We know what you're thinking: Leave Royal Caribbean after years of climbing the Crown & Anchor Society ladder? Well, it could be worth it — and we'll tell you why.
Indeed, it can seem jarring to switch from Royal Caribbean's action-packed vessels to Celebrity's laid-back, upscale ships. However, you may just discover that you prefer Celebrity Cruises' refined experience since it doesn't sacrifice the things you love most about cruising; it just elevates them.
Of course, the premium cruise line isn't for everyone. For example, you likely won't like Celebrity if you enjoy sailing on ships with water slides, ice skating rinks, zip lines, and mini-golf courses. Still, if your ideal vacation leans more toward relaxing by the pool and exploring unique destinations, Celebrity could be a better fit.
Here are five reasons why you should consider switching to Celebrity Cruises, even if you're a diehard Royal Caribbean fan.
The Royal Caribbean status match program makes it easy to enjoy top-tier loyalty perks on your very first cruise
Did you know that you can match your Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor Society status to other cruise lines, including Celebrity Cruises?
Royal Caribbean International obviously wants you to continue sailing with them. However, they also understand the evolving needs of today's vacationers.
As such, Royal Caribbean's parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, created a cohesive ecosystem that offers cruisers a way to instantly earn perks and benefits across its brands, despite never having sailed with a particular line before.
This means that Crown & Anchor Society members receive reciprocal status recognition in Celebrity’s Captain’s Club and even Silversea’s Venetian Society.
Although the perks aren't exactly identical, the Royal Caribbean loyalty match program makes it easier to branch out and try different cruise lines without feeling like you are starting from scratch.
For example, Diamond Crown & Anchor Society cruisers get four complimentary drinks per day, but Elite Captain’s Club members get access to a limited, complimentary happy hour menu from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Additionally, Celebrity offers a complimentary bag of laundry for Elite cruisers and above, but only Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members get a free laundry bag when sailing on voyages that are 5+ nights.
Read more: I sailed on Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruises. Here are 6 things Royal Caribbean should steal
Cruises with Celebrity can be credited toward your Royal Caribbean loyalty status
Royal Caribbean's Points Choice program allows cruisers to earn loyalty points when cruising on any line within the Royal Caribbean Group family, including Celebrity and Silversea. In other words, you can continue to rack up Crown and Anchor Society points, even if you choose to sail with Celebrity Cruises.
Points are converted using brand-specific exchange rates, which will be reviewed and published annually on the respective websites.
Based on 2026 rates, if you take a seven-night Celebrity cruise in an inside cabin, you'll earn one Crown & Anchor point per night, adding up to seven additional C&A loyalty points by the end of the voyage.
Celebrity offers more worldly itineraries
Although Royal Caribbean offers impressive itineraries to places like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond, Celebrity's offerings are even more destination-focused. This approach gives travelers more opportunities to visit unique ports of call.
With Celebrity, you can sail to interesting destinations like Bali, India, and the Galápagos. They also offer immersive Japan voyages during the country's spring festival season. This is an experience that's high on my bucket list, as I have always wanted to visit Japan as the famous cherry blossoms bloom across cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
Celebrity also lets guests explore Europe year-round, rather than limiting Mediterranean itineraries to the busy summer months. As such, passengers can wander historic cities during the quieter shoulder seasons.
Celebrity Cruises is geared more toward adult cruisers
Celebrity is not an adult-only cruise line, but it is much more geared toward older travelers than families with young children. Instead of packing its ships with water slides, rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and other family-friendly amenities, the onboard experience focuses more on world-class dining options, upscale bars and lounges, and sophisticated entertainment.
I prefer this type of atmosphere, despite just being in my mid-20s. As someone who is childless (and has a partner who works with children all day as a teacher), I appreciate being on a ship that feels more relaxed.
Since the vessels are less kid-centered, many families prefer other cruise lines, though plenty still sail with Celebrity. However, I've noticed that the kids on Celebrity ships tend to be better behaved, rather than causing a ruckus running up and down halls, smashing all the elevator buttons, and so on.
Read more: 9 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a Celebrity ship
You can save money on popular add-ons with the Celebrity All Included bundle
Celebrity's All Included bundle is one of my favorite things about the cruise line because it makes budgeting for your vacation much easier from the beginning.
The All Included package includes a Classic Beverage Package and Basic Wi-Fi Package. According to Celebrity Cruises, you can save up to $800 per person compared to onboard prices for the same amenities.
"More convenience. Greater value. It's that simple," the website states.
For example, on an upcoming seven-night cruise aboard Celebrity Beyond in February 2027, the base fare for a standard inside cabin starts at $1,127. Guests can upgrade to the All Included package for an additional $595 per person, which breaks down to about $85 per day.
When compared with Royal Caribbean, this price is pretty reasonable, especially since the Deluxe Beverage Package alone frequently costs at least $70 or more per day. Wi-Fi can easily add another $20 per day to that, too.
When choosing Celebrity Cruises doesn't make sense
As much as I love Celebrity Cruises, I realize it isn't the best cruise line for everyone. If you have younger kids, then you might find that Celebrity's fleet offers less family-friendly entertainment and amenities.
Celebrity also isn't the ideal cruise line for partiers. Although you may discover that the cruise line definitely isn't a retirement home at sea, it's definitely more tame than lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival.
Finally, I'd steer clear of Celebrity Cruises if you are a budget traveler since the cruise line tends to have higher fares than competitors.
Bottom line
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two of the best cruise lines at sea and are great choices for your vacation. However, one might appeal more to your current lifestyle, whether that's toting along little ones or finally taking a much-needed child-free getaway.
Celebrity is a top pick for destination-focused travelers, as well as those who prefer a more relaxed, boutique hotel-like atmosphere, since the vessels don't have any adrenaline-pumping attractions.
At the end of the day, there’s no "better" choice between Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean. The answer ultimately depends on your lifestyle and what you prefer to get out of your vacation.
That said, if you haven't considered giving Celebrity a try, there are many good reasons why it might be the right time to step outside your comfort zone and see just what they have to offer.
Read more: 50 Celebrity Cruises Tips & Tricks tips and tricks that will make your voyage better
