Comparing Princess and Celebrity

[UpcountryTravelers]

I don't drink wine and DH likes his bourbon at night. 😉 🍺 🍹 I like to have a couple really cold beers....helps me sleep. Is there a lounge or somewhere to go like there is on X?

 

There is always a place open late on Princess. Even on the smallest (Ocean Princess), we were drinking and dancing in the Tahitian Lounge until 1:00 AM. Different names on different ships.

[midwestchick]

There is always a place open late on Princess. Even on the smallest (Ocean Princess), we were drinking and dancing in the Tahitian Lounge until 1:00 AM. Different names on different ships.

 

 

Thank you. I'll have to learn the different venues...never been on Princess before.

 

Norris....didn't mean to high jack your wonderful comparison.

[magnolia888]

I don't drink wine and DH likes his bourbon at night. �� �� �� I like to have a couple really cold beers....helps me sleep. Is there a loung or somewhere to go like there is on X?

 

He's only barely started to cover the bars! He covered the casual and pool bars. He hasn't covered the bars with music and/or dancing yet. I've only been on the Coral princess, but the late-night bars and lounges tended to have music playing into the night.

 

Norris, this comparison is very helpful. I have only taken one cruise, my honeymoon on the Voyage of the Glaciers on Coral Princess last September. But next month I will be on the X Silhouette, and I'm really looking forward to it. Your great photos and detailed information really help.

Edited February 20, 2016 by magnolia888
Spelling

[magnolia888]

Also, Norris, I appreciated the information on celebrities policy of requiring you to pay upfront for anything reserved ahead of time. I didn't really understand how that worked. Now we're going back and canceling our beverage packages, so we can buy them on board and use the onboard credit. I really don't like that policy. I would so much prefer to have all this reserved ahead of time and have our drinks ready to go on day one. ☹

[midwestchick]

Also, Norris, I appreciated the information on celebrities policy of requiring you to pay upfront for anything reserved ahead of time. I didn't really understand how that worked. Now we're going back and canceling our beverage packages, so we can buy them on board and use the onboard credit. I really don't like that policy. I would so much prefer to have all this reserved ahead of time and have our drinks ready to go on day one. ☹

 

 

Watch your cruise closely. I have never paid for a drink package. On our last cruise, I found a promo with their 123 go promo and had already booked that same cruise without all three perks. I cancelled that reservation and ended up getting Aqua class for less than Impaid for the balcony and had drinks, grats and $300 OBC for less money.

[magnolia888]

Watch your cruise closely. I have never paid for a drink package. On our last cruise, I found a promo with their 123 go promo and had already booked that same cruise without all three perks. I cancelled that reservation and ended up getting Aqua class for less than Impaid for the balcony and had drinks, grats and $300 OBC for less money.

 

I'm not sure I understand. We are cruising on March 13. Isn't it too late now to cancel, even if we found a better deal?

 

My husband handled the booking, since he is the more experienced cruiser. We have a lot of OBC and I think gratuities are taken care of as well. Our problem now is figuring out how we're going to use the OBC if the drinks and excursions are already paid for. I much prefer the Princess way of doing things. I'm annoyed that we have to wait until we get on board to do this, it would be so much easier if it were all taken care of before boarding. Well, it would be easier on Princess. Celebrity's website makes everything difficult. :rolleyes:

[Jasperdo]

A quick question if you don't mind. I'm not a coffee drinker (I know - I know). But I was wondering about the Vitality machines at the self serve drink station in the buffet on the Silhouette. I can't read what it offers. It looks like different types of juice. Do you happen to remember what is offered there? Is iced tea one of the options?

Edited February 20, 2016 by Jasperdo

[midwestchick]

I'm not sure I understand. We are cruising on March 13. Isn't it too late now to cancel, even if we found a better deal?

 

My husband handled the booking, since he is the more experienced cruiser. We have a lot of OBC and I think gratuities are taken care of as well. Our problem now is figuring out how we're going to use the OBC if the drinks and excursions are already paid for. I much prefer the Princess way of doing things. I'm annoyed that we have to wait until we get on board to do this, it would be so much easier if it were all taken care of before boarding. Well, it would be easier on Princess. Celebrity's website makes everything difficult. :rolleyes:

 

 

Yes....too late to cancel. Once final payment is made it's a done deal. Just made final payment yesterday for our May cruise.

X's website is horrible and they keep saying they are working on it. :rolleyes:

You can use OBC at the spa, the nail salon, specialty restaurants or update your drink package....get money at the casino to gamble with. I always get a polish change if we're on a longer cruise.

[Working 2 Cruise]

Norris, yes, I have a ton of reading to do! I haven't yet finished the Emerald review!

 

I've downloaded War and Peace, in French, to freshen up my French, however, I can't get to it!

 

Unfortunately, I've had really bad news from my husband's doctor... it seems that, even if hubby lives a few months longer, he will be in no shape to run around Rome and Florence. I haven't cancelled it yet, however. Hope springs eternal.

 

If things don't improve, we'll aim for Hawaii one more and likely last time, but then again, miracles do occur.

 

Thanks again for the wonderful escapes!

Edited February 20, 2016 by Working 2 Cruise

[skrapngal]

loving this thread!!! Have never cruised Celebrity, but since loyalty levels can be applied from Royal, once I get a little higher, it's in my plans.

 

My only comparison so far is between Pacific Princess and Royal's Allure of the Seas and the ships are so different in both size and age that it makes comparisons difficult, but no matter, for me, any cruise ship is a great vacation!

[CRLess]

Hey everyone....don't look now, but someone is having a birthday today!

 

Happy Birthday Norris!

 

:D

[Bimmer09]

Hey everyone....don't look now, but someone is having a birthday today!

 

Happy Birthday Norris!

 

:D

 

Chris-thank you!

 

A day of treats ahead-

 

Lunch at our favorite tapas restaurant

 

An evening at the Opera

 

Indian food for supper.

 

Cheers,

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

loving this thread!!! Have never cruised Celebrity, but since loyalty levels can be applied from Royal, once I get a little higher, it's in my plans.

 

My only comparison so far is between Pacific Princess and Royal's Allure of the Seas and the ships are so different in both size and age that it makes comparisons difficult, but no matter, for me, any cruise ship is a great vacation!

 

Glad you are reading!

 

Wow you've covered both ends of the ship spectrum with those two sailings!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris, yes, I have a ton of reading to do! I haven't yet finished the Emerald review!

 

I've downloaded War and Peace, in French, to freshen up my French, however, I can't get to it!

 

Unfortunately, I've had really bad news from my husband's doctor... it seems that, even if hubby lives a few months longer, he will be in no shape to run around Rome and Florence. I haven't cancelled it yet, however. Hope springs eternal.

 

If things don't improve, we'll aim for Hawaii one more and likely last time, but then again, miracles do occur.

 

Thanks again for the wonderful escapes!

 

Nina, I think you have appeared in every one of my reviews.

 

I am very saddened to hear about your husband.

 

Wherever you both cruise it will be special.

 

Best wishes to you both.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

He's only barely started to cover the bars! He covered the casual and pool bars. He hasn't covered the bars with music and/or dancing yet. I've only been on the Coral princess, but the late-night bars and lounges tended to have music playing into the night.

 

Norris, this comparison is very helpful. I have only taken one cruise, my honeymoon on the Voyage of the Glaciers on Coral Princess last September. But next month I will be on the X Silhouette, and I'm really looking forward to it. Your great photos and detailed information really help.

 

As you rightly say I'll be covering the rest of the bars today.

 

I'm glad the Silhouette review has heightened your anticipation.

 

A splendid time is guaranteed for all!

 

Roll on March!

 

Norris

[RocketMan275]

Yes the pic shows a deeper balcony than Caribe 750 on the Emerald. I'd be happy with that.

 

Norris

 

How does the Vista balcony on Dolphin compare to the Penthouse balcony on Caribe. We're big balcony folks. It's one of the critical factors in our room selection and one of the reasons we're reluctant to cruise on Regal/Royal.

[tigerbeth]

Happy birthday Norris!

 

Hope you've enjoyed a great day celebrating.

Enjoying the comparison review here.

Best wishes to you .

 

🎉🍷🎁🎂🎈🛳☕️

[Bimmer09]

A quick question if you don't mind. I'm not a coffee drinker (I know - I know). But I was wondering about the Vitality machines at the self serve drink station in the buffet on the Silhouette. I can't read what it offers. It looks like different types of juice. Do you happen to remember what is offered there? Is iced tea one of the options?

 

I just magnified my photos in Lightroom but I don't see (or can't read as the Vitality Machines are small in the photos) Iced Tea. I can read Apple Juice and Fruit Juice. Maybe an Iced tea drinker can chime in?

 

Sorry,

 

Norris

[Pmorton3360]

Happy Birthday. Thanks for all your hard work.

[MustBCruzn]

I just magnified my photos in Lightroom but I don't see (or can't read as the Vitality Machines are small in the photos) Iced Tea. I can read Apple Juice and Fruit Juice. Maybe an Iced tea drinker can chime in?

 

Sorry,

 

Norris

 

Yes, there is most definitely iced tea available at all the self service stations. It's my go-to drink of choice after my double-tall latte! :D Oh, and a very happy birthday to you, Norris!

Edited February 20, 2016 by MustBCruzn

[mkazmer]

Enjoying your observations, review and others' comments. We are Elite on both lines, have cruised on every Celebrity ship class that ever was (Meridian, , Zenith, Century, Mercury, Millenium, Infinity. and Eclipse. Our Princess travels have had us beginning on the Grand, the Golden, Star, Ruby, Crown, Emerald, Regal (some multiple times). Each ship has a personality of its own and each line its own pluses and minuses. Overall we are Princess cruisers from now on.

 

We have cruised on most major lines - and as time has gone on we cruised pretty much only on Celebrity and Princess . Without going into a lot of detail, we have decided that Princess lives and sails better for us. We started cruising in the late 1980's when cruising was much more formal and relaxed (if that makes sense). There was no internet so one was truly "unplugged" from the world. Formal nights were very formal and dinner hours were set times. As time went on, cruising has become much more informal and plugged in. Ships became larger and larger and there is much more that is optional such as specialty restaurants. Promenade decks on many lines are a thing of the past. When we first started cruising with Celebrity there were NO balcony cabins -only inside and outside and suites of various sizes. The Grand Princess, at the time of our first sailing on her, was the largest ship out there and I was reluctant to try it - preferring smaller ships - but we fell in love with it and have loved all the Grand class ships we have been sailed on. Our favorite Celebrity was and is the Century which is no longer sailing for them - we have enjoyed the M class ships but do not like the S class.

 

Comparing the M class ships to the Grand class ships of Princess, for us Princess wins hands down. The Piazza is wonderful with the International Cafe and all that goes on there. The M class has nothing like that. We don't eat in the buffet, so the IC is perfect for us for some meals. Anytime dining on Princess is so easy - on Celebrity a chore (and you have to pre-pay gratuties). The flow of the Grand class ships makes us feel that there aren't that many people on board - and the adult pools on Princess (aft and forward) are lovely. I could go on and on, but the bottom line for us is that Princess is now our cruise line of choice.

[Bimmer09]

One of the reasons why X has so many interior bars is that they are smaller and more niche bars. This gives a great variety of venues. With the exception of the wine bar (coming later) they don't have doors and are open to passing traffic along decks 4 and 5. So they don't have space for bands and dance floors. They have seating away from the bar of course. There isn't a dedicated piano bar .

 

One of the lounge bars where you'll hear music is also on a thoroughfare with no doors and as you pass through deck 5 to get to the Specialty restaurants which are clustered at the rear of the ship you'll pass through the Ensemble Lounge.

 

 

Bands of all sizes play here but the floor is carpet and a walkway so that rules out dancing.

 

You can dance up on deck 14 in the Sky Lounge which looks out through panoramic windows over the bow of the ship.

 

 

This where you are likely to be entertained by the ship's excellent 7 piece band.

A Dj will also do themed party nights here (60's 70's 80's etc) Dance the night away!

 

 

Live music for dancing also happens in the 3rd deck Atrium which is a small space and like the Piazza on Princess has a marble floor and that's not good for doing fancy dance moves. It has the Passport bar nearby to serve it.

 

You can dance in Quasar the disco but it will be to a DJ. It's a cool retro 60's space open to the passing corridor and a fraction of the size of the Princess disco Skywalkers, high at the stern of the ship.

 

Quasar

 

 

Like Skywalkers you are not dancing on polished wood

 

 

Cool seating and lighting but it doesn't look relaxing

 

 

Next up Princess...

 

[Aquahound]

Bimmer09....that picture of the Sky Lounge is one of the numerous reasons I think Celebrity Solstice Class ships blow away Princess Royal Class. I think it's a shame Princess didn't put any lounges on their new ships with a view like that.

[MustBCruzn]

Anytime dining on Princess is so easy - on Celebrity a chore (and you have to pre-pay gratuties).

 

You no longer have to pre-pay gratuities for anytime dining on Celebrity (a recent change). I agree with you that ship choice is very much a personal, subjective thing. I've cruised on Celebrity's M class ships (Infinity and Summit) and all the S class except the Reflection (booked on her for Feb next year) and by far prefer the S class (Silhouette being my favorite so far). I won't even consider an M class anymore. I have only limited experience on Princess (sailed the Ruby last year...loved it!) and have the Crown booked to Alaska this year. I'm assuming my Crown experience will be as lovely as my Ruby experience. Venturing out between lines gives us more itinerary options which is always a nice thing! :D

[Bimmer09]

Enjoying your observations, review and others' comments......

 

Comparing the M class ships to the Grand class ships of Princess, for us Princess wins hands down. The Piazza is wonderful with the International Cafe and all that goes on there. The M class has nothing like that. We don't eat in the buffet, so the IC is perfect for us for some meals. Anytime dining on Princess is so easy - on Celebrity a chore (and you have to pre-pay gratuties). The flow of the Grand class ships makes us feel that there aren't that many people on board - and the adult pools on Princess (aft and forward) are lovely. I could go on and on, but the bottom line for us is that Princess is now our cruise line of choice.

 

Melinda, I edited down your great response as it is so close to this reply the others will just have read it.

Your cruising history-yikes!! I'm green with envy. You have seen the evolution of cruising. I noticed a couple of Song of Norway trips but the last one was 1979 six years before I joined her. You couldn't wait?? LOL

 

I'll cover the "central hub" of both lines later but agree that the Princess Piazza is a stunning area and a big long staircase eating up real estate doesn't cut it from a practical standpoint.

 

I consider us very lucky in that we haven't put a foot wrong in choosing our cruises. Princess was the least familiar cruise line to me as I never saw a PCL ship when I sailed out of Miami 44 times on the Song of Norway. It was NCL,HAL, RCCL and Carnival back then as far as I was concerned. We are Elite now on Princess and enjoy our cruises with them. We took a chance on X and are happy with what we found so we now have more choices. We'll take a chance on some other line as time passes but there are some that we will give a wide berth to.

 

Thanks for reading this. I know you say you are not fans of the S Class and am wondering why? Did you read my Silhouette review by any chance?

 

Thanks again for responding Melinda.

 

Norris