Scott2.0

One difference is in the beverage packages. Celebrity's includes bottled water and specialty coffees (or, at least it did when I last cruised with them), whereas those are not included in NCL's.

Good to know. I hadn't thought about that. Not including water is actually a big disappointment.

Have you considered Oasis or Allure?

That would actually be my first choice, however, they are slightly more expensive for just the cruise (not much though) and they aren't offering dining or drink packages, where the other two are. Not that we're complete gluttons or drunks but I could see that easily representing a thousand bucks or so in savings. If RCI threw in a drink package, I'd be all over it.

Your beverage package will cover almost all of your alcoholic drinks (unless you get something over $15 -- and then you just pay the difference). With the SDP you get at booking, you will receive three meals in specialty restaurants. That should cover most of the expenses you are concerned about.

 

If you want more meals in specialty restaurants, consider buying an additional SDP.

 

We really enjoyed our trip on the Escape and have our second trip on her booked for 2018.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! That eases my mind! I was a little taken aback when I started looking at all the menus and saw prices by everything as I haven't sailed NCL in several years.

I realize this may be the wrong response for a Celebrity Board, but I would consider NCL. Our 22 year old son and his wife went on the Sihouette for their honeymoon. They loved the food and the service, but the vibe was a little too low key for them. They were used to RCCI, their last cruise being on the Allure. While my wife and I have more or less exclusively switched to X, his comment to me was "I sure I will cruise them again, just not in a hurry to at this time in my life." And they are not party animals - they are pretty mellow, old soul types (hence getting married at 22).

You're confirming what my gut is telling me. I'm more interested in the food, atmosphere and service (and I really love the solarium), but for someone looking to let loose a bit, NCL may make more sense.

Since you have sailed on the Breakaway, the Escape is very similar. NCL has improved on the BA and GA with the Escape.

 

From the activities perspective, they doubled the size of the ropes course (2 levels, 2 planks, 3 zip lines (one over the edge of the ship). Similar water slides.

 

Added new fee-for-service restaurants. Food Republic is great (at their 3 times). The Tapas bar is fun (at their twice). Brewhouse. Wine Bar. Margaritaville.

 

Enlarged and enhanced the spa.

 

Took fat cats and turned it into a more lively 5 o'clock somewhere bar. More themed bars and entertainment.

 

We personally would normally chose based on ports,,,, but have sailed on the Escape twice since it was placed into service in November because we enjoy the ship.

Excellent! Thanks for the insight. I guess one of my main concerns that I should have mentioned above is having to pay for everything separately. It looks like even the specialty dining restaurants are à la carte now. We used to love paying the flat cover and trying a couple appetizers without being charged more.

I really need some better insight in picking the cruise for a December getaway. I've sailed NCL and X and enjoyed both. I loved my Epic cruise, didn't as much care for the Breakaway (the ship was great, the food and service were bad). LOVED the Silhouette although the nightlife and entertainment fell short.

I'll be traveling with a 21 year old law student so I'm thinking NCL from a fun perspective. Both cruises are priced about the same.

Celebrity:

• Concierge Class on Reflection
  
• Beverage pkg, PP gratuities, $300 OBC, Wifi, all included
  
• Slightly better itinerary with two ports that I haven't been to (St. Kitts and San Juan)
  
• Loved her sister ship. Loved the upscale vibe, food, service and crowd control
  

NCL:

• Mini Suite on Escape
  
• Beverage pkg and specialty dining included
  
• One port of interest for me that I haven't been to (Tortola)
  
• Love Howl at the Moon, the comedy club, the shows, the nightlife
  
• Concerned about the food, crowds and service based on Breakaway cruise (I know a lot has changed since then though)
  

Pricing is about the same once you add gratuities onto the NCL price. The cabin categories chosen are not based on need but where the best pricing seems to be. If it were just me, I probably wouldn't stray from X but I did find the 'fun factor' somewhat lacking and given that I'll be with a 21 year old needing a break from law school, I wonder if NCL is the better choice.

Any insight or recommendations that you can offer would be MUCH appreciated!

X-posted on the other line's forum for additional comments.

I really need some better insight in picking the cruise for a December getaway. I've sailed NCL and X and enjoyed both. I loved my Epic cruise, didn't as much care for the Breakaway (the ship was great, the food and service were bad). LOVED the Silhouette although the nightlife and entertainment fell short.

I'll be traveling with a 21 year old law student so I'm thinking NCL from a fun perspective. Both cruises are priced about the same.

Celebrity:

• Concierge Class on Reflection
  
• Beverage pkg, PP gratuities, $300 OBC, Wifi, all included
  
• Slightly better itinerary with two ports that I haven't been to (St. Kitts and San Juan)
  
• Loved her sister ship. Loved the upscale vibe, food, service and crowd control
  

NCL:

• Mini Suite on Escape
  
• Beverage pkg and specialty dining included
  
• One port of interest for me that I haven't been to (Tortola)
  
• Love Howl at the Moon, the comedy club, the shows, the nightlife
  
• Concerned about the food, crowds and service based on Breakaway cruise (I know a lot has changed since then though)
  

Pricing is about the same once you add gratuities onto the NCL price. The cabin categories chosen are not based on need but where the best pricing seems to be. If it were just me, I probably wouldn't stray from X but I did find the 'fun factor' somewhat lacking and given that I'll be with a 21 year old needing a break from law school, I wonder if NCL is the better choice.

Any insight or recommendations that you can offer would be MUCH appreciated!

X-posted on the other line's forum for additional comments.

In January on the Eclipse they had a pretty great beer list in the Cellar Masters, but they did not have the beers just the list.

What a rip! Fortunately on our recent Silhouette cruise they had both the list and the beers. It was a winning combination. :D

If you know the rules, then what is the problem? Are they for everyone but you?

 

Go to the buffet or follow the rules as simple as that!

No need for the buffet to be the only option. We had an amazing meal at Murano on formal night dressed smart casual.

Cellar Masters had a pretty great beer list on the Silhouette. I drank them out of $2.50 (with the premium pkg) Delirium Tremens and Nocturum!

My goodness! Pack a 2 ounce tie and wear a light sports coat onto the boat with a pair or khakis or jeans and be done with this thread or just go to the buffet!

Or skip the tie altogether and still comply with the dress code.

Just off the Silhouette. I didn't notice many tuxes; there were a few though. Lots of sport coats and suits, some with and some without ties. There were a few that sneaked through with short sleeve Hawaiian-type shirts. For the most part, everyone looked great and had an enjoyable time.

Looks great! They need a proofreader though. I can't believe "Entree's" made it to press.

I have not posted on this thread for a long time. I keep up with it and continue to read all the posts and all the opinions. Bottom line Celebrity Cruise line is up front that they try to promote formal attire dinners 2 or 3 times per cruise depending on the length of the cruise. They also provide for those who do not want formal by keeping the Cafe open for dinner at no extra cost or you can have room service. If you do not want to dress formal don't do Celebrity. It is that simple. It's not fair to the Cruiseline to complain about their dress code. You know it is coming, it is on their website, find a way to deal,with it or choose a different line.

 

Finally, it is not very civil to put down EITHER side so to speak of their like or dislike of the dress code. I do believe, however, that it gets rather old to read the constant complaints about the dress code and those who like to "get fancy" become frustrated because it has been a part of Celebrity forever and is part of their tradition.

Thank you for listening to my thoughts, have a nice day!😊 and enjoy your next cruise 🚢

Your two comments contradict one another. Why do you feel those that don't want to dress formally shouldn't sail Celebrity? There are plenty of alternative options, some of which you even mentioned. :confused:

When we were on Summit last year, hubby had Eggs Benedict every morning with Caviar on top. He loved it. Looking forward to the same thing on Silhouette!

In which venue?

you can also rent a tux if so inclined, prices are reasonable.

You can rent a tux onboard the ship?

Awesome! Just got me even more excited for my upcoming cruise.

I don't smoke. But Thanks for reminding me why I shouldn't sail on Celebrity. It really saddens me when everyone thinks they can take away your rights. No need to say well what about my rights? I don't need to smell it. Just like me. If you don't like it go somewhere else. I wish they would get rid of all the alcohol. If you get rid of one bad thing you need get rid of all the bad things.

Is this just a mess of a trolling attempt? This can't be serious.

Bermuda is all of the things we love about the Caribbean; the gorgeous weather, friendly people, beautiful beaches, turquoise water, etc., but without the element of poverty, drugs and hustlers. Bermuda is safe, clean and affluent. The only downside that comes with that is that it's expensive. It's a wonderful island though.

What's the difference if it's represented as base price plus gratuity or just a higher inclusive price? Does it really matter?

Greetings

 

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Some will say it's an unwritten part of the dress code that's inherent with tuxes and suits. Others will say that the dress code is as written and ties are not required.

 

Which ever answer you receive here will be attacked by one side or the other. That's the nature of dress code threads.

 

Good Sailing

Tom

Thanks, that actually makes a lot of sense. Damned either way! :D

So, some people want to skip the tie and some people want to skip the jacket. Anybody want to skip the shirt?

The dress code specifically mentions a jacket. A shirt is common sense. Why would a tie be required when not specified?

Still wondering. This is a genuine question I have.

So, some people want to skip the tie and some people want to skip the jacket. Anybody want to skip the shirt?

The dress code specifically mentions a jacket. A shirt is common sense. Why would a tie be required when not specified?

Very true! I've seen very few that are truly formal and none that are in cut-offs and flip-flops.

One of the problems with these discussions is people seem to want to argue extremes. Personally, I'm just happy if women wear cocktail/evening wear and the men, a jacket and tie.

Agree... And since that's all that's required by Celebrity's dress code, that's all that can be reasonably expected.

Minus the tie, right?

I hope the OP is OK. Maybe passed out from exhaustion? :eek: