Serenade vs Solstice for E Med Cruise?

[4thecruises]

I'm looking at a Eastern Med Cruise next summer and cant decide between RCCL Serenade and Celebrity Solstice. Both have basically the same itinerary for the same amount of days. I understand that Celebrity would be more expensive, but would it be worth the extra price??:)

[Wayah]

I have only taken 2 cruises, but they happened to be on Celebrity solstice and the RC serenade within the last year. If I had kids along I would go Serenade without a doubt. It was Much more child friendly. If you like louder more boisterous events (Love and marriage game, belly flop contests, bingo), I would go Serenade. If you want a quieter cruise, fancier food selections, stuffier service, quartet playing in bar go Solstice. The Aquaclass rooms and Blu restaurant were amazing. Both ships are beautiful and you will not go hungry. You can bring 2 bottles of wine on board the Solstice, none on Serenade. Good luck making this very difficult decision.

[dohertm1]

For adults, Celebrity Solstice is a great choice. One of the line's best ships.

[sadie8]

You've got two really, really good choices. We have cruised on both and if itinerary and dates are similar, I would probably let the cost make my decision.

[skandls]

We really enjoyed Aquaclass on the Solstice. But if the price difference is substantial I would probably go with the Serenade and use the extra money for touring the ports. If you aren't that interested in the ports or you have been to many of the stops before - the Solstice is a much 'nicer' cruise - service and food are better.

[4thecruises]

Will be our first trip to the Med. Looks to be very port intensive and we would be spending most our time touring the ports. I wonder if the ship really matters that much if most of the time is spent at the ports??

Has anyone done a cruise in the E Med? Do you find yourself off the ship rather than on the ship most of the time?

Thanks again for suggestions!

[dirtgirl]

I have sailed on both, and loved both. Hard decision. Do you prefer a more non-smoking environment? If you do, pick the Solstice. Europeans smoke more than North Americans, and I really noticed it on the Brilliance in the Med. Otherwise, make your decision based upon price, itinerary, and overall experience. The food, I would say, is better on Celebrity, but I'm no foodie.

[mo&fran]

iof you compare similar size ships between x and rcl, the first thing you notice is the number of passengers. M class on x vs Radiance of rcl, about 1900 on x versus 2500 on rcl.

[mary_228]

Great advice about the smokers! I sailed on RCL in the Eastern Med and was bothered by that. I see you have four RCL cruises listed in your signature. Perhaps if all things are equal, you'd like to add to your loyalty points? I'm just off the Serenade and loved it (except for the MTD - another story).

[dirtgirl]

Great advice about the smokers! I sailed on RCL in the Eastern Med and was bothered by that. I see you have four RCL cruises listed in your signature. Perhaps if all things are equal, you'd like to add to your loyalty points? I'm just off the Serenade and loved it (except for the MTD - another story).

 

 

That is why my next Med cruise is on Celebrity!!! ;)

[4thecruises]

Great advice about the smokers! I sailed on RCL in the Eastern Med and was bothered by that. I see you have four RCL cruises listed in your signature. Perhaps if all things are equal, you'd like to add to your loyalty points? I'm just off the Serenade and loved it (except for the MTD - another story).

 

Good info about the smoking. We are non smokers and somewhat sensitive to smoke. What makes Celebrity more non-smoking? Is it less of a European crowd or does Celebrity restrict smoking a lot?

[7300ponce]

Good info about the smoking. We are non smokers and somewhat sensitive to smoke. What makes Celebrity more non-smoking? Is it less of a European crowd or does Celebrity restrict smoking a lot?

 

Celebrity limits the areas that allow smoking. There is no smoking on verandas, dining venues, casino, theater...

[bermudagal56]

Great advice about the smokers! I sailed on RCL in the Eastern Med and was bothered by that. I see you have four RCL cruises listed in your signature. Perhaps if all things are equal, you'd like to add to your loyalty points? I'm just off the Serenade and loved it (except for the MTD - another story).

 

 

what happened w/ your MTD? we are going next week and have it. It will only be 2 of us. do you think its necessary to make reservations? I am thinking most nights we will sit alone but i wouldnt mind some of the nights eating with others. Do i have that option?