Celebrity alternatives

[Mynki]

So, we're thinking of booking another cruise with Celebrity. I'm reading this board a lot for useful information, of which there is a lot.

 

However I'm constantly reading about how the service is deteriorating, how things are not what they once were. That prices are increasing whilst the service levels drop, and frankly it's really putting me off sailing with them again. We were planning on booking a two week Southern Carribean cruise in an AQ cabin this week but now I'm really not sure.

 

So my question is, what are the alternative lines to consider. Who still produces the service levels that Celebrity once did?

 

How do they compare to Azamara etc?

[dkjretired]

So, we're thinking of booking another cruise with Celebrity. I'm reading this board a lot for useful information, of which there is a lot.

 

However I'm constantly reading about how the service is deteriorating, how things are not what they once were. That prices are increasing whilst the service levels drop, and frankly it's really putting me off sailing with them again. We were planning on booking a two week Southern Carribean cruise in an AQ cabin this week but now I'm really not sure.

 

So my question is, what are the alternative lines to consider. Who still produces the service levels that Celebrity once did?

 

How do they compare to Azamara etc?

 

How far back do you want to go, I've been sailing them for over 20 yrs and things are not what they were in the early 90s but then no mainstream cruise line is. If you want those service levels I would suggest one of the Premium lines. I would also point out that perhaps you should read the good reviews also.

Edited April 28, 2015 by dkjretired

[4774Papa]

So, we're thinking of booking another cruise with Celebrity. I'm reading this board a lot for useful information, of which there is a lot.

 

However I'm constantly reading about how the service is deteriorating, how things are not what they once were. That prices are increasing whilst the service levels drop, and frankly it's really putting me off sailing with them again. We were planning on booking a two week Southern Carribean cruise in an AQ cabin this week but now I'm really not sure.

 

So my question is, what are the alternative lines to consider. Who still produces the service levels that Celebrity once did?

 

How do they compare to Azamara etc?

No need to panic.

 

We finished our Celebrity Century cruise about three weeks ago and it held fast to the excellent food and service as well as good entertainment.

 

We have been cruising X since 2011 and have not see a deterioration in quality in 8 cruises. We have cruised on NCL as well and found food and service is not as consistently good as on X.

[Mynki]

How far back do you want to go, I've been sailing them for over 20 yrs and things are not what they were in the early 90s but then no mainstream cruise line is. If you want those service levels I would suggest one of the Premium lines. I would also point out that perhaps you should read the good reviews also.

 

I've read many positive, negative and neutral reviews and all have been factored into my opening post. I'm not wanting to be negative about Celebrity, just learn of other alternatives that I feel are worth considering due to my concerns.

 

No need to panic.

 

We finished our Celebrity Century cruise about three weeks ago and it held fast to the excellent food and service as well as good entertainment.

 

We have been cruising X since 2011 and have not see a deterioration in quality in 8 cruises. We have cruised on NCL as well and found food and service is not as consistently good as on X.

 

If every post was that positive then they'd be no thread. Sadly they are not. :)

Edited April 28, 2015 by Mynki

[mskaufman]

Last year I cruised HAL and read the same thing on their board. The year before, Princess, and read the same thing on their board. Check out the Carnival board. There is a trend. Like the previous poster said, it isn't the same as it was in the 1990s. Enjoy your cruise.

[Mynki]

Last year I cruised HAL and read the same thing on their board. The year before, Princess, and read the same thing on their board. Check out the Carnival board. There is a trend. Like the previous poster said, it isn't the same as it was in the 1990s. Enjoy your cruise.

 

So the question is, what boards are different? Which cruisers seem consistently pleased with their choice of cruise line?

[ghstudio]

Celebrity is still, IMHO, the best of the mass market cruise lines....all of which have cut costs/service to remain competitive and profitable. Other cruise lines have stepped in to provide a higher level of service at higher prices...Azamara, Oceania are a cut above the mass market offerings...viking may be in that category as well. There are no bargains...you really do get what you pay for between cruise lines. One area of on-going discussion is comparing suites on mass market large ships with the experience on the Azamara/Oceania. Celebrity of course would have you believe that the new suite service is as good as you get on the next higher quality cruise lines.....the jury is still out on that one and there will always who prefer to drive the top of the line chevrolet instead of an infinity/Volvo.

 

If you sail on celebrity you're going to have a very nice, relaxing cruise. If you select one of the "higher priced spreads", you'll probably have "better" food, less entertainment (smaller ships), more waiters/staff and so on.

 

It's your money....you get to choose your enjoyment level.

[NYAS]

We've enjoyed our Celebrity cruises but chose Oceania for a Baltics cruise because of their itinerary, and really liked the Oceania experience. Food was very good, specialty restaurants are included, and Terrace restaurant was a step above the Celebrity buffet. The O ships are smaller and we liked the change to about 1200 from about 2800, but the space-to-people ratio seemed similar. The entertainment was weak, but the service throughout was superb.

[ggglo]

We've sailed on Oceania, azamara, etc. Mainly due to their itineraries which are excellent. Have also sailed on Hal, princess, celebrity, etc. About 90+ altogether.

 

If you are not itinerary driven, celebrity is the best in it's class. Cabins, food , entertainment,etc. Excellent. The premium lines are much more expensive and very quiet. We've been everywhere. Now we love celebrity for total enjoyment!

[fla742]

We are itinerary driven - however, given the same itinerary on X or Azamara, we would choose Azamara. The whole experience can't be beat. We have also sailed Regent and still prefer Azamara.

[Snit13]

We have sailed Princess, NCL, Celebrity and RCCL in the 2000's and by far prefer Celebrity. As has been posted you must base your decision on what is important to you. We love the S class ships and curise AQUA class because of perks and BLU. The only area where Celebrity needs serious improvement is entertainment. If we were cruising to be entertained we would sail RCCL as we find theirs to be superior. We gave up on Princess after Carnival bought them. Most times we choose based on the itinerary. We are always looking for cruises stopping in ports which we have not visited. Decide what is important to you and remember it is your hard earned money.

[acctgtogo]

We took a southern Caribbean cruise on the Eclipse this past March. It was one of the best cruises we ever took. Great service all around. We were not in Aqua thus did not eat in Blu so can't comment on that. We were in a Concierge room. It was wonderful. This was our second time on the Eclipse and loved it both times. Took a Western Caribbean cruise on the Silhouette a few years ago that we were not happy with. Service was lacking - never understood the difference between ships but it was what it was. Sailed on the Summit to Bermuda, too. Had the best service ever on that ship. We are currently booked on both the Infinity and the Silhouette (yes, giving it another try) for future cruises.

 

In short - if you want a great Southern Caribbean cruise, book on the Eclipse. Unless things change drastically, you will not be disappointed.

[AlexDouglass]

We had a lovely time in AQ on Reflection a year ago, and I'm eyeing a Silhouette cruise at the end of the year - but I'm also looking with interest at MSC's Yacht Club concept, which delivers what looks to be a lovely ship-within-a-ship setting while still giving access to shows that seem pretty first-rate, a big casino, etc. The prices are very tempting, not least because within the Yacht Club lounge, restaurant, pool, and café, it's essentially all-inclusive.

[BrendaJ]

We are itinerary driven - however, given the same itinerary on X or Azamara, we would choose Azamara. The whole experience can't be beat. We have also sailed Regent and still prefer Azamara.

 

I guess it depends on what's important to you. If you enjoy a wide range of entertainment options, Broadway-style shows, large, modern cabins and a multitude of dining options, you won't find that on Azamara. I think Azamara is fine for a port-intensive itinerary, and I really like the intimate feel and excellent service, but I would never take them for a transatlantic. The fact that, for similar itineraries in the cheapest verandah cabin, Azamara costs at least double, makes me feel like there would have to be a significant deal on Azamara to convince me to do it, if I had the same itinerary and price and the 1-2-3 option on Celebrity.

 

In fact, the cheapest 7 day cruises on Azamara in a verandah cost close to what I'm paying for a Royal Suite on Summit next week, which is pretty much all-inclusive. The Royal Suite is a one-time thing for a special occasion for us, but we're always very happy in a verandah or Aqua on Celebrity. We've never had bad service or bad food. Maybe we're just too easy to please. ;)

 

Don't get me wrong - I really enjoyed our 3 Azamara cruises, but I just don't feel I get the same bang for the buck like I do with Celebrity, and itinerary is the only thing that would send me back to Azamara, if their prices continue to be what they are. We have always had excellent experiences on Celebrity. If that changed, I'd certainly give Azamara another try. I'd also be tempted to go back to Azamara if they had a new build, although I can't imagine what the prices on something like that would be - probably way out of our budget.

 

I've tried HAL, NCL and Carnival in addition to Azamara, and am in no hurry to stray from Celebrity based on those experiences, but people are different and there is a line out there that will suit pretty much everyone.

 

I do wonder what the luxury lines are like and at what point, the cheapest cabin on a luxury line is better than suite on Celebrity. Someday I may find out (when I marry for money instead of love the next time). :D

[wallie5446]

So, we're thinking of booking another cruise with Celebrity. I'm reading this board a lot for useful information, of which there is a lot.

 

However I'm constantly reading about how the service is deteriorating, how things are not what they once were. That prices are increasing whilst the service levels drop, and frankly it's really putting me off sailing with them again. We were planning on booking a two week Southern Carribean cruise in an AQ cabin this week but now I'm really not sure.

 

So my question is, what are the alternative lines to consider. Who still produces the service levels that Celebrity once did?

 

How do they compare to Azamara etc?

 

At the price X was years ago, no one.

 

Friends have sailed on Azamara, liked it, but for the cost liked getting to book 2 on Celebrity. You need to read more reviews. We too have sailed on X since 1994, yup it is a bit different. But still way better than the other choices. Well for our take home $$'s it is.

[JFontaine]

We had a lovely time in AQ on Reflection a year ago, and I'm eyeing a Silhouette cruise at the end of the year - but I'm also looking with interest at MSC's Yacht Club concept, which delivers what looks to be a lovely ship-within-a-ship setting while still giving access to shows that seem pretty first-rate, a big casino, etc. The prices are very tempting, not least because within the Yacht Club lounge, restaurant, pool, and café, it's essentially all-inclusive.

 

I second the suggestion to look at MSC 's Yacht Club. While MSC's reviews are mixed, the Yacht Clubs reviews are good, if not great. After three Celebrity cruises in Royal Suites I'm looking forward to the Yacht Club (at half the price). The Yacht Club is also significantly less expensive than a standard cabin on Azamara, Regent or Crystal.

[wallie5446]

I second the suggestion to look at MSC 's Yacht Club. While MSC's reviews are mixed, the Yacht Clubs reviews are good, if not great. After three Celebrity cruises in Royal Suites I'm looking forward to the Yacht Club (at half the price). The Yacht Club is also significantly less expensive than a standard cabin on Azamara, Regent or Crystal.

 

My wifesters BF and hubby just got off the MSC Divina Sunday. The first thing she said was, "it was ok, but it sure made me miss Celebrity".

[cruise kitty]

My wifesters BF and hubby just got off the MSC Divina Sunday. The first thing she said was, "it was ok, but it sure made me miss Celebrity".

 

Hi, were they in yacht club? I've read/heard nothing but great things about the yacht club experience & with Celebrity's pricing being what it is, we're considering trying MSC yacht club for our next Med. cruise.

 

Thanks in advance.

[parallax]

Did the YC cruise and it was the best experience we ever had on a cruise ship. The level of service, the quality of the food and the private pools and bars created a magical experience. Till fond of Celebrity but the YC is in a class by itself.

[Host Jazzbeau]

We were planning on booking a two week Southern Carribean cruise in an AQ cabin this week but now I'm really not sure.

 

So my question is, what are the alternative lines to consider. Who still produces the service levels that Celebrity once did?

 

How do they compare to Azamara etc?

 

Celebrity offers a true two-week itinerary on Eclipse in the Southern Caribbean -- I haven't found anything that matches it on any other mainstream cruise line. What the others bill as two-week cruises are really two one-weeks back to back, meaning you have to sail all the way back to Florida and start over -- this greatly limits the itinerary possibilities. Eclipse also has a wonderful variety of activities to fill the sea days -- this would be a weakness of the smaller, more luxurious ships. We just completed that cruise last month, and even without access to Blu we had a great time -- stepping up to AquaClass and Blu would just make it better. Don't question your first choice.

Edited April 29, 2015 by Host Jazzbeau

[wallie5446]

Did the YC cruise and it was the best experience we ever had on a cruise ship. The level of service, the quality of the food and the private pools and bars created a magical experience. Till fond of Celebrity but the YC is in a class by itself.

 

IMHO a close concept is what X is trying to do with the ever expanding suite experience. Those willing to drop bigger $$ will be given a different experience.

Cunard has done this for years. Yes a class by itself where the Trumps don't have to be pestered with being around a lesser class or the wanna bee's.

[midwestchick]

At the price X was years ago, no one.

 

Friends have sailed on Azamara, liked it, but for the cost liked getting to book 2 on Celebrity. You need to read more reviews. We too have sailed on X since 1994, yup it is a bit different. But still way better than the other choices. Well for our take home $$'s it is.

 

 

I believe that depends on the itinerary and your cabin class. That certainly was not our experience. We did one Med cruise on the Silhouette...definitely not a bargain and priced very closely to Azamara.

[parallax]

IMHO a close concept is what X is trying to do with the ever expanding suite experience. Those willing to drop bigger $$ will be given a different experience.

Cunard has done this for years. Yes a class by itself where the Trumps don't have to be pestered with being around a lesser class or the wanna bee's.

 

Yes, I wore monocle and top hat and gave dimes to all those outside of YC to show my superiority. I do not feel guilty at all for taking advantage of the YC. I spent time both inside and outside the YC club and enjoyed my experiences throughout the ship. I tend to find the class argument ludicrous because the same people who complain about the suite experiences take advantage of the loyalty clubs and other perks that come with their room. How is that any different? Everyone is going to have a different experience.

[greydog]

Did the YC cruise and it was the best experience we ever had on a cruise ship. The level of service, the quality of the food and the private pools and bars created a magical experience. Till fond of Celebrity but the YC is in a class by itself.

 

After 25 X cruises we tried MSC Yacht Club this Feb.,4-day on Divina. I was holding my full review to do a double-barrel side-by-side with our Infinity trip in two weeks.

 

Yes, the YC sanctuary was POSH but most times it was very subdued library-like atmosphere. We enjoy relaxing and quiet but with a dull Bahamas itinerary it can get old - recommend bring your own rat pack and/or do an exciting itinerary to mix things up.

 

The standard YC room was nice but much like an S2 - it's the other YC-exclusive areas that are distinctive. I saw a few in YC hot tubs but YC smallish pool was always a ghost town. The ship's entertainment was excellent. Did not try casino. We found the YC restaurant dining v. good, better than X MDR but about 80-90% of Tuscan-Murano quality. MSC does offer great fresh pasta.

 

The fact that Divina from Miami has had 'kids free' policy makes the public areas crowded and noisy with young adults and families. Tendering at Gr. Stirrup Cay was very delayed, drawn out.

 

Bottom line - we decided X has better overall mix of features, bang-for-$, especially with the beverage pkg and elite+ perqs. Just another opinion - we're not rushing back to try YC again.

 

We're booked on first Oceania cruise next year, hoping the grass is greener there. Hoping frequent-cruiser MVPinBoynton's opinion is accurate that Oceania has become his new favorite cruise line from X before.

 

HAPPY CRUISING

[Mynki]

Celebrity offers a true two-week itinerary on Eclipse in the Southern Caribbean -- I haven't found anything that matches it on any other mainstream cruise line. What the others bill as two-week cruises are really two one-weeks back to back, meaning you have to sail all the way back to Florida and start over -- this greatly limits the itinerary possibilities. Eclipse also has a wonderful variety of activities to fill the sea days -- this would be a weakness of the smaller, more luxurious ships. We just completed that cruise last month, and even without access to Blu we had a great time -- stepping up to AquaClass and Blu would just make it better. Don't question your first choice.

 

We were considering the sailing in November this year. I agree the itineraries they offer in the southern Caribbean are very good compared to the competition.

 

However, I have noted that if I were to postpone until January 2017 for the equivalent of around $350 more we could effectively 'upgrade' to sky suites when you take into consideration the 123 perk offer. It would also be convenient for some friends of ours to join us making for a potentially great vacation.

 

But at the time of writing three of the top four threads on this board are also portraying Celebrity in a negative light. It's very frustrating from my point of view because the deal I mention looks good on the face of things with it being such an early booking. Luminae in principle sounds good, but will X have got their act together by the time we'd sail and would I get breakfast, lunch and dinner as advertised in my UK 2015 / 2016 and my 2016 / 2017 brochure?

 

Azamara are undoubtedly more costly, but not too much more if you shop around it seems. And I'd rather pay a little bit more for a great cruise and not be disappointed as many Celebrity customers seem to be going by the feedback on this forum right now.

 

In all honesty, if I hadn't have read so much negativity a booking would have been made by now. I think I might wait and see what happens before deciding whether or not to sail with them again or choose a line where satisfaction is more likely to be received.

Edited May 4, 2015 by Mynki