Trading Royalty for Celebrity

[Missy_95]

I could use some of your expertise, please. 

 

I’m newly single, 50-something gal who has cruised RCI Grandeur of the Seas (Baltimore to Bermuda) a few times with my ex.

 

My favorite thing to do whilst cruising is find a shady spot on deck and watch the water/read. 

 

Destinations aren’t important to me. I’m considering the Edge or the Equinox for my first solo cruise. 

 

So, here’s what I could use help on:

 

Does anyone stay on board ship during port days? If so, how do you spend the time? Where do you end up for lunch?

 

Any locations to avoid when booking an inside cabin? So far I haven’t experienced sea-sickness but I’ve always been mid-ship, low deck ocean view. 

 

I’m rarely in the room and prefer to read/water watch/people watch in interesting books so I figure an inside will be fine for my newly maiden voyage. 

 

TIA!

[Northern Aurora]

A surprising number of folks stay on board on port days.   It is so relaxing to be on a ship with a number of other passengers off for the day.  On port days there will be some limited activities for those who stay on the ship -- such as trivia or crafts.  Do not expect any enrichment lectures from the guest lectures on for the cruise.

 

We have not been on the Edge.  But lunch options on S-class ships (the Equinox is a S-class) during port days include the Aqua Spa Cafe, the Ocean View Buffet, and the Mast Grill (weather permitting).  The main dining room will be closed for lunch on port days.  For those in a suite Luminae is also closed on port days.

[Fogfog]

For Caribbean sailings (east/west/mexico etc) we often stay aboard if the port is a repeat for us.

 

We love the quiet of the ship, the service and the chance to sit in the shade, feel the breeze and read/nap.

 

We will find a spot that will be shaded during the afternoon so that in the heat of the day we are set. So it will depend on how the ship is docked in port/hard to give you a firm/fast rule/and island dependent

 

We have picked up food at the buffet ad taken it to our seat.

Or we have gone to the Porch, the Lawn Club Grill or Sushi on Five (depending on our specialty meal package)

 

 

 

 

[hcat]

I would suggest Equinox as a perfect choice to try Celebrity..lunch can be the buffet, outdoor burger place,  solaroum Cafe, and sushi place..that I believe has  non sushi choices..Lots of shady spaces.. and we like tea coffee at the Cafe Baccio..good for people watching! 

 

EDGE is great too,  but might be too overwhelming coming from Grandeur??

[TeaBag]

You already have gotten some excellent advice.  The Spa might give discounts for those staying on board.  I don't know if this only applies to Captains Club people but it doesn't hurt to ask.  Since you are sailing solo, you will get double points for your sailing (ie 4 points/day for inside).

[sleepless]

Be sure to sign up for Captains Club, and let them know you have previous points from Royal.  You may get some benefit,  and get some "status".

[39august]

You will LOVE the Equinox. We are Pinnacle on RCI but have "jumped ship" to Celebrity after our first cruise on Silhoutte. Been on  Equinox 3 times. The service, food, decor, and clientele are all more appealing to us than any RCI ship. The solarium is outstanding for reading and watching the ocean or the port if you wish. The ships of Celebrity are non-smoking inside. Yes, I can actually enjoy the casino!