If you’ve ever cruised on both cruise lines before, you might have wondered:

Are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity the same company?

The comparison is understandable.

And, all things considered, it’s quite a common question.

The immediate answer, however, is no; Royal Caribbean and Celebrity are two completely different cruise lines.

But they are owned by the same company aka Royal Caribbean Group.

But when it comes to the ships, onboard experience, and who they’re made for, these two lines are very different.

Let’s talk about why.

Who Owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity?

As mentioned earlier, both cruise lines belong to Royal Caribbean Group.

This means they’re under the same ownership.

It’s kind of like how one company can own several restaurant brands, or how one company can own several media titles.

Think of how Disney owns Marvel and 21st Century Fox.

Both are vastly different entertainment brands, but they belong to the same company.

This is the same situation for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

They belong to the same company but are vastly different cruise lines.

Each cruise line has their own unique features, designs, itineraries, and more.

Who Is Each Cruise Line For?

Royal Caribbeanis great for families, kids, teens, and people who love to stay active.

You’ll find things like:

Zip lines
Rock climbing
Broadway-style shows
Ice skating
Bumper cars

Celebrity Cruises is more for adults and couples.

If you want peace, quiet, and great food, this is your spot.

You’ll find:

Fancy dining
Relaxing spas
Lounges with live music
Art shows
Wellness classes

So, are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity the same company?

No, and you’ll feel the difference once you take a trip on both cruises.

Some frequent cruisers even state that the difference is apparent once you step on the boats.

The Difference in Ships

Royal Caribbean is known for its huge ships.

In fact, its commercial fleet holds some of the biggest cruise ships in the world.

Travelers describe their ships like small cities, with everything you could possibly need on board.

Celebrity ships, on the other hand, are smaller, sleeker, and more modern.

This means that they’re easier to get around in.

The atmosphere on these ships feel more quiet and personal.

The floor plans are also easier to navigate, so first-time cruisers won’t get lost as often.

Knowing the ship sizes can help you pick the best cruise line that matches your preferences.

Cruise Entertainment: Fun vs. Fancy

One thing that differentiates Royal Caribbean from Celebrity is their entertainment style.

Royal Caribbean is all about fun experiences.

You’ll get treated to big, flashy, Broadway-style performances like Mamma Mia!or Grease.

There are also stand-up comedy skits and intricate water shows.

Basically, with Royal Caribbean, there’s a lot happening every night.

Celebrity, on the other hand, is all about classy entertainment.

You’ll get to listen to live music, see creative performances, and visit cool bars like the Martini Bar.

So, don’t worry; it’s fun on both sides — it’s just different flavors of fun.

What’s Included With Each Cruise Line?

If we’re comparing the base ticket prices for each cruise line, Royal Caribbean is usually cheaper.

It’s marketed as an affordable, budget-friendly cruise experience that’s perfect for first-time cruisers and travelers.

However, it’s not all-inclusive.

Many things on a Royal Caribbean cruise will cost extra — i.e., Wi-Fi, drinks, laundry, gratuities, and more.

Celebrity cruises, on the other hand, costs more up front.

It’s not all-inclusive either, but the base ticket fare includes quite a few more amenities, like:

Wi-Fi
Gratuities
Basic drinks
Better rooms

If you don’t want to think about extra costs later, Celebrity cruises might be the better deal.

Special Perks on Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity cruises also has some extras that Royal Caribbean doesn’t.

Here are a few things you can look forward to if you a book a cruise here:

The Retreat: A private area with a sun deck, lounge, and restaurant for suite guests
AquaClass Cabins:Spa-themed rooms with wellness perks and access to the spa
Lawn Club:Real grass on the ship where you can relax or play games
Eden Lounge:A creative space with dining, music, and art all in one

These are just some of the things that make Celebrity feel more luxurious.

Where Do They Go?

Are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity the same company?

No, but they share some similarities.

For instance, both cruise lines sail to a lot of the same locations:

The Caribbean
Alaska
Europe
Mexico
The Bahamas
Asia and more

But the type of trip with each line is different.

Royal Caribbean likes shorter trips and high-energy stops like CocoCay, their private island.

Celebrity focuses on longer trips with more time in each place, perfect for cultural experiences.

Celebrity also has cruises to Antarctica and the Galápagos, which Royal Caribbean doesn’t.

Which One Should You Choose?

The best cruise line for you would be the one that suits your personal preferences.

You should choose Royal Caribbean if:

You have kids or are traveling with kids
You want lots of action
You like big ships
You don’t mind staying – or even want to stay – busy every day

On the other hand, Celebrity Cruises would be better for you if:

You want peace and quiet
You love great food
You prefer smaller ships
You want to feel pampered

Here’s where the answer to; are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity the same company? becomes evident.

They aren’t.

They share the same boss, but they cater to very different types of travelers.

Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cruises: The Final Verdict

So, are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity the same company?

No, they aren’t.

They’re simply owned bythe same company, but they’re their own entities.

This means your experience will be very different depending on which line you choose.

At RSC Vacations, we help families and travelers pick the right cruise line for their dream trip.

Whether you’re looking for big fun on Royal Caribbean or a luxury escape on Celebrity Cruises, we’ll help you find it — and we’ll handle every detail from booking to boarding.

Are Royal Caribbean and Celebrity the Same Company? A Quick Guide for Travelers