New to Celebrity, Not new to Cruising

[Merv692]

On a recent flight, I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who was returning from a Celebrity cruise. He shared his experiences, and it sparked my interest in cruising again. The last time I went on a cruise was in 2015; since then, we've opted for all-inclusive resorts and took a break due to COVID. My first cruise was on the RCCL Sovereign of the Seas in 1996, and over the years, I earned Diamond status with RCCL. While I've enjoyed RCCL in the past, their recent ships have shifted towards features like water slides and surfing machines, which no longer suit my tastes. At this point in my mid-50s, with the kids grown up, I’m more interested in a different type of cruise experience. I understand RCCL's focus on family-friendly amenities and its success in that direction, but it's just not what I'm looking for right now. Perhaps when the grandkids are older, that will change.

My seatmate on the flight recommended Celebrity Cruises, which he found to be exactly what I was looking for. He praised the food and service, stating it was superior to other cruise lines he had tried. After discussing it with my wife and doing some research, we decided to book a cruise on the Celebrity Reflection in April 2025, sailing the ABC Islands out of Fort Lauderdale.

I also revisited Cruise Critic after a long hiatus—I've been a member since 2000, so it's evolved quite a bit over the years. I'm getting reacquainted with the site and learning how to navigate the updated features.

I really enjoy the planning phase before a cruise—reading reviews, researching shore excursions, and organizing our trip. I’ll be frequenting this site, Trip Advisor, and YouTube in the months leading up to our cruise. We've even convinced eight of our family and friends to join us on this adventure. From what I’ve learned so far, Celebrity seems to meet all my criteria, and it’s a bonus that my RCCL Diamond status has translated into Elite status with Celebrity, even before stepping on board.

Just wanted to say hello and let you know I’m back in the cruising game—looking forward to it!

Edited August 4 by Merv692

[leaveitallbehind]

RCCL and Celebrity have a reciprocity program regarding Crown & Anchor and Captain's Club loyalty tier benefits. As Diamond on RCCL when you sail on Celebrity you will be able to receive their Elite level loyalty benefits.  Celebrity does not offer drink coupons as RCCL does, but they do have a happy hour between 5-7 commencing on day 2 that will provide complimentary cocktails.

 

You should contact Captain's Club @ 800-760-0654 to have them set up an account for you. As noted your reciprocal level will be Elite. Note that when you sail on either line the points earned with each sailing remain with the cruise line on which they were earned and are not combinable.

 

Here is a PDF describing the Celebrity Captain's Club program and tier level benefits for your review.

 

Enjoy Celebrity - they are a vey good line that provides a very enjoyable cruise experience.

 

Go Phils.....

Captains-Club-Benefits-Brochure-12-2023 (3).pdf

Edited August 4 by leaveitallbehind

[Rick&Jeannie]

We, too have found RCCL to not fit our "cruise style". We did one cruise on Oasis of the Seas with family (including grandkids) and were really turned off by having to stand in line just to come back at a certain time to do the activity. It was just like being at Disney World...and very nearly the cost of DW! We *generally* sail Princess but are booked on a Japan sailing on Celebrity soon, our second outing with Celebrity. Very much looking forward to it. 

[doghog]

A huge plus for Celebrity is the casinos do not allow smoking. No smoking anywhere inside Celebrity ships. Another kudo to Celebrity is you are allowed to go directly to your cabin and pick up your Seapass card(s) and drop off any carry ons you might have. You are asked not to linger in your cabin but leave and wait until the general announcement is made that cabins are ready. ~ 1:PM. The bummer about Celebrity (IMO) is there isn't a dedicated lounge for Elite and above like with RCs Diamond/Crown Lounge. We like the differences and similarities between Celebrity and RC. We don't cruise on RCs mega ships. 

Edited August 4 by doghog

[wallyj]

@leaveitallbehind, Celebrity recently announced the 5-7 Happy hour is now available on Day1, embarkation day, so you no longer have to wait till day 2.

[Cherful59]

1 hour ago, doghog said:

A huge plus for Celebrity is the casinos do not allow smoking. No smoking anywhere inside Celebrity ships. Another kudo to Celebrity is you are allowed to go directly to your cabin and pick up your Seapass card(s) and drop off any carry ons you might have. You are asked not to linger in your cabin but leave and wait until the general announcement is made that cabins are ready. ~ 1:PM. The bummer about Celebrity (IMO) is there isn't a dedicated lounge for Elite and above like with RCs Diamond/Crown Lounge. We like the differences and similarities between Celebrity and RC. We don't cruise on RCs mega ships. 

Hello,

 

Just turned D plus on RC, but have never sailed Celebrity, but are contemplating doing so.  I see you wrote there is nothing like a crown lounge on Celebrity ships, so I am presuming there is no free coffee machine, am I correct?  We do enjoy the free, coffee, latte’s and expresso’s on RC from the crown lounge.  Thank you.

 

[leaveitallbehind]

4 minutes ago, Cherful59 said:

Hello,

 

Just turned D plus on RC, but have never sailed Celebrity, but are contemplating doing so.  I see you wrote there is nothing like a crown lounge on Celebrity ships, so I am presuming there is no free coffee machine, am I correct?  We do enjoy the free, coffee, latte’s and expresso’s on RC from the crown lounge.  Thank you.

 

No such loyalty tier lounge or option exists at present on Celebrity.  

Edited August 4 by leaveitallbehind

[Cherful59]

8 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

No such loyalty tier lounge or option exists at present on Celebrity.  

Thanks.  I new there were differences, but I know it’s the coffee machine and free drinks anytime throughout the day I will miss the most.

Edited August 4 by Cherful59

[wallyj]

@Cherful59, as Diamond on RC, you will be granted Elite status on Celebrity.

 

You will at least have access to ‘special continental breakfast’ which has specialty coffees complimentary, but only during breakfast.

 

Make sure you sign up for Celebrity loyalty number and have accounts linked before your sailing.

[Cherful59]

2 minutes ago, wallyj said:

@Cherful59, as Diamond on RC, you will be granted Elite status on Celebrity.

 

You will at least have access to ‘special continental breakfast’ which has specialty coffees complimentary, but only during breakfast.

 

Make sure you sign up for Celebrity loyalty number and have accounts linked before your sailing.

Hello, Wally’s, Thanks for your response.    I have signed up and have a loyalty #.  I have been reading over the benefits, but didn’t realize the specialty coffee was a daily perk, but was wondering if I just didn’t read it correctly.  Buying a coffee’s or an espresso later won’t break the bank, so is doable but glad to find out there is daily specialty coffee during the “special continental breakfast”.  I do enjoy my coffee!  Take care!

[leaveitallbehind]

12 minutes ago, wallyj said:

@Cherful59, as Diamond on RC, you will be granted Elite status on Celebrity.

 

You will at least have access to ‘special continental breakfast’ which has specialty coffees complimentary, but only during breakfast.

 

Make sure you sign up for Celebrity loyalty number and have accounts linked before your sailing.

I believe @Cherful59 indicated they are Diamond+ on RCCL, which means they will be Elite+ on Celebrity.

Edited August 4 by leaveitallbehind

[george35]

What is & where do you sign up for a loyality number??? We are D+ on RCL

 

george35

 

 

[wallyj]

8 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

I believe @Cherful59 indicated they are Diamond+ on RCCL, which means they will be Elite+ on Celebrity.

@Cherful59, sorry, did not see you are D+, which means you will be Eltie+, so will have access to unlimited complimentary specialty coffee at Cafe al Bacio all day. No need to self serve with a coffee machine.

 

In addition to the ‘special breakfast’, you can also get complimentary mimosas, juices, I think bloody Mary’s, but I do not drink tomato juice/bloody Mary mix.

Edited August 4 by wallyj

[leaveitallbehind]

3 minutes ago, wallyj said:

@Cherful59, sorry, did not see you are D+, which means you will be Eltie+, so will have access to unlimited specialty coffee at Cafe al Bacio all day.

...and a good point.  I was answering regarding no similar higher tier lounge but neglected to mention Cafe al Bacio, which is for E+ and Zenith.. Good catch!

Edited August 4 by leaveitallbehind

[Cherful59]

6 minutes ago, wallyj said:

@Cherful59, sorry, did not see you are D+, which means you will be Eltie+, so will have access to unlimited complimentary specialty coffee at Cafe al Bacio all day. No need to self serve with a coffee machine.

4 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

...and a good point.  I was answering regarding no similar higher tier lounge but neglected to mention Cafe al Bacio, which is for E+ and Zenith.. Good catch!

No worries, and even better news for me, I didn’t see that as a perk at all.

 

Thank you both so much!  Have a great day!

[doghog]

4 hours ago, george35 said:

What is & where do you sign up for a loyality number??? We are D+ on RCL

 

george35

 

 

Log into your Celebrity account. You should see your first name, CC number, tier level and CC points. If not call the CC at 801-760-0654.

Edited August 4 by doghog

[doghog]

27 minutes ago, doghog said:

Log into your Celebrity account. You should see your first name, CC number, tier level and CC points. If not call the CC at 801-760-0654.

Correction...1-800-760-0654. 

[leaveitallbehind]

37 minutes ago, doghog said:

Log into your Celebrity account. You should see your first name, CC number, tier level and CC points. If not call the CC at 801-760-0654.

Never mind - you caught your typo.

Edited August 5 by leaveitallbehind

[doghog]

1 minute ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Small typo - it's 800-760-0654.

See post #17. 😉

[leaveitallbehind]

Just now, doghog said:

See post #17. 😉

Sorry. I just saw that and deleted my comment and changed it to #18 - you caught me as I was editing that!  LOL

[Team Stag]

@Merv692 - Welcome back.  I'm sure you will have a great cruise.  We have also been looking at the Reflection ABC cruise next spring.  We love the ship and love the itinerary.  Based on what you shared I'm sure Celebrity will suit you great.

 

As you continue to get reacclimatized with Cruise Critic, keep in mind a lot as changed here too since 2015.  Between inflation, supply chain shortages and price increases, you will find a fair amount of frustration expressed on this board (and other cruise company pages as well).  While a lot of the concerns have begin corrected or the changes beginning to normalize, it will never be how people remember it in the past.  I encourage you to look past some of the critiques because you will have a wonderful time.  Or at least we have the last 3 years since returning from a cruise hiatus similar to yourself.