Love RCI, however, looking to 'step up' in regards to service/pampering..

[klfhngr]

we're still young, under 50, lol... enjoy dancing, pool, drinks, etc.. we love RCI but considering moving up.. what cruise line would you recommend and why??! This is a 'one time' thing, we'll go back to RCI after the experience. Planning on leaving the rug rats behind. Please advise/help....

[KAWS]

Celebrity might be a good choice for you for the "one time" thing. I haven't personally sailed with them, but friends of mine absolutely SWEAR by their service. We took a Princess cruise with them, that we enjoyed, but one of them did nothing but moan about how they just didn't compare to Celebrity, etc. Needless to say, they went back to them for their next cruise and for the sake of anyone travelling with them -- I hope they stay there.:p

[klfhngr]

Celebrity might be a good choice for you for the "one time" thing. I haven't personally sailed with them, but friends of mine absolutely SWEAR by their service. We took a Princess cruise with them, that we enjoyed, but one of them did nothing but moan about how they just didn't compare to Celebrity, etc. Needless to say, they went back to them for their next cruise and for the sake of anyone travelling with them -- I hope they stay there.:p

 

Celebrity was on our list, on the Solstice... I have heard that things shut down early, is this true? We enjoyed Princess, but it wasn't the same.. Food was fair, ship nice, staff ok, activities ok.. the night life was good.. Just want to try something different... No one seems to have any suggestions.. RCI diehards?!?

[sptrout]

I would also recommend Celebrity. As you can see in my signature we have sailed on their ships more than any other line. IMO nicer than Princess, but some will disagree. And no, they don't turn the lights off at 10 PM:D

 

Now, if you really want to step up try Oceania. Very, very nice, but they do shutdown early mainly because their cruises are very port intensive. Can be expensive, but when we went on the Regatta its pricing was close to Celebrity & Holland America for similar room types/days, etc.

[klfhngr]

I would also recommend Celebrity. As you can see in my signature we have sailed on their ships more than any other line. IMO nicer than Princess, but some will disagree. And no, they don't turn the lights off at 10 PM:D

 

Now, if you really want to step up try Oceania. Very, very nice, but they do shutdown early mainly because their cruises are very port intensive. Can be expensive, but when we went on the Regatta its pricing was close to Celebrity & Holland America for similar room types/days, etc.

 

So you can attest that there is a nightlife on Celebrity? I have heard that the food is great on her as well... Nicer than Princess? Wow...... Never considered Oceania, I thought it was a European cruise line, I'll look it up.

 

We have also thought about Silverseas, Seabourn and those other smaller lines/ships... Might be to uppidy up for me.... Maybe not....!!?

[firefly333]

Celebrity was on our list, on the Solstice... I have heard that things shut down early, is this true? We enjoyed Princess, but it wasn't the same.. Food was fair, ship nice, staff ok, activities ok.. the night life was good.. Just want to try something different... No one seems to have any suggestions.. RCI diehards?!?

 

We are trying the Soltice, mixed reviews so far about some things.

 

QM2 out of NYC??

 

Crystal is probably more than you wanted to pay.

 

I had a email from Amazara, a step above Celebrity who is offering some great deals too.

[ERTHDOG]

op-great question ,i was thinking the same thing and am looking forward to responses:)

 

btw-do you not know how to remove past counters? i see they go back to 2001. if you like them there,so be it...if not i can help;)

 

dave

[klfhngr]

We are trying the Soltice, mixed reviews so far about some things.

 

QM2 out of NYC??

 

Crystal is probably more than you wanted to pay.

 

I had a email from Amazara, a step above Celebrity who is offering some great deals too.

 

QM might be to 'old', no offense... I did look up Oceania, looks real nice! Price is great too, out of L.A.!! 2 for 1 deals! Money is not an issue, to a certain extent! I'll check out Amazara... I think that someone just got back from a Panama sailing, heard it was VERY boring? Never again.... Hmmmm.

[klfhngr]

op-great question ,i was thinking the same thing and am looking forward to responses:)

 

btw-do you not know how to remove past counters? i see they go back to 2001. if you like them there,so be it...if not i can help;)

 

dave

 

Thanks..

 

Oh, I don't see them when I'm logged in... I don't mind them being there, but if it doesn't look good, I can remove.. Thanks for the offer.

[sptrout]

So you can attest that there is a nightlife on Celebrity? I have heard that the food is great on her as well... Nicer than Princess? Wow...... Never considered Oceania, I thought it was a European cruise line, I'll look it up.

 

We have also thought about Silverseas, Seabourn and those other smaller lines/ships... Might be to uppidy up for me.... Maybe not....!!?

 

Yep, the lights are still on at 10! Actually, I am a morning person so anything pass 10 or 11 is a stretch for me (almost never make it to midnight on New Year’s eve!). Celebrity ships are not party ships, but they do have things going on late into the night.

 

Oceania is mainly a foreign port line, but they do have a limited number of cruises out of the US. Have to book way in advance though. We booked 12 months ahead and still almost did not get a cabin. I do have to point out that evening entertainment is not one of their strong points. We even got a little bored in the evenings. One reason is the ships are very small so there is not much to see while "just walking around."

 

Dress code is always “county club casual” which for me just meant dress slacks and nice open collar shirts. Great not to have to fool with dressing-up. Some people still did though; even saw one couple in formal clothes one night; no idea why.

[hylasgirl]

we're still young, under 50, lol... enjoy dancing, pool, drinks, etc.. we love RCI but considering moving up.. what cruise line would you recommend and why??! This is a 'one time' thing, we'll go back to RCI after the experience. Planning on leaving the rug rats behind. Please advise/help....

 

If you are looking for pampering and a 'one time' experience, I would say you should look for more than Celebrity. I have sailed both... LOVE both but you do not get 'pampered' on Celebrity. The service is VERY much the same. (I love the RCCL crew) the food is a small step above RCCL but only a step. If you want something BETTER... I would try a luxury line. Azamara is getting good reviews and I love their casual policy. Or go a little above them. There are some seriously good prices out there. Now is the time to try something like that.

[klfhngr]

Yep, the lights are still on at 10! Actually, I am a morning person so anything pass 10 or 11 is a stretch for me (almost never make it to midnight on New Year’s eve!). Celebrity ships are not party ships, but they do have things going on late into the night.

 

Oceania is mainly a foreign port line, but they do have a limited number of cruises out of the US. Have to book way in advance though. We booked 12 months ahead and still almost did not get a cabin. I do have to point out that evening entertainment is not one of their strong points. We even got a little bored in the evenings. One reason is the ships are very small so there is not much to see while "just walking around."

 

Dress code is always “county club casual” which for me just meant dress slacks and nice open collar shirts. Great not to have to fool with dressing-up. Some people still did though; even saw one couple in formal clothes one night; no idea why.

 

As long as there is some night life, that fine.. doesn't have to be crazy or go into the wee hours of the morning... I did look up Oceania, they have some good deals! But worried about the nightlife.. I'm a night owl, but I also get up early... I don't want to get overly bored... After seeing this, I might have to scratch Oceania. Food looks incredible, I checked our their menus, lol!!

 

Please keep the info. coming... Thanks to those that have already responded, this is one of the reasons I post here, everyone seems to be willing and wanting to help, give suggestions, and advice.... Thanks again.

[klfhngr]

If you are looking for pampering and a 'one time' experience, I would say you should look for more than Celebrity. I have sailed both... LOVE both but you do not get 'pampered' on Celebrity. The service is VERY much the same. (I love the RCCL crew) the food is a small step above RCCL but only a step. If you want something BETTER... I would try a luxury line. Azamara is getting good reviews and I love their casual policy. Or go a little above them. There are some seriously good prices out there. Now is the time to try something like that.

 

I expected that the service would be a step above RCI on Celebrity.... I guess looks aren't everything....

[HighlandCruzer]

we're still young, under 50, lol... enjoy dancing, pool, drinks, etc.. we love RCI but considering moving up.. what cruise line would you recommend and why??! This is a 'one time' thing, we'll go back to RCI after the experience. Planning on leaving the rug rats behind. Please advise/help....

 

You might consider Seabourn. I thoroughly enjoyed my two cruises with them and was blown away at the service and food each time. It was the most quiet and relaxing vacation I've had in quite some time.

[mammy]

Did constellation 2 yrs back...there were 6 of us some 40ish some 50ish...

This is my observation....

Food....maybe a step above Rci but nothing to write home about

Service....very efficient......but a little stiff, I missed the interaction with the waiters.

Activities late night.......almost none unless you count the casino, and michaels club, very quiet and subdued...

We went to the disco one night there was 5 of us , including my girlfriend and I ......I have never seen so many walkers and wheelchairs in my life.....I would say after 11pm we pretty much had the ship to ourselves...No music by the pool:rolleyes: Lots of alpha's that week, broken hips seniors falling and requiring stiches etc etc.....

 

 

Don't get me wrong I still had a wonderful time.......but I think I will wait a few decades to do Celebrity again.........I would say that our cruise 85% of the pax were 70 and up.......BTW it was an 11 day cruise maybe that had something to do with the demographics:confused:

[Tranquil Waters]

Did constellation 2 yrs back...there were 6 of us some 40ish some 50ish...

This is my observation....

Food....maybe a step above Rci but nothing to write home about

Service....very efficient......but a little stiff, I missed the interaction with the waiters.

Activities late night.......almost none unless you count the casino, and michaels club, very quiet and subdued...

We went to the disco one night there was 5 of us , including my girlfriend and I ......I have never seen so many walkers and wheelchairs in my life.....I would say after 11pm we pretty much had the ship to ourselves...No music by the pool:rolleyes: Lots of alpha's that week, broken hips seniors falling and requiring stiches etc etc.....

 

 

Don't get me wrong I still had a wonderful time.......but I think I will wait a few decades to do Celebrity again.........I would say that our cruise 85% of the pax were 70 and up.......BTW it was an 11 day cruise maybe that had something to do with the demographics:confused:

 

Ha! That will teach you take all that time off like you were retired or something! :D Time to take those 7 nighters like the rest of us working stiffs. ;):D:D

[klfhngr]

Did constellation 2 yrs back...there were 6 of us some 40ish some 50ish...

This is my observation....

Food....maybe a step above Rci but nothing to write home about

Service....very efficient......but a little stiff, I missed the interaction with the waiters.

Activities late night.......almost none unless you count the casino, and michaels club, very quiet and subdued...

We went to the disco one night there was 5 of us , including my girlfriend and I ......I have never seen so many walkers and wheelchairs in my life.....I would say after 11pm we pretty much had the ship to ourselves...No music by the pool:rolleyes: Lots of alpha's that week, broken hips seniors falling and requiring stiches etc etc.....

 

 

Don't get me wrong I still had a wonderful time.......but I think I will wait a few decades to do Celebrity again.........I would say that our cruise 85% of the pax were 70 and up.......BTW it was an 11 day cruise maybe that had something to do with the demographics:confused:

 

On Celebrity?!?! OMG!! I don't need this!!

[klfhngr]

You might consider Seabourn. I thoroughly enjoyed my two cruises with them and was blown away at the service and food each time. It was the most quiet and relaxing vacation I've had in quite some time.

 

It's on my list. What was the average age? Are there things to do at night? How are the passengers? Nice? Talkative? Stuck up? We 're not looking for friends, but then again, we don't want to be treated like outsiders...

[critterchick]

QM might be to 'old', no offense... I did look up Oceania, looks real nice! Price is great too, out of L.A.!! 2 for 1 deals! Money is not an issue, to a certain extent! I'll check out Amazara... I think that someone just got back from a Panama sailing, heard it was VERY boring? Never again.... Hmmmm.

 

I just got back from the Panama Canal crossing and, although I was a bit bored the last two days (ok, I was barking mad bored), the other 14 days were very nice.

 

But I didn't find the Azamara experience to be all that "pampering." I think the ships are ideally suited for unique itineraries (which the PC crossing really isn't as the ports were nothing out of the ordinary), but the service was only a slight notch above RCI's. (I have a review posted in the Reviews section if you want the details).

 

The night life was what you made of it. There were a couple of nights where we (old farts in our 50s:rolleyes:) were almost the only passengers in the disco, but the upside was that a lot of the staff were up there with us, so we got to have some fun with them (I'm sure they were horrified). Other nights there was quite a nice little party crowd (everything on the ship was "little" compared to an RCI ship).

 

I would pick an Azamara ship for the itinerary, not so much the onboard experience.

[wolfcathorse]

The LA on one of my RCI cruises told me the service on Celebrity is very formal. They're there to serve you, not interact with you. His exact words were "they're not there to be your friend". How Regent? I think you might find that if you want to be pampered, you'll lose night-life. But that's what I've only heard...never experienced, yet.

[klfhngr]

I just got back from the Panama Canal crossing and, although I was a bit bored the last two days (ok, I was barking mad bored), the other 14 days were very nice.

 

But I didn't find the Azamara experience to be all that "pampering." I think the ships are ideally suited for unique itineraries (which the PC crossing really isn't as the ports were nothing out of the ordinary), but the service was only a slight notch above RCI's. (I have a review posted in the Reviews section if you want the details).

 

The night life was what you made of it. There were a couple of nights where we (old farts in our 50s:rolleyes:) were almost the only passengers in the disco, but the upside was that a lot of the staff were up there with us, so we got to have some fun with them (I'm sure they were horrified). Other nights there was quite a nice little party crowd (everything on the ship was "little" compared to an RCI ship).

 

I would pick an Azamara ship for the itinerary, not so much the onboard experience.

 

I see........ I would love to read your review.... I looked for you on the KroosKam, but didn't see you!! ;)

[02143]

I expected that the service would be a step above RCI on Celebrity.... I guess looks aren't everything....

 

In my experience (see signature), it was. Meals have more courses and more refined table service, particularly at breakfast and lunch where there are more options. The stateroom attendants are, in my experience, more visible when you want them to be and also very attentive when you're not looking. Carpets are cleaned with sand (I don't understand it, but can't argue with results) and vacuumed every single day. The buffet is a step up in both quality and presentation. However, Celebrity is still a mass-market line, so you won't see a massive difference in the experience... just enough to make me wish I were on Solstice right now.

 

I will say this, by comparison: RCI handles room service much more effectively than Celebrity. Celebrity routinely got orders wrong for breakfast and it was clear our attendant was overworked trying to deal with it. RCI, no problem. Also, I do think that the nighttime crowd is sparser on Celebrity. The ships are smaller and there are fewer families and young people.

 

I expect you'll get very different perspectives on RCI vs. Celebrity depending on which forum you post this on. For what you described, Celebrity sounds great.

[klfhngr]

In my experience (see signature), it was. Meals have more courses and more refined table service, particularly at breakfast and lunch where there are more options. The stateroom attendants are, in my experience, more visible when you want them to be and also very attentive when you're not looking. Carpets are cleaned with sand (I don't understand it, but can't argue with results) and vacuumed every single day. The buffet is a step up in both quality and presentation. However, Celebrity is still a mass-market line, so you won't see a massive difference in the experience... just enough to make me wish I were on Solstice right now.

 

I will say this, by comparison: RCI handles room service much more effectively than Celebrity. Celebrity routinely got orders wrong for breakfast and it was clear our attendant was overworked trying to deal with it. RCI, no problem. Also, I do think that the nighttime crowd is sparser on Celebrity. The ships are smaller and there are fewer families and young people.

 

I expect you'll get very different perspectives on RCI vs. Celebrity depending on which forum you post this on. For what you described, Celebrity sounds great.

 

Sounds like a fair assessment/comparison.... Something elegant, but not overly done, great food, great service, some nightlife... Perhaps the Solstice is the right choice? Not to many kids would be nice too...

[hylasgirl]

You might consider Seabourn. I thoroughly enjoyed my two cruises with them and was blown away at the service and food each time. It was the most quiet and relaxing vacation I've had in quite some time.

 

OOoh, I would love to be able to try them sometime... My husband says that I am not allowed to save him any more money this year though:o Just rude!

[138east]

If you really like RCI, why not consider upgrading to the Royal Suite? I had a tour of a Royal Suite on one cruise and it was spectacular - jacuzzi on the balcony, large living room, and dining area to say nothing of the master bedroom. You even get your own butler. If dining is an issue, book a lot of nights in the specialty restaurants. Then you'll get a ship with active nightlife where the crowd is under 70.