Celebrity Vs Princess

JohnG · November 7, 2007

Dan mentioned you should try HAL. They turn out the lights on HAL at 9:30pm!!!! Don't look for nightlife on HAL. But I love the linen covered chairs in the dining room on the last formal night. Chimes to signal the dinner hour.

Remember: Carnival, RCL and NCL target the mass market.

HAL, Princess, and Celebrity are categorized as premium lines.

Oceania and Celebrity's Azamara are targeted as deluxe lines.

Regent, Silverseas, Crystal etc are luxury lines

Cunard, Star Clipper, Sea Dream, Seabourn, etc are niche lines.

JoeyandDavid · November 7, 2007

John thanks so much I really value your input ..As someone that knows the cruise lines and the industry if I may ask a couple of followup questions....

First if you would please explain the difference between Deluxe and Luxary....

And secondly...

In your mind and then here for us .... please put in order the cruise lines you feel offer outstanding food and service .... the dynamic duo that we are looking for..

Out of the following: Regent, Crystal, Cunard, Seaborne ....who is first ...second.....etc

Thanks for your opinions John.... ( we may be in touch... Professionally ..) :thumbup:

Joey

JohnG · November 7, 2007

Deluxe is a newer category that is positioned with better food and service than the premium lines, small ships, a bit more expensive, but good value, and not all-inclusive. Both Oceania and Azamara are using former Renaissance R ships. While Princess has 3 of these ships, the one I was on was not as well upkept as the other lines, and Princess still has traditional seating. They specialize in smaller ports, not often visited by the larger ships, and tend to be 10 to 14 days long. Onboard entertainment is minimal, tiny casino, as you tend to be tired from port intensive itineraries.

Luxury lines, with the exception of Crystal, are all inclusive, including stocked bar, wine with meals, and gratuities. Silverseas (296-382 pax) is likely the tops in food and service, and price, followed by Regent (320-700 pax) and Crystal (940-1080 pax). Crystal tends to have the most elaborate educational offerings, and still has traditional seating.

Seabourn, and Sea Dream are essentially all inclusive but are really large yachts, with high passenger to staff ratios. Seabourn is famous for their caviar and champagne buffet on the beach, for instance. 200 guests. Windstar is in this group, but is not all inclusive.

Cunard in really more of a class by itself. Excellent service and food, single seating by cabin category...still class conscious. QM2 has 6 alternative dining venues. Much larger, QM2 holds 2620 pax. Dress is more formal. Cunard's concept is that the ship is the destination, more so than itinerary. That is based in their history as transatlantic liners.

JoeyandDavid · November 7, 2007

John.. Thanks !! Excellent information.....

DaCruzNut · November 7, 2007

I believe that this 'string' of postings proves that the quality of cruies varies not only form cruise line to cruise line, and ship to ship, to individual sailings of a particular ship...

I have been on Celebrity 5, or 6, times and have loved each and every cruise. I have only been on Princess once, but loved that cruise also.

I have only sailed on HAL once, and Royal Caribbean 4 times, and did not enjoy any of those cruises, except for one on RCCI. Wasn't thrilled with Costa either.

I guess it boils down to what voyage you're on, and your personal tastes.

sailingrose · November 7, 2007

Your right Jeff! I'd also include who the chef is on individual ships as well.

We have a friend who went on QM2 and hated it because the service was awful and food terrible. He loves Celebrity however.

JoeyandDavid · November 7, 2007

Different Strokes<]...was filmed before a live studio audience!..... :biggrin:

Dan · November 8, 2007

I have to respectfully disgaree with John on 2 points. Princess might used to have been considered a premium cruise line, but since they became part of the Carnival Corp family, they are as mass market as Carnival or RCI. They certainly aren't priced as a premium (out of those 3 lines, RCI is the most expensive generally).

Also, HAL turning off the lights at 930pm was not our experience when we honeymooned on the Westerdam. For a smaller ship sailing at about 75% capacity, with a noticeably older crowd (although not as old as either of our Carnival cruises - go figure LOL), there was still a disco going until the wee hours, and a couple lounges with musicians playing after 11pm. And the casino of course.