Is celebrity 5 star cruising?

[Lois R]

We are non smokers so I am interested in the comments about the Celebrity smoking policy. Are the ships completely smoke free?

 

Nope, but almost. No smoking in any of the staterooms or on any

of the balconies. No smoking in the casino anymore either.

Portside outside by the pool it is allowed as well as portside

outside all the way aft of the buffet.

Someone had posted all the exact areas where it is now allowed but

I can't recall who...maybe they can add to this list.

[Jade13]

I'll just jump in here to add my two cents. We've been cruising for the last 5 years with our two DD's, who are now ages 9 and 13. We've been on Princess 6 times and on Celebrity twice (also once each on HAL and RCL). We just booked a Mediterranean cruise for June 2011 and were debating between the Star Princess Rome-Venice and the Equinox Rome RT. We picked the Equinox mostly for the itinerary, because it goes to Istanbul and Kusadasi. Also we're anxious to experience the Solstice-class ships.

 

We've been very happy with our experiences on Princess overall, but our two cruises on Celebrity were both a slight step up in terms of ambiance, food quality and service. So we've been anxous to return to Celebrity, but found ourselves going back to Princess over and over because of the itineraries (e.g., no summer British Isles on Celebrity, basically no West Coast cruises except Alaska, etc.).

 

I agree with those that say if you like Princess you'll love Celebrity. :)

 

Which HAL ship were you on? We have found both the food and service better on HAL but going on Century a second time because of the short itinerary offered for a getaway on a nicer ship. Our best cruise has been on Azamara.

[RLM77]

Everyone has their own opinions on cruise lines. I love Celebrity, but I found Princess not even close. You will enjoy sailing Celebrity. I really wish I knew why people like Princess.

 

Dorene

 

Well, let's see.... We were recently on Golden Princess and we liked it better than X overall. Some of the reasons:

 

More room between the tables in the MDR, the tables on the pool deck, and the loungers on the pool deck than on Celebrity.

More (and better) live music.

Comparable food and service.

MDR open for lunch every day.

Sabatini's served very good food that had genuine Italian roots for an affordable $20 cover.

Pizza far better than X (or any other cruise line, for that matter).

Affordable mini-suites, much less expensive than Celebrity's Sky Suites for a similar amount of room.

Beds without rounded "corners".

Night tables with drawers.

Improving main stage entertainment (though still has a ways to go).

An overall uncrowded feel (although this may not be the case on the four Grand-class 2.0 ships with 500 additional pax.)

 

Celebrity does do some things better -- their wine list comes immediately to mind. But Princess also offers a solid premium product. I especially recommend it for those who sail Concierge Class on X. For not too much more money you can sail in a Princess mini-suite, which is a real treat compared to CC.

 

Rich

[AAAAmerican]

Well sure does define as theory.. eh..

 

Thanks for your compliments on showing facts.

 

Proof is simple and stated , again below here...

"Celebrity Cruises was founded in April 1988 a.d as a subsidiary of the Greece-based Chandris Group to operate upmarket cruise ships to Bermuda. "

 

In order to gain the Bermuda Government contracts, Chandris created Celebrity Cruises and immediately begun negotiating with the Bermuda Government in April 1988. As a result of the negotiations, Celebrity Cruises was awarded the contract for two ships for a five-year period beginning in 1990.

 

Yes Michel Roux's Birthday is on Monday. His DOB is 04/19/1941 a.d.,he shall be only 69 years of age MONDAY coming.

 

Again on as you say ..letting him go.

 

Here is what a famous Editor on Cruise Critic here wrote.

01/05/2007 a.d.

Celebrity Parts Ways with Chef Michel Roux

 

Celebrity Cruises' partnership with Michel Roux is toast. The cruise line has announced today that it has ended its 15-year affiliation with the Master Chef.

Celebrity signed Roux in 1989.

 

 

We have met him aboard ships we cruised on, had his creations too. To me his Soufflé Suissesse (cheese soufflé baked on double cream); Le Caneton Gavroche (whole poached duck in a light consommé served with three sauces for two); and Omelette Rothschild are all wonderful creations and were presented well.

 

 

Celebrity was very well known for its Soufflés ! Princess Cruise Lines now a CCL/CUK :NYSE had those after too.

 

Did you ever read Victor Hugos Les Misérables (literally "The Miserable Ones"?

 

There Culinary Palace as I call it , Le Gavroche, had been on Sloane Street in London, now on Upper Brook in the Mayfair section. This Culinary Palace was thye first restaurant EVER in the UK to be awarded three Michelin stars. ***

 

 

It as well is a World Record Holder : Source Guinness Book of World Records

 

This is as, having served the most expensive meal EVER per Capita when three diners spent $20,945 on one meal.

 

Here is there URL and current:

http://www.le-gavroche.co.uk

 

What people say does not necessarily make it so...

A perfect example is::

 

Did you see a lot, on here and off, call the main dish served an entree? Which is a real no-no! :eek:

 

en·trée ::

 

1.

1.

 

The main dish of a meal.

2.

 

A dish served in formal dining immediately before the main course or between two principal courses.

3.

 

The act of entering.

4.

 

The power, permission, or liberty to enter; admittance.

2.

 

1.

 

The act of entering.

2.

 

The power, permission, or liberty to enter; admittance.

 

 

[French entrée, from Old French entree

 

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

 

 

 

 

Sorry, I disagree as things do not just change ..it is the way things are done which do. Same as matter is neither created nor destroyed. But I do not think you want to debate quantum physics now...

:rolleyes:

 

 

 

I didn't give any theories, only commented to yours. First, you give a nice history lesson however it does not give any proof that Celebrity was purchased solely for the Bermuda ports. Secondly, I have to correct myself as Michel Roux is not close to 80, he is close to 70 however he left Celebrity after mutual agreement. At the same time he moved from England to Switzerland citing safety concerns for the move. If they let him go and Celebrity's food deteroriated after that, your allegation goes against the thoughts of most on this board, etc. If you read these boards, the complaint against lack of quality in the food started in 1997 when RCI took over. If that was the case then Michel Roux oversaw the downfall of Celebritys food since he was in charge from 97 to 07. I don't buy that, I think things just changed. Kelmac gave an excellent account of Celebrity in his earlier post and I agree with him. There were some good things and some bad but fact is if Celebrity had not been purchased by one of its two suitors at the time, they probably wouldn't be around.

[SantaFeFan]

Well, let's see.... We were recently on Golden Princess and we liked it better than X overall. Some of the reasons:

 

More room between the tables in the MDR, the tables on the pool deck, and the loungers on the pool deck than on Celebrity.

More (and better) live music.

Comparable food and service.

MDR open for lunch every day.

Sabatini's served very good food that had genuine Italian roots for an affordable $20 cover.

Pizza far better than X (or any other cruise line, for that matter).

Affordable mini-suites, much less expensive than Celebrity's Sky Suites for a similar amount of room.

Beds without rounded "corners".

Night tables with drawers.

Improving main stage entertainment (though still has a ways to go).

An overall uncrowded feel (although this may not be the case on the four Grand-class 2.0 ships with 500 additional pax.)

 

Celebrity does do some things better -- their wine list comes immediately to mind. But Princess also offers a solid premium product. I especially recommend it for those who sail Concierge Class on X. For not too much more money you can sail in a Princess mini-suite, which is a real treat compared to CC.

 

Rich

 

But Princess allows smoking on balconys and if I heard right, in staterooms as well. Celebrity does not. On a recent cruise on another cruise line we had a balcony room that we couldn't enjoy due to non-stop smokers from an adjacent balcony. Even opening the balcony door was nearly impossible without a gas mask. That alone puts Princess, and most of the others, miles behind Celebrity in my book.

[kelmac]

Rich, here is my take on these items:

 

 

More room between the tables in the MDR, the tables on the pool deck, and the loungers on the pool deck than on Celebrity.

Princess does have some nice deck spaces; didn't notice much difference in MDR spacing except for tables for two on the Solstice class ships. Speaking of tables for two -- they didn't have any in the traditional dining room on the Star Princess, or the Caribbean Princess

More (and better) live music.

Sostice class ships have live music all over the ship

Comparable food and service.

Princess food is pretty good, but not in the same league as Celebrity

MDR open for lunch every day.

Nice feature!

Sabatini's served very good food that had genuine Italian roots for an affordable $20 cover.

Didn't care for that coastal southern food in Sabatini's; Muranos, The Tuscan Grill and the Millennium class ships' alternative restaurants are the best at sea.

Pizza far better than X (or any other cruise line, for that matter).

I agree

Affordable mini-suites, much less expensive than Celebrity's Sky Suites for a similar amount of room.

Never stayed in a mini-suite

Beds without rounded "corners".

I try to never sleep on the corners of the bed

Night tables with drawers.

Celebrity has night tables with drawers

Improving main stage entertainment (though still has a ways to go).

Princess has good entertainment, but their venues are so small you have to show up 30 minutes early to get a seat

An overall uncrowded feel (although this may not be the case on the four Grand-class 2.0 ships with 500 additional pax.)

Crown Princess has a space ratio of 37.18; Solstice class ship has a space ratio of 42.81; Millennium class ship has a space ratio of 46.67

 

 

I always thought Holland America and Celebrity had more space, better food and better service compared to Princess. Maybe I need to try a different Princess ship?

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[CruiseAdict218]

Im sorry , and you got these ratings based on,...your own experiences? Cannot be as you have only been on one cruise. Princess is hardly a 5 star line, same with Cunard. It seems you are excited about your upcomming two princess cruises, however, princess IMO is a short step up from Carnival in all but ambiance. Also, comparing the latter options on your list is also rather silly as they all appeal to much smaller niche markets.

 

u cant compare Carnival and Princess and btw im going on one cruise i just felt like putting two different things showing the cruise im going on

[CruiseAdict218]

I would take away the first four and add Silversea and Seabourn.

 

 

i forgot about those two, but i just put those as opinions

[rothjer]

IMO you also cannot compare a Sky Suite with a Mini Suite on Princess, nowhere near the same league of service. The biggest difference of course is that the Sky Suite comes with a butler.

[Mark_K]

i forgot about those two, but i just put those as opinions

Likewise, JMO.

[Mark_K]

Proof is simple and stated , again below here...

"Celebrity Cruises was founded in April 1988 a.d as a subsidiary of the Greece-based Chandris Group to operate upmarket cruise ships to Bermuda. "

 

In order to gain the Bermuda Government contracts, Chandris created Celebrity Cruises and immediately begun negotiating with the Bermuda Government in April 1988. As a result of the negotiations, Celebrity Cruises was awarded the contract for two ships for a five-year period beginning in 1990.

Since the RCL/Celebrity purchase/merger didn't happen until after 1995, I fail to see why this statement constitutes proof of why the transaction occurred. Also, Royal Caribbean ships visited Bermuda as early as 1982.

[jamiegirl]

We would like to know whether you think celebrity is five star? What do you think sets Celebrity apart from the other cruise lines? Which cruise lines do you think are on a par with Celebrity?

 

We have previously only cruised with Princess and will be on the Independence in June but have been offered a really good price on a balcony cabin on the Eclipse next Summer Holiday. We can't quite understand why the price for the cruise we are considering is coming out cheaper than Princess and RCL and just want to make sure we are not missing anything! ;)

 

I agree with you completely. I have only cruised twice - NCL - 15 years ago - just awful and RC - 7 years ago - better, but still not great by my standards - tacky overall experience. I was hesitant to cruise again but find it is a good alternative for my husband and 5-year-old to see Europe. We were booked on Princess Ruby a year in advance and just switched to the Celebrity Equinox. Two driving factors - price which was considerably less and overall ambiance. Celebrity just seems classier. I have been asking myself as well - what am I missing? The Princess ship is sold out and the Equinox still has alot of availability for the same timeframe. I don't get it either, but really am crossing my fingers I made the right decision. :o

[PEIpair]

DH and I have sailed on all 4 of Celebrity's "M" Class ships in Caribbean and Alaska. Last year did a Baltic Cruise on Emerald Princess. Neither line would be a 5 star IMO but Celebrity edges a little closer to it. They are very comparable in many ways incl. stateroom size and amenities, decor, public spaces, shipboard activities, shore excursions etc. We found Celebrity's ships much easier to get around on and remember the lay-out of. And, for us anyway, Celebrity offered a somewhat superior experience in service, ambience and dining. It just does seem to be a little classier. The price is definately not a reflection of the product!

[mek]

I really wish I knew why people like Princess.

 

Dorene

 

Princess has freshwater pools.

 

MUTS is offered on many of their ships. (Something I really enjoy in the evening)

 

24 hour dining (This is THE major problem I have with X) It is nearly impossible to find a late night snack with the exception of the tapas served at 11pm or room service. Also, I miss the option of having the buffet open for dinner. To be fair, I thought the Millennium offered a far superior breakfast buffet compared to Princess.

 

I love the variety of Princess' itineraries.

 

I think X's decor is lovely, but I think the cabins on Princess are nicer.

[Coffeequeenj]

I have never sailed with X, however after an Alaskan cruise on the Golden where we were literally smoked off of our balcony in a mini-suite which was a lovely cabin...I shopping around...seem to be leaning towards X because of the non-smoking policies-just can't decide what room to book.

 

CoffeequeenJ ;)

[dkjretired]

Since the RCL/Celebrity purchase/merger didn't happen until after 1995, I fail to see why this statement constitutes proof of why the transaction occurred. Also, Royal Caribbean ships visited Bermuda as early as 1982.

 

I agree with you, the merger occurred in 97...

[youngcruiserFL]

We would like to know whether you think celebrity is five star? What do you think sets Celebrity apart from the other cruise lines? Which cruise lines do you think are on a par with Celebrity?

 

We have previously only cruised with Princess and will be on the Independence in June but have been offered a really good price on a balcony cabin on the Eclipse next Summer Holiday. We can't quite understand why the price for the cruise we are considering is coming out cheaper than Princess and RCL and just want to make sure we are not missing anything! ;)

 

In my opinion, =X= deserves 3.5 stars for its Century and Millennium class of ships; 4.5 stars for its Solstice class.

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Penny pinching is okay.

 

Most of us American tourists will accept lesser service.

 

We're used to "pressing 1" for this or that on the phone, we're fine with buffets, standing in longer lines, and lukewarm food.

 

Our airlines treat us like the cattle we are.

 

Slowly, it's happening with cruising too.

 

Hope it doesn't decline more. Really enjoyed my recent X cruise in January and doing on in May.

 

I've pretty much stopped flying unless it's an international trip.

 

I hope cruising stays palatable.

[JEDIKNIGHT]

Everyone's point of view originates from a different angle. IMHO 5-stars means Four Seasons for hotels, Crystal for cruising...maybe even Regent for cruising.

 

This means seamless and flawless service, excellent food, 1st class amenities, and space ratios along with the highest crew-to-guest ratios.

 

To me, X isn't 5 star but it doesn't claim to be. I'd give them a solid "4" stars though and would say they are the best mega-ship experience out there. Maybe this will help?

 

Decent Motel 6: Carnival

 

Best Western/Comfort Inn: NCL

 

Very nice Courtyard Marriott: Princess/Royal Carib

 

Full Service Westin/Hyatt/Marriott: Celebrity/Holland

 

Four Seasons: Crystal/Silversea (Regent pretending to be in this class)

[jamiegirl]

I have never sailed with X, however after an Alaskan cruise on the Golden where we were literally smoked off of our balcony in a mini-suite which was a lovely cabin...I shopping around...seem to be leaning towards X because of the non-smoking policies-just can't decide what room to book.

 

CoffeequeenJ ;)

This was a determining factor in our switching as well. I had a mini, which was uncovered and I can't tolerate smoke - it really effects my sinuses, plus I have a little girl, I don't want overly exposed to it. The itineraries do seem better on Princess, but I read on another board somewhere that Princess is similar to a Hilton - always consistent and good, but not necessarily great. I read Celebrity was more like a Four Seasons? ANother comparison was think AUdi verses VW. Still good product, but just a little more special. So, I am hoping these comments are true. I am not expecting a luxury cruise experience, but a good one.

[degan]

We just returned from a 14 night Panama Canal cruise on the Infinity. It was our first time on Celebrity in more than 15 year. It is a great cruise experience--quite different from RCCL or Princess. The service in the dining room, around the pool and all over the ship is consistent and superb. Each sea day, the ship's officers served fresh sorbet and fruit kabobs around the pool and on hot days, they came around with iced towels as a refresher. Dining room service was excellent and the food was much better than the mainstream lines. Buffet food was excellent and had a great variety--definitely had the best made to order deli sandwiches ever!. The meals in the specialty restaurant, SS United States, were 5 Star plus. We've sailed on smaller, more expensive lines like Regent Seven Seas and the food and service on Celebrity was quite comparable. For the difference in price, Celebrity is truly a world class cruising experience

[Dorene1]

We just returned from a 14 night Panama Canal cruise on the Infinity. It was our first time on Celebrity in more than 15 year. It is a great cruise experience--quite different from RCCL or Princess. The service in the dining room, around the pool and all over the ship is consistent and superb. Each sea day, the ship's officers served fresh sorbet and fruit kabobs around the pool and on hot days, they came around with iced towels as a refresher. Dining room service was excellent and the food was much better than the mainstream lines. Buffet food was excellent and had a great variety--definitely had the best made to order deli sandwiches ever!. The meals in the specialty restaurant, SS United States, were 5 Star plus. We've sailed on smaller, more expensive lines like Regent Seven Seas and the food and service on Celebrity was quite comparable. For the difference in price, Celebrity is truly a world class cruising experience

 

I feel the same......I just love Celebrity.......above the rest!!!!

 

Dorene

[Bridge Maven]

In my opinion, there are a few problems with comparing hotel chains to cruise lines.

 

Years ago there was consistency in the quality of hotels within the same chain, but that is no longer the case. For example, The full service Hilton near the Ft Lauderdale Airport is one of the worst hotels we have ever stayed at, while the Hilton we stayed at in Barcelona was one of the nicest.

 

I also consider most full service Hyatt Hotels to be a few steps up from most full service Marriott Hotels.

 

 

In addition, I don't see how any hotel chain that is not full service can be compared to any cruise line.

[ikelmay]

I don't really understand digging back into history to compare "then and now"...... the realities of the cruise industry have changed so dramatically in the last 15 years or so. It is a massively big business and will be run by bean counters and accountants.

 

IMO the 5 star lines are the niche cruise lines that cater to those passengers that want the ambience and style that mass market lines can not and will not offer.

 

I suspect that all the majors are still trying to establish their target market (e.g. Azamara's threshing around desperately attempting to move 'upmarket' but still only tweaking its existing product) and the most successful lines know exactly what they are and who they are aimed at; Carnival springs to mind straight away. As far as rating the lines, I would only rate them against each other rather than give them Star ratings, and again that all depends on personal experience. Each of the lines does some things better, some worse than each other - overall we really enjoy Celebrity but would happily take one of the others if the right price and itinerary came up.

[Bridge Maven]

I don't really understand digging back into history to compare "then and now"...... the realities of the cruise industry have changed so dramatically in the last 15 years or so. It is a massively big business and will be run by bean counters and accountants.

 

IMO the 5 star lines are the niche cruise lines that cater to those passengers that want the ambience and style that mass market lines can not and will not offer.

 

I suspect that all the majors are still trying to establish their target market (e.g. Azamara's threshing around desperately attempting to move 'upmarket' but still only tweaking its existing product) and the most successful lines know exactly what they are and who they are aimed at; Carnival springs to mind straight away. As far as rating the lines, I would only rate them against each other rather than give them Star ratings, and again that all depends on personal experience. Each of the lines does some things better, some worse than each other - overall we really enjoy Celebrity but would happily take one of the others if the right price and itinerary came up.

 

Ikelmay, I think that each mass market cruise line, including Celebrity, had its own target market at one time, but now they are more alike than they are different. When one cruise line tried something and it worked, the others eventually followed suit. Then when a cruise line eliminated a perk, the others did as well. In my opinion, the main differences between Celebrity and other mass market cruise lines are that it is more formal, attracts an older demographic, has less children, and gives its entry level suite (sky suite) passengers the same perks as other suites. Another difference is that their suites are frequently more expensive than suites on other mass market cruise lines, even though their other cabins are very similar in price to other mass market cruise lines.