Curious about Celebrity

[Pugster4]

Hi, my wife and I are both 33. We have cruises Carnival, Royal and Disney. We just barely went on Disney last month for the first time and we aren’t sure we can go back to more entry-level cruise lines like carnival, RC, and NCL. Is Celebrity a cruise line a couple in their 30’s would enjoy? We enjoy food, main entertainment, spa passes, and trivia. We aren’t drinkers or party seekers but do enjoy having things to do. Any thoughts or opinions? We are currently looking at a Christmas cruise on the Constellation. Thanks!

[Tierun]

Connie is an older, smaller ship. My wife and I started sailing X in our late 30s on Infinity which is a sister ship of Constellation. We really enjoyed the elevated experience, however things died down rapidly at night. If you want a relaxing cruise, go for it. If you guys want something livelier try an E class ship. 

[zitsky]

I was happy with the Eclipse S-class.  Just the right size and number of restaurants.

[cruisetonowhere10]

Not in my 30s anymore but my first cruise was on Disney and was amazing but I’d need to take out a loan to do that again.  Since I’ve found Celebrity to be great and very appropriate for the 30+ crowd.  That being said, it sounds as if some itineraries trend older and some younger.  I’m confined to vacationing during school vacations and summer and have found ample people in your age range.  My teen/college aged kids like Celebrity too, perhaps better than RCL and Disney.

[hcat]

There will be many children on board any ship over Xmas holiday so maybe less relaxing.and more crowded.

 

E Class ships have much more to do and an excellent spa.  Try AQ Class with BLU ...and Thermal suite included.  Fewer children in BLU

Edited March 26 by hcat

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

7 hours ago, Pugster4 said:

We just barely went on Disney last month for the first time

 

Just curious about how you "barely went on" a cruise. Did you almost not make it? Or was it a 3-night? I've just never heard that phrase in relation to a cruise.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

4 minutes ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

Just curious about how you "barely went on" a cruise. Did you almost not make it? Or was it a 3-night? I've just never heard that phrase in relation to a cruise.

I wonder if he was referring to the cost of the cruise ? 

[OceanCruise]

The Constellation is older and needs updating so I think you would be more satisfied on an Edge class ship or the Silhouette (which has been revolutionized). Our recent Silhouette cruise had more people in their 20's and 30's than I had ever seen on Celebrity (there were several wedding parties) and the music was definitely geared toward that demographic. There were at least 6 different trivia sessions daily. A Christmas cruise will definitely have more kids on board. If you want much better food and a more relaxed/refined experience, consider booking a suite on Celebrity. Also consider which ports are of interest to you.

[Pugster4]

2 hours ago, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

Just curious about how you "barely went on" a cruise. Did you almost not make it? Or was it a 3-night? I've just never heard that phrase in relation to a cruise.

Sorry, when I say barely, I mean recently. Must be more of a phrase we used growing up instead of one other people use. 

[Pugster4]

Thank you all for your replies. We liked the Constellation for it being a 7-night cruise over Christmas and a good price point. Your replies have been very helpful. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

deleted...sorry.

Edited March 26 by Georgia_Peaches

[bikerunner]

22 minutes ago, Pugster4 said:

Thank you all for your replies. We liked the Constellation for it being a 7-night cruise over Christmas and a good price point. Your replies have been very helpful. 

I never understand why people keep saying the Connie needs updating.  I been on the ship 3x since restart, and yes the rooms are old style, but I just sleep and store clothes in there.  The ship is clean and well maintained many of the common areas where newly carpeted before restart.  I would not hesitate going on her again if the right itinerary came about.  Does it have all the bells and whistles of the edge class, nope, and honestly it does not matter to me at all.  Others it might, but when I go on a cruise its to relax and tune out all the outside noise, if wanting great service, great crew, clean and well maintained ship connie out of Tampa is a good choice.  

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

41 minutes ago, Pugster4 said:

Sorry, when I say barely, I mean recently. Must be more of a phrase we used growing up instead of one other people use. 

 

Ah, got it. Thanks!

[LB_NJ]

I loved the Constellation on the 3 cruises we have done on her and would absolutely sail on her again.

 

A Christmas cruise may be very different because of who sails however, I don't think you would enjoy it based on what you said you liked.  She is a smaller, older ship and tends to attract an older crowd.

[Pinboy]

Christmas cruises will be packed with kids---

That being said, if you can afford it, select an S or E Class ship which are probably more expensive, but, with less kids.

( Very important )----- Both the E Class and I believe some of the S Class ships have a Solarium pool which is restricted to Adults Only. The area is air conditioned, nice lounges with thick cushions, lots of towels, no pool games, Zumba dancing, etc and much more relaxing.

( Reminder--- Off topic ) If you have a balcony and like to sit there, be sure to check out the Infinite Verandahs on the E Class ships---- they are not a balcony at all-- just an extension to the cabin with a window that opens.

As an aside--- We were recently on the March 11-21 sailing on the Silhouette with several kids onboard---- Never noticed any misbehavior anywhere from any. 

 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

31 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

Christmas cruises will be packed with kids---

That being said, if you can afford it, select an S or E Class ship which are probably more expensive, but, with less kids.

( Very important )----- Both the E Class and I believe some of the S Class ships have a Solarium pool which is restricted to Adults Only. The area is air conditioned, nice lounges with thick cushions, lots of towels, no pool games, Zumba dancing, etc and much more relaxing.

( Reminder--- Off topic ) If you have a balcony and like to sit there, be sure to check out the Infinite Verandahs on the E Class ships---- they are not a balcony at all-- just an extension to the cabin with a window that opens.

As an aside--- We were recently on the March 11-21 sailing on the Silhouette with several kids onboard---- Never noticed any misbehavior anywhere from any. 

 

M class ship also has a solarium

[Mike981]

Great advice given, I would also suggest looking at trip reports to give you a better feel for the ship. Also look for videos that can give you the look and feel.

[Pugster4]

I’m really appreciating all the feedback, so thank you everyone. 
 

So is Celebrity a cruise line that really caters to suite guests or at least this ship or are regular stateroom guests able to purchase access to the spa area, some of the restaurants and other stuff?

[zitsky]

23 minutes ago, Pugster4 said:

I’m really appreciating all the feedback, so thank you everyone. 
 

So is Celebrity a cruise line that really caters to suite guests or at least this ship or are regular stateroom guests able to purchase access to the spa area, some of the restaurants and other stuff?

If you listen to SOME people here, they will tell you that Celebrity is elitist because there are different categories on the ship.  Me, I think elitist is a cruise line with $50,000 suites.

 

Others will say only “real” suites are important not Sky Suites.  Whatever.  I’m still in the Retreat.

 

Anyone can book an inside cabin and buy a spa pass or specialty restaurant.

[cruisetonowhere10]

6 hours ago, Pugster4 said:

I’m really appreciating all the feedback, so thank you everyone. 
 

So is Celebrity a cruise line that really caters to suite guests or at least this ship or are regular stateroom guests able to purchase access to the spa area, some of the restaurants and other stuff?

There’s no way under any normal circumstance I could swing a suite and have never had an issue with anything you mention.  You’ll get the vibe on here that everyone does but I don’t think that’s the case.  No issues with spa, restaurants, etc.  did my Alaskan cruise I can currently book any of things you mention on my cruise planner. 

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

1 hour ago, cruisetonowhere10 said:

There’s no way under any normal circumstance I could swing a suite and have never had an issue with anything you mention.  You’ll get the vibe on here that everyone does but I don’t think that’s the case.  No issues with spa, restaurants, etc.  did my Alaskan cruise I can currently book any of things you mention on my cruise planner. 

This. I guess if I wanted to travel only every 5 years I might be able to do a suite - but being a solo traveler it would be A LOT. I did splurge on Aqua Class last summer and am again this summer (I actually was going to downgrade to a solo cabin, but my sailing is now sold out other than suites) - but in Feb 2026 I'm back to a solo IV on the Beyond.

 

The only restaurant you can't go to as a non-suite guest is Luminae (and as a non-Aqua guest you can't go to Blu). And there's the Retreat Lounge and sundeck that are only for suites, but there is plenty of deck space and other space for everyone.

 

As far as spa, I don't really do the treatments (I hate the hard sell for products or other services, and I never have luck with them paying attention to NO SALES PLEASE written on my intake form) - I'll do the area that comes with Aqua occasionally. I've seen it offered as a length of cruise pass under spa on the planner, so I gather from that there are spaces for those other than Aqua guests.

[OceanCruise]

9 hours ago, Pugster4 said:

I’m really appreciating all the feedback, so thank you everyone. 
 

So is Celebrity a cruise line that really caters to suite guests or at least this ship or are regular stateroom guests able to purchase access to the spa area, some of the restaurants and other stuff?

Regular rooms have basically the same access to the spa, entertainment, casino and specialty restaurants. The main difference with suites is that for the much higher cost you get a bigger room, a free drink package, wi-fi, a more intimate suite restaurant that has better food than MDR and more personalized service. When you book a suite you generally don't have to wait in crowded lines for most things. Suite guests have a much more relaxed embarkation and debarkation experience, a concierge that will arrange excursions and future cruise appointments, and a nice quiet suite lounge away from the crowds. We used to book ocean view/veranda rooms but are now at the age where we are willing to pay extra for a more comfortable room, better food, more refined service and an "easier" experience where we don't have to wait in line for a lunch buffet or keep searching for a pool lounge chair. We don't use the spa or specialty restaurants on a cruise as we personally can't justify the cost for those but those things may be a high priority for others. It just depends what is important to you and how you want to spend your money. 

[Lois R]

2 hours ago, OceanCruise said:

Regular rooms have basically the same access to the spa, entertainment, casino and specialty restaurants. The main difference with suites is that for the much higher cost you get a bigger room, a free drink package, wi-fi, a more intimate suite restaurant that has better food than MDR and more personalized service. When you book a suite you generally don't have to wait in crowded lines for most things. Suite guests have a much more relaxed embarkation and debarkation experience, a concierge that will arrange excursions and future cruise appointments, and a nice quiet suite lounge away from the crowds. We used to book ocean view/veranda rooms but are now at the age where we are willing to pay extra for a more comfortable room, better food, more refined service and an "easier" experience where we don't have to wait in line for a lunch buffet or keep searching for a pool lounge chair. We don't use the spa or specialty restaurants on a cruise as we personally can't justify the cost for those but those things may be a high priority for others. It just depends what is important to you and how you want to spend your money. 

Your post is very interesting to me. I have a question about the part about not having to wait on line for lunch at the buffet. I have read that Luminae is closed for lunch on port days. What are your other options for that meal? (On those days).

[Pinboy]

12 hours ago, Pugster4 said:

I’m really appreciating all the feedback, so thank you everyone. 
 

So is Celebrity a cruise line that really caters to suite guests or at least this ship or are regular stateroom guests able to purchase access to the spa area, some of the restaurants and other stuff?

On CC it appears that most people are suite passengers--- but, who cares.

However, Celebrity caters to everyone-- excellent service throughout-- 

33 yrs old--- you don't need to pay for a suite--- you won't miss anything except access to their private dining room, wait for someone from the Butler " Team " (not your own dedicated Butler ) for service or have access to the Retreat ( private area for suites only).

We had a Butler once, "years " ago, but, didn't really need any service--- ( Non-drinkers, limited wifi use, and prefer to make our own reservations for "whatever" instead of waiting for call-backs, etc).

Anyone can purchase access to the Spa area, Specialty Restaurants, etc--- 

Again, no worries, you don't need a suite to enjoy your cruise and receive excellent service.

 

 

 

 

 

[kruzerci]

I would not do Constellation. Do a YouTube search of the cabins. Yuck. 
 

I think you would be very happy with Edge or Solstice class ships.