Comparing X And Rccl From The Dwecks Of The Grandeur

[pamkev]

Love your reports Gail. See ya real shortly!

 

Pam

[willieg]

We enjoyed reading your report on your cruise. Hope that you are feeling better. We will see you in Tampa in a few weeks. Let us know if we need to bring anything from GA for you. We are driving down to Tampa. No problems with overpacking on this trip. I can bring as many pairs of shoes as I wish.

 

When you get on Zenith please keep us up-to-date on all the gossip--who is the CD, who is in the Martini bar, and who is entertaining.

 

See you soon,

Ginger and Bill

[dreamorone]

Hi,

Thank you for your most informative posts. We are going on the 10/27 sailing, and your information was much appreciated. :)

[tuggers]

Day 8 September 22, 2006

Today we arrived in Port Canaveral a little later than scheduled. Immigration for my deck (7) was one of the first done. I was finished and looking for breakfast by 9:30.

Even though we knew we were going to be late arriving this morning, the dining room hours were not changed. They served from 6:30 to 8:30 only. That meant when everyone was ready to eat, the only thing available was the buffet. Food trays were empty, seating was non-existent, and tempers were flaring. Very Bad way to start the day. For some reason, I suspect because most people on this ship are not seasoned travelers, guests are not open to sharing tables. I have observed two people at a table for four, actually putting items in the other two seats so they won’t be asked to share. Of course, they sit there with just the two of them for the whole meal! I like to eat a meal with new people. You can meet some great people and hear some fascinating stories. This attitude, coupled with a severe lack of seating in the buffet area, creates an atmosphere where most people are not happy with their eating experience.

We were in port so the dining room was not open for lunch. This sent a crowd back into the buffet once again. Seating is always a problem, but when the entire ship is trying to eat a meal there is it utter chaos!

Truthfully, the buffet is no better or worse than X’s (we all know buffets are not their strong suit), but I do believe that the seating is a bigger problem. On X there is someone to help with your tray and assist in finding a seat. On Grandeur, you are totally on your own. And the dining room is open a lot more on X. This is the only ship I remember being on where the dining room closes at EVERY port. This is one of the things I liked the least about this cruise.

It was an easy day today. Ryan won the doubles Ping Pong tournament and got a medal.

He was still proudly wearing it at dinner. I actually laid out in the sun for an hour today.

Also took a nice long nap. Good day.

The show was pre-dinner, Howie and Bert. Comic jugglers. Pretty funny and I’m sure the unicycles were a challenge as the seas were rocking and rolling.

Dinner was a little better tonight. Started out with Roasted Corn Risotto with Scallops (very good), Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup (good), Garlic Prawns (good and I substituted the garlic mashed potatoes for the rice it came with) and Warm Chocolate Cake with Milk Chocolate Sauce (very good). Was nice to have a good meal after bummers the last couple of nights.

Grand Buffet is tonight but I am just too exhausted to go. I’m sure Earl will tell me all

about it in the morning.

[tuggers]

Thanks for the kinds words.

I will probably save the final installment for when I get home.

I tried to put a link to this from the RCI page but was unable to do it and at these prices I didn't work on it long. If some kind soul would like to do that I would appreciate it.

I, too, would like to know what the die hard RCI'ers would think of my comments.

Maybe they know some great things about RCI that I missed.

Free exchange of info and opinions is what this site is all about.

[lambcom]

Tuggers: I've really enjoyed your thoughtful and balanced (IMHO) comparison between RRCL and X. Have you ever done a comparison between Princess and X? Or has anyone else?

 

Again, thanks for your commentary

 

George+

[dreamorone]

Thanks for the kinds words.

 

I will probably save the final installment for when I get home.

 

I tried to put a link to this from the RCI page but was unable to do it and at these prices I didn't work on it long. If some kind soul would like to do that I would appreciate it.

 

I, too, would like to know what the die hard RCI'ers would think of my comments.

Maybe they know some great things about RCI that I missed.

 

Free exchange of info and opinions is what this site is all about.

 

 

Hi,

 

We have not yet been on Celebrity(almost this fall on Mercury, maybe this winter on her), but RCI seems to be very different from ship to ship.

Radiance of the Seas had a wonderful Coincerge Lounge. Coffee and rolls in the morning, and hot and cold appetizers and drinks before dinner for Diamond and Suite guests-free. The 2 speciality reataurants are very good and the dining room was fine. Beautiful ship--Great crew :) The Monarch of the Seas has no lounge or speciality restaurants, like the Grandeur. Food was ok, crew was great, and she is a loveable old ship.:)

 

We hope to sail on Celebrity soon. I expect Celebrity to be like Hal. The Capt.& crew meeting you at the ship with wet towels and drinks after an especially long excursion Ex. Ryndam-Copper Canyon.:D I don't think Hal's speciality restaurant is as good as either RCI or Princess. (just my tastes)

 

I think it all depends on where you want to go and the price you want to pay for that particular cruise. I enjoy all the cruises.

 

Happy Sailing

[voyager70]

Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess & HAL are all mid-level, mass market cruise lines offering a very similair cruising experience at comparable fares. IMHO, the OP went on this cruise with pre conceived expectations that RCCL was inferior to X, and she found every possible reason to justify this. GF & I (in our late 30's) have cruised 11 times in the last 5 years with X (3), Princess (2), and RCCL (6). To suggest that one line is a notch above another is ridiculous. Anyone who truly believes this is simply biased. All have strengths and weaknesses. As I said in my earlier (deleted) post, to truly experience cruising at a higher level, go with Crystal, Seabourn, or Silversea - but plan on spending 3x more. Happy cruising all :)

[Host Kewlguy]

Hi Gail. We just arrived home. It was a pleasure meeting you on board. Since we cruise on both RCCL and X we know what to expect from both. When we want to treat ourselves to a higher quality level of service we sail with X. Of course Royal clearly has the better loyalty program. I think you would find Royal's Radiance class ships more to your liking.

[TPKeller]

I tried to put a link to this from the RCI page but was unable to do it and at these prices I didn't work on it long. If some kind soul would like to do that I would appreciate it.

Hi Tuggers!

 

I didn't see one yet, so I posted a link for you. It is here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=417992

 

Thanks for your reports!

 

Theron

[dfishner]

Someone wrote on the RCL forum to check out this post so I did. Since never sailing Celebrity which I hope to do in the future, I enjoyed the side by side comparsion. While reading your post I was comparing the Granduer next to the Radiance of the sea which was the last cruise I took. I saw some differences just between the same cruiselines.

 

What it comes down to is what are your expectations, if I were on Celebrity my expectations would be better quality food and service for what you are paying for that is Celebrity trademark and what is is known for. On the Radiance cruise I was so surprized by how beautiful the ship was, the food met my expectations not great but good, the service was outstanding with both food service and cabin service, they did the little extras that you were not expecting. I look forward to go on another radiance vessel which I will in November but I am also want to cruise on Celebrity so thank you for your candid review it was refreshing to see.

[AFT_LOVER]

as Elite on "X" we are also Diamond on RCCL. Took our first RCCL cruise on Jewel, a very lovely full of glass including elevators that overlook the sea. Diamonds are spoiled rotten on Radiance Class, Voyager class & the new Ultra Voyager aka Freedom class ships. I was shocked that "X" has nothing but BOGO coupons in a book & that is it. Book Concierge Class stateroom to get free sparkling wine in an ice bucket. RCCL knows how to spoil Diamond members. They have Concierge Lounge which has Seattle's Best Coffee maker set up with cups, saucers, even espresso size. You get 24/7 Free of charge latte, cappuccino, espresso & regular coffee (which is far above Starbuck quality). Breakfast has Continental breakfast layout, lunch has salad, sandwiches, fruit, cheeses & from 5-9PM cocktails are FREE with hot hors de orvs. We also were on a member cruise which got us nightly gift from key chain light, clock on a C clasp, hard cover journal of cruise, RCCL beach towel, 2 comped meals at Chops (steakhouse specialty restaurant) or Portafinos (Italian specialty restaurant) and they both charge only $20 PP not $30 on "X", large adult size backpacks, even carry on luggage with pull out handle & wheels to carry the stuff home. 12 items for 12 nights.

 

As far as talent, everything was termed "West End of London" for comedians, singers, and dancers. Even the Brits that were our neighbors were joking that they were the very far West End of London. The best performers were now called the American Drifters, but 2 of them I have known since I was 16 on a TV show called UPBEAT here in Cleveland which I danced on. My DH & I were in the elevator & their singer from S Ohio saw me & called me by name. I turned I was in shock that 40 years just fell right off. I introduced him to my husband who he knew from his band that he was a pianist with. So they got jamming in a bar & I was dancing around having a great time & the rest of the band showed to work on their show, so we had a great time & are still chatting on the phone & waiting for them to work at the Rock Hall or House of Blues.

 

"X" has their Thermo pools which RCCL has called the Solarium for adults only. Very relaxing, even has a healthy buffet in it, nice & humid all enclosed. It is part of the spa but free. On Freedom I am told it is outdoors and not as personal for adults as kids run thru too. So I will see 10/15 when we get on her. Radiance Class & up also have rock climbing walls, which are great exercises with an unbelievable view. In line skating is another great excessive feat. Mini golf just like "X" is great especially with wave action.

 

Diamond Plus members got FREE 2 night cruise on Freedom and everything on it was FREE. SO now when Solstice Class comes out does "X" give Elite free pre inaugural cruise too with everything free?

 

A shame you cruised the old ships instead of the great ones. We did love Meridian before we got on Connie, who is my favorite "X" ship. So hop on a Radiance class or larger to see the real RCCL & be spoiled as Diamond.

[Betty4]

Tuggers - Great info and I hope you are feeling better. I guess you realize now why you were being served iceberg lettuce every night during your cruise.

[The Big Booper]

A better comp would be the Century (before renovation) vs. the Grandeur. The Radiance class are similar to the M class; both are built on the same basic hull.

 

I don't think the OP would like the Voyagers or the Freedom; too active and full of kids.

 

You can see from our signature which RCI ships we like.:)

[Sky Sweet]

I think it can be somewhat misleading to compare RCCL with Celebrity, using Grandeur of the Seas, as an example, because it is a very old ship that has much smaller cabins and a completely different ambiance than RCCL's newer ships. The standard cabins on Celebrity's aging Zenith and C class ships are the same size as Celebrity's newest ships, but this is not true for RCCL.

[Sky Sweet]

Someone wrote on the RCL forum to check out this post so I did. Since never sailing Celebrity which I hope to do in the future, I enjoyed the side by side comparsion. While reading your post I was comparing the Granduer next to the Radiance of the sea which was the last cruise I took. I saw some differences just between the same cruiselines.

 

What it comes down to is what are your expectations, if I were on Celebrity my expectations would be better quality food and service for what you are paying for that is Celebrity trademark and what is is known for. On the Radiance cruise I was so surprized by how beautiful the ship was, the food met my expectations not great but good, the service was outstanding with both food service and cabin service, they did the little extras that you were not expecting. I look forward to go on another radiance vessel which I will in November but I am also want to cruise on Celebrity so thank you for your candid review it was refreshing to see.

 

Hi dfishner :)

 

Celebrity is not always more expensive than Royal Caribbean. We will be paying considerably more per person for a standard balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean next year than we will be for a concierge class cabin on Celebrity's newest ship in November, for the same amount of days in the same part of the world.

[tuggers]

Theron, thanks for putting in the link. The computer service got pretty slow and unpredictable in some areas.

 

We were off the ship by 8:45 on Sunday morning. Everything went smoothly and I was at the airport by 9:15.

 

I was moved, for the airlines convenience, to the 10:30 Charlotte flight and then upgraded to first on my Charlotte to Jax portion for helping them out. I think the noon flight must have been oversold. It worked for me because then I had time to eat in Charlotte. Things went so quickly getting off that we missed breakfast.

 

One thing I liked very much on RCI was that they had room service till 2 am on the last night. X always stops around midnight. Same with computer access on X. On RCI as long as I used a credit card for my bill I could charge on my sea pass card right up to disembarkation. That was really nice.

 

I enjoyed my trip on Grandeur and would sail her again if the ports and price were good. The things that I found to be lacking in RCI's service and food are purely my opinions based on about 50 cruises with X, HAL, Princess, Carnival, and some one ship lines. I have attempted to tell you about things that I think are of interest to people who sail on X and are considering RCI.

 

I love the small ships and my favorites have always been Horizon, Zenith, Century and Galaxy. These are the ships I compared with Grandeur. I do feel that Grandeur had a higher standard of renovation than X prior to dry docks. I have seen them let X ships have some shabby carpet or cracked tiles ocassionally. I did not find that on Grandeur. My cabin and all the common areas I was in were maintained to very high standards.

 

Once again, on our last night, we were asked to order dessert with the meal. I do find this very disconcerting and not to my liking. I did find the food to be a step below what I have been served on X, HAL and others but on a par with Princess.

 

The buffet is not bad, but the seating is awful. I did not like that they closed the dining room for lunch on any port day or that they served the same menu in the dining room every day for lunch except for one daily special soup, entree and dessert. I thought the lunches I had were tasty but the open seating service was hit or miss for either breakfast or lunch. I would have liked to see them extend lunch hours on port days.

 

RCI has a decent wine list with reasonable prices and also has a large selection of wines by the glass. Bottle prices started at $20 + 15% and went up. All wines were opened and served by the table staff. Alcoholic beverages were reasonable in price and had a sufficent amount of alcohol. I did not see snacks on any bar or cocktail tables until they were asked for. Once asked for, they were replenished as needed.

 

The soda package was $6 + 15% for adults. I thought this was higher than X but they could have gone up. Cans were $1.73 including the 15% when purchased singly. BTW, we brought on sodas at Key West but I heard on board they are thinking of changing that policy and not allowing them to be brought on.

 

I am also not a big fan of having a Ben & Jerry's and a Seattles Best Coffee area for extra charges. I think HAL has the edge with their free coffees, lattes, etc.

 

I object to the wine policy both lines are implementing on a lot of levels. There has been enough written about that and I don't mean to belabor the point here. As I posted earlier, at least in Baltimore on Grandeur, they are taking wine and alcohol in both checked and carry-on luggage. Bummer.

 

Entertainment on Grandeur was mostly comedians and comic type acts, only two production shows. With the state of the sound system, that was wise. I like comedy so I was happy. Others may have missed the singing and dancing. The new costumes that came with the new cast were pretty nice.

 

I kind of liked the fact that the fire doors were closed to ALL cabins until 1 PM on embarkation day. That way some people didn't get to put their things in cabins way before others or give the CS's a hard time. Seemed like a better way to do things.

 

I heard some complaints about no cabin escorts on the first day. I usually get on early and lots of time miss the free champagne, but others seemed really bothered by it. Personally, I found my room with no problems.

 

The CD and staff were very personable and good at their jobs. Things moved along smoothly and on time. I did think the Bingo was high with $35 being the cheapest package you could play. However, If you spent $9.95 for a Bingo the Dog stuffed animal AND remembered to take it to each game, they gave you a single (3 cards) game strip with every $35 double strip. The Win A Cruise Bingo was one game and cards were $20 each. Jackpot this cruise was over $6600 and was the same as WAC.

 

I thought the Crown & Anchor perks were head and shoulders above X in the Diamond status. One would hope that soon X would see that they need to treat their repeaters a little better. For now, RCI wins this contest, hands down. I was sorry to be on a ship without a Concierge Lounge as I think that is a wonderful perk. Hopefully, they will be adding it on Grandeur while she is in drydock.

 

My D! Balcony cabin seemed (I did not bring a tape measure as I have been known to do) deeper than X cabins but narrower. One things I did notice was that while I had a cabin with a door that connected to another cabin, it was a metal door and I never heard a thing from cabins on either side. Not from the adjoining or the full wall. Aft cabins did, however, have noise from the disco and the rock climbing wall music. Apparently, it is impossible to climb a fake wall with out blaring music!

 

That's about all that is on my addled brain today. I got in to Jax at 4 PM and had to drive to Ponte Vedra Beach to pick up my foster Schnauzers and then drive home. I think I got in around 9. Still a little tired today.

 

I will be glad to answer any questions that I can about this cruise, these cruise lines or the Meet and Mingle.

 

 

 

 

[tuggers]

lambcom, I looked up my Princess comparison and brought it back to page one. It is 'Devoted X'er goes Princess' or close to that.

[poetic license]

Gail, thanks for your comparisons. You've cruised enough to be able to do so directly, which is a great service to a lot of folks. Good job! :) Glad you had a nice break.

 

Cheers~

Nicki

[TPKeller]

Today, we got off at International Pier in Cozumel (we were supposed to tender but at the last minute we were allowed to dock)

Hi Tuggers,

 

Did you ever find out why you docked instead of tendering? Trying to figure out what we will be doing in a few weeks.

 

Thanks,

 

Theron

[brio613]

Thanks for your review tuggers. Did you have early or late seating for dinner. Wondering if you have late seating do you have to go to the shows before dinner. Thanks.

 

Barb

[Host Kewlguy]

Hi Tuggers,

 

Did you ever find out why you docked instead of tendering? Trying to figure out what we will be doing in a few weeks.

 

Thanks,

 

Theron

 

The Captain said originally Freedom of the Seas was using the dock but moved when we arrived. So we were able to dock there. Freedom then tendered at another location. Personally I would have preferred if we tendered as we would have been brought directly to the shopping area of Cozumel rather than a $6.00 cab ride away.

[Dick in Falls Church]

We just came TA on RCCL after several X cruises.

Yes, the main dining room was closed on port days. We didn't have a problem with that, since we were off. I suspect that it is partly because the staff ratio on RCCL is smaller than that on X, and more of the crew are able to get off that way.

We were on the Jewel, and spent a fair amount of time talking with crew members. To the best of my recollection didn't hear a single complaint (at least anything associated with the line or the jobs), and lots of comments about how well they were being treated.

 

Yes, there were some small differences, but not enough to keep us from considering another trip. I survived without the initial glass of champage.

And, cocktails were about a buck less than on X, for a net savings of just over $20 for the trip.

[tuggers]

Theron, we needed to put divers down and do some welding underwater hence the preferred dock.

Kewlguy, since we had a disabled person with us we preferred the dock. We probably would not have been able to get off if we were tendering. For us it was a good thing even with the cab ride.

Barb, we had late seating and the before dinner and after dinner shows were about half before and half after. The early ones were at 7:15 and after 10:15 or 10:30.

I did have a good time, and I would do RCI again. I just find differences, some good, some bad. It's that way with every line. Having an idea of what to expect, I hope, gives people more knowledge to work with when they make the choice of how to spend their vacations.

[TPKeller]

Theron, we needed to put divers down and do some welding underwater hence the preferred dock.

Thanks, that's interesting. I wonder if they were still working on the rudder.

 

Theron