Comparing Princess and Celebrity

[afto]

Feeling a bit like a fish out of water over here on the Princess board, but enjoyed your review of the Silhouette so followed you over here for this comparison. We are fairly loyal to X but have been thinking about Princess for a future cruise so learning a lot here. Still on the fence as to whether to "risk" it, but thanks for sharing.

[kimcht]

Thanks so much for answering my activity question I am loving your review. For our next cruise we are trying to decide between the royal princess and the celebrity silhouette. Unfortunately those are the only two options for the time frame we have available. Although we've always loved princess I don't like what I'm reading about the Royal ( 1 pool on a Caribbean cruise and no promenade deck to walk the calories off what were they thinking?) so i'll be using your review to help me decide whether to give celebrity a try.

[Jasperdo]

Feeling a bit like a fish out of water over here on the Princess board, but enjoyed your review of the Silhouette so followed you over here for this comparison. We are fairly loyal to X but have been thinking about Princess for a future cruise so learning a lot here. Still on the fence as to whether to "risk" it, but thanks for sharing.

I felt the same way when I went over to the X Board to follow Norris's Silhouette review. But I quickly found that there were a lot of nice people over there. I hope you'll find the same here on the Princess Board. We've only been on one Celebrity cruise, on the sadly departed Meridian. Norris's review of the Silhouette has rekindled my interest in Celebrity. Hopefully it will do likewise to you with Princess.

[capriccio]

Although we've always loved princess I don't like what I'm reading about the Royal ( 1 pool on a Caribbean cruise and no promenade deck to walk the calories off what were they thinking?) so i'll be using your review to help me decide whether to give celebrity a try.

 

There are two pools on the Royal Princess - the Retreat Pool (adults only) and the family pool. The Regal has a 3rd but it sounds more like an oversized hot tub. We missed the Promenade on our first (of 3) Royal cruise but used the walking/jogging complex on the upper deck for exercise. For us that one disappointment was outweighed by the beautiful ship and the multitude of dining venues.

[5:00_Somewhere]

Feeling a bit like a fish out of water over here on the Princess board, but enjoyed your review of the Silhouette so followed you over here for this comparison. We are fairly loyal to X but have been thinking about Princess for a future cruise so learning a lot here. Still on the fence as to whether to "risk" it, but thanks for sharing.

 

As someone who just made the reverse leap, I can recommend the experience. We have been with Princess for many, many years and many, many sailings (as you can see below), and love the line, its staff, amenities, and food (for the most part). But, I'd wanted to try Celebrity, and we were extremely happy with our experience last week on the Silhouette.

 

The one possible negative about Celebrity for us, however, is that it was significantly more expensive for an equivalent sailing. And, though we absolutely loved all the alternative dining options, they too were much more expensive than those offered by Princess; likewise the beverages and other items available for purchase aboard ship. This did not deter us from booking a future Celebrity cruise while on board (we loved it that much), but it was a definite consideration.

 

I would propose, however, that this cost differential might actually prove an advantage for you if you should decide you'd like to give Princess a go.

 

Try it, you'll like it. What's the worst that could happen? ;)

 

Just thought that might give you a bit of food for thought. :D

Edited February 23, 2016 by 5:00_Somewhere

[Bimmer09]

Feeling a bit like a fish out of water over here on the Princess board, but enjoyed your review of the Silhouette so followed you over here for this comparison. We are fairly loyal to X but have been thinking about Princess for a future cruise so learning a lot here. Still on the fence as to whether to "risk" it, but thanks for sharing.

 

If you've read this far you must be getting a better idea of whether Princess is a good fit for you-but there's a lot more to come.

 

The Princess people are the same people that populate the X board-people interested in good food, entertainment, beautiful ships and relaxation in comfortable surroundings without forking over an arm and a leg.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

As someone who just made the reverse leap, I can recommend the experience. We have been with Princess for many, many years and many, many sailings (as you can see below), and love the line, its staff, amenities, and food (for the most part). But, I'd wanted to try Celebrity, and we were extremely happy with our experience last week on the Silhouette.

 

The one possible negative about Celebrity for us, however, is that it was significantly more expensive for an equivalent sailing. And, though we absolutely loved all the alternative dining options, they too were much more expensive than those offered by Princess; likewise the beverages and other items available for purchase aboard ship. This did not deter us from booking a future Celebrity cruise while on board (we loved it that much), but it was a definite consideration.

 

I would propose, however, that this cost differential might actually prove an advantage for you if you should decide you'd like to give Princess a go.

 

Try it, you'll like it. What's the worst that could happen? ;)

 

Just thought that might give you a bit of food for thought. :D

 

I am very glad that you guys enjoyed the Silhouette and made another booking and have come here to say so. With the Premium Package included the drinks are on X. Discounts are available for the specialty restaurants if they are not selling out. You can save with a Specialty Dining package too.

 

Tell me what you enjoyed most- did you like the lawn? I lived there.

 

Thanks for adding to this comparison.

 

Norris

[wallie5446]

Norris, you said not to miss the Ultimate Balcony Dinner. How much is it, and how would that work in Alaska? Thank you.

 

Mel

 

This is the one most definite dinner to do when you sail on a Princess ship!

We did it on the Ruby in 2012, and the wifester still says it was her most memorable meal on any cruise we have done.

 

Sorry my pic posting skills are not like our Host :o

EW

[deliver42]

Wallie5446, Thanks for the pics.

[Bimmer09]

On the Silhouette there were more bars than Princess, more shops and more specialty restaurants. In other words many more venues for customers to spend money in/enjoy. Smaller rooms but more of them. As a firm believer in capitalism and cruise lines turning a profit I salute the designers of the S Class ships.

 

Here, off the top of my head are the pay restaurants on X;

 

Murano $50 pp

Tuscan Grille $45

Qsine $45?

Lawn Club Grille $45

The Porch $40?

Bistro on 5 $10

 

I'll get the ones I didn't eat at out of the way first.

The Porch-beautiful location, little used, seafood specialties, raw bar.

 

Qsine-Quirky presentation, foods from all over da Woild from Sliders to sushi, a food coma waiting to happen

 

 

We will 100% dine in Qsine on our next sailing!. So besides our comp Suites dining rooms of Luminae (suites only) and Blu (Suites and Aqua class) we dined at 4 specialties one of which (Murano) was complimentary to us.

 

We had dinner on our first night (we paid for it) at Bistro on 5 which is a casual cafe.

 

 

This was the best cream of chicken soup ( I wasn't feeling well) to ever pass my lips.

 

 

Carol's tuna Nicoise open faced sandwich

 

 

A bright light shone from above and heavenly angels sang when our freshly made Nutella,banana and chocolate crepe descended from on high to bless our tummies with deliciousness.

 

 

Had I not been unwell we would have enjoyed more of this fine food.

 

Next up Tuscan Grille

[Bimmer09]

This is the one most definite dinner to do when you sail on a Princess ship!

We did it on the Ruby in 2012, and the wifester still says it was her most memorable meal on any cruise we have done.

 

Sorry my pic posting skills are not like our Host :o

EW

 

Wallie, I'll be posting my own pics later but these certainly give the gist and I agree with the wifester. It's the best way to ever spend $100.

 

Cheers!

 

Norris

[wallie5446]

Wallie, I'll be posting my own pics later but these certainly give the gist and I agree with the wifester. It's the best way to ever spend $100.

 

Cheers!

 

Norris

 

It was simply amazing that they could bring, pre, during, and after dinner drinks along with 5 courses that were cooked to absolute perfection. And that over the top desert creation!

 

About our balcony: we like one of the 8 on either side on Emerald deck almost aft ;) because they are completely covered, unlike the rest with the lookie down from above mid ship. There was room for our table for 4 very comfortably.

EW

[Bimmer09]

With it's dramatic entrance and location over the stern with a wake view, Tuscan Grille, like Sabatini's, promises an evening of Italian dining.

 

 

Like Sabatini's, Giuseppe " he no inna da kitchen"- the food misses that authentic Italian flair but like Sabatini's you'll enjoy a good, if not memorable meal.

 

 

Short rib ravioli

 

 

Caesar salad with of course anchovies

 

 

Branzino

 

 

and an Amazing dessert-Toffee panacotta with vanilla gelato in waffle cone, carmelized strawberry and caramel flan. Dessert scrumptious.

 

 

Next -Lawn Club Grill

[JimAOk1945]

I'm following along on your amazing thread. My wife has been talking about wanting to try Celebrity for a long time. I'm still on the fence about it, but I'm giving it more thought after going through your review.

 

I'm looking forward to your next installment! :D

[Bimmer09]

It's sits between the funnels, resting on the lawn. It has glass windbreaks with gaps to let the warm Caribbean night air in. It has overhead cameras and monitors to let you see the meats sizzling on the grill and most of all it has a loose team who like to joke and have fun-towards the end of the service the manager, Sacha, would pop some Latin music on and Salsa Dance while various staff clapped along or encouraged him. That's the sort of stuff I like-warm night air, a belly full of good food and beer and the staff feeling relaxed enough with the passengers they have been charming all night, to loosen up and unwind.

 

A lawn concert was happening when we took our seats leaving San Juan PR

 

 

A passenger was choosing toppings to make her own flatbread (pizza) when we entered. A staffer showed her how to toss the dough. Her husband later took care of cooking their steaks-they were having fun in this one of a kind ship restaurant.

 

 

We were served by a ball of energy called Valeriano who was the best ambassador for X all week. 14 years with X and still enthusiastic. Funny guy who loved to banter and encourage us to eat more and more yummy grilled food.

 

 

 

Seafood, steak and veggie skewers plus a succulent lamb chop

 

 

 

There's no limit to how much steak or how many skewers you order.

 

Putu the pizza cook gave me a pizza-tossing demo (on video in S review)

 

We ate at the LCG twice, and were offered 50% off for a 3rd and booked the only other ship that has it-Reflection for our next cruise on X. It's a unique dining experience. Worth the $45 pp.

 

Next Murano

[Bimmer09]

I'm following along on your amazing thread. My wife has been talking about wanting to try Celebrity for a long time. I'm still on the fence about it, but I'm giving it more thought after going through your review.

 

I'm looking forward to your next installment! :D

 

Jim, thanks for stopping by and thanks for the compliment!

 

Remember ....Happy wife= Happy Life.

 

Be happy.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Murano is the ship's French Restaurant and is the best restaurant experience I have had at sea so far. Best food, best service, best ambiance. There, I said it.

 

I was attracted to it when I found out on CC that they prepare some dishes table side and that isn't something you see everyday. I knew I wanted Lobster flambed in cognac months before boarding.

 

That the waiters Walter and Roxanna were happy to banter with me was the icing on the cake.

 

The food-refined and flavorful. The atmosphere romantic and so much so that a man proposed to his girlfriend and brought forth a dazzling ring (maybe from Diamonds International, although we hadn't hit port yet).

 

[YOUTUBE]--THv8qtKP0[/YOUTUBE]

 

 

An Amuse Bouche of cold celery soup with hidden bacon

 

 

This soup defined the flavor of celery and when a piece of bacon came out on the spoon swimming in an essence-of-celery bath it was a fiesta in the mouth.

 

I was in a Lobster State of Mind and so had lobster bisque.

 

 

Chewy, crusty bread

 

 

Carol's smoked salmon app with peeky toe crab, avocado, salmon roe caviar creme fraische parfait.

 

 

More....

[rdsqrl]

Ahh, I've tuned in just in time for the food ****. That smoked salmon app looks fantastic (salmon roe . . . mmmmmmm).

 

I find it intriguing that the Tuscan Grille's Caesar salad looks so much like the Short Rib Ravioli. Is that, perchance, an example of molecular gastronomy?

[nimiq]

Hope we will see more pics of the ultimate balcony experience just the table for four set up looked fantastic already.

 

Sea ya

 

Eric

[Bimmer09]

 

My lobster

 

 

Carol's Dover Sole Véronique

 

 

Sweet treats arrived and another order was wrapped for us to take away

 

 

And finally an amazing Six Stars dessert (In random order) Dark chocolate mousse, rose water vanilla creme brûlée, Apple walnut cake mousse, red wine with strawberries, Mint gelato and White chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis.

 

 

SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS?

 

ADVANTAGE CELEBRITY

 

(FOR THE NUMBER, THE VARIETY, THE FOOD AND THE SERVICE)

[Bimmer09]

Ahh, I've tuned in just in time for the food ****. That smoked salmon app looks fantastic (salmon roe . . . mmmmmmm).

 

I find it intriguing that the Tuscan Grille's Caesar salad looks so much like the Short Rib Ravioli. Is that, perchance, an example of molecular gastronomy?

 

I'm sorry madam, there was a mix-up in the kitchen. Here is your Caesar salad with anchovies, as requested.

 

 

Chef Norris

[sjn911]

This review has revived me saving for an escape and so much fun and now I have even more to read from your list.......thank you thank you..may put a Muffin down to down some home made Apple Pie Liqour I got for Christmas..it is wow. Small tiny glasses only but yum.

 

Comparable to fancy Pear types I have had..onward...lol...thank you...Sarah

[sjn911]

Bob, great to see you here!

 

I have no way of knowing who is reading until they step out of the shadows to say something, so thank you.

 

Norris- and for those wondering who Bob is talking about....

RYA9Ih7VNBM

 

 

Sold!! I just want to roam around and have nice music.

And even a special in the Main...that is wonderful...ok had to interrupt.

[Anubi]

Murano was unbelievable, something we haven't experienced anywhere else on land or on sea, the absolute highlight of our cruise.

 

Our only complaint about Celebrity - we were on the Eclipse - was the lack of a cozy bar. The bars all had walkways thru them. On our cruise there was a really good jazz bar and they were in the area just outside Murano. It was impossible to totally enjoy their performances as people were constantly walking thru the area to get to the Tuscan Grill, Blu and Qsine. If you lucked out and got the "good seats" which were closer to the performers with the walkway behind, you got hit by the bright light of the crew area whenever one of the bartenders went to get something. For a comparison, The Wheelhouse is our go-to bar on Princess with Crooners being a close second.

 

Norris, I am totally enjoying your review. But I was wondering if you could change the muffins...I'd love a good croissant this morning. ;)

[Bimmer09]

Hope we will see more pics of the ultimate balcony experience just the table for four set up looked fantastic already.

 

Sea ya

 

Eric

 

Eric, I will bombard you with pics and video!! Probably today but I have to drive to Michigan before a big snowstorm hits Chicago and Michigan so I'll be off the air for a couple of hours. Later!

 

Norris