Embarking on a cruise vacation is an opportunity to immerse oneself in a world of luxury, entertainment, and culinary delights. As a seasoned cruiser, I've had the privilege of experiencing the offerings of both Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, two prominent players in the industry. While both lines excel in providing high-end experiences, Princess Cruises has emerged as a standout choice, boasting a unique blend of innovative features, diverse dining options, and inclusive packages that cater to a wide range of travelers.

Elevating the Cruise Experience with Princess Cruises

Innovative MedallionClass: Seamless Sailing

One of the most distinctive features of Princess Cruises is its innovative MedallionClass technology. Unlike the traditional cruise card, passengers are provided with a complimentary quarter-sized Medallion that serves as their room key, charge card, and more. This seamless integration enhances the overall cruise experience, as the Medallion's location-based services unlock doors automatically and enable guests to order food and drinks from anywhere on the ship. The facial recognition feature at the bar further streamlines the service, making me feel like a valued guest at my favorite local watering hole, despite it being my first time on a Princess ship.

Diverse Dining Options: Satisfying Every Craving

Princess Cruises' commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its diverse dining offerings. The ship's Deck 17 boasts four fast-casual eateries, including Lido Tacos, Lido Slice, Lido Greens, and Lido Grill, all of which are included in the cruise fare. The quality of these casual dining options impressed me, with the chicken tacos from Lido Tacos bursting with flavor and the pizza from Lido Slice delivering a perfectly baked crust. This variety and attention to detail reminded me of the dining experiences on Carnival's new Excel Class ships, where guests can indulge in a range of complimentary options, from tacos and burgers to chicken tenders.

Inclusive Packages: Maximizing Value

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Princess Cruises over other lines is its inclusive package offerings. The Princess Plus package, priced at just $60 per day, provides a wealth of benefits, including up to 15 beverages valued at up to $15 per day, Wi-Fi for one device, gratuities, and more. This level of inclusivity is a significant advantage over Celebrity Cruises' Classic Beverage Package, which limits the selection of higher-end drinks. With Princess Premier, guests can enjoy even more inclusive benefits, such as unlimited beverages and specialty restaurants, for just $30 more per day. Considering the cost of gratuities alone, these packages offer exceptional value, making them a no-brainer for many cruisers.

Movies Under the Stars: Outdoor Entertainment Elevated

One of the signature features of Princess Cruises is its "Movies Under the Stars" program, which transforms the outdoor pool deck into a cinematic experience. During my 8-night voyage, I had the opportunity to enjoy a diverse lineup of films, from classic favorites to the latest releases, all while basking in the serene ambiance of the sea. The complimentary popcorn available near the poolside eateries was a delightful touch, a refreshing contrast to the upcharge for this snack on other mainstream cruise lines.

Embracing Diverse Culinary Experiences

While both Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises have prioritized bringing new specialty dining experiences to their newest ships, Princess Cruises has truly embraced a diverse culinary landscape. In addition to the impressive fast-casual options, the line offers unique dining experiences such as Umai, featuring hibachi and hot pot, and the whimsical Spellbound, where dinner is followed by an exclusive magic club at sea. This commitment to culinary innovation and variety sets Princess Cruises apart, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences among its guests.As a seasoned cruiser, I've come to appreciate the value of exploring different cruise lines, as each offers its own unique amenities and dining options that can enhance the vacation experience. While my loyalty to Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society was once a priority, I've realized the benefits of broadening my horizons. My first Princess cruise exceeded my expectations, and I would happily sail with the line again, confident in the knowledge that I'll be treated to a high-end experience that caters to my preferences and delivers exceptional value.