Battle of the premium ships: Who should you sail with?
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It’s the most hotly contested segment of big ship cruising. Lines like Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, and Princess are all launching new ships with amazing new experiences to tempt one of the largest groups of passengers.
Australia’s 2023/4 season will see Resilient Lady and Celebrity Edge both about to have their debuts here. Norwegian is promoting its credentials as the choice for Europe with its new Prima class of ships.
Come February 2024, new mega ship Sun Princess will also be circling the Mediterranean.
Whether you’re hoping to join the fun of Edge and Resilient Lady’s opening Australian seasons or head across to Europe to test out Viva or Sun Princess, here’s what you need to know about choosing your ship.
On price, Celebrity Edge offers amazing value at $179 a night, while Resilient Lady comes out at the top of the list at $529.40 per night.
Resilient Lady
The Numbers
Resilient Lady accommodates 2,700 passengers and 1,150 crew, giving a crew-to-passenger ratio of 2.3. The ship has a gross tonnage of 110,000 and spans 13 decks.
Food and Drink
Virgin Voyages sets itself apart with over 20 onboard eateries, avoiding traditional buffets and dining halls. Each venue has its own kitchen and staff, and all dining options are included in the cruise fare. Highlights include The Wake, a steakhouse inspired by New York’s Madison Avenue, and Razzle Dazzle, which offers a mix of healthy and indulgent options. Signature dishes include roasted bone marrow and razzle cake.
Accommodation
Resilient Lady offers six cabin categories, with WiFi included. Options range from the Insider (interior) and Sea Terrace (balcony with hammock) to Rock Star Quarters, featuring marble bathrooms and dedicated Agents (butlers).
Entertainment
Entertainment on Resilient Lady includes adult-focused, innovative shows like Duel Reality and DANCESHOWPARTYANYTHING. New productions include Persephone, a rock-and-roll take on Greek mythology, and Lola’s Library, blending dance, comedy, and acrobatics.
Activities/Facilities
The ship offers extensive fitness facilities, including HIIT, yoga, and guided meditations. The Redemption Spa features a mud room, salt room, and plunge pools. Other amenities include a tattoo parlor, beach club, and karaoke sessions.plan B.
Pros
- Adults-only policy ensures a relaxed environment.
- All dining options included in the fare.
- Innovative and diverse entertainment options.
cons
- Higher price point at $529.40 per night.
- Limited appeal for families.
Celebrity Edge
The numbers
Celebrity Edge accommodates 2,918 passengers and 1,320 crew, yielding a crew-to-passenger ratio of 2.2. The ship has a gross tonnage of 129,500 and features 16 decks.
Food and drink
Celebrity Edge boasts 29 unique dining experiences. Eight venues, including Eden Café and Cyprus Restaurant, are included in the fare. Specialty dining options, such as the Magic Carpet and Fine Cut Steakhouse, are also available. Room service incurs a $10 fee per order.
Accommodation
Inside rooms start at 200 square feet, while oceanview rooms start at 244 square feet. Infinite Veranda rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Sky Suites offer premium amenities, including ocean-facing beds and dedicated living spaces.
Entertainment
The Celebrity Edge Theatre provides high-tech, award-winning shows with contemporary music. Eden hosts a variety of live performances, while The Club offers a nightclub vibe. The rooftop garden frequently features live music.
Activities/facilities
The SEA Thermal Suite includes eight therapeu
Pros
- Adults-only policy ensures a relaxed environment.
- All dining options included in the fare.
- Innovative and diverse entertainment options.
cons
- Higher price point at $529.40 per night.
- Limited appeal for families.
Norwegian Viva
The numbers
Norwegian Viva accommodates 3,099 passengers and 1,506 crew, with a crew-to-passenger ratio of 2.1. The ship has a gross tonnage of 143,535 and spans 15 decks.
Food and drink
Dining includes set menus in two main dining rooms and specialty options like Palomar (Mediterranean seafood) and Nama (sushi). Indulge Food Hall offers 11 venues, mostly included in the fare. Viva has 19 bars and lounges, including Soleil Bar and Metropolitan.
Accommodation
Solo cabins cater to individual travellers, while larger suites are available for families. Premium options include The Haven, featuring luxurious suites up to 195 square metres and exclusive amenities like an infinity pool.
Entertainment
Headline acts include the Broadway musical “Beetlejuice” and the concert-style “Icons.” Other venues include the Vibe Beach Club, Syd Norman’s Pour House, and Improv at Sea. Thrill-seekers can enjoy The Drop, The Rush, and Galaxy Pavilion.
Activities/facilities
Family-friendly activities include mini-golf, go-karting, and water parks. Mandara Spa offers detoxifying saunas and waterfall pools. Sports facilities, casinos, and virtual reality experiences round out the options
Pros
- Adults-only policy ensures a relaxed environment.
- All dining options included in the fare.
- Innovative and diverse entertainment options.
cons
- Higher price point at $529.40 per night.
- Limited appeal for families.
Sun Princess
The numbers
Sun Princess carries 4,300 passengers and 1,592 crew, resulting in a crew-to-passenger ratio of 2.7. The ship has a gross tonnage of 175,500 and spans 21 decks.
Food and drink
Dining options include the three-story Horizon Dining Room, the World Fresh Marketplace, and revamped Princess favourites like Sabatini’s. Specialty dining is available for $15 at venues like O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Alfredo’s.
Accommodation
Interior staterooms average 13 square metres, while premium oceanview rooms measure up to 20 square metres. The Signature Sky Suite spans 117 square metres and includes private bungalows and complimentary fine wine tasting.
Entertainment
Sun Princess offers outdoor movies, live sports, and concerts in an open-air amphitheatre. The theatre will host Broadway classics and original productions. Beer and wine festivals occur twice per cruise.
Activities/facilities
The Discovery partnership enables stargazing
Pros
- Adults-only policy ensures a relaxed environment.
- All dining options included in the fare.
- Innovative and diverse entertainment options.
cons
- Higher price point at $529.40 per night.
- Limited appeal for families.
