avalon1025

Sailing the crown on the 19th, sad to hear that Princess, formerly a decent cruise line now requires one to bring their own soap and conditioner. Even a mediocre hotel provides something

Just off Celebrity last month and they have great new Gilchest and Soames amenities

St. Thomas was on Wednesday. Sea day prior. Pretty mellow for us. Not too much to report from our sea day. We were on deck around 8 am to get some loungers. Stayed on deck for a few hours. Wind was crazy at 20 knots in the lower decks and 4o knots. So we left the open decks at about noon and had lunch again at Alfredo's which was of course incredible.

 

We were docked at the WICO dock in St.Thomas. We went diving. Met up with a friend and had a nice shallow refresher dive. The day was beautiful. Went to lunch by the Crown Bay pier on the water at Tickles. Great burgers and wonderful views. Returned to Havensight and walked around and did some shopping until we returned to the ship. Dinner was Italian Night and was very good. I had the pot roast. We went to the Ye Old Pub night and it was funny and entertaining. Then Michael Katz an illusionist and it was pretty good.

 

St. Maarten was yesterday. Beautiful weather. We booked Bernards Tours (who we used in the past for a private island your) and went to Maho Beach and watched the airplanes all day. It was pretty amazing. After the beach our driver dropped us off in Phillipsburg where we walked around for a bit. After an hour or so we returned to the ship and watched the sailaway. There was a horn battle between Celebrity Solstice when they were pulling off the pier and our love boat horn. Pretty funny. You could hear the passengers on the Solstice cheering.

Dinner for us was the Ultimate Balcony Dining and I can't recommend this highly enough. Four course meal, cocktail each included and half bottle champagne. We had the alcohol package and the assistant waiter even went down for us and got us another cocktail each. Food was amazing. Canapes, huge salad with cream cheese, candied walnuts, field greens and home made balsamic dressing. Main meal was surf and turf. Amazing filet and sweet lobster tail. Dessert was a sampling of four mousses on a dark chocalate presentation. Can not say enough. Waiter and assistant waiter were amazing. After dinner we went to the comedian show Miguel Washington and he was very funny. Then we went to the deck party and found out dinner table mates (which we clicked with the first night. We always seem to get amazing table people). Hung there until midnight or so. Great time. Then headed to the club for a bit.

 

Today Thursday, is a sea day. Georgous up on deck. Chair hogs were in full force this morning. Deck attendants didn't seem to be enforcing today. We wound up on the sun deck. And it is beautiful up here. Some women shouldn't be wearing bikinis. Just sayin.

 

Will look completely through questions when we gat back to FLL and answer what I can.

 

Yes, still happy with the alcohol package. Any wine under $10 per glass is covered. I am not a big wine Fri Ker but have been able to sample more with the package.

It was the Celebrity Silhouette and it was fun to be docked next to you in St Marten!

Just back form March 2 on the Silhouette, Blu and Aqua Class was wonderful, one of the best AQ experiences ever. All amenities were there there and the staff in Blu was outstanding

Everyone talks about Cunard, what about NCL Haven or MSC Yacht Club? Same concepts, its the reality of trying to fill big ships with those that want rock bottom pricing vs. those that want a larger cabin and more upgraded amenities and are willing to pay for it. No one is denying anyone anything, the more you pay the more you get.

I think its great, this is great news for suite passengers. Honestly no one is taking anything away from anyone, michaels club is a small space and on the S class very under utlized. Everyone has the option of paying for a suite and accessing the corresponding amenities. It works that way on airlines and in hotels, why not on ships?

 

I was referring to Balcony-Concierge-Aquaclass being identical cabins at increasing prices. The added amenities are not of interest to us, and the locations are increasingly worse. We would much rather have a Princess mini-suite than a Celebrity Aquaclass.

 

I think an important point for Celebrity is there S class balcony cabins ARE all the same size, so the passenger chooses what amenities they want and it does not dictate a smaller sized cabin. On Royal Princess you need to choose size of blacony cabin and they are smaller in comparison to the standard S Class balcony cabin.

 

Funny, I would rather have Aqua Class then the Mini Suite on Princess, then again I'd most likely never sail Princess again

Interesting comparison. IMHO, it's comparing apples to oranges since you're comparing the general Princess product to the more expensive AquaClass on Celebrity. It's very possible that if you'd booked a full suite on Princess, you would have found them more comparable. When I cruised on Celebrity, I booked a very expensive balcony cabin but as a single, I couldn't afford nor was I willing to pay for AquaClass. Perhaps I would have had a very different cruise experience but then I probably would have paid at least $3,000 for a 7-day cruise since I paid about $2,200 for the seven days in a 2A balcony cabin. That's over $300/day. Ouch! And not even AquaClass. I had the tiniest cabin I've ever experienced on any ship other than the original Royal Princess for that amount of money. No perks unless you consider a non-functioning toilet for three days a "perk" with no apology, no response from the Passenger Services Desk other than, "You too?" I paid over $2,200 for that. :( Based on the expense, very poor customer service, mostly inedible food (the Maitre d' of the buffet came to our table to apologize it was so bad), no self-serve laundry, no mini-bar, no WiFi anywhere on the ship (although I understand that's been installed), it's unlikely I'll try Celebrity again. Like you, I had a good time anyway but in no way did I find Celebrity comparable to Princess or even HAL.

I've sailed nothing but full suites on Princess and you still eat the same food and in the same dining room as everyone else (except breakfast in Sabatinis that was just ok). I'd rather be in a standard AQ cabin single with all it's amenities then sail another suite on Princess. Aqua class is a separate dining room with its own dedicated kitchen. Far superior to anything Princess has to offer and, much less expensive than a single mini or full suite on Princess. As for cabin size size I've never have seen a smaller standard cabin except on the older RCI ships than on Princess ( where's the couch in the standard cabins?)

I find Princess is a great line for people that want nothing different from sailing to sailing, bland dated decor and fair service and food. I'm platinum on Princess but doubt I would sail them again until they upgrade their product or offer a ship within a ship experience like many of their competition is doing

Thanks for the honest review, and I agree with many of your points. Nothing in this price point really beats Aqua Class on the Solstice class ships, its a fantastic value and feels like an upgraded experience even on a mass market ship. My last 5 cruises on Celebrity have been in AQ and loved every one.

Never loved Princess, althrough Elite on them, I find myself very bored with their ships and experience. I know people love them, but its often for the reasons I dislike them: Every ship looks exactly the same in decor (80's pastels), the food is the same, its a beige and bland cruise, nothing to upset anyone and in the end just comes out all blah (to me)

looks tacky, so much for history

icydog--DebbieMacG's "Thankfully not" comment was not aimed at Cunard, but at Carnival, considered by many to be at the bottom of the ladder for various reasons. At the risk of sounding like a cruise snob, it has always amazed me that a traditionally classy line like Cunard would be under the Carnival umbrella. There are probably millions of commited Carnival cruisers who will howl at my comments. So be it.

My first clue about Carnival was when my TA, also my step-sister, was helping plan our first cruise. The first thing she said was, "Well, you don't want Carnival". That was all I needed to hear. A few years ago, a friend of mine won a 5-night Carnival cruise and when she came back I asked her how it went. She said, half-heartedly, "It was nice. It was good." I said, "You don't sound very enthusiastic." She told me the food wasn't very good, the service was not good and the 24 hr noise level was totally annoying. She told me she would go on Carnival again if she won another cruise, but would never pay for one. She had sailed Princess (another one owned by Carnival) and RCCL.

I've done 4 RCCL and 11 Celebrity cruises with the 12th coming up in 10 days on Silhouette. I stick to those lines because, as the quaint old saying goes, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

I guess people still do not realize that there is a big difference between Carnival Corp and Carnival Cruise Line.

Diamond is the highest on Cunard

I believe what the OP is asking is if there is any upgrade of status for switching loyalty from Cunard. Airlines do this all the time, as a United 1K 2M Miler, I can switch to American and have my status from United transferred to American (but I have to show I flew AMERICAN to have made the status). That being said, the cruise lines do not do this.

I chose the Silhouette for March 2, i'm sailing Aqua Class and I hear Blu on Reflection is overly crowded due to all the additional cabins. I loved Solstice, Equinox and Eclipse, and figured Silhouette was the most like the earlier ships

Given SFO's on time track record, I would be more concerned with getting to the ship with all your belongings. Also, traffic on the Embarcadero on a ship day can be awful. Its not worth saving $20 on Trader Joes wine to stress and potentially miss the ship

Avalon ~ this was NOT the case on our Reflection cruise last month. There was not another bar/lounge you could go to get away from loud music. It was everywhere, even during the day while sitting in Cafe al Bacio or walking through the shops. Even the music the staff was playing while waiting for trivia was very loud.

 

I actually enjoy all types of music except rap and heavy metal. I like upbeat stuff, even the beat of techno. What I can't stand is music so deafening loud that I can't talk to the people I'm sitting with to enjoy a drink. On Reflection last month, there was no way you could sit in Cellar Masters and enjoy wine and conversation. The music from both the atrium and the Martini bar at alternate times was so loud. The pool deck music and Sky were also over the top loud. So for me, more than the type of music being played, it's the decibel level.

 

I chuckle at the "Modern Luxury" tag line. Show me where overly loud music is classified as "luxurious." I find it very funny that they come up with these marketing terms that really mean nothing as my definition of modern luxury likely differs quite a bit from other folks.

 

Bottom line is that is all comes down to money. They are going to try to do whatever they can to bring in more dollars to the bottom line. When that doesn't work, they will change it again.

Although I don't doubt there was loud music in parts of the ship, I read so much about loud music prior to sailing both Eclipse and Equinox this year, when on board I could find none of it, except perhaps the martini bar. I'm don't like the main pool area and have always found some peace and quiet on solstice deck or sunset bar areas. Something for everyone.

I sail QM2 solo all the time, i've taken to sail Princess Grill where i can easily secure a table for two to my self. I also just sailed Crystal Serenity solo at a table for two alone. Its not odd, its a personal choice. See the matr'd and enjoy YOUR trip the way you want to

Very interesting idea, but I wonder how they would put this into effect on the ships. If 60 percent of their passengers are over 60, 30 percent of their passengers are in their fifties and 10 percent are 40 and younger (not actual figures, just using these percentages as an example). Which age group would they choose for the activities and music? If they choose those over 60, how do they keep they remaining 40 percent entertained on the ship, so they would not lose them as customers in the future?

I don't think the whole ship can be geared towards one segment of the cruise population and I dont think Celebrity is doing that. If you don't want loud music in the Martini Bar go to the sky lounge, or another bar. There are many options. Honestly Celebrity does not have to market to the retired, elder cruiser as for many price is the determining factor (not right or wrong), and most who sail 3 or 4 times a year, they shift between Princess, HAL, etc based on who has the best deal. Its the new passenger they need to market to and retaining them.

I believe Celebrity's marketing tactic is actually working. It seems as if they are targeting the upper-middle class 30-and 40-something's with disposable income who stay at W Hotels or other modern upscale hotels. My partner and I fit this description and we have primarily converted over to Celebrity exclusively. We have sailed Crystal and HAL and were bored out of our minds. I don't think I've ever heard loud techno music blaring anywhere on an X ship. In fact on our most recent cruise, I heard a lot of uptempo music around the ship, a 1970s night, etc. I think cruise lines like X and Crystal realize that the clientele who have been their bread-and-butter in the past, are getting too old to travel, and they have started targeting a younger demographic - X with it's "Modern Luxury" tag and Crystal with it's shorter cruises and more port-intensive itineraries. I'm I not here to debate what "Modern Luxury" consists of, but I can say that those who are part of my demographic would not find Acapella groups a big draw, nor do we find loud, abrasive music appealing - and we are the up and coming demo with the money and desire to travel that the cruise lines know will keep them in business for many years. We have been very happy with Celebrity and only stray now for itinerary.

 

 

Michael

My friends and I (in our early to late 40's) are also now exclusively sailing Celebrity in this segment (we also sail Crystal and Cunard). Love the direction Celebrity has gone and sailing in Aqua or a sky suite is a great alternative to get away when we can't get on Crystal. Celebrity has also done some great alternative marketing in San Francisco and LA, geared towards the affluent working class here, it seems to be working as many colleagues who never thought of a cruise are now asking about these new Celebrity ships and what its like on board

Always hated Steiner, my last run in was an awful service on Crystal Serenity. It would be great if they signed Canyon Ranch, love them on QM2, much classier act

She is delayed awaiting late passengers

I am platinum on Princess and sailed Celebrity and Crystal this year. Though Celebrity and Crystal are different segments on the cruise chain (premium/mass market vs luxury), I do enjoy Celebrity and their S-calss ships far more than Princess.

On Celebrity, I have only sailed Aqua Class and Suites and eatten in Blu with a drink package which makes Celebrity feel a bit more all inclusive and "ship within a ship" eating in Blu (open seating, smaller, etc)

Overall Crystal is a far superior product for food service and passenger space, but if you do Celebrity right, its a great product and a nice step up from Princess

On Celebrity the standard S Class balcony cabin is smaller than a mini suite but larger than the standard balcony on Princess. I think a sky suite would be a nice compare to a mini suite on Princess (and you get a butler)

My favorite thing on Celebrity is the ships (really pretty), the grass!, and the service and having the option to eat in Blu or several alternative restaurants

I find the drink packages very convenient and always enjoyed them on Celebrity, which the premium package includes everything. After juice at breakfast, a coffee, a few bottles of water or vitamin water by the pool a glass of wine at diner and an after dinner drink, it's so worth it. Happy to see Princess is catching up

And to those that think it's too pricey, no one is making anyone purchase one. I applaud Princess for offering the option

Apologies if this has been asked already, as a solo AQ and Sky Suite Passenger, anyone know if solos will be given any additional points as we pay 200% of the per passenger double occ. fare? Does Royal do that? I think Princess does. Thanks!

Have always sailed AQ since it's inception and would never sail anything else. Far superior and a nice bridge to the luxury lines dining set ups. Had friends in the main dining room and visited them and it was crowded and very noisy.... No thanks

I think the largest difference would be cabin size, Azamara has tiny cabins and bathrooms (unless you are in a top suite), all suites on SS. SS is all inclusive. SS has far fewer passengers