If you were going to upgrade from Celebrity, where would you go?

[micmacmissy]

Agree! As you can see, we've done a lot of Princess and one Celebrity (with another booked because we liked that one so much). We have done Alaska land-sea package twice on Coral Princess and can highly recommend her. (Don't do Island Princess, although it used to be her twin.) In addition to the excellent viewing areas (and a forward-looking buffet for a great morning coffee), she has a covered pool, and an excellent size. Not so large - about 2100 passengers. Also a rather "green" ship, which enables her to go some places other ships can't. Princess also brings expert Park Service guides aboard to enrich the experience.

 

And, yes, you can't call Princess an upgrade from Celebrity. They are very much equal overall in ships, food and service. Some things a little bit better on one, some on the others. But a very different style, more traditional sea ships. Might be what you want to celebrate a special event!

 

That does sound really nice- it seems like Island/Star do most of their Alaskan itineraries, but I found a few on Coral that might fit. Thank you!

[micmacmissy]

OP, you haven't mentioned what type of cabin you've sailed on with Celebrity. If you haven't sailed in a suite, the recent upgrades to this class of cabins might be appealing. Luminae is outstanding, Michaels Club a wonderful pre-dinner stop and you'll receive excellent concierge service, the butler is top notch and free dinners at the specialty a big perk.

 

If you are someone who sails in suites on Celebrity please ignore my post, if not check out what is included and compare it to other lines.

 

We have sailed on Princess 4 or 5 times this decade and never again, HAL is okay but just okay. The new suites benefits on Celebrity are not to be dismissed.

 

Good luck with your decision and an early happy 20th. Hope this helps.

 

We're just regular balcony folks- whatever works out price wise, which was a CC balcony on the Millennium and a balcony guarantee on Silhouette (couldn't pass that up for $799/pp, down from the $1,499/pp so we gave up our A1 balcony on the hump!)

 

So yes, we'll definitely look into a suite- the new dining rooms are appealing. And Michael's Club was our favorite hangout prior to the renovations (we liked it when it was focused on craft beer) so that just might be a good bet, too. And I do like the idea of not "risking" trying a new line. We know we like Celebrity so part of me worries over a lateral move to Princess or HAL.

 

Princess seems to get great Alaskan reviews, though- but what about HAL? Are their ships really smoky? Is it worth looking at? (We hate smoking and smoky casinos are the worst!)

[chemmo]

I am another 'upgrade' on Celebrity vote, in particular the PH suite on the Millenium class ships.

 

You will be given VIP treatment all the way, the room is really impressive, despite its age and the balcony is wonderful. As you are doing Alaska that balcony would be really nice....wrapped in blankets on a comfortable chair or sun bed with your butler bringing you hot chocolate with a little 'warmer' in it.....later you may choose to dine on your balcony or in your suite if you are tired after that sight seeing.

 

We regularly browse other lines but have yet to find another room we like as much as the M PH. We looked at several lines for a couple of Asian itineraries, we compared ships, facilities....and on both occasions ended up booking M class PH. We continue to look at other lines and are following with interest comparisons.

 

I think it is the combination of dining options, in room bar set up and drinks packages along with the room (did I tell you how great the balcony is?!) and that extra touch of PH magic that makes it work for us.

[claroquesi]

It does not do Alaska and its Caribbean voyages are limited but I would recommend Cunard. It was probably the best cruise I have ever been on in every respect.

[KW Cruisers]

OP, you haven't mentioned what type of cabin you've sailed on with Celebrity. If you haven't sailed in a suite, the recent upgrades to this class of cabins might be appealing. Luminae is outstanding, Michaels Club a wonderful pre-dinner stop and you'll receive excellent concierge service, the butler is top notch and free dinners at the specialty a big perk.

 

If you are someone who sails in suites on Celebrity please ignore my post, if not check out what is included and compare it to other lines.

 

We have sailed on Princess 4 or 5 times this decade and never again, HAL is okay but just okay. The new suites benefits on Celebrity are not to be dismissed.

 

Good luck with your decision and an early happy 20th. Hope this helps.

 

Helpful advice. As we have only sailed on X, and recently only in top suites, we have always loved our experiences. I guess it's not worth moving to another luxury line such as Crystal to sail in a regular stateroom? Suites on those lines seem to be quite out of reach.

[Cindy]

We take two kinds of cruises now. "Local" Caribbean cruises where the accommodations are extremely important because of the high number of sea days and the amount of time we spend in our cabin. We choose full suites on those cruises, and often choose to stay on the ship in the ports we've been to many times.

 

For port intensive itineraries such as Europe where we're on shore almost every day a balcony is fine. We had an AQ cabin on the Constellation in the Baltics and found the smaller space really wasn't an issue because we spent so little time in the cabin.

 

We're currently booked on a Med cruise on Celebrity in May 2017, but we're giving strong consideration to moving that cruise over to Azamara for an itinerary we like better. The price difference (we're currently in an AQ1) would be a little less than $1,000/person for a balcony on the Quest. It's definitely more money, but since we're Diamond/Elite we can do an on-board booking in March and save 5% off the fare as well as keep our other perks. Something that really appeals to us is the longer port times, and being on a smaller ship for a very port intensive (only 1 sea day on a 10-night cruise) itinerary.

 

We've also looked at Oceania, and would strongly consider them too if they had the itinerary we wanted. I looked at Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, and Crystal, but none of those felt like a match to us.

[3418ahl]

If we could afford it, we would cruise exclusively with Seabourn. Wonderful food, no formal nights, a great variety of restaurants, all inclusive including top line liquor. The regular cabin is the size of Celebrity's Sky Suite. Everyone is treated superbly and there is plenty of space. We have cruised Azamara, Oceania and Crystal and find Seabourn to be far superior to all.

[chamima]

If you're going to recommend the Coral, I would go one step further and recommend the ISLAND. It hasn't had the cut-up, mashed-up retrofitting job the Coral has had done to it recently.

 

We did the Island the year before last on a one-way North to South itinerary and it was fantastic. Add a land portion to the cruise and you've got a really good experience.

 

You got it backwards.

It's the Island that was retrofitted.

The Coral, thank goodness, has had it's retrofit cancelled.

[seasearider]

We're just regular balcony folks- whatever works out price wise, which was a CC balcony on the Millennium and a balcony guarantee on Silhouette (couldn't pass that up for $799/pp, down from the $1,499/pp so we gave up our A1 balcony on the hump!)

 

So yes, we'll definitely look into a suite- the new dining rooms are appealing. And Michael's Club was our favorite hangout prior to the renovations (we liked it when it was focused on craft beer) so that just might be a good bet, too. And I do like the idea of not "risking" trying a new line. We know we like Celebrity so part of me worries over a lateral move to Princess or HAL.

 

Princess seems to get great Alaskan reviews, though- but what about HAL? Are their ships really smoky? Is it worth looking at? (We hate smoking and smoky casinos are the worst!)

 

HAL and Celebrity are a bit alike but the average age on HAL is quite a bit older than Celebrity. Also, HAL's suites benefits are not even in the same ball park as Celebrity's.

[ShawninFL]

I also concur that while Princess isn't an upgrade from Celebrity, when talking about Alaska, itinerary has more importance than cruising in many other areas of the world. IMHO, if this is your first visit to Alaska, a land tour and visiting Glacier Bay on the cruise are essential. Princess and HAL do this the best of all the cruise lines. Just something to factor into your planning should you choose Alaska. With doing Alaska, an upgraded cruise line may not be your best option. Then again, the upgraded experience on another line may more than make up for the missed experience of Glacier Bay....it all depends on the individual.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Agree! As you can see, we've done a lot of Princess and one Celebrity (with another booked because we liked that one so much). We have done Alaska land-sea package twice on Coral Princess and can highly recommend her. (Don't do Island Princess, although it used to be her twin.) In addition to the excellent viewing areas (and a forward-looking buffet for a great morning coffee), she has a covered pool, and an excellent size. Not so large - about 2100 passengers. Also a rather "green" ship, which enables her to go some places other ships can't. Princess also brings expert Park Service guides aboard to enrich the experience.

 

And, yes, you can't call Princess an upgrade from Celebrity. They are very much equal overall in ships, food and service. Some things a little bit better on one, some on the others. But a very different style, more traditional sea ships. Might be what you want to celebrate a special event!

 

I've been on the Coral and the Island many times and actually, the Island Princess is a MUCH better choice since the Coral's botched retrofit job.

Edited January 2, 2016 by DrivesLikeMario

[UpcountryTravelers]

You got it backwards.

It's the Island that was retrofitted.

The Coral, thank goodness, has had it's retrofit cancelled.

 

Yes, YES! That's why the Island Princess has been crossed off my "future cruises" list, and I do NOT recommend her. DAMAGED, in my opinion, is a better term. Island and Coral (formerly twins) used to be my favorites of 10 different Princess ships. Island is off, and Ocean has been added, although, sadly, Ocean is sold, to Oceania, which is why we will try Oceania in the future....

 

Another nice thing about Coral is Bayou Cafe, a really delightful feature that is not on ay others.

 

Incidentally, the cosmetic "jet pods" on the Coral is a symbol that she has gas turbine engines aboard, which furnish electric power with much lower emissions.

[UpcountryTravelers]

That does sound really nice- it seems like Island/Star do most of their Alaskan itineraries, but I found a few on Coral that might fit. Thank you!

 

Absolutely do Coral over Island. The original configuration is the best.

[UpcountryTravelers]

If we could afford it, we would cruise exclusively with Seabourn. Wonderful food, no formal nights, a great variety of restaurants, all inclusive including top line liquor. The regular cabin is the size of Celebrity's Sky Suite. Everyone is treated superbly and there is plenty of space. We have cruised Azamara, Oceania and Crystal and find Seabourn to be far superior to all.

 

The underlined part would be a deal-breaker for me. To each his/her own.

[jagoffee]

The underlined part would be a deal-breaker for me. To each his/her own.

 

?? And you are still cruising with Celebrity?

[BubMunkeyBles]

For Alaska I'd only cruise one of the lines that hits glacier bay. So a little limited. I'd love to do a Rhine Christmas market cruise.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Wow, that's really disappointing! Azamara and Oceania are looking better and better...

 

 

Though they're lumped in the same "premium" category, there's really no comparison - Oceania wins out for food, itineraries, included perks (e.g., airfare). And don't forget O's extremely restrictive smoking policy.

Edited January 3, 2016 by Flatbush Flyer

[GUT2407]

Tough one.

 

I find Celebrity and Princess our best fit.

 

Not too keen on the "Luxury Lines" find the service a bit intrusive for our tastes.

 

But probably Azamara or Silverseas.

[Cruise Junky]

The underlined part would be a deal-breaker for me. To each his/her own.

 

Lol. You realize X doesn't have formal nights either right?

[TrulyBlonde]

Though they're lumped in the same "premium" category, there's really no comparison - Oceania wins out for food, itineraries, included perks (e.g., airfare). And don't forget O's extremely restrictive smoking policy.

 

+1.....totally adored my O Regatta Alaska cruise last May. AZ does not even come close.

[nordski]

Though they're lumped in the same "premium" category, there's really no comparison - Oceania wins out for food, itineraries, included perks (e.g., airfare). And don't forget O's extremely restrictive smoking policy.

 

 

1/ Not certain that the included airfare is as advantageous a "perk" as some may think. Many Oceania cruisers price their cruise without it unless they wish to pay a deviation fee to ensure some control over their choice of flights

 

A "perk" that Azamara alone provides is the inclusion of a complimentary package of basic wines, spirits and bottled water.

 

2/ As for itineraries, Azamara's goal of longer stays in ports provides ample opportunity for exploration. On the Oceania forum recently there have been some ongoing complaints of time in ports being shortened after final payments have been made. Although that may be a temporary concern, "Longer stays" is not part of their Oceania's mission statement.

 

Moreover, I don't see Oceania's ports of choice, say in the western Med, are in any way better. For example, Azamara usually schedules 2 days in Livorno, days which provide opportunities to visit Lucca, Florence, Pisa etc.

 

3/ Since smoking on Azamara is limited to one small corner of the pool deck, in what sense is Oceania's policy more restrictive?

 

4/ Food is so subjective I can't address it.

 

5/ Where, in my view, Oceania has had an advantage has been in the interior design of their R ships. However, Azamara is completely refurbishing the Journey this month, and the Quest later in the spring. That should close the gap.

 

6/ Some people find Oceania's marketing of perpetual 2 for 1 sales, much like those employed by Viking, annoying.

 

My points aren't designed to prove that Oceania offers an inferior product. It is not, it is a different product. More importantly, as I've tried to suggest, to say that there is "no comparison" and that "Oceania wins out" is in my view, far too strong. The comparison is made on both cruise lines' forums fairly regularly and some posters are happy to cruise on both. And both lines also have their loyalists.

 

In my view, both properly belong in the "premium" category.

[hvsteve1]

If you want to splurge I would recommend Regent. Many of the other lines may or may not be better than Celebrity but there is no question Regent will provide a noticeable difference. They are putting Mariner back in Alaska next year which I prefer to the smaller Navigator. When you sail with RSSC you don't have to keep handing over your cruise card. Drinks are included and they even provide a bar in most suites (Mariner is all suites) and waiters will walk around offering you drinks throughout the cruise. Specialty restaurants are also included though Compass Rose, the main dining room, is better than most ships' MDR and has enough seating so you should almost never have to wait, even for a table for two. The entire ship is luxury and, on Regent, you don't need a Michael's Club or Luminea to make the trip special.

 

It should be noted that shore tours are included though, for an additional charge, more elaborate tours are available. Gratuities, beverages and wi-fi are included and , for all but the least expensive suites, you also get airfare and a hotel night.

 

Regent, as with most lines, cannot go into Glacier Bay but does Hubbard Glacier. However, the small size of the ship allows you to get in closer to everything which might be a good trade-off. Mariner carries only 700 guests and has a 1-1.6 pax to crew ratio. There is a total feeling of luxury throughout the cruise and we always had the feeling we were having a much better experience, on board and on shore, the the people we saw on most of the other ships. That was on our Alaska Cruise as well as our two cruises in the Caribbean. Unfortunately, Regent got a little rich for our blood so "X", so long as we go in a suite and get the extra goodies, is a compromise allowing us to cruise more often. We would return to Regent in a second if we hit the lottery.

[Keith1010]

I too would look at Azamara or Oceania, but also look at the luxury lines. Sometimes when you consider all of the items that are included in the cruise fare the price can work out nicely. For us, after many years of sailing Celebrity for our 25 wedding anniversary we took a Crystal Cruises cruise.

 

Keith

[Bodogbodog]

Another Crystal supporter here - very happy to recommend them - great experience including food, ambience, space in public areas and enrichment programmes

Crystal have just released more Alaska cruises in mid 2017 after re-allocating Crystal Serenity from the Med to the West Coast

Alaska cruises for 2016, 2017 and 2018 are here

[jody75]

We have cruised Celebrity a few times and really enjoyed those cruises- especially the S class.

 

However, we're looking for a 20th anniversary cruise (possibly Alaska, or a different 10-day itinerary in Caribbean) and we're thinking of going a little more deluxe. Important for us: nice ship, great itinerary, good food. We're not big on nightlife or activities.

 

Anyone out there who has enjoyed Celebrity and upgraded to a different line? Which lines are worth looking at? Was it worth the extra cost? Or would you stick with Celebrity and just do a suite instead?

 

Any suggestions or pointers for us? Thanks in advance!

You say you enjoyed S-class ships and enjoy good food - I would highly recommend stay with any S-class ship and choose a Balcony cabin above deck7 and below deck10, near aft-elevator and take dinner in Murano every night (UDP -$29pp/day). Take lunch at the bistro avoiding the cattle market.

As for itinerary, Alaska is a little disappointing when compared to the Norwegian Fjords but if you are keen on Alaska choose an itinerary that includes Glacier Bay.

Edited January 3, 2016 by jody75