You’re considering booking your next cruise but can’t decide between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. You’ve heard that Celebrity ships are more upscale, but their cruises come with higher price tags. But what if Celebrity is too quiet, too formal, or not exciting enough? After all, Royal Caribbean cruise ships are fun and have tons of entertainment, but will the larger ships feel crowded?
I’ve been there—choosing between a cruise on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity can be tricky. After all, you don’t want to pay more to be bored. On the other hand, you may want a more refined, adult-focused cruise. That’s where this guide comes in.
Based on my experiences, studying deck plans, and reading hundreds of cruiser comments, I’ve compiled this comparison. I’ll break down the pricing, cabins, food, entertainment, and value for money so you can decide if Royal Caribbean or Celebrity is worth it for you.
Why Compare Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises?
The same company—the Royal Caribbean Group—owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, but the experiences they offer are worlds apart. In some ways, comparing them is like comparing apples and oranges. One isn’t better than the other—the decision comes down to what kind of cruise experience you’re after.
Royal Caribbean’s fleet includes the largest ships in the cruise industry and is one of the most popular cruise lines. The onboard experience is all about big, action-packed adventures and entertainment with something for everyone—perfect for families, groups, and travelers who love high-energy vacations. Meanwhile, the premium cruise line Celebrity takes a more refined approach, focusing on elevated dining, stylish design, and a relaxed, adult-friendly atmosphere. But does that mean Celebrity is too quiet? Will you miss Royal Caribbean’s endless entertainment?
Do you want a ship that keeps you busy from morning till night? Or would you rather slow down and enjoy a more polished experience? Read on to discover if Celebrity Cruise Lines is worth the upgrade—or if you’ll feel more at home on Royal Caribbean.
Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity: Mega Floating Resorts Ships vs. Intimate Elegance
Royal Caribbean’s fleet includes some of the largest ships at sea and remains one of the most popular cruise lines. Ships like Icon of the Seas carry a whopping 7,600 passengers at maximum capacity. The large vessels are divided into eight distinct neighborhoods for easy navigation. You’ll find water parks, entertainment districts, and endless dining options.
The sheer size of Royal Caribbean ships allows for variety. Still, some travelers say it can feel crowded, and long lines appear at the most popular attractions, especially during peak cruise season.
Celebrity Cruises offer a more intimate setting, with ships typically carrying 2,500 to 3,500 passengers. The design prioritizes open spaces, modern decor, and a relaxed atmosphere. Many cruisers appreciate the quieter ambiance and the absence of massive crowds. However, some feel the smaller scale means fewer entertainment options and less of a “wow” factor.
Are you looking for nonstop action, plenty of onboard activities, Broadway shows, and lively crowds? Choose Royal Caribbean. But if it’s a calmer, more refined experience, Celebrity ships tick all the boxes.
Check out my reviews of Royal Caribbean ships ranked by age and the Celebrity Cruise ships ranked by age.
Atmosphere and Overall Vibe: High-Energy Family Fun or Sophisticated and Relaxing?
Seasoned cruisers describe the onboard vibe on Royal Caribbean ships as high-energy and action-packed. Because there’s something for everyone, you’ll find many families and multigenerational groups onboard. Many guests enjoy the fun and social vibe, and there are also intimate spaces to relax. However, some find the atmosphere overwhelming, especially on the largest ships.
I’ve noticed that on Celebrity cruises, there is a more refined, adult-oriented atmosphere, which is ideal for enjoying a relaxed, elegant onboard experience. The chic lounges and exclusive restaurants are perfect for enjoying a quieter time. The only complaints I’ve read are from passengers who were expecting a ton of energy, variety, and active nightlife.
If you want a thriving, energetic cruise experience, Royal Caribbean is ideal. In contrast, you’ll enjoy a more tranquil, upscale experience on Celebrity if that’s what you’re after.
Onboard Activities: Thrill-Seeking Fun or Relaxing Enrichment?
Royal Caribbean ships, especially the Icon-class vessels, have some of the best onboard activities at sea. Think waterparks, bumper cars, escape rooms, zip lines, rock-climbing walls, and skydiving tunnels. Many cruisers love the ships for the sheer variety of things to do onboard, making it perfect for families.
However, some guests commented that Royal Caribbean ships can sometimes feel chaotic onboard. As one cruiser shared, “It’s difficult to enjoy the attractions when battling with 5,000 other guests.”
Royal Caribbean activities include:
- FlowRider surf simulator
- Ripcord by iFly skydiving at sea
- Ice skating rinks
- North Star 360° observation platform
- Tidal Wave—the only boomerang slide at sea
- Bumper cars
- Laser tag
- Zip lines
- AquaTheater diving shows
Celebrity Cruises takes a more laid-back approach, focusing on wellness, enrichment, and cultural experiences. The activities are engaging but not high-adrenaline. This is a hit with cruisers looking for elegant and relaxed options. However, some guests comment that they’d prefer more onboard variety, especially on longer cruises with many sea days.
Entertainment for Kids: Nonstop Fun or Limited Options?
One of the biggest differences between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises is how they cater to children. Royal Caribbean is packed with kid-friendly attractions, including water parks, surf simulators, and interactive play areas. Families love the variety, though some say the most popular spots, like kids’ clubs and pools, can feel crowded.
Royal Caribbean kid-friendly activities include:
- Adventure Ocean kids’ club (ages 6 months to 17 years)
- Splashaway Bay Water Park
- Teen lounges
- Adventure Science Lab
- Adventure Ocean Theater
- Aquanauts
Celebrity Cruises offers fewer options for kids, focusing on education-based programs instead of high-energy attractions. The smaller kids’ clubs and quieter onboard atmosphere appeal to families looking for less chaos. Some parents love the structured approach, while others say their children miss the action-packed fun found on Royal Caribbean.
Celebrity’s kid-friendly activities include:
- Camp at Sea program with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and art activities
- Teen lounges with games and social events
- Family-friendly movie nights
- Lawn Club games like bocce and croquet
- Xbox gaming stations (on select ships)
For families seeking action-packed fun, Royal Caribbean is the better choice. If your kids prefer a quieter, more structured experience, Celebrity may be the better fit.
Pool Decks & Adult-Only Areas: Crowded vs. Serene
There is no comparison between pool decks on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships. On Royal Caribbean ships, you enjoy a lively and energetic atmosphere with multiple pools, waterslides, and family-friendly splash zones. However, I’ve found that sun loungers fill up quickly, and peak hours can feel crowded.
Celebrity Cruises offers a more relaxed and refined poolside experience without waterslides and kid-oriented water attractions. With fewer children onboard, the main pools remain quieter, with a calmer atmosphere compared to Royal Caribbean. One cruiser commented that sea days are better on Celebrity if you want to chill at the pool.
Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise ships feature The Solarium—an adult-only retreat designed for relaxation. On Royal Caribbean, it offers a quiet escape from the lively pool decks, though it can still get busy as it’s included in the cruise price. Cruisers say that Celebrity’s Solarium feels more upscale, with a spa-like atmosphere, cushioned loungers, and a more serene ambiance.
If you prefer an energetic, social pool deck with plenty of activities, Royal Caribbean is ideal. Celebrity’s pool decks provide a quieter, more relaxing environment.
Nightlife & Evening Entertainment: Party Vibes or Sophisticated Socializing?
Royal Caribbean cruises excel with spectacular, high-energy shows and nightlife. Highlights for many cruisers are the flashy Broadway-style productions. You can also choose from nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, and TV-style game shows. Guests also highly rate the outdoor movie screens for a unique onboard experience.
As you’d expect from Celebrity cruises, the entertainment and nightlife are more refined and intimate. They offer musical extravaganzas in the Stage Door venue and have shows featuring acrobatics, state-of-the-art technology, and rock-style concerts. Guests also enjoy live jazz, acoustic performances, and elegant cocktail lounges.
Cruise passengers looking for vibrant nightlife, upscale productions, and plenty of dancing say you can’t go wrong with Royal Caribbean. If it’s sophisticated lounges, live music, and upscale socializing you’re after, Celebrity provides a more relaxed and cultured evening atmosphere.
Dining Experience: Casual Eats or Upscale Cuisine?
Royal Caribbean offers a mix of casual and specialty dining venues, with many options to choose from. The Windjammer buffet, Playmakers Sports Bar, and Johnny Rockets offer casual dining options. Alternative restaurants like Chops Grille and Wonderland provide upscale choices at an extra cost. Some cruisers say the included dining can feel repetitive, with menus that don’t change much throughout the cruise.
Celebrity Cruises focuses on quality over quantity, delivering a refined dining experience. Even the complimentary restaurants, like Oceanview Cafe, feel upscale. Cruisers say the main dining rooms are more elegant, while specialty venues like Fine Cut Steakhouse and Le Petit Chef provide fine dining. Many enjoy the gourmet focus, though some find the menus less varied.
The Magic Carpet alfresco lounge on Edge-class ships offers one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had at sea. You can enjoy open-air, oceanfront dining with stunning views while dining on the freshest seafood.
For travelers who prefer a wide range of casual and familiar options, Royal Caribbean is ideal. Those looking for a more refined dining experience with higher-quality ingredients and attentive service will find Celebrity’s approach more appealing.
Pricing and Costs: Pay-As-You-Go vs. More Inclusive Pricing
Royal Caribbean’s base fares are generally lower, but many onboard experiences come with extra costs. Dining, WiFi, drinks, and gratuities are mostly pay-as-you-go, which can add up quickly. Some cruisers like the flexibility to control spending, while others feel nickel-and-dimed by the frequent upsells.
Celebrity Cruises has a more inclusive pricing model, with many sailings including WiFi, drinks, and gratuities. This makes budgeting more manageable, though the upfront cost is higher. Some travelers appreciate the simplicity, while others say they end up paying for perks they don’t fully use. Celebrity also offers “cruise-only fare” without the extra add-ons.
If you’re a budget traveler who can enjoy a cruise vacation without a drinks package, specialty dining, and WiFi, Royal Caribbean offers the cheapest deals. Even without the extra perks, Celebrity still has a higher base price.
Standard Cabins vs. Luxury Staterooms
Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of cabin options, from compact interior rooms to expansive suites. While standard cabins are functional, some cruisers find them smaller and more basic than expected, especially on older ships. Some ships have interior rooms with Virtual Balconies or cabin balcony rooms with views of the ship’s promenade.
Cruisers say that even the basic category cabins on Celebrity cruise ships are spacious, stylish staterooms with a luxurious feel. Many guests who sailed on both say the design feels more refined, with better bedding and upgraded finishes.
AquaClass cabins on Celebrity provide spa perks, while you’d need to purchase a spa pass on Royal Caribbean to enjoy the spa. The Retreat offers a luxury ship-within-a-ship experience with private dining and exclusive spaces, which Royal Caribbean doesn’t have. However, some cruisers feel that the higher price of Celebrity isn’t always justified.
If you prioritize affordability and variety, Royal Caribbean’s cabin selection offers more flexibility. But if you’re after a more upscale, hotel-like experience with extra perks and a quieter atmosphere, Celebrity’s staterooms are a better fit.
Cruise Itineraries: Quick Getaways or Destination-Focused Cruises?
There’s little to choose between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity when it comes to cruise itineraries. I’ve discovered from forums that both have excellent Caribbean winter sailings and Alaska summer cruises. Also, their base in Florida makes shorter cruises convenient—three to four-night sailings to Key West, The Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean has the best cruise options for Caribbean sailings in summer and off-peak seasons, whereas you’ll find better options on Celebrity for summer sailings in Europe. Both offer cruise itineraries up to 18 nights and sail to Alaska, Australia, South America, the Mediterranean, and transatlantic sailings. Additionally, Celebrity sails to Antarctica.
When matching the cruise ship with the itinerary, it’s wise to consider the number of sea days. If you crave thrill-based activities and plenty of entertainment choices, Royal Caribbean is the go-to choice. However, if you prioritize relaxation and enrichment programs, Celebrity will provide an immersive experience.
Service Standards: Efficient Service or Personalized Attention?
In my experience, both cruise lines excel in friendly, efficient service. However, with thousands of passengers onboard, getting top-notch personal attention on Royal Caribbean can be a hit or a miss. Some cruisers say that the fast-paced environment makes service less personal.
Celebrity cruise ships have a higher crew-to-passenger ratio and do better regarding a personalized approach and individual attention. Guests often comment on how staff remember their names and preferences, making the cruise experience more enjoyable. Others say that, although service is more polished, it can be slow.
Who Should Cruise with Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity?
The key to the perfect cruise vacation is matching the onboard experience to your needs and expectations. Families often look for a mix of kid-friendly entertainment and fun evening entertainment; couples may prioritize relaxation, romance, and dining, whereas solo travelers want a balance of social and personal space.
The best cruise line for families
Royal Caribbean is the top choice for families, with kids’ clubs, water slides, and a plethora of family-friendly entertainment options on offer. With fun activities like bumper cars, surf simulators, and character meet-and-greets, children of all ages stay entertained. Parents appreciate the variety of stateroom options, including family suites, though the ships can feel busy and hectic at times.
Celebrity Cruises is better suited for families with older kids or teens who prefer a quieter experience. The Camp at Sea program provides structured activities, but there are no waterslides or large-scale attractions. If your family prioritizes relaxation, dining, and cultural experiences over thrills, everyone will enjoy Celebrity’s more refined atmosphere.
The best cruise line for couples
Celebrity Cruises is often the better fit for couples seeking an elegant, romantic escape. You’ll find intimate spaces, stylish lounges, and specialty dining experiences. Adults-only areas like The Retreat and the Solarium provide peaceful retreats. Many couples enjoy the sophisticated vibe, though nightlife is more subdued than on Royal Caribbean.
If you and your partner enjoy adventure, lively entertainment, and dancing, choose Royal Caribbean. There’s also plenty of nightlife, including Broadway shows, live music, and dance clubs—ideal for a mix of relaxation and excitement.
The best cruise line for solo cruisers
The atmosphere on Celebrity cruise ships is more relaxed and social, appealing to many solo travelers. Also, fewer crowds and a focus on personalized service are ideal for some cruisers traveling alone. Dedicated solo staterooms on newer ships and group activities like wine tastings and enrichment programs make it easy to meet other travelers without feeling overwhelmed.
Royal Caribbean offers solo-friendly studio cabins on many ships, plus plenty of group activities if you enjoy a social environment. With a lively nightlife and action-packed sea days, it’s an excellent option for solo cruisers who like to stay busy. However, large ship sizes can make meeting people feel less personal.
Choosing Between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity for the Perfect Cruise Experience
The choice between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruises comes down to this: aligning expectations with the experience each ship offers. Celebrity offers a premium experience that cruisers describe as refined, relaxed, and upscale. In contrast, Royal Caribbean is a hit with families who want action-packed sea days. Whatever your choice, wishing you a wonderful experience the next time you cruise.
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