Need info : how does Celebrity compare to Carnival or NCL - looking to book!!!

[Jocecruise]

I looked at the promotion 123 go and we are very interested with 2014 March break cruise out of San Juan.

 

We cruised twice before, once with NCL - Alaska in 2007 with a 16 months old baby and this past March Break with Carnival out of Miami (the kid is now 6 yrs old)..

 

We enjoyed both cruise in different ways.

 

My question is: does Celebrity have a kid's club similar to Carnival, which my son enjoyed very much and, the suppers in the MDR, is it very formal? Do we need to bring the suit with tie or a clean white shirt with or without tie would do? Do I need to bring my mother-of-the-bride-style dress or a nice dress would do? I don't mind to dress-up but my husband...hiiii... doesn't like it as much, especially the tie and coat.

 

thx for any info.. :confused:

 

I posted my questions on the 123go thread but did not get any answers!!!

[kitty9]

Carnival/NCL and Celebrity are VERY different experiences. Celebrity is more upscale, and quieter with not nearly as many bars/lounges and late night partying. Actually, the lack of very late night activities is one complaint for Celebrity---it's a lot more low key than the other lines. There are no fancy pools and slides on Celebrity that kids tend to like. And depending on when you cruise, the kids program could be good or it could be rather restricted because during school times, Celebrity doesn't attract nearly as many kids. There have been many cruises that I've been on when you could count on one hand the number of kids on board.

 

As for clothing on formal night, Celebrity is definitely not NCL, or even Carnival. Celebrity tends to be more dressy than either line and your husband will need a jacket/tie/dress pants and you'll need a nice dress or dressy pant suit. On the other nights, for you, it's slacks and a nice top or sun dress, for him it's khaki-type slacks and collared shirts---no shorts or non-collared tshirts.

[judatt]

We have actually been on all three lines - our preference is Celebrity. Our cruise on NCL was 20 years ago and on a very old ship (SS Norway). We enjoyed the cruise but it is not comparable to the modern ships of most lines.

 

We have been on Carnival with our family - our kids and grandkids love Carnival. Our grandkids absolutely love camp Carnival. They haven't been on Celebrity so don't know how they would like the Celebrity kids program. On our two Carnival cruises there have been oodles of kids and they all seemed to be having a good time. I enjoyed the food on Carnival in the MDR. The specialty dining was horrible - food was decent but service was just plain not good (example - you can't fill 6 water glasses from the same spot :confused:).

 

One item that is a good example of the difference between Celebrity and Carnival is announcements. On Carnival they have constant announcements - on Celebrity you get one a day and it is usually from the Captain.

 

Celebrity does tend to be a somewhat older crowd although there will still be children and younger people on board. We start cruising at 40 and are now 60 but Celebrity has been our line of choice for the past 15 years or so.

 

This is second hand so take it for what it's worth. We were docked end to end with an NCL ship in Bermuda last year. We had opportunity to ride the ferry's with people from both ships. More than once I had people on the NCL ship ask "how's the food on your ship?" They didn't like what they were being served and all the different venues for dining.

 

So for us, Celebrity is our choice for just my wife and me. Carnival is our choice with our kids and grandkids and we would not likely sail on NCL again.

[Karen@Steve]

You do not have to dress up on formal nights as you can seek alternative dining in either premium restaurants, buffet or room service. All other times, business casual (ie kakhis, collared shirt) for you DH will do. If you plan on eating in the MDR on formal night then you should plan on at least a cocktail like dress, dressy pant suit for you and your DH should wear a jacket and tie).

[gek]

Carnival is definitely more oriented towards kids/families than Celebrity but both lines do their best to keep everyone happy. In fact I have cruised on a Carnival ship with very few kids aboard and a distinctly older demographic and the experience wasn't that different to Celebrity if one ignores the water slides, rope courses and garish décor.

 

The kids on Celebrity all enjoy the kid's club activities but they would have much more to do on a Carnival ship, and usually more kids to socialise with too.

 

As for dressing up, formal wear is ONLY required in the MDR and the rest of the ship is smart casual on formal nights. If you eat in one of the specialty restaurants on formal nights then your husband will never need a jacket or tie.

 

It's true that Celebrity passengers do tend to dress a little less casually than Carnival but don't be too concerned about this. It's not as big a deal as some people will make it out to be.

[Jocecruise]

Bars and lounge is not a problem for us, since we travel with a 6 years old!

 

What we liked abouth NCL 5 years ago is that we were travelling with our son, who was 15 months-old at the time! We liked the fact we could go to the buffet and it there was a good choice of food. It was an Alaskan cruise in September so there was a lot of grey heads and only 5-6 kids onboard. It was laid-back and quiet, but the scenery was great!! We thought, on the negative side, that the lines for the buffet were very long!

 

What we liked about Carnival was the more festive atmosphere. We were on a cruise this past March, during our March school break. There was a lot of kids, which was good for my son. We enjoyed the MDR, to dress-up every night to go have supper in the MDR, and still not have to wear a tie (my DH hates them!). On the negative side, we thought there was a bit too much partying for us, although we never saw anyone too drunk, or rowdy, or anything like that...

 

So, we are looking for something in the middle, even though we would certainly cruise with either one of the line in the future. I just don't find the itineraries offered by NCL in the Carribean are to my liking. I prefer some offered by Carnival, more choices of itineraries...

 

What interest me with this Celebrity offer, is the money I could save on the drinks, we like our drinks! and I very much like the itinerary out of San Juan, Porto Rico...

 

And since we would be travelling during March break again, I hope there would be some kids...

 

I still have to sell the idea to DH to bring a suit and tie....

 

Thanks you all so much for the info!

[Northern Aurora]

 

I still have to sell the idea to DH to bring a suit and tie....

 

 

Just a quick comment -- the hubby needs a suit and tie only on formal nights in the MDR. On formal nights smart casual is perfectly fine in the remaining dining venues of the ship.

[Jocecruise]

The kids on Celebrity all enjoy the kid's club activities but they would have much more to do on a Carnival ship, and usually more kids to socialise with too.

 

As for dressing up, formal wear is ONLY required in the MDR and the rest of the ship is smart casual on formal nights. If you eat in one of the specialty restaurants on formal nights then your husband will never need a jacket or tie.

 

It's true that Celebrity passengers do tend to dress a little less casually than Carnival but don't be too concerned about this. It's not as big a deal as some people will make it out to be.

 

Thanks!

For my kid, he doesn't speak English so there is a barrier anyway! On the last cruise we were sitting at MDR with a couple with a little from Montreal who spoke French... THey became best buddies in no time...

 

Thanks for the suggestions, we could do that on formal nights! It would solve that problem!

 

How many formal night on a seven nights cruise?

[Jocecruise]

Just a quick comment -- the hubby needs a suit and tie only on formal nights in the MDR. On formal nights smart casual is perfectly fine in the remaining dining venues of the ship.

 

Yeah, great suggestions! I enjoy dressing-up but he doesn't as much lol!

It would be a good time to check other restaurants!;)

[DEBnGAB]

We chose Celebrity for our Spring Break cruise March 2014 and with the 123 Go drink package it was net cheaper than Carnival w/buying a drink card.

 

 

We've got a group of all ages including my 21-yr old DD who has been doing Carnival since she was 7 and wants to try something different.

 

The time of year will definitely bring more kids on the scene!

[Jocecruise]

We chose Celebrity for our Spring Break cruise March 2014 and with the 123 Go drink package it was net cheaper than Carnival w/buying a drink card.

 

 

We've got a group of all ages including my 21-yr old DD who has been doing Carnival since she was 7 and wants to try something different.

 

The time of year will definitely bring more kids on the scene!

 

Anyway I look at it, it would be cheaper on Celebrity with this special... Carnival has a 7-day cruise out of San Juan as well and i checked both, and still this one with Celebrity is better priced!:)

[navyrotorhead]

I looked at the promotion 123 go and we are very interested with 2014 March break cruise out of San Juan.

 

My question is: does Celebrity have a kid's club similar to Carnival, which my son enjoyed very much and, the suppers in the MDR, is it very formal? Do we need to bring the suit with tie or a clean white shirt with or without tie would do? Do I need to bring my mother-of-the-bride-style dress or a nice dress would do? I don't mind to dress-up but my husband...hiiii... doesn't like it as much, especially the tie and coat.

 

As previous posters have already commented, you will find Celebrity quite a bit more "formal" as well as "sedate" because it is an older, more upscale (in general) demographic. (even though S Class Penthouse Suites can't match the two mega suites on NCL ships)

 

I was almost talked out of a 8 night cruise on Carnival Splendor last year. (it's the same model/floor plan as Costa Concordia AND it had a fire on board the previous year which resulted in a tow back to San Diego) Glad I didn't listen!

 

It was the CLEANEST ship I have EVER been on. No where near the "low class, drunken booze fest/party boat" everyone tried to tell me it JUST HAD TO BE, because it was CARNIVAL. The dedicated Indian buffet area was AWESOME! But the MDR not as good as X. :cool:

 

I absolutely LOVED the freestyle dining, and the multiple, widely differing dining venues on NCL. The flat screen monitors in lounges/common areas showing any wait times at all the different dining options was PERFECT!

 

NCL's same-menu-but-two-different-ambiance MDRs is great, and they offer a MUCH wider range of entertainment options, and lounges than Celebrity. ;)

 

I've never had need of the kids facilities, but have taken a tour of them on Celebrity, and the vast majority of all reviews I have seen of them, have been positive.

 

After retiring from the military, I was NOT AT ALL interested in being TOLD how I was supposed to DRESS for dinner on MY vacation. You CAN stay casual by eating in the specialty restaurants on formal nights. But even *I* have found a couple of VERY comfortable jackets, a half dozen VERY comfortable "dress" shirts, and a mix of Jerry Garcia and Rush Limbaugh ties can REALLY make for interesting conversations. :eek: :p :D

 

Give Celebrity a try and then come back and tell US what YOU think! ENJOY! :)

[Waihekean]

I get the feeling that you really would like to go on X, but need to convince DH.:)

 

Variety is the spice of life and this would be one opportunity to try out Celebrity on a Carnival budget, so what do you got to loose?

 

Formal dressing (at the most 2 nights) not a problem. Just take it easy those nights with either room service or something nice like a speciality restaurant where you dress up a bit and DH goes a bit more casually.

 

Like already mentioned, never read any bad comments about the childrens program and when it comes down to it, childen only need one or two playmates to be satisfied.

 

I reckon you should try it, as only you can say if you like Celebrity;)

[hughdm]

There will absolutely be two formal nights on a seven day cruise. Other than the dress, it sounds like you would enjoy Celebrity. We love them both, but there is DEFINITELY a more "party" atmosphere on Carnival. Celebrity is a more restful refined experience without being boring.

[Jocecruise]

 

After retiring from the military, I was NOT AT ALL interested in being TOLD how I was supposed to DRESS for dinner on MY vacation. You CAN stay casual by eating in the specialty restaurants on formal nights. But even *I* have found a couple of VERY comfortable jackets, a half dozen VERY comfortable "dress" shirts, and a mix of Jerry Garcia and Rush Limbaugh ties can REALLY make for interesting conversations. :eek: :p :D

 

Give Celebrity a try and then come back and tell US what YOU think! ENJOY! :)

 

My husband has been in the military in the past too (before my time LOL) THAT must be the reason he hates ties, suits and to take out the iron !!

[Jocecruise]

I get the feeling that you really would like to go on X, but need to convince DH.:)

 

Variety is the spice of life and this would be one opportunity to try out Celebrity on a Carnival budget, so what do you got to loose?

 

Formal dressing (at the most 2 nights) not a problem. Just take it easy those nights with either room service or something nice like a speciality restaurant where you dress up a bit and DH goes a bit more casually.

 

Like already mentioned, never read any bad comments about the childrens program and when it comes down to it, childen only need one or two playmates to be satisfied.

 

I reckon you should try it, as only you can say if you like Celebrity;)

 

You've got it right ... all the way!

Budget is not the absolute reason we choose one cruiseline or another, it counts for sure but it is not all! The itinerary and features are more important!

;)

[Jocecruise]

There will absolutely be two formal nights on a seven day cruise. Other than the dress, it sounds like you would enjoy Celebrity. We love them both, but there is DEFINITELY a more "party" atmosphere on Carnival. Celebrity is a more restful refined experience without being boring.

 

Thanks! I am off work tomorrow and I thing we will do the booking... yippi!

 

Thanks everyone!!!:D

[HeatherC430]

I'm also contemplating booking my first Celebrity cruise for all the same reasons. With the drink package included with the current promotion, it's tough to beat the price! Plus, the itinerary I'm looking into has two ports that Carnival doesn't visit (Grenada & St. Croix).

[vermonter16]

Just a quick comment -- the hubby needs a suit and tie only on formal nights in the MDR. On formal nights smart casual is perfectly fine in the remaining dining venues of the ship.

 

You can certainly get away with a sport jacket instead of the full suit. Just dress nicely - you'll see some folks going all out....and some not. We used to go all out but aren't inclined to do so anymore. We wear respectful clothing on formal nights and if anyone has given us a second glance....we certainly haven't noticed.

[SeaWatch]

My wife and I have been on the NCL Jewel and Sky and our daughter sailed the Epic. We all felt disappointed because the food experience was really bad. On the Jewel our cabin attendant took a used bath towel from the floor and placed it back on the rack - guess he did not see my wife's mascara.

 

So, at least or us, NCL will never be a cruise option.

 

We are sailing on Celebrity for the first time this summer. Previously, we have had wonderful ( and different) experiences on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, HAL and Princess.

[cazzi]

I looked at the promotion 123 go and we are very interested with 2014 March break cruise out of San Juan.

 

We cruised twice before, once with NCL - Alaska in 2007 with a 16 months old baby and this past March Break with Carnival out of Miami (the kid is now 6 yrs old)..

 

We enjoyed both cruise in different ways.

 

My question is: does Celebrity have a kid's club similar to Carnival, which my son enjoyed very much and, the suppers in the MDR, is it very formal? Do we need to bring the suit with tie or a clean white shirt with or without tie would do? Do I need to bring my mother-of-the-bride-style dress or a nice dress would do? I don't mind to dress-up but my husband...hiiii... doesn't like it as much, especially the tie and coat.

 

thx for any info.. :confused:

 

I posted my questions on the 123go thread but did not get any answers!!!

 

We have done quite a few Carnival cruises with our kids as they grew up. They loved the kids program on Carnival. We just returned from a cruise on Celebrity and it is a much older crowd with very few kids on board (it was a 10 day) so that might explain the lack of kids . Stick with Carnival or RC when travelling with families and try Celebrity if you want to relax.

[mpace58]

Of the cruise lines I've been on, Carnial, NCL, RCCL, Princess, & Celebrity, Celebrity is my favorite. For my age, 50+, it just fits the best and has the best food IMHO.

 

However, when I take my 20+ year old children, I take them on Carnival, it fits their age group and likes better.

 

If I had younger children, 5 - teen, I would take them on RCCL. It is more geared to families and has an excellent children program.

 

YMMV

[Jocecruise]

I sent a price-quote request to my TA yesterday... :):)

[mizLORInj]

You did post this on the other cruiseline boards, right?

 

They are all good in my opinion and I've not had a bad cruise on any cruiseline yet.

 

Last week on Equinox 10 nighter I found many more bars than I expected, but they were not usually very busy except the martini bar. And I did not see one person in the nightclub. But as others mentioned, a 10 nighter usually has a more senior group of passengers (on other cruiselines as well).

 

Food is subjective and only you can decide what is "best" for you. I like Celebrity's food, but really like NCL's as well and have never had a bad meal on them. Carnival's is ok too; i can find something to eat but I won't likely rave about it unless it's from Mongolian Grill.

 

There were hardly any children on our Equinox 10 nighter; my nephew went to the kids club a couple times and maybe 8 kids were there.

 

For formal nights I wore a sun dress with a little jacket. Most people were dressed up.

 

I think Celebrity & Princess have more elegant decor than Carnival or NCL. But that doesn't matter too much to me; I'm on a ship and that's what matters. And we have found nice and not-so-nice people on every cruiseline.

 

Hope you have fun on whichever one you choose!

Edited March 29, 2013 by mizlorinj

[Jocecruise]

You did post this on the other cruiseline boards, right?

 

They are all good in my opinion and I've not had a bad cruise on any cruiseline yet.

 

Last week on Equinox 10 nighter I found many more bars than I expected, but they were not usually very busy except the martini bar. And I did not see one person in the nightclub. But as others mentioned, a 10 nighter usually has a more senior group of passengers (on other cruiselines as well).

 

Food is subjective and only you can decide what is "best" for you. I like Celebrity's food, but really like NCL's as well and have never had a bad meal on them. Carnival's is ok too; i can find something to eat but I won't likely rave about it unless it's from Mongolian Grill.

 

There were hardly any children on our Equinox 10 nighter; my nephew went to the kids club a couple times and maybe 8 kids were there.

 

For formal nights I wore a sun dress with a little jacket. Most people were dressed up.

 

I think Celebrity & Princess have more elegant decor than Carnival or NCL. But that doesn't matter too much to me; I'm on a ship and that's what matters. And we have found nice and not-so-nice people on every cruiseline.

 

Hope you have fun on whichever one you choose!

 

Thank you for the info!

Yes I did post on the other thread but did not get any replies...

I am a bit like you, the decor doesn't matter much for me. Same in a hotel room... is the bed comfy, am I enjoying the trip/cruise? That's what counts! And we make sure to bring our good sense of humour with us and leave the grumpiness at home!!!!;)