Biggest difference between Celebrity and Royal Caribbean

[happygran]

We've done both and enjoyed both, but (to me) Celebrity is quieter, more refined (in a nice way) and suited more to couples. RCI are great but are more suited to those who want more 'active' activities, and those with children.

 

We've loved Celebrity when on our own, but if the kids and grandkids are with us, then RCI is the choice.

 

We're off on Celebrity in a couple of weeks and we're looking forward to the peace and quiet. On RCI last October it was a different story.

 

Now we've got my 86 year old mother in tow, we're doing P and O!

Edited February 5, 2013 by happygran
addition

[shipshape sam]

..so I booked a 12 night cruise with Celebrity Constellation in November 2013, while I was on a 12 night cruise with Mariner of the Seas.

 

So far I got 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean. What is the biggest differences between a Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruise?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

The biggest difference is in the demographic (people they appeal to/market to) From that a lot of differences will be obvious.

 

Royal markets to first time cruisers/families with younger children/groups in general/action-active activities oriented) May be more, but that is my quick thought. Based on that, you will see more groups, whether corporate sponsored or private and thus more venues tied to private/group functions; Royal has been the traditional entry product for Royal Caribbean; lots more functions/activities geared to families and young children; more physical/action activities. As part of this, there seems to be more upscale entertainment, more lively casinos, more physical activities onboard.

 

For Celebrity, I think the target market is an older demographic although they may be pushing to move the age scale downward. I do not think there is a strong push for families although they do have activities for kids, not just anything close to Royal. Not as many large groups onboard either. Finally, due to the target market, Celebrity seems to have more longer cruise offering due to just couples or small groups traveling together vs families/large groups. More teaching type classes as activities onboard and not a huge emphasis on physical activity once on board in general. For sure there is a spa, but other physical activities are much fewer. Celebrity is a much quieter environment than Royal INHO, but still a great product.

 

I like them both and sail on both, but have sailed more on Celebrity last few years. Looking forward to Allure again in 2013 (I hope!) and now looking forward to Quantum of the Seas in fall of 2014!!!

Edited February 5, 2013 by shipshape sam

[newcruisergal]

Having sailed both I would say the lines are far more similar than they are different. After 4 RCCL cruises we booked Celebrity Summit and were really ready to be blown away but honestly it's all about the same.

 

Service we did find better on X, and I think this is due to their pre-paid gratuity program. Food was very surprisingly much better on RCCL, this was not what we'd read but it was the case with Summit. Missed the great room service breakfast on RCCL, and the buffet was just terrible on Summit.

 

Overall X was quieter, with the exception of the horrible roving guitarist/singers who seemed to stalk us all over the Summit. Really missed the piano player in the Schooner Bar. Did not miss the belly flop contest, etc on RCCL.

 

The biggest advantage to us on X was the prepaid beverage package, and now RCCL is starting to offer them as well so it levels the playing field again. I think they are both good lines and it all depends on price/itinerary/timing.

[Gig103]

Celebrity is: too formal, crew stands at attention, music geared to the Big Band sounds of the '40's! I am 62 yrs old, but I am still alive.

...

Atmosphere on Celebrity reminds me of a sedate, retirement living village. The only cruise line that surpasses it is HAL.

 

What does that say about me that I'm 31 and loved the music, shows, and ambiance of Celebrity?

 

DW and I enjoy the high-class luxury feel of =X=, and I prefer a string trio to a thumpa-thumpa-thumpa nightclub.

[lawblond7]

I love to hear about the smoking policy. Especially since I am a former smoker myself..

 

I loved hearing this as I am cruising this summer for 12 days out of Amsterdam and I am now 5 weeks since I quit and the smell already makes me sick - granted I quit turkey - you know the typical type A personality, single working mom of 3 chroinically ill boys who is "supermom" (JOKING - I do not even own a cape).

 

Sharon

[lawblond7]

What does that say about me that I'm 31 and loved the music, shows, and ambiance of Celebrity?

 

DW and I enjoy the high-class luxury feel of =X=, and I prefer a string trio to a thumpa-thumpa-thumpa nightclub.

 

I will be 49 (for 2 weeks - turn 50 2 weeks after the cruise) and my oldest son will be 20 so I am happy to hear the music, etc. He loved the partying and dancing on RCI so hoping that there is enought of that to entertain him and my twin boys 16 at time of sailing and myself and of course my mom - who will be 74= yes we are doing a multigenerational cruise for my 50th and Celebrity seemed a better fit for her and in reality all of us than RCI for this trip as (1) it had the itinerary we wanted and the amount of days

 

Sharon

[lovemylab]

Gee people...from reading some of the comments here I'm afraid to take our kids! We have a cruise booked on the Connie. Our kids will be with us. We won't get snooty comments from people, will we?! This concerns me a bit.

 

Btw our kids are well behaved. :-)

 

I don't recall seeing any snooty comments in this thread directed towards children. The OP asked what the differences are between the two lines, and many simply pointed out that Celebrity has less kids (this can be a pro or con depending how you look at it and what you're looking for in a vacation).

 

Royal has cartoon characters onboard many of their ships. They also have a children's pool area. The Oasis class Royal ships have carousels and many other activities that would appeal to children. You won't find these onboard Celebrity; therefore, it would stand to reason that most families travelling with children will tend to lean towards Royal over Celebrity.

 

I've actually seen more snooty comments directed towards the behaviour of other adults :)

[Gig103]

I've actually seen more snooty comments directed towards the behaviour of other adults :)

 

Usually in regards to the dress code! :D

[Caribbeancruzin]

Gee people...from reading some of the comments here I'm afraid to take our kids! We have a cruise booked on the Connie. Our kids will be with us. We won't get snooty comments from people, will we?! This concerns me a bit.

 

Btw our kids are well behaved. :-)

 

 

It has more to do with the behavior of the children. There are on some ships hot tubs and pools designated for the adults and yet you find some parents who seem to think it's fine to allow their children in those areas. And you do have those children who seem to run all over which is very annoying.

it will be interesting to see and experience the difference if there truly is one between the two lines having exclusively cruised Royal for the last 11 years.

Enjoy your cruise!

[Oz_Steve]

I wasn't expecting a "clone" cruise line, nor would I want one. And I don't think we took a "dud" cruise. In my opinion (and of course, you have the right to disagree) there was not much difference in the quality of food between our one 15 night Celebrity cruise and our 28 (for a total of 260 nights) Royal cruises. There were definitely more choices in the MDR on the Century and some items were really good (I think the poultry dishes were excellent) but most of the food was not any different than what we find on Royal. And some items we much prefer on Royal, such as the breads & pastries.

 

Sherri:)

 

Haven't tried Celebrity yet (have 2 booked) but have been on RCI and Carnival. To be honest I thought the food (especially the buffet and the Steakhouse) to be slightly better on Carnival. Carnival had lobster in both the MDR and the Steakhouse whilst RCI only had it for additional charge. We went with the Chefs package on RCI and the Chef's table was excellent. The specialties (with the exception of the cantina) were all good but I enjoyed the Steakhouse on Carnival a little more. The Carnival cruise we were on was a little 'dead' and the RCI one more lively which we liked. The drinks on RCI were definitely better as we found the Carnival drinks to be like sex in a canoe.

[farmecologist]

It has more to do with the behavior of the children. There are on some ships hot tubs and pools designated for the adults and yet you find some parents who seem to think it's fine to allow their children in those areas. And you do have those children who seem to run all over which is very annoying.

it will be interesting to see and experience the difference if there truly is one between the two lines having exclusively cruised Royal for the last 11 years.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

Very true! I get annoyed when people don't follow the rules too...and when people let their kids 'run wild'. For us, vacation is family time to hang out with each other...not to have the boat be the babysitter. :)

 

However, it is also annoying when people imply that having ANY kids on the boat is a terrible thing ( i.e. - 'snooty' behavior ).

[farmecologist]

The drinks on RCI were definitely better as we found the Carnival drinks to be like sex in a canoe.

 

Elaborate please. Never heard that one before! :D

[phoenix_dream]

For me the primary difference is the smoking. On my last RCCI cruise (and it will BE my last until the policy changes) we paid extra to get a huge hump balcony cabin. Had a chain smoker and 'cabin rat' next to me and I literally encountered smoke at least 90-95% of the time I went out on my balcony, no exaggeration. I was not happy to say the least.

 

I think there also tends to be a significant difference in the demographic, or at the very least at the cruise experience the passengers are seeking. To put an analogy on the table, when I'm on an RCCI cruise it feels like being at TGI Fridays. When I am on a Celebrity cruise it feels like being at Capitol Grille. These are broad generalizations and of course it varies by venue onboard, and by individual cruise, but IMHO it is an accurate overall description of ambiance onboard. For the record I enjoy both - just depends what you are going for.

[CrabbyQ]

I've only been on 2 cruises: one Celebrity (Century) and one RCI (Oasis). I think they represent as diverse a cruise experience you can have while sailing on mass market ships: small/large; old/new; couples/families; etc. I had a great time on both. I think a cruise is what you make of it, you find activities that bring you joy. Food is personal, what some find incredible, others find mediocre so I'm not going to add to that debate.

 

But I think the big difference between the 2 is RCI has more "attractions" on board than X: Ice rink, rock wall, kids pools/H2O zone, zip line, flow rider, outdoor movie theater, carousel.

[momofmeg]

For me the primary difference is the smoking. On my last RCCI cruise (and it will BE my last until the policy changes) we paid extra to get a huge hump balcony cabin. Had a chain smoker and 'cabin rat' next to me and I literally encountered smoke at least 90-95% of the time I went out on my balcony, no exaggeration. I was not happy to say the least.

 

I think there also tends to be a significant difference in the demographic, or at the very least at the cruise experience the passengers are seeking. To put an analogy on the table, when I'm on an RCCI cruise it feels like being at TGI Fridays. When I am on a Celebrity cruise it feels like being at Capitol Grille. These are broad generalizations and of course it varies by venue onboard, and by individual cruise, but IMHO it is an accurate overall description of ambiance onboard. For the record I enjoy both - just depends what you are going for.

 

I had a simliar experince on my last HAL cruise, but my neighbor was a chain smoking cigar smoker. At that time cabin smoking was still allowed so I knew his wife made him go on the balcony. I don't blame her for not wanting the smoke in their cabin but it did not make things pleasant for me. I have not been on HAL since and if I do go back I will not book a balcony or above. Since I love balconies-it would take a unique intinerary for me to cruise HAL again.

 

That was another gripe I had about our last little Celebrity cruise, a 4 day on the Connie. We had a smoker on one of our neighboring balconies. Yes I complained, but they could never pinpoint which balcony it was. I had no idea as it was not my near neighbors. I was amazed how the smoke carried-you would have thought it was a near neighbor.

 

BTW- Your analogy on the 2 lines is mostly spot on-but the shorter Celebrity cruises is an exception I think. Another exception for us was RCI Jewel of the Seas. Since it did not have all the bells and whistles on the monster RCI ships-instead it had a lot of glamour in decor like Celebrity ships. I loved that ship and a bonus was that we had no smoking neighbors-near or even within smelling distance-maybe the luck of the draw-but I really enjoyed that cruise.

[phoenix_dream]

I enjoyed the Jewel as well, but the problems I had were on the Radiance, of the same design. Also happened to be when they were having plumbing problems and I could tell some horror stories there that top any smoking story I have (but don't want to hijack this thread:)). I agree, it does depend on each ship and each sailing, so there are exceptions. As an example, on my last Celebrity cruise on Summit out of San Juan, I experienced my first 'not up to Celebrity standards' Celebrity cruise. It was Thanksgiving break, so loaded with large Puerto Rican families, thus changing the ambiance of the cruise as would happen with any large contingent of groups of people, particularly large families. To be politically correct and hopefully not to offend - I will just say it was more 'vibrant' than most X cruises. This is certainly not the norm on Celebrity but it can happen.

[DiamondSuiteCruiser]

We've been on both RCI (Radiance 34 days, AU & NZ) and Celebrity (Century 10 days, Vancouver to San Diego) in the past 8 months. Both have their good and not-so-good points. We found the staff and service to be excellent and comparable on both. Surprisingly, we found the food to be better on RCI than on Celebrity, especially the buffet for breakfast and lunch. Dining room dinners were about the same, with a slight edge to RCI. Celebrity's smoking policy wins, hands down, and we did enjoy the absense of announcements, sales pitches, and photographers "in your face" at every turn. Celebrity also wins on allowing you to bring 2 bottles of wine per cabin onboard at embarcation. We'll do both lines again in the future, though probably would not do the Century again unless she is completely refurbished.

 

I also agree with the above, except RCCL now allows you to also bring on two bottles of wine on embarcation. I Love the smoke free policy the most, and how Celebrity treats you like special!

[momofmeg]

I enjoyed the Jewel as well, but the problems I had were on the Radiance, of the same design. Also happened to be when they were having plumbing problems and I could tell some horror stories there that top any smoking story I have (but don't want to hijack this thread:)). I agree, it does depend on each ship and each sailing, so there are exceptions. As an example, on my last Celebrity cruise on Summit out of San Juan, I experienced my first 'not up to Celebrity standards' Celebrity cruise. It was Thanksgiving break, so loaded with large Puerto Rican families, thus changing the ambiance of the cruise as would happen with any large contingent of groups of people, particularly large families. To be politically correct and hopefully not to offend - I will just say it was more 'vibrant' than most X cruises. This is certainly not the norm on Celebrity but it can happen.

 

I know what you mean-we experienced that on Carnival Fascination back in 2000-a lot of 15 year old girls and their families celebrating I forget what it is called-but yes I understand. Between that and the young Italian guy walking around in the hallway with only a towel wrapped around him near our room-LOL! I will never forget that cruise for sure!

 

I would think that may just be taking a cruise out of San Juan no matter the line.

[teajak]

The smoking. We just finished a 5 day cruise on the Jewel and the smoke in and around the casino was terrible.As soon as you stepped off the elevators near the casino you could smell it. I love the slots but sure saved money this trip. Our balcony neighbor also had friends over smoking on a port day, most of the day and we had to go inside.Back to Celebrity for us.

[Caribbeancruzin]

Very true! I get annoyed when people don't follow the rules too...and when people let their kids 'run wild'. For us, vacation is family time to hang out with each other...not to have the boat be the babysitter. :)

 

However, it is also annoying when people imply that having ANY kids on the boat is a terrible thing ( i.e. - 'snooty' behavior ).

 

 

Truth of the matter is, the majority of us either have children, grown or not and/or grandchildren! Cruiselines today cater to families, so if "people" have issue with kids, there are plenty of other alternatives! :) I wouldn't be terribly concerned! there have been some adults on the cruises I've been on that you could easily mistake for rude obnoxious children!;)

[The Flying Pirate]

We have found the quality of the food can vary ship to ship, not just between the cruise lines. That being said, we found the menu in the Main Dinning Room to be more to our liking on RCCL than on Celebrity. The Buffet has been excellent on both.

 

Celebrity gets credit for, the lack of PA announcements, lack of the tacky contests, belly flop, sexy legs and that crap. The smoking policy is nice. The only bar area that smoking is allowed is the Sunset Bar which is outside and one one side of the ship by the pool. Celebrity also still does the chocolates on your pillow at night, which RCCL eliminated as a cost cutting measure years ago.

 

Celebrity is in general more laid back. They are more about relaxing than running around. There is no rock wall, skating rink, etc and the crowd is generally a bit older than on RCCL.

 

As for service, I have had excellent service on both, and I have had mediocre service on both as well. On our most recent Celebrity cruise we didn't meet our stateroom attendant until the 4th day of our cruise. He was nice and things were taken care of but we never saw him.

 

One nice thing that Celebrity does, when you return from a shore excursion they serve cold water and punch on the dock and have cold towels to refresh you before you board the ship. It is a nice touch and was classy.

[Cruising89143]

I love RCI and am looking forward to the Reflection in a few weeks. The only cruise line that will not see me anytime soon is HAL. Not my cup of tea. Cheap looking decor and service that I would rate below RCI.

[richstowe]

Wondering what responses this question would get on the RC forum board. Loved the Mariner but not so crazy about the CC RC board.

You will be fine, we always cruise celebrity with our children, and they love it, and most people they have met love them too. Too much child hating on these boards but its not really like that on board!!:)

I strongly believe there are a lot of issues that are much more important on CC then on board.;)

[farmecologist]

I strongly believe there are a lot of issues that are much more important on CC then on board.;)

 

 

Very true! People are always much more vocal on the 'internets' ( especially specialty boards like this ) than in reality. :) . However, it often does bring out how people truly feel about a topic.

[momofmeg]

Truth of the matter is, the majority of us either have children, grown or not and/or grandchildren! Cruiselines today cater to families, so if "people" have issue with kids, there are plenty of other alternatives! :) I wouldn't be terribly concerned! there have been some adults on the cruises I've been on that you could easily mistake for rude obnoxious children!;)

 

So true, I would take a bratty kid over an obnoxious adult any time. At least the adult SHOULD know better.