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Six Ships and 60 days in the Caribbean


kelmac
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Hello fellow cruisers!

 

My wife and I are retired teachers, with no children or pets and we even gave away all our house plants.  No mortgage, no car payments, and most of our income could be classified as disposable.   We just lock the door and off we go!  This fall (Oct 26) we started our first of six back-to-back cruises and returned home last week (Dec 22).  Our cruises included RCL’s Serenade of the Seas, MSC’s Meraviglia, Crystal’s Symphony, Celebrity’s Edge, HAL’s Nieuw Statendam, and Celebrity’s Reflection. I wanted to write a brief review that compares these very different experiences  while it is still fresh in my mind.  This review is about the ships only and how they compare; no information about itineraries or shore excursions.

 

This review would have to be twice as long to really cover our experiences.  If you have any questions, feel free to let me know.  This year has been our “big year” of travel, since my wife retired a year and a half ago.  We’ve spent almost half the year on the road, with most of those days on cruise ships.  We are time rich and budget poor, but we really get our dollar’s worth in all our travel endeavors.  All ships left out of south Florida, except our first cruise, which was a repositioning cruise from Boston to Ft Lauderdale.

 

RCL Serenade of the Seas  Repositioning from Boston to FLL

 

GREAT:  fast check in at 1 pm, with cabins ready at 1 and an amazing stateroom attendant (Alfredo for room 8509), well-designed cabin, luggage arrived at 1:15, table 434 (for 2 in the DR) was quiet with great service from Jaqueline and Bhomraj, adjustable height shower head and fantastic water pressure, best streaming internet we’ve had on a ship

 

BAD:  swampy, gassy smell in many hallways, ship needs a bit of a make-over, buffet food is just average.  Our New Motto for RCL—We’re doing the best we can.

 

 

MSC MERAVIGLIA

 

 

GREAT:  We were in YC, so it’s not quite the same experience as staying on the rest of the ship.  The ship is beautiful, attentive service everywhere, lots of fresh fruit and great drinks in YC. The inside cabin is a bit small, but it’s well-designed.  Bathroom shower is HOT with great pressure, and the towels are SO FLUFFY. Easy YC disembarkation. Amazing staff members in YC—Kheyelle, Arthur, Marcos and Wayan.  Lots of shelves for the book exchange.  Some may feel that the menu options for lunch and dinner in YC are a bit limiting, but the food was always tasty.  We like scheduling our evening shows in advance.

BAD:  CHAOS at embarkation, with long lines and bad organization.  Too bad that some of the fellow passengers were real jerks to the staff members.  Very long lines at customer service until the 3rdday.  No shade in the YC pool area.  Canned music during the production shows. No live music in lounge / bars before dinner.  No live music in the YC.

 

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

 

GREAT:We had been told that rooms were not open up 3 pm, so we arrived at 2pm, and we were able to board immediately.  Buffet is fantastic for breakfast and lunch, with options for all types of dietary needs.  Eldie was an amazing stateroom attendant, and Table 3’s team, Igor and Sandie, along with Jasper, really made our time in the dining room memorable.  The food was absolutely amazing, and they were able to easily accommodate dietary restrictions. Lots of deck space with fast, friendly waitstaff.  Promenade deck the way life on a ship was intended!  BONUS:  guest laundry room with soap and fabric softener.  

 

BAD:  Cruise Critic meeting was from 6:30-7:30pm.  

 

CELEBRITY EDGE

 

GREAT:  This ship is amazing!  Wonderful theater; great productions shows, along with Mirage in the Club, which provided an up-close, immersive circus experience.  Captain’s Club met in The Club (Ari makes the best drinks!), and Celebrity still has the best perks for loyalty members, with the 240 minutes of free internet and free laundry (which is vital when you’re traveling for 9 weeks).  The bed is fairly new, so it was still firm (unlike those saggy, droopy, sad mattresses on older ships).  We ate in the Cyprus, which was great (although the tables for 2 are very close together).  Jefferson and Romolo were fantastic and Wayan, our room steward was super-friendly.  The balcony room worked for us, as we really liked the ability to “expand” the room.  Charging stations, large bathroom, and overall great storage in the cabin.  Loved the design, the artwork, and open deck areas.  

 

BAD:  NO LIBRARY!!!  My wife, a retired teacher, found the small book exchange cart in Eden, but we always enjoy finding little gems among the shelves.  Maybe the area between the expensive jewelry store and the entrance to Eden (before the cool dark room with stalagmites and stalactites) could be a library.

 

HAL  NIEUW STATENDAM

 

GREAT:  We were among the first 10 people to embark, since we just walked off the EDGE and went straight to the HAL pier.  We waited for about 90 minutes outside the terminal, and we were on board around 11:30 am.  At noon, the rooms were available, and we happened to spy our luggage by the elevator at 12:15.  Lots of great storage is HAL ships.  Fabulous service from Paul and Made in 7025.  Cabin had a great shower with adjustable height shower head. The A/C worked perfectly (we’ve had problems on other ships).  Lovely artwork throughout the ship.  Lots of variety at the buffet.  Doug Funk was the best performer we’ve seen—improv comedy! Quick laundry service.  

BAD:  Tried to go to the Ocean Bar for Happy Hour, but it was absolutely packed. Some people go there two hours before HH starts, just to get a table.  Public areas were a bit warm.   As always, HAL serves beef that is tender but not flavorful. Canned music for performances. 

 

CELEBRITY REFLECTION

 

GREAT:  Arrived at 1 pm and were quickly check in and on board.  Room 1160 is huge for an interior room, with great shower, and Joywil was a fantastic stateroom attendant. Live music for production shows and the large theater was never full for any of the shows, so no need to show up 30-45 minutes early like on other ships.  Great Happy Hour in Sky Lounge for Captain’s Club with service from Hotensia, Made, and others. 

BAD:  We had booked to late to get early seating, so we tried anytime dining. First two nights went well, since we got to the DR at 5:30, but on the third night we arrived at 6:30 and were handed a pager.   Chatted with a couple who had been waiting 45 minutes, and when they were finally called, it was after 7:15.  We returned the pager and headed to the buffet.  Decided to just eat in the buffet for the rest of the cruise (we were getting a bit tired of food after 8 weeks at sea anyway). 

WISHES:  Include the artist, the name of the piece, and some information when displaying art on the ship.  We love live music, live bands during performances, etc.  

 

SUMMARY

 

One of the nice things about six back to back cruises on different ships is that it gives the ability to truly compare experiences.  In 79 cruises we’ve never had a bad cruise, but different lines have their own personality and culture.  We are a “glass half full” kind of couple and try to focus on the fact that all lines have dedicated workers who, day after day, give it their all to provide their customers with an outstanding cruise experience.  

Below is a quick look rating at different categories: (the Mac-O-Meter is on)             10 points is perfect.

 

RCL Serenade of the Seas (not all inclusive)

 

Ship condition --  7.8  (older ship)

MDR Food – 7.0 (basic)

Buffet Food – 6.5 (weak selection)

Entertainment – 8.3 (pretty good overall and good show times)

Cabin – 8.0 (inside; small, but well-designed; bed with the dreaded “crack”)

Service – 9.0 (excellent throughout the ship)

Frequent cruiser perks – 9.1 (free happy hour for Diamond and above)

Cost – 9.3 ($68.96 per person, per day; $200 OBC; a real bargain)

 

MSC Meraviglia (Yacht Club) (all inclusive)

 

Ship condition – 9.4 (beautiful brand new ship)

Yacht Club Food – 8.8 (great for the most part; some weak dishes)

Yacht Club Buffet – 8.0 (limited and basic options)

Entertainment – 8.2 (well-produced, but all canned music)

Cabin – 8.1 (inside, new, small, nice firm bed)

Service 9.8 (pampered in so many ways; escorted on and off the ship by butler)

Frequent cruiser perks  8.1 (Black Card onboard, status expired onboard)

Cost – 8.8 ($207 per person, per day;  includes all inclusive – onboard gratuities)

 

Crystal Symphony (all inclusive including onboard gratuities)

 

Ship condition -- 8.3 (very old ship, but well maintained)

MDR Food – 9.8 (best cruise food we’ve experienced; custom orders available)

Buffet Food – 9.6 (small, high quality dishes; upscale and nice variety)

Entertainment – 9.0 (surprisingly excellent shows; great mix of acts)

Cabin – 8.7 (obstructed OV; old, nice size, traditional, great shape)

Service – 9.8 (luxury line for sure; super service all over the ship)

Frequent cruiser perks  -- N/A (our first with Crystal, but not a factor)

Cost – 8.0 ($255 per person, per day; splurge for us; is it worth it ???)

 

Celebrity Edge  (not-all inclusive; no booking perks)

 

Ship condition – 9.5 (new and spectacular; our new favorite ship)

MDR Food – 8.7 (great dishes; slow kitchen; in Cyprus restaurant)

Buffet Food – 8.6 (excellent variety; unique stations)

Entertainment – 8.4 (standard Celebrity stuff; one weak comedian)

Cabin – 9.6 (Infinite balcony; love this concept; large cabin)

Service – 9.5 (consistent, professional, and cordial)

Frequent cruiser perks 9.3 (free happy hour drinks, laundry, and internet)

Cost – 8.9 ($160 per person, per day; bargain for a new ship)

 

Holland America Nieuw Statendam (not all inclusive; no booking perks)

 

Ship condition – 9.4 (new ship, but still in the HAL tradition)

MDR Food – 8.3 (traditional options, good quality, nice selection)

Buffet Food – 8.1 (nice selection; long lines; traditional items)

Entertainment – 8.3 (standard stuff; nice variety of acts)

Cabin – 9.0 (inside, nice A/C; good storage; firm bed)

Service – 9.6 (superior service all over the ship; nice note from the laundry team)

Frequent cruiser perks – 6.5 (HAL’s big weakness; 3 Star and nothing to show for it)

Cost – 9.3 ($88 per person, per day; great deal)

 

Celebrity Reflection (not all inclusive; no booking perks)

 

Ship condition – 8.5 (love the S-class ships; well maintained; nice size)

MDR Food – 8.4 (only ate two meals in MDR; don’t like anytime dining)

Buffet Food – 8.3 (loads of choices; good quality; great breakfast choices)

Entertainment – 8.2 (pretty standard stuff; good variety)

Cabin – 8.9 (inside, large cabin; good storage; firm bed)

Service – 9.4 (great through out the ship; Capt’s Club Sky lounge excellent)

Frequent cruiser perks – 9.3 (Celebrity is the best in this category)

Cost – 9.2 ($75 per person, per day; best deal of the six cruises)

 

 

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Holland America Nieuw Statendam (not all inclusive; no booking perks)

 

Frequent cruiser perks – 6.5 (HAL’s big weakness; 3 Star and nothing to show for it)

 

I guess you didn't purchase a wine package.  I appreciated the 25% savings as a 3 Star and am working steadily to get to 4 stars for the "free" laundry. 😄

 

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29 minutes ago, kelmac said:

Holland America Nieuw Statendam (not all inclusive; no booking perks)

Frequent cruiser perks – 6.5 (HAL’s big weakness; 3 Star and nothing to show for it)

 

 I guess you didn't purchase a wine package.  I appreciated the 25% savings as a 3 Star and am working steadily to get to 4 stars for the "free" laundry. 😄

 

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Wow!!  Very interesting comparisons. I was especially interested in your thoughts about the Edge.  We have a 7-day cruise booked on the Apex next year.

 

 We did something similar, but on only 2 ships in the Med a couple months ago.   39 days on the Nieuw Statendam, one night in a hotel, then 26 days on the Koningsdam.  No way could I pack up and move every 10 days or so!  

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3 hours ago, I like vacation said:

 I guess you didn't purchase a wine package.  I appreciated the 25% savings as a 3 Star and am working steadily to get to 4 stars for the "free" laundry. 😄

 

Hi ILV,

I didn't get a wine package, but I'm looking at doing so on our up-coming Koningsdam cruise.  Can you get the discount online before the cruise, or is that something you need to book onboard?  This new cruise will be 44 days and I think an eight bottle package would be nice.

 

Enjoy!

Kel

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2 minutes ago, kelmac said:

Hi ILV,

I didn't get a wine package, but I'm looking at doing so on our up-coming Koningsdam cruise.  Can you get the discount online before the cruise, or is that something you need to book onboard?  This new cruise will be 44 days and I think an eight bottle package would be nice.

 

Enjoy!

Kel

 

We purchased the package on board after verifying that the wines we preferred were in stock.  I have read on CC that the 25% discount will be credited back to your account during the cruise.  The packages won't run out so there really is no need to purchase in advance.  The cost is the same and your can use your OBC.

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Thanks.  Great review....and as above without the usual cheerleader nonsense about how much better HAL is than any other cruise line on the seven seas.

 

I also think that if you did this again with the same cruise lines, same or different ships, and different crews you might get different scores.   

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1 hour ago, iancal said:

Thanks.  Great review....and as above without the usual cheerleader nonsense about how much better HAL is than any other cruise line on the seven seas.

 

I also think that if you did this again with the same cruise lines, same or different ships, and different crews you might get different scores.   

So true!😉

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10 hours ago, kelmac said:

Our New Motto for RCL—We’re doing the best we can.

 

🤣

 

I appreciate your review and comparisons.  Thank you!  I took the liberty of averaging the ratings:

 

#1 - Celebrity Edge (9.06)

#2 - Crystal (9.03)

#3 - Celebrity Reflection (8.71)

#4 - MSC (8.65)

#5 - RCL (8.13)

#6 - HAL (7.56)

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12 hours ago, *Miss G* said:

 

🤣

 

I appreciate your review and comparisons.  Thank you!  I took the liberty of averaging the ratings:

 

#1 - Celebrity Edge (9.06)

#2 - Crystal (9.03)

#3 - Celebrity Reflection (8.71)

#4 - MSC (8.65)

#5 - RCL (8.13)

#6 - HAL (7.56)

your math is incorrect HAL should be 8.56 

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21 minutes ago, old mike said:

your math is incorrect HAL should be 8.56 

 

I humbly apologize.

 

#1 - Celebrity Edge (9.06)

#2 - Crystal (9.03)

#3 - Celebrity Reflection (8.71)

#4 - MSC (8.65)

#5 - HAL (8.56)

#6 - RCL (8.13)

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I believe the averages would be more representative if the frequent perks score was not considered.    It is a function of the cruise line rather than the ship.  Besides, most frequent cruisers are aware the HAL's program ranks at or close to the bottom of the various  frequent cruiser programs.

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