Both Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line offer unique cruising experiences. Celebrity Cruises is a strong choice for those seeking a modern, luxurious experience with diverse itineraries and a balance of family-friendly and adult-oriented activities. Disney Cruise Line is ideal for families with children who want an immersive, themed vacation with character interactions and dedicated kids' clubs. The best choice depends on individual preferences and travel priorities.
| Attribute | Celebrity Cruises | Disney Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Destinations and Itineraries | Global presence with itineraries in the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska. Destinations include Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Northern Europe. Itineraries range from 2-night trips to extended 18-night sailings, but most are one to two weeks long. Cruises to the Galapagos Islands are available. In 2027-2028, Celebrity will offer over 175 itineraries to over 180 destinations across Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia, Japan, Canada, and New England. | Caribbean, Bahamas, Europe, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand. Stops at Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Departure ports include Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Honolulu, Galveston, San Diego, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Rome, and Southampton. Offers Transatlantic cruises and various itineraries on different ships. |
| Onboard Activities and Entertainment | Broadway-style shows, live music, parties, and events. Hundreds of activities, including game nights, trivia, cooking classes, and astronomy lectures. Camp at Sea program offers over 500 activities for kids ages 3-17, including arts and crafts, STEM activities, and sports. Other activities include silent discos, lawn games, and archery. Hot Glass Shows, wine experiences, and art auctions are available. | Activities for all ages, kids' clubs, adult recreational options, family entertainment, live shows, character experiences, deck parties, nightclubs, lounges, interactive experiences, themed parties, fitness center, and spa treatments. |
| Dining Options and Quality | Range of dining options, from casual to upscale. Complimentary dining options include the main dining room, Oceanview Caf (buffet-style), and Mast Grill (poolside grill). Specialty restaurants are available for an extra charge. AquaClass staterooms have access to the Blu restaurant, and suite guests can dine at Luminae. Kids' menus are available with options like pizza and pasta. The Oceanview Cafe buffet is highly rated for its variety and quality. | Diverse menus, rotational dining, themed restaurants, main dining rooms, casual dining, adult-exclusive dining, quick service, and 24-hour room service. |
| Cabin and Suite Variety | Range of staterooms from inside cabins to expansive suites. Staterooms feature modern amenities like climate control, USB ports, and entertainment systems. Suite options provide exclusive access to venues and enhanced perks. AquaClass staterooms offer access to the Persian Garden spa lounge and Blu restaurant. The Retreat suites include butler service and access to Luminae restaurant and a private sundeck. Suites like the Iconic Suite offer panoramic views, private terraces, and hot tubs. | Inside, ocean-view, verandah, and concierge suites. Accessible cabin options, family-friendly designs, split bathrooms, convertible beds, one-bedroom to multi-bedroom layouts, and Tower Suites. |
| Service and Staff Friendliness | Known for its exceptional service. Suite guests in The Retreat receive personalized butler service. Staff is generally described as professional and friendly. | Crew members trained to high standards, dedicated concierge services, and personalized service from wait staff. |
| Family-Friendly Amenities | Family-friendly experiences, with activities for kids, teens, and adults. Camp at Sea provides activities for kids ages 3-17. Family game nights, trivia, and live entertainment suitable for all ages. Some ships have pools and splash areas for kids. Teenagers have their own hangout spaces and activities. | Youth clubs, play areas, splash zones, pools, character meet-and-greets, and spacious staterooms. |
| Adult-Oriented Spaces | Adult-only areas such as the SEA Thermal Suite and Persian Garden spa. The Retreat provides an exclusive lounge and sundeck for suite guests. Casinos, bars, and lounges with live music. | Nightclubs, lounges, Quiet Cove Pool, fitness center, spa, adult-only dining at Palo and Remy, and Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay. |
| Ship Size and Passenger Capacity | Ships range in size from the small Celebrity Xploration (16 passengers) to the large Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Beyond (3,260 passengers). The largest ships are Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Xcel, with a capacity of 3,260 passengers each. The smallest ship is Celebrity Xploration, with a capacity of only 16 passengers. | Disney Adventure (6,000 passengers), Disney Wish and Disney Treasure (4,000 passengers each), Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy (4,000 passengers each), Disney Magic and Disney Wonder (2,500 passengers each). |
| Pools and Outdoor Spaces | Many ships feature family-friendly pools and splash areas. The Lawn Club on Solstice-class ships offers a half-acre of real grass for games and picnics. Edge-class ships have unique features like the Rooftop Garden and Magic Carpet. | Multiple pools and water play areas for different age groups, including pools for kids, families, and adults. Quiet Cove Pool (adults-only), water slides and coasters (AquaDuck and AquaMouse). |
| Spa and Wellness Facilities | Range of wellness facilities, including Canyon Ranch spas on some ships and "The Spa" on Edge-class ships. Spas offer therapeutic treatments, massages, facials, and beauty services. The SEA Thermal Suite and Persian Garden provide rejuvenating aquatic experiences. AquaClass staterooms include complimentary access to the Persian Garden and SEA Thermal Suite. | Senses Spa & Salon (massages, facials, body treatments, salon services), Chill Spa (teen treatments), Rainforest (thermal suite), fitness centers. |
| Environmental Sustainability Practices | Committed to environmental stewardship with its "Save the Waves" program. Focuses on reducing waste, reusing and recycling materials, and preventing pollution. Ships are designed with energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and air conditioning systems. Some ships use solar panels to supplement electricity and reduce emissions. Has eliminated plastic straws fleetwide. | Committed to environmental stewardship, aiming to eliminate single-use plastics, refillable bath product dispensers, recycling programs, investing in alternative fuels (LNG, hydrotreated vegetable oil), shore power technology. |
| Price | Considered an upmarket mainstream cruise line, with slightly higher fares. Cruise-only rates include accommodations, dining, and entertainment, but exclude drinks and Wi-Fi. Gratuities may be included in the cost of Australian fares. | Prices vary depending on the destination, duration, ship, and stateroom type. |