Century vs Star Princess for Alaska

[Cruise Raider]

We are looking into booking a trip next September with a group of friends up to Alaska out of San Francisco.

We have sailed on the Mercury before and loved her but since then have sailed on the Infinity a couple of times, which soon took over as my favorite Celebrity ship and most recently on the Equinox and I cannot even imagine any ship nicer than that. Guess I am impressed by all the glitz of the newer ships and all they have to offer.

We have also sailed on the Star Princess a couple of times and just think the food and entertainment offered are the worst -- and we don't really dislike Princess. They just did nothing to keep guests entertained and like I mentioned, the food was outright nasty -- only on the Star, though. The Caribbean Princess did a fantastic job with this.

 

So, pros and cons about the Star Princess:

Pro: the staff is great

Pro: the casino is fun

Pro: MUTS

Pro: indoor pool area -- especially for Alaska

Con: entertainment / activities were non-existent on this ship

Con: food is awful

Con: itinerary not quite as good

 

 

Things I like about the Century:

Pro: it is Celebrity - a notch above in my opinion

Pro: better itinerary

Pro: blankets offered for outside

Con: no indoor pool

Con: no outdoor movies

I cannot speak for the entertainment, food or staff on this ship.

 

I really like Celebrity better --- but am worried about not having an indoor pool on this ship. Cruises out of San Francisco tend to sell out so no reductions in pricing so would have to go with an inside cabin on either ship. Can anyone tell me their reasons why the Century might be ok for Alaska. Seems like there are a lot of fans of the old ship on this site -- and did love the Mercury but only sailed on her for hot weather cruises so the indoor pool wasn't all as important to me.

I have time to decide ...but need a little help. :confused:

[TomBeckCruise]

If the pool is that important to you the answer is clear.

 

I can't imagine using a pool on an Alaskan cruise, but I'm not you. There is simply too much natural beauty to view; Whales, Birds, Mountains, Glaciers and more. Shore excursions are interesting too.

 

Also, if you smoke go with Princess. You cannot smoke in the Casino on X.

[Gig103]

For Alaska, I'd say the itinerary is more important than the indoor pool and MUTS. But you seem really concerned about it, and thus you might want to consider a one-way Alaskan cruise on an M-class ship next year instead. Sure it isn't out of SFO but you would have that awesome T-pool which was very nice in the cooler Alaska weather.

[Cruise Raider]

For Alaska, I'd say the itinerary is more important than the indoor pool and MUTS. But you seem really concerned about it, and thus you might want to consider a one-way Alaskan cruise on an M-class ship next year instead. Sure it isn't out of SFO but you would have that awesome T-pool which was very nice in the cooler Alaska weather.

 

 

I agree ... I think it is the itinerary. I've sailed up there a couple of times on the Infinity and it was fantastic. I am going up this year on the Solstice ...then I will be completely spoiled.

The reason we want to do San Francisco roundtrip is we're planning a group cruise-- and we are all in the area.

 

PS -- I don't smoke ...hardly anyone in this area does so yes, really appreciate the non-smoking casino. It will just mean I will be in there more often, though....especially if there is no indoor pool. hahaha

[CaribbeanBound]

Been on both. You'll enjoy both.