Carnival v Celebrity -my experience

[killarneylady]

Just back from 4 day Liberty out of Port Canaveral . First Carnival Cruise. We needed a shorter cruise and our preferred line Celebrity had none. We knew Carnival was a 'fun' line and geared to a lively crowd but were interested to see how we would find the experience.

We had room 2470 which was a corner aft ocean view and it was huge. A really nice room. I noticed on CC that people complained of vibration or noise on port days but really, we are up early anyway so didn't notice anything. It might bother you if you were late sleepers, I suppose.

Things I noticed.

I found the ship had a dated feel both to decor and layout. The lido, the equivalent to the ocean view cafe/windjammer (casual dining) seemed very dark and enclosed . It is broken up into different interlinking areas and lacks the bright airiness of Celebrity or RC . You wouldn't know you were on a ship. There were no areas to bring your food to eat outside which I look forward too in the mornings. . The lido had the feel of a diner, I thought. Queues were long - my husband queued at the Mongolian wok for 40 minutes. At meal times the place felt thronged. We ended up eating separately a few times because one was queueing while others food getting cold.

Staff were all pleasant and helpful.

Embarkation and debarcation were fine. No need for FTTF I felt.

The muster drill was horrendous. Other lines have changed the format of this so it can be given in a public area of the ship, in comfort. On Liberty we stood like sardines squashed together in the heat for about 30 mins out on deck, before drill even started.

We were in the Silver dining room . Again, our sever was very courteous but seemed to be run off his feet. There were no tablecloths and certainly was not fine dining. You didn't dress up because you didn't feel you needed to.. I was never once approached by sommelier or drinks waiter to ask if I would like to order wine. We were on the upper tier of the dining room where I could look down at many tables and noticed that of the 20 or so tables I could see, only about 2 people had wine with their meal. All jugs of water. The drinking must just have been done at the bars but was very scarce in the dining room.

Food was not good. Our meals were tepid after having been left standing as waiter was busy. Choices were unexciting and anything interesting was in the portion of the menu that had $20 supplement.. We had never any tea or coffee offered. Not impressed with the MDR.

The Atrium area although it spanned several floors in height seemed cluttered. Unlike Celebrity where the staircase sweeps down to a central dance floor type area, Carnival has a long bar in the centre with leatherette seating in side areas. It certain,y was not an area to sit and have a quiet drink but a cluttered thoroughfare.

The one production show that we saw was very good but the music around the ship was not. We mostly saw a guy with a guitar and amp doing Eagles songs while pleasant, was more like pub entertainment. On deck, it was all dj music with music videos on big screens.

On deck, we spent most time in serenity area but again, never once approached by drinks waiter. Lots of hot tubs around the decks which was nice.

Announcements didn't bother me much in cabin except for one night when Sydney the CD made loud announcement about bingo at 10.30pm! I felt sorry for any parent with kids who were asleep.

I guess you can tell from my comments that the 'fun ship' experience is not for me nor is the layout of this type of ship. Having said that, we did enjoy trying a new cruiseline and it was kinder to our pocket!

It just had no feel of luxury, pampering or calm relaxation but I guess not everyone wants the same thing in their cruise experience. It was worth a try!

Edited January 3, 2017 by killarneylady

[orange150]

Thanks for the review. I am a Celebrity girl. I also thought about other lines.

 

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[conwakr]

I don't disagree with you OP. Having sailed with different lines, including Celebrity, I just "know" what Carnival is about and know that there won't be a sommelier and the ship will be packed but when the itinerary and timing outweighs the line choice, I'll go on Carnival, plus it's generally pretty inexpensive. I am leaving in April in a corner aft on Carnival, but bringing pretty casual clothes for the dining room now that it's pub style and I know to bring my own wine to the dining room. I had really hoped they changed their muster meeting style to be more like the other lines since I last sailed Carnival 6 years ago. Last time I was on Carnival I got really woozy in the hot sun waiting for the party hearty kids to put their beers down and make it to muster. I always relax and enjoy myself no matter what line I'm on and find my "place" to hang out on the ships.

[chong67]

Isnt Celebrity famous for good buffet food?

[killarneylady]

I agree Conwakr. I had been expecting the difference in quality based on price and it certainly wasn't a terrible experience, it's just that I found it hard to find ' my place' as you said , to chill with a book - other than my cabin with all the crowds and razzmatazz. Also the numerous smoking areas were quite noticeable when going through the ship. Anyway, can't complain when I look back now from my cold and rainy home. Starting to plan my next trip- just not with Carnival this time.

Edited January 3, 2017 by killarneylady

[winddawn]

I agree Conwakr. I had been expecting the difference in quality based on price and it certainly wasn't a terrible experience, it's just that I found it hard to find ' my place' as you said , to chill with a book - other than my cabin with all the crowds and razzmatazz. Also the numerous smoking areas were quite noticeable when going through the ship. Anyway, can't complain when I look back now from my cold and rainy home. Starting to plan my next trip- just not with Carnival this time.

Thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts about Carnival v. Celebrity. I've cruised most of the major lines except Celebrity and have been sticking with Carnival because of the free casino offers they give me. If those offers stop, I definitely want to try Celebrity, especially for their more restrictive smoking policy. Carnival's product has been spiraling downward the past few years with the cost-cutting, and has reached a point where I'm ready to jump ship if the casino offers stop. I enjoy Carnival, but I miss some of the things Carnival has cut. One of the changes that bothers me most on Carnival now is their music. I do not like the DJs. Carnival used to have a lot more of the Caribbean-style live music on deck, and I really enjoy the steel drums.

 

Reading your feedback makes me want to try Celebrity more.

[SkyMaster]

I too, prefer Celebrity overall, but don't think the minor differences are worth the usual price difference. I've always enjoyed my cruises on both lines, and with the current trend of cut backs by Carnival, primarily on entertainment, I may start sailing Celebrity again. Carnival can't even seem to get "Karaoke" right anymore. :rolleyes:

 

"SKY"

[rjrpar]

My experience is Celebrity is about 20% higher in fares than Carnival. Why would anyone be surprised that Celebrity provides a slightly better cruise experience than Carnival. You normally get what you pay for!!!

[riffatsea]

Hi,

I was very interested to read your comparison.

We've done several different lines but not Celebrity.

We are seniors so not young partiers and lately Carnival has been our go to line.

I would just like to say that a 4 day cruise on Carnival is not the same as the longer ones. The short cruises are more "booze cruises" and since I've never been on the Liberty or a 4 day cruise I cannot comment on your experience.

I can only say that on the ships we have been on for longer cruises there were always quiet areas somewhere on the ship.

We only book balcony or suite rooms so we also have our own quiet space. We always order wine with dinner. There is no separate sommelier but we have found that our head waiter has some knowledge of the wines aboard the ship.

I am sorry that you didn't enjoy the cruise but glad you wrote so that I am never tempted to try a 3 or 4 day cruise myself!

[NightOne]

I don't think the target audiences for Carnival vs. Celebrity could be any more opposite. You would need to compare Celebrity to Princess. This is sort of like comparing football to baseball. (2 completely different games)

 

Appreciate the feedback though. Thanks!

 

 

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[LucyR.]

It is totally unfair because the Liberty is an old ship and only 4 days.

 

I love the Carnival ships and some are better than others. I don't like the Liberty ship for several reasons. I would never book it.

 

I only need 6 more cruises and I will have the ultimate Diamond ship card.

 

I have cruised on many CARNIVAL SHIPS. Some are better than others.

 

I have cruised on the Celebrity Mercury ship a long time ago and loved it.

Then a few years ago I cruised on the Celebrity Soltices sp and I thought it was boring for single me.

If I cruise on Celebrity again I will cruise only if I am with a Singles Group.

[Tapi]

It is totally unfair because the Liberty is an old ship and only 4 days.

 

 

Built in 2005, I wouldn't call Liberty "old", just not as new as the Dream or Vista class ships.

 

With that said, the one thing that I have noticed about Farcus era Carnival ships is that they don't age well and they tend to "feel older" than they truly are. I have sailed on ships from other cruise lines that are older than the Liberty, yet they feel much newer and up to date. Some may call the decor on other cruise lines "more boring" but that kind of timeless decor tends to age well. Carnival's bolder decor doesn't.

 

It's been many years since I sailed on the Liberty, but she still ranks at the top of my list of favorite Carnival ships. We sailed on her when she was only a few months old and then again 3 years later and both times we were impressed with her.

 

Makes me somewhat sad to see that she has now been relegated to short and cheap cruises to the Bahamas, once reserved for the worst ships in any cruise line's fleet.

 

 

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[evandbob]

I think the best place to compare Carnival and Celebrity is with San Juan cruises. You have the Carnival Fascination and the Celebrity Summit - look at itineraries and fares for different cabins and seasons, and then make an informed choice.

 

Fo solo cruising, I found Celebrity to be less than Carnival's fares in early December and some January weeks. I couldn't find anything on Carnival to compare to the Summit's indoor thallasso pool and hot tub area, and I couldn't find anything on Celebrity to match the tackiness of the aged Farkus decor.

[calbred01]

My husband and I have cruised on Royal, Carnival and Celebrity and while we had a very good time on all three lines, we have found ourselves on Carnival lately (including a cruise out of Galveston with 19 of us!), usually because of price. I won't comment on food because if I don't have to cook or clean I am good:D! BUT, on our celebrity cruise (a Pacific Coastal) we did notice that there was an older clientele onboard (my husband and I are in our mid 50's so not real young, in the middle:o) and the rooms were much smaller (but I loved the glass of champagne when you walked onboard!) and we loved discovering the difference between the lines. We would try Celebrity again but we just like the "vibe" a bit better on Carnival.

[winddawn]

I think the best place to compare Carnival and Celebrity is with San Juan cruises. You have the Carnival Fascination and the Celebrity Summit - look at itineraries and fares for different cabins and seasons, and then make an informed choice.

 

Fo solo cruising, I found Celebrity to be less than Carnival's fares in early December and some January weeks. I couldn't find anything on Carnival to compare to the Summit's indoor thallasso pool and hot tub area, and I couldn't find anything on Celebrity to match the tackiness of the aged Farkus decor.

I've also noticed recently that Celebrity's single supplements are less than Carnival's. I've seen several Celebrity offers with 150% single supplement vs. Carnival's 200%. Here's some that came out today:

 

http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Exciting_Deals/XcitingDeals_cel_tues.pdf

[Rosethorn40]

On the Vista a few weeks ago we did not take our life jackets to Muster Drill, nor did we stand in the hot sun packed like sardines. We went to a dining room where our sign & sail card was scanned to ensure we had attended. Maybe they are phasing standing in the sun out.

 

I agree with others that comparing a 4-day Carnival cruise with a Celebrity cruise isn't an apples to apples. Really different demographics. I've only been on one Celebrity cruise (With another booked), and really enjoyed it, but I have also enjoyed my five Carnival cruises as well.

[CA_Cruzing]

I'll take a leap here. Carnival short cruises are different than 6+ day cruises.

 

I booked a cruise recently for my upcoming 25th wedding anniversary and considered Celebrity and Carnival.

 

After researching both potential vacations we booked with Carnival, again.

 

Celebrity appeals to an older crowd (55+). That might be what some people are seeking.

 

Being mid-to-late 40's, we were much more interested in having a fun time, being casual and not dressy, seeking a more lively crown and having MANY entertainment/activity choices at many times of the day.

 

My research led me to believe the Celebrity has little to no activities post 930P and that everyone goes to bed.

 

As for living in NorCal and someone who drinks and collects wine, I seriously doubt any ship is going to expand my wine horizons while on vacation.

 

Carnival has always delivered excellent food/dining options. Yeah, the lunch buffet can feel cafeteria-like at times, but with so many dining choices/options, everyone is bound to find something they like.

 

Dinner and breakfasts have always been great on Carnival. Even getting special requests fulfilled too have been fabulous.

 

I guess if one is seeking an older, more mature cruise setting, Celebrity would be a very good option.

 

We are seeking a more fun, casual and people-friendly environment. We choose Carnival because they attract a wide range of people and families. We like the diversity and meeting new people.

 

Our experiences are based on 7-day sailings with two 8-day sailings now booked.

 

At this stage of our lives, sailing with family and friends, we find Carnival's value hard to beat. And the fun times that everyone has are worth the price of admission.

[Shaded Lady]

One more comment to clarify for those who may not be aware... many of Carnival's musters are in fact held in venues like the dining room or theater... I notice the practice of doing it on deck is more prevalent in the older ships...

[ManyMore]

I'm not sure why one would compare a short carnival cruise to Celebrity first off. The shorter cruises always have older ships than the ones at least 7 days. I wouldn't even compare a short CCL cruise to a longer one, IMHO

[Aquahound]

The shorter cruises always have older ships than the ones at least 7 days.

 

Always? Isn't Liberty on the newer end of the Carnival spectrum? :confused:

[SadieN]

Muster stations are determined by the 'Powers That Be' before the ship is launched.

 

A short cruise on a new-to-you ship is horrible when trying to find a quiet location.

 

Many land based fancy restaurants are doing away with tablecloths.

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

Your comparison is interesting. I have not sailed on Celebrity but I have cruised other lines (RCI, NCL, Princess) and I am platinum on Carnival so most of my cruise experience is with them. Some of the things you seemed to dislike are specific to the ship such as lack of private/quiet areas, lido being dark/less open etc. There are other ship options. I have noticed a lot of changes to CCL over the last couple years that just make it hard to choose CCL over some others. I'm willing to pay a little extra for the special things that make it more elegant in my opinion. Table clothes not offered anymore, no more lobster on short cruises, no bar waiter in the MDR, not to mention their food has declined and I'm not a fan of their American Table menu. Alcohol package requires both occupants to buy the package even if only 1 drinks where all the other lines this does not apply. Muster drills it depends on the ship. I have been in a common area and I have stood by the lifeboats so that is also ship/itinerary specific. However, I still have fun no matter what and will book the cruise if it suits my needs. Cruising a 5 day in February out of Port Canaveral. I am curious how my pre-ordered bottle of wine that I selected to have delivered to the MDR will be served when I am now on my time dining vs designated time/table as I've done before.

 

Carnival's product has been spiraling downward the past few years with the cost-cutting, and has reached a point where I'm ready to jump ship if the casino offers stop. I enjoy Carnival, but I miss some of the things Carnival has cut. One of the changes that bothers me most on Carnival now is their music. I do not like the DJs. Carnival used to have a lot more of the Caribbean-style live music on deck, and I really enjoy the steel drums.

 

Reading your feedback makes me want to try Celebrity more.

 

I totally agree. The lack of table cloths and changed menu in my opinion has made the dining experience less classy. That was always what I enjoyed most of a cruise is being pampered in a 5 star restaurant. Now it's like eating at Chili's or Applebee's. Just not special. I also happen to be a karaoke lover and I know I'm not the only one because the venue is usually packed. I used to go to karaoke every night from like 9pm to 1am and I would sing several songs each night. Now they might offer it a couple nights during a cruise for about an hour of 90 minutes and usually not late so it conflicts with dinner. I'm lucky to sing one song. I also used to be able to bring my CD's so they could play my songs that I like to sing but now you have to choose from their very limited song list. That along with other music deteriorating is a reason I have been cruising other lines and not being dedicated to CCL. They are losing my business as well as many others.

[keishashadow]

It is totally unfair because the Liberty is an old ship and only 4 days.

 

I love the Carnival ships and some are better than others. I don't like the Liberty ship for several reasons. I would never book it.

 

I only need 6 more cruises and I will have the ultimate Diamond ship card.

 

I have cruised on many CARNIVAL SHIPS. Some are better than others.

 

I have cruised on the Celebrity Mercury ship a long time ago and loved it.

Then a few years ago I cruised on the Celebrity Soltices sp and I thought it was boring for single me.

If I cruise on Celebrity again I will cruise only if I am with a Singles Group.

 

Our lone sailing on Celebrity was lovely. Had a sweet 16 balcony (aaaah:D) & free drinks/large OBC/great itinerary. Came out less expensive than the comparable CCL sailing.

 

Food was better quality and the vibe was more refined along lines of a nice all inclusive resort (non spring break lol).

 

Other than a die-hard group of 30 to 40 somethings who were lively, it was a rather quiet cruise.

 

Had to laugh, the first thing out of many people's mouth when conversing was their 'status' with the cruise line. You just cannot get away from this odd form of snobbery it seems:rolleyes:

 

I'd cruise them again in a flash, same for CCL depending on the itinerary and price.

 

I think the best place to compare Carnival and Celebrity is with San Juan cruises. You have the Carnival Fascination and the Celebrity Summit - look at itineraries and fares for different cabins and seasons, and then make an informed choice.

 

Fo solo cruising, I found Celebrity to be less than Carnival's fares in early December and some January weeks. I couldn't find anything on Carnival to compare to the Summit's indoor thallasso pool and hot tub area, and I couldn't find anything on Celebrity to match the tackiness of the aged Farkus decor.

 

Agreed, especially when here are so many sea days; you're not spending all that much time on the ship proper anyway.

 

Me, I like Vegas and the old skool decor on some of the older CCL ships. If I had to look @ it for more than a week, would likely feel differently.

 

Possibly, I'm not quite as invested as many here, but have enjoyed the majority of all our cruises. Different experiences on each line make the ride more interesting IMO.

Edited January 3, 2017 by keishashadow

[Tapi]

 

As for living in NorCal and someone who drinks and collects wine, I seriously doubt any ship is going to expand my wine horizons while on vacation.

 

 

You never know. [emoji6] Have you seen the wine tower on some of Celebrity's newest ships and their massive selection of wines?

 

 

 

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[ryano]

 

 

 

I totally agree. The lack of table cloths and changed menu in my opinion has made the dining experience less classy. That was always what I enjoyed most of a cruise is being pampered in a 5 star restaurant. Now it's like eating at Chili's or Applebee's. Just not special. .

 

The main dining room on any mass market cruise line hasnt been considered "5 star" in many years if it ever even was. A tablecloth doesnt change that fact IMO. When you are serving food that may or may not be even be comparable to Chili's and Applebee's, you might as well make the atmosphere as such. :) In fact, Id say the atmosphere in any cruise ship MDR is way more chaotic than any chain restaurant Ive been in.