Royal Caribbean vs. Celeb Cruises: Which sister cruise line must you select?

Its fleet boasts 5 of the world’s largest ships, led by Surprise of the Seas. This Oasis Class ship and its 4 siblings are so huge they carry as much as 5,700 visitors at double occupancy and are divided into themed neighborhoods to assist visitors discover their approach round.

Royal Caribbean’s trendy Quantum Class ships accommodate 4,180 visitors and stand out because of every ship’s North Star sightseeing capsule, which rises 300 toes above the ocean.

Icon of the Seas, the primary in a completely new class for Royal Caribbean, would be the line’s largest ship when it debuts in early 2024. It’s going to solely maintain 5,600 passengers at double occupancy as a result of the ship will function extra cabins and suites that accommodate 4 or extra passengers than discovered on some other Royal Caribbean ship.

Every day Publication

Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day e-newsletter

Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s specialists

Associated: The 6 courses of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, defined

Celeb Cruises’ latest and largest ships are its 3,260-guest Edge sequence: Celeb Edge, Celeb Apex and Celeb Past, with Celeb Ascent launching in December. Its 5 Solstice Class ships every carry round 2,800 passengers, and its 4 Millennium Class vessels accommodate round 2,200 a bit.

Celeb additionally affords expedition-style cruising on three 16- to 100-passenger ships within the Galapagos Islands (however we can’t deal with them on this article).

Each cruise strains supply all of the facilities of a floating resort at sea: swimming pools, spas, bars and a number of eating venues. By way of sheer wow issue, although, Royal Caribbean’s activity-packed Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships are exhausting to beat, particularly for household cruising.

However, Celeb’s vessels are spacious and designed to dazzle with up to date decor and premium facilities.

On each strains, the smallest, oldest ships can have a unique vibe from the latest, largest vessels, so hold that in thoughts as you are researching journeys.

Associated: The 4 forms of Celeb Cruises ships, defined

Who’s on board?

With Royal Caribbean, a greater query is perhaps, “Who is not on board?” As a mainstream cruise line, it appeals to a variety of passengers, largely Individuals (no less than on North American itineraries) and lots of of them households.

Passengers additionally differ by itinerary, with three- to five-night Bahamas and seven-night Caribbean sailings attracting households and teams of pals. The road’s eight- to 12-night Mediterranean itineraries draw extra {couples} and retirees and fewer households, in addition to extra Europeans. (About half of passengers on Royal Caribbean’s European itineraries are Europeans and vacationers from outdoors america.) Alaska sailings lure multigenerational households and older cruisers.

Associated: The last word information to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Celeb’s ships entice a narrower, extra upscale demographic, largely Gen Xers of their 40s and 50s and retirement-age child boomers, with some childless millennials, too.

There shall be children on board, however not within the numbers that Royal Caribbean attracts. As a premium cruise model, Celeb usually has greater fares, particularly on its Edge-series ships, however sailings will not be as costly as on luxurious cruise ships.

Associated: The last word information to Celeb Cruises ships and itineraries

Cabins and suites

Royal Caribbean affords a dizzying array of cabin and suite choices, particularly on its latest and largest ships. Celeb options fewer general cabin classes however affords non-suite rooms with additional perks.

It is not stunning that Royal Caribbean’s massive Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships function probably the most lodging sorts throughout the fleet — as much as three dozen cabin and suite classes designed for each households and {couples} with a variety of budgets.

On the inexpensive finish, a few of the windowless inside cabins include a “digital balcony,” a window-mimicking display screen that shows real-time video of the view outdoors. These can be found on all 5 Quantum Class ships, plus Surprise of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Concord of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

Oasis Class ships additionally function 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, Concord of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) supply a restricted variety of studio cabins designed for solo vacationers.

The cruise line’s prime lodging are suites, various in dimension and a few with loft configurations. Its most lavish digs are the two-story Final Household Suites (discovered on Surprise, Symphony and Spectrum of the Seas) and the three-story Final Household Townhouse on Icon of the Seas. They sleep as much as eight visitors and boast kid-friendly facilities, together with a slide, air hockey desk and different video games.

All suites supply unique facilities. Nevertheless, Royal Caribbean’s largest, most costly suites include unique perks, reminiscent of Royal Genie butler service and complimentary specialty eating and beverage packages.

Associated: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite information: Every little thing you wish to know

Celeb’s latest Edge Class ships exchange the usual balcony cabin with Infinite Veranda Staterooms, wherein a floor-to-ceiling window lowers midway to create an open-air veranda throughout the room. This design permits for extra usable area throughout the cabin, no matter whether or not the window is open or shut.

AquaClass cabins embody in-cabin wellness facilities and entry to an unique restaurant and the spa’s thermal suite (with saunas and heated loungers). Concierge Class rooms include a devoted concierge, a pillow menu and an unique welcome-aboard lunch within the eating room with complimentary wine.

Solstice Class ships supply single inside cabins, whereas Edge-series ships embody some Infinite Veranda Staterooms designed for solo vacationers.

Suite configurations and decor fluctuate by ship class. On Edge-series ships, seven suite classes embody the two-story Edge Villas and the Iconic Suite, the most important within the fleet at 1,892 sq. toes (plus a 689-square-foot terrace). Solstice Class ships function six suite classes, and Millennium Class ships have 5.

All suites include devoted attendants and a concierge, in addition to included perks: a premium drink bundle, premium Wi-Fi, pay as you go ideas and an onboard credit score. Celeb’s suite visitors can even entry unique facilities as a part of The Retreat, together with a personal solar deck, lounge and restaurant.

Associated: Every little thing it is advisable to find out about Celeb Cruises cabins and suites

Eating

The upside: Royal Caribbean and Celeb ships supply a dozen or extra onboard eating venues, so there are culinary choices to swimsuit each palate.

Royal Caribbean’s complimentary choices embody informal choices such because the Canine Home for a worldwide sizzling canine menu, El Loco Contemporary for burritos and quesadillas, Sorrento’s Pizza for grab-and-go slices, and Park Cafe for deli-style sandwiches — though choices do fluctuate barely by ship.

Further-fee eating on Royal Caribbean covers a lot of the bases — Chops Grille and Samba Grill for steak, Izumi for sushi, Teppanyaki and Sichuan Purple for Asian, Giovanni’s Desk and Jamie’s Italian for Mediterranean classics, and Hooked Seafood for fish and shellfish.

Wonderland mixes artistic flavors and distinctive shows, and 150 Central Park is right for a particular celebration; the latter two can be found solely on Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. Themed Fifties diner Johnny Rockets (on greater than a dozen ships) is an inexpensive, kid-friendly favourite.

Associated: The last word information to cruise ship meals and eating

Like Royal Caribbean, Celeb affords a proper fundamental eating room on Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships. Nevertheless, on Edge-series ships, 4 smaller themed eating places exchange the one banquet-style eating corridor.

Every encompasses a choice of unique menu objects — new American in Cosmopolitan, Mediterranean in Cyprus, French in Normandie and Italian in Tuscan — together with alternatives from the Celeb Signature menu.

Every venue’s distinctive atmosphere and distinctive menus serve a wide range of tastes on a complimentary foundation — however solely for dinner. As well as, visitors who e book suites in The Retreat can dine at Luminae, whereas these in AquaClass have entry to health-focused Blu, freed from cost.

Further fleetwide complimentary eating contains the buffet-style Oceanview Cafe; the Mast Grill, an informal poolside eatery serving burgers and wraps; and Spa Cafe, providing more healthy, lighter choices for breakfast and lunch.

Celeb’s extra-fee eating additionally varies by ship class. On Edge-series ships, visitors can get pleasure from Effective Lower Steakhouse for prime cuts and seafood, Eden Restaurant for contemporary world delicacies, Le Grand Bistro for traditional French, Rooftop Backyard Grill for yard favorites, Uncooked on 5 for sushi and Japanese specialties, and Magic Carpet for small bites and cocktails.

Celeb’s most elevated eating expertise is Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, the acclaimed French chef’s first restaurant at sea, accessible aboard Celeb Past and Ascent.

Celeb’s Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships function Tuscan Grille for steak and Italian specialties, Le Petit Chef for traditional French with enchanting tabletop leisure and Sushi on 5 for Japanese. The road’s Solstice Class ships have an extra restaurant, Murano, for elevated French tasting menus.

Two Celeb ships, Reflection and Silhouette, additionally supply two alfresco eateries: Garden Membership Grill and The Porch Seafood Restaurant.

Associated: Eating errors you could repair in your subsequent cruise

If you happen to’re searching for culinary selection with out paying additional, Royal Caribbean’s a number of complimentary informal eating venues, specifically on its latest and largest ships, give it an edge for households.

Celeb’s Edge Class ships’ quartet of complimentary eating places affords a nightly change of surroundings and menus, excellent for {couples} and teams of grownup pals.

If you happen to do not thoughts paying additional for just a few dinners, Celeb’s roster of specialty eating places can be a notch above Royal Caribbean’s when it comes to high quality and atmosphere.

Onboard sights

Royal Caribbean’s give attention to adrenaline-rush actions makes it the clear selection for household enjoyable, whereas Celeb’s chicer vibe is a draw for {couples} searching for to calm down.

Royal Caribbean is a frontrunner in providing amusement park-style sights reminiscent of waterslides, zip strains, browsing and sky-diving simulators, and escape rooms. Celeb would not go there in any respect. Relatively, its onboard sights are designed for grown-ups, with swimming pools, sizzling tubs and trendy top-deck rest areas, reminiscent of The Garden Membership on Solstice Class ships and The Rooftop Backyard on Edge-series ships.

All Royal Caribbean ships function mountain climbing partitions, outside film screens and arcades. All however Radiance Class and Imaginative and prescient Class ships have FlowRider surf simulators, and all however Radiance Class, Imaginative and prescient Class and Quantum Class ships have minigolf programs.

Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships function probably the most thrills within the fleet — even perhaps at sea. Oasis Class vessels are identified for his or her assortment of waterslides and the Final Abyss dry slide that drops riders 10 decks by a spiral tube pulsing with mild. These ships even have an ice skating rink, zip line, escape room, pop-up laser tag and a carousel.

When Icon of the Seas debuts, it should have the most important water park at sea, with six slides and an exhilarating ropes course alongside the aspect of the ship.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships do not function waterslides however are distinguished by their North Star sightseeing capsule, which lifts visitors excessive above the ship for 360-degree views. Different thrills embody RipCord by iFly (a sky-diving simulator) and the multipurpose indoor SeaPlex providing bumper automobiles, basketball and Xbox gaming consoles.

Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships supply some thrill actions, however not as many because the newer ships. These can embody varied waterslides, laser tag and escape rooms, so test every ship’s choices. Older and smaller Radiance Class and Imaginative and prescient Class ships function swimming pools however no waterslides or different kid-friendly sights.

What Celeb’s ships lack in thrills, they make up for with eye-catching up to date design and funky locations to hang around. Solstice Class ships function a half-acre Garden Membership with actual grass; it is the setting for jazz live shows and outside video games. Edge-series vessels have a Rooftop Backyard with reside crops, trendy sculptures, cozy seating nooks and a grill restaurant. Cabana-lined pool decks function elevated sizzling tubs formed like martini glasses.

Each Royal Caribbean and Celeb function adults-only, glass-enclosed Solarium swimming pools. In addition they supply enjoyable spas with salons, thermal suites and health facilities for all of your self-care and wellness wants.

Associated: The wildest sights you will discover on a cruise ship

Children actions

Each Royal Caribbean and Celeb welcome households and have complimentary children golf equipment, however solely Royal Caribbean has the onboard sights and thrills that enchantment to lively youthful kids and youths.

Royal Caribbean’s Journey Ocean youth program has areas and actions (science and artwork tasks, video games and events) designed for teenagers ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. This system is free throughout the day and early night; an hourly fee applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Infants & Tots nursery accommodates kids ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off babysitting (for an hourly payment). Teenagers can hand around in The Dwelling Room, dance or chill with new pals on the Gasoline teen membership or attempt to get a excessive rating on the arcade.

Celeb’s Camp at Sea children program additionally caters to kids in three age teams (3-5, 6-9 and 10-12). Programming focuses on recreation, hobbies and learning-based actions in arts and science. Its Teen Membership retains 13- to 17-year-olds entertained with sports activities competitions, silent discos and online game events.

Royal Caribbean is the hands-down winner right here, a cruise line designed with household enjoyable in thoughts. Some older teenagers may get pleasure from a transition from Royal Caribbean to Celeb. Nevertheless, households with lively tweens and youthful children searching for onboard thrills are higher off with Royal Caribbean.

Leisure

Royal Caribbean pulls out all of the stops when it comes to leisure, so if full of life, in-your-face nightlife is essential to your trip bliss, go for one in all its newer, bigger ships.

Celeb’s leisure lineup pushes boundaries in additional surprising methods however primarily on its newer Edge Class ships; its Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships supply extra conventional leisure.

Each cruise strains function inviting bars and lounges. Celeb’s nightlife scene is decidedly extra upscale and stylish, whereas Royal Caribbean’s is livelier and extra informal.

Love a Broadway present? Royal Caribbean levels variations of award-winning musicals reminiscent of “Grease,” “Cats,” “Hairspray” and “Mamma Mia!” on choose ships, in addition to unique productions on all vessels. The road’s greatest and latest ships additionally supply dazzling ice skating reveals, daring high-dive AquaTheater performances and/or improbable high-tech multimedia dance reveals.

The 2 dozen bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean’s ships vary from the panoramic Viking Crown Lounge to the gimmicky Bionic Bar that includes robotic bartenders. A sports activities bar (Playmakers Bar & Arcade), piano bar (Schooner Bar) and Latin-style lounge (Boleros) are different common choices.

Passengers can even sing karaoke, watch a poolside film beneath the celebs and hit the dance flooring to the tunes of a reside band or DJ. The larger the ship, the larger the leisure choices.

Celeb’s leisure philosophy general is extra conventional, with nightlife centered round consuming, hanging out in lounges and having fun with unique reveals within the ship’s theater. Bars and lounges additionally function reside music, and there is a silent disco occasion no less than as soon as per cruise.

If you happen to’re searching for one thing a little bit totally different, the Edge-series ships supply artistic and interactive performances in Eden and The Membership, a multipurpose area that includes DJs and themed late-night performances.

All Celeb ships are identified for the Martini Bar, the place flamboyant bartenders create a spectacle with shaker tosses and colourful cocktail towers, and the Sundown Bar, positioned aft and providing terrific sailaway views. Solely Celeb Past and Ascent function a chicly reimagined, two-level Sundown Bar by designer Nate Berkus. Craft Social is the place to seize a craft beer and bar bites, whereas World Class Bar is the go-to for curated cocktails.

Each cruise strains’ ships function massive casinos and supply participatory recreation reveals (“Love & Marriage” and “Battle of the Sexes” on Royal Caribbean and “Deal or No Deal” on Celeb).

Itineraries

Most of its vessels spend the months from November to March within the islands, crusing three- to 12-night cruises from ports in Florida and Galveston, Texas. Nevertheless, you will discover a number of ships cruising the Caribbean year-round. Many itineraries name on Royal Caribbean’s activity-packed non-public Bahamian island, Excellent Day at CocoCay.

Seasonal itineraries in Europe, together with the Mediterranean, Greek islands and the British Isles, are additionally common, as are cruises to Alaska. Royal Caribbean additionally affords 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 can be found seasonally as effectively.

Celeb ships name on greater than 300 world 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 within the Mediterranean, Greek islands, Adriatic, British Isles, Iceland and Northern Europe.

Seasonal cruises are additionally accessible to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, New England and Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, South America and Asia. Celeb additionally affords itineraries to Antarctica (scenic cruising solely) from Buenos Aires.

Each cruise strains supply many world choices, however neither has itineraries longer than 18 nights. For a summer season cruise within the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean has much more choices, whereas Celeb is the higher selection for a summer season crusing in Europe. Both line is an effective selection for Alaska in summer season or the Caribbean in winter, relying on whether or not you are touring as a pair or a household and the ship class you e book.