Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises: Which Line Is Right for You?
If you’ve ever found yourself staring at two booking tabs, one Celebrity, one Princess, trying to figure out which one actually fits the vacation you have in mind, you’re not alone. These two lines come up together constantly, and for good reason: they’re the closest neighbors in the premium cruise world. Neither is a budget line, neither is ultra-luxury, and at first glance their marketing can start to feel interchangeable.
Before we get into the comparison, we have to disclose that at the time of the writing of this article, we have yet to sail on Celebrity. We’ve always wanted to, but things have just never lined up… yet. However, since this is one of the most popular questions we get, we decided to do the research. Based on that research and many conversations with experienced cruisers who sail on Celebrity, we’ve determined that there are some real and important differences between the two lines. For example, the vibe of the ship, the technology experience, the dining philosophy, the package math, and the kind of traveler who tends to feel most at home.
The Vibe: “Elegant and Modern” vs “Traditional and Premium”
Don’t have time to read through everything? Here’s the quick spin: Celebrity leans sleek and cosmopolitan; Princess leans classic and comfortable.
Celebrity has spent years building an identity around sophisticated design. Think cool-toned interiors, art installations, a culinary program that consistently ranks above the competition, and a passenger vibe that skews toward younger professionals and travelers that appreciate design. The word that comes up again and again when cruisers describe Celebrity is elegant, yet modern.
Princess has a different energy. It’s warm, polished, and decidedly more traditional — the kind of cruise line where you can find a formal night and genuinely enjoy it, where multigenerational families feel as comfortable as couples celebrating anniversaries. The brand describes itself as a premium line with classic sensibilities, and passengers who’ve been sailing it for decades are loyal in a way that’s earned.
What’s interesting, and worth knowing, is that Celebrity and Princess are actually more alike than either one is to their mass-market cousins. Many cruisers put them in the same tier: a step above the mainstream lines, a bit short of ultra-luxury. If you’re coming from a Royal Caribbean or Carnival sailing and wondering which premium line to try first, both Celebrity and Princess are legitimate answers. The question is which flavor of premium suits you.
The Ships: Celebrity Edge Class vs Princess Sphere Class
Both lines have been investing seriously in new hardware, and both have flagships worth talking about.
Celebrity’s Edge class (five ships as of late 2025: Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent, and the newest Xcel, launched November 2025) introduced a genuinely different design philosophy when Celebrity Edge debuted. The most dramatic feature is the Infinite Veranda — instead of a traditional balcony with a railing, the entire outward-facing wall of the stateroom is floor-to-ceiling glass that slides down at the touch of a button. The room effectively becomes an open-air space. The Magic Carpet — a cantilevered platform that moves between decks along the side of the ship — serves as a bar, dining venue, and tender embarkation point. And Eden, a multi-deck glass-walled atrium at the stern, blends live entertainment, cocktails, and dining in a way that feels genuinely theatrical.
Princess’s Sphere class (Sun Princess, plus Star Princess launched October 2025) is Princess’s most ambitious design leap in decades. Sun Princess earned Condé Nast Traveler’s Mega Ship of the Year. Princess’ Sphere-class, ~177,000 GT, is among the line’s largest, carrying around 4,300 passengers. The Sphere ships carry an “elevated” feel compared to the older fleet — guests report noticeably nicer finishes, a distinctive aft infinity pool, and small touches like dry bar hair dryers in the staterooms that add up to a more polished experience.
Beyond the flagships, Princess and Celebrity runs around 16-17 ships (2026), similar-sized fleets, with Princess slightly broader across more classes.
The Tech Difference: MedallionClass Is Real
If you’ve heard cruisers rave about something on Princess and couldn’t figure out what it was, it’s probably this.
MedallionClass is Princess’s ship-wide technology ecosystem built around the OceanMedallion. It’s a small, quarter-sized wearable device (looks like a large coin) that every guest gets for free. It runs on a network of sensors throughout the ship and does several things that genuinely change the daily experience:
- Your stateroom door unlocks as you walk up to it. No fumbling for your card.
- OceanNow delivery tracks your exact location and delivers food, drinks, or retail orders wherever you are on the ship — poolside, on deck, anywhere.
- MedallionPay handles all purchases ship-wide without carrying a card.
- Family tracking lets you see where anyone in your group is, anywhere on the ship, in real time.
- Turn-by-turn navigation via the app — useful on a ship with 4,300 passengers.
All 17 Princess ships are equipped with MedallionClass as of 2021. Discovery Princess was built with it integrated from the ground up.
Celebrity doesn’t have a direct equivalent to this level of location-aware personalization. When considering the Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises question, this is a big win for Princess. Although both lines have capable apps and cashless systems, the MedallionClass is a big and meaningful differentiator, especially if you’re traveling with family. The OceanMedallion really lets you enjoy the freedom of wandering the ship without a plan.
Dining: Where Celebrity Has the Edge
Cuisine is where Celebrity most clearly distinguishes itself. The culinary program is consistently rated by passengers and by third-party reviewers above competitors in the premium tier. Multiple distinct specialty restaurants, a main dining room that takes food seriously, and a genuine wine program all contribute. This is a line where dinner is part of the experience, not just a logistical stop.
Princess has a solid dining program, too. Dine My Way lets you reserve specific dining times or tables in advance (a genuine improvement over the old “formal seating” structure), and the specialty restaurant options on newer ships like Sun Princess have expanded. For many cruisers, Princess dining is completely satisfying.
But if exceptional food is a priority, and you’re not looking for just “good enough,” then Celebrity tends to win that specific conversation all day.
Interested in Princess’ food offerings? Check out this article: Sun Princess Menus & Food Photos
Packages: The Math Matters Here
This is where reading the fine print pays off, because the two lines structure their packages differently, and the difference affects your total cost.
Celebrity’s All Included (formerly marketed as “Always Included”) bundles classic drinks and basic Wi-Fi into most cabin fares. That sounds comprehensive until you realize gratuities are not included — expect to add roughly $18–$19 per person per day on top of your fare.
Princess offers two add-on packages:
- Princess Plus ($65/person/day; $70 on Sphere-class ships): Plus Beverage Package, 4 casual dining meals, single-device Wi-Fi, and — importantly — crew appreciation (gratuities) included.
- Princess Premier ($100/person/day; $105 on Sphere-class ships): Unlimited premium beverages, unlimited casual and specialty dining, 4-device Wi-Fi, unlimited professional digital photos, reserved show seating, and a shore excursion credit of $100–$300 depending on voyage length. Gratuities included here too.
The comparison that trips people up: Celebrity’s package looks more inclusive at first glance, but without gratuities baked in, the effective cost difference narrows. For a 7-night sailing, a couple paying Celebrity gratuities separately adds roughly $250–$265 back to the total. Run the numbers for your specific sailing — Princess Plus or Premier may come out comparable or ahead once everything is accounted for.
Itineraries: Different Strengths
Both lines sail broadly — Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska, and beyond. But each has a distinct specialty worth knowing.
Princess owns Alaska in a way few competitors can claim. The line has been sailing Alaska since 1969 and has won “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” 21 times. Alaska cruisers frequently cite Princess’s expertise — knowledgeable naturalist guides, itineraries built around the best glacier and Inside Passage experiences, and homeports across multiple West Coast cities. If Alaska is your destination, Princess deserves serious weight in the decision.
Celebrity’s differentiator is the Galápagos. Very few large-brand cruise lines offer dedicated small-ship Galápagos programs. Celebrity does, with 30+ sailings combining cruising with land tours. It’s a niche, but if the Galápagos is on your list, Celebrity is one of a short list of options. Celebrity also typically deploys more of its large-ship fleet to Europe than Princess does, making it a strong Europe option spring through fall.
Want to know more about Princess Cruises destinations? Listen to our CruiseTipsTV Unplugged Podcast Cruising New Zealand on Discovery Princess: Full Ship Review + Pros & Cons
Loyalty Programs: Captain’s Club vs Captain’s Circle
If you’re going to commit to a line long-term, the loyalty program matters.
Celebrity’s Captain’s Club has six tiers and earns points per night (not per cruise), with multipliers based on cabin category — suite guests earn dramatically faster. The top tier (Zenith, with recent additions of Double and Triple Zenith) includes perks like complimentary drink packages and, at the highest level, a free 7-night suite sailing. Celebrity also participates in Royal Caribbean Group’s cross-brand points program, letting you apply points across Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Silversea.
Princess’s Captain’s Circle has four tiers (Gold, Ruby, Platinum, Elite) and earns based on number of cruises completed. The Elite-level perks include priority embarkation and free laundry — useful, but notably absent: no complimentary drink package, no Wi-Fi perk (although Elite gets a 50% internet discount). Compared to Celebrity’s loyalty rewards, Captain’s Circle is generally considered the weaker of the two at comparable commitment levels.
If loyalty perks factor into your long-term calculus, Celebrity’s program has more to offer at the top.
So Which Line Is Right for You?
Here’s a quick way to think about it:
Choose Celebrity if:
- You prioritize exceptional food and a stylish, design-forward ship experience
- The Edge class ships and their Infinite Veranda concept appeal to you
- You’re sailing Europe or the Galápagos
- You tend to skew younger in sensibility even if not in age
- A strong loyalty program matters for the long haul
Choose Princess if:
- You’re sailing Alaska — it’s Princess’s home turf
- MedallionClass technology sounds genuinely useful for how you cruise
- You want the most comprehensive package value (especially Princess Premier)
- You prefer a warmer, more traditional cruise atmosphere
- You’re traveling multigenerational and want a line that handles varied ages well
On price: Princess typically offers a lower entry point of what Celebrity commands on comparable 7-night sailings. If budget is a real constraint, Princess gives you premium quality at a more accessible price. Celebrity’s higher baseline reflects the Edge-class experience specifically; older Celebrity ships are more price-competitive.
Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises – Quick Reference
| Stand out Features | Celebrity | Princess |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Elegant, modern, cosmopolitan | Traditional, warm, classic premium |
| Newest flagship | Celebrity Xcel (Nov 2025) | Star Princess (Oct 2025) |
| Signature tech | None comparable | MedallionClass (location-based delivery, keyless entry) |
| Dining | Top-rated in premium tier | Solid; Dine My Way for flexibility |
| Package (base) | All Included (drinks + Wi-Fi; gratuities separate) | Plus: $65/day incl. gratuities |
| Alaska | 35 itineraries | Dominant since 1969; 21× “Best in Alaska” |
| Galápagos | Specialty program | Limited |
| Loyalty top perk | Free drink package + suite sailing (Zenith) | Priority boarding + laundry (Elite) |
| Price entry | Higher (~$1,098+ for 7 nights) | Lower (~$463+ for 7 nights) |
The bottom line with Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises is that neither line is a wrong answer — both sail beautiful ships, take food and service seriously, and will give you a genuinely premium experience on the water. The distinction is more about what kind of vacation energy you want when you board. If that’s a modern, food-forward, design-conscious ship with top-tier loyalty rewards, Celebrity is your line. If you want a warm, tech-enabled, family-friendly cruise with the best Alaska program in the business and strong package value, Princess wins.
Drop a comment on our social channels, and tell us which one you’ve sailed, or which one you’re leaning toward. We’d love to hear how the Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises argument plays out for different cruisers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebrity Cruises vs Princess Cruises
Which cruise line is better: Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises?
Neither cruise line is universally “better”—it depends on your travel style. Celebrity Cruises is known for its modern design, upscale dining, and contemporary atmosphere, while Princess Cruises is famous for destination-focused itineraries, traditional cruising experiences, and excellent service. Travelers seeking a more luxurious and modern vibe often prefer Celebrity, while those who value enrichment programs and classic cruising traditions often lean toward Princess.
Is Celebrity Cruises more expensive than Princess Cruises?
Celebrity Cruises is often slightly more expensive than Princess Cruises when comparing similar itineraries and cabin categories. However, Celebrity frequently includes more amenities in promotional fares, such as drinks, Wi-Fi, or onboard credits, which can offset the higher base fare.
Which cruise line has better food?
Both cruise lines receive strong reviews for dining, but Celebrity is generally considered the winner for specialty dining and contemporary cuisine. Princess is known for consistent quality across both main dining rooms and specialty venues, making it a strong choice for food lovers as well.
Which cruise line has better entertainment?
Princess Cruises tends to offer more traditional cruise entertainment, including production shows, live music, game shows, and destination-focused enrichment. Celebrity’s entertainment often feels more modern and sophisticated, featuring immersive productions, live performances, and stylish venues.
Which cruise line is better for adults?
Celebrity Cruises is often considered one of the best cruise lines for adults thanks to its upscale atmosphere, modern design, and fewer family-focused attractions. Princess also appeals to adults but offers a more traditional cruise experience with a wider age mix onboard.
Which cruise line is better for families?
Princess Cruises generally offers a slightly more family-friendly environment with youth programs, family activities, and multigenerational appeal. Celebrity welcomes families as well, but its ships are typically designed more with adults and couples in mind.
Which cruise line has newer ships?
Both cruise lines have invested heavily in new ships. Celebrity’s Edge Class ships—including Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent—are among the most innovative ships at sea. Princess has responded with its Sphere Class ships, including Sun Princess and Star Princess, featuring cutting-edge technology and new entertainment venues.
Which cruise line has better Alaska cruises?
Both cruise lines are excellent choices for Alaska. Princess has a long history in Alaska and offers extensive land-tour options, including lodges and rail experiences. Celebrity is known for its modern ships and scenic cruising experiences. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize land-tour opportunities or onboard luxury.
Which cruise line offers better value for money?
Princess Cruises often provides a lower starting fare, making it attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Celebrity Cruises may provide better overall value for travelers who appreciate upgraded dining, modern accommodations, and premium inclusions.
Which cruise line has better loyalty benefits?
Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and Princess’ Captain’s Circle both reward repeat cruisers with perks such as priority boarding, discounts, and onboard benefits. Travelers loyal to either brand generally find strong value in their respective programs, though the specific perks vary by tier.
Who should choose Celebrity Cruises?
Celebrity Cruises is ideal for travelers who:
Prefer modern ship design
Enjoy upscale dining experiences
Want a sophisticated atmosphere
Travel primarily as couples or adults
Appreciate premium accommodations and service
Who should choose Princess Cruises?
Princess Cruises is ideal for travelers who:
Love destination-focused itineraries
Enjoy traditional cruise experiences
Travel with multiple generations
Want strong Alaska expertise
Prefer a relaxed, classic onboard atmosphere
Is Celebrity or Princess better for first-time cruisers?
Both are excellent choices for first-time cruisers. Celebrity may appeal more to travelers seeking a premium experience, while Princess often appeals to travelers who want a traditional cruise with a strong balance of value, service, and destinations.
Cruise like a PRO!
Download our shore day bag checklist and more cruise packing and planning checklists & videos by joining the CruiseTipsTV Academy. We have a special discount code for our readers on this Intro to Cruising Master Class.
To redeem the $5.00 discount on our master class, enter code ALLABOARD here, and welcome to the Academy!
Need a Travel Advisor?
Contact our travel agency partner, Montebello Dream Vacations: Let Wendy know you were referred by CruiseTipsTV when you call. Wendy will match you with the best agent for your needs, and an agent will give you a call back! Phone number is on the website.
