Not the age demographic you requested (we’re early 60s, but think we’re still 40-somethings if that counts 😂), but just completed our first Celebrity cruise (Equinox) after being Diamond on RCCL.
Despite being concerned after reading all the pessimism on the Internet, we were very impressed and will make X our preferred line (already have 3 other sailings booked, plus an open deposit made on board).
What we liked — the crew, of course; the ship itself (was concerned that Equinox was overdue for a dry dock, but she was well maintained); the venues (nothing like relaxing with a lavendar martini in the martini bar before dinner); the food (yes, there were misses as well as hits, but was definitely a step up from RCCL); the “little things” (not having to check out towels with a sea pass, real towels in the restrooms, even the chocolates on the pillows 😂). Oh, and definitely the demographics— not overrun by kids (there were reportedly 6 on our sailing, but never saw one) and, for the most part, a more polite and less boisterous crowd.
What we weren’t crazy about — the entertainment (the only show in the theater that we went to/were interested in was the comedian); storage space in the cabin (appreciate that RCCL has shelves in the closet [we were in Concierge Sunset Veranda]); specialty restaurants (Murano was just good, Tuscan average).
For the first time ever, we disembarked with a few dollars left over in OBC. Granted, we booked back when the Indulge package was a thing, but really the only extras we ended up paying for onboard was a couple mornings of room service, a glass or two of good Scotch and a bottle of wine with dinner one night. Don’t feel like we were nickel and dimed at all. Oh, and I did get a shampoo and blowout one day at the spa when I just didn’t feel like dealing with my hair, and even that was a betting experience than RCCL (although I recognize that it’s the same spa contractor and I probably just got lucky that day!)