even get on the Royal Princess and this is her maiden voyage Med. cruises. We are on her maiden Transatlantic on Oct. 9, 2013 and it is completely sold out. Since this will be a brand new ship (she had her float out yesterday) she should be magnficent.

 

I love Princess and I love Celebrity. It is difficult to say what is better. Think Pricess food is wonderful in the main diningroom and the service is terrific. We have been on Diamond, Caribbean, and Crown over the past few years and were very pleased with everything. Only had a balcony on all so can't compare. We were on Eclipse last December and will be on Equinox this November to the E. Med. We are touring Istanbul all day the first day there and then heading to the Asian side to visit the Palace and Spice Market the second morning. Don't know that the overnight is really necessary but like you, that is the only stop we have not been to so perhaps the overnight will be special.

 

This would be a hard decision for me as we are Elite on Celebrity and Diamond+ on Princess. As a side, if you like playing 21 in the casino, my bet is on Princess and I have always come away with doubling my money. Not so on Celebrity!

[aquaclass]

A couple of thoughts. We have sailed with both Celebrity and Princess within the past year. Overall, I think they are both excellent cruise lines. Obviously both ships you are considering are NEW and would make a good choice.

 

Itinerary: Both are good. One question would be, “Do you plan to stay any extra days at the beginning or end of the cruise?” If the answer is yes, having the opportunity to spend a couple extra days in Rome would be a big plus for me. Yet others would say spending extra time in places like Venice or especially Barcelona would be good. Finally, Istanbul is a great city; the Hagia Sophia is beautiful at night ….. plus the chance to spend an entire day/night in Istanbul would be a big advantage for Celebrity

 

Airfare: There may be a BIG cost advantage to flying roundtrip to/from Rome as opposed to 2 one way tickets to Venice and from Barcelona.

 

Rooms: While we have never stayed in a Celebrity Royal Suite, they look beautiful and should easily accommodate 4 people. Having your own dining area, private hot tub, and butler would be great. The Princess Suite (s2) with a balcony room next to you might be nicer to 2 teens to have their own separate space. On Celebrity is there the option of a Celebrity suite with a balcony room next to it? Cost? Finally, the opportunity to dine in BLU for suite guests would be a BIG plus for me personally.

 

Food. I thought the food on our last Princess cruise (june 2012) was good in the MDR and very good in the specialty restaurants. Celebrity (2010,2012) also has good food in the MDR, with excellent specialty options, YET the option for you and the teens to dine in BLU is special. I think BLU is the finest restaurant at sea.

[MTemple212]

To me passenger to space ratio should also be considered. Princess generally has many more passengers on comparable ships than does Celebrity. Have done both companies and we just prefer Celebrity usually based on this fact.

[Mulege]

If the teens are not in a suite or Aqua Class cabin they will not be able to dine in Blu.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

To me the itinerary is really more important than the ship. Having said that I do think that Princess is a better ship for teens. I love Celebrity for the Fun Factory and small kids- but teens often rely on the shipboard amenities more. Lounging by the pool will be important to teens and Princess just offers more in the way of pools for kids and adults.

 

Even though I am a huge Celebrity fan- when i did Greece and Turkey I did Holland because the itinerary was ideal. Overnight in Venice and an overnight in Istanbul.

[aquaclass]

If the teens are not in a suite or Aqua Class cabin they will not be able to dine in Blu.

 

 

More than half of the rooms next to a Celebrity suite are AQ Class rooms so BLU would be an option.

[Dr. Pam]

So, thank you all for such prompt responses. To clarify. We have been to Rome 3x, Barcelona 3x, Venice 1x (but not as an embarkation/disembarkation port). I know the logisitics of airport/hotel/port in the first two. Regarding the Royal Suite on Celebrity, our family works in one suite, so we all have access to any suite perks. non-issue. We have not had the pleasure of the movie under the stars on Princess...might be fun.or we might be too tired from the port intensive itinerary! I have only stayed in a minisuite on Princess and do not know what the full suite appointments are like (I do have a full list of suite amenities). According to the Princess boards, the new Royal has less pools :(. Regarding kids activities....our 18 and 15 yr old like to hang out with their parents :) still allowing DH and I time for couples dining,etc. Onobard Celebrity Equinox last summer, to have a butler is not a deal breaker....as I was not that all impressed...and we are not needy passengers! Airfare is not a consideration at this point, as I have reserved flights in Executive Class on AC with points :) to Frankfurt....so the add on with points to Rome or Venice/Barcelona is not a biggie. I guess it really comes down to the time in Istanbul and Kusadasi on Princess plus throw in the fact that I would love to return to Venice. Decisions, decisions....and there is a big sale on Celebrity suites and Aqua class today!

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I looked at the deck plans and you are right about the #of pools on Royal but they do bill the main pool as the "largest top deck pool ever". And then there is the Sanctuary if you want to pay for a kid free experience- might be worth it!

 

I did love MUTS.

 

Personally I've done Equinox and it left me cold (can't speak to Reflection). I was pretty much wishing I was on the Millenium class ships again. I really love the size and use of glass on Celebrity- plus the wonderful caring crew thoughout. It is just a great fit for me- on M'class.

 

So if you are comparing one big new ship to another big new ship- I'd still say do Royal.

 

My recommendation takes into account the ages of your children as well- I just think that the S-class are fairly boring outside of the youth programs. I like Celebrity because I'm 47 but for teens- I just think there are more bells and whistles on Princess.

 

I have done your itinerary and I found that most people are back on the ship by lunch time and they are ready to unwind by the pool. The long days will be in Rome, Naples (Pompeii and Sorrento), Livorno (Cinque Terre is great) and Istanbul. Athens was really hot and most people were back on by lunchtime. Mykonos is good for beaches and windmills but not much to do there. Kusadasi= Ephesus, which is a half day excursion.

 

I think with teens and with the heat- I'd definitely try to switch things up so they don't have long days and get burnt out on ruins. Teens in particular are NOT going to like having to get up early every morning for an excursion and you are all going to get on each others nerves if you don't allow them to have fun, unstructured time.

[junglejane]

Dr. Pam it sounds like you already have this pretty well thought out. Our DD's are now 11 and 15 and have enjoyed both Celebrity and Princess. Our older DD was 14 when we did the Eastern Med on the Equinox and she had a great time, in part because she met some other teens that she really hit it off with.

 

One factor that would be a huge negative for me is having all four in one room, even if it's a suite. I'm a big fan of having two rooms with two bathrooms where teens are concerned! We have booked two side by side AQ staterooms for our upcoming cruise on the Silhouette. So that would tip the balance for me in favor of the Royal Princess where you have a suite and a balcony next door. I do love the Venice sailaway as well, and there are rumors about Venice restricting those in the future. So that's another plus for the Princess option.

[cruisetrail]

Before I get flamed, I will post this same thread on Princess. (I have cruised on Celebrity, Princess, RCCL, and Disney).

 

THe setting: (costs are approx equal for both)

Eastern Med July 2013 for family of 4 (with 2 teenagers)

Celebrity Reflection Royal Suite vs. Royal Princess Suite (S2) with a balcony (BD) beside us.

 

We have been to all of the ports on both itineraries with the exception of Istanbul.

So my questions:

 

1. Celebrity is in Istanbul for 1.5 days, Princess 1 day.

2. Princess more port intensive...is it too much so?

3. Venice is start point for Princess, Rome is for Celebrity

4. Rome is end point for Celebrity, Barcelona is for Princess

5. I have not saile Princess for 10 years.....how would the food compare?

 

Many questions.....I would love to hear all thoughts. Thank you in advance!

 

The new Royal Princess has lost some key features of the best Princess ships that used to set Princess apart.

The remains is more like Celebrity than different. Princess designers have copied (may be unintentionally) major flaws of Celebrity design: lack of promenade deck, crammed pool deck, life boats spoil views from balconies.

 

You can expect noticeably better food on Princess.

 

Entertainment is equal or somewhat better on Princess.

 

If you are a spa person you'll enjoy a hydro pool on Princess (that Celebrity lacks).

 

Itinerary.

Departure from Venice is something special. Must see.

[avalon1025]

I think the pool situation on the Royal will be interesting, one big pool for the entire ship (not counting the pool you have to pay for) vs the two outdoor pools on the solstice class plus the indoor spa pool. How can all those passengers use one pool ?(regardless if its the largest on any ship)

[Dr. Pam]

Wow, Thank you, everyone. So much to think about! I do not think that there is a wrong decision rather just a better one.....whatever that might be. The scales seem to be tipping in favour of Princess. We have been to all the port stops on the Royal Itinerary with the exception of Istanbul and our plan was to do shorter excursions on these repeat stops with the port intensive itinerary. I have 2 deposits down on 2 cruises......will keep everyone posted. :)

[cruisetrail]

I think the pool situation on the Royal will be interesting, one big pool for the entire ship (not counting the pool you have to pay for) vs the two outdoor pools on the solstice class plus the indoor spa pool. How can all those passengers use one pool ?(regardless if its the largest on any ship)

 

The Royal will have 3 pools of which two are next to each other (same problem as on Solstice class).

Pools a free on the Royal.

Solstice class has no pool in spa.

[Christine Frances]

S Class pools are free with the third (covered T Pool) with lots of loungers just outside the spa.

[Cruise Junky]

I think the pool situation on the Royal will be interesting, one big pool for the entire ship (not counting the pool you have to pay for) vs the two outdoor pools on the solstice class plus the indoor spa pool. How can all those passengers use one pool ?(regardless if its the largest on any ship)

 

There is no pool that you have to pay for on Royal. The adult pool is free

[Cruise Junky]

 

Airfare: There may be a BIG cost advantage to flying roundtrip to/from Rome as opposed to 2 one way tickets to Venice and from Barcelona.

 

.

 

You would never do that as two one ways. When checking air you select Multi City. It's very comparable to a round trip.

[Dr. Pam]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Thank you, everyone! I am leaning towards the Royal Princess because of some great points given to me by my fellow CCers!. !. the port of Venice may be relocated and we may not have the opportunity to sail away with the amazing view of Venice. 2. Teenage kids have their own full washroom not just the 1/2 bath that is on the RS on Celebrity. 3. Royal has the more port intensive cruise (which could be a positive or a negative?) but it will be a nice send-off for our son to revisit some of these ports before he heads off to University .

4. Comments suggest that maybe the dining may be better on Princess....very subjective.

6. Entertainment might be better on Princess? 7. Barcelona ( I know from past experience 2x) has an airport that is close to the city and hence we would eliminate the long trek from Rome to FCO airport which I found to be a very busy crowded airport!

 

Anyone that has experience on suite amenities for both Celebrity and Princess, I would love to hear from you! Again, thank you to everyone!

[cruisetrail]

 

4. Comments suggest that maybe the dining may be better on Princess....very subjective.

 

No problem.

I can be more certain then.

Dining (included in the price) on Princess is definitely better than on Celebrity.

On the Grand Class we enjoyed International cafe, Pub Lunch with live music, Proper Afternoon tea ceremony.

Nothing is close on Celebrity.

Note that there may be some improvements on the Royal in this area in comparison with Grand class.

 

Variety and quality of food in the buffet was better on Princess (except coffee). You can call this subjective but it's true.

 

Murano extra charge restaurant on Celebrity is above its analogs on Princess.

You can call this subjective but it's true.

 

Some people only eat in extra charge restauarants. If you are one of them - Celebrity is your way.

If not - Princess wins hands down.

[PinotBlanc]

Before I get flamed, I will post this same thread on Princess. (I have cruised on Celebrity, Princess, RCCL, and Disney).

 

THe setting: (costs are approx equal for both)

Eastern Med July 2013 for family of 4 (with 2 teenagers)

Celebrity Reflection Royal Suite vs. Royal Princess Suite (S2) with a balcony (BD) beside us.

 

We have been to all of the ports on both itineraries with the exception of Istanbul.

So my questions:

 

1. Celebrity is in Istanbul for 1.5 days, Princess 1 day.

2. Princess more port intensive...is it too much so?

3. Venice is start point for Princess, Rome is for Celebrity

4. Rome is end point for Celebrity, Barcelona is for Princess

5. I have not saile Princess for 10 years.....how would the food compare?

 

Many questions.....I would love to hear all thoughts. Thank you in advance!

 

Princess gets my vote.

Give up 1/2 day (is that 3 hours of tour time?)

I would choose Venice to Barcelona.

 

We avoid Rome Airport and connections to Civitavecchia.

Whether cruising Princess or Celebrity.

 

Another time take a trip to Rome w/out a cruise.

[avalon1025]

This year I sailed the Eclipse then Grand Princess, then Eclipse again and I have to say i was so underwhelmed by the Grand, the ship had no wow factor, food was just ok, service was meh and overall it felt like a very mass market product. I also thought the decor on the grand in the areas that were not renovated (and there were many) was very 80's and tacky. I was so happy to get back on the Eclipse with Blu and all the wonderful alternative restaurants. The Eclipse was cool, and I really felt like I was on a special ship, the Grand felt like an old age home for value cruisers

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I don't think it is fair to compare the Grand (1998) to the Eclipse (2010). They are very different in age.

 

Royal is a brand new ship as is Reflection. They are similar in size as well.

 

I actually did Grand in 2008 and had an absolutely fantastic voyage.

 

I totally agree that Celebrity feels like home from start to finish you are made to feel like an important guest and I love Celebrity for that.

 

However, I don't exclusively sail Celebrity because it is fun to try new ships and sometimes they don't offer the itinerary I want.

 

For Europe- the itinerary is really more important that the ship. I think you will get good food and service on either line and will be happy with either.

[Mulege]

No problem.

I can be more certain then.

Dining (included in the price) on Princess is definitely better than on Celebrity.

On the Grand Class we enjoyed International cafe, Pub Lunch with live music, Proper Afternoon tea ceremony.

Nothing is close on Celebrity.

Note that there may be some improvements on the Royal in this area in comparison with Grand class.

 

Variety and quality of food in the buffet was better on Princess (except coffee). You can call this subjective but it's true.

 

Murano extra charge restaurant on Celebrity is above its analogs on Princess.

You can call this subjective but it's true.

 

Some people only eat in extra charge restauarants. If you are one of them - Celebrity is your way.

If not - Princess wins hands down.

 

After reading your negative posts about Celebrity I reviewed your post history. You have a pattern of bashing Celebrity over Prncess. Your bias is obvious.

[cruisetrail]

You have no right to comment on posters.

You violate CC rules.

 

In my post I listed exactly why food service on the Royal is expected to be better than Celebrity.

If you have something to justify a different opinion - please post.

If you have not - please pass by.