Celebrity vs. Princess Cruises: Modern Luxury or Classic Comfort?
Imagine sipping a glass of wine on a cantilevered platform hanging off the side of the ship as the sun sets. Now imagine stretching out under the stars on a deck lounger, watching a movie on a giant screen with a blanket and popcorn. The first moment is Celebrity. The second is Princess. Both feel upscale, but in very different ways.
Quick answer: Choose Celebrity for sleek modern design, standout dining and a boutique-hotel feel. Choose Princess for a relaxed, classic cruise, easy MedallionClass technology and some of the best Alaska vacations in the business.
At a glance
| Celebrity | Princess |
|---|---|---|
Vibe | Modern luxury, stylish, adult-leaning | Relaxed, classic, welcoming |
Newest ships | Edge class, including Celebrity Xcel (late 2025) | Sphere class: Sun Princess and Star Princess |
Standout | Magic Carpet, creative dining, The Retreat suites | Movies Under the Stars, Medallion, Alaska expertise |
Kids club | Camp at Sea | Camp Discovery |
Daily gratuity | $19.50 per person | $18.00 per person |
Bundles | "All Included" fares with drinks and Wi-Fi | Princess Plus and Premier packages |
Why travelers choose Celebrity
Celebrity's Edge-class ships look like they were designed by a boutique hotel group, because in many ways they were. The Magic Carpet, an orange platform that moves up and down the side of the ship, becomes a bar, a restaurant or the embarkation deck depending on the day. Dining is a highlight, with creative menus and specialty venues that feel like a night out in a big city.
Celebrity attracts couples, friends traveling together and families with older kids who appreciate a calmer, more stylish atmosphere. If you want luxury touches without paying luxury-line prices, The Retreat suite experience is one of the best values at sea.
Why travelers choose Princess
Princess feels like a comfortable favorite hotel. MedallionClass technology lets you unlock your cabin, order a drink to your lounger and find your family on the ship with a small wearable disc. Evenings are relaxed, with live music, Movies Under the Stars and excellent service.
Princess is also an Alaska powerhouse, with years of experience, lodges near Denali and cruisetours that combine sea and land. The newest Sphere-class ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, bring a fresh, modern design to the classic Princess feel.
My take as your travel advisor
When couples want a romantic, design-forward Caribbean or Mediterranean trip, I usually start with Celebrity. When a family is bringing grandparents, or someone has Alaska on their bucket list, Princess is often the better fit. Both lines offer bundles that include drinks and Wi-Fi, and those bundles can change which line is the better value, so I always price both ways.
Which should you book?
Choose Celebrity if you want modern style, elevated dining and a quieter, grown-up vibe.
Choose Princess if you want a relaxed classic cruise, great tech conveniences or an Alaska cruisetour.
Frequently asked questions
Is Celebrity more luxurious than Princess? Celebrity feels more modern and design-focused. Princess feels more classic. Both are premium lines a step above mainstream cruising.
Which is better for Alaska? Princess, thanks to its long history in Alaska and land-and-sea cruisetours.
Are kids welcome on both? Yes. Celebrity has Camp at Sea and Princess has Camp Discovery, but both lines skew toward adults.
Want help choosing? I'll compare Celebrity and Princess sailings side by side, with bundles and perks priced in, at no extra cost. Get your free quote or call or text (618) 772-9206.
Glenn Sunnquist
Owner, SIX18 Travel LLC
Certified Travel Advisor
CLIA Member
Cruise & Resort Vacation Specialist
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