Will Celebrity be boring for us?

[Ruthk]

This is my honest opinion on your question. I am Elite Plus with Celebrity and otherwise have only sailed RCCL, Oceania and NCL. When my sister's children were young they sailed Carnival, so we always compared cruises. I would not recommend Celebrity for 'young people fun'. If you want one step ahead of Carnival, I highly recommend NCL - lots of activity for all ages and lots of teens so it would be easy to make new friends. Lively ship and music everywhere (though not in casino). There are lots of Celebrity people who hate live music playing around the pool, meanwhile I love it. No doubt about it Celebrity has an older crowd also their entertainment leaves much to be desired. As much as I love Celebrity, if I had a teenager I wanted to please, I would look elsewhere.

[Shake]

No Celebrity is not boring but a difference in cruise lines is always a good mix and is refreshing to change things up ..... kind of clears the air on things.

 

We mix it up with Princess and Royal Caribbean, but most of our happiness and business goes along with the Celebrity product. We like the Modern Luxury feel.

[CathyCruises]

You seem to be extremely concerned about this Bermuda cruise that you've booked. I know you booked because of the low price. But in light of the many threads that you've started asking about every aspect of the cruise, I'm worried that it's not going to meet your expectations.

 

Many of us really enjoy the celebrity experience. I for one think carnival is loud, sometimes bordering on obnoxious, although there's also a fun aspect to it. Celebrity is much more sedate them that although we have a lot of fun when we cruise. I think with as many doubts as you've expressed that you may want to reconsider. It sounds like you'll be comparing everything to carnival and that is pretty much a sure fire indication that you're not going to have a good time

[JERSEYGIRL1983]

Limoguy1,

 

I was recently scouring and researching threads just like you because I had the same concerns. I've previously sailed with carnival and Norwegian. On carnival there isn't a shortage of things to do. In fact, I couldnt even keep up with the amount of activities! We booked reflection in December for 2 reasons: friends of ours sailed on it 3 times and loved it and for the price. We got a great deal. Our friends however are more laid back, like to relax. My husband is the same way whereas I'm always looking for activities. I started to worry because I didn't want to be bored. I found the dailies here on cc, looked them over and was disappointed. told my husband there is no way I'm gonna enjoy it. What changed? Love the smoking policy on the ship. Extremely important to me because I am highly sensitive to cigarette smoke. On previous ncl cruise I got very sick because you had to walk thru the smoking zone (casino)to get almost anywhere. 2. I figured heck, why not try an art class or two (altho I recently read they r closing the art studio) :( 3. I figured you know what, have a blast at the ports of call and actually use the sea days to....can't believe I'm gonna say this....relax. In the end it's how you make it to be. We couldn't afford the other cruise we were eyeing so we are going to make the very best out of this cruise. I have read amazing things about the food the service and the cleanliness of the ship so I'm going into this with a positive attitude. In the end I think that's the bottom line. Hope you have an amazing cruise!!

Edited April 17, 2015 by JERSEYGIRL1983

[DinaS]

You seem to be extremely concerned about this Bermuda cruise that you've booked. I know you booked because of the low price. But in light of the many threads that you've started asking about every aspect of the cruise, I'm worried that it's not going to meet your expectations.

 

Many of us really enjoy the celebrity experience. I for one think carnival is loud, sometimes bordering on obnoxious, although there's also a fun aspect to it. Celebrity is much more sedate them that although we have a lot of fun when we cruise. I think with as many doubts as you've expressed that you may want to reconsider. It sounds like you'll be comparing everything to carnival and that is pretty much a sure fire indication that you're not going to have a good time

 

This is exactly what I was thinking after seeing so many posts wondering if this is the right cruise for a teenager and an adult.

 

If you have so many doubts, the small amount of money that you save isn't going to make this cruise wonderful.

 

We selected Celebrity because there AREN'T any rock-climbing walls, fancy pool slides, silly pool games (Mr Hottest Legs, etc). We've done the running-around-trying-to-get-to-every-event cruises, and we've had enough.

 

For us, Celebrity seems to be more sedate and more refined, as well as closer to our age bracket (50's-60-ish).

 

If I were you, I would probably spend a bit more and book the NCL Breakaway from NYC to Bermuda. Your teenager (and likely you as well) will have more to do on that cruise.

[SaintL]

just getting off reflection i will say that celebrity is a little be more quiet that royal, never been on carnival.

 

Celebrity is fine for quiet times, they do have some nightlife but honestly felt it was catering to the wrong crowd as most people where in 40s-50s and the nightlight i think catered more to twenty something crowd so it was a bit off.

 

Also entertainment on celebrity was pretty bad worst shows i have ever seen.

[wallie5446]

Activities are not a staple of a Celebrity sailing, and the ones to Bermuda are probably the most laid back of them all. Some sailings have a teen Meet n Mingle, but that is hit n miss.

[wwcruisers]

Also entertainment on celebrity was pretty bad worst shows i have ever seen.

 

Entertainment is a very subjective area, as not everyone likes the same things. But, I was on the Summit to Bermuda itinerary last fall, and they featured some of the best entertainment I have ever seen, on any ship. I think that Summit tends to have some unique acts, since their summer route sails out of NJ -- but, I found great live entertainment, all over the ship! :cool: Some examples of entertainment featured on Summit last fall:

 

Jordan Peterson -- a very popular piano player/singer (I've seen him on other ships, too).

The Lost Boys -- a young guitar/vocal duo, who we often heard playing at the Sunset Bar.

Flamenco-Style guitarist -- Nestor (last name escapes me). He was quite good, and we saw him playing, in several venues.

Sin City -- late night comedy; very entertaining, but not for kids.

54 Below -- a show unique to that route on Summit, featuring different Broadway performers, each year. Last fall, the performer was Telly Leung (from Glee/Godspell/Rent), who put on a great show.

Tenors of Rock -- sadly, we did not get to see this group that we had heard good things about. Turns out that their show alternated cruises with the "54 Below" show -- too bad that we didn't do a b2b. ;)

 

There were also various late-night events planned, some free, like Liquid (on the pool deck), and Indulgence -- a for fee dining/entertainment event held in Cellarmasters. We didn't attend either, so I can't critique them. We also did not see any of the production shows, but we heard that the ships' singers and dancers did a very good job.

 

Part of what I loved about our Summit to Bermuda Cruise was the on-board entertainment. I'm hoping it's as good, on this year's cruise! :cool:

[cyntil8ing]

Jordan Peterson -- a very popular piano player/singer (I've seen him on other ships, too).

The Lost Boys -- a young guitar/vocal duo, who we often heard playing at the Sunset Bar.

Flamenco-Style guitarist -- Nestor (last name escapes me). He was quite good, and we saw him playing, in several venues.

 

Thanks for reminding me! My dd11 had a cute crush on Jordan Peterson last summer and still talks about how he played Bohemian Rhapsody for her.

 

Here's a video from his youtube channel.

 

And our whole family loved Nestor Santurio. Here's a video I found.

[SaintL]

Entertainment is a very subjective area, as not everyone likes the same things. But, I was on the Summit to Bermuda itinerary last fall, and they featured some of the best entertainment I have ever seen, on any ship. I think that Summit tends to have some unique acts, since their summer route sails out of NJ -- but, I found great live entertainment, all over the ship! :cool: Some examples of entertainment featured on Summit last fall:

 

Jordan Peterson -- a very popular piano player/singer (I've seen him on other ships, too).

The Lost Boys -- a young guitar/vocal duo, who we often heard playing at the Sunset Bar.

Flamenco-Style guitarist -- Nestor (last name escapes me). He was quite good, and we saw him playing, in several venues.

Sin City -- late night comedy; very entertaining, but not for kids.

54 Below -- a show unique to that route on Summit, featuring different Broadway performers, each year. Last fall, the performer was Telly Leung (from Glee/Godspell/Rent), who put on a great show.

Tenors of Rock -- sadly, we did not get to see this group that we had heard good things about. Turns out that their show alternated cruises with the "54 Below" show -- too bad that we didn't do a b2b. ;)

 

There were also various late-night events planned, some free, like Liquid (on the pool deck), and Indulgence -- a for fee dining/entertainment event held in Cellarmasters. We didn't attend either, so I can't critique them. We also did not see any of the production shows, but we heard that the ships' singers and dancers did a very good job.

 

Part of what I loved about our Summit to Bermuda Cruise was the on-board entertainment. I'm hoping it's as good, on this year's cruise! :cool:

 

Well ill tell you from my point of view. the shows were very cheesy old time cruising types something i would have seen on the norway in the 90s, if a show has an adage couple im walking out, seen it since i started cruising not impress.

 

All celebrity shows were ramdom songs like an Ipod on shuffle, no story, no visuals. I walked out on one, sat through the other cause we needed something to do.

 

Now the best show they had was a Beatles cover band that play a concert which was actually fun and people go on their feet.

 

i feel all cruise lines need to up their game with NCL and Royal bringing in real shows, these old cruise shows cant compete.

[DinaS]

Well ill tell you from my point of view. the shows were very cheesy old time cruising types something i would have seen on the norway in the 90s, if a show has an adage couple im walking out, seen it since i started cruising not impress.

 

All celebrity shows were ramdom songs like an Ipod on shuffle, no story, no visuals. I walked out on one, sat through the other cause we needed something to do.

 

Now the best show they had was a Beatles cover band that play a concert which was actually fun and people go on their feet.

 

i feel all cruise lines need to up their game with NCL and Royal bringing in real shows, these old cruise shows cant compete.

 

 

Our last cruise on NCL (Gem) had the big performance show with singers who were just "ok", and dancers who didn't even appear to be dancing to the same music.

 

We walked out.

 

If NCL is bringing in the "real shows", I am looking forward to the "old time cruising type" shows on Celebrity.

 

I am also looking forward to the musicians around the ship.

[SaintL]

Our last cruise on NCL (Gem) had the big performance show with singers who were just "ok", and dancers who didn't even appear to be dancing to the same music.

 

We walked out.

 

If NCL is bringing in the "real shows", I am looking forward to the "old time cruising type" shows on Celebrity.

 

I am also looking forward to the musicians around the ship.

 

Gem doesnt have the real shows only the new ships have the broadway shows just like royal. Gem gets the crap but celebrity should at least on thier flagship have good shows.

[DinaS]

Gem doesnt have the real shows only the new ships have the broadway shows just like royal. Gem gets the crap but celebrity should at least on thier flagship have good shows.

 

It WAS a "Broadway" type show/musical.

 

As for the Gem getting "the crap", I think not. I was SIMPLY commenting on the quality of a show.

 

Everything ELSE about the Gem was definitely NOT "crap", and in fact was wonderful.

[hcat]

OP.

it will likely be a new experience compared to other cruises.....but you will most likely enjoy it

Not sure what the crowd will be like when you cruise...probably families, children, teen....we have always met nice people and never boring! Martini Bar is the lively spot....and I believe the casino is now open in port????

 

Does your dtr like the spa?

 

Frog and Onion pub at Dockside is great for lunch, happy hour and live music...walking distance from ship.....nice shopping at Dockside too, also a beach at the "port" with a bar.. (entry fee)...lots to do in the Hamilton and other side of the island as well.

[OCruisers]

I only ask this because we are used to the things on Carnival and enjoy the atmosphere.

We like having live music throughout the day and fun events on the Lido deck.

I get the feeling its very quiet on Celebrity.

If anyone could add helpful advise I would appreciate it

 

Celebrity is a wonderful cruise line (food, service, etc.) BUT way more laid back than Carnival. Yes, it is pretty much very quiet on Celebrity. ;)

Different but doesn't mean you won't enjoy your Summit cruise to Bermuda! :D

 

LuLu

[jfslcruise]

It is what you like and make of it.

 

We did RCI last year and loved it, but are returning to Celebrity this year.

 

I am not sure what definition of fun to use.

 

All agree that being on vacation, on a just about any ship and going to Bermuda has to be fun.

 

Some things that are fun for me:

 

1) Be able to let the daughters (16 &12) do their own thing in a safe environment and then sit with them at meals to hear all about it.

2) I am not so sure the food is any better or worse, but I think the Celebrity menu is a little more adventurous

3) No smoking

4) Welcome drink when boarding

5) Using the drink package and getting the urge to dance with my wife

6) being able to stay up late using the drink package and possibly dance with my wife, but still being able to talk to my wife (or bartender or other guests) w/o screaming over music/noise

7) using the drink package for a nice cup of coffee in the morning and before getting ready for dinner

8) I personally think it is fun to dress up a bit as a family. I love the pics we have from formal nights

9) Using the drink package on the bar on the back of the ship (Oceanview)

10) Having the option to watch a show, see a comedian. attend a lecture(I personally think it is about all the same on any cruise we have been on)

11) My wife and kids love room service breakfast

 

For me? Did I mention the drink package?

[Flafun888]

jfslcruise....good answer! :D

[Stateroom_Sailor]

We're in our mid 30's and enjoy both lines. Similarities that we enjoy are the MDR's food, self-serve drink stations, and relaxed passengers. We found the sea days to be boring on Celebrity... at least until you get used to it. You're trading a bit of fun for luxury, relaxation, and atmosphere. There are always shows, activities, newlywed games, bad dance contests, etc, just not as many as Carnival.

 

The question is, Would you have fun in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, and also enjoy a low key resort along the Ocean in Maine? The expectations could ruin a vacation in either location.

Edited April 18, 2015 by Stateroom_Sailor

[Vitamin_Sea]

Well, our party has changed from a total of 6 to just my daughter and I for this trip. The others folks had to many excuses not to go and thats fine with me.

We know it will be different from Carnival in some ways but were willing to give it a go and make the best of it. I will definitely order the drink packages for the week for us.

We are looking forward to this trip.

 

Thank you all for all the advice!:)

[wallie5446]

Well, our party has changed from a total of 6 to just my daughter and I for this trip. The others folks had to many excuses not to go and thats fine with me.

We know it will be different from Carnival in some ways but were willing to give it a go and make the best of it. I will definitely order the drink packages for the week for us.

We are looking forward to this trip.

 

Thank you all for all the advice!:)

 

OK, now that the decision has been made, go and read the 3 reviews by Heather about the Summit. She had 10 sailings with Carnival before making the switch.

Here is the first one she did: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1987902

[wwcruisers]

Well, our party has changed from a total of 6 to just my daughter and I for this trip. The others folks had to many excuses not to go and thats fine with me.

We know it will be different from Carnival in some ways but were willing to give it a go and make the best of it. I will definitely order the drink packages for the week for us.

We are looking forward to this trip.

 

Thank you all for all the advice!:)

 

Sorry to hear that, Limoguy -- but, I think you and your DD are still going to have a great vacation. :)

And, remember that your roll-call is a great way to get to know the folks who'll be on the cruise, with you. :cool:

[Vitamin_Sea]

Sorry to hear that, Limoguy -- but, I think you and your DD are still going to have a great vacation. :)

And, remember that your roll-call is a great way to get to know the folks who'll be on the cruise, with you. :cool:

 

Thanks......My brother and his kids kept dipping into there excuse bag.

Coming up with ways not to go.

 

So, I said fine. Stay home. You wont get me not to go.

[Laurab23]

Well, our party has changed from a total of 6 to just my daughter and I for this trip. The others folks had to many excuses not to go and thats fine with me.

We know it will be different from Carnival in some ways but were willing to give it a go and make the best of it. I will definitely order the drink packages for the week for us.

We are looking forward to this trip.

 

Thank you all for all the advice!:)

 

That always happens to us too. When we mention we are going on a cruise everyone wants to join us-until we are ready to book then no one can.

I am going to SC next week to visit an old high school friend. A friend begged to go with me but when I started making plans,she suddenly said she was too busy to go. Oh well I will have a good time.

 

Laura

[Vitamin_Sea]

That always happens to us too. When we mention we are going on a cruise everyone wants to join us-until we are ready to book then no one can.

I am going to SC next week to visit an old high school friend. A friend begged to go with me but when I started making plans,she suddenly said she was too busy to go. Oh well I will have a good time.

 

Laura

 

Actually, they went with us on every Carnival cruise w/o one single problem!

 

The thing is, I did research, read reviews and asked a countless questions.

 

I found answers to my questions/concerns from the kind/wonderful people here.

 

They failed to do the legwork

Edited April 18, 2015 by limoguy1

[artmc]

DW and I did four Carnival cruises before taking our first Celeb cruise in 2011 (Infinity - Valparaiso to Buenos Aries - add it to your bucket list). I was concerned about the night life and asked on this website about it. "Not to worry" I was told because there would be many South Americans on board (and there were) and they like to party (they do!). So there were both English and Spanish bands and the dance club was always crowded. The shows were excellent too.

 

Cruise 2 was one year later (Eclipse - 2 weeks Southern Caribbean). Again I was concerned about the night life. Is Celeb as much fun in the Caribbean as it is in South America? Again I was told not to worry, and they were right. The entertainment the first week was somewhat repetitive. I think some act(s) must have cancelled at the last minute. Week 2 was better. The dance club was lively.

 

Cruise 3 (Silhouette - 1 week Western Caribbean) took place in February. The fun level was as high or higher than any cruise - Carnival or Celeb - that I've been on. The dance floor was always crowded. During the day there was music by the pool. The mainstage entertainment was phenomenal. What stands out were the very good stage productions, two really funny comedians and the most original (and hilarious) ventriloquist act I've ever seen. There was also one night when dancing took place in the main lobby. (Valentine's Day - very romantic)

 

What you won't get on Celeb, other than the crew/passenger volleyball games, are loud activities by the pool. (I know not everyone agrees, but I'm one of those who calls this a good thing.) There is music.

 

Based on my experience, most Celeb passengers don't go to bed after the last show but most of the people sailing are 50 something or higher. Assuming that's not a problem, you should be fine.