Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean: Which Cruise Line Should You Choose?

If you have a desire to cruise, you might also feel a bit overwhelmed by choice. Celebrity offers a modern, sophisticated atmosphere, while Royal Caribbean caters to the adventurer with a full range of activities. 

There’s even more to consider when it comes to Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean. In order to make the right choice for your journey, you’ll need to weigh various factors. Available routes, onboard amenities and pricing details are important to know when choosing a cruise line. 

This side-by-side guide will show you how Celebrity and Royal Caribbean compare so you can confidently book your trip and focus on planning the fun bits.

Celebrity Cruises Inc. / Carlos Ojeda Photography

Whether you go with Celebrity or Royal Caribbean, you will have access to a variety of classes and cabin types to choose from.

Celebrity has 16 active ships, spread across four classes. The brand focuses on mid-sized cruising, ideal for guests who want the best of both worlds. For an exceptionally intimate trip, the Celebrity Xpedition is limited to 48 guests and sails deep into the heart of the Galápagos Islands. Their largest option is on the Celebrity Beyond, a 1,073-foot vessel accommodating about 3,260 passengers. 

The team’s focus on personalized service, an upscale design and cultural sophistication makes up for its modest size. With ships big enough for a crowd but small enough for quality control, it strikes a balance that offers a consistent experience every time. 

If you’re looking for the biggest ships, Royal Caribbean is for you. The Icon of the Seas is the world’s largest recreational ship, carrying up to 7,600 guests. Royal Caribbean offers seven classes with a fleet of 28 active vessels, with resort-style family attractions like the tallest waterslide and a full-scale Broadway theater. If you want to be wowed during your time wandering the deck, this cruise line delivers. 

istockphoto.com / Marina113

Celebrity sails to over 300 destinations in 79 different countries and has a presence on all seven continents. If you’re sick of the same old offerings and want to visit locales that aren’t generally on cruise itineraries, it’s a great choice. The shortest itinerary is three nights and the upcoming Grand Voyage is the longest at a remarkable 110-night duration. 

Most of their fleet is in the Caribbean, South America and the Mediterranean. Alaska is also a popular destination on this line and there are several expedition-class ships that dive into the deepest pockets of the globe. It’s a great choice for those seeking a culturally oriented cruising experience that immerses guests in the richness of a region. 

Royal Caribbean reaches over 270 destinations and focuses on the Caribbean region. They also service many routes in Europe, Australia, Alaska and Asia. The brand has exclusive access to private locations, like the Labadee and CocoCay islands. There are no expedition-grade ships and Royal Caribbean focuses on onboard experiences more than deep dives into remote areas. 

You can enjoy a two-night getaway on their Oasis-class ships or opt for the ambitious 274-night journey cruise. Naturally, their seven-day itineraries are the most popular. Regarding cruise length, Royal Caribbean offers the most variety, making it ideal for flexible travelers and nomads. 

Holger Leue / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Celebrity Cruises is designed with minimalism and sophistication in mind. Its neutral palette and thoughtful touches give it an upscale boutique feel and an overall calmer atmosphere. In addition to fitness classes and spa amenities, the cruise line offers modern technology-forward wellness options. Think salt float tanks, steam saunas and infrared light therapy. There are over 120 treatments available. 

Indulgence extends beyond the spa, with the famous Eden sanctuary, a three-story glass structure perfect for reading a book or sipping a morning coffee. Enjoy sunrise yoga with your fellow cruisers. Every direction you turn, there’s an opportunity for luxurious relaxation. Opt for a Celebrity Cruise vs. Royal Caribbean ship if high-end wellness is more your style. 

Royal Caribbean distinctly feels like a theme park and their ships are so large that many are divided into neighborhoods, each representing a different theme or activity. It’s a mega-resort on the water and is a great choice for those who get bored during long sailing days. Ziplines, surf simulators and live events keep energy high all day long. 

Sounds like too much excitement? No worries, there are calming activities, such as a stargazing observation room and various lounges, for those seeking relaxation. It’s both a kid-friendly cruise and suitable for adults, a multigenerational hit. 

Joel Carillet / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Comfort-seeking and academically inclined travelers will like Celebrity’s excursions best. Tours are designed to transport visitors into the land's sights, smells, flavors and stories. Think wine tasting on a century-old vineyard or a rigorous nature trek in the jungle’s wilderness. Celebrity is well prepared for maximum accessibility, with wheelchair-ready coaches and a strong portfolio of laid-back excursions. 

Off-ship tours aren’t included in your base fare. They start at $50 for simple trips and transfers and more expensive tour packages begin at $200. You can expect a menu of approximately 20 to 40 excursions per port stop, a carefully curated selection of exclusive trips prioritizing quality over quantity. 

Royal Caribbean offers a full suite of 60 to 80 experiences per port, primarily designed for the adventurer. They cater to a cruise line for adults, but they also have multigenerational entertainment that they can enjoy with children. You can expect once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as glacier hiking and snorkeling in UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

The most affordable shore excursion starts at $40 and these lower-priced options typically involve short shuttles to a nearby museum or beach. Private island visits and helicopter rides are on the higher end, starting at $400 per person. Like Celebrity, your activities aren’t included in your base fare, so make sure to budget for them beforehand. 

David Sacks / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

You won’t go hungry on a Celebrity cruise, with several boutique-style dining opportunities on board. Every ship has a thoughtfully themed main dining room and the Oceanview Cafe. This buffet-style venue is perfect for a quick meal, but also serves up made-to-order breakfast items and daily specialties that add variety. 

There are plenty of premium options available for an additional fee, with a diverse range of high-end eateries on each ship class. On Celebrity’s Solstice-class vessels, you can sample Murano’s fine French food. Le Petit Chef, available on Edge, Millennium and Solstice Fleets, offers a whimsical four-course meal paired with a projection show on your dining table. 

These creative dining options highlight the line’s penchant for merging technology with hospitality. The food is consistently of high quality, emphasizing creative dishes and libations. 

You will have to pay for alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, as only tea, coffee, basic juices and water are all-inclusive. Depending on the quality of spirits you prefer, there are several drink packages to choose from. 

Every Royal Caribbean ship has two sit-down eateries included in the fare: an à la carte dining room and the Windjammer Buffet, serving three daily meals. Most ships have a pizza counter onsite and Oasis, Icon and Quantum-class ships offer hot dog stands. Every ship houses the Chops Grille Steakhouse and an Izumi Sushi Restaurant or express counter, available for an additional price. 

While basic drinks like water, tea, coffee and milk are included in your trip, you will need to pay for any soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. To keep things simple, you can buy a daily package and have an unlimited amount of libations. There is a soda package, a refreshment package and a deluxe beverage package for purchase. 

John M. Chase / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

The cost of a Celebrity cruise may seem relatively high compared to other budget lines, but the value lies in the line’s comprehensive package. You can expect complimentary Wi-Fi, gratuities, onboard meals and a non-alcoholic drink package. This reduces decision fatigue and higher-tier cabins come with even more perks. If you prefer a customized package, Celebrity also offers a “Cruise Only” option so you don’t have to pay for anything you won’t use. 

A weeklong itinerary typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 per person in a base cabin. The most affordable cruise is a three-night itinerary to the Bahamas or Caribbean and starts at approximately $260. The most expensive option is the 110-night Grand Voyage, starting at $15,000.

Royal Caribbean has competitive fares, often lower than those of its competitors. Shorter itineraries are regularly sold for $300 to $500 a person and a seven-night cruise usually falls between $900 to $1,800 per passenger. Basic amenities such as meals, non-alcoholic drinks, entertainment and most onboard facilities are almost always included. But you will need to pay more for Wi-Fi, specialty drinks and premium dining venues. 

If you don’t drink alcohol, are fine with sticking to the main dining areas or plan to go offline during your cruise, this is an exceptionally good deal. But if you know you want the full suite of amenities, costs could add up fast. 

Sjo / Getty Images / CC BY-SA

Celebrity’s polished vessel is for sophisticated groups and solo travelers alike, serving cultural richness and luxury at a comfortable pace. It’s one of the best cruise lines for couples seeking culinary elegance and ample wellness amenities. Modern design elements and museum-worthy art create a sense of calm, inviting guests to settle in and unwind.

Royal Caribbean is in the top tier of cruise lines for families. The fleet offers diverse experiences, both on and off the ship, catering to all ages, tastes and activity levels. There’s always something to do and most onboard attractions come with your fare. It’s also a great choice for adventurous travelers, with seemingly endless excursions at each port and thrill-inducing amenities on the ship.

When choosing Celebrity Cruises vs Royal Caribbean, go with Celebrity for an elegant, romantic getaway. Bring your partner or dearest friends or enjoy a solo trip while mingling with other guests. 

Royal Caribbean is best when you’re on a budget, traveling with children and seeking the thrills of a unique mega-resort experience.

Here are a few common questions about Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity cruise lines: 

Celebrity is firmly within the premium cruise category, at a reasonable price. Its emphasis on wellness, cultural and ecological depth brings the atmosphere down to earth, with luxurious touches along the way. 

Celebrity is more expensive than Royal Caribbean and other budget cruise lines at first glance, with higher base fares. However, it may offer more all-inclusive benefits than other brands, especially for higher-tier cabins. 

Royal Caribbean is the way to go when you’re traveling with young ones. From giant waterparks to thrilling ziplines, families have endless options, as well as a strong roster of off-shore excursions.

When debating a Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean cruise, there’s no wrong answer and it comes down to a matter of taste, affordability and availability. Which cruise line felt most like the trip you’ve been picturing? Go with that and the rest tends to fall into place.

Once you’ve decided on your dream cruise line, it’s time to make it a reality and secure a booking. You don’t have to do it alone; AAA travel advisors can research itineraries on your behalf. 

Members can access exclusive discounts and perks, including cabin upgrades, priority boarding and onboard credits. Not a member yet? Join AAA and talk to a travel expert today.