Both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer distinct cruising experiences. Celebrity Cruises focuses on a modern luxury experience with high-quality dining and attentive service, making it ideal for those seeking a refined and upscale cruise. Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, is known for its wide array of entertainment and onboard activities, making it a great choice for families and those seeking a more active and adventurous cruise. Both cruise lines have a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and offer high-speed internet connectivity.
| Attribute | Celebrity Cruises | Royal Caribbean International |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Size and Layout | Inside Cabins: 170-202 sq ft (Deluxe versions +20 sq ft); Ocean View: 170-242 sq ft; Veranda: 170-202 sq ft with 38-53 sq ft balcony; AquaClass: 233-271 sq ft with 42-62 sq ft balconies (Millennium), 246 sq ft with 54 sq ft balcony (Solstice), 243 sq ft with 42 sq ft balcony (Edge); Concierge Class: 209 sq ft with 42 sq ft balcony (Millennium), 192 sq ft with 54 sq ft balcony (Solstice), 243 sq ft with 42 sq ft balcony (Edge); Single Staterooms: Available on select ships, Edge Class offers 131 sq ft with 42 sq ft veranda; Suites: Iconic Suite (Edge) 1,890 sq ft with 690 sq ft balcony; Edge Villas: 739 sq ft with 211 sq ft balcony, private plunge pools. | Varies depending on ship class and stateroom category, from interior cabins to spacious suites. Smart living spaces offer control of lights, temperature and entertainment systems via voice commands or a central tablet. |
| Dining Options and Quality | Complimentary: Oceanview Cafe (buffet), Mast Grill, Main Dining Room (Normandie, Tuscan, Cosmopolitan, Cyprus on Edge); Specialty: Fine Cut Steakhouse, Raw on Five, Rooftop Garden Grill, Murano; Quality: Award-winning, Oceanview Caf | Royal Caribbean International has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Admired Companies in the Travel and Transportation industry by Fortune magazine for eight consecutive years. |
| Entertainment Variety and Quality | Variety: Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy, nightclubs; Quality: Refined experience, reviews vary from mediocre to talented performers; Activities: Lectures, boutiques, art auctions, casino; Enrichment: Wine tastings, computer classes, port lectures; Themed parties, game nights, immersive theater, trivia. | Wide array of entertainment, including Broadway-style shows, ice skating spectaculars, AquaTheater shows, live music, comedy clubs, and themed parties. The quality of entertainment is generally high, with impressive choreography and talented performers. |
| Onboard Activities and Amenities | Activities: Camp at Sea (kids), pools, family game nights, live entertainment, pickleball, archery, trivia; Amenities: Fitness center, running track, pools, basketball court, Lawn Club (select ships), spa; Edge Class: Rooftop Garden, resort deck. | Many activities, such as FlowRider surf simulators, rock climbing walls, mini-golf, water slides, zip lines, sports courts, arcades, and casinos. Some ships also feature unique attractions like the North Star observation pod, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, bumper cars, escape rooms, and laser tag. |
| Service Quality and Staff Friendliness | Thoughtful service, attentive and professional crew. | Known for having some of the best service at sea. |
| Itinerary Options and Destinations | Diverse itineraries available. | Visits nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide. |
| Price and Value for Money | Positioned as 'modern luxury', more expensive, some fares include drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, complimentary restaurants are high quality. | Opinions on value for money can vary. |
| Family-Friendliness and Kids' Programs | Camp at Sea: Shipmates (3-5), Cadets (6-9), Captains (10-12), Teens (13-17); Activities: Pools, game nights, entertainment, shore excursions; Dining: Kid-friendly options; Autism-Friendly: Sensory movies/toys, priority check-in, dietary accommodations. | Highly family-friendly, offering award-winning Adventure Ocean programs for kids, teen lounges, and nurseries for younger cruisers. Activities range from pirate parties and science experiments to talent shows and video game tournaments. |
| Pool and Deck Space | Family-friendly pools and splash areas, Edge Series has a resort deck. | Multiple pools, including adults-only areas like the Solarium. Some pool deck areas are reserved for suite guests. There are also H2O Zones and Splashaway Bay aqua parks for kids. |
| Spa and Wellness Facilities | The Spa: Treatments, massages, facials, salon; SEA Thermal Suite (Edge), Persian Garden (Millennium/Solstice); AquaClass access to SEA Thermal Suite/Persian Garden; Fitness programs: Zumba, yoga, spinning, weight training. | The Vitality Spa offers various services, including facials, massages, body wraps, acupuncture, hair and nail services. State-of-the-art fitness centers are also available, with fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, and spinning. |
| Technology and Connectivity | Wi-Fi: Starlink, Basic/Premium packages; Celebrity Edge Access Tour App: Augmented reality. | High-speed internet connectivity through VOOM, powered by Starlink. Digital wayfinders, mobile apps, and facial recognition for boarding are also utilized. |
| Environmental Sustainability Practices | Save the Waves Program: Waste reduction, recycling, pollution prevention; LED Lighting: Fleetwide; Solar Power: Solstice-series; Wastewater Treatment: Exceeds standards; Plastic Straws: Eliminated; Celebrity Flora: Environmentally friendly Galapagos vessel. | Dedicated to protecting the world's habitats and communities. They have a wide range of initiatives including waste management, water conservation, and sustainable sourcing. Royal Caribbean has committed to a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 as part of a five-year partnership with World Wildlife Fund. |