Celebrity v RCL

[Elizanessie]

My parents are also just off the Century,and they said out of all their cruises on Cunard,Ncl,and RCCL, the food on Celebrity was the best they ever had :D And my mum can be very picky when it comes to food :)

 

I cant wait until tomorrow to see all the pics of it :D

[cruiseacecat]

I recently returned from the trans Atlantic on Jewel OTS after completing the 7 Oct. Med cruise on Millennium, and my biggest surprise was

how very good the service was on Jewel. A very beautiful, well maintained ship with one of the best waiters I have had in some time. Also an excellent cabin steward.

 

However, the Millie takes the prize for food. I found the food on this cruise to be the best I have ever had on Celebrity. Do not know what to attribute it to. Has this chef been on the ship for a long time? Just do not know. But really excellent food. Had a very good waiter and asst. waiter on Millie, but an abysmal cabin stewardess. Did not make any attempt to please, just did the minimum.

 

I also felt the Millie's entertainment (in terms of the production shows) to be superior.

 

All in all, I received the service, in the dining room at least, that I have come to expect from Celebrity. But Jewel was really a nice surprise.

 

Will try to answer any questions anyone may have.

 

Anne

[FinelyCruising]

Each is quite different, but both will provide a pretty good time.

[mish0872]

just came off summit. Wife and i were loyal celebrity customers, but no more the captains club is so lacking compared to rccl that we have to give them our money from now on. We had one cocktail party on 14 day cruise oh least i forget a rose also. Many others felt the same iam sad to say

[FinelyCruising]

If its a side by side of the loyal programs, WOW its RCCL hands down, not to mention the Concierge Club. :)

[Casino Player]

WOW, what a statement. We would choose RCCL again because we had a GREAT time. Sorry you didn't.

 

But, to say Celebrity treats their passengers better is your experience not ours! We were treated just as good on our RCCL cruises as on our Celebrity cruises.

 

IMHO Celebrity is way overrated on these boards as far as food and service. There just isn't that much diffence in all the lines.

 

In your opinion, "there isn't much difference between the lines." To anyone who has traveled on both there seems to be. Celebrity has much better food and service than does RCCL. If you have read other posts on this board you will see that is their experience too. I stand by what I said.

By the way, a relative of mine who is a Platinum++ member of the Crown & Anchor Club is now suing RCCL. As I have stated they are an inferior cruise line. If you are willing to accept substandard services and bad food then keep sailing with them.

[Sky Sweet]

If Royal Caribbean is inferior to Celebrity, why are their prices frequently higher?

 

We booked a Mediterranean Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas for next June and could have booked a similar itinerary on Celebrity for less. We chose BOS for this particular cruise because we didn't want to take the risk of having our cruise cancelled due to POD problems, since we booked our own flights to Europe, as well as our pre cruise and post cruise hotel rooms in Barcelona.

 

The same is true for cruises in the Caribbean. With the exception of Royal Caribbean's older ships, it frequently costs less to sail on Celebrity than Royal Caribbean.

 

I realize that Celebrity appeals to an older demographic and has less families with young children, and that is a major factor for some people. Yet, I don't consider that to be intrinsically better, just different and a matter of personal preference.

[Coolcruise02]

[quote name=Casino Player: In your opinion' date=' "there isn't much difference between the lines." To anyone who has traveled on both there seems to be. Celebrity has much better food and service than does RCCL. If you have read other posts on this board you will see that is their experience too. I stand by what I said.

 

YES, that is my opinion and I am allowed to have one. And yes, I have traveled on both lines! As far as other posters, scan up to #18 and you will find another who doesn't agree with you.

 

 

By the way, a relative of mine who is a Platinum++ member of the Crown & Anchor Club is now suing RCCL. As I have stated they are an inferior cruise line. If you are willing to accept substandard services and bad food then keep sailing with them.[/quote]

 

I'm not sure what your relative suing RCCL has to do with anything. I'm sure someone at this moment is suing X and that does not make them "inferior".

 

As stated earlier in this thread we all like different things and have many choices in cruise lines. Not every ship/line is right for everyone. So we can all choose what suits us best. That doesn't make your choice any better than mine, just different.

[voyager70]

If Royal Caribbean is inferior to Celebrity, why are their prices frequently higher?

 

We booked a Mediterranean Cruise on Brilliance of the Seas for next June and could have booked a similar itinerary on Celebrity for less. We chose BOS for this particular cruise because we didn't want to take the risk of having our cruise cancelled due to POD problems, since we booked our own flights to Europe, as well as our pre cruise and post cruise hotel rooms in Barcelona.

 

The same is true for cruises in the Caribbean. With the exception of Royal Caribbean's older ships, it frequently costs less to sail on Celebrity than Royal Caribbean.

 

I realize that Celebrity appeals to an older demographic and has less families with young children, and that is a major factor for some people. Yet, I don't consider that to be intrinsically better, just different and a matter of personal preference.

 

My thoughts exactly :)

[caviargal]

My opinion is that RCI commands higher prices becase they do a great job of selling to their target market. Some of their ships - Radiance Class in particular - are beautiful and the monster ships (I have been on Freedom and Liberty) have all the bells and whistles and then some. They were overwhelming and overcrowded to me but the passengers we spoke to thought the ships were amazing.

 

RCI has a product that makes a splash and they know how to market to families. Who else has a frequent cruiser program for kids? A teen advisory board? Plus the onboard activities that are second to none, at least in their target market segment. They do a lot of things right. I happen not to enjoy their product but can still appreciate why others do.

[negc]

In your opinion, "there isn't much difference between the lines." To anyone who has traveled on both there seems to be. Celebrity has much better food and service than does RCCL. If you have read other posts on this board you will see that is their experience too. I stand by what I said.

 

By the way, a relative of mine who is a Platinum++ member of the Crown & Anchor Club is now suing RCCL. As I have stated they are an inferior cruise line. If you are willing to accept substandard services and bad food then keep sailing with them.

 

I'm afraid that your stating the RCI is "inferior" doesn't make it a fact. Some of the food we had on our recent Celebrity cruise was as good as I have had anywhere including many five star land-based restaurants, but some of it was mediocre and certainly not better than what I have eaten on RCI sailings. As far as service goes, I did not note a significant difference in the excellent service we have become accustomed to on RCI and the generally excellent service we received on Celebrity. Our waiter and assistant waiter in the dining room on the Constellation were good but not exceptional. The waiter in whose section of the Seaside Grill we ate breakfast and lunch, was significantly better. The quality of service on both lines, IMHO, depends upon the staff members that you come into contact with during your sailing and it can vary considerably even on the same ship and the same sailing. There were far more similarities between our experiences on the two lines than differences.

If you want to believe that your opinion is the absolute standard, feel free, but please don't insult those whose preferences are different from yours by implying that their opinion is valueless because it doesn't match yours.:rolleyes:

[FinelyCruising]

By the way, a relative of mine who is a Platinum++ member of the Crown & Anchor Club is now suing RCCL.

 

How come they are suing?

[npb]

Before discovering Celebrity 15 years ago, we preferred RCL. We had not been on any of their ships since until May 2007 when we had a free Med cruise. DH and I agree that we would definitely sail RCL again. Loved the Conceirage (SP) Lounge and tapas. Food and service were good. Atmosphere of the big ship was fun. Only negative, we did not like Portofino.

[Casino Player]

How come they are suing?

 

Being served food not fit to eat and personal injury.

[Sky Sweet]

Being served food not fit to eat and personal injury.

 

What type of personal injury was the fault of the cruise line?

[Casino Player]

I'm afraid that your stating the RCI is "inferior" doesn't make it a fact. Some of the food we had on our recent Celebrity cruise was as good as I have had anywhere including many five star land-based restaurants, but some of it was mediocre and certainly not better than what I have eaten on RCI sailings. As far as service goes, I did not note a significant difference in the excellent service we have become accustomed to on RCI and the generally excellent service we received on Celebrity. Our waiter and assistant waiter in the dining room on the Constellation were good but not exceptional. The waiter in whose section of the Seaside Grill we ate breakfast and lunch, was significantly better. The quality of service on both lines, IMHO, depends upon the staff members that you come into contact with during your sailing and it can vary considerably even on the same ship and the same sailing. There were far more similarities between our experiences on the two lines than differences.

If you want to believe that your opinion is the absolute standard, feel free, but please don't insult those whose preferences are different from yours by implying that their opinion is valueless because it doesn't match yours.:rolleyes:

 

If you have had a different experience than mine, fine, write about it. If you are insulted because of my experience on a cruise line you like, I can't help it.

[negc]

If you have had a different experience than mine, fine, write about it. If you are insulted because of my experience on a cruise line you like, I can't help it.

I have no argument with your evaluation of your experience on RCI, only with your setting yourself up as the ultimate arbiter of what is superior and what is inferior for others than yourself. :rolleyes:

[knuterock8]

RCI has every aspect of their cruises better than Celebrity except the dinning room. Our last cruise on the Summit was the worst cruise ever.(our 6th)We have sailed on RCI 46 times and feel they offer the best all around cruise experience. However having said that I feel cruising has changed a great deal since the early 80's.

[Coco Creek]

Being served food not fit to eat and personal injury.

 

I would love a definition of food not "fit to eat". Was it spoiled or rotted in any way? Had it been contaminated by eColi or somthing else.

 

This food obsession on the these boards is something to behold.

[caviargal]

RCI has every aspect of their cruises better than Celebrity except the dinning room. Our last cruise on the Summit was the worst cruise ever.(our 6th)We have sailed on RCI 46 times and feel they offer the best all around cruise experience. However having said that I feel cruising has changed a great deal since the early 80's.

 

I have just a few more RCI cruises than you and six on X. I agree that cruising has changed a great deal since I started in the late 60s and the most in the past ten years. I do not agree that RCI "has every aspect of their cruises better than Celebrity except the dining room."

 

We all have different priorities and tastes in cruising and also different expectations. I think X and RCI each have their own strengths. For RCI, it is nightlife, fitness and activities in general, frequent guest program, itinerary options and range of ship sizes and personalities. I also think they take better care of their ships.

 

On X, I love the Aqua Spa cafe, Cova, and in general a demographic that appreciates and respects a dress code. I like the more formal attitude of the crew and staff versus RCI's casual and energetic vibe. I also like the extra space per passenger on M class versus Radiance Class (the only class of RCI ships I find appealing).

 

RCI has gotten so permissive about attire that is appalling, IMO and IME. It is also too kid/family centric for my taste. And Windjammer has really gone downhill in terms of quality though buffets are something I avoid whenever possible. I was also disappointed that the dining room on RCI is no longer open every day for lunch as the other options are not very good. Again, my opinion.

 

I like having a proper glass used to serve wine and not having to explain why I want a certain bottle decanted to the waitstaff (they were "out" of decanters completely on a recent cruise). I like the quieter atmosphere around the pool on X (though not the "new" Century).

 

I think the lines may blur more once Solstice sets sail but at this point I do think each line has their own appeal and therefore their own loyal fans.

[negc]

I have just a few more RCI cruises than you and six on X. I agree that cruising has changed a great deal since I started in the late 60s and the most in the past ten years. I do not agree that RCI "has every aspect of their cruises better than Celebrity except the dining room."

 

We all have different priorities and tastes in cruising and also different expectations. I think X and RCI each have their own strengths. For RCI, it is nightlife, fitness and activities in general, frequent guest program, itinerary options and range of ship sizes and personalities. I also think they take better care of their ships.

 

On X, I love the Aqua Spa cafe, Cova, and in general a demographic that appreciates and respects a dress code. I like the more formal attitude of the crew and staff versus RCI's casual and energetic vibe. I also like the extra space per passenger on M class versus Radiance Class (the only class of RCI ships I find appealing).

 

RCI has gotten so permissive about attire that is appalling, IMO and IME. It is also too kid/family centric for my taste. And Windjammer has really gone downhill in terms of quality though buffets are something I avoid whenever possible. I was also disappointed that the dining room on RCI is no longer open every day for lunch as the other options are not very good. Again, my opinion.

 

I like having a proper glass used to serve wine and not having to explain why I want a certain bottle decanted to the waitstaff (they were "out" of decanters completely on a recent cruise). I like the quieter atmosphere around the pool on X (though not the "new" Century).

 

I think the lines may blur more once Solstice sets sail but at this point I do think each line has their own appeal and therefore their own loyal fans.

 

It is good to read an evaluation which gives reasons for the opinon but recognizes that not everyone will necessarily form the same conclusions and that things which are of primary importance to one cruiser may not matter to another. I agree with many, but not all, of your opinions but respect your right to voice them. I am, however, intrigued by your contention that the lines may blur when Solstice begins sailing. Is it because of the size of the ship or are there other things about Solstice that would lead you to that conclusion?

[caviargal]

It is good to read an evaluation which gives reasons for the opinon but recognizes that not everyone will necessarily form the same conclusions and that things which are of primary importance to one cruiser may not matter to another. I agree with many, but not all, of your opinions but respect your right to voice them. I am, however, intrigued by your contention that the lines may blur when Solstice begins sailing. Is it because of the size of the ship or are there other things about Solstice that would lead you to that conclusion?

 

 

Bill, I watched when RCI introduced Voyager class and gradually restructured their product. Since then, they have changed SOS and Enchantment to incorporate more of the "features" on those 2 older ships. They took away the wonderful library and Champagne Bar on SOS to make way for Ben and Jerry's, SBD coffee and a meeting area, thereby bringing in more opportunity for revenue but taking away what were my favorite places on board. The newest ships, Liberty and Freedom, take the Voyager concept a step further. Now they are partnered with New Balance for instance, for one of the shops. A very expensive barber shop has been added and there are several ala carte (meaning extra charge venues). IMO, the offerings in the ala carte food options are far better than the main dining and free spots, likely by design.

 

Solstice is a very large ship by any standard, and especially by X standards. I don't have any more info than some others out there about the ship but I will be very surprised if X does not introduce a wide variety of "choices" on this ship, and choices that are extra cost and designed to increase revenue. I predict there will be far less space dedicated to non revenue areas for passengers to enjoy.

 

They will also need to adapt their marketing strategy a bit as this ship will be harder to fill, based on size alone. I will be very surprised if they do not make more of a splash with family programs, open dining times and even a relaxed dress code. It seems to be what many cruisers want, though I daresay not the diehard traditionalist that prefers X for the tradition and formality.

 

It will be interesting but RCI is at the helm and the trends in the industry are clear in the mass market segment.

 

What do you think?

[FinelyCruising]

I recall a long time cruiser suing for bad food and personal injury on these boards...I just can't remember who it was, but I think there was a bit of controversy, as would be expected.

[negc]

Bill, I watched when RCI introduced Voyager class and gradually restructured their product. Since then, they have changed SOS and Enchantment to incorporate more of the "features" on those 2 older ships. They took away the wonderful library and Champagne Bar on SOS to make way for Ben and Jerry's, SBD coffee and a meeting area, thereby bringing in more opportunity for revenue but taking away what were my favorite places on board. The newest ships, Liberty and Freedom, take the Voyager concept a step further. Now they are partnered with New Balance for instance, for one of the shops. A very expensive barber shop has been added and there are several ala carte (meaning extra charge venues). IMO, the offerings in the ala carte food options are far better than the main dining and free spots, likely by design.

 

Solstice is a very large ship by any standard, and especially by X standards. I don't have any more info than some others out there about the ship but I will be very surprised if X does not introduce a wide variety of "choices" on this ship, and choices that are extra cost and designed to increase revenue. I predict there will be far less space dedicated to non revenue areas for passengers to enjoy.

 

They will also need to adapt their marketing strategy a bit as this ship will be harder to fill, based on size alone. I will be very surprised if they do not make more of a splash with family programs, open dining times and even a relaxed dress code. It seems to be what many cruisers want, though I daresay not the diehard traditionalist that prefers X for the tradition and formality.

 

It will be interesting but RCI is at the helm and the trends in the industry are clear in the mass market segment.

 

What do you think?

I am not sure that I can disagree with you on many of the points you make. Perhaps the changes have already occured on Celebrity as I did not notice a significantly more traditional or formal atmosphere on our transatlantic. Demographically the age of the guests skewed slightly higher than we experienced on our RCI transatlantic cruises, but not by a substantial margin. Service varied according to the staff members we interacted with and while it was, overall, quite good, I have experienced similarly good service on my RCI cruises. Perhaps we have been fortunate not to have been onboard an RCI ship, overrun by kids, although there were certainly a large number on the Freedom when we sailed on her in October of 2006 (some of them, our own grandchildren). Clearly RCI has focused on the family and young actives market, but I guess that despite my advanced age;) I do not yet feel out of place on their ships, even though rock walls, flowriders®, bungee trampolines, etc. have no special appeal to me. I guess that the energy that they generate is infectious even for those of us who don't participate in them. :)

I enjoyed the lecturers who were on our Connie transatlantic and would like to see RCI offer a similar program on next year's Jewel TA, but I did not have any interest in participating in the napkin folding sessions or the sushi making activities that Celebrity offered on our cruise, though they were well attended. The entertainment was very similar to what we have had on RCI and Princess ships, some quite good, some substandard (a national whistling champion as one night's headliner?:eek:)

Each line has to identify its target audience and gear its cruise product to attract and satisfy that audience. I think that perhaps RCI has done a better job of identifying its audience than Celebrity has, because I didn't feel that the Celebrity experience was quite what they advertise it should be. I will be interested to see what direction they will take with the introduction of Solstice and hope that they can make use of the additional size and space to create a cruise experience that is true to the self-image that they have for Celebrity.

[FinelyCruising]

Bill have you sailed Celebrity in the past, or are you a dedicated RCCL cruiser?

 

I love the Jewel the most of all the ships we have sailed on, but I still sail both lines, Celebrity more currently for us, and I see you have only RCCL cruises coming up based on your signatures.