celebrity cruises compared to royal caribbean

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: A Cruise Line Comparison

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean : the similarities and differences between these two popular cruise lines abound and can be difficult to differentiate. While both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are owned by Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean offer overall very different cruise experiences.

Royal Caribbean, a standard mainstream line, has lower-priced entry-level cabins, larger ships, more emphasis on family travel and less emphasis on service. Meanwhile, as a premium line, Celebrity has slightly higher priced entry-level rooms and greater emphasis on a refined experience, especially elevated service and dining.

But bottom-line pricing and service levels aren't the only differentiators. To help you decide which cruise line is the right fit for you, Cruise Critic pits Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean, comparing everything from fleet size to cabins.

Celebrity Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: In a Nutshell

Celebrity cruises: a premium and trendy cruise line.

Celebrity is a fashionable cruise line with an emphasis on trendy culinary, entertainment and spa experiences , premium cabins and suites and a modern onboard vibe. It's also becoming more contemporary with each new ship.

Royal Caribbean International: A Family-Oriented, High-Tech Mainstream Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean International is a family-oriented cruise line that focuses on the "wow" factor through high-tech entertainment and activities, plus a large selection of free and for-fee dining choices. On top of all that, Royal's fleet includes the biggest cruise ships in the world to date.

Celebrity Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Fleet Size and Age

Celebrity cruises: three classes and 16 ships.

16 ships, none built before 2000, including a trio of Galapagos-based vessels, plus additional Celebrity Xcel on the horizon

Smallest: Celebrity Xploration (boutique expedition ship with 16 passengers), Celebrity Infinity (mainstream cruise ship with 2,170 passengers)

Largest: Celebrity Ascent (3,260 passengers)

Oldest in the fleet: Celebrity Millennium (2000)

All ships, except Galapagos vessels Celebrity Flora , Xpedition and Xploration, fit into one of three classes: Edge, Millennium or Solstice

Royal Caribbean International: Seven Classes, 27 Ships -- Some Being the Largest Cruise Ships in the World

27 ships, five built before 2000, with another two Oasis-class and two Icon-class ships on the way

Smallest: Grandeur of the Seas (1,992 passengers)

Largest: Icon of the Seas (248,663 gross tons)

Oldest: Grandeur of the Seas (1996)

For some time, each new ship that has joined the fleet has exceeded its successor as the largest cruise ship in the world

Celebrity Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean: Pricing (Value Proposition and Category)

Celebrity Cruises: A Pricier Upscale Line with Elevated Dining and Services

As an upscale line, Celebrity will cost more that standard Royal Caribbean but also offer elevated dining and service for an inviting value proposition that does not vary greatly across the fleet

Package pricing model extending to all-inclusive options; AquaClass staterooms and The Retreat suites offer additional exclusive perks

All entertainment and most activities included

Most alternative restaurants incur an extra fee

Royal Caribbean: Lower Fares on Older Ships, Higher Prices on Newer Ships; Last-Minute Discounts

Prices on newest ships are significantly higher than prices for rest of the fleet

Last-minute discounts available only on short (four nights or less) sailings

Cruise fares inclusive of nearly half of the line's alternative restaurants

All entertainment included, except lunch- and dinner-theater shows

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Onboard Demographics

Celebrity Cruises: Median Age of 40s and 50s, Emphasis on Couples and Groups

Younger couples and groups of friends in their 30s, and on up to 70s

Some families during holidays and peak travel times

Median age is mid 40s to mid 50s

Royal Caribbean: Families, Couples and Solo Travelers from 30s to 60s

Families, plus couples and solo travelers in their 30s to 60s

Most common age is low 40s, but is slightly lower on shorter cruises and somewhat higher on cruises of 10 nights or more

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Itineraries and Homeports

Celebrity Cruises: Convenient U.S. Homeports, Variety of Regular and Seasonal Sailings Along with Soft Adventure Cruises

Regularly sails to the Caribbean , Bahamas , Bermuda and Mediterranean ; U.S. homeports are conveniently available

Seasonally offers Alaska , Hawaii , Mexico , Panama Canal and Canada & New England itineraries

Far-off cruises visit Australia & New Zealand , Asia , Africa , South America , the South Pacific and beyond

Sails soft adventure cruises to the Galapagos Islands on three expedition-style and yacht-sized ships

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruises Alongside Regular, Seasonal and Far-Off Sailings

Regularly navigates the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda; U.S. homeports are conveniently available

Seasonally offers Alaska, Europe , Mexico, Panama Canal and Canada & New England itineraries

Far-off cruises visit Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South America, the South Pacific, Arabian Gulf and North Africa

Royal Caribbean now even offers an ultimate world cruise option

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Cabins and Cabin Categories

Celebrity Cruises: Variety of Cabin Categories, The Retreat, AquaClass Cabins and Suite Perks

Large variety of cabin categories, from inside staterooms without windows to palatial suites with exclusive access to private venues; specific to the Edge class of ships are unique Infinite Verandas that extend the inside of the room all the way to a switch-operated, mechanically-convertible balcony

While not on every ship, The Retreat is the top tier of Celebrity accommodations with a ship-within-a-ship complex: an exclusive lounge, restaurant and sun deck reserved only for guests therein

Other shared suite perks extend to the likes of priority embarkation and disembarkation, a free welcome bottle of champagne, reserved theater seating, included Wi-Fi access and complimentary premium beverages

Spa-inspired AquaClass cabins (on most Celebrity ships) provide private access to the health-centric Blu restaurant , spa thermal suite, complimentary fitness classes, discounted treatments, spa concierge, pillow menu and more

Concierge Class accommodations also tack on special services and amenities

Limited family choices include connecting rooms and oversized ocean-view or balcony rooms with space for up to five

Royal Caribbean: Plenty of Cabin Categories, Virtual Balconies on Some Inside Cabins, Suite Privileges and Family Cabin Options

Has large variety of cabin categories, which, depending on ship, can include inside cabins with picture windows overlooking the Royal Promenade, balconies with front row views of the AquaTheater, rooms sized for just one person and massive duplex suites

About a dozen ships offer Virtual Balcony inside cabins (not all insides will have the virtual balconies), with giant TV screens that give the impression of floor-to-ceiling windows

Half a dozen ships offer studio cabins sized for one person; depending on ship, balcony, oceanview and inside studios are available

Comprehensive, tiered suite privileges include combinations of free high-speed internet, priority boarding and disembarking, reserved theater seating, suite lounge and sun deck access and more, such as specialty dining and the service of a dedicated Royal Genie (in Star Class accommodations)

Offers some of the largest suites in the mainstream cruise category, including duplex options

Family cabin options are plentiful, including those with connecting doors, as well as oversized cabins with full baths, not to mention the Ultimate Family Suite , or even Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon class

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Dining Options Onboard

Celebrity Cruises: Fine Dining Reputation with Fixed and Flexible Dining Options

Ever since the Chandris family founded Celebrity in 1988, the line has been synonymous with fine dining at sea. That reputation has remained consistent through the line’s latest partnership with celebrity chef Daniel Boulud and a plethora of other delectable options.

Offers fixed (same time, same table mates) and flexible dining options

Provides three to eight specialty restaurants per ship (depending on vessel), with only a handful included in the cruise fare (think Blu for spa guests and Luminae for suite passengers)

Edge-class ships provide four main dining restaurants through which you can cycle to try a variety of ambiances (many inspired by Celebrity’s culinary heritage) and cuisines for no additional charge, in addition to complimentary buffet and pool grill fare

Up to two formal nights per sailing requiring cruisers to dress up for dinner (or dine in the buffet and alternative restaurants where casual dress is acceptable)

Royal Caribbean: Fixed and Flexible Dining Along with Ample Restaurant Venues

Traditional fixed seating times or flexible dining options are available onboard Royal Caribbean for main dining rooms as are reservations for specialty dining. The larger the ship, the more restaurants and overall dining options will be at your disposal.

Vast array of specialty restaurants with just a handful included in the cruise fare, including El Loco Fresh, Sorrento's pizzeria and Cafe Promenade , besides the usual complimentary buffet and main dining room offerings

Royal Caribbean is highlighting celebrity chef partnerships less often now despite Michael Swartz having helped create the menu for 150 Central Park (Oasis-class ships only) and Jamie Oliver creating a dining venue ( Jamie's Italian ) on select Quantum-class, Oasis-class and other refurbished ships

Newer ships have further pushed the boundaries of dining, ranging from the traditional comfort food of The Mason Jar to the avant-garde cuisine of Wonderland , and next even a virtual representation of train travel while feasting via Royal Railway Utopia Station

At least one formal night per sailing suggesting passengers dress up more for dinner (or eat in the buffet where casual attire is always acceptable)

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Pool Deck Fun

Celebrity Cruises: Two to Three Pools on Every Celebrity Ship; Pool Deck Is for Relaxing

Celebrity’s pool decks have always been contemporary settings, but it wasn’t until the Edge class that they maximized their chic potential with oversized main pools and champagne glass-shaped whirlpools befitting and often surpassing a modern Las Vegas resort. Now guests can expect the feature below onboard the line’s ships.

All ships have two to three pools (except the Galapagos-based ships), with one always on the main pool deck (most ships have two pools here) and one in the adults-only Solarium ; all ships have multiple whirlpools with some in the Solarium

Select Solstice-class ships have a Wet Zone vertical fountain splash area for kids (or kids at heart)

The pool deck is primarily for lounging and not poolside fun

Royal Caribbean: At Least Two Pools, FlowRider Surf Simulators, Water Slides and Poolside Fun

All ships feature at least two pools, with several having three or more

FlowRider surf simulators frequent most of the fleet and almost as many ships have the kids' H2O Zone or Splashaway Bay showcased on deck

Royal Caribbean has committed to installing water slides (and parks) on several of its ships, including The Perfect Storm series and most ever on Icon of the Seas with its expansive Category 6 aqua park

Poolside fun might include pool volleyball or sexiest man and belly flop competitions

Adults-only Solarium offers a quiet sun deck alternative, often with additional shade

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Sports Deck Fun

Celebrity Cruises: Jogging Track, The Lawn Club, The Rooftop Garden and Beyond

Sports decks on Celebrity are usually extensions of the ships’ lounging pool decks emphasizing leisurely outdoor activities, but the Edge class took things further with an impressive Möbius loop-like jogging track meandering multiple slopes and decks among the following:

Most ships have basketball courts and at least a half-ship jogging track

All Solstice-class ships feature The Lawn Club , a massive Central Park-style real grass space, with lawn bowling and bocce

Three Solstice-class ships feature hot glass demonstrations and classes in a covered area of The Lawn Club

Edge-class ships include The Rooftop Garden, which includes live music in the evenings

Royal Caribbean: RipCord by iFLY, Rock-Climbing Walls, Basketball Courts, Mini-Golf and More Fun

Royal Caribbean is well known for its FlowRider surf simulators, but the line has gone on to further showcase RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulators as well as North Star crane pods, many of which are complementary to participate in, to up its long list of activities.

All ships in the fleet have basketball courts and rock-climbing walls; most also have mini-golf courses

Quantum-class ships have indoor skydiving; Oasis-class ships have zip lines; and most Oasis-class vessels also have a pair of 10-deck dry slides known as the Ultimate Abyss

Oasis- and Icon-class ships also have their very own full-fledged Central Parks with live plants lining the vessels’ al fresco courtyards

The Icon-class introduced Royal Caribbean to its Crown’s Edge ropes course cantilevered over the side of the ship

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Indoor Fun

Celebrity Cruises: Trivia, Dance Classes, Bingo, Computer Classes, The Studio and Eden

As on most cruise ships, Celebrity activities might include trivia, dance classes, bingo, wine tastings and themed lectures, as well as the following:

Most ships feature the iLounge , where cruisers can take courses on website creation, blogging, photoshop and other Mac-based computer skills

Some Solstice-class ships feature The Studio where passengers can take art classes like jewelry making, sketching and painting, while others offer a photo studio in the space

Most ships in the fleet offer a true observation lounge for scenic lounging overlooking the bow and destination beyond at the forward top of the ship

Instead of a traditional observation lounge, Edge-class ships have Eden -- a three-deck spiral space at the aft of the ship which acts as a place to relax in the day and enjoy craft cocktails, dining and interactive entertainment at night

Royal Caribbean: The Royal Promenade or Esplanade, SeaPlex, Bingo, Napkin-Folding Demonstrations and More

Example indoor activities on Royal Caribbean start with trivia, bingo, napkin-folding demonstrations, dance classes, scrapbooking sessions and jewelry-making classes that extend to:

A dozen plus ships with an indoor ice-skating rink

On Icon-, Oasis-, Quantum-, Voyager- and Freedom-class ships , the Royal Promenade or Esplanade is the place to check out the shops or grab a bite to eat or a drink to sip while people-watching

Quantum-class ships feature the SeaPlex, an indoor activity hub with bumper cars, roller skating, trapeze classes and an arcade

Newer and refurbished ships offer genuine escape room experiences as well

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Nightlife Onboard

Celebrity Cruises: Musical Revue-Style Shows and One-Off Entertainment

Celebrity entertainment consists mostly of main theater musical revue-style song-and-dance shows, Cirque du Soleil-inspired acrobatic shows and one-off comedy and magic acts. On the latest Edge class, that has expanded to encompass Eden, a three-level spiral dining venue, bar and performance art space that offers a surreal, dreamlike experience once the sun goes down, in addition to:

Nightly live music in multiple venues, as well as DJ'd dance parties

Edge-class ships have multipurpose events (circus acts, dancing and more) in The Club and live music in The Rooftop Garden, whereas Solstice-class ones have similar alfresco activities at The Lawn Club

All Millennium-class ships offer outdoor movie screens at the Rooftop Terrace

Royal Caribbean: Broadway and London West End Productions; Schooner Bar, AquaTheater and AquaDome

Royal Caribbean upped its entertainment ante by introducing Broadway and London West End productions into the mix on its newest ships. Its entertainment offerings include the following and more:

Broadway, West End and other reimagined productions on several ships have included “The Wizard of Oz,” "We Will Rock You,” “Cats," "Saturday Night Fever,” "Mamma Mia!,” “Hairspray," “Grease,” etc.

Evening entertainment includes musical revue-style song-and-dance shows and live music throughout, as well as occasional performances by comedians and magicians on all ships

Oasis-class ships feature gravity-defying diving and acrobatic performances in the outdoor AquaTheater, and Icon-class ones have a full-sized indoor AquaDome

Quantum-class ships feature Two70, a three-deck-high lounge and performance space featuring stunning acts that combine digital visuals (courtesy of distinct robotic screens) with music, dancing and acrobatics

Schooner Bar is the spot for post-dinner piano sing-alongs (in a vintage maritime setting no less), while Boleros, with its Latin beats, is the place to be for salsa dancing and sipping mojitos

Studio B or Absolute Zero on the Icon-class, Oasis-class, Freedom-class and Voyager-class ships offers breathtaking kaleidoscopic ice skating performances, some of which newly feature drone light shows

Every ship has a nightclub or comparable venue for dancing

Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Family Focus

Celebrity Cruises: Camp at Sea and Kids Menus, but Limited Family-Friendly Cabins

The children's club, Camp at Sea (not available on expedition ships), extends to four age-specific subgroups for kids: Shipmates (3 to 5), Cadets (6 to 9) and Captains (10 to 12) and Teens (13 to 17)

Infants must be at least six months old (or 12 months old on certain sailings)

Celebrity also touts kids menus and family-friendly excursions

Limited selection of family-friendly cabin choices

Royal Caribbean: The Adventure Ocean Program and Ample Family-Friendly Cabins Choices

The Adventure Ocean program is divided into three categories for Aquanauts (ages 3 to 5), Explorers (6 to 8) and Voyagers (9 to 12), in addition to tweens and teens (13 to 17)

Parents can have most of dinner to themselves via My Family Time Dining, wherein kids ages 3 to 11 are served their meals first and then picked up by kids club staff leaving parents on their own to finish their dinner

The Royal Babies & Tots program is for babies ages 6 to 36 months (only on select ships); a fee applies for daytime and nighttime sessions

Many different family-friendly cabin configurations

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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.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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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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Royal Caribbean Vs Celebrity Cruises: Which Is Best?

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Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two of the most well-known cruise lines in the world. They’re also owned by the same parent company – Royal Caribbean Group – which means they share a lot of similarities and even let guests enjoy loyalty perks with both cruise lines.

However, they are not twin sister lines – they offer a very different experience, and it’s important to understand the differences so that you can book the right cruise for you.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about both cruise lines and how they compare so that you can book the right one for your cruise.

Royal Caribbean has one of the largest fleets of cruise ships in the world – 27 ships in total, with more on the way.

Celebrity Cruises has a much smaller fleet, but it is still impressive, with 15 ships in total and another that’s due to launch in late 2025.

Royal Caribbean Ships

Royal Caribbean has eight classes of ship:

• Icon Class – the biggest cruise ships in the world accommodating up to 7,600 guests
• Oasis Class – six mega ships that can accommodate around 6,800 guests
• Quantum Ultra Class – two modern ships accommodating 5,500 guests
• Quantum Class – three ships accommodating 4,900 guests
• Freedom Class – three ships accommodating 4,400 to 4,900 guests
• Radiance Class – four ships accommodating 2,500 guests
• Voyager Class – five ships accommodating 4,000 guests
• Vision Class – four ships accommodating 2,400 to 2,700 guests

The oldest Royal Caribbean ship still sailing is Grandeur of the Seas, which was built in 1996. The newest ship is also the biggest in the world – Icon of the Seas, which launched in January 2024. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean Ships By Age

Celebrity Cruises Ships

Celebrity has four classes of ship:

• Edge Class – four ships that accommodate 2,900 to 3,200 guests
• Solstice Class – five ships that accommodate 2,800 to 3,000 guests
• Millennium Class – four ships that accommodate 2,200 guests
• Expedition Ships – not an official class but a separate type of ship; these travel to much smaller ports, including Antarctica. There are three ships accommodating 16, 48 and 100 guests, respectively

Read more: Celebrity Ships By Age, Size and Class

Which to Choose?

When it comes to ship size, Royal Caribbean is where you’ll find the biggest ships in the world , packed with amazing features.

But bigger doesn’t always mean better, and sometimes it’s the smaller ships of Celebrity that actually feel more spacious, since they don’t have anywhere near as many guests onboard.

Of course, if you want to try truly small-ship expedition cruising, then Celebrity is the way to go. And Celebrity Cruises has the smallest cruise ship in the world , with Celebrity Xploration.

Destinations

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer a wide range of destinations throughout the year. While the Caribbean and Europe are, unsurprisingly, the most popular of the world’s regions for cruises with these two lines, there are plenty of other choices if you’re feeling more adventurous.

As a guide, here are the cruise itineraries available in each region:

Royal Caribbean Destinations

Royal Caribbean has an amazing 35 embarkation ports all over the world.

You won’t be surprised to learn that the most popular are the ports in Florida for cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas, though it also offers a large number of cruises from Barcelona and Rome, as well as one ship sailing from Southampton each summer.

14 of the embarkation ports are based in North America, including ports on the east and west coasts of the US, along with Vancouver and Hawaii.

Royal Caribbean’s private Island, Perfect Day at CocoCay is a popular port of call on many Bahamas cruises.

Celebrity Cruises Destinations

Celebrity Cruises has a similar range of embarkation ports, with 33 options across the world, though there is more of a spread. 11 of the ports are in North America and the Caribbean, with another 9 in Europe.

There are also four embarkation ports in South America, which are often tailored towards the expedition cruises.

If you want the ‘classic’ cruise experience, either exploring historic cities of Europe or hitting the tropical locations of the world, there’s not much between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises – either will offer plenty of choice for this style of cruise.

And it’s similar if you want to cruise from the UK – both have a range of options available, all sailing from Southampton, so you aren’t really better off from a destination perspective with one or the other.

Where Celebrity wins out is in the more unique locations – particularly around the Galapagos Islands and South America – thanks to its Expeditions fleet. For big, mainstream cruising destinations, either cruise line will do, but Celebrity has the edge for exploring smaller, off-the-beaten-track ports.

Staterooms and Suites

Your choice of stateroom or suite accommodations will depend as much on the ship you choose as the cruise line. Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have some excellent and unique options for your room, but they aren’t available fleet-wide.

As a starting point, the ships will always have options for inside, ocean view or balcony (“ Veranda ” on Celebrity) staterooms, as well as a range of suites that come with additional benefits. 

So if you’re cruising on a budget, you can choose an Inside room, whereas if you want the most space and a host of additional perks then the suites are the way to go.

Both cruise lines also have dedicated solo rooms on select ships only, so if you’re a single traveller you’ll need to check which ships are the best options, otherwise, you could be paying expensive single supplements.

Royal Caribbean Staterooms and Suites

Here are some of the more unique accommodation options on Royal Caribbean ships:

Virtual Balcony Staterooms

Available on Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, and Voyager of the Seas, Virtual Balcony Staterooms help to elevate the experience of an inside stateroom with a ‘virtual’ balcony.

One wall is a digital screen which has a live stream of the ship’s exterior so it’s like you have a balcony, despite being on the inside of the ship.

While you don’t get the natural light or the fresh air, it’s a step up from a regular inside stateroom with no view at all, and it means you have an idea of what time of the day it is as well – something people often struggle with when they don’t have any form of window!

Interior Balcony Staterooms

Oasis-class and Icon-class ships have a range of interior balcony staterooms – rooms that have a full balcony, but that face the inside of the ship rather than being ocean-facing.

They’re cheaper than an ocean-view balcony since you don’t get the same quality of view, but you have your own private outdoor space where you can overlook the calming serenity of Central Park, or the bustling activity of the Boardwalk.

The only real downside is the fact that, opposite you, will be another balcony facing you – so these rooms are a little less private.

AquaTheater Suites

On the Oasis Class, the AquaTheater suites offer something truly special – private viewing space for the amazing water shows of the AquaTheater at the aft of the ship.

The balconies (with one-bed and two-bed options) have spacious balconies that directly overlook the AquaTheater. Never mind having reserved seats, these are the best views of the AquaTheater on the whole ship and they’re attached to your suite – you can’t get more convenient than that.

Two-Storey Suites

The best suites on some of the more modern Royal Caribbean ships are two storeys tall, almost doubling the space you’d otherwise enjoy. You get a spacious downstairs living area, and then a separate bedroom space upstairs, along with a private balcony.

All of the two-storey suites (Star Loft, Crown Loft etc.) are special, but the Royal Loft Suites are some of the most spacious accommodation options at sea, and while they’re not budget-friendly they do offer a magnificent experience.

Ultimate Family Accommodations

On select ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet, you can book either an Ultimate Family Suite or Ultimate Family Townhouse – provided you’ve got around $20,000 per person in your budget for a week-long cruise.

These suites are aimed squarely at families and especially at kids, with features such as games consoles, piano-key staircases (that actually work) and slides from the upper floor down to the main living area.

These are the suites that kids dream of, but brought to life.

Celebrity Cruises Staterooms and Suites

Here are some of the options worth noting on Celebrity Cruises ships:

Infinite Veranda Edge Staterooms

On the modern Edge-class ships in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, you’re able to book Infinite Veranda Edge Staterooms, which are impressive balcony staterooms right on the water’s edge. A push of a button, and the top half of the window slides down to let you enjoy a stunning view – it’s a truly exceptional place to stay.

Concierge Class

Celebrity’s Concierge Class staterooms are available across the main ocean fleet (excluding the Expedition ships), and offer improved amenities and services compared to regular staterooms. 

You’ll have a team of concierges on hand to help with any request you might have during your stay, as well as a more premium stateroom that has a more luxurious feel.

Book a stay in an AquaClass stateroom or suite if you want to make the most of the spa facilities onboard.

Not only will you enjoy an elevated experience in your room (with more luxurious furnishings, additional space and expansive verandas) but you’ll also get free access to certain spa facilities onboard, and priority booking for special treatments via the spa concierge.

The Retreat

The Retreat is an exclusive suite-only area of the ship that hosts the best suite accommodations. As well as spacious, luxurious accommodations it’s also the home of private sun decks and restaurants that only suite guests are permitted to use, offering an even more relaxing experience away from the crowds.

Royal Caribbean has much more variety in the choice of staterooms and suites compared to Celebrity Cruises, with innovative features such as the virtual balconies, and rooms tailored to families.

Whereas Celebrity’s accommodations are more aimed at adults who want to relax and unwind. The focus is more on tranquil spaces and facilities geared towards the spa or enjoying a quieter area of the ship.

Both cruise lines have opulent options if you’re paying top-dollar, but as a broad guide, families will love the accommodation options on Royal Caribbean more while Celebrity is well suited to couples who prefer a peaceful getaway.

Food is such an important part of a cruise, so it’s vital you know what to expect with these cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean Food

One complaint you could never level at a Royal Caribbean ship is that the food is boring – it’s not possible, as there’s just way too much choice.

Even on the smaller ships, you get loads of restaurant options onboard, with as many as 20 unique options on the largest ships in the fleet.

Popular options across the fleet include the Chops Grille Steakhouse, Izumi Sushi, and the Johnny Rockets burger and milkshake venue. There’s also Wonderland, the unique venue that offers a complete sensory experience with amazing dishes.

With Royal Caribbean, it’s all about choice – but also the quality of each venue, so you’ll always find something delicious no matter your tastes.

Celebrity Cruises Food

Celebrity doesn’t have the extensive range of venues that Royal Caribbean can offer, but that doesn’t mean there’s no variety. While the restaurant list may be smaller, the quality of every venue is outstanding – expect a more premium style of dining, with outstanding menus crafted by renowned chefs.

The venues are stylish, too – not too formal, but still offering an upmarket and refined experience. From the classic French cuisine of Murano, to the suite-exclusive Michelin-starred dishes in Luminae, dinner (and other meals) on a Celebrity cruise feels like a special occasion.

Royal Caribbean is the cruise line to choose if you enjoy good quality food options with plenty of variety. If you like the idea of a more casual dining experience, or you want to try somewhere different every night, then a Royal Caribbean ship is a great choice.

However, if you’re more interested in exquisite menus in stylish, luxurious venues then you’ll find more options tailored to you on a Celebrity cruise.

Onboard Activities

One of the biggest areas where the two cruise lines differ is in the onboard activities.

Royal Caribbean Activities

If you’re looking for an action-packed cruise, then Royal Caribbean should be near the very top of your list. While activities will vary depending on the ship you choose, some of the things you can enjoy include:

• Ice skating
• Escape rooms
• FlowRider surfing simulators
• Skydiving simulators
• Rock climbing walls
• Epic dry slides across multiple decks
• Dodgems at sea
• Thrill-seeking water slides
• Bungee trampolines

And so much more! Just try getting bored on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Celebrity Cruises Activities

A Celebrity Cruise is more tailored towards relaxation and exploring the destination, though you will still find a variety of things to enjoy onboard, including:

• Golf simulators
• Health and wellness classes
• Hot glass classes
• Movies under the stars

If you’re someone who loves keeping busy and wants your ship to be as much a part of your cruise as the destination, choose Royal Caribbean. The newest, biggest ships are truly action-packed – you’ll never do everything in just one cruise.

But if you prefer relaxation, and you prefer having more space to unwind, then either choose an older Royal Caribbean ship or choose one of the beautiful Celebrity Cruises ships instead.

Entertainment

With both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, you’ll enjoy world-class entertainment during your cruise.

Royal Caribbean Entertainment

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, you can look forward to some of the biggest Broadway shows, along with original productions in both the theatre and (on select ships) the AquaTheater and ice-skating rinks.

Some of the Broadway shows you can catch on a Royal Caribbean ship include:

• We Will Rock You

Celebrity Cruises Entertainment

While Celebrity ships don’t have the big-name musicals, that doesn’t mean the quality of entertainment isn’t as good. The wide range of original productions brings many Broadway classics to life in new and fascinating ways, utilising the very latest technology for some stunning visuals, too.

This one’s tough, because the quality of live entertainment across both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises is so high.

If there’s a specific show from Broadway that you want to watch, check to see if it’s being performed on Royal Caribbean. But don’t sleep on the Celebrity shows – you may find they’re even more impressive than your old favourites.

Kids’ Facilities

Considering which cruise line is best for children? Let’s take a look.

Royal Caribbean Kids’ Facilities

The kids’ facilities on Royal Caribbean ships are outstanding. The Adventure Ocean kids’ clubs are split into small age groups, so that kids are with others closer to their age and enjoying activities perfect for them. 

There are also various spaces to enjoy onboard, including the Adventure Science Lab, the Imagination Studio and the Adventure Theatre for movies and TV shows.

Celebrity Cruises Kids’ Facilities

A Celebrity cruise is often referred to as one where your kids are cruising with you, rather than being a cruise line for the kids – meaning the facilities are aimed more at adults, and kids need to be comfortable in that environment.

It’s a half-truth because, in reality, the Camp at Sea kids’ clubs on Celebrity match those on Royal Caribbean. Younger cruisers will take part in all kinds of activities, including various games and movie nights but also some educational activities too (without losing that sense of fun).

A Royal Caribbean ship is better suited to families because they have more to enjoy onboard for younger guests.

But the kids’ clubs on both cruise lines are great fun, and if you’re set on a Celebrity cruise, your children may have just as good a time spending every day in the Camp at Sea clubs as they would exploring a Royal Caribbean ship.

Cruiser Demographics

The demographics of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are not a million miles apart – let’s take a look.

Royal Caribbean Demographic

In the cruise line’s own words, Royal Caribbean appeals to “adventure-seeking families as well as couples and singles in their 30s to 50s”.

You will find a typically younger average age on Royal Caribbean compared to many other cruise lines, but because the ships are so family-oriented (and the cruises aren’t super-cheap), you don’t tend to get too many younger parents in their 20s.

Celebrity Cruises Demographic

The typical cruise passengers on a Celebrity cruise will be in a similar age bracket to a Royal Caribbean guest, between 30 and 50, though on average you’ll find fewer families onboard – it tends to be more solo guests and couples. 

You may also find more people in their 50s and 60s onboard, who prefer the more contemporary style of a Celebrity ship compared to some other traditional cruise lines.

Neither Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises can be considered a cheap cruise line – but how do they compare?

Royal Caribbean Prices

Royal Caribbean prices vary considerably depending on your chosen ship and itinerary. Some of the older, smaller ships offer great value, whereas the newer ships can be quite expensive for a mainstream cruise line.

A 7-night Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest ships in the fleet but not the very newest, will typically cost between £100/$130 and £130/$165 per person, per night for an Inside Stateroom.

Celebrity Cruises Prices

Reflecting the premium nature of the cruise line, Celebrity’s prices tend to be a little higher than Royal Caribbean, even though the inclusions are similar.

Celebrity is positioned as a five-star cruise line – not quite ultra-luxury, but certainly a step up from mainstream cruises, and so the price will typically reflect that.

You can find some itineraries on newer ships that are similarly priced to a Royal Caribbean cruise, but prices can go up to £150/$190 per person, per night for an equivalent Caribbean itinerary.

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The Verdict

Neither Royal Caribbean nor Celebrity Cruises are better than the other – they are designed with different audiences in mind. Yet there are a lot of ways in which they are similar – which is why they work so well as sister cruise lines.

If you want a cruise that puts more focus on the kids, with ships that are bright and colourful and packed with activities, Royal Caribbean would be a natural choice.

Whereas if you are looking for a more premium cruising experience with more opulent dining choices, then Celebrity Cruises may be a better fit.

But with so much crossover, such as the quality of the kids’ clubs and the live entertainment, you might prefer to try both if you have the luxury, and decide on your own favourite.

Related Topics

• Celebrity Cruises Vs Carnival
• Royal Caribbean Vs Carnival
• Celebrity Ships to Visit Royal Caribbean’s Private Island

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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

Wednesday, April 24th

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.

More Cruise Line Reviews

• 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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Ultimate Guide: Celebrity Cruises vs Royal Caribbean

Embarking on a cruise is an experience filled with anticipation and excitement. Today, I'll take you through a detailed comparison of two magnificent ships: Celebrity Ascent and Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. From embarkation to disembarkation, I'll cover every aspect of these cruises, providing you with a firsthand account to help you choose your next maritime adventure.

Embarkation Process: A Tale of Two Ships

Embarkation is the first impression you get of a cruise, and it sets the tone for the journey ahead. For Celebrity Ascent, the boarding process at Port Canaveral was streamlined and efficient. The terminal itself, boasting modern amenities, added to the excitement. It took just 25 minutes to get through security - a bit longer than expected, but the check-in was a breeze, taking only five minutes.

In contrast, boarding the Allure of the Seas was even quicker. The ease and speed of the process were impressive, highlighting Royal Caribbean's expertise in handling large passenger volumes with ease. Stepping onto the Allure of the Seas, the sheer size of the ship is awe-inspiring. Both experiences were smooth, but Royal Caribbean edged out slightly in terms of speed.

First Impressions

Upon entering the Celebrity Ascent, the first thing that strikes you is the ship's elegant Christmas decorations and the soothing sounds of live music. The martini bar's impressive setup invites you to relax right away. The Allure of the Seas, an Oasis-class ship, never fails to amaze with its size and vibrant atmosphere. Both ships exude a sense of excitement and promise of adventures ahead.

Muster Drill: Safety First

The mandatory muster drill, a crucial safety procedure, was a swift affair on both ships. On Celebrity Ascent, the process was exceptionally fast, allowing guests to settle in quickly. Royal Caribbean has also streamlined their drill, making it a hassle-free experience. The efficiency of the muster drills on both ships reflects their commitment to passenger safety without compromising on the cruising experience.

Stateroom Comparison: Balcony vs Edge Cabin

Accommodations are a critical part of any cruise experience. On the Allure of the Seas, my balcony cabin felt spacious and well-appointed. The layout was practical, with the TV ideally positioned opposite the bed for maximum comfort. On the Celebrity Ascent, the Edge balcony cabin presented a unique design - more an extension of the room than a traditional balcony, offering a novel way to experience the ocean. However, the bed's positioning away from the TV was a minor inconvenience. Both rooms provided ample storage and a comfortable

living space, but the innovative design of the Edge balcony on the Celebrity Ascent offered a more unique and immersive experience.

Sail Away Parties: Setting the Mood

The sail away party on the Allure of the Seas was vibrant, with a Caribbean mule in hand, the lively atmosphere set the cruise off to a fantastic start. The Allure's party was all about high energy and getting everyone in the mood for a fun-filled journey. On the Celebrity Ascent, the experience was more subdued but equally enjoyable. The ability to watch the sunset from the comfort and privacy of the Edge balcony was a peaceful and beautiful way to start the cruise. Both experiences catered to different preferences but were equally memorable.

Dining Experience: Buffet Comparisons

On the Allure of the Seas, I visited the Windjammer buffet for a light lunch. The choices were varied, with a carving station offering roast beef and chicken, alongside a salad bar. While the options were somewhat limited, they covered all the basics for a satisfying meal. On the Celebrity Ascent, the Ocean View Cafe was a standout. The tall ceilings and spacious layout set it apart from other cruise line buffets. The offerings were diverse, including a charcuterie station, fresh fruit, and vegetable sections, as well as a range of international cuisines.

Evening Bars and Lounges: A World of Cocktails

On the Allure of the Seas, the Schooner Bar and the Rising Tide Bar were highlights. The Rising Tide Bar, a unique moving bar experience, was particularly impressive. On the Celebrity Ascent, the World Class Bar offered an array of custom craft cocktails in a relaxed and upscale setting. The Eden Bar was another gem, with its stunning decor and extensive cocktail menu. The ambiance in each of these bars was distinct and catered to different moods, from lively to sophisticated.

Main Dining Rooms: A Culinary Journey

Dining in the main rooms of both ships was an exquisite experience. On the Allure of the Seas, I had an early dining reservation and enjoyed the prompt service and delicious offerings, including a perfectly cooked steak. On the Celebrity Ascent, I dined at Cyprus, where the freshly grilled octopus and escargot were standout dishes. Both dining experiences were top-notch, with Royal Caribbean offering classic favorites and Celebrity Ascent presenting a more adventurous culinary exploration.

Entertainment: Shows and Activities

The entertainment on both ships was diverse and captivating. On the Allure of the Seas, the Ice Show was a visual spectacle, showcasing incredible talent and creativity. On the Celebrity Ascent, the 'Smoke and Mirrors' show was equally impressive, with its unique blend of illusion and performance. Both shows highlighted the high production value and talent found on these cruises.

Specialty Dining: A Gourmet Affair

Specialty dining on the Allure of the Seas at 150 Central Park was a refined experience, offering a menu that combined classic and contemporary flavors. On the Celebrity Ascent, Le Petit Chef provided an innovative dining experience, combining technology with gourmet cuisine. The animated story that accompanied the meal added an extra layer of enjoyment to the already delicious food.

Pool Day: Relaxation and Fun

A day by the pool on both ships offered a mix of relaxation and entertainment. On the Allure of the Seas, the lively atmosphere was amplified by various activities like fitness classes and volleyball tournaments. The cabanas provided a more secluded and luxurious experience. On the Celebrity Ascent, the pool day was a more serene affair, with ample space to enjoy the sun and the sea views. The inclusion of champagne added a touch of elegance to the experience.

Disembarkation: The Final Chapter

Disembarkation on both ships was efficient, though the elevator wait on the Allure of the Seas was a minor inconvenience. On the Celebrity

Ascent, the process was swift, with the terminal's organization facilitating a smooth exit. Both experiences were relatively hassle-free, concluding the cruises on a positive note.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Cruises

In conclusion, both Celebrity Ascent and Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas offer unique and memorable experiences. The choice between the two depends on personal preferences. If you're looking for innovative designs, culinary adventures, and a more relaxed atmosphere, Celebrity Ascent is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively environment with a wide range of activities and entertainment, Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas will not disappoint.

Both ships excel in their offerings, whether it's the comfort of the staterooms, the quality of the dining, the entertainment, or the overall ambiance. The attention to detail, the level of service, and the variety of experiences available on both cruises are commendable.

In terms of dining, while both ships offer a range of options, Celebrity Ascent stands out for its unique buffet layout and gourmet specialty dining experiences. The Ocean View Cafe's spacious design and variety set a new standard for cruise ship buffets. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas offers classic favorites and a lively atmosphere in its dining venues.

When it comes to entertainment, both ships provide top-notch shows and activities. 'Smoke and Mirrors' on Celebrity Ascent and the Ice Show on Allure of the Seas are must-sees, showcasing the creative talent onboard. The specialty dining experiences, such as Le Petit Chef on Celebrity Ascent and 150 Central Park on Allure of the Seas, offer unique culinary journeys that enhance the overall cruise experience.

Relaxing by the pool is a key part of any cruise, and both ships offer fantastic poolside experiences. The cabanas on Allure of the Seas provide a luxurious retreat, while the serene atmosphere on Celebrity Ascent's pool deck is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back environment.

Finally, the disembarkation process, often a pain point on cruises, was handled efficiently on both ships, leaving passengers with a lasting positive impression.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Celebrity Ascent or Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas for your next cruise, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Both ships offer something special, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whichever you choose, you're in for a journey filled with luxury, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime.

*Note: The experiences and comparisons in this blog are based on personal travels and may vary. Always check for the latest information and offerings when planning your trip.*

10 Cruise Hacks: Get the Most Out of Your Trip

Celebrity ascent: a detailed review for your next voyage.

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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Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: How do they compare?

Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International share a parent company, but that’s all they have in common. The Celebrity ships are some of the most beautiful at sea, with modern designs and impressive contemporary art collections. True, these ships' best models date back to 2008, but they still feel well-thought-out and sophisticated — and the line continues to excel at an elegant take on big ship cruising for the 40 and older demographic, most of whom travel in pairs. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, serves families and multigenerational groups, among others, with a focus on sporty and adrenaline-pumping activities such as skydiving and surfing simulators, as well as amusement park-style entertainment and cutting-edge technology. (No other line has internet access that is as fast and as reasonably priced, for example.) Royal Caribbean's big, loud, activity-filled ships include the largest vessels in the industry, carrying more than 6,000 passengers. How do the two lines stack up against each other? Here's our take. Pricing Generally speaking, Celebrity tends to be more expensive than Royal Caribbean. Similar to Royal Caribbean, the lowest rates on Celebrity are typically found on the older ships, especially Celebrity Summit. But, even with Celebrity Summit, it's rare for the line to drop prices for seven-night sailings to less than $500 per person.

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Celebrity Cruises vs Royal Caribbean

Please Note: There may be additional inclusions and privileges for select stateroom and suite guests or select loyalty member tiers. Activities and entertainment vary by ship, itinerary and departure and are a guide only.

Who provides the best value - Celebrity Cruises or Royal Caribbean (RCI)?

Both cruise lines are owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) with Celebrity Cruises leveraged as a premium line while Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is a contemporary line. Both offer similar inclusions in the cruise price however the fares for are not as inclusive as sister lines, Azamara or Silversea and other lines such as Viking , Oceania , and Regent Seven Seas .

On face value the base cost of a comparable cruise may be marginally cheaper on RCI than on Celebrity, however, there isn’t a huge price difference between these sister lines for similar voyages. Cost may be impacted by the age and class of the ship and the value also depends on the time of year you want to cruise and the promotions that each line might offer that lead to discounted prices or add on offers such as free onboard credit.

Neither line is all inclusive, and on each you need to factor in onboard costs such as specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi packages, and the cost of excursions. If you book during sales and maximise offers and promotions such as Celebrity’s Sail Your Way you can leverage some extra perks.

Celebrity also offers Expedition cruising, but for the purposes of this comparison it is the classic, contemporary cruise holiday that each line offers that is in focus.

Which line is best for families?

Both cruise lines offer family friendly programs that include programs for children and teens but overall RCI is more focussed on family than Celebrity.

Programs for Babies, Children and Teens

RCI is ahead in innovations for family cruising when it comes to onboard activities, programs for tots to teens and services such as the Baby2go program that allows parents to pre book nappies, wipes, baby food and creams to save them carrying these items on board.

RCI markets themselves as a family friendly cruise line and delivers on all fronts with their separate Adventure Ocean kids club spaces for babies and toddlers, tweens and teens. Hosting a greater number of children on board than Celebrity, these dedicated spaces for children and teens are more spacious on Royal ships.

While Celebrity seems to host more families and children on sailings during school holiday than other periods, they still offer a flexible children’s program where you can pick and choose from a range of fun and educational activities. Activities cover art, recreation, culinary, and includes educational activities that support S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) in a fun way.

Family Focused Facilities

Royal offers family oriented aqua parks (H2O Zone or Splashaway Bay) on 12 of their ships and most of their ships have multiple pools and many have water slides, while Celebrity’s Solstice class ships have the Wet Zone vertical fountain splash area for kids. While Royal’s onboard thrills and spills are also for adults, they offer many more family friendly options for onboard activities than Celebrity. This is also reflected in the pool deck, which on Celebrity ships is geared more for lounging and relaxing than splashing and recreation.

On RCI, many dining options are geared towards families, not just with the choice of restaurants and their menu but also with My Family Time Dining, where children ages 3 to 11 are served their meals first and then collected by the Adventure Ocean club crew so parents can enjoy the remainder of dinner and evening entertainment child free through the night time drop off sessions (at cost after 10pm).

Family Suites and Staterooms

RCI offers a larger choice of family friendly cabin configurations. Aside from traditional interconnecting cabins for smaller family groups, Royal have created the ultimate two storey family suite as part of their Royal Suite Class collection on the Quantum Ultra Class ships, Symphony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas . While this is a top tier innovative suite, complete with games room and a slide connecting the two floors, Royal also offers inside, oceanview and balcony family staterooms that accommodate up to six across a range of ship classes.

Celebrity Solstice ships offer family staterooms with living space and two bedrooms, a large balcony, one bathroom, and a sofa bed in the living area. These cabins can be interconnected with others to grow the space available for larger families. The Millennium class ships have smaller staterooms but provide options for multiple sleeping arrangements for up to six with beds and sofa beds and privacy partition between the sleeping areas. Suite class cabins offer a full-size bathtub which may be useful for families with small children. Parents can arrange for toy packages and at an hourly rate parents can arrange in-room babysitting in the evenings for up to three children.

Both cruise lines offer family friendly excursions and an autism program.

Which line is best for couples?

Both RCI and Celebrity ships are popular with couples. The choice is most likely to come down to your onboard interests, and how you like to relax. While Celebrity takes the edge on food and wine, and deck space dedicated to relaxation, RCI’s non-stop adrenaline fuelled fun is not just for families. There are plenty of options on both cruise lines for couples of all ages, it’s more a matter of what you are seeking from your onboard life.

Foodies and wine lovers will find Celebrity offers a more sophisticated range of dining options (and possibly more romantic dining settings). With all dining options overseen by Michelin-star resumed chefs, menus offer a culinary journey of epicurean proportions, Celebrity has focused on food served in elegant surroundings as a hallmark of their onboard experience. Furthermore, Celebrity showcases the ‘largest and rarest wine collection at sea’.

On Edge Class ships, couples will love The Magic Carpet dining and bar, which transforms from restaurant to bar to an extension of the pool deck depending on which deck it is docked. Eden on Edge ships offers an adult sophisticated dining experience in the evenings where performance art and dining blend to offer a unique at sea dining experience.

Onboard Activities

Celebrity shares a similar list of activities and classes to Royal but step up in the area of technology and art with their iLounge, the first Authorized Apple Specialist at Sea, where certified Apple experts run classes for cruisers on website creation, blogging, photoshop and other computer skills, many of which are free or incur a small cost. Two Solstice-class ships feature The Art Studio on the Lawn Club where passengers can take art classes like jewellery making, sketching and painting. While these activities may not be specifically couple oriented it shows a focus on a demographic beyond family cruising.

If you are a couple who thrive on adrenaline fuelled activities you would be hard-pressed not to consider the accelerated, innovative fun of Royal’s onboard activities. While each ship has different offerings, all have a rock climbing wall and sports courts, while 12 ships offer an indoor ice skating rink. The five Quantum class ships feature the SeaPlex, an indoor activity hub with bumper cars, roller skating, trapeze classes and an arcade. Then there is the surf and skydiving simulator and the North Star Observation Deck. You can be endlessly occupied, constantly competitive and following the fun onboard.

When it comes to relaxation both lines offer outstanding spa services and adult only solariums. Celebrity offers more deckside relaxation with the ½ acre lawn at sea where you can book a cabana and likewise on the pool deck. Designed more for relaxation than action, particularly on Celebrity Edge, the Resort Deck is wrapped by an outward-facing asymmetrical pool deck with full of oversized art installations, two-storey martini glass styled hot tubs, and tall cabanas that overlook the ocean.

What about solo cruisers?

If you are seeking to cruise on your own and want to have your own single cabin (and avoid having to pay a solo supplement for single occupancy) you will have more opportunity to cruise solo on Royal Caribbean. RCI offers 28 solo cabins on Quantum of the Seas , Anthem of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas where Celebrity currently only offers 16 solo cabins on Edge class ships.

Which line has the most innovations?

Royal ships are renowned for their game changing, amplified onboard activities for active passengers of all ages with sky-diving, bumper cars and surf simulators, wild slides and the North Star Observation deck. The onboard activities depend on the ship. If you want your cruise ship to provide you options for non-stop activities and entertainment of the ‘thrills and spills’ kind, then Royal will have your ship.

Celebrity has the ½ acre lawn on Solstice ships, the transformative Magic Carpet, cantilevered to the side of Edge class ships; Eden, the three-story hybrid “experiential” restaurant and performance venue; and Le Petit Chef at Le Grand Bistro, a dinner restaurant that features a 4D animation projected on your plate throughout the course of your meal. Royal has the robotic bionic bar.

Onboard each cruise line you will find engaging, world class entertainment and large scale productions, film experiences on deck, dancing and nightclubs and casinos.

RCI has created innovation in their inside cabins with the creation of virtual Balconies – bringing real time vision and sounds of the sea through audio visual technologies into cabins that would otherwise be pitch black, bar the lights.

Both cruise lines stay at the top of the ‘innovations at sea’ space through ongoing multi-million dollar enhancement programs across their fleet.

Which line has the right itinerary and shore program for me?

When you choose Royal Caribbean you have the choice of almost double the itineraries compared to Celebrity – after all RCI have double the number of ships in their fleet.

On their contemporary cruises, both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer a similar range of excursions for purchase and overnights in some ports. Both also offer an Autism program that includes a series of excursions as well as wheelchair friendly excursions.

Celebrity Excursions include Celebrity Discoveries, culturally focussed trips, Chef market Discoveries that include culinary excursions with the ship’s chef to uncover local flavours and then return back to the ship to witness a cooking demonstration from the morning’s purchases. Adventurers can choose to join adventure focussed excursions curated by English adventurer Ben Fogle. Evening tours for special dining or performance experiences can also be booked in select ports. Celebrity offers select small group tours for up to 24 guests.

Also offering a large number and variety of shore excursions, Royal Caribbean offer PADI Certification onboard, followed by scuba excursions in some ports. Also, in the active collection guests can choose activities such as sailing, wildlife watching and snorkelling. Also on offer are cuisine focussed experiences such as vineyard tours and wine tasting, food and cooking tours. Adventurers may be able to horse-ride or parasail, take part in a 4x4 off road experience or go white water rafting and those who want culture will find a guided city tour and golfers may get to that world-class course. From flightseeing to relaxing on a local beach, there is a range of options.

Both cruise lines take their guest to island locations on select Caribbean and (from 2020) Pacific cruises that offer a day of sun, sea, slides and sand for all – all activities on the islands have a charge.

When it comes to making a decision between these two cruise lines it will be the onboard experience that will be the deciding factor – and whichever you choose will offer you a fabulous cruise holiday.

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Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises: Which cruise line is the best?

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Spring break 2019 is in the books, and it’s going to be tough to beat! We took a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise on the Celebrity Equinox, cruising from Miami to visit the ports of Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman.

This was my tenth cruise, but my first on Celebrity Cruise Line’s Equinox. I have sailed on Royal Caribbean cruise line four times before.

Since that cruise, people have asked which cruise line is best, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruises?

Table of Contents

Comparing Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines

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Cruise lines are much like hotel chains — each has its own specialty. When comparing cruise lines, look at all the different aspects to decide which cruise line is the best.

>> Read our Comparison of Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean . << 

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are owned by the same company. Royal Caribbean, aka RCCL, is the “entry level” cruise line. Celebrity Cruises is their mid-level cruise line — a bit more personalized service with upgraded standard amenities.

When you compare cruise lines, look at each amenity and decide which cruise line is the best for you. For a quick reference jump down to the end of this post where I “declare my winner” for each category.

I hope this comparison of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises helps you determine which cruise line is the best one for your travel!

Side by side comparison: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises

In general, Royal Caribbean ships are larger than Celebrity Cruise Line ships like the Celebrity Equinox.

We have sailed on three of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager class ships, which offer rock climbing walls, indoor ice rinks, and “water parks.”

Other amenities on Royal Caribbean ships include a theater, shopping, bars and restaurants, and a casino. These ships hold 3114 passengers served by 1185 crew members, or a ratio of 2.63 guests per staff member.

For a more luxury cruise experience, you can book a suite on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. This includes butler service, access to a private lounge, dedicated dining space at buffet restaurants and reserved seating areas in the theater and at the pool. The suites are larger, as well, especially the bathrooms.

> Read about Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas <<

The Celebrity Equinox which is part of the popular Solstice Class ships, is considered a midsize cruise ship.

Celebrity Equinox activities include a pool deck with a family and an adults only pool area, “The Lawn Club” — a half acre grassy lawn on Deck 15, and “The Hot Glass Show” — a glass blowing demonstration area where guests can make their own souvenir glass pieces.

Other amenities include a theater, shopping, bars and restaurants and a casino. The ships hold 2,850 passengers served by 1,500 crew members, or a ratio of 1.9 guests per staff member.

Like Royal Caribbean cruises, suite guests on Celebrity Cruise Line get upgraded services and more space in each cabin.

Both lines offer ships in other sizes, with Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas being the largest in the RCCL fleet 6,680 passengers with a crew of 2,200, or a ratio of 3 guests per staff member.

Celebrity Edge is the newest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, hosting 2,918 guests with 1,377 crew, or a ratio of 2.12 guests per staff member.

**Crew to guest ratio may change as ships adapt to changes brought on by the events of 2020.**

It goes without saying, the larger the ship, the more amenities can be added to it.

BUT, larger ships also have more crowds.

In my experience, the crowds can be frustrating on Royal Caribbean ships in the buffet dining rooms and on the pool decks. With so many people on one Caribbean cruise trying to use the same, limited space, it can be hard to find a table for a casual meal or a lounge chair to relax poolside. On the Celebrity Equinox, we never battled for tables or lounge chairs.

It was nice not having to wait in long lines, except for hand-dipped ice cream, on our Celebrity cruise.

The Celebrity Equinox crew was also quick to clear away plates and cups, both in the buffet restaurant and around the pool. On Royal Caribbean, plates can stack up just about anywhere — even next to the elevator.

One thing we all appreciated on the Equinox is how easy it is to get around the ship. With three banks of elevators and two sets of staircases, we got around the ship quickly. We didn’t use the elevators often, but when we did, the wait was short — even on embarkation day. Royal Caribbean gets congested and packed out elevators are the norm, especially at meal times.

Of course, the flip side is that smaller ships offer fewer activities. Besides not having a rock wall or “Flowrider,” Celebrity Equinox offers fewer activities than Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class Ships.

For instance, the Celebrity trivia games were offered once daily for music trivia and general trivia. On Royal Caribbean, trivia games are offered throughout the day, often with themes like Harry Potter, World Geography and musicals. With a variety of game options, we could pick and choose those we thought we would enjoy.

The same is true for poolside games.

Celebrity focuses more on destination talks, wine and bourbon tastings, shopping and other culinary talks. Royal Caribbean offers those, too, but also offers free activities like cupcake decorating contests that educate and entertain.

⇒ Read our review of Celebrity Cruise Lines for TEENS! ⇐

One big advantage Royal Caribbean has over Celebrity Equinox is the jogging track. On Celebrity, the track is more of a “pathway” between lounge chairs that also travels right through the Deck 14 smoking bar. Unless you go early in the morning, it’s very difficult to walk — much less jog — on this track. Dodging guests, crew members and their carts and cigarette smoke is just not worth it. I much prefer the wider, less congested jogging track on Royal Caribbean ships.

Royal Caribbean best for you? BOOK HERE

The big advantage Celebrity Cruises has over Royal Caribbean is the opportunity for staff and guest interaction. On our cruise, we were invited to a special cocktail mixer for first time Celebrity cruisers and got invited to the helipad for sendoff from port. In general, senior level crew is more interactive on Celebrity than on Royal Caribbean. Even senior staff take time to chat during the day and all staff eat in the buffet dining room at least some of the time.

Celebrity Cruises best for you? BOOK HERE

Evening activities on both ships are comparable. The quality of stage shows on Celebrity is a bit higher than the quality on Royal Caribbean, though both are enjoyable. Late night dance parties are a bit better on the Equinox — especially the popular silent disco!

What? You’ve never heard of silent disco? Well then, watch this! 

Technically speaking, Celebrity Equinox cabins are larger than similar Royal Caribbean Voyager class cabins.

An ocean view balcony on Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas is about 200 sf, with a 42-48 sf balcony. These cabins sleep 3 or 4, include a seating area that converts to a bed, a king size bed, dressing table, storage and bathroom.

A similar cabin on the Celebrity Equinox is about 195 sf, with a 54 sf balcony. These cabins sleep 3 or 4, with a seating area that converts to a bed, a king size bed, dressing table, storage and bathroom.

Some notable differences are the finishes:

• Royal Caribbean uses wall-mounted dispensers for shampoo and conditioner. Celebrity provides individual soaps, shampoos and conditioner.
• Royal Caribbean includes bath robes ONLY for suite guests. Celebrity includes two robes in all cabins.
• Royal Caribbean bedding in standard cabins is not luxurious. In fact, this is my biggest complaint about Royal Caribbean. The bedding on Celebrity Equinox is amazing — and we sailed two weeks before a dry dock refurbishment when all bedding was to be replaced.
• Royal Caribbean bathrooms are tiny! I have to stick my leg outside the shower and use the toilet lid for balance to shave my legs (is that TMI?). Celebrity’s bathrooms are twice the size and allow enough room in the shower to move around, as well as a shaving bar.

> Watch our tour of our Celebrity Cabin <<

Overall, we found the cabin space to be quite similar on both ships — crowded but doable with three people.

When it comes to children’s activities, Royal Caribbean gets the nod. Both cruise lines offer children’s programming, but there’s a lot more space dedicated to kids’ programs on Royal Caribbean.

Of course, there are also more kids on Royal Caribbean, so for those kids who thrive in smaller groups, Celebrity might be better.

Both lines offer dedicated space with check in and check out required — though Celebrity is more relaxed about it with kids aged 10-12. Both lines have staff trained to work with kids and a schedule of daily activities, including STEM activities for older kids.

Celebrity Cruise Lines does not offer all-day programs, but set programs throughout the day with family programs that engage parents and children throughout the cruise — such as a “campfire” on the lawn.

I, personally, prefer Royal Caribbean’s children’s area — for its spaciousness, children’s pool areas (which are not part of the kids’ programs) and general family friendliness.

My daughter, interestingly, said she would have liked Celebrity better because it has programs for parents to do with the kids.

Which cruise line has a better onboarding/exiting process, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity?

The embarkation for both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises was quite similar. Go through the line, get your photo taken, double check paperwork and credit card on file, then get your sea pass card and proceed to the ship.

Once onboard, the experience changes. On Celebrity, crew members greet guests with champagne as they board. Guests stroll through Deck 5 to the elevators and staircases that lead to Deck 14 and a delicious lunch buffet. We enjoyed our lunch outdoors on the patio behind the buffet restaurant looking out over the Port of Miami.

⇒  New to cruising? Read our post on embarkation day ⇐

On Royal, guests are greeted with long lines for the elevators up to the higher decks for lunch. Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer buffet restaurant is crowded. Already crowded dining areas — the tables are close — get much worse when all guests and a lot of luggage are crammed into one area. Celebrity Equinox is much more spread out, with more buffet options including an Asian station, pizza station, and other specialty stations. The tables aren’t as crowded together and it never felt packed.

Likewise, in port, the lines to get off a Royal Caribbean ship can take 20-30 minutes, with the queue wrapping up two flights of stairs.

We never felt that same congestion on Celebrity Equinox — though, there was some confusion the first day as they now require valid photo ID for all guests who leave the ship in port.

Tendering is similar. We waited less than five minutes total when tendered in Grand Cayman on Celebrity Equinox. Tendering on a R0yal Caribbean ship can involve a 20 minute or more wait.

⇒ Learn more about Shore Excursions with this post ⇐

Disembarking at the end of the cruise to go home was a similar experience for us on both ships, maybe even a bit better on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

We had to wait a bit longer than expected getting off the ship on Celebrity, which made a tight window for our flight home.

We booked everything with the cruise line for convenience, so I was a bit frustrated by the slowness there. That may be the nature of the Miami port, though. Port Canaveral seems to run smoothly all the time — at least for us.

⇒ Read our tips to make disembarkation go smoothly ⇐

Comparing apples to apples, the best I can, here’s how the cost breaks down:

For each cruise line, I selected a verandah stateroom with an unobstructed view for three guests, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale on April 4 or 5, 2020. On Celebrity this is a 7 night cruise visiting the ports of  Key West, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman plus two days at sea. On Royal Caribbean, this is a 6 night itinerary that includes Costa Maya, Cozumel and Grand Cayman, plus two days at sea.

• Celebrity Equinox, including two free perks of gratuities for two and a $150 onboard credit, costs $4085, or $584 per night for all guests, including gratuities.
• Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, including $100 onboard credit, costs $3389, or $564 per night for all guests, including gratuities.

There is no comparable 7 night Caribbean cruise for RCCL out of Ft. Lauderdale. The cruise lines have different itineraries out of Miami and Port Canaveral as well. So, comparing the nightly cost on a 6 vs. 7 night cruise is the best I could do.

Comparing similar sized cabins, both on Deck 7 aft, there’s not a whole lot of difference in cost — only $20 per day more expensive on Celebrity Cruises using the discounts each offers online. So, which is better?

That depends entirely on what you want out of a cruise:

• Public space to move around > Celebrity.
• Relaxation > Celebrity.
• Activities > Royal Caribbean.
• Cabin space > Celebrity. Though, this is for the use of space, particularly the bathroom configuration. Total space is about the same on both ships.
• Cabin comfort > Celebrity. Royal Caribbean beds aren’t very comfortable.
• Cleanliness > Celebrity.
• Crew friendliness > Celebrity.
• Children’s programming > Royal Caribbean.
• Food in main dining room > Tie.
• Food in buffet restaurants > Celebrity, by a small margin.

I hope this breakdown helps you decide which cruise line is best for you. If there’s anything you’d like to know that I didn’t discuss here, please leave a comment or email me. I’ll do my very best to answer your questions!

If you enjoyed this article and want to learn more, check out these posts:

• Carnival, fun ships for kids .
• Cruise Essentials, the little extras that make cruising even better !
• Six tips to stretch your Disney Cruise Line budget.
• What’s the best cruise line for families, a side by side comparison of the major cruise lines .
• Travel tips for first time cruisers.

We’d love to hear from you — which cruise line would you pick, Royal Caribbean or Celebrity? Why? Leave a comment below!

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.