I am starting to do some research for a cruise to Alaska (with inside passage) for next June. Tony and I will be going with his sister and husband (and maybe their 2 boys (18, 15). I found cruisecritic.com and did their "Cruise Match." Here's what came up: Ocean Princess, Celebrity Mercury, Sea Princes, Sun Princess, Dawn Princes, etc, with RCCL at the end. <BR> <BR>Anyone been on both Princess and Celebrity? Out of these two, which did you prefer? From viewing some of the postings here on fodors.com, it seems that both companies are pretty good. <BR> <BR>We are all in our early 40s, like some activities and entertainment, want great food! <BR> <BR>This will be my 7th cruise and Tony’s 4th. So far, we’ve done only Caribbean cruises (RCCL, NCL; and years ago Carnival and Dolphin). It’s been several years since we were on our last cruise, so if there is any other information we may need to know (i.e., changes in dining options, new cruise features), I’d like to hear about them. <BR> <BR>Thank you! <BR> <BR>Monica

Monica - I have sailed on both lines in Alaska, and am partial to Celebrity. Princess is certainly fine, probably equal to RCCL in terms of food, decor, activities and service. However, Celebrity deservedly prides itself on its food and food service, and on the luxury and style of its ships. And Celebrity is usually no more expensive. <BR> <BR>The standard cabins on Celebrity ships are generally larger than on Princess, and are somewhat more elegant. My favorite comparison when someone asks why I'm a Celebrity fan: the bathrooms on Celebrity are real ceramic tile, glass and blond wood. On Princess (and on RCCL) they're plastic and fiberglass. <BR> <BR>But, no matter which line you pick, your whole family will enjoy Alaska! <BR> <BR>

Hi Bruce, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the information. I actually was leaning towards Celebrity because of the quality of the food and service. <BR> <BR>

Slightly off topic: just back from Alaskan cruise, I sure did regret my choice of an inside cabin. One day in port there were four cruise ships. Outside cabins varied from floor to ceiling glass doors with see-through railings (our HAL ship) to cabins with just a 2 foot doorway and a porthole onto the balcony. If it's cold, you'll enjoy hanging out in your cabin with drinks and looking at the view. I'd do some research first to see which outside verandas looked fabulous! <BR> <BR>Have a great time!

Hi Monica - <BR>We just returned from a northbound on the Mercury with our 13 year old daughter. We too had only cruised the Caribbean previously on Carnival and last year on the Mercury. I really thought I wanted to cruise Alaska with Princess because they had more years experience but when I started looking for a cabin with a balcony that would sleep three people, the Princess ships did not appear to have any. All of their cabins that would sleep three were lower category or suites. <BR> <BR>That said, I would certainly spend time doing as much research as possible. Unfortunately, I was so busy in the months prior to our cruise that I did not devote much time to reading, etc. The only thing I regretted about the Mercury was the itinerary. Valdez was a worthless port. If I could find an itinerary that substituted Sitka for Valdez, that would be ideal. <BR> <BR>The Mercury is a very nice ship, you will read about vibration noises. I have now spent two weeks on this ship and the only time I noticed this was when we were in the Manhattan Restaurant at lunch leaving the port of Valdez and the ship was in reverse. It lasted maybe 5 minutes and the waiters were making jokes about it.

Hi Joan and Paige, thanks for your information. I will definitely spend a lot of time researching the ships. I have plenty of time! I'm interested in a room with a window, not sure yet about a balcony, depending on price. Would be nice if it's in our price range of traveling. I do prefer a window, although some people say (and I agree) that you don't spend a lot of time in the room. I've always had an inside cabin, with the exception of the last cruise (1997) and enjoyed having the view and the natural light in the evenings. <BR> <BR>

Hi Monica, <BR>My two daughters, sister and I still talk about our Princess Cruise to Alaska two years ago. Although we love good food and we had several memorable meals on Princess, food wasn't the reason why we went to alaska...We wanted to see and feel all that Alaska is --- and Princess gave us experiences of a lifetime.When it comes to excursions, Princess really shines. Our sidetrips were absolutely superb. My daughters, then ages 14 and 21, made good friends on board and cried when the trip ended

Hi Monica, <BR> On a Caribbean cruise, I agree, a balcony isn't necessary, but Alaska is different. Especially doing the Inside Passage. You will have land in sight all the time. A balcony REALLY will add to your cruise is Alaska. WE love sitting on our balcony enjoying all the beauty around us. Especially on our day in Glacier Bay. The upper deck was packed with people, so we just went down and enjoyed the incredible views on our balcony.

<BR>Thanks Gail! Now I definitely want to get a room with a balcony. We'll just have to splurge and enjoy. <BR> <BR>