Loyal to Royal thinking Celebrity.

[Bcshur]

Hi everyone! It's my first time posting on the Celebrity board!

 

I am a loyal to royal cruiser since my parents got me addicted many many moons ago. I now have my husband addicted. My husband and I are just off (a week ago, so sad) a Med. cruise on Royal. I'm looking into booking (pending no babies until then) Celebrity's 11 day Med. cruise next summer. However, I have some doubts for some reason. I suppose I am just very set on RC. I am 28, my husband is 31 and we're really just looking for a cruise line similar to RC. I know that RC and Celebrity are the same company, but could someone provide some input on making the jump for this specific itinerary? After looking at their ships and onboard entertainment, I have to admit I am a bit let down. Is there anything out of the ordinary that makes Celebrity more distinct? I have heard fabulous things about Celebrity which is why I am not sure why I am so skeptical about making the jump. Thanks in advance! :)

[wwcruisers]

Well, what specifically makes you feel skeptical or let-down about the prospect of sailing on Celebrity? We're old RC'ers who made the jump to X a few years ago -- and, we're glad that we did. Although, now that RC has changed their balcony smoking policy and done away with that ridiculous pool-towel checkout, we definitely would consider cruising with them again. :cool:

So -- if you can tell us, what is it about RC that you think you would miss on Celebrity?

Edited July 11, 2014 by wwcruisers

[Cruise Raider]

Hi everyone! It's my first time posting on the Celebrity board!

 

I am a loyal to royal cruiser since my parents got me addicted many many moons ago. I now have my husband addicted. My husband and I are just off (a week ago, so sad) a Med. cruise on Royal. I'm looking into booking (pending no babies until then) Celebrity's 11 day Med. cruise next summer. However, I have some doubts for some reason. I suppose I am just very set on RC. I am 28, my husband is 31 and we're really just looking for a cruise line similar to RC. I know that RC and Celebrity are the same company, but could someone provide some input on making the jump for this specific itinerary? After looking at their ships and onboard entertainment, I have to admit I am a bit let down. Is there anything out of the ordinary that makes Celebrity more distinct? I have heard fabulous things about Celebrity which is why I am not sure why I am so skeptical about making the jump. Thanks in advance! :)

 

I think you would love Celebrity. When I sailed on Royal Caribbean, I thought it was much like Celebrity but more for families -- love both lines with Celebrity being my all time favorite cruiseline. It was like Royal Caribbean with a bit more white glove service.

So, a just something to think about -- you mention you are loyal to Royal, but if you are Diamond on RCCL, you will get the benefits of Elite on Celebrity. They have reciprocal benefits. You cannot add the cruises together from both different lines to up your tier level but if earned on one, you can use on the other.

Also, no reason to look back now but it is always better to book your next cruise while you are on a cruise. Royal takes Celebrity reservation onboard and you will get extra perks from doing so. If you do book a specific cruise, it is fully refundable and you can always transfer it to your TA and they will even give you additional perks.

With that being said, sounds like you didn't do this but wouldn't hesitate to book on Celebrity if I were you. I started sailing on Celebrity on my 40th birthday (so a bit older than you)... been hooked ever since. It was such a blast. If you are diamond on Royal, there is no reason not to book on Celebrity. If you are close to diamond on Royal, would probably earn my status through them before booking on Celebrity.

 

So, for Celebrity, they have this amazing category of rooms called the Aqua Class. With this, entrance into the spa, relaxation room and extras in your room. But the best of this is entrance every night in their specialty restaurant, Blu. This is the best perk of this class. It is especially nice on the S-class but you were talking about the Mediterranean and not sure which ship. If this is the Infinity, they have some really nice oceanview rooms on deck 3, which were converted from conference rooms so they have extra large unobstructed view windows. Currently, they have the 123 Go beverage package offered which includes a complimentary beverage package or other perks included if you book by the end of the month (I believe).

My absolutely only complaint about Celebrity (and there is truly only one) is their room service is just not that great. I don't bother with it anymore so not really sure if it is an issue on every Celebrity ship.

[ClaudiaB]

I have to say one thing about room service. We've sailed on 6 of the Celebrity ships and do room service breakfast for every single port day. We actually find it really good. We write in what we want if it's not on the printed menu and unless it's really strange (it isn't) we get it. Never had one problem. We put in the time we want it and they call within 5 minutes of that time, saying they're on the way! Use that as your wake up call. It's great. Give them a couple dollars tip and you're good to go.

 

One of the big deal-breakers for me is no smoking absolutely anywhere inside the ships. And the couple places outdoors where there is smoking allowed, it's not a big deal and you can avoid those areas if you're like me and it gives you a migraine being around smoke.

 

Try it. I think you'll be very happy.

[Tommy3putts]

Just got off the 11 night med cruise on Reflection. Our first X cruise. Wow what a cruise! We loved it and are X fans. However, even though X is now my cruise line of choice I'd still like to try an RC Allure Caribbean cruise someday. Point is the itinerary and sail dates will drive our choices on which line.

[Bcshur]

Thanks everyone!

 

I am not sure what my real reason for being hesitant is. I like the family vibe on RC, but then again...I get annoyed when parents let their teenagers run around all over the ship. So I think perhaps Celebrity would eliminate that. Hopefully! Haha.

 

It would be the Celebrity Reflection for this 10 day. I am looking at their deals and they have some great ones going on. We didn't book on board, thinking this would be our last big trip until after kiddos, however we're having some hesitation and are debating doing one more trip before. How many times do you think we will say this? Haha.

 

How are the shows? How are the shore excursions? Does anyone know where I could find a copy of the dining menu?

[Tommy3putts]

Do some searching on this forum for trip reviews and other topics on mediterranean itineraries. Tons of info out there and differing opinions.

[wwcruisers]

Thanks everyone!

 

I am not sure what my real reason for being hesitant is. I like the family vibe on RC, but then again...I get annoyed when parents let their teenagers run around all over the ship. So I think perhaps Celebrity would eliminate that. Hopefully! Haha.

 

It would be the Celebrity Reflection for this 10 day. I am looking at their deals and they have some great ones going on. We didn't book on board, thinking this would be our last big trip until after kiddos, however we're having some hesitation and are debating doing one more trip before. How many times do you think we will say this? Haha.

 

How are the shows? How are the shore excursions? Does anyone know where I could find a copy of the dining menu?

 

We haven't been on Reflection yet, but all of the Solstice Class ships are big on the WOW factor that the RC ships are so famous for. Shows are good -- but can vary by ship. From what I can tell, shore excursions are the same as RC's. One nice touch you'll find on X is a cool towel and cold water waiting for you, when you return from your shore excursion. :cool:

 

Since X doesn't market as heavily to families as RC, generally you will find few kids (of all ages) on X ships. We've had no problem with roaming bands of teenagers -- but then, we don't often cruise during school holidays. Ask me again, when I get back from my first Christmas/New Years cruise. ;)

[Cruising89143]

I was a loyal to Royal cruiser. I still think that they're a great cruise line. The Oasis twins are hard to beat but we now prefer X over RCI. Actually we now have two cruise lines to choose from but X gets the first nod.

 

We tried X two years ago on the Reflection and it made us a fan. What did we like?

 

*Very few children on board which is something that we grew tired of on RCI.

*Only one announcement per day which is the Captain's daily update. No annoying barking for bingo, art auctions and hairy chest contest.

*Food is subjective but we found it a step up over RCI in every way in all venues.

*Celebrity S class ships have a WOW factor but in a more subdued way. Think of a floating W Hotel.

*Much more strict smoking policy. No smoking allowed on the interior of the ship including the casino or balconies.

 

Entertainment in the main theatre will be similar to the Freedom class. The Reflection has three major production shows plus a headliner and other acts. We just returned from a 13 night Med cruise on the Equinox and it ranks as one of our best cruises to date. X and RCI use the same companies for their excursions.

 

Also if you drink X is currently running their 1-2-3 promotion which is a good deal and I believe you can get two of the three perks for Europe. Here is the link.

http://www.celebritycruises.com/htmlpage/123go-special

I don't think you will be bored on this ship. If you're interested I have photos of the ship in my link below my countdown clocks.

Edited July 11, 2014 by cruisingator2

[DWhit]

I think Royal has a bit younger passenger base (probably due to the family thing), if that makes any difference to you. We've cruised both and had great times on both lines. But I do think Celebrity is a tad bit more laid back.

[d4m]

I think Royal has a bit younger passenger base (probably due to the family thing), if that makes any difference to you. We've cruised both and had great times on both lines. But I do think Celebrity is a tad bit more laid back.

 

This is certainly true. Average age of passengers is likely a couple decades older than RC. If the OP likes late nights & more going on, might be better to stick with RC. X is surely more sedate than RC

[CathyCruises]

The S class ships are beautiful, don't believe there is a comparison to any Royal vessel I've ever heard of. Sleek, classy, modern, art-filled, touch of glam.

 

I REALLY do not recommend any ship tours and certainly would not book a ship based on that factor. We've done lots of Med cruises and have consistently found that either good research and DIY or a shared tour with others from our roll call gives a far better experience, more customizable, less expensive, and more enriching overall. If you decide to do this cruise, I really hope you'll visit the ports of call boards, and do your own research as to how you want to spend your time to get the most bang for your buck.

[Kteacher]

We are also "loyal royals". We're sailing the 10 night on Reflection on 7/25, and will be reporting back on what we thought. :)

[CruisingGatorGirl]

Hi everyone! It's my first time posting on the Celebrity board!

 

I am a loyal to royal cruiser since my parents got me addicted many many moons ago. I now have my husband addicted. My husband and I are just off (a week ago, so sad) a Med. cruise on Royal. I'm looking into booking (pending no babies until then) Celebrity's 11 day Med. cruise next summer. However, I have some doubts for some reason. I suppose I am just very set on RC. I am 28, my husband is 31 and we're really just looking for a cruise line similar to RC. I know that RC and Celebrity are the same company, but could someone provide some input on making the jump for this specific itinerary? After looking at their ships and onboard entertainment, I have to admit I am a bit let down. Is there anything out of the ordinary that makes Celebrity more distinct? I have heard fabulous things about Celebrity which is why I am not sure why I am so skeptical about making the jump. Thanks in advance! :)

 

Hi! My husband and I are 28. We went on our first X cruise at 26. We have our 3rd X cruise booked for next May. I have also sailed Royal and Carnival. We MUCH prefer Celebrity. I have a review from our first X cruise here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1700095

 

If you are looking for the party/club atmosphere, you will not get that on Celebrity (just FYI). We are not the party type, however we do enjoy going to the martini bar on Celebrity. Yes, generally speaking the crowd will be older than RC and Carnival (another FYI). Also, some of the Solstice class ships have the Hot Glass Show, which we LOVE. You will see that in my review.

 

If you have more questions let me know :)

 

I am hooked on X!

[royalcruz]

We were on Reflection a few weeks ago and it was the best cruise ever. Embarkation/disembarkation was fast and easy. We did 4 ship excursions and they were incredibly organized. You go to the theatre and show your tickets and get a bus number; the buses are in order of their number so they're so easy to find. The food in the main dining room was excellent. Entertainment was great. There were 2 showtimes each night, usually 7:15 and 9:15. There are a few production shows, and Reflection the Show is the best we've ever seen. The other nights vary according to contracts but we had a comedian with 2 acts, a solo singer, a solo musician, and others. There is no designated dance club on the ship but most evenings there is DJ music somewhere, in the martini bar, solarium, wine bar, or main foyer, sometimes into the wee hours. There is usually good live music in Ensemble lounge. There were lots of dance classes and Zumba. There was live music by the pool a few times. On Celebrity, you won't hear announcements all day and you won't see dancing in the dining room; it's not that kind of cruiseline.

[Guern69]

If you tip a couple of $ for room service is this in hard currency or just sign a piece of paper? Just wondering if I should bring so,e $ with me later this year on my first cruise or whether I just need € for when ashore. Thanks.

[Jo and Rob]

Hi everyone! It's my first time posting on the Celebrity board!

 

I am a loyal to royal cruiser since my parents got me addicted many many moons ago. I now have my husband addicted. My husband and I are just off (a week ago, so sad) a Med. cruise on Royal. I'm looking into booking (pending no babies until then) Celebrity's 11 day Med. cruise next summer. However, I have some doubts for some reason. I suppose I am just very set on RC. I am 28, my husband is 31 and we're really just looking for a cruise line similar to RC. I know that RC and Celebrity are the same company, but could someone provide some input on making the jump for this specific itinerary? After looking at their ships and onboard entertainment, I have to admit I am a bit let down. Is there anything out of the ordinary that makes Celebrity more distinct? I have heard fabulous things about Celebrity which is why I am not sure why I am so skeptical about making the jump. Thanks in advance! :)

 

Although they are the same company they are completely different experiences. On Celebrity there are no ice rinks, climbing walls, flow riders or aqua parks on board. The whole experience is more relaxed and refined. Depending on the ship you choose there will be new experiences for you to try such as the hot glass show on some Solstace class ships and real grass on the lawns where you can play croquet.

 

We did a live from Celebrity Eclipse posting a video each day here is a link to the first and then just click on the next for icon for the next day. This will give you a good overview of our experience on board and some of the ports in Europe you may be visiting. Our port included Gibraltar, Pisa (Livorno), Rome, Cagliari (Sardinia), Cadiz (Spain) Lisbon (Portugal), Vigo (Spain) and Aix en Provence (France).

 

embrakation day http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-rzzdggw

sea day - some views of the ship http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-7VMbs7b

galley tour http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-GNNZ5V7

Gibraltar http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-PDS3MTK

Cabin tour 2B balcony cabin http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-f8rMD8W

Aix en Provence http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-7s3g63r

Livorno Pisa http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-4FkvtGb

Brunch video http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-CHggQC3

Cadiz Spain http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-Qk7dvxJ

Lisbon Portugal http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-Cbhh7pn

Vigo Spain and Qsine restaurant http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-z7TB32h

Last day at sea http://www.robhowarthphotography.com/Video/Celebrity-Eclipse-2011/i-CsGRH7G

Edited July 12, 2014 by Jo and Rob

[Guern69]

Thanks for sharing the videos, excellent work and very informative.

[Cruise Raider]

If you tip a couple of $ for room service is this in hard currency or just sign a piece of paper? Just wondering if I should bring so,e $ with me later this year on my first cruise or whether I just need € for when ashore. Thanks.

 

On Celebrity, you do have to give cash ... nothing like on Princess where you sign and add the tip. Yes, bring dollars.

 

This took me by surprise at first on Celebrity as had all cash locked in the safe. It used to be that your room steward delivered it so easy enough to compensate him at the end of the cruise for all the extra meals. It is now done by someone else and not always the same person so we also dig out a few bucks from the safe each time we order room service -- but like I said, we don't use it much any more as there have been such issues for us with this. We've had them not show up at all, waited 90 minutes and just decided it was easier to go get our own...it has happened more than once on various cruises. We've had them show up with the wrong order and with other deliveries, inevitably, something is missing. The last time we used it, a couple of food items were missing -- no problem as long as we had our coffee -- but saw we had no coffee cups. Argh!! Like I said, if this is my only complaint about Celebrity -- it is minor as I really can get my butt out of bed and get my own food....We absolutely love, love, love everything else about this line.

[TeaBag]

I would have some euros for going on-shore ie craft markets, if the don't take credit cards and tips on tours. Small denomination USD is great to have for tips on board (room service, Elite breakfast and evening drinks).

[Guern69]

I've got the Classic drink package and might upgrade to premium once onboard. I'll bring some small $ notes for tips and some € for when ashore.

[Indy_Girl46]

We are RC cruisers but are doing our first Celebrity cruise in 3 weeks. Slightly worried that it won't live up to expectations but we are back to RC in 2015. Personally speaking, looking more forward to the Anthem in 2015 than the Eclipse in 3 weeks but I am hoping to be happily surprised. Time will tell. Unfortunately due to work commitments this is the only cruise available.

[wwcruisers]

We are RC cruisers but are doing our first Celebrity cruise in 3 weeks. Slightly worried that it won't live up to expectations but we are back to RC in 2015. Personally speaking, looking more forward to the Anthem in 2015 than the Eclipse in 3 weeks but I am hoping to be happily surprised. Time will tell. Unfortunately due to work commitments this is the only cruise available.

 

Well, as someone who hasn't sailed RC in a few years, I'm looking forward to Anthem, too (if they keep her home-ported in U.S., that is). But, having cruised on two other Solstice Class ships, I'm really looking forward to our upcoming Holiday Cruise on Eclipse! I hope that you will be pleasantly surprised. Have a great cruise -- and, don't forget to come back and tell us about it! :cool:

[petronella]

We aren't seasoned cruisers at all (though my friends and work colleagues think I'm obsessed!!) and with a total of 50 nights at sea, 22 are with P&O, 14 with Royal Caribbean and 14 with Celebrity.

 

We've loved them all. With P&O we were on medium and small sized ships, with few children, even though the 14 nights on one of the P&O ships was in the UK school summer holidays. Two years ago we were on Royal Caribbean's Independence, during the UK school holidays with 1500 kids onboard - yes, we knew they were there but not for one second did they detract from our enjoyment. We were onboard with my son, daughter in law and two grandkids and only planned to meet up for dinner each evening, though we bumped into each other constantly!

 

We LOVED Indy (to my surprise) and I was twitchy about going to Celebrity. It's different. More sedate, less 'fun' stuff happening and we did have to search out a place to hang out in the evenings. The Martini Bar is the obvious place but it seems half the ship thinks so too - so we found our niche at the Sunset Bar and what a find! Great bartenders, great service (though a little chilly in the Baltic) - but Celebrity kindly provides blankets :)

 

My only true gripe was the lack of vegetarian main course options in the Oceanview Cafe (my fault for being a veggie, I guess, for meat eaters it was paradise!!)(And I did mention this at the time and on the survey).

 

Anyhow, if I had to choose between Royal Caribbean and Celebrity it would come down to the price/offers and itinerary and nothing else. The crew on both ships are just the best and I love 'em all!!

[boingy300]

We just did our 1st cruise on Celebrity Silhouette after sailing RCCL since 1991! We sailed Oasis in 2013. Celebrity was a bit quieter. My DH went in the casino for the 1st time! He usually avoids because he doesn't like smoke. The martini and molecular bars were wonderful. The ship was quieter EXCEPT when we went into Venice , then the loud opera music was inappropriate as we sailed into Venice-forced and fake....stop it! We thought Celebrity fit where we were in life.. Either is a great ship. No rock wall, but there is cooking on a grill at Lawn Grill. We booked again with Celebrity.

 

Karen