Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises

Why should we cruise with Celebrity?

We asked Celebrity why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of Celebrity's award-winning cruise and river ships. The luxurious fleet merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming interiors and revolutionary venues. Discover the unrivaled luxury of The Retreat®. Experience visionary spaces, like the Magic Carpet®, that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On Celebrity's ships, you’ll cruise the world's oceans and Europe's rivers while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.

What destinations are Celebrity exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Celebrity from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Celebrity Cruises is a premium “modern luxury” cruise line, and more recently a river cruise line as well. Known for their stylish design, and relaxed upscale atmosphere as well as their standout newer ships like the Edge Series and their new launched river ships. Compared with mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean and NCL, Celebrity generally feels more like a contemporary resort at sea - ideal for couples and travellers who value dining, comfort and refined service over high-energy attractions. For travellers seeking luxury, The Retreat, onboard their ocean ships, offer exclusive lounge access and elevated suite-level benefits, while “All read more Included” pricing bundles drinks and Wi-Fi for better value.

Who cruises with Celebrity?

Primarily couples and solo travellers, including food and wine connoisseurs and travellers who enjoy modern luxury settings.

What are Celebrity known for?

A half-acre real lawn at sea, Michelin-starred chef-curated dining, a large wine collection and the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.

Are Celebrity's fares all-inclusive?

No. Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi which is a common addtion to the base fare.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Specialty dining, alcoholic and some other beverages, shore excursions, room service charges after 11pm, WiFi packages and some onboard activities require additional payment.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Charges apply unless Celebrity's Drinks & WiFi All Included Package is selected

Does Celebrity have a loyalty program?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.

Is Celebrity a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises, with dedicated programs and facilities available. Expedition ships have some service limitations.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, with art and technology classes available on select ships. Most onboard activities and entertainment are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, except on Celebrity Flora

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Charges apply for activities such as glassblowing and mixology classes; some specialised training programs and occasional special entertainment may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Juice, water, tea and coffee are available at stations across the ship, with select soft drinks at meals.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Do Celebrity sell any beverage packages?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi - one price, all included.

Do Celebrity offer room service?

Yes. Available 24/7, with a late-night fee applying.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply. Celebrity Flora offers smaller spa facilities.

Are there gyms onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are included complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.

Do Celebrity offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply. Not avaialble on Celebrity Flora

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Celebrity offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.

Why should we cruise with Princess?

We asked Princess why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Why Princess? Because you want to tell better stories. To immerse yourself in destinations near and far. To try new foods and encounter new cultures. To refresh your spirit and reconnect with those you love. Choosing a cruise line can seem tough, but Princess makes it easy. Because you want more than the usual cruise experience…you want to come back new. Discover what makes each port unique through the insights of local experts and crew members who sail with us to over 330 destinations.

What destinations are Princess exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Princess from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Princess Cruises differentiates itself as a premium mainstream cruise line focused on elegant, destination-centred voyages, personalised service and innovative technology (MedallionClass). Compared with Carnival’s high-energy, budget style and Royal Caribbean’s action-packed ships, Princess offers a calmer, refinement-driven cruise experience ideal for couples, mature travellers and anyone who values service quality over onboard thrills. With broad global itineraries, excellent included dining and a top-rated loyalty program, Princess is a compelling choice for travellers seeking a comfortable, sophisticated cruise vacation that balances traditional read more cruising with modern amenities.

Who cruises with Princess?

A broad international mix of couples, solo travellers, families and multi-generational groups. Princess particularly appeals to mature travellers seeking a traditional premium cruise experience, while family programmes attract younger guests during school holidays.

What are Princess known for?

Premium cruising, destination-focused itineraries, Princess MedallionClass technology, Movies Under the Stars, strong Alaska programmes and a relaxed traditional cruise experience.

Are Princess' fares all-inclusive?

Princess Standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, entertainment, pools and fitness centre access.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Standard-fare guests generally pay extra for alcoholic and most specialty beverages, WiFi, specialty and casual dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry, selected fitness classes, room-service delivery and OceanNow delivery. Crew gratuities also apply on most cruises outside Australia unless included through a package.

Are gratuities included?

For cruises departing from and returning to Australia or operating with AUD onboard, crew gratuities are included in the fare. On most other Princess cruises, daily crew appreciation is automatically charged unless included through Princess Plus or Princess Premier.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Princess Premier includes a shore excursion credit of between $100 and $300 per guest on eligible cruises, depending on the length of the cruise.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. MedallionNet WiFi is available for an additional charge with Princess Standard. Princess Plus includes access for one device per guest and Princess Premier includes access for up to four devices per guest.

Does Princess have a loyalty program?

Yes. Princess Captain's Circle has Gold, Ruby, Platinum and Elite tiers, with benefits progressing from preferential offers and onboard events to WiFi discounts, priority benefits, spa and shore excursion discounts and complimentary laundry at Elite level.

Is Princess a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Princess caters well for families and multi-generational groups, with family accommodation, youth clubs, pools, sports, movies and organised activities.

Are any onboard activities included?

Production shows, live entertainment, Movies Under the Stars, pools, hot tubs, quizzes, games, sports facilities, enrichment activities and fitness centre access are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Casino gaming, bingo, selected fitness classes, specialty activities, spa facilities and treatments, and some ship-specific experiences attract additional charges.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Princess' ships?

Yes. Specialty and casual dining venues vary by ship and can include Crown Grill, Sabatini's, The Catch by Rudi, Alfredo's or Gigi's, Kai Sushi and experiential dining. Charges apply outside Princess Premier.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Princess Plus includes four casual dining meals, while Princess Premier includes unlimited casual and specialty dining. Inclusions vary for some ships and departure dates.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Some basic beverages such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices are included. Soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks cost extra unless covered by a beverage package.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are additional on a Princess Standard fare. Princess Plus and Princess Premier include beverage packages covering drinks up to specified values.

Do Princess sell any beverage packages?

Yes. Beverage packages are available separately and are also bundled into Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Princess offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic package options.

Do Princess offer room service?

Yes. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Standard-fare guests generally pay a delivery charge, while delivery fees are waived with Princess Plus and Princess Premier.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Lotus Spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, acupuncture, hair, beauty and salon services for an additional charge. Facilities vary by ship.

Are there gyms onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Princess ships have fitness centres with cardio and strength-training equipment, with general gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard Princess' ships?

Yes. Group classes such as yoga, Pilates, cycling and other fitness programmes are offered. Some classes attract additional charges or may be included through selected packages.

Do Princess offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training is available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

Yes. Princess ships have self-service launderettes with washers, dryers and ironing facilities. A small charge generally applies.

Do Princess offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry, pressing and professional cleaning services are available. Full-suite guests and Elite Captain's Circle members receive complimentary standard laundry and cleaning benefits.