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Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cruises: Which sister cruise line should you choose?

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, which are sister cruise lines operated by Royal Caribbean Group, are both known for offering abundant dining options and engaging nightlife. But they have different onboard vibes and target different types of cruise travelers.

Royal Caribbean's fleet of more than two dozen ships includes some of the largest vessels at sea and features groundbreaking innovations and family-friendly attractions. Celebrity's 15 not-quite-as-large vessels are more upscale, adult-focused and design-centric.

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Which cruise line should you choose? Read on for a head-to-head comparison of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, covering each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide.

Size of ships

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity operate multiple classes of ships, most categorized as large. The older ships in both fleets are smaller than the newest vessels but are not intimate by any means.

Royal Caribbean 's older ships carry 2,000 to 3,900 guests, and its newest more than 5,000, putting it at the forefront of the megaship trend.

Its fleet boasts five of the world's largest ships, led by Wonder of the Seas . This Oasis Class ship and its four siblings are so massive they carry up to 5,700 guests at double occupancy and are divided into themed neighborhoods to help guests find their way around.

Royal Caribbean's modern Quantum Class ships accommodate 4,180 guests and stand out due to each ship's North Star sightseeing capsule, which rises 300 feet above the sea.

Icon of the Seas, the first in an entirely new class for Royal Caribbean, will be the line's largest ship when it debuts in early 2024. It will only hold 5,600 passengers at double occupancy because the ship will feature more cabins and suites that accommodate four or more passengers than found on any other Royal Caribbean ship.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Celebrity Cruises ' newest and largest ships are its 3,260-guest Edge series: Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond , with Celebrity Ascent launching in December. Its five Solstice Class ships each carry around 2,800 passengers, and its four Millennium Class vessels accommodate around 2,200 a piece.

Celebrity also offers expedition-style cruising on three 16- to 100-passenger ships in the Galapagos Islands (but we won't address them in this article).

Both cruise lines offer all the amenities of a floating resort at sea: pools, spas, bars and multiple dining venues. In terms of sheer wow factor, though, Royal Caribbean's activity-packed Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships are hard to beat, especially for family cruising.

On the other hand, Celebrity's vessels are spacious and designed to dazzle with contemporary decor and premium amenities.

On both lines, the smallest, oldest ships can have a different vibe from the newest, largest vessels, so keep that in mind as you're researching trips.

Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained

Who is on board?

With Royal Caribbean, a better question might be, "Who isn't on board?" As a mainstream cruise line, it appeals to a wide range of passengers, mostly Americans (at least on North American itineraries) and many of them families.

It's also popular with friends celebrating birthdays or bachelor/bachelorette getaways and couples of all ages seeking a lively shipboard ambience at an affordable price. That said, Royal Suite Class passengers definitely have money, so there's a more upscale demographic, often multigenerational.

Passengers also differ by itinerary, with three- to five-night Bahamas and seven-night Caribbean sailings attracting families and groups of friends. The line's eight- to 12-night Mediterranean itineraries draw more couples and retirees and fewer families, as well as more Europeans. (About half of passengers on Royal Caribbean's European itineraries are Europeans and travelers from outside the United States.) Alaska sailings lure multigenerational families and older cruisers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Celebrity's ships attract a narrower, more upscale demographic, mostly Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s and retirement-age baby boomers, with some childless millennials, too.

There will be kids on board, but not in the numbers that Royal Caribbean attracts. As a premium cruise brand, Celebrity typically has higher fares, especially on its Edge-series ships, but sailings are not as expensive as on luxury cruise ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries

Cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean offers a dizzying array of cabin and suite options, especially on its newest and largest ships. Celebrity features fewer overall cabin categories but offers non-suite rooms with extra perks.

Both cruise lines offer a variety of cabin styles and price points. You'll find windowless inside cabins , ocean-view rooms with picture windows or portholes, accommodations with private balconies and a range of suites. There are also connecting rooms for families and groups, as well as accessible cabins for passengers using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

It's not surprising that Royal Caribbean's large Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships feature the most accommodation types within the fleet — up to three dozen cabin and suite categories designed for both families and couples with a wide range of budgets.

On the affordable end, some of the windowless inside cabins come with a "virtual balcony," a window-mimicking screen that displays real-time video of the view outside. These are available on all five Quantum Class ships, plus Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

Oasis Class ships also feature inside and balcony cabins that overlook the Promenade, Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods.

Six vessels (Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) offer a limited number of studio cabins designed for solo travelers .

The cruise line's top accommodations are suites, varying in size and some with loft configurations. Its most lavish digs are the two-story Ultimate Family Suites (found on Wonder, Symphony and Spectrum of the Seas) and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas. They sleep up to eight guests and boast kid-friendly amenities, including a slide, air hockey table and other games.

All suites offer exclusive amenities. However, Royal Caribbean's largest, most expensive suites come with exclusive perks, such as Royal Genie butler service and complimentary specialty dining and beverage packages.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Celebrity's newest Edge Class ships replace the standard balcony cabin with Infinite Veranda Staterooms, in which a floor-to-ceiling window lowers halfway to create an open-air veranda within the room. This design allows for more usable space within the cabin, regardless of whether the window is open or shut.

AquaClass cabins include in-cabin wellness amenities and access to an exclusive restaurant and the spa's thermal suite (with saunas and heated loungers). Concierge Class rooms come with a dedicated concierge, a pillow menu and an exclusive welcome-aboard lunch in the dining room with complimentary wine.

Solstice Class ships offer single inside cabins, while Edge-series ships include some Infinite Veranda Staterooms designed for solo travelers.

Suite configurations and decor vary by ship class. On Edge-series ships, seven suite categories include the two-story Edge Villas and the Iconic Suite, the largest in the fleet at 1,892 square feet (plus a 689-square-foot terrace). Solstice Class ships feature six suite categories, and Millennium Class ships have five.

All suites come with dedicated attendants and a concierge, as well as included perks: a premium drink package, premium Wi-Fi, prepaid tips and an onboard credit. Celebrity's suite guests can also access exclusive amenities as part of The Retreat, including a private sun deck, lounge and restaurant.

Related: Everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises cabins and suites

The upside: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships offer a dozen or more onboard dining venues, so there are culinary options to suit every palate.

The downside: Both cruise lines offer just a handful of complimentary restaurants — a buffet, banquet-style dining rooms, a poolside grill and a few casual eateries — meaning passengers must pay extra for steakhouses , Italian or French restaurants, and sushi bars.

Royal Caribbean's complimentary offerings include casual options such as the Dog House for a global hot dog menu, El Loco Fresh for burritos and quesadillas, Sorrento's Pizza for grab-and-go slices, and Park Cafe for deli-style sandwiches — although options do vary slightly by ship.

Extra-fee dining on Royal Caribbean covers most of the bases — Chops Grille and Samba Grill for steak, Izumi for sushi, Teppanyaki and Sichuan Red for Asian, Giovanni's Table and Jamie's Italian for Mediterranean classics, and Hooked Seafood for fish and shellfish.

Wonderland mixes creative flavors and unique presentations, and 150 Central Park is ideal for a special celebration; the latter two are available solely on Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. Themed 1950s diner Johnny Rockets (on more than a dozen ships) is an affordable, kid-friendly favorite.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity offers a formal main dining room on Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships. However, on Edge-series ships, four smaller themed restaurants replace the one banquet-style dining hall.

Each features a selection of exclusive menu items — new American in Cosmopolitan, Mediterranean in Cyprus, French in Normandie and Italian in Tuscan — along with selections from the Celebrity Signature menu.

Each venue's distinctive ambience and unique menus serve a variety of tastes on a complimentary basis — but solely for dinner. In addition, guests who book suites in The Retreat can dine at Luminae, while those in AquaClass have access to health-focused Blu, free of charge.

Additional fleetwide complimentary dining includes the buffet-style Oceanview Cafe; the Mast Grill, a casual poolside eatery serving burgers and wraps; and Spa Cafe, offering healthier, lighter options for breakfast and lunch.

Celebrity's extra-fee dining also varies by ship class. On Edge-series ships, guests can enjoy Fine Cut Steakhouse for prime cuts and seafood, Eden Restaurant for modern global cuisine, Le Grand Bistro for classic French, Rooftop Garden Grill for backyard favorites, Raw on 5 for sushi and Japanese specialties, and Magic Carpet for small bites and cocktails.

Celebrity's most elevated dining experience is Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, the acclaimed French chef's first restaurant at sea, available aboard Celebrity Beyond and Ascent.

Celebrity's Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships feature Tuscan Grille for steak and Italian specialties, Le Petit Chef for classic French with enchanting tabletop entertainment and Sushi on Five for Japanese. The line's Solstice Class ships have an additional restaurant, Murano, for elevated French tasting menus.

Two Celebrity ships, Reflection and Silhouette, also offer two alfresco eateries: Lawn Club Grill and The Porch Seafood Restaurant.

Related: Dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

If you're looking for culinary variety without paying extra, Royal Caribbean's multiple complimentary casual dining venues, namely on its newest and biggest ships, give it an edge for families.

Celebrity's Edge Class ships' quartet of complimentary restaurants offers a nightly change of scenery and menus, ideal for couples and groups of adult friends.

If you don't mind paying extra for a few dinners, Celebrity's roster of specialty restaurants is also a notch above Royal Caribbean's in terms of quality and ambience.

Onboard attractions

Royal Caribbean's focus on adrenaline-rush activities makes it the clear choice for family fun, while Celebrity's chicer vibe is a draw for couples seeking to relax.

Royal Caribbean is a leader in offering amusement park-style attractions such as waterslides, zip lines, surfing and sky-diving simulators, and escape rooms. Celebrity doesn't go there at all. Rather, its onboard attractions are designed for grown-ups, with pools, hot tubs and stylish top-deck relaxation areas, such as The Lawn Club on Solstice Class ships and The Rooftop Garden on Edge-series ships.

All Royal Caribbean ships feature rock climbing walls, outdoor movie screens and arcades. All but Radiance Class and Vision Class ships have FlowRider surf simulators, and all but Radiance Class, Vision Class and Quantum Class ships have minigolf courses.

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships feature the most thrills in the fleet — perhaps even at sea. Oasis Class vessels are known for their collection of waterslides and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide that drops riders 10 decks through a spiral tube pulsing with light. These ships also have an ice skating rink, zip line, escape room, pop-up laser tag and a carousel.

When Icon of the Seas debuts, it will have the largest water park at sea, with six slides and a thrilling ropes course along the side of the ship.

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships don't feature waterslides but are distinguished by their North Star sightseeing capsule, which lifts guests high above the ship for 360-degree views. Other thrills include RipCord by iFly (a sky-diving simulator) and the multipurpose indoor SeaPlex offering bumper cars, basketball and Xbox gaming consoles.

Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships offer some thrill activities, but not as many as the newer ships. These can include various waterslides, laser tag and escape rooms, so check each ship's offerings. Older and smaller Radiance Class and Vision Class ships feature pools but no waterslides or other kid-friendly attractions.

What Celebrity's ships lack in thrills, they make up for with eye-catching contemporary design and cool places to hang out. Solstice Class ships feature a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass; it's the setting for jazz concerts and outdoor games. Edge-series vessels have a Rooftop Garden with live plants, modern sculptures, cozy seating nooks and a grill restaurant. Cabana-lined pool decks feature elevated hot tubs shaped like martini glasses.

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity feature adults-only, glass-enclosed Solarium pools. They also offer relaxing spas with salons, thermal suites and fitness centers for all your self-care and wellness needs.

Related: The wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Kids activities

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity welcome families and have complimentary kids clubs, but only Royal Caribbean has the onboard attractions and thrills that appeal to active younger children and teens.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program has spaces and activities (science and art projects, games and parties) designed for kids ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. The program is free during the day and early evening; an hourly rate applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Babies & Tots nursery accommodates children ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off babysitting (for an hourly fee). Teens can hang out in The Living Room, dance or chill with new friends at the Fuel teen club or try to get a high score at the arcade.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Celebrity's Camp at Sea kids program also caters to children in three age groups (3-5, 6-9 and 10-12). Programming focuses on recreation, hobbies and learning-based activities in arts and science. Its Teen Club keeps 13- to 17-year-olds entertained with sports competitions, silent discos and video game parties.

Royal Caribbean is the hands-down winner here, a cruise line designed with family fun in mind. Some older teens might enjoy a transition from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity. However, families with active tweens and younger kids seeking onboard thrills are better off with Royal Caribbean.

Entertainment

Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops in terms of entertainment, so if lively, in-your-face nightlife is key to your vacation bliss, opt for one of its newer, larger ships.

Celebrity's entertainment lineup pushes boundaries in more unexpected ways but mainly on its newer Edge Class ships; its Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships offer more traditional entertainment.

Both cruise lines feature inviting bars and lounges. Celebrity's nightlife scene is decidedly more upscale and chic, while Royal Caribbean's is livelier and more casual.

Love a Broadway show? Royal Caribbean stages versions of award-winning musicals such as "Grease," "Cats," "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!" on select ships, as well as original productions on all vessels. The line's biggest and newest ships also offer dazzling ice skating shows, daring high-dive AquaTheater performances and/or fantastic high-tech multimedia dance shows.

The two dozen bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean's ships range from the panoramic Viking Crown Lounge to the gimmicky Bionic Bar featuring robot bartenders. A sports bar (Playmakers Bar & Arcade), piano bar (Schooner Bar) and Latin-style lounge (Boleros) are other popular options.

Related: Cruise ship drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Passengers can also sing karaoke, watch a poolside movie under the stars and hit the dance floor to the tunes of a live band or DJ. The bigger the ship, the greater the entertainment options.

Celebrity's entertainment philosophy overall is more traditional, with nightlife centered around drinking, hanging out in lounges and enjoying original shows in the ship's theater. Bars and lounges also feature live music, and there's a silent disco party at least once per cruise.

If you're looking for something a little different, the Edge-series ships offer creative and interactive performances in Eden and The Club, a multipurpose space featuring DJs and themed late-night performances.

All Celebrity ships are known for the Martini Bar, where flamboyant bartenders create a spectacle with shaker tosses and colorful cocktail towers, and the Sunset Bar, located aft and offering terrific sailaway views. Only Celebrity Beyond and Ascent feature a chicly reimagined, two-level Sunset Bar by designer Nate Berkus. Craft Social is the place to grab a craft beer and bar bites, while World Class Bar is the go-to for curated cocktails.

Both cruise lines' ships feature large casinos and offer participatory game shows ("Love & Marriage" and "Battle of the Sexes" on Royal Caribbean and "Deal or No Deal" on Celebrity).

Itineraries

Royal Caribbean's ships cruise to more than 300 destinations worldwide, but the heart of its business is the Caribbean and the Bahamas .

Most of its vessels spend the months from November to March in the islands, sailing three- to 12-night cruises from ports in Florida and Galveston, Texas. However, you can find several ships cruising the Caribbean year-round. Many itineraries call on Royal Caribbean's activity-packed private Bahamian island, Perfect Day at CocoCay .

Seasonal itineraries in Europe, including the Mediterranean , Greek islands and the British Isles, are also popular, as are cruises to Alaska . Royal Caribbean also offers sailings to Bermuda, Hawaii, Canada and New England, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Panama Canal and the South Pacific. Transatlantic and transpacific cruises are available seasonally as well.

Celebrity ships call on more than 300 global cruise ports. Most ships spend November to March cruising the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale and Miami on four- to 11-night sailings and April to October in Europe on 6- to 14-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, Greek islands, Adriatic, British Isles, Iceland and Northern Europe.

Seasonal cruises are also available to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, New England and Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, South America and Asia. Celebrity also offers itineraries to Antarctica (scenic cruising only) from Buenos Aires.

Both cruise lines offer many global options, but neither has itineraries longer than 18 nights. For a summer cruise in the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean has far more options, while Celebrity is the better choice for a summer sailing in Europe. Either line is a good choice for Alaska in summer or the Caribbean in winter, depending on whether you're traveling as a couple or a family and the ship class you book.

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean is the obvious choice if you crave a lively and stimulating cruise experience with 24/7 entertainment and activities that wow both adults and kids. It's also generally the more affordable option.

Celebrity is the cruise line for you if you want a more upscale large-ship experience with a grown-up vibe (but still suitable for kids and teens). What Celebrity's ships lack in adrenaline-rush thrills, they make up in terrific dining and drinking venues.

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12 Big Differences Between Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean

What’s the difference between sailing a cruise on Royal Caribbean and a trip on Celebrity? To be sure, any cruise you take will have plenty of similarities, but despite being owned by the same company (Royal Caribbean Group), there is plenty that’s different between these two cruise lines.

That means just because you’re a fan of one line doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be a fan of the other although there are certainly plenty of people that enjoy the two. And if you’ve never sailed Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, you might be wondering which to sail for your cruise.

Having sailed both, we can share details of ways the two lines are clearly not the same so you can decide which line might be best for you.

Celebrity Caters to More Affluent Adults

If you’ve sailed Royal Caribbean, then you know that it caters to everyone. There is a large family focus, but you’ll find something to enjoy whether you are 8 years old or 88 years old. Celebrity is a bit different in that everything from the ship’s décor, to food, to things to do, to itineraries all cater to a higher-end adult passenger.

That’s not to say that kids or families aren’t welcomed. Far from it. There are dedicated kids areas on both lines. But whereas Royal Caribbean has lots of kid-friendly things to do, eat, and see, Celebrity focuses more on adults. This means more stylish decor, no wild waterslides onboard, and food options that tend to be more adventurous.

If you think of Royal Caribbean as a great place to take a family vacation, then you can think of Celebrity as a great way to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary.

Royal Caribbean Has Larger Ships

When it comes to the largest cruise ships on the planet, there’s Royal Caribbean and then everyone else. Its newest ship — Icon of the Seas — comes in a 250,000+ gross tons and has the ability to carry 7,600 passengers at full capacity. And even beyond that, the fleet in general is large with the six largest cruise ships on the planet all belonging to Royal Caribbean.

That’s great for those that want a lot to do on a cruise ship as more size means more can be packed on. But if you’re not a fan of the biggest ships, Celebrity’s are considerably smaller.

Its largest ships (Beyond and Ascent) come in at “just” 141,000 gross tons and carry about 3,500 passengers. And some of the cruise line’s special expedition ships carry as few as 16 passengers at double occupancy.

Royal Caribbean Sails From More Departure Ports in North America

If you live in the United States and want “easy to sail,” then one big difference is that there are a lot more options with Royal Caribbean.

Both lines sail from a number of departure ports in North America, but Royal Caribbean offers more options including Baltimore, New Orleans, and Galveston. This puts a ship within driving distance for tens of millions more people. As well, Celebrity seems to have fewer year-round options and a smaller number of ships sailing from each port.

To be sure if you’re sailing from ports in Florida, you’ll have a number of options on either line. But overall, you’ll find more choices with Royal Caribbean across the continent.

Drink Prices Are More Expensive on Celebrity

Let’s be clear that any cruise is going to carry hefty price tags on alcohol. It’s not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars on drink packages or buying beverages ala carte during the course of your cruise.

But we’ve noticed that drinks are significantly more expensive when sailing Celebrity. In general, you’ll find menu prices of around $14 per cocktail, plus an additional 18% gratuity charge. On Celebrity, the menu prices vary a bit more, but tend to hover around $17-$20 per cocktail and then there is a 20% gratuity on top of that. In other words, you could be paying up to $24 for a fancy cocktail.

Celebrity Offers “All Included”

Are you someone that doesn’t like to be nickeled and dimed? If so, then Celebrity offers the “All Included” deal that may be to your liking. Royal Caribbean doesn’t have the same package.

With All Included, a basic drink package and basic wi-fi are included in your fare (gratuities used to also be included before it was recently taken out) at a price that’s less than what you’d pay for them individually. So you pay a little extra but save money overall and also have drinks and wi-fi included on your cruise.

You don’t have to purchase the offer if you don’t want to. On Royal Caribbean, however, it’s not a choice (at least for now).

Celebrity Offers More Space

We have not sailed every ship on Celebrity or Royal Caribbean. We have sailed on the Edge-series ships from Celebrity (names like Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent) and several different classes across Royal Caribbean. We can say there is a noticeable difference in the design on the ship that lends itself to more space.

The Edge-series ships are smartly built with spaces around the ship designed to be open and airy. It results in less of a cramped feel while sailing. And it’s not just our imagination.

Cruzely uses a measure called the “space ratio” that takes the gross tonnage of a ship and divides it by passengers at double occupancy. Essentially, it measures the size of the ship per passenger.

Overall, many Royal Caribbean ship score well, hovering around a ratio of 40. Celebrity, however, is even better with many ships in the 42-44 range for the ratio, indicating more space per person.

Royal Caribbean Offers More Short Cruise Options

Over the past decade or two, short cruises (those five nights or fewer) have surged in popularity. Not only are they generally less expensive, but fewer days means less time off work and away from home. There’s little surprise that the chance to get away for a few days without the time commitment or cost of a 7-day trip has proven popular.

If you’re a cruiser that likes these short trips, then you should know that Royal Caribbean offers many more options. A search of the schedule for Celebrity shows 44 different itineraries between 2-5 nights, with most of those routes having only a handful of dates.

Royal Caribbean offers 127 different short itineraries, with some of those sailing dozens of times over the course of the year.

Celebrity Is More Upscale Throughout

We mentioned that Celebrity is more focused on affluent adults. It’s important to emphasize that part of that is being in general a more upscale experience. Ships — especially the newer Edge-series — are essentially pieces of art. We like to think of it as if you took a traditional cruise spa and used that as inspiration for the entire ship. Colors are calm and inviting, there’s lots of space, and it simply feels high end.

As well, the onboard experience will be more upscale. Think calming days by the pool instead of “hairiest chest” contests. That’s not to say it’s uptight and stuffy — you’ll still enjoy yourself. But if you’re the type that likes to wear shorts and flip-flops into the dining room instead of tucking in your shirt, it may not be a fit.

One thing that also adds to the atmosphere is lots of artwork and sculptures throughout. From the pool to the stairwells to the restaurants, nice pieces add a touch of class to everything.

Royal Caribbean Has CocoCay

We include mention of CocoCay as it’s a big draw for many Royal Caribbean cruises, but it’s also a difference that’s soon to go away .

If you aren’t familiar with CocoCay, it’s Royal Caribbean’s private destination in The Bahamas. The spot is considered the ultimate in private islands. It features a full waterpark , lots of beach space, a massive pool, an exclusive beach club and an adults-only section. Literally millions of passengers sail here each year and seemingly every cruise from Florida pays a visit.

Celebrity, however, hasn’t had access to its sister-line’s island. That is until now. Celebrity will begin to include CocoCay stops on some itineraries.

Celebrity Offers “Infinite Verandahs”

It’s not on every ship, but newer Celebrity vessels like Ascent and Edge have a little tweak to the traditional balcony cabins. On the cruise line they are called “infinite verandahs.”

Normally a balcony cabin has the room, and then a door that leads to an outside balcony. These infinite balconies instead have a window for the entire outside wall. When you want some fresh air, hit a button and the top half of the window slides down, turning essentially the entire cabin into the balcony. There is still a “balcony” section that you can close off with folding doors if you want to sit outside without disturbing the rest of the room.

Royal Caribbean’s new Icon class ships are incorporating this design feature, but it’s not on the rest of the fleet.

Royal Caribbean Offers More Options for Kids

We think it’s important to emphasize that Royal Caribbean specifically has a lot more for kids. Yes, kids are welcomed on Celebrity and there is a kids area as mentioned earlier. Children definitely won’t have a bad time.

But compared to Royal Caribbean — which we consider to be among the most kid-friendly lines — the difference is night and day.

Pool decks on Royal Caribbean offer waterslides, climbing walls, and the Flowrider wave simulator. There’s the arcade, some ships offer entertainment like escape rooms, and dry slides. Even others offer bumper cars and ice skating.

Celebrity Offers Small-Ship Trips to the Galapagos

Both cruise lines can take you places around the world, including Royal Caribbean’s epic 274-night “Ultimate World Cruise.” But when it comes to more exotic locations, we have to give the nod to Celebrity.

In particular, the cruise line offers three ships — Xpedition, Xploration, and Flora — that provide cruises to the Galapagos. These three vessels are unique not just in that they offer cruises to one of the most remote parts of the planet, but they are also small. The largest of the three — Celebrity Flora — has an occupancy of just 100 passengers.

That definitely sets it apart from Royal Caribbean.

Which Cruise Line Is Better, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity?

So which should you sail? And which cruise line is better between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity?

That comes down to a matter of personal preference. The good news is that both cruise lines do a great job of delivering a memorable vacation. But they do seem to deliver the most for certain groups.

If you’re a family sailing with children, the Royal Caribbean is the obvious choice . The cruise line caters to everyone, but has a much larger focus on things to do onboard compared to not just Celebrity but nearly any cruise line. That’s not to say Mom and Dad won’t have fun, but the kids should have a markedly more exciting cruise.

On the other hand, if you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or you are simply the sort of passenger who enjoys a more luxurious experience (e.g. you prefer the spa over the waterslide), then we think Celebrity is a great option .

More on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean:

• Celebrity Ascent First Look: Review, Tour, & Should You Sail?
• Complete Guide to Sailing Royal Caribbean (What It’s Like)

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I sailed on 3 of the newest cruise ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Celebrity and the best was also the biggest ship. Here's how they compare.

• I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian's Prima, and Celebrity's Apex.
• The Wonder of the Seas is now my favorite ship with the Prima as a close second.
• Here's how all of their staterooms, common spaces, food and beverage programs, and shows compared.

I've been on media sailings on four cruise ships across four cruise lines and one was the clear winner.

Ironically, I'm not shy about my disdain for cruises.

I don't like feeling stuck and bored on a ship with nowhere to go.

I'm definitely a picky cruise goer. But only one ship fielded less complaints than the others.

From 2021 to 2022, I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, Norwegian's Prima, Celebrity's Apex, and Margaritaville at Sea's Paradise.

And the Wonder of the Seas mega cruise ship was by far my favorite vessel.

Whenever I go on a cruise, I judge my experience based on my stateroom, the common spaces and activities, the food and beverage program, and the nighttime entertainment.

Here's how all four ships compared to each other. And here's why the Wonder of the Seas is the only one I'll be recommending to traveling families.

Let's start with the staterooms. Despite my previous compliments, Royal Caribbean's mega-ship didn't have my favorite stateroom.

The 1,188-foot-long mega vessel is currently the largest cruise ship in operation.

Its 2,867 staterooms can accommodate up to 7,084 guests.

However, my balcony stateroom left much to be desired.

It had all the bare essentials and minimal decor. There wasn't even a separate body wash and shampoo in the bathroom.

The poorly designed sink didn't catch all of the water while I washed my hands. And overall, the bathroom felt cramped.

At least the stateroom had the most storage I had ever seen. And the couch and bed were both pretty comfortable.

Plus, it’s hard to complain about these balcony views.

But at a starting rate of $1,400 for 2023 itineraries, I was hoping for some more decor and luxurious amenities.

However, I wasn't as disappointed by my stateroom aboard the Norwegian Prima.

The 965-foot-long ship can accommodate 3,215 guests in its 1,646 staterooms.

I stayed in the 230-square-foot family-balcony stateroom during my four-night sailing.

And despite its small square footage, it felt like this hotel room at sea could've rivaled a Manhattan studio apartment.

There was plenty of storage. Not as much as my stateroom on the Wonder of the Seas but still more than I needed to use.

The ambient lighting provided a warm glow that made the hotel room at sea feel like home. And the bathroom was spacious and well-designed.

The amenities — like the couch, balcony, and desk — were about the same as Royal Caribbean's.

This hotel room at sea will start at $991 for spring 2023 five-to-seven-day round trips from New York City to Bermuda.

When I sailed on the Celebrity Apex in 2021, it was the cruise line's newest ship and my first time on a cruise as an adult.

The 1,004-foot-long vessel can accommodate a little over 2,900 guests in its 1,467 staterooms.

I stayed in the 243-square-foot Infinite Veranda stateroom and was surprised by how spacious and plush the small room felt.

The veranda, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, was the perfect private nook during sunny and breezy days out at sea.

The bed was one of the most comfortable I've slept on aboard a cruise ship.

And the bathroom was also fairly polished and spacious. I never felt too cramped. Overall, I have no complaints.

When I sailed in 2021, a stay in the stateroom for 2022 sailings started at $1,440, making this stateroom the most expensive on the list.

Of all three staterooms, Norwegian Prima's balcony stateroom was my favorite with Celebrity Apex's as a close second.

Both were spacious, modern, and well designed despite having a compact square-footage.

But the Prima's warm ambient lights and splashes of color made the hotel room at sea a clear winner.

Onto the onboard activities and common spaces. This is where the Wonder of the Seas really shines.

It's evident the cruise ship catered to families. And given its size, it should be no surprise that this vessel had the most amenities and activities I'd ever seen aboard a vessel.

Almost every section of the ship — called "neighborhoods — catered to travelers of all ages in some way.

Listing all of these amenities and activities would take too long. But some standout neighborhoods include Central Park, a peaceful outdoor walkway lined with plants, shopping, and restaurants …

… and Boardwalk, another open-air neighborhood designed to look like a real boardwalk with a carousel, hot dog stand, and candy store.

And we can't forget about the all-important pool deck. The one on the Wonder of the Seas is a colorful paradise for families.

There are three water slides, an outdoor water park for children, and multiple pools and hot tubs throughout the overwhelmingly bright space.

And the deck above this had even more activities including a mini-golf course, dry slide, zip line, and surf simulator. It's the only cruise ship on this list with the latter two activities.

And in my opinion, they epitomizes Royal Caribbean's goal of appealing to families.

The Norwegian Prima had similarly family-oriented activities including some I never expected to find on a cruise ship.

Like the Wonder of the Seas, there was a children's water park, although it wasn't as grand as Royal Caribbean's.

Families could also play mini golf and slide down the decks-long dry slide aboard the Prima.

But unlike the Wonder of the Seas, the ship also had a VR arcade, high-tech darts, a go-kart course, and the "Stadium" with outdoor activities like ping pong.

But its pool deck was far from exciting. At least there was a water slide.

But this deck wasn’t the only option for pool-side lounging. The ship also had a more peaceful 0.33-mile walkway with pools, lounge chairs, and daybeds.

Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises is actively trying to attract Gen X travelers, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises' CEO, told Insider in 2021. And this is definitely reflected in the ship

While the common spaces aboard Prima and Wonder of the Seas were playful and youthful, the Apex had a modern and polished flair akin to a new hotel.

Areas like the Rooftop Garden and Eden were sophisticated and some of the most beautiful spaces I've seen aboard a cruise ship.

But given the target demographic, there were no water slides or activities designed just for young children.

And while any Solarium with glass ceilings is luxurious, this one looked a bit dated.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the gym — lined with Pelotons — was fairly luxurious.

Of all the ships, Royal Caribbean's newest mega-ship had the most impressive amenities.

Its size definitely helps: The more space you have, the more amenities you can include.

There are enough activities to keep a family entertained for days at sea.

And even though the Norwegian Prima had a VR arcade and go-karting, the Wonder of the Seas' unique spaces made it a clear winner.

Onto dining. Royal Caribbean's giant cruise ship has over 20 dining venues. However, over half are specialty restaurants that come at an extra cost to travelers.

There were a handful of fun dining options like an outdoor build-your-own taco and burrito bar, a pizza shop, and an 18-seat restaurant.

But the best meal I had aboard the ship was the cruise ship buffet. There was something for everyone, including international dishes, classic favorites, and a seafood section. And the raw fresh was shockingly fresh.

However, I can't say the same for the two specialty dining restaurants I tried.

Hooked Seafood was satisfactory but not mind-blowing. And Mason Jar, a new-to-brand Southern restaurant with live music, served me unbearably dry chicken.

At least the new cruise ship had a diverse list of drinking venues.

There's a watering hole operated by robots, another designed to look like an old English pub, and a bar on a platform that moved vertically between decks.

Like the cruise ship’s amenities and activities, there was something for every drinker aboard the ship.

But the Norwegian Prima had the most unique restaurant options of all the ships I sailed on.

There were 14 dining options. Half were specialty restaurants.

But my favorite meals were at the complimentary food hall with touch screen ordering pads at every table, the first I've ever seen on a cruise ship.

Here, diners could choose between 11 restaurants including an Indian eatery, an international noodle bar concept, and a rotisserie option.

And to my surprise, almost everything I tried here was as good as the typical on-land options. I could've eaten every meal here.

The ship also had plenty of bars. In my opinion, the Metropolitan bar was its most unique concept.

Here, the zero-waste cocktails used liqueurs and syrups made from some of the ship's food scraps.

Cruise ships aren't known for being low-waste or great for the environment. And the bar only cut a tiny fraction of the ship's food waste. But at least the attempt was made.

There are 29 dining venues aboard the Celebrity Apex. Seven are specialty venues.

However, these options weren't too exciting. Most restaurants served either American or European cuisine with the exception of a raw bar with sushi and sashimi.

The meals on Apex were good at best. I didn't eat anything too memorable.

While Le Petit Chef and Family was fun and wholesome, the food was just satisfactory.

The Apex's target Gen X demographic is clear with its choice of bars.

There was a martini bar at the heart of the ship next to a craft beer and sports bar. These classy additions fit both the demographic and current drink trends.

But one of the most unique bars — and spaces in general — aboard the ship was the Magic Carpet, a bar and lounge on an open-aired platform that can rise and lower between decks.

It also doubles as a tender dock at ports of call.

Between the three ships, the Norwegian Prima's food and beverage program was my favorite.

Almost everything I ate at the digital food hall was delicious and it was fun seeing a modern concept on a cruise ship.

The Wonder of the Seas buffet comes in a close second. But the diversity of cuisines at Prima's food hall makes it a winner in my eyes.

However, Royal Caribbean's mega vessel shines again with the nighttime entertainment.

The ship's ice skating show wasn't my favorite although the venue itself is unique for a cruise ship.

But "inTENse" — an exciting outdoor show filled with divers, dancers, a tightrope walker, and synchronized swimmers — made up for the lackluster ice skating show.

Here, the two halves of the stage — and its performers — rose and sank into a pool.

I was fully engaged and enthralled during the show. And the outdoor venue was the best I've ever seen on a vessel.

Unlike the Wonder of the Seas, Prima's entertainment thrives on being recognizable. However, I wasn't able to take photos during the shows.

During my media sailing, the ship was showing its rendition of Broadway musical "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," a contemporary tap dancing and beat boxing mashup "Noise Boys," and "The Price is Right Live" game show.

While I'm not a fan of musicals, the Prima's production of the Donna Summer Musical and "Noise Boys" were two of the most impressive productions I've seen on a ship …

… although it wasn't as entertaining as Royal Caribbean's "inTENse."

And "The Price is Right Live" was a surprising hit. It was as much a game show as it was an interactive comedic experience.

However, I don't have this high praise for the Celebrity Apex's show.

The nighttime performers aboard the Apex are undeniably talented but I wasn't amused by the acrobat and electric violin production. It was far from memorable and reminded me of a typical cruise ship performance.

Nothing compares to the Wonder of the Sea’s “inTENse” water show. It changed my perspective of cruise ship shows.

If it's not clear yet, this mega vessel is my favorite ship I've sailed on so far.

While the Norwegian Prima's stateroom and food options were superior, the common spaces and amenities aboard the Wonder of the Seas far outshined any other vessel.

And in my opinion, the amenities and activities are the most important part of a cruise ship. Travelers don't sail just to stay in their staterooms all day.

Neighborhoods like Central Park and the Boardwalk looked nothing like a cruise ship.

And I didn't have time to do every activity I wanted to during my two-night sailing, which is rare to say when you're stuck on a ship with nowhere to go.

Moving forward, it’ll be the only cruise ship I recommend to traveling families. But at least the Norwegian Prima is a close second.

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• Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity

By G_G_Girl , January 4, 2010 in Royal Caribbean International

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We took our first cruise last year on a 7 night Southern Carribbean cruise with Royal Caribbean. We had such a good time, our group of 10 is planning on booking another Caribbean cruise for next winter. We are considering Celebrity because we like the ports of call better than the ones that Royal Carribbean have to offer. The prices are very similar as well. But looking at the reviews of the Celebrity Summit, they aren't that impressive. Does anyone have a strong preference between the two cruise lines?

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I assume you were on a Voyager class RCI ship (Adventure?). We have been on both the Voyager class and the Summit. Celebrity is more 'formal' than Royal - most people adhere to the suggested dress for the evening. The Royal ships with the Promenades have a great 'buzz' going - maybe since so much of the entertainment is centered around the Promenade or one floor up or down.

The passengers were usually younger on the Royal ships than on Celebrity - which is a little more upscale in service and dining.

Keep reading the boards and asking questions - it can be a tough decision - ports? or ship? Welcome to the world of cruising.

I defeinatly agree with above poster a older avg age on Celebrity and little more formal feeling at meals

But I will cruise with them again if there was an itenaray I wanted to do

I agree with the above poster. My husband and I have been on 2 Celebrity cruises (pre-children). We had a great time, food was great, more formal. Ever since we've been taking our kids on cruises, we have only cruised on Royal Caribbean. Younger crowd, more kids.

Desert Cruizers

Freinds returned from a 12 day Med on the Celebrity Summit and loved their cruise but felt they had better service and overall enjoyment on RCL. They are a couple in the late 50's to early 60's. They are returning to Celebrity for a cruise with a couple they met on that cruise.

We enjoy them both....took kids/grandkids with us on RCL...and have done this line with groups and had a blast. On the other hand....love no announcements, cushions on pool chairs, live jazz, better food/personal service, and chilled towels when returning from tours on Celebrity. Martini Bar tends to be more "elegant" than packed. We would make the choice based on who we were traveling with, itinerary, and willingness to have chaos. We have ALWAYS....more than 15 years...found RCL buffets for breakfast and lunch to be slightly organized chaos and same with getting on and off the ship...especially for tender ports. But the kids loved all the activities!

We enjoy the more subtle crowds on Celebrity when it is adults only. On the other hand....this last cruise with our grandkids....our waiter/asst. waiter came with toothpick and silverware games for the 5 kids (under 12) with us (our table for 12)....and every night brought the whole dessert menu items and passed them around for the kids to indulge. Soooo, the wait staff knew how to make moms, dads, and grandparents VERY happy...allowing us to chat separately.

We are anxiously awaiting our Equinox cruise in March....this will be a trip with book reading, massages, quiet cocktails, casino trips, and a few select off ship tours.....with a French lunch in St. Maarten...always a highlight there. These are things the kids would NOT appreciate.

So there is plenty of room for both....decide what you need!

I appreciate your input so far. Last year we sailed on the Serenade of the Seas. We are a group of 5 couples in our mid-thirties. We love to have fun- drinking, dancing, good food, but also enjoy a bit of sophistication. Not that we didn't have that on RCCL but I've heard that Celebrity is a classier and more refined cruise line. Is this true? I've looked at the reviews on Cruise Critic and it appeared that Serenade of the Seas got better marks than the Celebrity Summit. So I just wanted to make sure we weren't going to disappoint ourselves.

I've been on the Serenade and Millie class ship. Serenade is probably closest to Celebrity than any ship in RCCL's fleet. I agree with all the above posters, Celebrity offers a somewhat more elegent experience. I think if I had a choice I would pick the Summit. The southern Caribbean route is my favorite.

My husband and I are in our early 40's and have been on 5 RCI cruises, and just went on Celebrity for the first time in November.

I was actually surprised at how similar they were. I was expecting this major difference in service, and I didn't see it. It wasn't bad, just nothing different really from RCI.

The food in the dining room was better on Celebrity.

My advise is always to pick the based on the itinerary. It's a given that you'll have fun no matter which cruise you're on! :D

Miss Vickie

I've been on the Serenade and Millie class ship. Serenade is probably closest to Celebrity than any ship in RCCL's fleet. I agree with all the above posters, Celebrity offers a somewhat more elegent experience. I think if I had a choice I would pick the Summit. The southern Caribbean route is my favorite.   Rollie

Our favorite ship is Serenade. Summit (and the other M class ships) are built on the same hull, same size, but designed totally differently. We took Summit last year because we loved her Bonaire-Dominica itinerary, and wanted to try the Celebrity experience. We did love the itinerary, but honestly, did not care for Summit or Celebrity, for a variety of reasons. We much prefer Serenade, and she has absolutely awesome itineraries. The only thing that would make it better would be if they substituted Bonaire for Barbados, in my opinion. We're doing the "B" itinerary on Serenade, leaving a week from Friday, and are booked for the "A" itinerary on January 2011, our 5th and 6th trips on her.

I took my first Celebrity cruise last year. There are certain things that X does much better than RCI. However, I only recommend X for couples or groups of adults travelling without kids. If there are kids involved, I recommend sticking with RCI and looking at a Voyager or Freedom Class ship.

For example, X prides itself on lack of announcements. There are no annoying BINGO , BINGO, BINGO announcements.

Also, their ships are almost 100% smoke free. There are only a few small areas on outdoor decks where smoking is permitted, and there is absolutely no smoking anywhere inside the ship. You can not smoke on balconies either. This is great for non-smokers and not so great if anyone in your group smokes.

This is very minor...but I love the little lounge area they set up on the pier in ports. When you return to the ship, you are greeted with cool towels, water, juice, and a sitting area.

Jlmoler, I see by your signiture that you have been on many soulthern Caribbean cruises. They are our favorites. I just hate flying into San Jaun. Flight is long and expensive.

Jlmoler, I see by your signiture that you have been on many soulthern Caribbean cruises. They are our favorites. I just hate flying into San Jaun. Flight is long and expensive.   Rollie

We do love the Southerns! The Eastern/Western itineraries really don't interest us.

Like you, we have to fly to port (we live in Cleveland, OH), and the extra flying time to San Juan is worth it to us, and we book our flights really early and manage to get pretty good fares. We drove to Pittsburgh to fly once, to get the best fare, and usually look at other surrounding airports within a couple of hours driving distance, but with that one exception have been able to fly out of Cleveland.

Jlmoler, I think the next time we do the southen route we will do a b2b.

domino luigi

going on the EOS feb 26 out of Port Liberty NJ. Parking seems steep at $19 per day. Any recomendations for less expensive parking. We are thinking of taking a car service.

We took our first Celebrity cruise on Mercury in October and were disappointed.

It is true there are little things that Celebrity adds: the staff are dressed more formally, free "champagne" at boarding, and some other amenities like shampoo and chocolates on the pillow, but these are trivia and we were disappointed in the big things. Overall the design of the ship caused it to seem extremely crowded and the crowd traffic did not flow well at all. The lack of open spaces made me feel a little claustrophobic. While we had a great room attendant [can't say enough good about him], the service in the MDR was awful. The waiter was not attentive and seemed to have too many tables to handle. We did not have a dedicated assistant waiter, so various other staff came by the table from time to time. There was no consistency and no chance for an assistant to get to know individual preferences. The food wasn't any better, although perhaps the menu had more options. I did not like the layout of the buffet at all. It seemed more crowded and the lines didn't flow as well as the typical Windjammer.

Maybe it was just luck of the draw with our waiter and the fact Mercury is one of the older ships in Celebrity's fleet. For the right price/itinerary I would try them again. But based on this experience, I vastly prefer RCI -- even with more kids and the remaining smoking places [i am a non-smoker and frequently go out on deck (regardless of the weather) to avoid going through the cloud in the casino -- just so you know how I feel about that].

We had a great time on Mercury with great friends and saw some great places. But for the ship and service, I would rank this cruise at the very bottom of the heap.

Frankly I'm a little surprised by the negative comments about X. In general on CC they tend to rate equal to or slightly above RCCL. X does have a better staff to passenger ratio and that should make a difference in service. Personally I cruise and enjoy both (39 RCCL and 7 X cruises in the past). I find RCCL more comfortable and as others have stated less formal. There clearly is an "attitude" among some X staff and passengers about RCCL being RCI's Carnival. But . . . the bottom line is there are no wrong choices when choosing X or RCCL. In February we're on Infinity and on Mariner in March. We're looking forward to both.

I am looking at Southern Caribbean Itneraries right now, however since we live in So Calif, I am not looking forward to flying the extra distance to SJ and think we would be better off going out of a FL Port.

Jlmoler, I think the next time we do the southen route we will do a b2b.   Rollie

I'd love to do that, but getting that kind of time away (and paying for it!) is an issue. We're sailing with a bunch of people this year who are doing B2B's.

As for the negative comments regarding X, it's strictly a matter of personal opinion. All I said is that we didn't care for it, as compared to Serenade. Didn't go into details. Our preferance is Royal Caribbean, even though we don't have kids. I didn't see anything that they did particularly better than RCCL, and several things which, in my personal opinion, were not as good.

Celebrity is a little more upscale than Royal Caribbean, but it is by no means stuffy and just full of old folks. Every Celebrity cruise I've been on has had a good mix of younger and older passengers including a lot of party animal Baby Boomers (myself included). There were fewer children because we generally cruise in the early spring or fall when school is still in session. The times there were were children on the ship they seemed to be having a good time. I prefer Celebrity, but I like Royal Caribbean.

I'm usually a Celebrity cruiser and have taken 2 RCL cruises and 11 'X'. It isn't due to the 'X' is 'better' than RCL, since that is so subjective - I think a lot of it has to do with when you start cruising, what line really catches you. We took our first on Carnival (enjoyed) and then over to Celebrity and we stick with that line unless there is a specific reason not to, such as joining friends or itinerary. We love the low-key upscaleness I think is a good description.

We like 'X' as our primary because we enjoy the service I find a bit better, a like the lower key approach to cruising - don't partake in a lot of the group activities - and find the dining a bit better. Love the 'X' smoking rules - by the way, there is one inside smoking location on most of the 'X' ships and that is on the port side in the large forward lounge/bar.

I find the 'X' ships (including the Mercury) to be organized well and you don't feel the large crowds unless you line up before dinner, or press to get off the ship first. Just my view.

I miss a full promenade RCL usually has, but find the 'X' common areas/lounges to well appointed and to my taste.

Love the T-Spa on the M-Class which Summit is one of. It's kind of like a large hotub pool - lots of water action, pipes with water coming out to stand under, and 'lounges' on the sides with bubbles coming up through them. Fantastic. Usually adults only area.

You noticed I said 'my taste'. As most of us have said, its very subjective. If you loved crusing on RCL, you'll love cruising on 'X'. Differences are for us nitpickers. What I Don't do is play the compare game while I'm on cruise. I realize its really impossible not to but I work on enjoying the moment and finding a way of either enjoying the differenes or taking advantage of them. But then I get into it 'here'.

Enjoy either one - my recommendation is to go for the itinerary and try another line, 'X'. You won't be disappointed even if you decide you like the more 'active' RCL experience, unless of course you want to be disappointed.

What's neat about this thread (and the one on 'X') is there isn't any real 'cheapshotting' and putdowns, just our opinions being put in an acceptable way. I think that says a lot that RCL and 'X' are pretty close.

OK, here is the deal. Like I've said before you really need to be very very very careful on how you read some this reviews posted by people. Some issues are very specific and highly subjective to each individual. You and only you can make the decision whether something or some cruise ship can or can not met your expectations. I usually throw out the best reviews and worst reviews and read the reviews that give the fairest review of the ship. I've sailed on both RCCL and Celebrity. Both of owned my the same company and both give a good to excellent cruise experience, but they are clearly different cruise products. So if you had a great time on the RCCL it does not mean you will have a good experience on Celebrity. However, you might up ending liking Celebrity better than RCCL, but you won't know until you try Celebrity. I've been on all the major cruise lines and I've yet to have a bad experience just different experiences...some great and some just so so... but never bad. But its sounds like the reason you want to go on Celebrity is for the ports. OK..then go on Celebrity, but you should have realistic expectations that your cruise may not be the same as your RCCL cruise but at least you will visits the ports you want to see. If it's not the cruise experience you want than you can always go back to RCCL. Just keep an open and positive mind and make the cruise what you want it to be and have a great time.

Thanks for the input "COMBOY". You made some really good points!!!!

ANNIEGOLFCAR

We have done 3 x cruises and 4 RCCL....I swore I would never do a RCCL - but friends of our were booking a group of people - so we went - and have not really turned back since.....Mainly due to pricing and itinerary. I go first with itinerary then pricing. We just did a Serenade of the Seas which was very good. While waiting to return home at the airport I sat next to a couple who did the Summit.....they had done 8 X's in past. They were very disappointed with the service, food quality, overall experience did not live up to their past experiences. I mentioned that in the past few years our experience with RCCL has definately gone down a bit (food quality and choices in dining room, no chocolates on pillows, only a few nights of the towel animals) - but none of this has really made too much of a difference. I would say RCCL def is more laid back - with respect to dress code (which my hubby kinda liked!) - they pretty much let you wear whatever you want in the dining room ( shorts, tee shirts). Again, we are all on vacation!! What if someone is having a "fat day"!? Good luck! With whatever you choose - you will have a great time, no doubt!

beardedladies

We have only done RCCL Independence of the Seas (three times now) and due to go on the new Celebrity Eclipse in April, 4 day taster to cruise to Cork Ireland... thought we would give it a try!

There will be the excitement of a new ship, but I do have my reservations, no promenade, we just fell in love with the Independence she is fab and loved the food and friendlyness of the staff and plus the friends we've made, wait and see how we get on, it will be nice ;)... Mark

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Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Which Cruise Line Is Best for You?

By: Author Dan Bagby

Posted on Published: February 26, 2023

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are two of the most popular cruise lines on the market. Both offer wonderful ships and itineraries for cruise honeymoons and vacations of all sorts. Although both lines are owned by the same company, there are differences. Is Celebrity or Royal Caribbean best for you? In short: it totally depends!

In this article, we will share the similarities and key differences between Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean cruises to help you decide which one is the perfect choice for you. We will also answer questions like, is Royal Caribbean as good as Celebrity and is the food better on Celebrity than Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean Overview

Royal Caribbean takes a fun approach to cruising, making it a great choice for those looking for a wide variety of exciting activities.

If you want to just sit back and relax onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships, you certainly can. But if you enjoy thrilling amenities like zip lining, rock climbing walls, huge waterslides, and surf pools, you will find them here, as well as plenty of nightlife.

There is also high-end enjoyment to be had on a Royal Caribbean cruise. From spa treatments to fine dining, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone.

Celebrity Cruises Overview

Celebrity is one of the best cruise lines for people looking for a luxury trip. With ships that feature state-of-the-art interior design and luxe furnishings, Celebrity does exactly what it says in the name: it makes you feel like a true celebrity.

Every ship has a variety of onboard amenities and entertainment, including amazing shows and live music, casinos, and shopping. And if you’d rather lay back and relax, you can enjoy a spa treatment, a day by one of the pools, fine dining, and plenty of lounges and bars.

Celebrity cruise ships differ in size, and each brings its own unique charm to the fleet. The largest Celebrity ship is the Celebrity Beyond, holding up to 3260 passengers. Celebrity is also home to the smallest cruise ship in the world, the Celebrity Xploration, which holds only 16 passengers!

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cost

Cost can be a huge factor when deciding which cruise line is best for you. In general, Royal Caribbean tends to be less expensive than Celebrity Cruises, but they’re typically more family-friendly and less about living the life of luxury. With Celebrity, you get the celebrity lifestyle at a celebrity price–though they often have discounts available.

Royal Caribbean may be the best choice for you if you are looking for a budget-friendly option. That’s not to say you can’t find good deals with Celebrity, but you’ll likely get a lot more for your money on Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Ships

When it comes to their fleet, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are quite different.

One difference between the two is the size of their fleet. Celebrity Cruise Line has a fleet size of 16 cruise ships, whereas Royal Caribbean boasts a fleet size of 24. 

Celebrity ships are varied in size and each gives a different experience, while sticking to the luxury feel. In general, Celebrity ships carry fewer passengers than Royal Caribbean, which leads to a more intimate atmosphere and more personal service. As mentioned before, the smallest Celebrity ship holds just 16 passengers.

Royal Caribbean ships, on the other hand, all feature the brand’s fun-loving vibe and mix of exciting activities. The largest Royal Caribbean ships are some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, with the largest holding 5700 people. (These ships have also been some of the most award-winning.) The smallest Royal Caribbean ship carries nearly 2000 people.

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean Food and Drink

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships are comparable in the food on offer. They offer a range of restaurants, from complimentary dining for everyone on board to fine-dining options if you’re looking for something special.

Royal Caribbean offers a 3-restaurant dining package as well as an unlimited dining package , so you can visit different restaurants on board as much as you desire. They have quite a varied selection of eateries to choose from. As they cater to families, they have a balance of upscale restaurants and more family-friendly options with great choices on the kids’ menus.

Celebrity on the other hand is more tailored towards luxury, which carries over into their dining experiences too. With a larger selection of high-end restaurants on board, they typically cater better to groups of friends, couples, and honeymooners. Celebrity restaurant cuisine is overseen by a Michelin-starred chef.

Of course, Celebrity also has a range of complimentary dining options. Tip: these restaurants are all quite upscale too, so be sure to read their fleet-wide dining room dress codes before you pack!

Is the food better on Celebrity than Royal Caribbean? Both cruise lines offer food choices for convenient meals and luxury dining alike. But if you’re  looking for a meal that will put the cherry on top of your vacation (no pun intended!), Blu, a restaurant onboard many Celebrity cruise liners, is one of the best options out there. 

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer a variety of bars.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cabins

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity both offer a variety of cabin types. These are very different between the two companies, however, as they’re geared toward their typical clientele.

Celebrity cabins all boast an air of luxury within them. With gorgeous ocean-view rooms with large windows, private balconies, world-class amenities, and beautiful furnishings, they’re sure to make your vacation picture-perfect.

Choose from a variety of staterooms and suites catering to couples, solo travelers, and families or groups, each delivering the upscale experience Celebrity promises.

While Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer as sophisticated an atmosphere as Celebrity in its cabins, it still features plenty of comfort and luxury. Staterooms are designed with couples in mind. Bright and beautiful, they’re a great space to relax and unwind at the end of the day. They also have large rooms for group trips, with up to four bedrooms.

And as a more family-friendly cruise line, Royal Caribbean knows how the little ones like to live. Their family rooms are like no other. Colorful, comfortable, and full of fun, you’ll find giant games of Connect four, Lego walls, and even in-room slides to keep the kids entertained.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Itineraries

You won’t have a problem finding a fabulous itinerary on either cruise line. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer cruises to plenty of top destinations such as the Caribbean , the Mediterranean , Europe , Alaska , South America, and more.

They also each have a wide variety of itineraries to choose from. Whether it’s a three-night jaunt in The Bahamas on either cruise line, a 12-night trip around Argentina and Patagonia with Celebrity, or a 245-night life-changing round-the-world cruise with Royal Caribbean, there truly is something for everyone!

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Activities

The activities onboard Celebrity and Royal Caribbean can vary depending on the ship and its itinerary. 

Celebrity Cruise Line offers a more upscale, relaxed atmosphere geared towards those that enjoy a little sophistication. People travel with Celebrity to, well, feel like a celebrity! Because of this, most people like to enjoy a wellness visit to the spa, try their luck at the casino, visit an art gallery, check out wine tastings, or learn a new skill or hobby.

Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is geared more toward those who like to live life in the fast lane. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of extreme sports and exciting activities, including the Flowrider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, zip lining, ice skating, bumper cars, the tallest waterslide at sea, sky diving simulators, nightclubs, and more. They also offer more activities for kids and teens, so it’s a great choice to keep the kids occupied.

Both cruise lines offer entertainment options like Broadway-style shows, music, dance lessons, bingo and other games, trivia competitions, etc.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity for Kids

Keeping the kids entertained is something you need to consider when deciding which cruise line is best for your family vacation. In general, Royal Caribbean tends to be a bit more family-friendly than Celebrity Cruise Line, with more fast-paced activities onboard geared towards the little ones, and family rooms designed with them in mind. 

While Celebrity welcomes children, Royal Caribbean may be the best choice for you if you’re traveling with family. That’s not to say you can’t have a great family vacation with Celebrity, but the kids might not get as much out of the trip as you do.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean offer a lot of similar options, with on-board shows, clubs, bars, casinos and so much more, you’re guaranteed to be spoiled for choice no matter which you choose.

One difference, though, is the entertainment geared toward children and teens. As we have just discussed, Royal Caribbean is more family-friendly in many aspects, and this extends to the range of entertainment onboard.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Typical Passengers

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity welcome a variety of people on board. However, there are some distinct differences between the two based on pricing, onboard activities, and general vibe.

Royal Caribbean tends to host families and those looking for adventure, while Celebrity usually welcomes more couples and adults who are looking for a relaxing and luxurious escape.

The usual passenger age on Celebrity cruises ranges from mid-30s to 70s, while Royal Caribbean passengers are generally younger (20s to 60s, with many more families with children).

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean Conclusion

Is Royal Caribbean as good as Celebrity? That depends on what type of cruise you’re looking for. In general, while Royal Caribbean offers a fun and enjoyable cruising experience–especially for families and active travelers–Celebrity offers more of a luxury cruise atmosphere.

After reading this article, what do you think? Is Celebrity better than Royal Caribbean, or is Royal Caribbean better than Celebrity for your cruise vacation? If you’re still undecided, check out our articles on Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian and 10 Best Honeymoon Cruises & Cruise Lines for more information!

He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club. Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.

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Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Comparison of Cruise Lines

Can't decide between Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises? We break down ship size, itineraries, dining, entertainment, and more to help you pick your perfect cruise!

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The two major brands that fall under the Royal Caribbean Group are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises , both of which have become well-known cruises that provide a variety of experiences that cater to different types of travelers. In this blog, we'll go into detail about how Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises differ based on onboard experiences, itineraries, and passenger profiles, emphasizing the decision-making process that travelers will have.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROYAL CARIBBEAN and Celebrity CRUISES

Size of ships.

One of the most apparent differences between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises is the size of the ships. Royal Caribbean turns its strength into a fleet with cutting-edge amenities and family-friendly attractions, including some of the largest ships on the sea. Their ships cater to guests seeking a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, with amenities like water slides, zip lines, and skydiving simulators. On the other hand, Celebrity Cruises provides upper-class, mature-oriented adventures, with ships that are large and elegant, their interiors decorated in a modern style, and many luxurious facilities.

Related:   Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships By Age Newest to Oldest

Passenger profile

The passenger profile on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises differs significantly. Royal Caribbean cruise ships are recognized by passengers of diverse backgrounds, such as families, couples, and groups of friends who intend to have a fun and active cruise atmosphere at a reasonable price. Their vessels encompass various categories, like those with children, multigenerational groups, and couples of any age. In contrast, Celebrity Cruises is a brand that middle-aged or older travelers typically choose. They have a fleet of ships that prefer a high standard and refined atmosphere, thus attracting those who are looking for a laid-back and elegant journey.

Cabins and suites

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are ready to offer a wide range of cabin and suite choices to suit every preference and budget. Royal Caribbean differentiates its ships with various cabin categories, particularly the newer and the biggest ones, designed for families or couples on a budget. Suite categories are their most considerable amenities that feature VIP services, like a butler and a special menu at no additional cost. Celebrity Cruises, in contrast, reduces the number of the overall cabin types but gives the non-suite rooms some extra amenities like the dedicated concierge service and exceptional dining options. Their suite guests can access exclusive amenities as part of The Retreat, including a private sun deck, lounge, and restaurant.

Also Read:   What types of accommodations are available on Celebrity Cruises?

Through dining, both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises provide their guests with numerous onboard restaurants, serving cuisines to satisfy every palate. The ships of Royal Caribbean offer a blend of complementary and extra-paid restaurants, from casual eateries to specialty venues that offer various cuisines worldwide. Celebrity Cruises also provides guests with multiple dining choices through their Edge-series ships-themed restaurants and exceptional onboard dining experiences for suite guests. While both lines offer outstanding dining experiences, Celebrity Cruises' specialty restaurant lineup outperforms Royal Caribbean's in quality and atmosphere. Whether you want steak and seafood or gourmet French cuisine, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have something to suit your taste.

Related :  What Is the Best Restaurant on Symphony of the Seas?

Onboard attractions

One of the vital aspects of both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises is their onboard attractions. Royal Caribbean is famous for its adrenaline rush activities, such as slides, ropes, and simulators, featuring skydiving. These ships are attractive to families and active travelers who are looking for thrilling adventures. Their ships also provide an extensive choice of activities, including rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, and bumper cars, so there is always a bright moment on board. In contrast, Celebrity Cruises provides a more upmarket and stylish ambiance on board with its features, such as natural grass lawns and fashionable upper-deck relaxation areas. Their ships are designed to create an atmosphere of calm and luxury, which is a perfect destination for couples and people who are tired of hectic schedules and want to relax.

Related :  Top Things to Do onboard Celebrity Apex

Entertainment

Another distinction between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises is in their entertainment offerings. Royal Caribbean is well-known for its dynamic and exciting entertainment options, which include Broadway-style shows, high-tech multimedia acts, and interactive game shows suitable for guests of all ages. Their ships have a variety of pubs, lounges, and nightclubs that provide live music, karaoke, and themed parties throughout the cruise. On the other hand, Celebrity Cruises has a more sophisticated and diverse entertainment roster, including creative musicals, live music, and themed acts that push the envelope and engage audiences. The design of their cruise displays sleek bars and lounges with custom cocktails, live music, and spectacular sea-view outlets.

Related:   Are the Activities on Royal Caribbean Free?

Itineraries

Regarding itineraries, both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines offer the choice of many Cruise destinations worldwide, ranging from locations for those who like to relax and have fun to destinations for those who want to explore and learn. The Royal Caribbean's ships visit over 300 destinations, with their favorite travels going to the Caribbean , Europe, Alaska , Hawaii , and Asia . Their ships run journey liner services to different destinations, for example, the Mediterranean , Greek islands, and British Isles, hence offering a variety of options to their passengers. Apart from Celebrity Cruises, travelers will also have a variety of itineraries to choose from, as they can sail to over 300 cruise ports in the Caribbean, Europe , Alaska, and South America . Their ships are designed to cover different seasons, heading to places like the Mediterranean, Iceland, and Northern Europe , along with Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands expeditions. Whether you want a calm, relaxing trip or an exciting and surprising journey, both companies have programs that fit your travel needs.

Also Read :  Tips for First time Royal Caribbean Cruisers

The Royal Caribbean is the one for families and active travelers who want to enjoy the thrills and fun with exciting activities and vibrant entertainment, as the ships are large and offer many adrenaline-filled activities. However, the Celebrity Cruises brand is the one for couples and adult clients searching for a more premium experience onboard with its upscale atmosphere and trendy facilities. From zero gravity fun to ultimate relaxation, the Royal Caribbean and the Celebrity Cruise offer some of the best experiences that will make you crave more!   So, visit CruiseBooking.com for a seamless booking.

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Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity Cruises

Friday, April 26th

2024 Cruise Line Reviews

• Royal Caribbean
• Best for guests of all ages
• 27 ships in the fleet
• Some of the largest ships in the cruise industry: from 2,400 to 6,000+ passengers
• Exciting onboard activities can include rock climbing, ice skating, escape rooms, FlowRider and waterslides, and much more
• 300+ ports of call
• Two private islands: CocoCay (Bahamas) and Perfect Day (Labadee, Haiti)
• Great last-minute cruise deals
• Excellent safety record

Royal Caribbean International is a cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, operating a fleet of 27 ships that sail to destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Alaska. The company offers innovative onboard experiences, such as Broadway-style shows, the Bionic Bar, and Virtual Balcony cabins, as well as a wide range of activities like ice skating and rock climbing while at sea. Royal Caribbean is suitable for guests of all ages and is well known for having some of the largest ships in the cruise industry, 300+ ports of call, and two private islands: CocoCay and Perfect Day. The company is also known for great last-minute cruise deals and having an excellent safety record. We recommend Royal Caribbean as one of the first places to search for your next cruise.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Best all-around cruise line: widest variety of destinations, ship sizes, and adventure levels
• 13 ships in the main fleet + 3 smaller ships that visit the Galapagos Islands
• Suitable for guests of all ages
• Choose between Cruise-Only and All-Inclusive fares
• Excellent track record for safety
• Winner of multiple awards

Celebrity Cruises offers a variety of cruise experiences for all ages and to various destinations, with a fleet of over a dozen ships ranging in size from 16 to 3,260 passengers. Celebrity's dining options are renowned for their quality and variety, and the company offers both Cruise-Only and All-Inclusive fares. The cruise line has a strong commitment to safety and has never experienced a major incident, earning recognition as the Best Premium Cruise Line by Travel Weekly's Readers' Choice Awards for 14 consecutive years. Celebrity is an excellent choice for guests of all ages and interests.

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• Disney Cruise Line

• Virgin Voyages

• Viking Cruises

• Regent Seven Seas

• Norwegian Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

• Holland America

• MSC Cruises

• Carnival Cruises

The 15 Best Cruise Lines

Which cruise line is the best.

Cruising is a popular way of traveling for many people, offering a unique experience that combines the convenience of a floating hotel with the excitement of visiting multiple destinations in one trip. In an average year, over fifteen million people say "all aboard" and set sail on an amazing vacation.

There are many different cruise lines to choose from, and each one offers a different type of experience. Some are geared towards families, while others are more focused on luxury or adventure. What would you like to see and do while you're onboard? Is a casino a must-have or a rather-avoid? Would a Broadway-caliber show tip the scales for you? Do you need a wide range of activities to keep the kiddos happy while the adults live it up or relax? The onboard activities and amenities can really make or break your vacation, so be sure you know what you're getting.

Cruise Line FAQ

Which cruise line is the best, what is included in the cost of a cruise, what is the minimum age to cruise, what are the dining options on a cruise ship, are cruise ships crowded, do i have to dress up, are activities included at destination ports, can i bring my own alcohol onboard.

Continued from above...

Another factor that can influence which cruise line you choose is the itinerary. Cruise ships travel all over the world, but some cruise lines may not have destinations available where you're hoping to go. You should also consider the size of the ship: larger ships offer more amenities, but smaller ships can access ports that bigger ships can't.

Speaking of amenities, make sure you understand what you'll get as part of your fare and which extras will come with an additional cost. For example, most cruises offer drink packages for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but a few have drink stations where you can get complimentary lemonade, coffee and tea. Other amenities that might be important to you are Wi-Fi, spa services, babysitting, fitness classes, and upgraded dining experiences. You can usually get a decent discount if you sign up for an amenities package before you sail, so keep an eye out for promotions in the months leading up to your sailing.

When you take a cruise, it's almost always expected that you'll tip the crew members who have attended to your needs while onboard: your cabin steward ( who probably leaves your towels folded into fun shapes every night ), your servers at your nightly meals, and the head waiter. Cruise lines have a recommended gratuity to cover all three of those staff members, usually $15-$20 per traveler, per day; the total gratuity amount may be charged automatically to your account, or you may be given envelopes to make cash payments.

While it usually isn't mandatory to pay those gratuities - you can ask to have them removed if they're applied automatically, especially if you've received poor service - it's typically considered in poor taste not to tip at the suggested levels (because crew members' salaries, much like servers at your local restaurant, are based on the expectation of tips paid by guests). And, if you receive service that goes above and beyond, adding to the recommended gratuity is always appreciated. Be aware that tips for bartenders, poolside servers, and professional services provided in the spa or elsewhere are not included in the daily suggested gratuity and may be charged automatically at the time of service.

Now that you have a good overview of the cruising experience, which cruise line should you choose? Beyond the points we already covered, here are a few additional criteria that might make it easier to pick:

• Embarkation port. You could get a great deal on a cruise, but what will it cost you to get to the port? That could involve airfare, an overnight stay or two in a nearby hotel (so that you're less likely to be affected by travel delays), and transportation from the airport or hotel to the port. This is especially true if you're taking a cruise that departs from an international destination.
• Perks for repeat cruisers. Like frequent flyer programs on airlines, most cruise lines offer benefits the more you sail. If you find yourself absolutely loving cruise vacations, it can be advantageous to put all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak. Rewards programs can include casino benefits, complimentary meals at the upgraded dining experiences, exclusive sail-away parties with free cocktails and tchotchkes, early-access booking on future cruises, and much more.
• Reputation. It's a really smart idea to see what other travelers have said about their overall experience with a cruise line before booking your trip. The ads on TV may make that private island look amazing, but someone who's been there might point out that you'll pay extra to get on that waterslide. Or, previous cruisers could tell you that despite having several formal nights on the schedule, a particular cruise line has no problem with people showing up to dinner in flip-flops and swimsuit coverups. Find out if the cruise line you're considering lines up in reality with what they advertise.

Here at Top Consumer Reviews, cruising is one of our favorite ways to travel and experience new things. And with so many different cruise lines to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But, don't worry: take a look at our in-depth analysis of today's most popular options, find the one that's the best match for your vacation ideas and your travel party, and book that trip you've been dreaming of. Bon voyage!

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