Med 2014- Celebrity Equinox or Serenade of the Seas?

[Lovetwocruz2009]

Hi All,

 

This will be DH and I first Med cruise. I have narrowed it down to the Serenade of the Seas June 4, 2014 or Celebrity Equinox Sept 20,2014. It will be the Western Med.

 

I have not sailed with Celebrity. The itinerary and price are about the same. Which ship would you choose and why? Anyone sailed on both cruise lines?

 

I have posted the same question on the RC board too.

 

Thank you in advance for all your opinions.

__________________

[phoenix_dream]

Just got off the Equinox a week ago and she was the most beautiful ship I have ever sailed! Have only been on 2 RCI cruises (Radiance class) and while they were nice, we much prefer Celebrity. It all depends what you prefer. There is alot written on these boards comparing the two cruiselines. Celebrity skews somewhat older in age, is generally more quiet and 'classy', is known for the food and service, has good entertainment but generally not great, usually has fewer children onboard, and basically is known for quiet elegance (without being stuffy). Celebrity also has a more strict smoking policy which we love (no smoking on balconies, anywhere inside the ship, and just a few outside places). RCI is a somewhat younger crowd including more kids, good food, perhaps better entertainment, a little more of a party ship without approached the Carnival level, good but not quite as good service, good but not quite as good food (although opinions vary on that). It all depends on your personal tastes.

[bencruzN]

We were facing the same situation. After waiting for RC to come out with their schedule for 2014 Mediterranean the itinerary on the Serenade we wanted was not offered, so we jump ship to Celebrity. This will be our first time on Celebrity and will be going Oct 14. I heard a lot of great things about Celebrity and looking forward to trying out. Good Luck.

[Phamer55]

I picked the Equinox for my Med cruise next year. I chose it based upon the superior itinerary (was comparing it against Splendor's). But Splendor is also an older RCI ship so I'm quite happy to try Celebrity's newer S-class ships. I would prefer RCI's better entertainment and younger crowd, but also looking forward to the classiness and sophistication of Celebrity which should go well with being in Europe.

[eekabeek]

We have booked the European Cruise from Southampton on the Eclipse BUT would have been on the Equinox in a heartbeat if it had been available from there. It's an awesome ship, we were on there in January this year and loved it. I can't imagine why I would need to look at another line as this ticked all my boxes. I am 45 and although the age range was more mature the lack of young children running up hallways was really not missed.

You will have a fab time on a truly beautiful ship :)

[hillsprint]

Last year we did your itenary on the Solstice, it was a fabulous cruise and the S class ships are just amazing. We also, later in the year, did Mariner of the Seas out of Civitavecchia for a 7 day Western Med and frankly RC did not come near Celebrity's standard.

 

Happy to expand, if you want more details, but nothing that hasn't been said when similar comparisons have been asked before.

 

Go with X you won't regret it :)

 

Cheers

 

Mike

[celebrity]

Wow! I keep hearing about the beauty of Equinox. I can't wait to see her in person. I have to wait until September.

[FoxyBride14]

I loved the serenade when I was on her. It was my favorite ship. But I'm sailing on the Equinox next July. So we shall see.

Edited April 2, 2013 by FoxyBride14

[Hestia]

I've travelled on RC in the past and have been on three consecutive cruises with Celebrity following my initial cruise on the Equinox. I think the main thing you need to consider when making your decision is your own lifestyle, preferences and expectations.

 

If you are constantly on the go, enjoy being out late and having a variety of options for late night entertainment, you may find Celebrity disappoints. For us, these issues don't matter so it would be an easy decision for us. We would choose Celebrity over RC nine times out of ten based on a number of other service and quality related factors.

 

In some cases, it's the little things we appreciate most such as not having to sign out towels for use poolside or at the beach. We enjoy the perks we receive sailing the class we sail in which may or may not be equal on RC - it's been a number of years since I sailed with them. It's the way Celebrity is usually so responsive to any customer service issue. The other passengers have always greatly enhanced the cruise for us and I think it's because we've found just the right mix of compatibility. The specialty restaurants are fabulous! The glass show is a major selling point for us that's simply not available elsewhere. The itinerary is always an important choosing factor as well.

 

I do believe RC has a little more lively night life than Celebrity. Theres is also a demographic difference between the two lines with Celebrity catering to a decidedly older (but not majority elder) populace. One of the things we cherish most about our Celebrity cruises is the relative peace we have throughout the vacation; it's far and above what we've experienced on other lines. That may not be a selling point for everyone though.

 

Don't get me wrong -- I do not mean to imply there is nothing to do on Celebrity. You can certainly pack every hour until you collapse in your stateroom if you wish, provided you don't plan to be up in a vibrant club until 4 in the morning. Celebrity seems cater to a very active but overall somewhat quieter crowd than some of the other lines do and things tend to wrap up on the Solstice class ships I've been on a little earlier than I have experienced with some other lines.

 

Either ship will show you a great time! Weigh what you think will be most important to you and decide based on those preferences and you'll be fine. It's really quite difficult, in my experience, to not have a good time on a quality sailing!

[Bruin Steve]

Itinerary and price about the same?

 

NO BRAINER...

 

Equinox...hands down...no contest...

 

...and I'm a very frequent cruiser on both lines...diamond Crown and Anchor, Elite Captains Club...

 

Equinox is beautiful, new, spacious...Serenade is one of RCCL's older ships...doesn't have the great amenities of the newer larger RCCL ships...Food and Service better on Celebrity...

 

Serenade usually means quite a discount on RCCL...

 

Again, absolutely no contest in my mind...take the Equinox!!!!

[lovemylab]

We had this same decision to make for our 2012 Med cruise and ended up choosing X.

 

On our 2011 Serenade cruise we noticed the food quality had declined. We also disliked the constant announcements and being hounded by the ships photographers. The pool towel policy was also a pain to deal with.

 

On X we love the no smoking policy and the food. The Equinox offers a hot glass show as well - this was one of the highlights of our Med cruise.

[Bobal]

I have sailed on Equinox and am booked on Serenade later in the year (having sailed on sister ship Jewel, which was our favourite RC ship to date)

 

I think Hestia makes some very good points. If you are looking for a more active nightlife then RC will be a better choice. Also if you want to see lots of 'fun' events around the pool you won't find them with Celebrity.

 

However, if all other things are equal Equinox is a clear winner, beautiful ship and a step up in food quality on Celebrity - just a more sophisticated experience overall than on RC.

[Azulann]

I sailed on the Equinox for a 11 day Eastern Med cruise. It is a beautiful ship, and it never felt crowded. Loved the speciality dining options too. The passengers will be international, US, Canada, Australia, Brits, Germans, Dutch, French, South America etc.

A couple of things to keep in mind. Sailing in late Sept is a perfect time. It will be not so hot, but still very warm. Cruising in the Med is all about the ports. You have very few sea days. You are off the ship very early and gone all day.Most of the sights are way beyond the industrial ports that the ship will sometime use.

Also I would pick select dining or late seating(8:45pm). Once you get back on the ship for sailway, you have plenty of time to relax and get ready for dinner with a nice martini at the Martini Bar.

Enjoy your European cruise. :)

[Bruin Steve]

I guess I'll pipe in on the "nightlife" thing:

 

On most Mediterranean routes, the itinerary is extremely port-intensive...

You will find that you are out touring in port for long days most days...

It is not like, say, a Caribbean cruise--where you have as many sea days as port days and, on port days, you just walk around town shopping or lounging on a beach...

Every day that you are docked in a Rome or Athens or Naples or Livorno or wherever, you will find yourself getting up and out very early, then trying to maximize your visit, seeing as much as you can before returning to the ship by dinner time...

Doesn't matter how old or young you are, it is exhausting...

We can USUALLY stay up and enjoy festivities on a ship most of the time...But, on Med cruises, we'll hit drinks, dinner, then the show...and then my wife will look at me and ask "What time to we have to grab our tour tomorrow?"...The conversation usually ends with "Let's go get some sleep"...

 

IOW, "Nightlife" is far less important on these cruises...

 

That said, there is still plenty to do on Celebrity if you want to stay up late...

At 2,850 passengers on the Equinox, some folks will be up--there will be all of the typical activities--Dancing, Karaoke, Piano Bar, Casino, etc. You would not be at a loss to find stuff to do...

 

Is the demographic that much older on Celebrity than on Royal Caribbean? On a longer Med cruise, really not much...

On either line, it's not the Caribbean during Spring Break or prime summer...with families with school aged kids...The Serenade is not one of those ships with the Flowrider and Ice Skating and Zip Line and Carousel...

A Med cruise in Early June or in Late September is NOT prime summer vacation for school aged kids...the crowds will actually be quite similar...

 

Again, with 2,850 guests on the Equinox, there will be a wide range of people...

 

Something also to consider:

 

Serenade:

Built 2003

90,000 Gross tons

2,490 passengers double occupancy

36.14 space-to-passenger ratio

891 crew

1:2.79 crew-to-passenger ratio

 

Equinox:

Built 2009

122,000 Gross tons

2,850 passengers double occupancy

42.81 space-to-passenger ratio

1,250 crew

1:2.28 crew-to-passenger ratio

 

Equinox: Newer, better space-to-passenger ratio, better crew to passenger ratio

Edited April 2, 2013 by Bruin Steve

[jerseygirl3]

First of all I think you will find the weather more pleasant in Septmber. Also fewer crowds.

 

We were on Equninox in Feb and booked again for next year. We loved that ship!

Edited April 2, 2013 by jerseygirl3

[24butterfly]

Hi All,

 

This will be DH and I first Med cruise. I have narrowed it down to the Serenade of the Seas June 4, 2014 or Celebrity Equinox Sept 20,2014. It will be the Western Med.

 

I have not sailed with Celebrity. The itinerary and price are about the same. Which ship would you choose and why? Anyone sailed on both cruise lines?

 

I have posted the same question on the RC board too.

 

Thank you in advance for all your opinions.

__________________

 

Been on both---CELEBRITY.

[Maligator]

First of all I think you will find the weather more pleasant in Septmber. Also fewer crowds.

 

We were on Equninox in Feb and booked again for next year. We loved that ship!

 

^ this. The later in the year, the better, IMO. I've heard the heat can be oppressive in the peak of summer. Add to that the lines and it could get unpleasant fast. Our guide in Santorini said there can be six ships in port on the same day. Figure a minimum of 2000 pax per vessel. She said people are elbow-to-elbow and the lines are hours-long.

 

I haven't been on the other ship mentioned, but I can't imagine it would surpass Equinox.

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

[Lovetwocruz2009]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. My DH and I are not party goers anymore. We pretty much work hard and rest on the weekends. We are in our mid 40s so we will be fine with an older demographic. I dont believe we will have much time for ship activities.

 

Sooo, Celebrity Equinox is the winner! I am glad some of you agree with cruising the Med in September. We are free to travel any month of the year but I heard the Spring and the Fall are the best.

 

Any suggestions for cabin location? I would like a balcony. I want to be able to see Venice on the way to the dock. Should I be on the port or starboard side?

 

Also, can anyone book the "your time or anytime" dining? Not sure if Celebrity calls it this.

 

Thanks again.

[Lovetwocruz2009]

Hi All,

 

One more question.. how is the Choice Air? We will be flying from San Francisco, CA to Barcelona.

 

Thanks again.

[Bruin Steve]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. My DH and I are not party goers anymore. We pretty much work hard and rest on the weekends. We are in our mid 40s so we will be fine with an older demographic. I dont believe we will have much time for ship activities.

 

Sooo, Celebrity Equinox is the winner! I am glad some of you agree with cruising the Med in September. We are free to travel any month of the year but I heard the Spring and the Fall are the best.

 

Any suggestions for cabin location? I would like a balcony. I want to be able to see Venice on the way to the dock. Should I be on the port or starboard side?

 

Also, can anyone book the "your time or anytime" dining? Not sure if Celebrity calls it this.

 

Thanks again.

 

If the cruise ENDS in Venice, the view of San Marco and most of Venice will be on the Starboard...but may be very early in the morning...

 

We've started doing the "Select Dining" (what Celebrtity calls it) last few cruises and it is very well-run...and works out great with the European itineraries where you may be in port late...Yes, anyone can book it...but book early as it may sell out...

 

Other Cabin location hints: I usually prefer to be near the aft elevator--for the convenience...Look for cabins on the slant on the deck plans--cabin really isn't slanted, but the balcony does have an extra triangular piece and is 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the standard balcony...

 

There is a sticky at the top of the Celebrity forum with a great chart of cabins in the Solstice class ships with details on a cabin by cabin basis...

 

I've not used Choice Air since they started it...sorry, can't help you there...

Edited April 2, 2013 by Bruin Steve

[Bobal]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. My DH and I are not party goers anymore. We pretty much work hard and rest on the weekends. We are in our mid 40s so we will be fine with an older demographic. I dont believe we will have much time for ship activities.

 

Sooo, Celebrity Equinox is the winner! I am glad some of you agree with cruising the Med in September. We are free to travel any month of the year but I heard the Spring and the Fall are the best.

 

Any suggestions for cabin location? I would like a balcony. I want to be able to see Venice on the way to the dock. Should I be on the port or starboard side?

 

Also, can anyone book the "your time or anytime" dining? Not sure if Celebrity calls it this.

 

Thanks again.

 

I hadn't actually looked at the different months you were considering but agree with the above posters that September is a great month to see the Med.

 

As for sailing from (or into Venice) you need to be on the port side sailing out of Venice and starboard sailing in. But I would recommend (from experience) that the best cabin for a full view is aft. Anyone can book Select dining (which is what Celebrity calls it)

[celebrity]

I hadn't actually looked at the different months you were considering but agree with the above posters that September is a great month to see the Med.

 

As for sailing from (or into Venice) you need to be on the port side sailing out of Venice and starboard sailing in. But I would recommend (from experience) that the best cabin for a full view is aft. Anyone can book Select dining (which is what Celebrity calls it)

 

I keep reading that Sept is a great month to sail the MEd. so glad we are booked for 9/14.

[mjcooks201]

^ this. The later in the year, the better, IMO. I've heard the heat can be oppressive in the peak of summer. Add to that the lines and it could get unpleasant fast. Our guide in Santorini said there can be six ships in port on the same day. Figure a minimum of 2000 pax per vessel. She said people are elbow-to-elbow and the lines are hours-long.

 

I haven't been on the other ship mentioned, but I can't imagine it would surpass Equinox.

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

 

 

I have read all the posts regarding going in September. We just booked the 28 day b2b2b2b from Barcelona. It is a great itinerary, but it starts July 5, 2014. Are we making a mistake? I didn't see anything like this in September.

 

Thanks for all and any help!!

 

mjcooks

[Maligator]

I have read all the posts regarding going in September. We just booked the 28 day b2b2b2b from Barcelona. It is a great itinerary, but it starts July 5, 2014. Are we making a mistake? I didn't see anything like this in September.

 

Thanks for all and any help!!

 

mjcooks

 

I wouldn't say it's a mistake. Just be prepared for hot weather. Much of the Med has a climate similar to that of the southern US. If your excursions are outside (as opposed to touring in a motor coach) pack a wide-brim hat, lightweight long-sleeve shirts and pants (or shorts if you're willing to risk sunburn), sunscreen and patience. It also helps to pick up a bottle of water before you leave the ship. My wife and I each took a large bottle of Evian every day before leaving the ship.

[Lois R]

I have read all the posts regarding going in September. We just booked the 28 day b2b2b2b from Barcelona. It is a great itinerary, but it starts July 5, 2014. Are we making a mistake? I didn't see anything like this in September.

 

Thanks for all and any help!!

 

mjcooks

 

Ohhh...you are sailing for a month?....I am NOT jealous:D:);)

 

As for the weather, it can be very hot in the summertime. Wear

a hat and I agree with the previous poster...drink plenty of water.

I went to the Med last year in May and the tourguides actually

had bottles of water in his van for us! But I did take a bottle with

me when leaving the ship as well.