HAL vs Celebrity Solstice class

[seaproponent]

We were regular cruisers on Celebrity until they changed the rules regarding agents' ability to discount fares a few years back. We "put them in the penalty box" and have not sailed with them since (5 years, more or less). HAL has become our line of choice, and we have become very comfortable with the perks of the Neptune Lounge, ability to bring wine on board, etc.

Have seen lots of chatter that HAL may adopt similar agent pricing policies for all fares booked after January 1. If indeed this turns out to be the case, we'll likely cancel our existing reservation with them, and discontinue booking on their ships for an extended period of time. Is a return to Celebrity, specifically the Solstice Class vessels, likely to be something we'de enjoy? These ships were, of course, not in service when we last booked with X -- I've read very good things about them, but there's some talk that the food just isn't what it once was. I assume the demographic is a bit younger than HAL's, and that they cling to the "butler" concept as opposed to the Neptune. All thoughts appreciated, particularly from those who have sailed both lines with some regularity.

[iancal]

Several months ago, we booked a ten day Carib. cruise departing in Feb. Our three finalists were Ruby Princess, Equinox, and Noordam. We have been on all three lines. We had slight preference to Ruby and Equinox given that we had recently been to two ports on the Noordam itinerary. We have no loyalty to a specific cruise line because they all have their differences/advantages. We use net pricing, ie bottom line after taxes and OBC. We use on line quotes and, living in Canada, get quotes from a local TA in both US and CAD (there can be a savings depending on how the cruise line pegs FX vs. current FX). All three trips came up to about the same net price-with $150. total for 2-standard unobstructed balcony. We did not expect this given Celebrity/RCI propensity to limit discounting. We booked Equinox because of the feedback. DH was a little cool towards HAL because she thinks it tends toward dull and boring in favour of Princess. So HAL may go the 'no discount route' but the on line TA business is so competitive and OBC's can really make a difference. One difference between HAL and Celebrity today (we have cruised X in the past) is we are told that X will provide on board credits if the pricing drops after final deposit, or provide upgrades. Not certain that Princess or HAL do this. Botton line is that we will have a great cruise. Another thing that has suprised me is HAL pricing. We did a Mexican cruise last Feb. Came down to Osterdam and Carnival Spirit. HAL was actually less expensive on a per diem basis (Spirit was 8 day vs 7 day Osterdam). We went with Spirit based on intinerary (our first Carnival cruise) and were very pleasantly surprised.