Princess or Celebrity?

[waunabcruizin]

I have never cruised either Princess or Celebrity. Each cruise line is doing a similar itinerary and I'm torn as to which to book. Can anyone discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each line? This will be a long cruise so I would like to book the most compatible line for me. Thanks very much for any input.

[Jane110]

Both are excellent and you can't go wrong either way.

 

For me personally, I'd probably opt for Princess because of the dinner seating choices. On Princess you can dine in the traditional manner with the same group of people every evening or you can go to one of the dining rooms where there's open seating - you simply show up and are seated with different people every night or at a table alone.

 

Celebrity has traditional seating only. Obviously, Celebrity fans prefer that.

 

Both have casual buffets for dinner as alternate dining as well.

 

If you have a preference, that might sway you one way or another.

[momofmeg]

I have never cruised either Princess or Celebrity. Each cruise line is doing a similar itinerary and I'm torn as to which to book. Can anyone discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each line? This will be a long cruise so I would like to book the most compatible line for me. Thanks very much for any input.

 

which ships are you considering?

[LHARTWICK]

Celebrity hands down - if you can afford it. They tend to be much higher. But Princess is fine, too. Just don't expect the service or food to be as good as Celebrity.

[waunabcruizin]

Momofmeg - the two ships are Sun Princess or Mercury. Both leave from Sydney, Austrialia in 2008 and sail a similar, but not exact, itinerary to New Zealand then to Honolulu (if on Mercury I would get off here and fly home) and then on to San Francisco (Sun Princess) or Ensenada, Mexico (Mercury). So it would be a long cruise on either ship. I just can't figure out which one I'd be happier on, having never been on either one - nor sailed on either cruise line. Any insight regarding these two ships and/or cruise lines would be really helpful. Thanks much.

[momofmeg]

Momofmeg - the two ships are Sun Princess or Mercury. Both leave from Sydney, Austrialia in 2008 and sail a similar, but not exact, itinerary to New Zealand then to Honolulu (if on Mercury I would get off here and fly home) and then on to San Francisco (Sun Princess) or Ensenada, Mexico (Mercury). So it would be a long cruise on either ship. I just can't figure out which one I'd be happier on, having never been on either one - nor sailed on either cruise line. Any insight regarding these two ships and/or cruise lines would be really helpful. Thanks much.

 

Celebrity is slightly more upscale-Princess is still nice-just not quite as nice as Celebrity. Do you know the age of the ships? If the Princess ship is newer then you may prefer it, but if they are around the same age and there is not much price differance I would go for Celebrity.

 

But I am in my 50's so if you are much younger then me, then again, Princess may be a better fit for you.

 

Princess and Celebrity used to be comparable lines, but after Carnival corp. bought Princess, they made Princess more of a mid priced mainstream line. Princess is much nicer then Carnival, but ofcourse HAL is more upscale then Princess, and Cunard more upscale then HAL. HAL compares more to Celebrity then Princess.

 

Then again, the more upscale a line is, the age of the average passenger goes up- I guess because people close to retirement age have more money then people in their thirties who have children you know how expensive kids are! So if you are younger-you may prefer a younger age group then me.

 

I hope I haven't confused you-I just figured this info would help you make a better choice for you.

[waunabcruizin]

Momofmeg - Thank you very much for your helpful insights to each cruise line. Your information does make it easier for me to make a decision. Thanks again.

[Kanukkacruise]

We've been on two Princess cruises and two Celebrity and several RCI. We were appalled at the condition of the Galaxy. None of the whirlpools worked, the waterfall in the spa area was broken, there were flies all over the buffet area, the furniture, carpeting, bedspreads, and curtains in our room on Deck 8 were all original (old and wornout.) If you read reviews on this board and also do a search of postings of the Mercury and the Galaxy (sister ships), you'll find lots of negative comments. And also lots of replies

saying some people are picky and negative and just like to complain. The Millenium was okay but certainly not up to par with either Princess or Royal Caribbean. How Celebrity got the reputation of being the premiere cruise line is beyond me.

[caviargal]

Before I read that you are considering Mercury, I was going to post all good things about Celebrity. I have cruised with them 5 times over 15 or so years and enjoyed 4 of 5 immensely. The dining room food and service is the best of the mass market lines IME and IMO, they still have sommeliers aboard, their standard cabins are large and well appointed and overall I find they provide a traditional and elegant crusing experience.

 

Having said that, I would not cruise on Mercury. I was aboard in October with a small group and had a Deluxe Ocean view cabin. The soft goods direly need replacement and the rooms are shabby. Our sink was cracked and looked awful. The mattresses were old and worn, as were the towels and sheets.

 

The elevators had intermittent problems and the A/C was broken in the Martini Bar the entire week.

 

We ordered a glass of wine at lunch one day and it arrived as we were finishing our food. We were not escorted to our cabin. We did not see the "Celebrity treatment" anywhere aboard except in the main dining room where food and service were excellent.

 

No one ever offered to help with trays in the lido (a standard practice on X) and while I was not in need, I was travelling with 2 seniors who could have used the help.

 

There have been mulitple outbreaks on Noro on this ship recently (read about "the bleach cruise" on their board) and the Captain of this ship was fired a month ago. The ship has a recent reputation of being late into ports. X board is full of very mixed reviews, even by longtime X fans although some will say these things are of no consequence. They are to me.

 

She is not scheduled for any sort of refurb before they repo the ship.

 

I have not cruised on Princess in years but, if these are your two choices, I would not choose Mercury. I have only once been disappointed in X and have a cruise booked on Century in a few months but I would stay away from this ship.

 

JME and MHO.

[momofmeg]

Before I read that you are considering Mercury, I was going to post all good things about Celebrity. I have cruised with them 5 times over 15 or so years and enjoyed 4 of 5 immensely. The dining room food and service is the best of the mass market lines IME and IMO, they still have sommeliers aboard, their standard cabins are large and well appointed and overall I find they provide a traditional and elegant crusing experience.

 

Having said that, I would not cruise on Mercury. I was aboard in October with a small group and had a Deluxe Ocean view cabin. The soft goods direly need replacement and the rooms are shabby. Our sink was cracked and looked awful. The mattresses were old and worn, as were the towels and sheets.

 

The elevators had intermittent problems and the A/C was broken in the Martini Bar the entire week.

 

We ordered a glass of wine at lunch one day and it arrived as we were finishing our food. We were not escorted to our cabin. We did not see the "Celebrity treatment" anywhere aboard except in the main dining room where food and service were excellent.

 

No one ever offered to help with trays in the lido (a standard practice on X) and while I was not in need, I was travelling with 2 seniors who could have used the help.

 

There have been mulitple outbreaks on Noro on this ship recently (read about "the bleach cruise" on their board) and the Captain of this ship was fired a month ago. The ship has a recent reputation of being late into ports. X board is full of very mixed reviews, even by longtime X fans although some will say these things are of no consequence. They are to me.

 

She is not scheduled for any sort of refurb before they repo the ship.

 

I have not cruised on Princess in years but, if these are your two choices, I would not choose Mercury. I have only once been disappointed in X and have a cruise booked on Century in a few months but I would stay away from this ship.

 

JME and MHO.

 

goodness! That sounded terrible. the zenith was an old ship also but we still had the "Celebrity treatment"-escorted to our cabin and greeted with a drink, at the lido our trays were ALWAYS caried for us. Now our bathroom had old tiles and our bed comforters were worn a little-but otherwise the Zenith was a great little ship.

[mr green]

Momofmeg - the two ships are Sun Princess or Mercury. Both leave from Sydney, Austrialia in 2008 and sail a similar, but not exact, itinerary to New Zealand then to Honolulu (if on Mercury I would get off here and fly home) and then on to San Francisco (Sun Princess) or Ensenada, Mexico (Mercury). So it would be a long cruise on either ship. I just can't figure out which one I'd be happier on, having never been on either one - nor sailed on either cruise line. Any insight regarding these two ships and/or cruise lines would be really helpful. Thanks much.

 

Go Sun Princess. I found Mercury to be an overrated ship, the menues were adequate at best,[crab was never served], cafeteria was found to be closed down the odd time, and the front office was not nearly as understanding as on Princess. I also found the decor on Mercury to be dismal, and the shore exertions to be poor. The ONLY thing I liked about Mercury was the variety of shops on board. While both ships are about the same age, and size, I found Mercury to be run down, but on the Sun's sister ship, the Sea, the upkeep was much better. I was on both Mercury, and the Sea last year, and on the Sun, about 2000, as I recall. john

[deadzone1003]

Go to Roll Call, both for Princess & Celebrity, and get an idea of your potential fellow passengers. Remember, you're going to spend over 4 weeks with them. The Sun Princess, though sign-up has only been available since June 16, 12 days ago, has over 400 posts already. One thing that is not mentioned in the itinerary, the Sun Princess will sail under two of the most

bridges in the world. Again, go to the Roll Calls and ask your questions to those who put their deposits down on either ship.

[momofmeg]

You another thing you could do is read some ship's reviews on both ships. You know that sound slike a real dream cruise to me and even if the ship was terrible you are going to some wonderful ports. Wish I was going with you.

[waunabcruizin]

Hello All - I just wanted to thank all of you for the insightful replies to my question that you all have posted. A lot of good information and points of view that I had not considered.

 

Momofmeg - You are right that it's a terrific itinerary. The ports alone would make me want to go even if it was on a freighter in a crummy little cabin stuck right over the engines. It will be the adventure of my lifetime I think.

 

Either ship will probably work for us. We are not fussy really as long as things are clean. Celebrity sounds like a more traditional-minded cruise line and a more low-key experience and since we are in our late 50's and mid 60's the Mercury might be more suited to us -- even though she might need updating.

 

However, having said that, we have booked a 3-night cruise on the Mercury out of Seattle in September and an 11-night cruise on the Dawn Princess to Mexico in January. Final decision on which ship to book for the Australia/New Zealand repositioning cruise in 2008 will be made after our return from Mexico in February.

 

Again, thank all of you so much for all the helpful information. CCers are the best!

 

Carol.

[momofmeg]

Hello All - I just wanted to thank all of you for the insightful replies to my question that you all have posted. A lot of good information and points of view that I had not considered.

 

Momofmeg - You are right that it's a terrific itinerary. The ports alone would make me want to go even if it was on a freighter in a crummy little cabin stuck right over the engines. It will be the adventure of my lifetime I think.

 

Either ship will probably work for us. We are not fussy really as long as things are clean. Celebrity sounds like a more traditional-minded cruise line and a more low-key experience and since we are in our late 50's and mid 60's the Mercury might be more suited to us -- even though she might need updating.

 

However, having said that, we have booked a 3-night cruise on the Mercury out of Seattle in September and an 11-night cruise on the Dawn Princess to Mexico in January. Final decision on which ship to book for the Australia/New Zealand repositioning cruise in 2008 will be made after our return from Mexico in February.

 

Again, thank all of you so much for all the helpful information. CCers are the best!

 

Carol.

 

well that sounds good and you trying out a 3 nighter on the same ship so if you hate it-at least it is not along cruise.

[shofer]

One thing that would sway me is the shower on Princess is about 2 ft x 2ft and the one on Mercury is a rectangle and about 3/4 of the size of mine @ home. I can't imagine what these designers are thinking when they make the showers so small you can't turn around.

[Drew B]

It's hardly fair to compare a three-day cruise to an eleven-day cruise!

 

Compare the ships, but remember that the overall experience will be MUCH different on a longer cruise.

[momofmeg]

It's hardly fair to compare a three-day cruise to an eleven-day cruise!

 

Compare the ships, but remember that the overall experience will be MUCH different on a longer cruise.

 

Drew she picked the 3 day cruise because people have posted the Mercury is in bad shape and not up to Celebrity standards. I think she just wants to compares SHIPS not ittnearies to see which ship she would prefer for her longer cruise.

 

But you do have a point-if she hates Princess-she will be stuck on there for 11 days.

[Drew B]

Drew she picked the 3 day cruise because people have posted the Mercury is in bad shape and not up to Celebrity standards. I think she just wants to compares SHIPS not ittnearies to see which ship she would prefer for her longer cruise.

 

But you do have a point-if she hates Princess-she will be stuck on there for 11 days.

 

I get it. However, she's likely to come off of those two trial-sized trips with a feeling (perhaps subliminal) that she had a better time on Princess. That may only be because of the length of the cruise, but it will color her perspective if she's not clear about it.

 

But, I guess that's no big deal, as she's likely to have a FANTASTIC trip no matter which line she chooses...

[deadzone1003]

I would recommend that you book both ships ASAP if that is possible and then cancel the ship that you like the least. The Sapphire Princess from Sydney to LA leaving in April 2007 had only inside cabins left 3 months after the sales started in June 2005. I doubt that the 2008 sailings will be sold out (because there there will be 3 ships sailing in that time period). If you want anything larger than a standard balcony, not much will be available by the end of this summer. Check with your TA how fast both ships are filling up. Please note, your fellow passengers in your sample ships will be quite different than those in your expected 2008 voyage so just compare the ships and not the passengers. Come 2008, majority of passengers on either ship will be retirees (who else have the time to sail for 31 days?). Either ship, you will have a great time. Of the two, I would choose the Sun Princess. Of the three ships sailing that time period, I chose the Sapphire Princess - cabin A751.;)

[waunabcruizin]

Hello Everyone -

Deadzone1003 that is a very good idea! So good, in fact, that I did it. We are booked aboard Mercury 2/17/2008 SYD to AUK and 3/2/2008 AUK to HNL. And we are booked aboard Sun Princess 4/7/2008 SYD to SFO. We will cancel one or the other in February 2007. We were actually already booked on Mercury, but your point about Sun Princess filling up made booking the Sun now a good option.

 

We still don't know which we will do, but we know we're doing it on one or the other. We will discount the pax on both of our 'trial' cruises and try to determine if we want to spend 30 days on the ship itself. And which has the better food, the better service, and activities that appeal to us. Interesting comparison. I'll write up our impressions when it's all over, and post them out here.

 

Thanks to all of you for your interest and your help.

Carol.

[05mak05]

We've cruised on Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. We have been extremely impressed with both Royal Caribbean and Princess while we were disappointed in Celebrity. We enjoy having the option of an evening buffet on Princess & RCI when we're running late from an excursion or simply not in the mood to dress for the dining room. We found it odd that Celebrity does not offer an evening buffet unless you make an advance reservation which in itself rules out the last minute dining option. We were on the Millenium for a 12-day Grand Med cruise and sure missed having the laundry facilties that Princess offers. The entertainment was also a disappointment. Food is food, and we'll eat anything but do think that both Princess and RCI are a notch above Celebrity in that category. We've also found that both Princess and RCI have more storage and a better room arrangement than Celebrity's cabins even if the square footage is the same. I think you're very smart to book both and to also experience both first hand before making your decision. I hope you'll post your final choice to this link and tell us all about your adventure!

[Jimsgirl]

waunabcruzin: What dates are these ships sailing in 2008 please?

 

I am doing Regal Princess in 2007 Aug from LA to Sydney, 31 days instead of Mercury's 15 day, (although I have done over 10 cruises with Celebrity) my reason was that in order to get Mercury at that time I would have to fly to Hawaii from Florida.and for the 15 days I thought the long long flight back from Sydney to Fort Myers was "puinishment"

 

I do wish to see more of Australia however and I may consider the Sun in 2008 if I could find out more details, such as length of cruise, ports etc..

 

2008 MIGHT be pushing the envelopre a bit for me, as I will be 82 years young then!!!!!

 

Please reply to rafex1@earthlink.net

 

Thank you