Newb to cruises, Is Celebrity a good choice?

[John73]

Hi All,

I found out about this site from FlyerTalk.com as I've recently become interested in taking a cruise. I'm going to be travelling solo and I'm in my mid 30's. I'm currently looking at the 11 night Southern Caribbean cruise in December on the Celebrity Millennium.

 

You probably would like to know what things I'm interested in getting from the cruise, huh? :) One of the main things I'm interested in doing is getting in diving at some of the ports. I'd also be looking for some active things to do onboard and at least have a decent treadmill to run on. I'm definitely a person interested in good food and wine, that's always part of my travels.

 

Any advice is greatly appreciated. If there is anything more about me that would be helpful just let me know.

 

Thanks!

[JimnKaren]

Welcome to cruising.

Your question is about whether Celebrity is a good choice. Yes. Particularly if the itinerary gets you where you want to go. Many cruise lines go to the same ports and the ports are going to be any different no matter which cruise line you choose.

The treadmill part of the question is liable to get lots of folks differing on what is decent. All the ships have treadmills, and some ships have a line of folks wanting to use them. Other ships, due to the demographics, don't get as many takers on the treadmill (and it doesn't matter whether the machines are decent or not).

I suggest that you read lots of things on the ports, both hear and from a good travel book. Ask questions.

We like Celebrity because the folks who cruise X have similar tastes with what we have. After many cruises though, we generally look for a cruise that goes to a certain area at a time when we can easily get away. It rarely matters which line, however we do prefer to not go on the mega-ships.

Enjoy your cruise.

Jim

[nps001]

i read the first part of your post and thought "any cruise line would fit that criteria" (re: diving).

 

Then I continued reading. Based on your wine and food comment, I would recommend Celebrity. In the mass market lines, they are one of the few to actually have (I believe) Sommeliers. The food, though subjective, is excellent. They have one of the most extensive wine lists at sea. I don't think that Millie has them yet but some of the ships (see below) have Enomatic wine dispensers giving you the ability to sample high end wines by the glass.

 

I might suggest to you to do a 10/11 night on Equinox versus Millennium. We love the M class ships but nothing compares to the S class ships. They have been called the "prettiest ships afloat" and I would certainly agree. Plus they also have more dining venues than Millie. Don't get me wrong, I loved Millie, but given the choice I would choose an S Class ship.

[caripoo]

Celebrity is a great choice for you. ENJOY!!!!:):)

[jt1120]

Out of 20 cruises, Celebrity is our first choice every time. Sometimes we cruise for the ship, sometimes for the itinerary, but when we are choosing a cruise, we check out =X= first. Based on what you are looking for, I think =X= is a great choice.

[PartyAllDaTyme]

My usual post to someone considering Celebrity for the first time-- if you're a smoker, you should be aware that Celebrity prohibits smoking in many areas that other cruise lines allow it. Smoking is not permitted in the cabin, on a balcony (veranda), in the casino, and in most indoor venues. Good news if you're not a smoker, but if you are, it's not necessarily a huge negative. Many smokers report that there are enough areas available for them to indulge, it's just not as convenient as other cruise lines.

[portofrome]

Yes, yes and yes. I oftel travel solo and I love food and wine. Check my signature and you see that my last choises are for Celebrity. Enjoy!

[John73]

I might suggest to you to do a 10/11 night on Equinox versus Millennium. We love the M class ships but nothing compares to the S class ships. They have been called the "prettiest ships afloat" and I would certainly agree. Plus they also have more dining venues than Millie. Don't get me wrong, I loved Millie, but given the choice I would choose an S Class ship.

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, the schedule of the Equinox doesn't quite work out for me. Their Dec 6th sailing conflicts with another trip I have and their Dec 16th one would have me gone over Christmas, which won't work due to family obligations. And, unfortunately, their Jan sailings are too late in the month. The 11 night Mellennium in mid-December seems to line up perfectly for my schedule. I took the leap and put down a deposit on it, so here goes!

[Gonzo70]

You should visit the Roll Call board section of Cruise Critic. There you can chat with other people on your same exact sailing. Since you are sailing solo, this will be a good way for you to "meet" some people that will be on your sailing. You may even be able to find some people to do dinners with if that is something you are interested in.

[AlanAllyn]

Great choice.

 

Do plan to fly in a day before the cruise and book air early, since the cruise ends Christmas Eve. And, do buy insurance.

[John73]

Great choice.

 

Do plan to fly in a day before the cruise and book air early, since the cruise ends Christmas Eve. And, do buy insurance.

 

I was debating whether to arrive the day of or the day before. Looks like airfare is about the same either way. Guess a flight arriving 4 hours before the departure time is cutting it a bit too close huh? :) I'll go with arriving the day before.

 

Are there any recommended travel insurance agencies by CruiseCritic?

 

Found RT Air from Seattle for only $725 on a multi-city itinerary with a stop back in OK for 4 days at XMas. Figure thats not too bad for the holiday season.

[AlanAllyn]

Many people recommend insuremytrip.com. They will allow you to compare plans from many companies. I have used Access America.