Princess vs Celebrity in light of 3 new policy changes

[4275princess]

I just called Princess to check if the dress code had changed on formal nights. She asked what I meant. I asked if suits & tux's were still the policy & not just khaki's/long shirt/tie for the men. She indicated there has been NO change to their policy. My hubby & in-law hate packing suits, not to mention that after dinner; they go directly to the room to get out of them. I guess it will still be "Suits in the suit case"...

[1 HappyCruiser]

You would think that if they were smoking on a balcony "aft" of you - you wouldn't notice:rolleyes:[

 

We have been told over and over again, on these boards, that if we book the forward most cabin with a balcony, we will not notice smoke when the ship is underway because any smokers will be down wind of us. Absolutely, not true. We had the forward most cabin and smoke from our neighbors next door ( aft of us) was a significant problem. I guess it depends upon the wind direction as well as any vortices formed. Smoke also came through the vents at night into our cabin.

 

We booked cabin A201 on a cruise & smelled cigar smoke almost constantly from a cabin down below us for the whole trip. The only thing we accomplished was booking a cabin further away from everything on the ship and having to walk extra miles each day. :D

[PescadoAmarillo]

I choose to cruise with multiple lines. Whichever one has the most appealing combination of itinerary, price, and onboard amenities (in that order) gets my vote.

 

I see no need to agonize endlessly over my decision on Cruise Critic, however. :rolleyes:

Nor announce the fact that you're going to 'jump ship', so to speak, to another line for your next cruise?;)

 

How very enlightened of you!

[Pam in CA]

Be very careful when booking a balcony cabin on Celebrity. From what I understand, you have to book Concierge Class or better to get a decent cabin. I booked what I thought was a good, balcony cabin on the Summit with a couch but it was tiny... so narrow you couldn't walk past the end of the bed and the wall, you had to sidle sideways (I measured it at 11".) The so-called couch was a tiny settee and the space between it, the table and the desk was so narrow that you had to push the desk chair completely under the desk to use the table and settee, and to use the desk and chair, you had to push the table so it was overlapping the settee, making it unusable. There wasn't even an inch between the bedside table and the settee and the settee and the balcony door. Everything was squeezed in. There wasn't any storage at the desk and no mini-frig. Also, there was no Wi-Fi throughout the ship other than in the Internet Cafe and a couple of hotspots out on deck.

 

By all means try Celebrity but I was less than impressed.

[BDL]

I just called Princess to check if the dress code had changed on formal nights. She asked what I meant. I asked if suits & tux's were still the policy & not just khaki's/long shirt/tie for the men. She indicated there has been NO change to their policy. My hubby & in-law hate packing suits, not to mention that after dinner; they go directly to the room to get out of them. I guess it will still be "Suits in the suit case"...

 

We were recently on Sapphire and on formal nights my husband wore slacks with a shirt and tie. My SIL, DD and I all wore nice dresses. We did not feel out of place because he did not wear a suit jacket. If you don't want to pack them, don't.

[KruzPrincess]

We have never sailed Celebrity before but are thinking about trying them. Princess has 3 new policies that are affecting our decision.

 

Smoking: Our February Princess cruise was nearly ruined by neighbors smoking in the balcony aft of us. We decided to never sail Princess again. Then the new smoking policy was announced. Celebrity still has a slight edge because it does not allow smoking in the casino so we wouldn't have to deal with smoke wafting into the atrium. On the other hand, fewer smokers will now sail Princess, so less smokers will be in the casino, thus less wafting. One point for Celebrity, but just by a hair.

 

Lunch on Port Days: Neither line offers this, Princess dropped it 3 weeks ago. Yet, unlike Princess, Celebrity offers a table service option. I've never tried it, but reportedly it can meet DH's dietary needs. Another point for Celebrity.

 

Formal Nights: I received an email survey yesterday from Princess saying the dress code was not mandatory on formal nights. From what I have read, dress code is taken more seriously on Celebrity. I would love to see smart casual every night, so this is a point for Princess.

 

So in light of these 3 recent policy changes, Celebrity is slightly ahead. But We love the Princess mini suite with tub, Celebrity offers no mini suite thus no tub unless one travels in a full suite. So Princess is ahead on cabins. On the other hand, all of Celebrity's Solstice class balcony cabins have sofas, so for this class cabin, Celebrity wins (they are bigger than Princess balcony cabins, but smaller than mini suites)

 

In general, I prefer Princess' itineraries, yet sometimes we cruise only for the ship and skip the ports. So for a Caribbean winter getaway where we won't leave the ship, Celebrity wins.

 

Celebrity offers a nice cruise. The Solstice class cabins are nice. Go ahead and try it. If you don't like it you can book a Princess cruise next time. There are some Celebrity things that you may not be aware of. For example, if you book Select Dining on Celebrity you have to pay all your gratuities in advance. They have stringent rules on combining (mostly not combining) OBC's. They rarely upgrade. Drinks, in general, are more expensive. Be careful where you pick your balcony as many low level balconies get a lot of smoke and noise from the smoking areas on the open promenade. The lowest level balconies have obstructed views to the water because the lifeboats are not flush to the ship. My experience was that my Celebrity cruise was very quiet and slow paced.

[wyocruiser]

This is the first I've heard of Princess not offering lunch in the MDR on port days. I'm disappointed in this decision and somewhat surprised. We often each lunch in the MDR on port days, and it is usually quite full.

 

We have not received a survey from Princess about formal nights. However, in July on the Sapphire, very few people dressed up on the formal nights. The future cruise consultant told us that they were no longer enforcing the dress code (jacket and tie for men) on formal nights.

[Astro Flyer]

This is the first I've heard of Princess not offering lunch in the MDR on port days. I'm disappointed in this decision and somewhat surprised. We often each lunch in the MDR on port days, and it is usually quite full.

 

We have not received a survey from Princess about formal nights. However, in July on the Sapphire, very few people dressed up on the formal nights. The future cruise consultant told us that they were no longer enforcing the dress code (jacket and tie for men) on formal nights.

Here's a link to a current thread which is up to nearly 350 posts on the MDR lunch while in port.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1481638

[wyocruiser]

Thank you!

[4cats4me]

Be very careful when booking a balcony cabin on Celebrity. From what I understand, you have to book Concierge Class or better to get a decent cabin. I booked what I thought was a good, balcony cabin on the Summit with a couch but it was tiny... so narrow you couldn't walk past the end of the bed and the wall, you had to sidle sideways (I measured it at 11".) The so-called couch was a tiny settee and the space between it, the table and the desk was so narrow that you had to push the desk chair completely under the desk to use the table and settee, and to use the desk and chair, you had to push the table so it was overlapping the settee, making it unusable. There wasn't even an inch between the bedside table and the settee and the settee and the balcony door. Everything was squeezed in. There wasn't any storage at the desk and no mini-frig. Also, there was no Wi-Fi throughout the ship other than in the Internet Cafe and a couple of hotspots out on deck.

 

By all means try Celebrity but I was less than impressed.

 

And you also went on the Summit-class ships, which IMHO, are still very beautiful, but they are 10 to 12 years old now, so they don't have all the bells and whistles of the newer Solstice-class ships

we had a basic balcony cabin, had none of the problems of which you refer to. It's too bad your Celebrity experience wasn't a positive one, because that is atypical of what we've experienced on Celebrity.

We choose Princess because it's more convenient to us, but if it were between Celebrity and Princess doing the same itineraries, we'd choose Celebrity. The Solstice-class ships,

I know so many who've sailed on them as well as Princess's ships, and they nearly always choose Solstice-class over Princess.

Also, on Celebrity they used to do this -- not sure if they're still doing it since it's been awhile, but the buffet stewards help every person find a seat at the buffet and they carry your buffet tray for you to whether you want them to or not. The dining rooms have much better atmosphere.

The food was a notch above Princess's, but of course food is very subjective --

The shows were just okay.

The desserts were so good in the MDR.

[Cruise Junky]

I know so many who've sailed on them as well as Princess's ships, and they nearly always choose Solstice-class over Princess.

Also, on Celebrity they used to do this -- not sure if they're still doing it since it's been awhile, but the buffet stewards help every person find a seat at the buffet and they carry your buffet tray for you to whether you want them to or not. The dining rooms have much better atmosphere.

The food was a notch above Princess's, but of course food is very subjective --

The shows were just okay.

The desserts were so good in the MDR.

 

My celebrity experience was very similar to Pam's . - completely overrated. It's the only time I've ever actually wanted to spit out a dessert. Interesting that you think the dining rooms have a better atmosphere on the S class. A lot of the reviews I've read say the opposite, very loud with tables far too close together

[Toto2Kansas]

Count us in too. Admittedly we sailed on the Zenith (a much older ship) and the Zaandam (when it was brand new). Neither of us were impressed with the food, or the service (in fact the worst room steward we have ever had was on the Zaandam, as even with out little sign out, we had two out of 7 days where he never made up our stateroom).

Shows were OK, no better than Princess (and that is being kind). Food we found in no way memorable, in fact, we found the choices onboard very limited for dining.

After trying many different cruise lines, we came back to princess and just stayed there. We had decided we weren't wasting our money anymore when we knew we had found a quality product with Princess.

[RickEk]

This is what Princess emailed me yesterday:

 

Our one-week and two-week cruises offer two chances to dress up for the night, while our longer voyages offer even more. Guests take this opportunity to enjoy the evening's dining, shows, and entertainment while looking their best. A dress code is not mandatory, and everyone is encouraged to have a great time regardless of their plans for the evening.

 

Hmmmm.... read this closely and you'll see that nothing has changed. The dress code has never been mandatory on formal nights. If someone chooses to not dress up, they can dine in the specialty restaurants or at the buffet.

[billco]

I just called Princess to check if the dress code had changed on formal nights. She asked what I meant. I asked if suits & tux's were still the policy & not just khaki's/long shirt/tie for the men. She indicated there has been NO change to their policy. My hubby & in-law hate packing suits, not to mention that after dinner; they go directly to the room to get out of them. I guess it will still be "Suits in the suit case"...

 

I don't believe Formal night "dress codes" are required at all. From the Princess website, the only thing not permitted in the dining rooms is inappropriate dinner wear such as pool or beach attire, shorts, ball caps and casual jeans (with fraying and/or holes) Also, shoes must be worn. Everything else is should or requested, such as:

 

Smart Casual

Passenger attire should be in keeping with what they would wear to a nice restaurant at home.

Skirts/dresses, slacks, and sweaters for ladies

Pants and open-neck shirts for men

 

Formal

When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the Traditional Dining and Anytime Dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests.

Evening gown, cocktail dress, or elegant pant suit for women

Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men

 

So, if you want to go along with should or please, that is fine, but if you don't cross the line of not permitted, you most likely will still be allowed in the dining rooms, even on Formal nights.

[Beopthtuh]

is this a sign of the times princess looking for the cheaper end of the market to fill ships up in any circumstance

$200 cruises for a week , folk wont follow the old style cruise dress codes, so every night will be dress as you like jogging bottoms and sleeveless t shirts .

we have seen over the last couple of years a fall in the dressing up particularly in our us counterparts at one time every cruise on formal night was awash with ball gowns , cocktail dresses and tux,s black or white.

its not down to weight we managed 20kg ea for a month in the far east on the sapphire, its just a case of folk cant be botherd .

[Ron the Rev]

cp160

You've hit the nail on the head.;)

[Iamcruzin]

its just a case of folk cant be botherd .

 

You hit the nail on the head and I wish these folks who blame the airlines would just own up to it. I have no problem following whatever the dress code is for the evening but with each cruise I take I am starting to feel more and more out of place wearing a dark suit as more and more men opt out of wearing a jacket at all. Even the women are dressing down. Some of them look like they just threw on the beach cover up that they purchased on the island that day with some sparkly earrings.

[Stevesan]

Count us in too. Admittedly we sailed on the Zenith (a much older ship) and the Zaandam (when it was brand new). Neither of us were impressed with the food, or the service (in fact the worst room steward we have ever had was on the Zaandam, as even with out little sign out, we had two out of 7 days where he never made up our stateroom).

Shows were OK, no better than Princess (and that is being kind). Food we found in no way memorable, in fact, we found the choices onboard very limited for dining.

After trying many different cruise lines, we came back to princess and just stayed there. We had decided we weren't wasting our money anymore when we knew we had found a quality product with Princess.

 

Zaandam is a HAL ship, a sister to Volendam.

I'm sure you know that, but others may not.

I only mention it because this conversation has addressed Celebrity. :p

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/DeckPlansFull.action?ship=za&deck=m

 

P.S. It pays to be proactive:

I've had a serious problem with a cabin steward only once, on Maasdam as I recall. I wrote a note to the Hotel Manager. The next day there was a white coat supervisor evaluating and training the steward. After a couple days his performance was up to the usual high HAL standard.

[caripoo]

We sail in sky suites on Celebrity and they have tubs!!!:D:D

[1 HappyCruiser]

You hit the nail on the head and I wish these folks who blame the airlines would just own up to it. I have no problem following whatever the dress code is for the evening but with each cruise I take I am starting to feel more and more out of place wearing a dark suit as more and more men opt out of wearing a jacket at all. Even the women are dressing down. Some of them look like they just threw on the beach cover up that they purchased on the island that day with some sparkly earrings.

 

You're right, but why bother to lug along the extra clothing when it's not a necessity as far as some people see it. I could carry 300 lbs of clothing if I wanted to but choose to travel as light as possible with a 23" suitcase. We still attend the dining room on formal evenings although dressed somewhat casually and as soon as they begin to have the same food at the buffet we'll abandon the DR altogether. I suspect that they will shortly offer a formal & a casual dining room- something to appease both groups.

[moniquet]

I think if they are going to have formal nights they should just have it in the main dining room and adhere to a strict code. So few dress up now. Nothing worse than getting all dressed up to find you are sharing a table with people wearing T'shirts and jeans!

[KruzPrincess]

And you also went on the Summit-class ships, which IMHO, are still very beautiful, but they are 10 to 12 years old now, so they don't have all the bells and whistles of the newer Solstice-class ships

we had a basic balcony cabin, had none of the problems of which you refer to. It's too bad your Celebrity experience wasn't a positive one, because that is atypical of what we've experienced on Celebrity.

We choose Princess because it's more convenient to us, but if it were between Celebrity and Princess doing the same itineraries, we'd choose Celebrity. The Solstice-class ships,

I know so many who've sailed on them as well as Princess's ships, and they nearly always choose Solstice-class over Princess.

Also, on Celebrity they used to do this -- not sure if they're still doing it since it's been awhile, but the buffet stewards help every person find a seat at the buffet and they carry your buffet tray for you to whether you want them to or not. The dining rooms have much better atmosphere.

The food was a notch above Princess's, but of course food is very subjective --

The shows were just okay.

The desserts were so good in the MDR.

 

Yeah, not so much for me. After my Equinox cruise I came home and booked 3 Princess cruises. Although, I am looking at a Celebrity cruise, but only because Princess isn't doing a similar cruise at the time I want to go. I had a decent time on Celebrity, but it didn't wow me the way everyone said it would. It was nice, but not better than Princess, IMO. Waiters never once helped me with a table in the buffet or carried my plate (I hate when they grab your plate anyway) and they often didn't even come to take the used plates. With the exception of a couple cookies, I never once took a dessert in the buffet because they looked so unappealing....and this comes from a sugar addict. Night time buffet was limited and disappointing. There are nice things about Celebrity, but I'd never say it was better than Princess.

[chisoxfan]

And you also went on the Summit-class ships, which IMHO, are still very beautiful, but they are 10 to 12 years old now, so they don't have all the bells and whistles of the newer Solstice-class ships

we had a basic balcony cabin, had none of the problems of which you refer to. It's too bad your Celebrity experience wasn't a positive one, because that is atypical of what we've experienced on Celebrity.

We choose Princess because it's more convenient to us, but if it were between Celebrity and Princess doing the same itineraries, we'd choose Celebrity. The Solstice-class ships,

I know so many who've sailed on them as well as Princess's ships, and they nearly always choose Solstice-class over Princess.

Also, on Celebrity they used to do this -- not sure if they're still doing it since it's been awhile, but the buffet stewards help every person find a seat at the buffet and they carry your buffet tray for you to whether you want them to or not. The dining rooms have much better atmosphere.

The food was a notch above Princess's, but of course food is very subjective --

The shows were just okay.

The desserts were so good in the MDR.

 

 

I have to second the comments on the Solstice Class ships. They are a step up. But to really see some X advantages (IMHO) you have to have Concierge or Aqua Class balcony cabins and these can get pricey. We were frustrated by X' s onboard credit policy and had some not very positive dealings with their customer service. Food and service were equivalent to us compared to our experiences on Golden and Sapphire. The lines are more alike than different and we love cruising on both allowing price and itinerary to guide us.

[Toto2Kansas]

Zaandam is a HAL ship, a sister to Volendam.

I'm sure you know that, but others may not.

I only mention it because this conversation has addressed Celebrity. :p

 

http://www.hollandamerica.com/main/DeckPlansFull.action?ship=za&deck=m

 

P.S. It pays to be proactive:

I've had a serious problem with a cabin steward only once, on Maasdam as I recall. I wrote a note to the Hotel Manager. The next day there was a white coat supervisor evaluating and training the steward. After a couple days his performance was up to the usual high HAL standard.

Dahhh.......goes to show you should never type when tired. lol

Make that the Millenium (not the Zaandam). :o

[1 HappyCruiser]

I think if they are going to have formal nights they should just have it in the main dining room and adhere to a strict code. So few dress up now. Nothing worse than getting all dressed up to find you are sharing a table with people wearing T'shirts and jeans!

 

Sorry, but that just doesn't happen on formal nights. The least you'll see is someone with a long sleeve dress shirt & dress pants.

Now on casual evenings then I'll have to agree that people do wear the jeans, (and even T shirts), which are allowed on all the ships we've been on lately.