allentownahoy Posted January 18, 2008 #1 Share Posted January 18, 2008 We are a couple in our early 50's with 3 cruises under our belt. 2 were on Princess (Alaska, Caribbean) and one on HAL. Of the 2 lines we much preferred HAL. We enjoy good food and a low key atmosphere. On sea days we enjoy lounging out on deck (we plan on inside room-no balcony) so being able to get a chair is important as is the availability of some shaded areas for lounging. We have no interest in casinos and partying nightlife. We might catch a few shows but its not a high priority. I am trying to decide whether to take a repositioning cruise on the Constellation in late October from NJ to Ft. Lauderdale via Bermuda and the Caribbean versus a round trip Caribbean cruise on HAL. I know I like HAL, but the Constellation itinerary appeals to me. Do you think the Constellation would be a good fit for us? Thanks. Ruth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
usha Posted January 18, 2008 #2 Share Posted January 18, 2008 From the preferences you've expressed, it sounds as though Celebrity would hit you right between the eyes!:D The repo on Constellation also looks like a GREAT itinerary, and longer cruises seem to have a more mature (less party-hardy & chair-hog oriented) mix of pax, JMO. I would say Celebrity & HAL are very similar in food & service, but Celebrity is just a little bit nicer.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmp13 Posted January 18, 2008 #3 Share Posted January 18, 2008 I have to agree with usha . In fact we are booked on that cruise. I will say though that chair hogs can be a problem. We have sailed a few of these longer Itinerary cruises on the constellation in Oct and that has been our one complaint.. also sailed the Noordam this past october and found the chair hog problem there as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECCruise Posted January 18, 2008 #4 Share Posted January 18, 2008 I am guessing you will be very happy with the cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Sweet Posted January 19, 2008 #5 Share Posted January 19, 2008 I am guessing you will be very happy with the cruise. Hi ECCruise :) I noticed that you live in the Richmond VA area. Have you ever taken a cruise out of Norfolk, VA? I am curious because our daughter and son in law live in a suburb of Richmond and are thinking about trying a cruise out of Norfolk. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Sweet Posted January 19, 2008 #6 Share Posted January 19, 2008 We are a couple in our early 50's with 3 cruises under our belt. 2 were on Princess (Alaska, Caribbean) and one on HAL. Of the 2 lines we much preferred HAL. We enjoy good food and a low key atmosphere. On sea days we enjoy lounging out on deck (we plan on inside room-no balcony) so being able to get a chair is important as is the availability of some shaded areas for lounging. We have no interest in casinos and partying nightlife. We might catch a few shows but its not a high priority. I am trying to decide whether to take a repositioning cruise on the Constellation in late October from NJ to Ft. Lauderdale via Bermuda and the Caribbean versus a round trip Caribbean cruise on HAL. I know I like HAL, but the Constellation itinerary appeals to me. Do you think the Constellation would be a good fit for us? Thanks. Ruth Hi Allentownahoy :) If you like HAL, I think you will like Celebrity. In my opinion, these two cruise lines are more alike than they are different. Constellation is one of my favorite Celebrity ships and I think you will enjoy this cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CatServants Posted January 19, 2008 #7 Share Posted January 19, 2008 allentownahoy - Usha's right (as usual!:)). It sounds like X is right up your alley! HAL and X are very similar. Having sailed on both HAL and X, my DH and I prefer X. I think if you try the Constellation, you'll be well pleased. No matter which cruise you choose, I hope you have a wonderful time! Happy cruising! Denise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ECCruise Posted January 19, 2008 #8 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Hi ECCruise :) I noticed that you live in the Richmond VA area. Have you ever taken a cruise out of Norfolk, VA? I am curious because our daughter and son in law live in a suburb of Richmond and are thinking about trying a cruise out of Norfolk. Thanks in advance. Hi Sky! Yes, we've taken 3 cruises out of Norfolk but there really is very little to choose from there now...and this is after they built their $ multi-million new cruise port. Looks like 18 total sailings for the entire year. Of course, if one of them is one you want, who cares how many! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sky Sweet Posted January 19, 2008 #9 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Hi Sky! Yes, we've taken 3 cruises out of Norfolk but there really is very little to choose from there now...and this is after they built their $ multi-million new cruise port. Looks like 18 total sailings for the entire year. Of course, if one of them is one you want, who cares how many! :) Hi ECCruise :) Thank you for answering my question :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryod Posted January 19, 2008 #10 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Hi Ruth, I'm sure you'll love Celebrity as has been said by most of the responses. I too enjoy relaxing on the deck and have been blessed so far with no problem getting a chair. It may not be the one I want but eventually I get it;) . Have a great cruise!! Barry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allentownahoy Posted January 20, 2008 Author #11 Share Posted January 20, 2008 Thanks for your replies. We are convinced. Our travel agent is looking into booking this cruise for us as we speak. Ruth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Anne Posted January 21, 2008 #12 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi Ruth...I have to ask if the Allentown is PA? I think you are making a great choice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allentownahoy Posted January 21, 2008 Author #13 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi Ruth...I have to ask if the Allentown is PA? I think you are making a great choice! Yes Anne, I live in Allentown,PA. Are you familiar with it? Ruth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazybus Posted January 21, 2008 #14 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Yes Anne, I live in Allentown,PA. Are you familiar with it? Ruth Hi Ruth, I live in Exeter which is about 30 minutes from you. (Right outside of Reading) I am 53 and booked on the Connie Repo next year. I travel with my sisters and some friends. Some of us leave our DH at home to watch the kiddies. We have a blast! We always pick the repo's and have enjoyed all of them. The last repo we did was on the Zenith in 2006. Many people that I met on that repo is also traveling on this one too! We had a blast. I am sure you would not regret it. If you have any questions email me at crazybus@aol.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Anne Posted January 21, 2008 #15 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi Ruth and CrazyBus ~ yep....I was born and raised in Allentown. Family is all still there. Graduated from Central Catholic in '75. Get back every so often. Some friends and family from Allentown are joining us next month on Constellation. Can't wait! Feel free to ask more questions as you go along...you'll find lots of good info here! Nice to see another "native" and neighbors on the boards! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackdiamond Posted January 21, 2008 #16 Share Posted January 21, 2008 I can almost guarantee that you will love Celebrity if you book an "M" class ship on CC or higher. Also, booking very early is a plus since you then have the opportunity of securing a larger balcony. My wife does not utilize the pool amenities, but I use them to maintain my daily exercise regimen of approximately 3 hours. As a result, the very large balcony is very welcome for her: and, also for me when it becomes reading time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazybus Posted January 21, 2008 #17 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Thanks for your replies. We are convinced. Our travel agent is looking into booking this cruise for us as we speak. Ruth Ruth, you won't regret it! Our group has always enjoyed Celebrity. The cruise is what you make it. Sometimes our group parties hard but other nights we are in bed by 10:00. (I guess it depends on how hard we partied the night before. lol) We too are sun worshippers, you can always find us at the pool if there is a ray of sunshine in the sky. At night you can always find us in the Martini Bar. Our group is so predictable! The food has always been excellent on Celebrity so I don't think you will be disappointed. Anne, I never realized you grew up in Allentown. It is a small world. I'm sure you don't miss the weather here, as we speak the temperature is only in the teens! I envy anyone who lives in the warmer climates! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allentownahoy Posted January 22, 2008 Author #18 Share Posted January 22, 2008 The cruise sounds great. We're psyched. Jack Diamond- I don't think we'll get a larger balcony since we are going with an inside cabin but no matter. I feel lucky just to cruise and don't mind going up on deck. I am actually not a sun worshipper, more of a shade, breeze and sea air worshipper. Looking forward to alternating days hitting the beach-I love being in the water- with lazing on board. And I have always wanted to see Bermuda. I guess there are quite a lot of eastern PA'ers who will be on board. Looking forward to joining you next Fall. Ruth Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Anne Posted January 22, 2008 #19 Share Posted January 22, 2008 It is indeed a small world! :) Living where it is warm is great. It's not for everyone but we love it. We are on Constellation in just under six weeks and can't wait to sail her. We really like the M-class ships and have wanted to sail Connie for some time. I think the trip from NJ south would be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spearmint Posted January 22, 2008 #20 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Sounds to me like Constellation would be perfect for you. Go for it.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nonna and Papa Posted January 22, 2008 #21 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Here's another former eastern Pennsylvanian! I was born and raised in the Slate Belt and went to Pius X! We're the only transplants - the entire family still lives there. Ruth, you'll enjoy Celebrity. Mary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobbyleduck Posted January 22, 2008 #22 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Yes! Happy cruising to all! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tally10 Posted January 23, 2008 #23 Share Posted January 23, 2008 We had been on the Constellation three cruises in a row when we went back to RCCL's Brilliance last month. While we think the Brilliance may be prettier and more modern in decor, the Constellation experience was so much better. Food and service are very good and more personal. You will love her. We have never been on HAL but think she is so much better than Princess. We wish we were going on her in March instead of the Jewel of the Seas. You can't go wrong (we are in our 50's as well). Joyce:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazybus Posted January 24, 2008 #24 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Here's another former eastern Pennsylvanian! I was born and raised in the Slate Belt and went to Pius X! We're the only transplants - the entire family still lives there. Ruth, you'll enjoy Celebrity. Mary Ah, I have been to Pius X quite a few times on sports trips with Exeter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodofpine Posted January 24, 2008 #25 Share Posted January 24, 2008 Sometimes its the heritage of the lines that appeal. Princess is has USA/UK heritage with Italian influence. HAL - well Dutch and American... But if you like your X Greek style, you'll love Celebrity! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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