Celebrity faithful considering Royal Caribbean

Although I'm very happy with Celebrity and currently have 3 cruises booked, I'm thinking of trying Royal Caribbean just to experience something different, bringing my parents as an anniversary gift. I watched a YouTube video about the Harmony of the Seas and was blown away - it looks amazing! I really would love to try an Oasis-class ship just for the experience, but they pretty much do just the Caribbean, and my parents would likely rather go somewhere they've never been. I have a few questions:

Is the Quantum class (ie. Anthem) as popular as the Oasis class? From the little I've looked at, the Quantum class are not getting the rave reviews I would have expected to see for such new, innovative ships.

The number of passengers for the size of the ships concerns me. Do the Quantum ships feel crowded? I never feel crowded on Celebrity.

I'm also unclear on what the smoking situation is on RCCL; I think breathing in second-hand smoke these days would bother me a lot. Is smoking allowed inside the ship or on balconies?

Does RCCL still have formal nights? We always enjoyed those.

Are the cabins similar to X's?

Is the suite experience as good as Celebrity's?

Any answers from those who cruise both lines would be greatly appreciated.

Are you sure your parents would prefer Royal C,? Not as elegant or relaxing, Although we did enjoy the Diamond cocktail party most nights on Oasis..better than on X

We tried Oasis to give the large ships a try...hated it for the most part although we have enjoyed Navigator and Radiance class ships,

Way crowded, res needed for shows, events etc,,,more for families ,..awesome stuff for children. Adult areas were crowded...too much like a mall and food court for our taste.Even the specialties were not on par. Shows and music better on Royal C...even compared to new X offerings.

Our dtr and sil had coincidentally booked same week as us but were at diff dining slots getting together once at Chops and together on Labadee in our cabana...Sil liked the zip line, floe rider..rock wall stuff but dtr also felt it as we did that the overall experience felt mass produced.

Don't know if Harmony and Anthem are like Oasis...they seem to have alot of gimmicjs...I'd stick with Celebrity and look for an interesting itin,....esp for parents anniv

After eight cruises and 128 nights with Celebrity over the last few years, I just did my first two cruises (35 nights) and already have 3 more (34 nights) booked with Royal. I was REALLY impressed with their "Diamond Lounge" unlimited drinks from 5:00-8:30 each night as compared to Celebrity's VERY limited "Elite" amenities.

There are many similarities as well as quite a few differences. The food on Royal is no where NEAR as good as on Celebrity unless you go to specialty restaurants. I thought Chops and Giovanni's were equal to or better than Tuscan or Murano on X (Save for the chocolate and Grand Marnier soufflé !)

I usually do ONLY longer cruises (14+ nights) and the average age on Celebrity is SIGNIFICANTLY older than the same length cruises on Royal. (At 59, I was among the YOUNGEST 20% on X)

MUCH better music targeted toward the guests' average age on Royal... as opposed to the ridiculously loud contemporary music currently being rammed down the throats of older cruisers on Celebrity. :(

Lots more activities of a much broader range on Royal, with more and more cutbacks on activities on Celebrity. :rolleyes:

I only do insides and OVs so no feedback on the suite life! :o

I will still cruise both lines and will look at Princess as well, being more cost conscious and value driven than senselessly loyal to any brand. ;)

I tried Allure once.....

Never again. Terrible food, too many people.....

I like both cruise lines but my least favourite ships are the larger RCI ones. Too many families and too many people IMO. Great if you have kids with you but if looking at this for your parents I would choose X and look at some of their different itineraries.

Whatever you do enjoy your cruise.

Having stuck to Celebrity and Azamara I tried Royal Caribbean last year. I did a three nighter on Anthem and a transatlantic on Allure. I thought Anthem felt crowded, but perhaps this was to do with it being a short cruise. It's a beautiful ship inside. I was amazed at how well the Allure dealt with the crowds. Being wider made a big difference. I'd walk through Central Park of an evening and wonder where all the other people were. It was only when traversing the ship I noticed the people and the long waits for the lifts to arrive.

I thought the food on the whole was really good. I never had a meal I didn't like and I ate all over the ship, including one lunchtime in Windjammer. It exceeded my expectations here.

The suite offering on Allure is really good. A separate lounge and dining room located in a good viewing position. There is a private sun deck located forward that has plenty of chairs, sofas and a bar.

Overall I really enjoyed both ships, but what I didn't like is if you want to be able to see and do the activities you have to be organised to book, especially the evening shows. Great ships with lots to do, but for me not really necessary and not relaxing enough for my style.

We love both Celebrity and Royal Caribbean and cruise only on these 2 lines. While Celebrity clearly has the edge in terms of itinerary, Royal Caribbean's mega ships have to be experienced at least once.

We recently tried the Allure of the Seas after 3 cruises on Celebrity Silhouette and we absolutely LOVED it. The food was fantastic, the ship never felt crowded (except for the 1st day at the windjammer) and we loved the multiple neighbourhoods on the Oasis class ship.

I'd try the Harmony in a heatbeat.

We cruised a lot on RC before trying Celebrity. I suggest you go back to listing the basics to see what you and your parents want out of a cruise...We always cruise suites on both lines...

Entertainment, RC better, livelier, more choice, busier later at night. We were entertained on Allure people watching....However for quiet listening, quality conversation and rest and relaxation we prefer Michael's Club or the Ensemble Lounge on Celebrity.

Ambiance, RC novel, interesting, well thought out but so busy. Celebrity rarely seems busy...

I would not hesitate to go on an RC cruise with children as there is so much for them to do. However, in our experience on the larger ships we have seen lots of poorly supervised children in a range of areas. This marred our enjoyment in a range of venues including the MDR, theatre and even the conceirge lounge. I certainly would suggest going 'out of season'.

Food, Celebrity wins although I haven't yet experienced the suite restaurant on RC. In terms of specialities Celebrity wins....

Suite perks, Celebrity wins for us. Read carefully on both lines exactly what you get with the actual suite you book, it does change... Generally the bigger the suite the more is included. We have recently looked into this with the new RC Geni scheme, read carefully.

You do not mention what suite room(s) you are looking at. I think this could be a factor for you. If you and your husband would be comfortable on a bed settee (yes they are comfortable) I would suggest you consider a shared large suite rather than two smaller ones....great living space. The PH on Celebrity or the RS on RC...We have used both as 'family' rooms and really enjoyed. Cost wise comparable to two smaller suites but more perks. There are other room options on both ships but read carefully what facilities are in the rooms (second bathroom for example) and the usable space...Some rooms can sound much more spacious than they are, for example, we tried a Crown Loft suite on Allure and it was very striking but rubbish in terms of useable seating, relaxing areas.

If you would like anymore information re suite rooms on either line please feel free to ask, we obviously haven't tried them all but someone will have! On reading through my comments I feel they seem quite pro Celebrity - I think this reflects where we are in life now....We have thoroughly enjoyed our RC cruises too and have many happy memories. Bottom line for me would be...

'Action, adventure and novelty go for RC, rest and relaxation stay with Celebrity!' Whatever you decide, I hope you have a great family cruise!

If it's a treat for your parents - Celebrity

If it's a treat for your kids - RCL

I'm not an experienced cruiser of the two lines ( 2 on RCl and one on X )

But the difference between Celebrity and RCl means we'll never go back to RCL! ( well I might - depending on the itineraries lol! )

Celebrity is just so much posher, elegant and cultured.

After years and years of Celebrity cruises, I am sailing Serenade of the Seas out of Boston in October. I chose it for the itinerary but I am very happy

this is one of Royal's smaller class of ships.....the Radiance Class. It is supposed to be about the same size as the M class ships on Celebrity.

I am booked on this trip with my sister and I am sure we are going to fun. We have an AFT balcony:)

After years and years of Celebrity cruises, I am sailing Serenade of the Seas out of Boston in October. I chose it for the itinerary but I am very happy

this is one of Royal's smaller class of ships.....the Radiance Class. It is supposed to be about the same size as the M class ships on Celebrity.

I am booked on this trip with my sister and I am sure we are going to fun. We have an AFT balcony:)

We cruised on her a few years ago and did enjoy. She is a nice sized ship, I seem to remember her just full of light and sunshine! Not similar in design to M class but I would agree about the same size. Hope you have a great cruise.

Of course, you should give the Harmony a shot. The Oasis class is nothing like you have done. The entertainment is great and the facilities are off the charts. Two tips: (1) book a specialty dining package, (2) book the shows in advance. Organization is key and you cannot help but have a great time. We have been on the Allure and no doubt will go on the Harmony.

After 9 wonderful Celebrity cruises and elite status, and a 10th booked for 2017, we booked to RCCL cruises out of Sydney for April 2018.

The prices were just too good. Also, we have diamond status there.

The ships are Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas, which are not the huge megaships that we don't care for.

The fare for the 11 day Radiance cruise to NZ was less than half of the 10 day Celebrity cruise that included two perks.

Since we are elite/diamond and enjoy the happy hour, we don't spend a lot on alcohol, so the perks were of limited value. RCCL's prices were the old fashioned non-bundled prices that we prefer./

The Explorer cruise is a Transpacific cruise from Sydney to Seattle, which X doesn't offer. Price was excellent as well.

If I were you I would consider Allure or Oasis (same class ship) over Harmony, especially if you enjoy the solarium on Celebrity ships. Harmony, for some inexplicable reason does not have one!

That's right the lovely Solarium area which is one of our favorites has a small pool and 2 hot tubs, a very relaxing place. Harmony has everything but the pool. Of course the outdoor pools of which there are 4 are still available.

We loved Allure.

As to the crowding issue, we have never felt the least bit crowded on any of the larger newer classes. In fact, have felt more crowded on the smaller older ships. I think the Quantum ships, in your case specifically Anthem as she sails out of NJ has had some tough issues but to no fault of her own. I would love to sail her one day.

No smoking except in designated areas. I think they may have blocked smoking in casino by now, but can't say for sure. No smoking in cabins or balcony.

Otherwise not much different IMHO. One thing X doesn't have for Elite/Diamond is being able to just go up to the Diamond lounge and get my own Cappucino/Latte every morning. No charge. But I love Cafe El Baccio. Harmony has a patisserie also but not as good as El Baccio. She does have a real Starbucks though.

Harmony is an Oasis class ship with some changes. I would also miss the solarium, not sure why that happened. The ships are stunning. Central Park is amazing. Park Cafe and the many different food choices are also great We never set foot in the windjammer it was very small but there are a LOT of food choice (no extra charge) available. You can do Park Cafe, Promenade Cafe, Solarium Bistro, all open on embarkation day to avoid the crowds in the windjammer. Also, for a fee I believe if it is like other Oasis ships Giovanni's Table will be open for lunch that day for a quieter, full service experience. You do need to book shows prior to leaving if there is something you really want to see. Comedy club for sure if it opens prior to sail date. We did not find the food "better" on Celebrity about the same. I found the venues on Equinox a little claustrophobic at night because a lot goes on in the centrum. Loved Celebrity staff though and would not hesitate to book again. Ship is beautiful, loved the Sunset bar etc.

We enjoy both lines equally. That being said in our opinion:

Celebrity - better suite experience with Michael's Club and Luminae.

Celebrity - somewhat older crowd and less late night entertainment.

Celebrity- better itineraries, especially the longer ones

Celebrity - an edge on food and service

RCL- newer and more technologically advanced ships and ship experience

RCL- better overall entertainment

RCL- better loyalty perks ( and if you are Elite you will get Diamond status)

RCL- more kids running around by far

After years and years of Celebrity cruises, I am sailing Serenade of the Seas out of Boston in October. I chose it for the itinerary but I am very happy

this is one of Royal's smaller class of ships.....the Radiance Class. It is supposed to be about the same size as the M class ships on Celebrity.

I am booked on this trip with my sister and I am sure we are going to fun. We have an AFT balcony:)

Lois it that the one that leaves from Boston and repositions to Fort Lauderdale? We were looking at it and almost booked it. Love the itinerary but at the last minute decided not to.

Have a great time.

Thank you so much everyone for your excellent comments. After considering all of your posts, I am very much leaning towards an Oasis class ship, although the itineraries won't show us anywhere we haven't been. Here are my thoughts:

My parents are very casual people - they will eat nowhere but the buffet (my husband and I are the opposite, but to each his own). We enjoy Celebrity's main dining room, Blu and Luminae, but enjoy the S-class buffets as well. I think a speciality dining package might be good for us and my parents can enjoy the buffet to their heart's content.

Needing reservations for everything doesn't bother me at all - in fact, I prefer it. I very much plan ahead and like to have a set schedule. I would make reservations for dining and shows as soon as I was able to - on-line before departure would be best - is that possible on RCCL?

My husband and I would have access to the Diamond lounge, but I'm at the point in my life where free drinks are just not that important. I'm happy with a bottle of wine at dinner, and a couple of cappuccinos during the day.

My mother and I would enjoy contemporary music, but I'm pretty much happy with whatever is playing. Even the martini bar on Celebrity doesn't really bother me, but it's too noisy for my husband.

Does RCCL have a lot of families even during the school year? I had assumed that there would be minimal children on a winter, non-spring-break cruise. My mother would actually love being surrounded by children; my dad not so much, unless it was his own grandchild.

Waiting for elevators might be annoying; although my mom and I would take the stairs whenever possible, my dad is definitely an elevator guy. My husband is good for 3 or 4 floors and then he's in the elevator too. I guess we might just have to have a little patience.

I'm really attracted to the entertainment options on the Oasis class. My mom and I would love the skating show and full-length theatrical show, not to mention the water show. There was a point when I'd seen every show Celebrity put on so many times that I could have got up on stage and sang with the performers. ;) I'm also interested in watching the Flow Rider, water slide and maybe even trying the rock climbing myself, just for fun.

My parents would probably not make use of most of the suite benefits, but my husband and I would. I was very interested in booking one of those two-bedroom Aqua Theatre suites, but either they get booked up fast, or they don't always make them available for just four passengers. I don't think we want to share a cabin where two of us would have to sleep on a sofa bed, so we might just be better off booking adjoining cabins or smaller suites.

I don't think I'd miss the solarium, as I never use it on the Celebrity's ships - I much prefer being outside, and if they have a reserved sun bed area for suites, that would be an added bonus, although we tend to get up early, sit by the pool for a few hours, and are outta there before lunch anyways. I can only handle so much sun.

From what you've all told me, I think an Oasis class ship would be a great choice - the ship would be the destination and I think we'd never get bored. Thanks again to everyone for your valuable insight.

If you are Elite with Celebrity, you will be Diamond with Royal. You do not have to go to the lounge for free drinks each night as your seapass card will be loaded with three free drinks each day for the same hours at any bar with the exception of the MDR/Specially dining. Just take in your wine/drink.

Smoking was still allowed in the casino., banned on all balconies on Royal.

Lois it that the one that leaves from Boston and repositions to Fort Lauderdale? We were looking at it and almost booked it. Love the itinerary but at the last minute decided not to.

 

Have a great time.

Hi Anne Maria:)...nope it is not a repositioning cruise....7 nights

Boston/Boston roundtrip.

We tried the Oasis the 2nd week of December and there were very few children on board. We never felt crowded on the ship at all.

If you like Blu & Luminae on X chances are the MDR on an Oasis class or most any Royal ship will not compare. It's not that the food is bad it's just several steps below the level of Blu and even more of Luminae. We had good service in the MDR but we went to Spec Dining 3 out of 7 nights and would have done more but they were booked.

It was interesting being on the ship, it IS a technological marvel and am sure the Harmony is even more so. The entertainment was great.

My problem was that I never felt like I was on a ship...it is just so big.

We enjoyed our cruise on the Oasis in 2012 but have no burning desire to sail on another one of these huge ships, but I absolutely recommend it to try once!!:)

How do stateroom sizes compare between the two lines?

And how are the RCL perks better as one person suggested?

If you're looking for quiet places to chat with friends and read your Kindles, you can't beat RCI's diamond & concierge lounges. Each lounge usually has a DIY cappuccino machine which is available most all day.

The lounges also have a nice continental breakfast most mornings (except for disembarkation days).

When on Celebrity and other ships, we really miss those lounges.

I love both Celebrity and RCCL. Celebrity does dining and service better and RCCL does evening entertainment and kids/teens programs better in my opinion.

In the past we sailed with our girls who are now in their 20's and if I was taking kids, teenagers or young adults on a cruise - RCCL without hesitation. Now that we mostly vacation as a couple (mid-late 40's) Celebrity gets our business when we cruise. If I was taking my parents (unless the grandkids are coming too) Celebrity for sure.

Thank you so much everyone for your excellent comments. After considering all of your posts, I am very much leaning towards an Oasis class ship, although the itineraries won't show us anywhere we haven't been.

These ships are the destination. The ports are secondary and you can always find a beach. The great thing about the Oasis Class ships is that you can't do everything or see everything in a week even if you wanted. You won't be bored. The skating shows are nice. The diving shows are spectacular.