Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity

[daka]

OK, we need some information....

Here is the situation....We have been on 6 Soltice cruises, and are now contemplating an ALLURE cruise

Since we are Elite on Solstice we use the Blu dining room from just about every dinner and like the small venue, is there anything like that on Royal Allure?

What have you found to be the major differences...any better ...worse?

I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.

[seaman11]

no Blu , instead you will enjoy looking at shorts and flip flops in the MDR. :)

[ClairetoCruise]

OK, we need some information....

Here is the situation....We have been on 6 Soltice cruises, and are now contemplating an ALLURE cruise

Since we are Elite on Solstice we use the Blu dining room from just about every dinner and like the small venue, is there anything like that on Royal Allure?

What have you found to be the major differences...any better ...worse?

I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.

 

 

Two main differences:

 

RCL is more fun overall

Celebrity has better food

 

Claire

[billsgal]

I find more similarities than differences in the lines. Celebrity will have less kids, the staff is not as friendly or outgoing as Royals, the food in the mdr is a bit better on Celebrity, but since Royal upgraded their menu, I find them very similar. Food is subjective, so that's my opinion, you might find it different. Balcony rooms have better storage on Royal, celebrity usually attracts an older demographic. No smoking is allowed in Celebrity casinos, which is a big plus, IMHO. Less announcements on Celebrity. I like the specialty restaurants on Royal better, I found the service in the specialty restaurants on Cel to be a bit pretentious.

 

Royal doesn't have a restaurant like Blu, but they have specialty restaurants that might meet your needs.

 

No one cruise line is right for everyone, so it's good to try other lines. If you are Elite on Celebrity, you will be diamond on Royal, so you will have a cocktail hour similar to the Elite cocktail hours on Celebrity.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[loubetti]

I think it is all about what "fun" means to you. Celebrity is more like RCI's version of Cunard, but without the British heritage and 174 year history.

 

I had a lot of "fun" sipping a Sambucca and having a cigar at Michael's Club every night in suit and tie or a tux.

 

Flow riders, rock climbing, and all the rest do nothing for me. I fly planes on the side, so I don't need those!

 

However, I still want to try Oasis/Allure, just to experience them. Still want to try Carnival too, now that I live in Florida.

 

Never forget that RCI bought Celebrity for a reason, and it was not to make it another RCCL.

[PompeySailor]

You will have access to the Diamond Lounge on Allure, where you can get complimentary speciality coffees and continental breakfast, plus hors d'oeuvres.

Evening drinks free wine and beer and select spirits.

This you will have access to 24/7 being Diamond status.

Enjoy:)

Diamond Club is located on deck 6 port side

[TEXASMUNK]

Far fewer flip-flops (remember, they originated as shower shoes to prevent athletes foot).

Celebrity asks you remain in formal attire on formal nights. Yes, people actually dress up fro formal nights.

Pool side...very few announcements. Sorry, no plugs for inch of gold or bingo.

Fewer kids (summer is kid city on almost all cruise lines).

Service on Celebrity may be a bit more reserved, but it is every bit as good as Royal which has a more "happy" face to service levels.

Ships on Celebrity are truly beautiful, but do not have all the "attractions" of Royal.

But, having "knocked" a few things.....we love both lines!

 

Per the head chef on the old Galaxy, food budget on Royal runs just under $6 per person per day while Celebrity it runs just under $10 per person per day.

[bplazo]

Far fewer flip-flops (remember, they originated as shower shoes to prevent athletes foot).

Celebrity asks you remain in formal attire on formal nights. Yes, people actually dress up fro formal nights.

Pool side...very few announcements. Sorry, no plugs for inch of gold or bingo.

Fewer kids (summer is kid city on almost all cruise lines).

Service on Celebrity may be a bit more reserved, but it is every bit as good as Royal which has a more "happy" face to service levels.

Ships on Celebrity are truly beautiful, but do not have all the "attractions" of Royal.

But, having "knocked" a few things.....we love both lines!

 

Per the head chef on the old Galaxy, food budget on Royal runs just under $6 per person per day while Celebrity it runs just under $10 per person per day.

 

Yes, kid city is why we are doing an adult only all inclusive resort this summer instead of a cruise.

[loubetti]

Far fewer flip-flops (remember, they originated as shower shoes to prevent athletes foot).

Celebrity asks you remain in formal attire on formal nights. Yes, people actually dress up fro formal nights.

Pool side...very few announcements. Sorry, no plugs for inch of gold or bingo.

Fewer kids (summer is kid city on almost all cruise lines).

Service on Celebrity may be a bit more reserved, but it is every bit as good as Royal which has a more "happy" face to service levels.

Ships on Celebrity are truly beautiful, but do not have all the "attractions" of Royal.

But, having "knocked" a few things.....we love both lines!

 

Per the head chef on the old Galaxy, food budget on Royal runs just under $6 per person per day while Celebrity it runs just under $10 per person per day.

 

You said it well. That is why RCI does not want to make Celebrity into RCCL.

 

Ah! Celebrity Galaxy, loved that itty bitty little 76,000 ton ship! I actually decorated a den in my home after her Martini bar, with Zebra stripe fabric on the walls and furniture!

Edited June 21, 2014 by loubetti

[counsdr]

Whatever did happen to the Galaxy, Century, zenith and Horizon? They were lovely ships that didn't seem all that little in the '90's.

 

LOL on the flip flops ;)

 

Cheryl

[seaman11]

Far fewer flip-flops (remember, they originated as shower shoes to prevent athletes foot).

Celebrity asks you remain in formal attire on formal nights. Yes, people actually dress up fro formal nights.

Pool side...very few announcements. Sorry, no plugs for inch of gold or bingo.

Fewer kids (summer is kid city on almost all cruise lines).

Service on Celebrity may be a bit more reserved, but it is every bit as good as Royal which has a more "happy" face to service levels.

Ships on Celebrity are truly beautiful, but do not have all the "attractions" of Royal.

But, having "knocked" a few things.....we love both lines!

 

Per the head chef on the old Galaxy, food budget on Royal runs just under $6 per person per day while Celebrity it runs just under $10 per person per day.

food under $6 per day? that doesnt seem right. breakfast 2 lunches and seafood 4 course dinner. snacks cookies room service ice cream.

[jelayne]

IMHO

Diamond lounge cocktail hour longer :) than Celebrity's Elite cocktail party.

Officer's on Celebrity friendlier :) and more outgoing than Royal.

No announcements or hairy chest competitions on Celebrity.:)

No mini golf or rock wall on Celebrity:(.

No smoking in casino on Celebrity:)

Sparkling wine on embarkation on Celebrity:)

[Clarea]

OK, we need some information....

Here is the situation....We have been on 6 Soltice cruises, and are now contemplating an ALLURE cruise

Since we are Elite on Solstice we use the Blu dining room from just about every dinner and like the small venue, is there anything like that on Royal Allure?

What have you found to be the major differences...any better ...worse?

I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.

Here's a dining guide to Allure:

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Royal/General_Info/Flyers/10020614_Allure_Specialty_Restaurant_Flyer.pdf

Edited June 22, 2014 by clarea

[OCruisers]

Two main differences:

RCL is more fun overall

Celebrity has better food

Claire

 

Yes, RCCL is LOTS more fun! :D

On RCCL going to a Specialty Restaurant (they have very good ones) is a great option. :)

On the other hand, Celebrity offers a very nice traditional cruise experience. Sort of depends on what you want.

LuLu

[Cruising89143]

Allure and Oasis are some of the best ships at sea. Nothing like them. Entertainment is very good. Again in a class of their own. For me this is the only area where RCI excels over X but only on this class ship.

 

I look at Celebrity as RCI for adults. Less kids on X by far. Oasis class designed for families and you will have more kids on board regardless of time of year. I speak from experience. You can find areas to get away from it all and relax.

 

Celebrity has better food across the board IMHO but that is subjective. Nothing like Blu on Allure. Dress code is anything goes on RCI. Specialty dining is about the same with the exception of Murano.

 

Celebrity may skew a little older but on the seven night cruises ships were very active late into the night. Just as active as RCI. My 13 night cruise last week on the Equinox had a younger than expected crowd. Much like RCI without the kids running around.

 

You also won't see officers out and about on RCI like you do with X. My last cruise on X had by far the most friendly crew ever in many cruises. Until this cruise I would had said they were even.

 

I like both cruise lines but Celebrity offers a more "adult" atmosphere.

[Cruising89143]

Whatever did happen to the Galaxy, Century, zenith and Horizon? They were lovely ships that didn't seem all that little in the '90's.

 

LOL on the flip flops ;)

 

Cheryl

 

Zenith and Horizon were transferred to Pulmantur which is owned by RCCL. Galaxy and Mercury were sold and moved to TUI cruises which is a cruise line targeted to the German market. They are now known as Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2. TUI is also partially owned by RCCL.

[ehfl]

If you're used to Blu, you might just want to book one of the alternate dining options each night. They will be smaller venues, with more attentive service and good food.

[counsdr]

Thanks Cruisingator2!!

Is the Century still in service with X?

 

Cheryl

[counsdr]

In answer to my own question, Century is still sailing thru 2015. ;)

 

Cheryl

[Janet524]

OK, we need some information....

Here is the situation....We have been on 6 Soltice cruises, and are now contemplating an ALLURE cruise

Since we are Elite on Solstice we use the Blu dining room from just about every dinner and like the small venue, is there anything like that on Royal Allure?

What have you found to be the major differences...any better ...worse?

I'd appreciate anything you can tell me.

 

I thought Blu was for Aqua Class passengers. Is it also open to Elite members?

[galavant3]

I thought Blu was for Aqua Class passengers. Is it also open to Elite members?

 

 

I have the same question! I knew Aqua Class and Suite passengers (space available) had access to Blu. If Elite members do also, it isn't well advertised at all.

[Cruising89143]

I have the same question! I knew Aqua Class and Suite passengers (space available) had access to Blu. If Elite members do also, it isn't well advertised at all.

 

Blu is for guests booked in Aqua Class. Suite guests can dine there if space is available. This is not an Elite perk. In April of next year X is adding a suites only dining room.

[Janet524]

Blu is for guests booked in Aqua Class. Suite guests can dine there if space is available. This is not an Elite perk. In April of next year X is adding a suites only dining room.

 

Thanks for the clarification. With the "suites only" dining room it looks more and more like going to a "class system." I can almost hear the theme song from Titanic playing!;)

[Guest maddycat]

Far fewer flip-flops (remember, they originated as shower shoes to prevent athletes foot).

Celebrity asks you remain in formal attire on formal nights. Yes, people actually dress up fro formal nights.

Pool side...very few announcements. Sorry, no plugs for inch of gold or bingo.

Fewer kids (summer is kid city on almost all cruise lines).

Service on Celebrity may be a bit more reserved, but it is every bit as good as Royal which has a more "happy" face to service levels.

Ships on Celebrity are truly beautiful, but do not have all the "attractions" of Royal.

But, having "knocked" a few things.....we love both lines!

 

Per the head chef on the old Galaxy, food budget on Royal runs just under $6 per person per day while Celebrity it runs just under $10 per person per day.

 

How many years ago was that conversation?

[sonvoltken6]

This is good information! We are D+ on RCCI (and have cruised no other lines) and have booked our first Celebrity cruise next April. I am actually looking forward to that one quite a bit!