First timer - usually sail Celebrity what should I expect?

[keels81]

Up until recently (ie. 2019), I'd cruised with Celebrity over a dozen times -- never ever with Carnival. Husband and I had a long weekend trip planned for a wedding that ended up getting canceled, so we decided to hop on the Valor out of here (New Orleans) on a last-minute deal.

 

Long story short, we had a blast and were hooked. And most of the comments above I completely agree with, I just think for comparisons sake your cruising style will really help set your expectations.

 

Personally, at this stage in my life, I cruise just to cruise -- to get away, out on the water and in the sun. I live in a foodie city, so it would be ridiculous of me to expect mass-produced cruise food to be even remotely on par with what I get here. But I will never turn down mozzarella sticks at dinner. I enjoy the specialty dining and Chef's Tables and I really do love all the midday food alternatives like Guy's and Iguana and Pasta Bella, etc. 

 

I'm a pretty chatty and social person, a textbook extrovert if you will, so I always love meeting new people and making new friends. So, the social aspect of Carnival is just what stands out to me and why I'm currently cruising them as often as I can ... sure, I've met plenty of people and a few friendly crew members on previous sailings. But I've never had such a happy, fun-loving, engaged and energized crew as I have found on Carnival -- it really just is a happy culture. Never before have I cared about a cruise director on a ship the way I do now with this line, or can't wait to see certain crew members again. Just the vibe, I guess.

[kennystwin]

I have cruised both and have plans on both in the future. I think the other posters have done a good job hitting on some of the differences, but I wanted to pass along a couple of my observations:

 

The "class system" on Celebrity. Depending on the cabin you booked (general/concierge/aqua/Retreat), there are special restaurants, sun decks, bars, and other perks which can be pretty sizable. Some Carnival ships do have Havana, but otherwise everybody has pretty much equal access to the ship and services. Carnival's suite guests get a little bigger cabin, front of the line access getting on and off, and not a  lot else. Celebrity's Retreat is no comparison with Luminae, butlers, and perks galore.

 

Celebrity's wine program: Celebrity has a comprehensive cellar and knowledgeable sommeliers in all venues as well as several tastings on every cruise. I find Carnival's wine selections to be pretty pedestrian (except for the steakhouse which has a more substantial wine list and a sommelier). There are no sommeliers in the MDR and wine knowledge can be pretty weak among the waiters, servers, and even some bartenders. I enjoy my wine and make sure I bring what I like in my carry on.

 

The casino. Unlike Celebrity, Carnival's casinos are hopping (and typically smoky). Casino hosts have lots of ongoing activities and promotions, and, like the rest of the ship, drinks are flowing liberally. Spend some time there and you will likely be rewarded with plenty of offers for free or cheap cruises.

 

Comedy club: Carnival has a dedicated comedy club, the Punchliner, and generally 2-3 shows a night with both PG and R shows. If you like stand up comedy (especially adult comedy) Carnival has a big advantage.

 

Carnival and Celebrity do deliver very different experiences, but I enjoy them both and hope you do too! 

 

 

Edited April 1, 2022 by kennystwin

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

19 hours ago, kennystwin said:

...

 

Celebrity's wine program: Celebrity has a comprehensive cellar and knowledgeable sommeliers in all venues as well as several tastings on every cruise. I find Carnival's wine selections to be pretty pedestrian (except for the steakhouse which has a more substantial wine list and a sommelier). ...

 

I have not seen a sommelier in their steakhouse for at least a few years. You're pretty much on your own (wine selection process).

 

Tom

[sunonfire]

We sailed on the Celebrity Constellation out of Tampa this past November. It was disappointing. The steakhouse was not very good. Our steaks were not cooked properly and the everyone’s mashed potatoes were cold. The food in the MDR was just average. Entertainment wasn’t anything special. The crew were just doing their jobs. We sailed on the Pride out of Tampa in January. The Pride was better than the Constellation - the steakhouse was excellent, MDR food was very good, entertainment was good, and the crew were outstanding. They were super friendly and attentive. Every Carnival employee went out of their way to welcome us throughout the cruise. It was the friendliest ship we ever sailed on. So we are going on the Pride again in 2 weeks and also next January.