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What Is the Difference between Princess and Celebrity Cruises?

Compare Princess vs. Celebrity Cruises—luxury, family fun, fine dining, and top-tier Wi-Fi. Find the best cruise for your vacation with expert insights on ships, amenities & more!

By Cruise Booking Team

The cruise lines providing luxurious vacation sailing are many; those looking for family adventures or modern and luxurious ones are baffled. There are all completely illuminating points to enable one make that choice.

Difference between Princess and Celebrity Cruises

Fleet Size & Ship Size

Princess Cruises has a total of 17 vessels, all having a gross tonnage ranging between 90,000 and 145,000 tons and having the capacity to accommodate between 2,000 and 3,600 passengers. Such combination guarantees a classic cruise experience with big ship ambiance.

Edge-class ships have innovative staterooms feature like The Magic Carpet (floating platform). Celebrity has 15 ships. Celebrity ships welcome 2,000-3,900 passengers, and thus it presents a premium experience.

Rates

Much of the price range and various offers for cruises of longer duration are generally what Princess owns to be called the more budget-friendly cruise line. Packages include anything from Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities.

While a more upscale "all-inclusive" cruise line on drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities: Celebrity Cruises offers the vacationer an all-inclusive high-end experience type cruise, while the Princess Fleet presents every excellent value.

Also ReadHow Much Does a Cruise Cost in 2025?

Demographic

These cruise lines differ a lot in terms of passenger demographics ranging from the cruise itinerary to that of price.

Princess cruises are known for having a relaxed, family ambiance-homey experiential way of cruising that attracts multi-grandparent families, retirees, and first-time cruisers.

Celebrity, however, pulls a younger, wealthier crowd. Celebrity attracts those wanting a chic, upscale feel with modern designs and an ambience similar to a boutique hotel.

Family Values and Traditions vs. Innovations

Princess is known for family-oriented dining experiences and outdoor movie nights, also called Movies Under the Stars, and youth programs. OceanMedallion, a wearable device that enables seamless embarkation to the cruise, keyless stateroom entry, and on-board purchases, constitute a traditional cruise experience with modern technology.

Celebrity, unlike Princess, is completely tech-forward. Edge-class ships are innovative with prominent designs and robotic bartending, offering a modern and contemporary cruise experience for millennials. While Princess has a nostalgic feel on its cruises, Celebrity brings cutting-edge luxury to life.

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Itineraries, Destinations & Homeports

In Alaska, Princess is the reigning champion in expedition cruising, being the only operator with Glacier Bay permits and partnerships with Discovery. Princess caters to adventurous, but more comfortable circuits.

Luxury excursions and immersive cultural experiences are thoroughly offered by celebrities worldwide, from Asia to Europe and South America, while Celebrities specialize in luxurious highland-intensive cruises.

Also ReadWhat Are the Most Popular Cruise Destinations in 2025?

Accommodation

They have different styles of accommodation. The comfortable, spacious, and traditionally designed cabins of Princess, with the mini-suites and balcony rooms being the favorites. Guests are few for Sky Suites, which feature butler service and priority privileges.

About accommodations, however, Celebrity features a higher class. Edge-class ships feature "Infinite Verandas," where traditional balconies are abandoned for electronically opening windows. With concierge service inside a luxury suite, The Retreat by Celebrity offers private lounges and a dedicated restaurant. Celebrity is superior in cruise comfort.

Dining

Specialty dining options such as Sabatini's (Italian), Crown Grill (Steakhouse), and Alfredo's Pizzeria supplement the main dining room of Princess cruise.

Celebrity is non-standard in cruises for putting Michelin stars on chefs menu-crafting abilities and potentially countless options for specialty dining. An elegant array of culinary facilities is really defined at Celebrity, including Fine Cut Steakhouse and Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud.

Also ReadWhat are different dining options on a cruise?

Fun at Pool Deck & Sports Deck

Princess also evaluates multiple pools, hot tubs, and Movies Under the Stars, so cooling down and relaxing has something for everyone in the family. Mini golf, basketball, and a fitness room are also provided for people who prefer sports.

Celebrity is all about leisurely and scenic cruising, as opposed to vibrant high-energy excitement. Everyone at Celebrity will have access to all pools, lounges, and roof top gardens for resort-style facilities that are only reserved for adult guests. Ideal for those who want an upscale, modern poolside experience, Celebrity.

Also ReadWhat decks to avoid on a cruise ship?

Indoor Activities & Night Life

Besides theater performances and live music, Princess also offers traditional cruise entertainment such as piano bars and comedy clubs. Nightlife, as was the case during cruising aboard their magnificent Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess ships, leans toward that laid back, elegant experience.

While Celebrity embraces a sophisticated, urban nightlife vibe. They include presentations at Eden, a multi-sensory lounge available on the Edge-class ships, and silent disco events at The Club. They lavished ice-covered counters and flare bartenders at their Martini Bar. Celebrity offers more upscale lounges and more unique performances than ordinary cruise entertainment in terms of nightlife.

Also Read: What activities can you do on a cruise ship?

Spa & Wellness Spaces

Both Princess and Celebrity cruise lines come with very opulent spa and wellness facilities.

The Lotus Spa onboard Princess consists of massages, facials, and thermal suites. They even offer group workout classes and personal training sessions, and this makes them an excellent choice for people trying to keep up with their wellness routine while at sea.

On Celebrity Edge-class ships, Celebrity further invests with the upscale SEA Thermal Suite: heated loungers, salt therapy rooms, and sensory showers. Meanwhile, among providing first-class wellness services, Celebrity has tied up with OneSpaWorld to bring F45 fitness classes.

Shore Excursions & Adventure Experiences

These cruise lines differ from each other at the other end-shore excursions.

Princess Cruises Offer guests once-in-a-lifetime Discovery & Animal Planet excursions in such places as Alaska, Asia, and Europe. These tours promise much for the guests who crave rich history, wildlife, and nature-related travel adventures.

Yet Celebrity Cruises offers guests something wonderfully decadent and adventure-filled: private yacht charters, VIP shore excursions, and bespoke Chef's Market Tours. Thus, at Celebrity, you will get a luxurious and active exploration combination.

Also Read: What Cruise Line Has Best Shore Excursions?

Luxury & VIP Experiences

Every cruise line has an offering premium experience.

Princess rules on priority boarding, designated private dining, and priority reservations on Club Class and Suite guests, thus creating a classic cruise experience.

On the other hand, Celebrity offers The Retreat, which is a luxurious cruise within a cruise. This type of luxury cruise by boutique style provides guests with exclusive access to an onboard sun deck and restaurant (Luminae).

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

Both cruise lines are pretty good about connectivity at sea.

Princess Cruises' MedallionNet is well known for its good coverage at a reasonably affordable price, making it a decent choice for guests. If cost-effectiveness and connectivity are your main priorities, Princess is the better option.

On the other hand, Celebrity's Xcelerate Wi-Fi tends to be very fast but is also very pricey. If fast and seamless internet is your priority, Celebrity is the ideal choice.

Also Read: Do cruise ships have Wi Fi?

Sustainability and environmental initiatives

Because Princess and Celebrity Cruise lines are committed to sustainability, their methods are quite different.

While Princess takes a gradual approach in making cruises more eco-friendly.

Celebrity is relatively bolder with LNG-powered ships, solar technology, and sustainable tourism investments. So this cruise line must appeal to you if you value thinking forward and care about the environment.

Single Traveler Experience

There are variations in the experience offered to solo travelers by the two cruise lines.

While limited solo staterooms are provided aboard Princess ships, the cruise line compensates for such limitations with solo gatherings and group events.

On the other hand, Celebrity now offers solo accommodation on Edge-class ships, including a new luxury experience tailored purely for solo travelers. Social dining options and events will be more attractive to those who cruise alone.

Also ReadWhat are the best cruises for solo travelers?

Themed Cruises and Special Events

Themed cruises are offered on both cruise lines.

Princess Cruises offers holiday cruises, culinary-themed sailings, and enrichment programs like ScholarShip@Sea.

Meanwhile, Celebrity organizes wine cruises, food & culture experiences, and wellness cruises, often with experts onboard.

If you're looking for a more premium food and wine experience with unique themes and educational elements, Celebrity offers a more upscale selection compared to Princess.

Also ReadWhat are the different types of cruises available?

Dress Code & Formal Nights

Dress codes are yet another major difference between the two cruise lines.

The Princess has the traditional formal night with guests wearing their cocktail dress, suit and/or tuxedo. This appeals to those who enjoy a more classic, elegant cruise environment.

With Celebrity's advent of "Evening Chic", the guests onward are free to express themselves in a classy manner without really constraining them to formal attire. This lessened approach to elegance is what makes Celebrity a more relevant choice to travelers.

Also ReadIs there a dress code on cruise ships?

Access and Special Needs Accommodation

Admittedly, both cruise lines do not show a hint of variation in their approaches towards accessibility and special accommodation.

Nevertheless, Princess provides wheelchair assistance, sign language interpreters, and easy access staterooms which tenants with mobility or hearing impairments can avail.

On the other end of the spectrum, Celebrity awards the following: voice-activated room control, advanced mobility assistance, and hearing-aid specialized services that enhance its accessibility.

Also ReadHow to pick a cabin on a cruise ship?

Crew and Service Quality

Both cruise lines, Princess and Celebrity, provide exceptional services to their guests, albeit through different means.

Most travelers traveling with different generations and families appreciate the warm and friendly service given by the Princess.

Celebrity provides an onboard experience that resembles the kind of service one would find in a boutique hotel; it makes the atmosphere very homelike and is very thorough and attentive. The Retreat offers such luxurious ambience and closeness in service. Celebrity provides a boutique hotel-style service.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises attracts family groups, retirees, and cruise travelers seeking a relaxing, traditional cruise with Alaska voyages, cultural excursions, and family-friendly entertainment.

Meanwhile, Celebrity Cruises appeals to luxury travelers, business travelers, and couples, offering a modern ambiance, fine dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Based on your preference for cruising, you may be inclined toward classic comfort (Princess) or sophisticated innovation (Celebrity).

Frequently Asked Questions: Princess vs. Celebrity Cruises

Activities and entertainment for older children and teenagers are more abundant in Princess, which is why such people go for this cruise.

Celebrity draws a younger audience, that is, young entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts, while Princess seats an adult audience such as families, couples, and friends from all walks of life.

Many unique space offerings can be seen onboard Princess, while Celebrity has a variety of suite benefits and alternative cabin options, which can almost meet every taste for accommodation.

Princess got into the industry standards of a median jail age on the range of mid-30s until mid-50s. The pricing of Celebrity is a bit on the higher end compared to Princess with the median age range.

There will be endless possibilities in dining as there will be a main dining room and specialty restaurants for an additional fee in Celebrity, but fewer specialty restaurants without extra fees in Princess. While Celebrity is more for innovations like Magic Carpet and Infinite Veranda cabins, Princess is more on traditions.

It would be important for a mid-twenties couple to consider demographics, dining, interiors, and entertainment when planning on taking an east coast cruise this fall/winter.
Tags: cruise lines

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