Celebrity competition

[PinotBlanc]

Which line or lines are main competitors for Celebrity? Will you explain why?

 

I may start a thread on other boards. Haven't decided which ones. Considering Azamara, Oceania, HAL, Princess, RCL, Crystal. We're looking for ideas.

 

IMO, recent Celebrity posts indicate some trimming around the edges.

 

 

Penny

[slp123]

Which line or lines are main competitors for Celebrity? Will you explain why?

 

I may start a thread on other boards. Haven't decided which ones. Considering Azamara, Oceania, HAL, Princess, RCL, Crystal. We're looking for ideas.

 

IMO, recent Celebrity posts indicate some trimming around the edges.

 

 

Penny

 

To keep this discussion somewhat objective, rather than talk about people's personal preferences, I think it best to compare average per diem price across the lines and then take the lines that fall withing the same pricing range and compared them with each other as to level of food and service quality delivered at the same price point. Under this analysis you cannot consider consider Azamara, Oceania or Crystal, Cunard, RCCL or NCL as competors because their pricing (be it higher or lower than Celebrity) dictates the delivery of the level of service delivered.

 

Comparing pricing for a 10 day Caribbean Cruise in a standard balcony cabin, Azamara, Oceania, Crystal and Britannia class on Cunard all price between $300 and $375 per day. I would call these deluxe lines. Seabourn, Silverseas , Grill Class on Cunard will cost you between $400 and $575 per day and offer a much higher level of service and spend a lot more on higher quality food and a greater number of inclusions such as some excursions, liquor and even some excursions.

 

Celebity's pricing for a balcony cabin tends to average about $150-175/per day in the Caribbean market. HAL prices out about the same and Princess the same or slightly less. These are Celebrity's direct competitors and are generally referred to as the Premium lines.

 

RccL and NCL tend to cost between $80 and $120 per day and are really mass market ships and cannot be fairly compared to the others.

[Eddie's Girl]

To keep this discussion somewhat objective, rather than talk about people's personal preferences, I think it best to compare average per diem price across the lines and then take the lines that fall withing the same pricing range and compared them with each other as to level of food and service quality delivered at the same price point. Under this analysis you cannot consider consider Azamara, Oceania or Crystal, Cunard, RCCL or NCL as competors because their pricing (be it higher or lower than Celebrity) dictates the delivery of the level of service delivered.

 

Comparing pricing for a 10 day Caribbean Cruise in a standard balcony cabin, Azamara, Oceania, Crystal and Britannia class on Cunard all price between $300 and $375 per day. I would call these deluxe lines. Seabourn, Silverseas , Grill Class on Cunard will cost you between $400 and $575 per day and offer a much higher level of service and spend a lot more on higher quality food and a greater number of inclusions such as some excursions, liquor and even some excursions.

 

Celebity's pricing for a balcony cabin tends to average about $150-175/per day in the Caribbean market. HAL prices out about the same and Princess the same or slightly less. These are Celebrity's direct competitors and are generally referred to as the Premium lines.

 

RccL and NCL tend to cost between $80 and $120 per day and are really mass market ships and cannot be fairly compared to the others.

 

You've analyzed that very well price-wise. Before I even read this my response to OP was going to be X, Hal and Princess just from the viewpoint of the experience: intineraries, food, ambiance, fellow pax and last but not least crew.

[TommyD3]

Which line or lines are main competitors for Celebrity? Will you explain why?

 

I may start a thread on other boards. Haven't decided which ones. Considering Azamara, Oceania, HAL, Princess, RCL, Crystal. We're looking for ideas.

 

IMO, recent Celebrity posts indicate some trimming around the edges.

Penny

 

If you talk to anyone who works for the cruise line they will tell you that they are considered a Premium cruise line and the only other line that is also considered a "Premium cruise line" is Holland America.

 

I know most people consider Celebrity to be competing with NCL, Princess and Royal also, but according to the cruise industry segmentation of lines, their main competition is HAL.

[Bruin Steve]

Just to present another way of looking at it, I'll provide a different type of analysis though, yes, more subjective...

 

Every cruise line, for the most part, offers a lot of the same things--food, entertainment, a casino, a spa, pools, etc. So, in a way, everything is "competition". Heck, even land based resorts are competition because they are also trying to draw you there, competing for your vacation dollar.

 

But, like with most products, each line has it's particular main taget market...(just like automobile companies--even though all cars do basically the same thing, the target market for Bentley or Lamborghini is not the same as for Chevrolet or Hyundai).

 

Some cruise lines target a younger crowd, people with young families, people looking for the cheapest price...Others look to appeal to those with lots of time on their hands, lots of money and to whom price is no object...

 

Still others aim at a demographic somewhere in between...

You can see it in their marketing...Carnival pushes "Fun" and LOW prices (whether they are really any lower or not)...NCL pushes "no rules" and low prices...Royal Caribbean advertises adventure and activities and entertainment...

 

Celebrity, HAL and Princess (whether they all hit the mark or not) aim for a little more adult crowd--pushing an image of great service, elegance and relaxation...So, in a way, they are all targeting the same demographic...As it works out, HAL is fighting the longstanding reputation of catering to a much older crowd--but their target market is still the same...I think Princess falls short in a number of ways--but, of course, that is just my personal experience and preference...

 

The "luxury" lines--like Seabourne and SilverSeas and Crystal and Regent--aim at a completely different demographic...They don't really welcome kids and price themselves out of the market for most younger folks who are still paying off mortgages and having to pay to put kids through college and such...So, in a way, you could say none of these lines are really competing with Celebrity...

 

The most recent additions to the spectrum of cruising are Oceania and Azamara...and here is where the lines start getting really blurred...These lines have targeted a lot of the same market as currently cruise Celebrity or HAL by giving you an experience closer to that of the luxury lines--smaller ships, no kids programs, top service, some luxury amenities...but targeting the price range of "just beyond" what Celebrity charges...Advertising prices with "Free Air" and promotions to make the slightly higher prices seem more attractive...

 

What they are trying to do is to pick off the higher end of the Celebrity demographic...Sort of the same way that I drive Acuras--and chose them because for just a little more than buying a Honda, I get more perceived luxury features...Most marketing is trying to get you to take that small step up from what you originally were shopping for...

 

So, Oceania, for example, is definitely "competing" against Celebrity...They are marketing to the same customers--trying to siphon off the traditional Celebrity cruiser who might now be looking for just a little more though still not ready to go overboard and pick a very high priced luxury line...

 

In response, Royal Caribbean/Celebrity came up with Azamara, virtually copying Oceania's business model, to try to keep those customers in the family...

 

BTW, EVERY cruise line is competing with whoever is perceived to be one step down...Royal Caribbean is marketing to Carnival or NCL cruisers who are getting tired of the crowds and noise on RCCL and may be attracted by the upgraded amenities and better activities for their kids...Celebrity is marketing to the RCCL cruisers whose kids are now older and they, themselves no longer have an interest in rock climbing and surfing and would rather have great service, less crowded ships and more elegant bars and lounges...Everybody competes to gain a larger customer share and to attract the outlying demographic from the "neighboring" cruise line...

 

So, if you are looking for the cruise line with the experience and price closest to Celebrity, it is likely HAL...

 

BUT, if you are thinking that you have somehow "outgrown" Celebrity or are one of those who think Celebrity isn't giving you what they once did and you're looking to step up, then YOU are the "target market" for Oceania and Azamara...

 

Personally, I love Celebrity and have never really had an itch to go try HAL...I have done a couple of Princess cruises and have found them fairly unsatisfying--really a step down from Celebrity--ships were more crowded, service not as good...BUT I have been three times now on Oceania and have been very impressed...The prices are, generally, about 15-20% higher than Celebrity (when you adjust for free airfare, no specialty restaurant charges and other differences)...I can guarantee that I am right in Oceania's target...I can easily afford either cruise, I appreciate some of the Oceania extras (and no formal nights)...but, I am also not really willing to give Celebrity up either...I get treated very well every time by Celebrity, so why pay that 15-20% extra if I don't have to?

Well, I generally decide based on itinerary...

 

So, anyway, for me specifically, and for others like me--that may be the most competitive part of the spectrum...

[TKS]

BruinSteve, I'm apparently in the same demographic category as you. We have four Oceania cruises in the last four years, but are "sneaking" in a Celebrity cruise now before our next big Oceania cruise next year. This is my first Celebrity cruise, and I'm excited to experience the line. We chose this Celebrity cruise because of its shorter length and closer-to-home itinerary, thinking it would be a good introduction and a quick get-away. We've not been on a ship as large as the Celebrity Solstice, ever, and I'm curious to see how we react after having been on the much smaller Oceania ships (largest of which have 1,250 passengers). Certainly there's more to do and see aboard Celebrity, but more crowds to deal with too.

 

Since you are a regular poster on the "O" sites as well, I know you always give a fair assessment of the question. I'm happy you enjoy Celebrity, and your thoughtful post helps assure me I will be equally happy with Celebrity.

 

Thanks, Steve! Kay

[Oville]

To keep this discussion somewhat objective, rather than talk about people's personal preferences, I think it best to compare average per diem price across the lines and then take the lines that fall withing the same pricing range and compared them with each other as to level of food and service quality delivered at the same price point. Under this analysis you cannot consider consider Azamara, Oceania or Crystal, Cunard, RCCL or NCL as competors because their pricing (be it higher or lower than Celebrity) dictates the delivery of the level of service delivered.

 

Comparing pricing for a 10 day Caribbean Cruise in a standard balcony cabin, Azamara, Oceania, Crystal and Britannia class on Cunard all price between $300 and $375 per day. I would call these deluxe lines. Seabourn, Silverseas , Grill Class on Cunard will cost you between $400 and $575 per day and offer a much higher level of service and spend a lot more on higher quality food and a greater number of inclusions such as some excursions, liquor and even some excursions.

 

Celebity's pricing for a balcony cabin tends to average about $150-175/per day in the Caribbean market. HAL prices out about the same and Princess the same or slightly less. These are Celebrity's direct competitors and are generally referred to as the Premium lines.

 

RccL and NCL tend to cost between $80 and $120 per day and are really mass market ships and cannot be fairly compared to the others.

 

Why have you eliminated RCCL and NCL based on price. There're usually in the same ballpark as Celebrity.

[Bruin Steve]

BruinSteve, I'm apparently in the same demographic category as you. We have four Oceania cruises in the last four years, but are "sneaking" in a Celebrity cruise now before our next big Oceania cruise next year. This is my first Celebrity cruise, and I'm excited to experience the line. We chose this Celebrity cruise because of its shorter length and closer-to-home itinerary, thinking it would be a good introduction and a quick get-away. We've not been on a ship as large as the Celebrity Solstice, ever, and I'm curious to see how we react after having been on the much smaller Oceania ships (largest of which have 1,250 passengers). Certainly there's more to do and see aboard Celebrity, but more crowds to deal with too.

 

Since you are a regular poster on the "O" sites as well, I know you always give a fair assessment of the question. I'm happy you enjoy Celebrity, and your thoughtful post helps assure me I will be equally happy with Celebrity.

 

Thanks, Steve! Kay

 

Kay,

Having cruised this past summer (for the second time) on Celebrity Eclipse and the summer before on Oceania Marina...as well as a couple of cruises on Nautica...I can tell you that the "size" of the ship was not a big concern...

Though obviously a bit larger and carrying more passengers, the passenger-to-space ratios on the Celebrity ships are really not that much worse than the Oceania R-Ships (Celebrity M-Class are actually slightly better in that regard than the R-ships)...Marina/Riviera are somewhat more spacious as they've not quite doubled the number of passengers, but more than doubled the gross tonnage--but, alot of that space on Marina is taken up with larger cabins as opposed to common area...

 

The Celebrity Solstice Class is extremely well designed...Though larger in gross tonnage, the layout is such that the walks--say from Dining Room to Showroom--don't seem to be quite as long as one would imagine...Venues are all very amply sized--finding seats anywhere is not an issue. We had "Select" Dining last time on Eclipse and found it to be very well managed and comparable to the open seating main dining room experience on Oceania...The "crowds" are nothing like one might find on cruise lines like Carnival or NCL or even Princess--which tend to jam a lot more passengers on more limited space...

 

As overall "feel", I really didn't find Eclipse to be as different from Marina as the mere size difference might suggest...I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

[CathyCruises]

For me, Celebrity can be a huge bargain--I don't cruise unless I find an exceptional deal. On our upcoming TA on Silhouette, we are in a 1B on Deck 8 on the hump, right outside the midship elevators, and for a 15 day cruise we are paying a whopping $49.93/day! That's not much more expensive than staying home!

 

We wanted to try S class a couple of years ago and got a AQ on Eclipse, in one of the largest balcony cabins (1552) for $895/pp. in the Caribbean.

 

Got a 575 sq.ft. FV on a 12 day Solstice cruise in the Med for $999/pp.

 

So, I cruise Celebrity because I know if I am diligent about checking, and because I know the ships, cabins, etc. and know what I am buying, I can get great deals and have a fantastiic vacation, made all the better because of the value!!

[slp123]

Just to present another way of looking at it, I'll provide a different type of analysis though, yes, more subjective...

 

Every cruise line, for the most part, offers a lot of the same things--food, entertainment, a casino, a spa, pools, etc. So, in a way, everything is "competition". Heck, even land based resorts are competition because they are also trying to draw you there, competing for your vacation dollar.

 

But, like with most products, each line has it's particular main taget market...(just like automobile companies--even though all cars do basically the same thing, the target market for Bentley or Lamborghini is not the same as for Chevrolet or Hyundai).

 

Some cruise lines target a younger crowd, people with young families, people looking for the cheapest price...Others look to appeal to those with lots of time on their hands, lots of money and to whom price is no object...

 

Still others aim at a demographic somewhere in between...

You can see it in their marketing...Carnival pushes "Fun" and LOW prices (whether they are really any lower or not)...NCL pushes "no rules" and low prices...Royal Caribbean advertises adventure and activities and entertainment...

 

Celebrity, HAL and Princess (whether they all hit the mark or not) aim for a little more adult crowd--pushing an image of great service, elegance and relaxation...So, in a way, they are all targeting the same demographic...As it works out, HAL is fighting the longstanding reputation of catering to a much older crowd--but their target market is still the same...I think Princess falls short in a number of ways--but, of course, that is just my personal experience and preference...

 

The "luxury" lines--like Seabourne and SilverSeas and Crystal and Regent--aim at a completely different demographic...They don't really welcome kids and price themselves out of the market for most younger folks who are still paying off mortgages and having to pay to put kids through college and such...So, in a way, you could say none of these lines are really competing with Celebrity...

 

The most recent additions to the spectrum of cruising are Oceania and Azamara...and here is where the lines start getting really blurred...These lines have targeted a lot of the same market as currently cruise Celebrity or HAL by giving you an experience closer to that of the luxury lines--smaller ships, no kids programs, top service, some luxury amenities...but targeting the price range of "just beyond" what Celebrity charges...Advertising prices with "Free Air" and promotions to make the slightly higher prices seem more attractive...

 

What they are trying to do is to pick off the higher end of the Celebrity demographic...Sort of the same way that I drive Acuras--and chose them because for just a little more than buying a Honda, I get more perceived luxury features...Most marketing is trying to get you to take that small step up from what you originally were shopping for...

 

So, Oceania, for example, is definitely "competing" against Celebrity...They are marketing to the same customers--trying to siphon off the traditional Celebrity cruiser who might now be looking for just a little more though still not ready to go overboard and pick a very high priced luxury line...

 

In response, Royal Caribbean/Celebrity came up with Azamara, virtually copying Oceania's business model, to try to keep those customers in the family...

 

BTW, EVERY cruise line is competing with whoever is perceived to be one step down...Royal Caribbean is marketing to Carnival or NCL cruisers who are getting tired of the crowds and noise on RCCL and may be attracted by the upgraded amenities and better activities for their kids...Celebrity is marketing to the RCCL cruisers whose kids are now older and they, themselves no longer have an interest in rock climbing and surfing and would rather have great service, less crowded ships and more elegant bars and lounges...Everybody competes to gain a larger customer share and to attract the outlying demographic from the "neighboring" cruise line...

 

So, if you are looking for the cruise line with the experience and price closest to Celebrity, it is likely HAL...

 

BUT, if you are thinking that you have somehow "outgrown" Celebrity or are one of those who think Celebrity isn't giving you what they once did and you're looking to step up, then YOU are the "target market" for Oceania and Azamara...

 

Personally, I love Celebrity and have never really had an itch to go try HAL...I have done a couple of Princess cruises and have found them fairly unsatisfying--really a step down from Celebrity--ships were more crowded, service not as good...BUT I have been three times now on Oceania and have been very impressed...The prices are, generally, about 15-20% higher than Celebrity (when you adjust for free airfare, no specialty restaurant charges and other differences)...I can guarantee that I am right in Oceania's target...I can easily afford either cruise, I appreciate some of the Oceania extras (and no formal nights)...but, I am also not really willing to give Celebrity up either...I get treated very well every time by Celebrity, so why pay that 15-20% extra if I don't have to?

Well, I generally decide based on itinerary...

 

So, anyway, for me specifically, and for others like me--that may be the most competitive part of the spectrum...

 

I agree almost completely with your above analysis as a alternatively fair way to look at the question presented. Perhaps the only point I differ on is I believe Azamara and Oceania originally had the marketing strategy you put forth, that is to be focus on those ready or wanting to take a step to a line with higher quality food, more attentive service (which happens easily when the passenger/crew ratio is improved) and more inclusions.

 

However I now believe that Azamara and Oceania (which I refer to as Deluxe lines, positioned between Premium and Luxury lines) have found that they can add new and repeat customers at a faster rate when they target cruisers of the luxury lines who have seen the luxury lines jump about 20-25% in price simply by becoming more amenity inclusive and/or adding newer more luxurious ships. After all its easier to sell your product when it is perceived as less expensive rather than more expensive when compared to your current choice of cruise line. So Azamara has recently become more inclusive in its pricing so as to include alcohol and wine, airfare and some excursions and Oceania has recently added more luxurious, amenity laden ships.

 

When I was last on Azamara (about 10 months ago) I met many passengers who use to cruise on Regent and Seabourn. This was not the case at all when I took a S.E. Asia cruise in the winter of 2009 when so many of my fellow passengers had favored RCL, Celebrity and HAL.

[slp123]

Why have you eliminated RCCL and NCL based on price. There're usually in the same ballpark as Celebrity.

 

I did not eliminate them because of price but rather because of RCL and NCL's lower price per diem, they do not and economically could not offer the same quality level as HAL or Celebrity or Princess. They are less inclusive in their pricing (they charge extra for almost everything), their staff to passenger ratios tend to be more like 3 to 1 or even 4 to 1 rather than Celebrity's and HAL's 2 to 1 ratio across their respective fleets, cabins in each category are smaller than the equivalent on the premium lines. And Carnival, which is the least expensive, also has the worst safety record. Now there is a corner I don't want cut.

[TKS]

Kay,

Having cruised this past summer (for the second time) on Celebrity Eclipse and the summer before on Oceania Marina...as well as a couple of cruises on Nautica...I can tell you that the "size" of the ship was not a big concern...

Though obviously a bit larger and carrying more passengers, the passenger-to-space ratios on the Celebrity ships are really not that much worse than the Oceania R-Ships (Celebrity M-Class are actually slightly better in that regard than the R-ships)...Marina/Riviera are somewhat more spacious as they've not quite doubled the number of passengers, but more than doubled the gross tonnage--but, alot of that space on Marina is taken up with larger cabins as opposed to common area...

 

The Celebrity Solstice Class is extremely well designed...Though larger in gross tonnage, the layout is such that the walks--say from Dining Room to Showroom--don't seem to be quite as long as one would imagine...Venues are all very amply sized--finding seats anywhere is not an issue. We had "Select" Dining last time on Eclipse and found it to be very well managed and comparable to the open seating main dining room experience on Oceania...The "crowds" are nothing like one might find on cruise lines like Carnival or NCL or even Princess--which tend to jam a lot more passengers on more limited space...

 

As overall "feel", I really didn't find Eclipse to be as different from Marina as the mere size difference might suggest...I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

Thanks, again, Steve! I hope to meet you one day so we can compare notes. Kay

[Denny01]

Some interesting views presented by especially BruinSteve and Slip123. Agree with the PerDiem approach, but sometimes you aren't comparing apples-apples with similarly named SRs.

 

For example, for Princess, although their standard veranda SRs are not that much smaller than Celebrity, there is no real accomodation for entertaining. While Celebrity has a couch (yes, small but provides extra seating for another couple to visit), Princess does not. So when I'm comparing Princess to Celebrity, I do it with a Princess mini-Suite and a standard Celebrity SR. Now, the Princess mini-suite is larger and a bigger veranda than Celebrity standard SR which could also be arugued it isn't 'fair', but for those that enjoy having company over for drinks and socializing, it is.

 

Now, for intensive port cruises such as our Princess Around the UK cruise, a larger SR isn't required since we won't be entertaining in the SR much. So, we'd compare standard-standard SRs.

 

Per Diem is a good general approach to this question, but it ignores that there are Cruise Lines that I have gone on and won't go on unless there is a very specific reason for it, not matter what the cost savings. I just don't picture myself sitting there ignoring all the things I don't enjoy of that Line, and keep telling myself how much I saved. But then that is the subjective portion of the formula.

 

Den

[thephillykid]

Why does It need to be such a competition? They make chocolate and vanilla for a reason. I have been on carnival, rccl, celebrity, and x in the past, and they all have something different to offer. More than the ship, are the other perks as well. For example, you can get a steak at outback, and to some people its great, but to others its low grade. It all depends what your are used to. If you never eat anything but fast food, then it would be considered great, but if you only are used to Capital Grill, then not so good. Its just how you see things, so its extremely subjective, and if you plan a vacation, you have to decide whether you want to go into debt, or live within your means.all of the above mentioned lines offer a value, it just depends on how you look at it. You could spend $5000 per person for a week long cruise on a fancy line, but if you want "chocolate melting cake", then a $500 per week carnival cruise would work for you.

 

Howard

[slp123]

Why does It need to be such a competition? They make chocolate and vanilla for a reason. I have been on carnival, rccl, celebrity, and x in the past, and they all have something different to offer. More than the ship, are the other perks as well. For example, you can get a steak at outback, and to some people its great, but to others its low grade. It all depends what your are used to. If you never eat anything but fast food, then it would be considered great, but if you only are used to Capital Grill, then not so good. Its just how you see things, so its extremely subjective, and if you plan a vacation, you have to decide whether you want to go into debt, or live within your means.all of the above mentioned lines offer a value, it just depends on how you look at it. You could spend $5000 per person for a week long cruise on a fancy line, but if you want "chocolate melting cake", then a $500 per week carnival cruise would work for you.

 

Howard

 

What you say is true for some people but there are many more fall into the category of being experienced travelers and know the difference between good quality dining and dreck. And for those in the latter group, you are interested in the winner of the competition because if the prices are similar across certain lines you aren't looking for a bargain as much as you are looking for good value.

[PinotBlanc]

These informational post inspire me to consider booking a Suite on RCL or NCL with budget left for choice of excursions, drinks, spa services and specialty restaurants.

 

Consider Princess.

 

Stay with Celebrity.

 

Or, spend more for Oceania to cruise in a lower cabin category on a smaller ship and take a chance on all that's included.

 

Thank you for raising points to ponder for future cruise vacations.

Also, smoke and itinerary are factors. There's also Azamara and Disney Cruises to consider on another day.

 

Again, thank you.

Penny

[Lois R]

Crystal is a "luxury line"...smaller ships, less people, much more $$$$$.

Oceania and Azamara? Both are higher end lines. Smaller ships and also

more money but from everything I have read, not as pricey as Crystal.

 

HAL, Princess and Royal? All Mass Market and so is Celebrity.

[Germancruiser]

I can not agree with the statement that Solstice Class ships are well designed. They are very elegant and stunning ships but have their design flaws. Speaking of the lack of prommenade deck, then the music played in the centrum can be overheard from all surrounding decks. Loud and unnerving background music in every nook and corner- well thats nothing to do with the desing- but disturbing anyway!

Celebrity ´s prices are very very low compared to the service and superb food one get´s ! I give X a rest for the upcoming time- I can not stand the constand back ground music all over the place- all in all they have become much to loud for my taste! So Cunard is my next choice! As I know QM 2 and the QE 2 - I know ( well almost ) what to expect!

[fishin' musician]

Crystal is a "luxury line"...smaller ships, less people, much more $$$$$.

Oceania and Azamara? Both are higher end lines. Smaller ships and also

more money but from everything I have read, not as pricey as Crystal.

 

HAL, Princess and Royal? All Mass Market and so is Celebrity.

 

Agreed; for me, any cruiseline with ships that average over 2000 pax are considered mass market... I've sampled 6 lines so far and have enjoyed exploring the differences. Soon I will sample X for the first time and will likely have a positive experience. I'd certainly welcome the opportunity to sail a luxury or small ship, but because of the satisfaction with the lesser priced options I'm not sure it would ever be justified?

[Lois R]

Agreed; for me' date=' any cruiseline with ships that average over 2000 pax are considered mass market... I've sampled 6 lines so far and have enjoyed exploring the differences. Soon I will sample X for the first time and will likely have a positive experience. I'd certainly welcome the opportunity to sail a luxury or small ship, but because of the satisfaction with the lesser priced options I'm not sure it would ever be justified?[/quote']

 

Hi,:) and then there are those of us who (in my case anyway)....do not

have that kind of money and so it is not going to happen. I am not going

to put myself into "cruise debt" to try one of them and I am quite happy

with the product Celebrity provides me.

 

Hope you have a good time on your upcoming cruise too:D

[Denny01]

I agree with Lois. I keep getting the luxury line brochures but just haven't made the jump. I get a kick out of those articles telling us how the luxury all-inclusive Lines aren't that much more expensive than a Celebrity cruise.....wrong big time.

 

I've run the numbers and for the way I cruise, not even close. So I'll stick with cruising more and not blow it all on one 'luxury' cruise.

 

Den

[USVI-4-me]

I agree with Lois. I keep getting the luxury line brochures but just haven't made the jump. I get a kick out of those articles telling us how the luxury all-inclusive Lines aren't that much more expensive than a Celebrity cruise.....wrong big time.

 

I've run the numbers and for the way I cruise, not even close. So I'll stick with cruising more and not blow it all on one 'luxury' cruise.

 

Den

 

 

When we want deluxe accommodations and food, we stay on land.

When we want deluxe accommodations, food, and entertainment we go to Las Vegas.

 

Our Florida beaches are major competition with a Caribbean itinerary on any ship we've travelled.

 

Today, we're very excited about our next Celebrity cruise, the Ultimate Caribbean on Celebrity is the right getaway for us.

 

 

-Marisa

[Hlitner]

Having personally cruised on 14 cruise lines we have some thoughts on the topic. The basic competitors to Celebrity would be Holland America and Princess. Some of the other lines such as Azamara and Oceania are great cruise lines, but we do not consider those to be in the same "mass market" class.

 

One might want to consider the various smoking policies on those lines since HA does allow smoking in some indoor venues as well as on verandahs and deck.

 

Hank

[Oville]

I did not eliminate them because of price but rather because of RCL and NCL's lower price per diem, they do not and economically could not offer the same quality level as HAL or Celebrity or Princess. This has me mystified, price vs price per diem?

 

They are less inclusive in their pricing (they charge extra for almost everything), What does Royal and NCL charge for that Celebrity does not?

 

their staff to passenger ratios tend to be more like 3 to 1 or even 4 to 1 rather than Celebrity's and HAL's 2 to 1 ratio across their respective fleets, cabins in each category are smaller than the equivalent on the premium lines. Celebrity has a 2 to 1 ratio? and your cabin comment is just plain untrue.

 

And Carnival, which is the least expensive, also has the worst safety record. Now there is a corner I don't want cut I didn't think Carnival was part of the decussion

 

I'm an ardent Celebrity cruiser, it's my favorite line for sure. But your comments don't seem to jive with my experience on Celebrity vs Royal and NCL.

[baldercash]

I'm an ardent Celebrity cruiser, it's my favorite line for sure. But your comments don't seem to jive with my experience on Celebrity vs Royal and NCL.

 

 

"They are less inclusive in their pricing (they charge extra for almost everything), What does Royal and NCL charge for that Celebrity does not?"

 

X has free ice cream not soft serve, and yogurt ice cream at the spa?

Don't forget free M&M's and assorted candy at the ice cream counter.

No other line not even Oceania & Azamara can compete with that.

Maybe that makes X a super premium line?

 

Though Princess supporters say they have the best pizza on the high seas so maybe they are tops. Who would want to sail on a ship with sub par pizza?