Princess or Celebrity

[Sea Gypsy 2]

We have not cruised since before Covid and want to return. We have 10 cruises with Princess but are considering Celebrity for a Caribbean cruise in 2025 that includes Barbados. The ships would be the Majestic Princess or the Celebrity Beyond.

Any advice or recommendations?

 

[Honolulu Blue]

9 hours ago, Sea Gypsy 2 said:

We have not cruised since before Covid and want to return. We have 10 cruises with Princess but are considering Celebrity for a Caribbean cruise in 2025 that includes Barbados. The ships would be the Majestic Princess or the Celebrity Beyond.

Any advice or recommendations?

I've been on the Majestic before.  I thought it was a nice ship.  I haven't been on any of Celebrity's E-class ships, though I'm intrigued by them.  I've only been on the M-class ships.  I found those to be very comfy and well-maintained, though older by cruise ship standards.

 

I have found Princess and Celebrity to be similar experiences.  I've really gotten some gem cabin stewards on Princess.  Celebrity's food is the best I've had on any mainstream line.

 

I have to warn you that, if you happen to be a solo cruiser, Celebrity is implementing an extra single surcharge if you dare book a single occupancy cabin with them.

 

If you can get a decent price, you can't go wrong with either.  Good luck and enjoy your cruise. 👍

[MCC retired]

I have cruised both many times but not Celebrity since the No Smoking restriction.

I believe I would really enjoy Celebrity again over Princess for just that one reason.

Perhaps use the Casino , cough. cough, once again.

[George C]

Beyond has really good entertainment, 4 different mdr . No indoor smoking. Love the martini bar . Have not cruised Princess recently.

[Cruzaholic41]

I’ve been on both ship classes multiple times. Without a shadow of a doubt, go with Beyond. Celebrity Edge Class ships are stunning and are some of my favorites at sea. 
 

Princess Royal Class - not so much. I am not a fan of the minuscule balconies, lack of outward views from lounges, and cramped cabins. 

[SPacificbound]

I would choose by itinerary, not by ship.

[DarrenM]

On 1/7/2024 at 1:05 AM, Sea Gypsy 2 said:

We have not cruised since before Covid and want to return. We have 10 cruises with Princess but are considering Celebrity for a Caribbean cruise in 2025 that includes Barbados. The ships would be the Majestic Princess or the Celebrity Beyond.

Any advice or recommendations?

 

Never been on a princess cruise but was on celebrity beyond last June.

 

It's a beautiful ship.

 

And the food is immense.

 

The sunset bar is a joy , as is the martini bar. Also loved the world class bar.

 

Entertainment is also very very good if that's your sort of thing.

 

 

 

 

[leaveitallbehind]

14 hours ago, SPacificbound said:

I would choose by itinerary, not by ship.

In general, I think it should be a mix of both as, at least IMO, much of the cruising experience has to do with the ship as well as the ports of call.  After all the ship is your transportation, hotel, dining experience, entertainment, and social environment while on your vacation.  And as most itineraries are similar, if not the same, between numerous cruise lines, it would be a shame not consider your "home away from home" as a significant part of that experience.

 

Besides, in this case, the OP indicates that there are two cruise lines in consideration with them, both offering itineraries that includes a desired port of call in Barbados.  The itinerary seems to be decided and choice in this case is specifically as to which ship.

Edited January 8 by leaveitallbehind

[MacMadame]

8 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Besides, in this case, the OP indicates that there are two cruise lines in consideration with them, both offering itineraries that includes a desired port of call in Barbados.  The itinerary seems to be decided and choice in this case is specifically as to which ship.

And the price. 

[nini]

We go by itinerary first, then select our ship (Princess). Celebrity is not for us..... many reasons. We have favorite Princess ships.

[Hlitner]

On 1/7/2024 at 2:07 PM, Cruzaholic41 said:

I’ve been on both ship classes multiple times. Without a shadow of a doubt, go with Beyond. Celebrity Edge Class ships are stunning and are some of my favorites at sea. 
 

Princess Royal Class - not so much. I am not a fan of the minuscule balconies, lack of outward views from lounges, and cramped cabins. 

While we are also not fans of the Royal Class postage stamp size balconies, we are less fans of the faux balconies on the Celebrity Edge Class.