Should We Try Celebrity for My Parents' Anniversary?

[hazeleyez3]

My parents 40th anniversary 1/1/09, and I am looking to taking them on a cruise to celebrate. It would just be them, DH (31) and myself (33). They have been on Costa, NCL, Carnival, and Princess, but I am looking to get some info on other cruise lines.

 

Here is a bit of background on them:

 

My mother will be 63, and is in "ok" health, but tends to be a bit slow on many things. She loves the Bingo, and slots on most cruises. On Princess she liked the daily tea, She prefers the more attentive treatment you get with traditional dining, but likes the concept of freestyle/anytime, etc. She likes to sometimes be in her cabin and watch TV, and she hated the selection NCL had. Finally, she has no interest in pools, sunbathing, or the spa.

 

My father will be 66, still does consulting, and is very active. He enjoys Texas Hold 'Em, going to the gym (or walking the lap around the deck), likes being out on balconies, and will usually wind up in the Internet Cafe at some point.

 

Neither of them is picky about where they go -- they just enjoying cruising. So, can anyone offer me some info on Celebrity. TIA.

[FinelyCruising]

It looks like Celebrity would be new for you too! Not sure what kind of ship you like, larger or smaller, but for the most part the dining is traditional and some of the ships have fantastic dining venues that you can spend hours at enjoying to no end. You can though have a simpler dining experience in a cafe environment however it will come with linens at dinner.

 

There are those here that can help you with some more ship selection specifics if you can share what your prefered itin is for this special trip.

[hazeleyez3]

I am primarily looking at Southern Caribbean; however, I am open to others if it fits the time frame, and is in the budget.

 

Since my mother is a bit slower, my thought is that a "medium-sized" ship is best.

 

You said we could spend hours in the main dining venue...do the dinners normally last more than 2 hrs? My parents prefer the main seating, but don't want to have a 3hr dinner every night.

[Cathy Laz]

You should definitely try Celebrity, not only for your parents, but for you as well. The midsize ships Galaxy and Mercury are very easy to get around. They have a nice little jogging path and a nice fitness center as well. No three hour dinners there. In fact, no speciality restaurants. They do have some alternative dining choices if they prefer to stay out of the main dining room one evening. They will be treated royally from the time they board until they disembark and, you will find enough choices to keep all of you happy. They have, in the past, had some excellent speakers that kept the passengers coming back for more. You might have a hard time comparing the shows to the productions on Carnival - which I think is the area they do best, but all in all, the experience is wonderful. Of course, the larger ships on Celebrity would be grand as well. You won't be disappointed. And the food......well, you just have to try it now. If you liked Princess, you will love Celebrity.

 

Cathy

[rianvi]

We took my folks on their first cruise on the Celebrity...Zenith...2006. They loved it. We celebrated their anniversary as well. It was five of us...including my DH and DD. My mum uses a walker and my Dad is in great shape. They enjoyed it so much that we went again this past August to Bemuda and are booked for the New England and Canada cruise next July.

 

Memories are forever.

 

Peace, Anna:)

[Lois R]

I am primarily looking at Southern Caribbean; however, I am open to others if it fits the time frame, and is in the budget.

 

Since my mother is a bit slower, my thought is that a "medium-sized" ship is best.

 

You said we could spend hours in the main dining venue...do the dinners normally last more than 2 hrs? My parents prefer the main seating, but don't want to have a 3hr dinner every night.

 

Good morning. Dinner won't take 3 hours....especially if you

have main seating....that is 6:00. Late seating is 8:30 so the dining

room has to be turned over for us late diners:)

A 3 hour dinner would take you into the next seating;)

[FinelyCruising]

The reference I was making to extended dining was to the alternative dining venue, and that is an extended experience.

 

Depending on your seating preference, we have had wonderfully long lesiurely dinners with great tablemates at second seating. First seating will ensure you are in an out as they do have to turn the table over on a schedule.

 

My suggestion to deck location would be near the elevator and on the deck two below the pool deck. This way you are about half way between the pool decks and the casino. I'd also suggest a ship in the fleet that has the Solarium Pool area as your and your parents might enjoy this quiet comfortable area. You will find padded teak loungers and get the enjoyments of sunshine without being out in it, hot tubs and a very nice pool without children.

[bye-seaya]

My parents 40th anniversary 1/1/09, and I am looking to taking them on a cruise to celebrate. It would just be them, DH (31) and myself (33). They have been on Costa, NCL, Carnival, and Princess, but I am looking to get some info on other cruise lines.

 

Here is a bit of background on them:

 

My mother will be 63, and is in "ok" health, but tends to be a bit slow on many things. She loves the Bingo, and slots on most cruises. On Princess she liked the daily tea, She prefers the more attentive treatment you get with traditional dining, but likes the concept of freestyle/anytime, etc. She likes to sometimes be in her cabin and watch TV, and she hated the selection NCL had. Finally, she has no interest in pools, sunbathing, or the spa.

 

My father will be 66, still does consulting, and is very active. He enjoys Texas Hold 'Em, going to the gym (or walking the lap around the deck), likes being out on balconies, and will usually wind up in the Internet Cafe at some point.

 

Neither of them is picky about where they go -- they just enjoying cruising. So, can anyone offer me some info on Celebrity. TIA.

 

If pampering is in order, outstanding service, food and the ULTIMATE cruising experience that would provide wonderful memories - GO Celebrity, Celebrity, Celebrity! :D:D

Based on what you have described above, this cruise line would have you covered.

We sailed on the Constellation two years ago and are still talking about it! We have sailed on Princess as well and felt that it did not compare. Our next cruise is on the Constellation again in March - to the Southern Caribbean (yeah!).:)

 

Even though the "Connie" is a large ship, it has some nice intimate spots for relaxing and is easy to navigate through to the public areas. When dining in their casual buffet restaurant, I found my tray being carried for me by one of the wait staff to wherever we wanted to sit. Talk about spoiled!!!

I think your folks would enjoy this cruise line. Good luck and have fun!!:)

[hazeleyez3]

Finally, she has no interest in pools, sunbathing, or the spa.

 

My suggestion to deck location would be near the elevator and on the deck two below the pool deck. This way you are about half way between the pool decks and the casino. I'd also suggest a ship in the fleet that has the Solarium Pool area as your and your parents might enjoy this quiet comfortable area. You will find padded teak loungers and get the enjoyments of sunshine without being out in it, hot tubs and a very nice pool without children.

 

Thanks. The cabin between the casino and pool may be good - make sure she isn't right above/below them both. As I mentioned before, my mother has no interest in pools, spas, or sunbathing, so she wouldn't need the Solarium. My father would just use the gym, which is on all the ships.

[FinelyCruising]

Then there are smaller ships in the fleet that you might want to consider then since there is no need for that environment for yourselves, or in the alternate don't bother with the Solarium if you find one of the larger ships to your liking.

 

All the Celebrity ships have casinos, dining rooms and alternate dining as their base if that's all you are wanting for.

 

Have you looked on their website to see what's available yet?

[CrabbyHarper]

To the OP: DH and I are very similar in age to your parents and we are dedicated Celebrity cruisers. We celebrate our 40th next June. I sometimes use a cane to walk but DH is active. We are going on Infinity on Nov 25 to South America.

 

Here's what I like about Celebrity:

The staff is always helpful. In the buffet there is usually someone to offer to carry a tray. There are multiple choices for dining, including the main dining room. We prefer the Casual dining option as well as the evening buffet though the menu choices are relatively limited. The entertainment is varied, the casino is fun, the gym is great for DH.

 

We like the comfortable cabins, and always get a balcony. We read a lot in our cabin and on the balcony. We rarely watch tv so can't comment on that. The water jug and ice bucket is a nice touch. The bedding is comfortabble. The lack of loud and annoying announcements is great. There is bingo but we rarely play. The trivia games are great. The lectures can be good but we have run into at least one stinker.

 

Having said that, I could say the same thing about Holland America. I think your folks would enjoy that line too.

 

We have also cruised on Azamara Journey. I LOVED the smaller ship - it was easier for me to get anywhere on board. The food was superior to Celebrity. But in all honesty, Azamara is still getting its act together. There was no one to help with trays in the buffet, for instance, and the "butler" was no more a butler than I am. The cabin was rarely made up before 3:00 pm. Maybe Azamara will be a viable selection in a year or two.

 

Good luck with whatever choice you make. Your folks are so lucky to have kids like you! I'll bet you'll have a great time together whatever the ship and line.

[jerseygirl3]

When you say your mom is slower, do you mean physically speaking? If so, I would go with one of the smaller Celebrity ships so it is easier for her to get around.

 

Prices for the 5 night Century sailings are usually very good. Why not splurge on a Sky Suite and do a 5 night on Century. We did that last year with my parents, spouses, kids, sibs, nieces, nephews, etc., and had a blast.

[hazeleyez3]

When you say your mom is slower, do you mean physically speaking? If so, I would go with one of the smaller Celebrity ships so it is easier for her to get around.

 

Prices for the 5 night Century sailings are usually very good. Why not splurge on a Sky Suite and do a 5 night on Century. We did that last year with my parents, spouses, kids, sibs, nieces, nephews, etc., and had a blast.

 

Yes physically. She was slow when I was growing up, and has become "worse" lately. She actually keeps mentioning that she'd like to do one longer than 7 nights, so I don't want to go shorter.

[TeaBag]

We vote for Celebrity too for your parents anniversary. What a lovely thing to do for them. We just had our 40th, so we, too, are in the same age group...just a little younger than your parents. We are celebrating 30 days on the Mercury for this milestone and we have been planning it for 18 months.

[Norcal Cruiser]

Yes!!!!

[usha]

I'd enthusiastically recommend a Celebrity cruise for your parents' 40th anniversary, and as others suggested, Century, Mercury & Galaxy are a more manageable size for your mom. The staff on Celebrity is very attentive and helpful, and probably more so to people who could actually USE the help.:) It's also "fun" enough for younger people like you and your husband to enjoy as well.

[CatServants]

So many 40th Anniversaries. Impressive and wonderful! And aren't you terrific for giving such a loving and thoughtful gift! Does it get any better than making new and joyous memories with those you love?

 

Anyway, I think you'll love X and I'm SURE your parents will. I suspect the C-class ships would be most comfortable for your mom (I LOVE the M-class). Whatever you decide, I hope your cruise is everything of which you and your parents dream.

 

Happy cruising!

 

Denise

[npb]

Definitely Celebrity:D

[jerseygirl3]

Yes physically. She was slow when I was growing up, and has become "worse" lately. She actually keeps mentioning that she'd like to do one longer than 7 nights, so I don't want to go shorter.

 

Why not do a B2B on Century. That would give you 9 nights and the prices are generally reasonable on Century. I think it would be a much easier ship for your Mom to navigate than one of the M-class ships. And service is very attentive on that ship, especially if you are in a Sky Suite, you'd have a butler who could help with things, such as unpacking, serving some meals in room, etc.