First-timer: Celebrity or Princess? Aft OK? Starboard critical?

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chirk

Guest
Greetings,

We're a family of three planning a Vancouver-Seward cruise, our first. Do NOT like crowds or fancy airs but appreciate and want high quality. Hubby and 16-year-old daughter going reluctantly.

Shocked that rooms are already all booked!

Options available:
1. Aft on Celebrity summit, Vista deck 7204. (Concerns: Noise? Wake? Engine? Vibrations? View blocked? Why is this the last available such stateroom?)

2. Shore-facing with Island Princess, a little less expensive. (Food seems to get universally weak reviews; loud-speaker system starts bright and early? Lower quality than Celebrity for nearly same money?)

Or another cruiseline within reasonable prices??

Feedback please! Thank you.

Chirk
 
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PEB

Guest
I have been on both of these lines. Likes or dislikes in food are a personal thing. Many cruisers claim Celebrity has the best food but for me it was the worst. It is the only time I had to return many meals. I have never had a bad meal on Princess but like I said it is a personal thing.

What I find is the big difference between Princess and Celebrity is that Celebrity is more formal and totally all business. Princess is elegant like Celebrity but a more friendly atmosphere. Celebrity crew did an outstanding job but just not as outgoing and friendly as Princess. I enjoy a crew that is more relaxed and friendly. Princess crew also does an outstanding job and don't misunderstand that they are just a party crew, because they are not.. They just seem more open and friendly. JMHO

Princess has cruised Alaska much longer than Celebrity and I enjoy them there, however when you cruise Alaska the ship and cruise line play second fiddle to the beauty of Alaska.

The truth is that either line will do a good job in Alaska. You must decide if you want a elegant and more formal atmosphere or a elegant and friendlier atmosphere.
 
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Texgal

Guest
If you are sailing northbound, definitely opt for the starboard side. Have done it both ways. Stay on the side closest to the mainland. It doesn't really make a difference at the beginning, but the views are much more dramatic off the starboard side as you head further north. You will have a wonderful time regardless of cruise line!

:TX
 
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cruisegary

Guest
We are currently booked port side on Northbound cruise. A bit concerned.

But, at the same time, by honey likes to sleep LATE and the lack of bright morning sun is a plus. And, having the afternoon sunset could be a plus.

Should we change rooms?
 
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Texgal

Guest
We were portside going northbound on our first cruise and were not disappointed -- Sunrises and sunsets wont really be an issue because the rooms have "blackout" drapery. As you go further north, you will eventually arrive at midnight and it is still light enough to read fine print outside - We took midnight pictures very night - a cool progression in our photo album. While the sun dips below the horizon, actual darkness doesn't happen (during waking hours) as you head north.

With that said, I was insistant that we be starboard side on our second cruise. I found that the scenery is much more dramatic (big snow covered mountain peaks with hanging glaciers on the mainland) the further north you go. There are lush tree-covered, rugged islands on the portside while you are in the Inside Passage. When the ship leaves the inside passage on your northbound cruise you will only see ocean out a portside window (maybe two days out of seven). It all depends how much time you will spend in your room/on your balcony... Port side will probably have the longest balcony views of the Margerie Glacier

If I go back (when I go back) I will probably want a starboard side room again. IF IT IS EASY TO CHANGE, I would, but I probably wouldn't settle for a lesser-grade cabin. Again, I don't think you would be disappointed with a portside room -- especially if it is your first time! Alaska is SO AWESOME!

Sorry I ramble to much. You are just going to love this trip!
 
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