April 17 Cruise - Help! Reflection vs. Oasis Class vs. NC Escape/Getaway vs MSC

[Shadow9612]

On Celebrity when I got to say book a concierge room on Silhouette it will give me an option to choose 2 offers - like drinks, internet, gratuity and on board credit, however it tacks on about another $300 for this pp. I am not seeing the value in adding that at the time of booking or am I wrong? Currently I can get a CC balcony room for 849pp which seems great compared to say RC which is coming out to about 1100 pp for a Superior balcony room. I see a lot of people talking about bonus offers that are included but this doesn't seem to be included.

 

Here is kind of the break down of what I can get and prices to maybe help me this way as well -

 

Celebrity - Silhouette

Concierge Class - 849pp

Aqua - 999pp

(no free offers in this price)

 

 

I realize X may now be off the table, but for future or just to comment: I regularly choose Concierge and am always satisfied at the value. I have tried Aqua, and for me it's not worth the extra $ (if you consider Aqua, compare the differences to see which ones make sense to you). Many on the boards have suggested that a plain Balcony stateroom is greater value given that they don't see the value in concierge. I think it also comes down to, what's the price of each level at the time you book.

[mafig]

I thought i had everything figured out and had decided on reflection for the april 15th date, however i have free plane tickets with my miles and to get the tickets it wont work to come in on the 14th. which i really thought it would be much better to come a day before. but even trying to come in on the 15th wont work because they flights come in to late! :( now i kind of back to the start - so - Norwegian i thought i had rulled out but they may be back in - also oasis classes.......

 

 

 

If you come in on the 15th (late), you could book Silhouette, leaving April 16.

[ProfessorEFFE]

I was on the Allure a few years back. It is huge. The balcony staterooms are very comfortable. The fitness area is VERY good. The Specialty restaurants are off the chain. There is entertainment all over the place and you can sign up for special shows on line. It's truly a city on the ocean.

 

I am not a fan of royal's MDR. So I do Specialty restaurants. But it sounds like you're leaning towards The Oasis Class. I was on the NCL Epic it's almost as big but seemed to be very poorly laid out. The Aft elevators do not stop at deck 5 where the MDR is. The reason is that the elevators would be in the middle of the kitchen! So you have to go to the forward elevators to get to deck 5 or (if you're able bodied) you go down to deck 6 and walk down a flight. BUT the Epic is the only NCL ship laid out like that.

 

Honestly I think IF you like a lot of glitz and glamor go with RCCL or NCL. If you're looking for something a bit more sedate go with Celebrity.

[Siora7777]

Getaway or Escape. They are so beautiful. I would choose the one with the best itinerary.

[aimcat]

i have been working on it all morning. getaway or escape are coming out about 500 more than RC, Celebrity and MSC, for a balcony room. getaway has the better ports in my opinion as all 4 it goes to we have never been to. but i will just tell you.....i have read reviews all night and morning about escape and getaway and i am terrified of the crowded comments for my husbands sake.

[Aussiegrlfl]

We have been on all the ships you mentioned......in my opinion there are pros and cons for all of them...

 

1. MSC Divina....my hubby loves this ship, but we paid $299 for an inside and got upgraded to a balcony (this was when they were first getting into the US market)....we paid for the drink package about another $700 for both for the week, but it included everything.....water, specialty coffees, pastries, gelato, the mini fridge in your room- everything in it. The ship is amazing, it is a little hard to figure out how to get around on their main floors but you can and will and the garden pool area with the infinity edge pool at the back of the ship was very nice. It is very cosmopolitan and sails late as it waits for the international flights coming in....the food was quite good, the shows were....different....but spellbinding.....no drinks or food in the theatre. They have it set up like you are in italy with the cafes etc.....very charming. I never had a problem with anything but several Americans weren't as happy with the longer dinner times, personally it didn't seem longer than any other MDR.

 

2. Oasis.....huge ship but the only time it felt crowded to me was in the huge promenade on the 70's parade night, the central park area was very lovely. Food was not a problem, I'm not saying it's 5 star by any means but it was enjoyable, there is a cafe called Park Cafe and the sandwiches were very good in there. My main complaint and it was early days for her and they may have remedied by now, we pre booked all our shows and when we got onboard, they had changed all the times and the main problem was they had changed them to times during our selected dining time....but several times during the cruise they would announce they had room at a particular show and you could go there if you weren't busy

 

NCL Escape.....the main pool area is crazy busy....way too small for the amount of people onboard, however they have a grotto area at the back of the ship behind Margarittaville, that is adult only during the day and you can lay out, they have a bar there, and they have this amazing cave like structure that has flowing water, so you can walk through there or sit there and get soaked and it's clean water, not stagnant like in the pool......so I loved this area and spent tons of time there, the casino was high priced to me.....and we had two slot pulls and not once did they pay out anything more than $50....the food was great in Teppanyaki the japanese rest, but everyone had free speciality dining and it was impossible to get into some of the restaurants....one plus was one of the MDR had a dance floor and entertainment while you ate, and of course dancing...it was very nice...it's all anytime dining so you go when you want except for reservations in the specialty restaurants. The food in the buffett was the best we have had, choice wise and taste....

 

Reflection.....we love Celebrity....we always had a good time and the food was good, now this is true on all the ships, but since implementing speciality restaurants......the MDR food is not as good as it was.. She is a beautiful ship and the martini bar was always hopping.....the servers were doing all sorts of tricks, the solarium pool is very nice too....

 

We are currently booked on Equinox for 11 days in May and am excited about the ports as many will be new and you are right, that is an important factor to consider, on our last cruise, Escape I talked my hubby into taking the cab to the St. John Ferry dock and going over to St. John for the day, we went to Cinnamon Bay and it was beautiful and never crowded, we came back into town and ate at a local bar, did a bit of shopping and still made it back with no worries on time.....took the 9 am ferry out and 3 pm ferry back.....it was a great day and we plan to do that again on our May cruise,

 

On all of the ships we have seen a wide variety of clothing for dining.......most people enjoy getting a little dressed up, pants and a nice shirt for men and women can wear capris and a nice top, some people go all out and I've seen others wearing shorts even though they say no, and they aren't turned away.....

 

As a side note we have sailed Carnival many times and have their top sailing status, I can't remember what it is because we no longer sail with them....they are cheaper by far, but so is the cruise experience....in my opinion there was some unsavory behaviour, not drunk people, but attitudes. We are Elite with Celebrity and Diamond with RCCL and the perks are nice, but with the packages they give you now, it's not as big a deal....

 

If you go on any of the aforementioned ships and go with a mindset to have a good time, you will....there is always a good time to be had. Once we did a Canada/New England cruise in the fall and it was spectacular with all the beautiful fall colors, but most of the people onboard were old to ancient, however, there were about 20 of us that realized we were all the youngest onboard (in our early 40's) and we all hung out together and had a blast......closing down the schooner bar coming back to Boston at 3 am......you can have a good time anywhere if you want to.....

[aimcat]

Aussiegrl - thank you so much for the info. I was really set in my mind on celebrity but not sure i can make my flight work with that one. another thing i became concerned with was the entertainment which many have said there just isnt much. we like a show and comedy i mean if possible. we are in our 30s but my husband is bad if there is nothing things to keep him busy he wants to wonder back off to the room lol. me im a night owl and i like to keep going and going but i do like downtime.

 

i mean i think escape is beautiful and it actually appeals to me more than harmony or allure but getaway has the better ports. BUT what i have heard and read about crowds scares me to death and afraid if its like that my husband will just have a meltdown lol.

 

i have tossed around harmony and allure also, i was in love with those ships but then now i am thinking it would be like going to universal studios but maybe im wrong.

 

i will say i can get by far the best deal on reflection by about 600 less.

[travellink]

Very good prices on Celebrity Silhuette April16-23 out of FLL. Balcony prices start at $799 for the Western Caribbean route. We personally like the 1A category, $1149 (larger balcony) and you can choose two perks like $300 per cabin onboard credit and free grats. !

[aimcat]

^is reflection a lot nicer than silhouette?

[travellink]

Not really, just more cabins and a couple more speciality restaurants. We preferred Silhouette! We have sailed all the Solstice class ships.

[Texed]

^is reflection a lot nicer than silhouette?

 

Not really, just more cabins and a couple more speciality restaurants.

 

I believe Silhouette and Reflection have the same specialty restaurants. :)

[travellink]

I believe Silhouette and Reflection have the same specialty restaurants. :)

 

 

 

That is correct, sorry about that !

[Shadow9612]

^is reflection a lot nicer than silhouette?

 

 

No. I have been on both. You will not go wrong on either. They are both wonderful ships and the service was wonderful on both.

 

You could do a google search or search the forum for some sample daily itineraries from Celebrity (and even the others you are considering) so you will get an idea of what is available on board.

 

 

There are posters on this board who do spectacular reviews of their trips. They have reviewed both the Silhouette and Reflection. http://www.thepreismans.com

[aimcat]

The reflection goes to St Marteen (been here in 2010), St kitts, and San Juan - 2 new ports

Silouette goes to Falmouth, Cococay, Georgetown and Cozumel. never been to any of these.

 

out of these which are the more quality ports. for port time my husband and i would prefer private tours to to venture on our own to a good beach or walk around town etc

[purpletequila]

Ok the vine thing sounds perfect but what are the chances there will still be some left now to purchase for a cruise in 45 days? Does it give you the option to purchase online?

Also for anyone that has done NC and Oasis class which is better for crowds? When I first saw Harmony I thought I had to go but after I looked it seemed more like an amusement park than a ship. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

 

Can't purchase in advance, only onboard and they do go fast. You'd have to plan to get to the port super early and wait a few hours before boarding begins so you get into one of the first few boarding groups.

[Chrissit]

The reflection goes to St Marteen (been here in 2010), St kitts, and San Juan - 2 new ports

Silouette goes to Falmouth, Cococay, Georgetown and Cozumel. never been to any of these.

 

out of these which are the more quality ports. for port time my husband and i would prefer private tours to to venture on our own to a good beach or walk around town etc

Our thoughts on the islands you mention:

 

• Cococay is a Royal Caribbean/Celebrity private island and makes a good beach day - I actually prefer it over Labadee.
  
• Falmouth isn't my personal favorite stop -we tend to stay on the ship, maybe someone else can speak to it better.
  
• George Town - most known for stingray city. Worth doing at least once - you go and the stingrays (knowing a meal is near) swim around the area. Beautiful island, we always enjoy this as a stop. We booked through the ship here.
  
• Cozumel - we normally walk through the town and spend the day wandering, however there are a number of all inclusive private beaches that you can book a day pass for. We always go out on our own in Cozumel. There are a number of taxis ready and able to take you around when you get off the ship.
  

We also enjoy St. Marteen and San Juan - I love exploring that town whenever we happen to find our way down there. I found St. Kitts to still be growing the last time we visited which was a nice break from some of the more commercial/touristy island stops.

 

If it helps at all, we are in our 30's and we did 11 days on the Equinox in 2015. We had an excellent time even though we were "younger". We've also done the NCL Epic, a number of Royal Carribean ships (Liberty, Freedom, Exloprer, Navigator off the top of my head) and we rebooked Celebrity for 2018 due to ittenerary, food and ambiance. We found Celebrity to be a lot less croweded than the Epic - and yes, you should be able to get Vibe tickets - showing up very early and heading directly to customer relations once on the ship is the "trick".

Edited March 6, 2017 by Chrissit
clarity

[Aussiegrlfl]

Aussiegrl - thank you so much for the info. I was really set in my mind on celebrity but not sure i can make my flight work with that one. another thing i became concerned with was the entertainment which many have said there just isnt much. we like a show and comedy i mean if possible. we are in our 30s but my husband is bad if there is nothing things to keep him busy he wants to wonder back off to the room lol. me im a night owl and i like to keep going and going but i do like downtime.

 

i mean i think escape is beautiful and it actually appeals to me more than harmony or allure but getaway has the better ports. BUT what i have heard and read about crowds scares me to death and afraid if its like that my husband will just have a meltdown lol.

 

i have tossed around harmony and allure also, i was in love with those ships but then now i am thinking it would be like going to universal studios but maybe im wrong.

 

i will say i can get by far the best deal on reflection by about 600 less.

NNN

 

at this point you have to put your hubbys issues into play.............it is something none of us can account for......you know him best.............best wishes for a great cruise

[Aussiegrlfl]

I honestly can't recall the shows as being anything amazing to be honest...............but I can remember they weren't horrible enough to hate them.....:)

[tbmrt]

We prefer Celebrity for the ambiance and everything except the entertainment. Hoping it is better on our next cruise on the Reflection in 12/17. We usually head out for drinks and dancing after dinner and since we don't stay out til the wee hours, Celebrity's night time entertainment and music worked for us.

 

Loved the entertainment on the Divina and enjoyed the food.

 

Didn't find awful crowds on the Oasis except for the Parades and $10 sale events. Enjoyed the many shows, activities and restaurants, but wouldn't sail RCL for awhile now since I think things would be a bit repetitive.

Edited March 6, 2017 by tbmrt

[ProfessorEFFE]

The reflection goes to St Marteen (been here in 2010), St kitts, and San Juan - 2 new ports

Silouette goes to Falmouth, Cococay, Georgetown and Cozumel. never been to any of these.

 

out of these which are the more quality ports. for port time my husband and i would prefer private tours to to venture on our own to a good beach or walk around town etc

 

 

aimcat I have to say this has been quite an interesting thread, excellent job! Also there have been many good responses as well. Here are my opinions re: the ports.

 

 

Ports:

 

Falmouth: There are a lot of tours to take from this port. It's a fairly new port owned by RCCI. We went to an all inclusive resort for the day. It was nice, DW was a bit uncomfortable lots of ganga there.

 

 

Cococay: Another port owned by RCCI, it's a Beach port where there are Cabanas for rent, food, drinks etc. You have to tender to get there.

 

Georgetown: This is the Island of Grand Cayman. It's a tendering port. I have seen 7 ships there and it was crowded. It's a very pretty Island and the beaches there are really nice; 7 mile beach is very popular. If you don't like tours then sometimes you can get a day room/package at a resort hotel if that's what you like. The tours are interesting. As an aside, DW and I usually don't get off the ship there. We have been there several times, so we use that time to score deals in the Spa etc.

 

Cozumel: I don't know why but I love Cozumel. Whatever you want to do it's pretty much available. There are a lot of beach clubs, some are all inclusive mostly reasonable IMHO. There are lots of restaurants and street food. The folks are quite tourist friendly. Beware of Carlos and Charlies and Senior Frogs because it can get very drunk out there ;p

 

St Kitts: We only went here one time. We went on the train excursion. It was just ok, but you got to see a lot of the island. The rest of the day we stayed at the "village" created at the port, drank a few beers and had some local food. It's a very pretty Island.

 

San Juan: Another spot where I never get sick of. San Juan piers are generally near "Old San Juan" downtown. There are 2 sets of Piers. One where most ships dock for the day and another set of Piers where ships that are home Ported moore. That's for the Celebrity Summit and The Adventure of the Seas. I think there man be a Carnival Ship there too. We never did a ships excursion here. It's fascinating for me to go around Old San Juan and find a nice little bistro have coffee and lunch or a snack and shop/look. Great food there. There are some unscrupulous cabbies there. One asked me where I was going. I said I wanted to buy a Harley T shirt. He said he's dake me and the wife there and back for 50 bucks. Yet just behind him, less than a block away was a Harley retail store. So as anywhere be on the lookout.

 

Thank you again for starting this thread, it has been a fun one to follow.

[offnoncruiser]

Hope it's not too late, but from your preferences I also believe the Silhouette is your best bet. Four new ports for you will keep you busy, and there's enough entertainment to satisfy you for a week with four ports. As many have mentioned, entertainment is not non-stop, but it's enough IMHO (e.g. production shows, tribute bands, magicians, comedians, lectures, and some live music throughout the ship). Absolutely beautiful ship that doesn't feel at all crowded (i.e. NCL and MSC), with great service and somewhat better food than the others (IMHO).

 

I don't recall you mentioning whether you two plan on drinking alcoholic beverages. The $300 pp added cost for two perks on X you mentioned would actually be a good deal if you plan on doing some drinking (including specialty coffees, fresh juices, bottled water). With two perks, pick the drink package and $300 OBC and use the OBC for specialty dining and/or upgrade to the premium package perhaps (net $150 pp for drink package - a good deal).

 

All four ports are decent-to-great ports, and as you mentioned, just pick private excursions that you think you'd enjoy and you'll be fine.

 

Never been on MSC, but I would agree in that the Yacht Club would be the only way I'd travel on MSC because of said crowds. But from what I understand, the perk of free drinks is ONLY available in the private Yacht Club areas of the ship, which takes away some of the appeal. I do hear YC is nice though.

 

I don't believe RCI is worth the fares they are charging nowadays. Usually more than X, and would only consider if taking my kids because of the flowriders, zip line, rock climbing, etc. Another point....X will almost assuredly have far less children on board than the others.

 

Thanks.

 

Bruce

[mafig]

RE the Yacht Club on MSC. They are changing that ruling on drinks only in the YC area. As of this Summer, you can have drinks throughout the ship.

 

However, for us it wasn't a big problem. You can get any drink from the YC "to go." Also, drinks are very reasonably priced on MSC and they have a coupon package ~ 15 drinks for $85 ~ which can be shared. :D

[offnoncruiser]

RE the Yacht Club on MSC. They are changing that ruling on drinks only in the YC area. As of this Summer, you can have drinks throughout the ship.

 

However, for us it wasn't a big problem. You can get any drink from the YC "to go." Also, drinks are very reasonably priced on MSC and they have a coupon package ~ 15 drinks for $85 ~ which can be shared. :D

 

 

Wow, thanks for the info! Might have to consider MSC in the future.

 

Thx.