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-   -   First Cruise - Royal Princess or Celebrity Summit? (https://www.fodors.com/community/cruises/first-cruise-royal-princess-or-celebrity-summit-777477/)

rperro Apr 6th, 2009 04:23 PM

First Cruise - Royal Princess or Celebrity Summit?
 
This will be my first cruise and I cannot decide what Cruise line to choose. I am looking at Ruby or Royal princess or Celebrity Summit.
My husband and I are in our 30's!

Eschew Apr 7th, 2009 02:50 PM

Ruby is the newest and largest of the three ships you listed. It was launched Nov 2008. The other two are much smaller and I think both were from 2001. Royal was actually a R class from Renaissance Cruises line.
Personally, I will pick the Ruby. Even with 3000 passenegers, we never felt crowded. Not when going ashore or tendered or anything. Line ups were fast except for one time. There are lots more things to do on the Ruby than the other two. Multiple choices of night venues, plus can't beat the "movies under the stars". I thought it was a big hype when I first heard about it. After been on the Ruby and experienced it, WoW!
With that said, you don't pick ship. You pick destination.
So where are you going?

rperro Apr 7th, 2009 04:15 PM

Thanks for your reply
I am looking at ports mostly in Italy. That is one negative of the Ruby Itinerary as it hits greece and turkey where I have already been!
I saw a good deal of RC today so I may now look at that line. I am new to cruising so I am kind of lost!

Eschew Apr 8th, 2009 02:41 PM

If you want Italy only, you should look at the even smaller ships yet! Smaller ships (600 passengeres) can go to ports that the mega ships cannot. The Royal and the Summit are still pretty big with a couple thousand passengers each.

If you are new to crusing and wants to enjoy the ship as much as the ports, I will pick Ruby over the other two. Some first time crusiers don't like the smaller ships but then there are others who hated the mega ships. It's a personal choice.

I can tell you why I like the Ruby Princess: I can find acton when I wanted to and I can find quiet when I wanted to. It's always my choice. You just have to know where to find them. It is an absolutely gorgeous ship, and for a first time cruiser, on a new ship is a good thing. (just like staying at a brand new hotel versus staying at an 5 or 6 years old hotel that were never renovated)
Feel free to ask questions and I am sure people will answer them!

Debi Apr 9th, 2009 05:18 AM

I like Celebrity - but for the Med, I would pick by itinerary... I'm sure all the ships will be great, but to me the best part of a Med cruise is going to those places you haven't been to yet.... Enjoy - LOVED my Med cruise...


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