Thinking of trying Celebrity...

[Kevin Hort]

My wife and I are thinking of sailing on Celebrity for the first time next March. Specifically, we are considering the Summit out of San Juan. We have sailed Princess and Royal Caribbean in the past but we have primarily sailed on Carnival.

 

Can someone perhaps give me a brief synopsis about sailing on Celebrity? We have really enjoyed our trips on Carnival but are interested in trying something different.

 

Any info would be most appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance!!!

[jd1966]

My wife and I are thinking of sailing on Celebrity for the first time next March. Specifically, we are considering the Summit out of San Juan. We have sailed Princess and Royal Caribbean in the past but we have primarily sailed on Carnival.

 

Can someone perhaps give me a brief synopsis about sailing on Celebrity? We have really enjoyed our trips on Carnival but are interested in trying something different.

 

Any info would be most appreciated.

 

Thank you in advance!!!

I cannot comment on Carnival since I've never been on one of their ships. But, I would define Celebrity as an upscale RCCL with better food and service. Celebrity is quite a bit more laid back with fewer poolside outdoor activities than RCCL or Princess. The bar scene is not as active as the other lines. There are no rock walls or flowriders. I like the newer RCCL ships as well as the Millennium and Solstice Class ships on Celebrity. The Solstice class ships are the nicest, classiest ships we've sailed and they are a real treat. We've taken the Summit out of San Juan and really enjoyed the trip! One of the biggest differences is that Celebrity severely limits where people can smoke including no smoking in the staterooms or balconies. If you're not a full time party animal, you will love Celebrity!!

[AlanAllyn]

Celebrity has very limited smoking - not in cabins or balconies or the Casino. Announcements are limited to once a day.

[dopeyngrumpy]

Hi

 

We too are starting to look at Celebrity - some of the 2011 summer itineraries on the Eclipse look to have a lot more imagination than other lines in the Med this summer - our choices seem to boil down to fly/cruise RCI - Splendour of the Seas, Independence out of Southampton or the Eclipse.

 

We've travelled on NCL (Jewel and Spirit) a couple of times and love the experience, like the look of the Eclipse and those itineraries for 2011 so those who've recently done both what will we see as the differences? We're in our 40's and our friends will be travelling with one Teen, so all experiences welcome. Our friends have done one Celebrity cruise but it was a good few years ago and they did not have a great time so any thoughts on what they might find different also welcomed.

 

We're usually in a balcony but might go for Concierge class based on what I've read if we do go Celebrity.

 

I've trawled through many reviews but direct opinions are invited, I've posted it here in the hope that Celebrity fans will give me some positives too.

 

David

[Kevin Hort]

I cannot comment on Carnival since I've never been on one of their ships. But, I would define Celebrity as an upscale RCCL with better food and service. Celebrity is quite a bit more laid back with fewer poolside outdoor activities than RCCL or Princess. The bar scene is not as active as the other lines. There are no rock walls or flowriders. I like the newer RCCL ships as well as the Millennium and Solstice Class ships on Celebrity. The Solstice class ships are the nicest, classiest ships we've sailed and they are a real treat. We've taken the Summit out of San Juan and really enjoyed the trip! One of the biggest differences is that Celebrity severely limits where people can smoke including no smoking in the staterooms or balconies. If you're not a full time party animal, you will love Celebrity!!

 

Thank you for the information! My wife and I are in our mid-40's and have been cruising for a number of years. We don't dislike Carnival but we are looking for new and different experiences. We are not all night/day party animals by any stretch but we do enjoy dancing and generally having a good time. I know that the Millennium class ships have nightclubs, but we do get a bit concerned that after 10pm the carpets will be rolled up and the shades will be drawn.

 

On Carnival we have grown a bit tired of the continuous announcements during the day, the poolside activities and the lack of respect some cruisers show for the ship. However, we also really like the evening entertainment on Carnival and the food has typically been outstanding. But it is disappointing how the hot tubs become "kiddie pools" throughout the day.

 

Can you tell me anything about the music/entertainment on deck during the day? Sometimes it is nice to enjoy some music while we are baking our pasty white bodies in the sun!

 

You mentioned Celebrity's smoking policy and that is actually quite appealing to us. Carnival seldom enforces their smoking policy and we have grown tired of inconsiderate smokers lighting up next to us while we are in an area that is supposed to be no smoking. My wife suffers from asthma and even small amounts of smoke really bother her.

 

Thank you again for the info!

[jd1966]

Thank you for the information! My wife and I are in our mid-40's and have been cruising for a number of years. We don't dislike Carnival but we are looking for new and different experiences. We are not all night/day party animals by any stretch but we do enjoy dancing and generally having a good time. I know that the Millennium class ships have nightclubs, but we do get a bit concerned that after 10pm the carpets will be rolled up and the shades will be drawn.

Most of the clubs stayed open well past midnight but weren't very crowded.

The positive thing is that you can get a table and there is usually plenty of room on the dance floor.

 

On Carnival we have grown a bit tired of the continuous announcements during the day, the poolside activities and the lack of respect some cruisers show for the ship. However, we also really like the evening entertainment on Carnival and the food has typically been outstanding. But it is disappointing how the hot tubs become "kiddie pools" throughout the day.

Announcements are few and far between on Celebrity ships. Usually limited to the Captains daily announcement. We have taken three Celebrity cruises and children were seldom seen. Not very many on our cruises.

 

Can you tell me anything about the music/entertainment on deck during the day? Sometimes it is nice to enjoy some music while we are baking our pasty white bodies in the sun!

There was an occasional band by the pool but alot less than on RCCL ships.

 

You mentioned Celebrity's smoking policy and that is actually quite appealing to us. Carnival seldom enforces their smoking policy and we have grown tired of inconsiderate smokers lighting up next to us while we are in an area that is supposed to be no smoking. My wife suffers from asthma and even small amounts of smoke really bother her.

No smoking in the casino means that I spend way too much time in there.............

 

Thank you again for the info!

You'll love Celebrity and may never go back to Carnival. Try a Solstice class ship, they are fantastic.

[Desdemona01]

We have sailed exclusively with HAL but have been disappointed lately with the experiences we've had. We have an upcoming HAL cruise booked in September but are looking at our options after that. The Celebrity smoking policies (and enforcement) are very appealing to us. We know very little about the Celebrity ships--we have always preferred the smaller HAL ships but we are also comfortable on the Vista class (1800-2000 pax) but try to avoid ships larger than that. Any experiences/comparisons regarding HAL vs Celebrity? Thanks for your time.

[Orator]

I was on the Century last week. Due to high winds the ship docked outside of Georgetown. A Carnival ship was in the same situation. Celebrity spent $17000 to provide free transportation to and from Georgetown, Carnival guests were on their own. On return we found a very long, unmoving line waiting for tenders back to the Carnival ship. They appeared angry, hot and tired. Celebrity had guides to direct us to tenders. They provided cold drinks and cool towels. Heard Carnival guests ask why we were passing them. One lady near me yelled "you should have taken Celebrity". I think this story illustrates my position.

[OhioDogLover]

We have done a lot of the different cruise lines. We enjoyed Carnival and would do it again, but some of the people we were with thought it was too loud and some of the passengers just too much. We thought Celebrity and HAL were similar experiences in many respects, but that Celebrity was a bit more active than HAL. As we have only been on one HAL cruise, maybe it was just that one, who knows? As a contrast, we thought Carnival was the most active, then Princess and RCI, HAL and Celebrity after that. We generally pick the cruises by itinerary and schedule. We are going on Celebrity this summer for that reason. We always have fun, no matter what, so maybe we aren't picky enough??;)

ohiodoglover

[klingoncruiser]

I have always found the food on Celebrity to really be a cut above. Their buffet is really good. If you can't find something to eat there, you are way too picky. I really found Carnivores to be a joke. (no one beats their pizza though) Food is subjective!

 

Smoking policy is mostly enforced and the new balcony one is delightful. Some still ignore it but I have NO problem ratting them out. Having a smoke free Casino is dangerous. I will actually spend time in there now.:eek:

 

Service has always been a cut above as well for me.

 

Always try different lines, ya never know what you will find that you like. I just got off of Norwegian and really loved it. I will be going back.

[GeorgeL]

Thank you for the information! My wife and I are in our mid-40's and have been cruising for a number of years. We don't dislike Carnival but we are looking for new and different experiences. We are not all night/day party animals by any stretch but we do enjoy dancing and generally having a good time. I know that the Millennium class ships have nightclubs, but we do get a bit concerned that after 10pm the carpets will be rolled up and the shades will be drawn.

 

On Carnival we have grown a bit tired of the continuous announcements during the day, the poolside activities and the lack of respect some cruisers show for the ship. However, we also really like the evening entertainment on Carnival and the food has typically been outstanding. But it is disappointing how the hot tubs become "kiddie pools" throughout the day.

 

Can you tell me anything about the music/entertainment on deck during the day? Sometimes it is nice to enjoy some music while we are baking our pasty white bodies in the sun!

 

You mentioned Celebrity's smoking policy and that is actually quite appealing to us. Carnival seldom enforces their smoking policy and we have grown tired of inconsiderate smokers lighting up next to us while we are in an area that is supposed to be no smoking. My wife suffers from asthma and even small amounts of smoke really bother her.

 

Thank you again for the info!

 

Here is Celebrity in a nutshell: Great food, great service, beautiful ships, mediocre to poor entertainment, low key nightlife (not a party ship atmosphere), older passengers.

[Orator]

Entertainment on the Century was wonderful. Remember casts change, entertainers change. Some like jugglers, some don't. Some prefer their music loud, some soft.

[GeorgiaPeach51]

Let me start by saying we have our first Celebrity cruise scheduled in May on the Equinox. We (two sisters and their husbands, mid-50's) have sailed on HAL, Princess and Carnival, and certainly rate Princess the lowest of that group, and falling fast in our opinion. We have found enough to enjoy on all but one of the 12 cruises we've been on to say we had fun--not because we're not picky but because we try to go with the flow, enjoy the pleasant surprises, seize the moment, smell the flowers....etc!

 

We have enjoyed most of the Carnival cruises we've been on...agree that the food is good, and found alot to like. We have, however, a severe aversion to smoke...and have sought Celebrity for that reason primarily. To be able to enjoy the casino and not be driven out by the need to take a breath...to not have people blowing smoke in all the clubs, to not come back to the room reeking with smoke, etc. I cannot express how excited we are to have a relatively smoke-free cruise to anticipate. FINALLY!

 

For that reason alone, we think Celebrity is well worth the try and the good reviews of the Equinox lead us to think we've made a good decision. We don't expect perfection and are not troubled by a more sedate group if that is what we find....our last cruise was on Princess and we didn't find the ship to be very lively at night but we still had fun. I prefer quieter to alot of noise and slamming doors at 2 a.m.....

 

I think it is safe to say there is no perfect cruise, ship or cruise line. But there certainly are levels of service and differences in the cruise lines that make it fun to find the right fit for what hits most of the priorities for you. We are anticipating a step up with Celebrity, and as I said, if nothing else, we won't have to hang our clothes on the balcony to air out when we get back at night!

[Orator]

I will be on my third Equinox cruise on April 19th. Hope you enjoy it as much as I.

[scf1270]

We were initally drawn to =X= because they have one of the most restrictive smoking policies. Like your wife, I have asthma, and smoke is my worst trigger. It is very easy to avoid the smoking areas, and the real plus is NO SMOKING ON BALCONIES **whoo-hoo**. This will be our 3rd balcony, and we have never had a problem! We did research the smoking areas for our ship and made sure our room was not near those (ie: drifitng down from the pool deck's small smoking area). Because of their policy, this is the only line we look at and that doesn't bother us at all :-)!

 

Some other thoughts - and everyone's view is subjective:

Century is smaller and older, Solstice is large and new, Summit more in the middle - so different venues/vibes on each. We liked trying the different bars and pubs. Everything from the poolside ones the the martini bar and nightclub lounge. I think you can find almost any "vibe" you're looking for whenever the mood strikes. Along with that, you can be surrounded by other people or find a quiet spot to be alone. We went to most of the evening shows and enjoyed those. Also liked the various small entertainment venues around the ship.

 

There are so many activites on the daily list. We didn't do many of them - 'cause that's what we wanted, but there was certainly something for everyone at just about anytime.

 

Lots of people say the food is wonderful, and many who have tried multiple cruise lines prefer the =X= food. I think it is really very, very good, but more like hotel banquet really good vs. fine resturant really good. There are also nice dining choices pretty much any time if the "regular" times don't work for you. We like to sleep late and would go to the smaller "!?!" mid-morning breakfast buffet and eat out on the aft deck and pretty much skipped lunch or grabbed something light by the pool.

 

Service was great on all areas of the ship.

 

So.....before this gets any longer: I think that unless you rate your cruise by how much you drank, or at the other end, how many hours you slept in your deck chair - there's a whole lot of Celebrity to love in the middle :-)

 

Good luck with your choice!

Sara

[Searching4Sun]

I'm grateful for this post! My husband and I are considering Celebrity for our Fall cruise this year. We have been on NCL and HAL, and while the food is better on HAL (minus the Teppanyaki restaurant on NCL), I like the freestyle format better. I haven't really seen too much on disembarkation with Celebrity. I really enjoy being able to hang out in my room, eat breakfast in a restaurant, and leave pretty much when we want/need to. What is it like on Celebrity?

[Lois R]

I'm grateful for this post! My husband and I are considering Celebrity for our Fall cruise this year. We have been on NCL and HAL, and while the food is better on HAL (minus the Teppanyaki restaurant on NCL), I like the freestyle format better. I haven't really seen too much on disembarkation with Celebrity. I really enjoy being able to hang out in my room, eat breakfast in a restaurant, and leave pretty much when we want/need to. What is it like on Celebrity?

 

Disembarking? I hate it:( that is because they actually make you get

off the ship and go home;)

 

OK....breakfast is offered upstairs at the buffet and in the main dining

room. Hours are limited because the people taking your cabin want

to get on board:D

 

As for hanging out in your room? Nope, they really prefer you are out

of there...lets say by 8:00am.

Leaving when you want? You mean the time you leave your cabin

or the actual ship? Everyone gets colored tags for their luggage

and a memo about where you need to be in the morning.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise:)

[dopeyngrumpy]

Well we've decided to find out in the best way possible, by booking a last minute mini to Ireland and back so will report back on our own comparison . Any pre-trip tips welcomed

 

David

[coffeelovers]

Absolutely agree with JD1966! We have cruised on Carnival, RCC, Celebrity and Costa and think Celebrity is the best. We love the dining, music and overall atmosphere...very classy and nice. However, when we cruise, we like to relax and enjoy some good family time vs. go go go! If you need lots activities & action, enjoy faster, more basic meals (vs. dining), you might not love this line. We cruise again on the Solstice in a week (bringing our two school aged children who do fine on this line by the way) and can't wait!!!

[Bellfree Bat]

We typically cruise RCCL but have also done a sailing on NCL (our first) and HAL. We took our first X cruise 2 years ago and absolutely loved it. It was on the Summit out of San Juan January timeframe. We are in our late 40s, early 50s and felt the demograhics were perfect. We had the best tablemates and sometimes were the last ones out of the dining room after they turned on the lights. We though the food and service were better than RCCL. Loved the fact that there were not the frequent anouncements during the day and the smoking policy was amazing. We are not gamblers but it was nice to be able to walk through the casino without a re-breather.:D We are looking forward to our X cruise on the Solstice in May and taking advantage of the reciprocal Elite perks available.

[njoyndride]

We were initally drawn to =X= because they have one of the most restrictive smoking policies. Like your wife, I have asthma, and smoke is my worst trigger. It is very easy to avoid the smoking areas, and the real plus is NO SMOKING ON BALCONIES **whoo-hoo**. This will be our 3rd balcony, and we have never had a problem! We did research the smoking areas for our ship and made sure our room was not near those (ie: drifitng down from the pool deck's small smoking area). Because of their policy, this is the only line we look at and that doesn't bother us at all :-)!

 

Some other thoughts - and everyone's view is subjective:

Century is smaller and older, Solstice is large and new, Summit more in the middle - so different venues/vibes on each. We liked trying the different bars and pubs. Everything from the poolside ones the the martini bar and nightclub lounge. I think you can find almost any "vibe" you're looking for whenever the mood strikes. Along with that, you can be surrounded by other people or find a quiet spot to be alone. We went to most of the evening shows and enjoyed those. Also liked the various small entertainment venues around the ship.

 

There are so many activites on the daily list. We didn't do many of them - 'cause that's what we wanted, but there was certainly something for everyone at just about anytime.

 

Lots of people say the food is wonderful, and many who have tried multiple cruise lines prefer the =X= food. I think it is really very, very good, but more like hotel banquet really good vs. fine resturant really good. There are also nice dining choices pretty much any time if the "regular" times don't work for you. We like to sleep late and would go to the smaller "!?!" mid-morning breakfast buffet and eat out on the aft deck and pretty much skipped lunch or grabbed something light by the pool.

 

Service was great on all areas of the ship.

 

So.....before this gets any longer: I think that unless you rate your cruise by how much you drank, or at the other end, how many hours you slept in your deck chair - there's a whole lot of Celebrity to love in the middle :-)

 

Good luck with your choice!

Sara

 

I am too thinking of my first Celebrity. Sara - How do I find out where the smoking areas are located?

 

Thanks

[Bellfree Bat]

Hi Sharon. The X website states: "For all Celebrity ships, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on any stateroom veranda. Cigarette smoking will only be permitted in designated indoor and outdoor areas of the ship, while cigar and pipe smoking will only be permitted in designated outdoor areas. Smoking will not be permitted in any dining venue, casino, theater, hallway, elevator or corridor."

 

I guess it depends on what ship you will be on where the smoking area are. From what I remember, it is on the Starboard side, outside decks and some lounges. I am sure a smoker will be able to elaborate for you.

[Lois R]

Hi Sharon. The X website states: "For all Celebrity ships, smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom or on any stateroom veranda. Cigarette smoking will only be permitted in designated indoor and outdoor areas of the ship, while cigar and pipe smoking will only be permitted in designated outdoor areas. Smoking will not be permitted in any dining venue, casino, theater, hallway, elevator or corridor."

 

I guess it depends on what ship you will be on where the smoking area are. From what I remember, it is on the Starboard side, outside decks and some lounges. I am sure a smoker will be able to elaborate for you.

 

Hi Ruth and Charlie, actually smoking is allowed PORTSIDE only;)

No smoking starboard side. And no, I am not a smoker.

 

Sharon, smoking...outside at the pool...portside you will see ashtrays.

Also, all the way AFT of the buffet...outside. Portside only you will see the

ashtrays out there.

All the way forward....all the ships have a lounge upstairs (in the evenings there is dancing up there....e.g....the disco)

Inside that lounge, portside....its the only indoor spot that smoking is allowed.

[Bellfree Bat]

Hi Ruth and Charlie, actually smoking is allowed PORTSIDE only;)

You are right. I have alway been left and right challenged and with the addition of Port and Starboard...Well, I am a natural blonde. :o

[Lois R]

You are right. I have alway been left and right challenged and with the addition of Port and Starboard...Well, I am a natural blonde. :o

 

I am a natural brunette and have those moments too;)

I learned after my 1st or 2nd cruise....PORT=LEFT....both have 4 letters.