HAL to Celebrity

[budisal]

We've always sailed with HAL, but I like Celebrity's itineraries for a 14 day southern Caribbean this coming January, so thought we might switch this year. A few questions though:

 

Restaurants: Which ones are covered in the fare and which are extra?

Inside staterooms: how do they compare to HAL in size and comfort?

On board things to do (covered in price).

Places on board to just sit and relax away from the crowds?

OBCs and upgrades?

Hotels at reasonable prices for overnight in Miami?

Price of Celebrity pickup and drop off at airport vs grabbing a taxi.

 

We've always sailed out of Ft. lauderdale and a cab is cheaper and easier than HAL's service to the ship and from the ship to the airport. How does Miami compare?

 

Anything else you can think of that would help in our planning.

 

Many thanks for all your help and advice in advance.

 

Al

 

Lots of questions.

 

 

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[gimletgal]

We've always sailed with HAL, but I like Celebrity's itineraries for a 14 day southern Caribbean this coming January, so thought we might switch this year. A few questions though:

 

Restaurants: Which ones are covered in the fare and which are extra? Oceanview Cafe, Mast Grill, Moonlight Sonata (MDR) and Aqua Spa Cafe - no charge. Bistro on 5 ($7), Murano ($45), Tuscan Grille ($35), Qsine ($35)

 

Inside staterooms: how do they compare to HAL in size and comfort? Having never done an inside on either HAL or the Eclipse, can't help you here.

 

On board things to do (covered in price). Just about everything except Zumba, wine tastings, some computer classes, etc.

 

Places on board to just sit and relax away from the crowds? All over the place!

 

OBCs and upgrades? You will have to check Celebrity to see the current offers.

 

Hotels at reasonable prices for overnight in Miami? Sorry. Can't help you here.

Price of Celebrity pickup and drop off at airport vs grabbing a taxi. Usually $20-$25?

 

We've always sailed out of Ft. lauderdale and a cab is cheaper and easier than HAL's service to the ship and from the ship to the airport. How does Miami compare?

 

Anything else you can think of that would help in our planning.

 

Many thanks for all your help and advice in advance.

 

Al

 

Having done this itinerary on the Eclipse, I will try to answer as many of your questions as I can (see comments above). Extra charge restaurants have recently had changes to the $$ amount, but I think the above is "close".

 

I think you would love sailing on the Eclipse! They also have the Corning Hot Glass Show, which is very worthwhile, and free. Staterooms are comfortable and have good sized bathrooms with wonderful showers!

 

It's funny. My first ever "luxury" cruise was in 2006. At the time I didn't even know Cruise Critic existed and went into it with no expectations other than to have a great time! It was one of the best cruises I have ever taken!!! :D Sometimes I think knowing less is better? Enjoy - whatever you decide.

[budisal]

I love CC. Just ask a question and get an honest answer. Thanks for all yours, by the way. They'll be most useful. We're looking forward to the cruise. Not sure about actual date yet, but will either be on Eclipse or Soltice. I'm sure we'll enjoy. Heck, we even enjoyed an NCL Alaska cruise a few years ago.

 

 

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[TeaBag]

Murano $50

Tuscan Grille $45

Qsine $45? not sure about this one.

 

We love to relax in the sky Lounge on deck 14 There are some lovely lounges there and it is for the most part peaceful and quiet during the day.

 

Look on the Ports of call forum for suggestions re hotel in Miami.

[budisal]

Thanks. I'll do that.

 

 

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[cheriooo]

We've always sailed with HAL, but I like Celebrity's itineraries for a 14 day southern Caribbean this coming January, so thought we might switch this year. A few questions though:

 

Restaurants: Which ones are covered in the fare and which are extra?

Inside staterooms: how do they compare to HAL in size and comfort?

On board things to do (covered in price).

Places on board to just sit and relax away from the crowds?

OBCs and upgrades?

Hotels at reasonable prices for overnight in Miami?

Price of Celebrity pickup and drop off at airport vs grabbing a taxi.

 

We've always sailed out of Ft. lauderdale and a cab is cheaper and easier than HAL's service to the ship and from the ship to the airport. How does Miami compare?

 

Anything else you can think of that would help in our planning.

 

Many thanks for all your help and advice in advance.

 

Al

 

Lots of questions.

 

 

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I have never sailed on HAL but here is what I can tell you about Celebrity

Alot of the answers depends on which class ship you sail on but here goes some answers

The main dining room and buffet are covered under the cost of your cruise. The specialty restaurants are not. The specialty restaurants varies by class of ship. We particularly like lawn club and Quisine.

There are a number of on-board activities that are include in the price. There are wine events that are extra as well as some afternoon teas and things that are extra.

We have never stayed in an inside stateroom so I cant help you there.

WE have found that there are several places to sit in quite but it depends on class of ship. We particularly like the "relaxation room" on solstice class ships for quite and pleasant atmosphere.

Its hard to compare OBC since we have never sailed on HAL. We will though be going on a cruise in July with my in-law who is an avid HAL cruiser. So I imagine I will here "this is not how HAL does things"

Staying in Miami "at a reasonable cost" depends on what you consider reasonable. I am a Marriott Life time Platinum member and I have stayed at some fantastic Marriott properties in Miami. I like to stay in their Autograph Collection since they are so different then the cookie cutter Marriott properties. There are hotels near the port but I can say you cant walk from the hotels to cruise port. We will either stay in South Beach or Ft Lauderdale

depending upon which airline you book or what your interest are. But again I am lifetime Platinum member so I am drawn to Marriott Properties.

Celebrity offers transportation from the boat to Miami and Ft lauderale and sometimes to the the port but your flight schedule has to meet their schedule.

I want to say you cost from Ft Lauderdale to Miami Cruise port is around $50 depending on your choice of service(bus vs cab). I think I paid about 25.00 plus tip from South Beach to cruise port last time. We have never used Celebrity Choice Air so I think they provide a transportation option from airport to cruise terminal but I am not sure. The cruise provided transportation options exist but it depends on when your flight is leaving after disembarkation from the boat. They have offered straight through baggage check on some cruises we have taken but out flights haven't matched up to what they were offering.

OBC and upgrades? They have been running 1-2-3 pick you perk for quite awhile so it depends upon itinerary. We have been lucky a couple of times checking their website after final payment and picking up a suite for a little more than Concierge Class. But I am not sure what your looking for.

I dont know what cruise your looking at, but I would say that the demographic changes by length of cruise, time of year and itinerary. We are a little bit curious what my mother-in-law thinks of Celebrity after her life long HAL experiences. But that is 2 months away.

[budisal]

14 days southern Caribbean on either solstice or equinox. Tnx.

 

 

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[Lois R]

14 days southern Caribbean on either solstice or equinox. Tnx.

 

 

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Hi,:) just to make you aware....Equinox doesn't do a 14 nighter in the

Caribbean. She does 10/11 night cruises and Solstice only does 7

nighters.

Eclipse does the only 14 nighter so unless you are going on a b2b on

Solstice? Eclipse would be your ship;)

Edited May 25, 2014 by Lois R

[budisal]

You're right. I just can't read. Equinox it is.

 

 

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[Lois R]

You're right. I just can't read. Equinox it is.

 

 

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You mean ECLIPSE?;)

[budisal]

I'm having quite a day, aren't I? Think I'd better quit while I' ahead.

 

 

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[Lois R]

I'm having quite a day, aren't I? Think I'd better quit while I' ahead.

 

 

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No problem:D just making sure if you are wanting to sail on

a 14 night cruise that you know which ship you are booking:D;):)

[Team Alpha]

I love CC. Just ask a question and get an honest answer. Thanks for all yours, by the way. They'll be most useful. We're looking forward to the cruise. Not sure about actual date yet, but will either be on Eclipse or Soltice. I'm sure we'll enjoy. Heck, we even enjoyed an NCL Alaska cruise a few years ago.

 

 

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Hi, I don't think you'll be sailing to the Caribbean in January 15 on Solstice - she'll be in Australia.

[budisal]

Yes. Sorry. All the trips I was looking at we're on the Eclipse. Bad reader!!!

 

 

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[foodgirl]

We've always sailed with HAL, but I like Celebrity's itineraries for a 14 day southern Caribbean this coming January, so thought we might switch this year. A few questions though:

 

Restaurants: Which ones are covered in the fare and which are extra?

Inside staterooms: how do they compare to HAL in size and comfort?

On board things to do (covered in price).

Places on board to just sit and relax away from the crowds?

OBCs and upgrades?

Hotels at reasonable prices for overnight in Miami?

Price of Celebrity pickup and drop off at airport vs grabbing a taxi.

 

We've always sailed out of Ft. lauderdale and a cab is cheaper and easier than HAL's service to the ship and from the ship to the airport. How does Miami compare?

 

Anything else you can think of that would help in our planning.

 

Many thanks for all your help and advice in advance.

 

Al

 

Lots of questions.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

I see that your questions have been answered but as a longtime HAL cruise I wanted to tell you that we thoroughly enjoyed our recent trip on Reflection. So much do that we booked Silouhette for next year. We loved the food service rooms and the ship was amazing. I think you will have a wonderful time. I did review on this board you could read should you desire. I did some comparisons to HAL. It is titled HAL fan tries Celebrity. Enjoy your cruis!!

[Germancruiser]

Foodgirl- I just go the other way around- I try HAL for a change! Any chance you could tell the pro and cons of HAL? I am a bit afraid of the colors of the interiour of HAL ships- they a triffle " bright " ! Silhouhette is a wonderful ship- you will like it as much as Reflection. I am ( or was ) a loyal X- cruiser until they started their " livley athmosphere" programm with loud music all over the place - it is better and was better on my last Infinity cruise- but still exists!

Thank you

Michael

[maggie.1008]

I have only been on one HAL cruise. Good service, food and suite. However until they change their smoking policy I will not be back.

[jocelysue]

I've tried Celebrity and, although it was O.K., am definitely going back to HAL: larger staterooms and bigger bathrooms ( including full bath), afternoon tea, string quartet, full wraparound deck, equally good food,more daytime activities, theme nights in MDR.

 

Celebrity has more specialty restaurants that come at a higher cost. Night entertainment slightly better.

 

Both have great service. Both have lots of nooks and crannies for quiet time.

Would travel on X agin with the drinks package if the fare was reasonable, but price for price, without the 123 ,will be happier with HAL.

 

X has nicer elevators (with windows) but HAL has carpets in the elevators stating the day:D. A Also Hal has a movie theatre (popcorn included) and many more cooking shows. I'm trying hard to find ways in which Celebrity really outdoes HAL but haven't been able to find mant. For example, libraries on HAL have much more choice, computer courses more available. For Apple lovers , Celebrity is the way to go 'cause they have Apple. Photos less expensive on HAL plus the yum yum man.

 

Please don't think I'm dissing Celebrity. It was fine and I wouls not feel at all askance at returning but all things bein equal I prefer HAL.

 

I am not a smoker but smoking policy doesn't have any impact on me and I gather that's an importantelement for many cruisers.

[Shaco]

We have gone on both HAL & X. No Smoking policy on X trumps everything else on HAL. NO more HAL for us.

 

I hope the OP understands the strict non smoking inside the ship before he makes a final decision.

 

Shaco

[foodgirl]

Foodgirl- I just go the other way around- I try HAL for a change! Any chance you could tell the pro and cons of HAL? I am a bit afraid of the colors of the interiour of HAL ships- they a triffle " bright " ! Silhouhette is a wonderful ship- you will like it as much as Reflection. I am ( or was ) a loyal X- cruiser until they started their " livley athmosphere" programm with loud music all over the place - it is better and was better on my last Infinity cruise- but still exists!

Thank you

Michael

 

You will really like the atmosphere on HAL as it is more subdued IMO. As for colors there are some vibrant colors on some ships but overall I find the decor to be more classic. The staterooms are very spacious even the insides and my DH is a tall man so that's important to us. The beds are so comfortable which is a big thing. The library is amazing and a great place to enjoy a good read or cup of coffee. This is an area where HAL excels. Some cons IMO are fewer activities in the evening and more limited times of food available although room service is always there and they do a great job with that. We have always enjoyed most of our fellow passengers as we like to relax quietly and there are many areas to do so. The wrap around promenade deck with teak loungers is a favorite spot of mine for napping and reading. If important to you I think the beverage package offered by Celebrity is better than HAL but certainly not a deal breaker for us. Variety of restaurants is better on CEL but we think both do a great job with buffet and always find plenty to eat. Hope that helps you some. If any other specific questions please let me know.

[tangerinebunny]

HAL has cut the Adagio Strings down to a duo; more cost savings. But the BB King Blues offerings are quite popular.

 

The large staterooms, teak walking deck, and hard working staff remain their strong points, but imo the food quality has taken a dive, so we're giving Celebrity a try. And we all know how personal that is!

[ptrpanpens]

We have gone on both HAL & X. No Smoking policy on X trumps everything else on HAL. NO more HAL for us.

 

I hope the OP understands the strict non smoking inside the ship before he makes a final decision.

 

Shaco

 

Ditto, you never smell smoke inside Celebrity ships so you can walk through the casino without being asphyxiated. Lol

[kborth]

We were on HAL last winter and thought the foot was really good.they had fresh salmon cooked as you waited and after 1Princess and 6 RCI cruises found their food to be the best . We are tring Celebrity for the first time next month because of good reviews on the buffet and dining room.

[budisal]

The problem I'm facing is that I've sailed on the Eurodam the past two years, but the 14 day southern Caribbean cruise is only available on the Maasdam and I've been reading a lot of very bad reviews about the Maasdam lately. The Celebrity Eclipse has a better itinerary, but I must admit, I hate switching cruise lines when I love HAL so much.

 

Anybody have any opinions?

 

 

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[Germancruiser]

Thank you foodgirl- the prommenade deck with it´s loungers are a big big big plus for me- I hate the prommenade decks on X´s Solstice Class ships- well what they call prommenade´s ! I have booked our first HAL cruise at the end of October on board Zuiderdam! Can´t wait now!