Silversea's or Celebrity.....

[klfhngr]

our 25th anniversary is coming up in a little over a year, I want to book something real nice for my wife and I. We've done the 'regular' cruise lines, now we want to try something different. Can you help convince me what line to choose?

[lord of the seas]

our 25th anniversary is coming up in a little over a year, I want to book something real nice for my wife and I. We've done the 'regular' cruise lines, now we want to try something different. Can you help convince me what line to choose?

These two lines are not in the same class.
Celebrity is fine but nowhere near to what Silversea has to offer.
Seabourn and Silversea would be a direct comparison.

[dougburns]

Comparing Silversea to Celebrity. Are you kidding! Celebrity is definitely not in the same class. Try Silversea, Seabourn or Regent and you'll never go back to the mass market lines.

[TLCOhio]

These two lines are not in the same class.
Celebrity is fine but nowhere near to what Silversea has to offer.
Seabourn and Silversea would be a direct comparison.

Agree with the "LORD" in his comments. Celebrity has been used by a friend and they are good to very good. BUT, Silversea, Seabourn and Crystal, as three examples, are a major step up from Celebrity . . . smaller, more personal, higher quality, less crowded, etc.

You can read more below on our first experience with Silversea. Loved it. Read why. We've also done Crystal and Seabourn. All are good . . . BUT . . .

Where and what to do? The port stops or itinerary were key for us in picking this specific cruise, combined with the cost factors at the time being offered. Like many of today’s consumers, our “loyalities” are more floating, selective and flexible. We are not “invested” in just one cruise line/style. We want it to be good, but fitting our budget and “what-we-haven’t-seen-or-done” needs are also very important factors to us.

I would strong suggest putting down, on paper, what you want to do and see, why and where, etc. Then discuss those various factors with a really good travel agent who has sailed these various ships and been in many parts of the world and/or an experienced cruiser, also.

Finally, one size does not fit all. Think what works best for YOU!

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[klfhngr]

No, I wasn't kidding, that's why I was asking....

Appreciate the comments.... now need to decide between Seabourn and Silversea.... Not sure about Regent, heard it caters to an 'older' crowd.. not that there's anything wrong with that...

[TLCOhio]

No, I wasn't kidding, that's why I was asking....
Appreciate the comments.... now need to decide between Seabourn and Silversea.... Not sure about Regent, heard it caters to an 'older' crowd.. not that there's anything wrong with that...

Glad we've been helpful. "Older crowd"? That can happen, good or bad, with all of them. Much depends on where and when you are planning this cruise. That will affect the passenger mix in a major way.

Tell us more! Where? When? What type of adventure or experience do you seek on this cruise, in addition to celebrating your 25th? The market place is still "fluid" now as many of the top cruise lines have over-capacity, in some places of the world, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[clkc86]

Congratulations on your upcoming milestone! Our 25th is next year and I came here seeking similar advise. We booked with Silversea as they had a trip that fit our time line and budget. I am anxious to give it a try. We wanted something exceptional for our celebration and think we found it. Good luck!

[TLCOhio]

Congratulations on your upcoming milestone! Our 25th is next year and I came here seeking similar advise. We booked with Silversea as they had a trip that fit our time line and budget. I am anxious to give it a try. We wanted something exceptional for our celebration and think we found it. Good luck!

Congratulations on your upcoming 25th for next year. Silversea does a great job on "special events", if they know in advance and you work with the staff on the ship. Read some of my postings as noted below to see what happened for my wife's birthday as we sailed the fjords, Norway coast, etc. I won't say what birthday it was, but my wife was super impressed by all of that the Silver Cloud did. I was very pleased and happy with their responsiveness. BUT, they can't read minds. You need to let them know in advance, be creative, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[dougburns]

Generally, all of the all inclusive lines( Silversea, Seabourn and Regent ) attract an older crowd. You will see very few children and the age group normally runs between 45-85, depending on the itinerary and the time of year. Over the holidays and during the summer you'll generally see a bit younger crowd, but not much younger. Try any one of those three lines and I think you'll be more than satisfied. We renewed our marriage vows aboard Silver Spirit in Jan on the bridge at sunset and the ship's crew went all out. It was over the top! As Terry said, they are not mind readers. Tell them what you want and they'll gladly do it.

[Keith1010]

our 25th anniversary is coming up in a little over a year, I want to book something real nice for my wife and I. We've done the 'regular' cruise lines, now we want to try something different. Can you help convince me what line to choose?

Congratulations on your upcoming 25th anniversary. This is a major milestone and I think it's great you want to do something very special to celebration this happy event.

I have sailed Celebrity and Silversea.

My best analogy is if these two cruise lines were land based hotels think of Celebrity as a Hyatt Hotel and think of Silversea as a Four Seasons Resort. Both of these hotels have nice attributes but the Four Seasons is a lot more luxurious and offers many fine amenities.

I am not sure if you have sailed on Celebrity before. If you have an if you have dined in their specialty restaurants then think of all the meals in Silversea's main dining room being at the same high quality level that you would only find in the specialty restaurants found on Celebrity.

Good luck with your decision and Happy Anniversary (almost).

Keith

[DebbieH103]

The average demographic on Regent is just slightly younger than Silversea. Both lines have a lot to offer, and there are interesting people of all ages. I am sure you would fit right in.

[klfhngr]

We would like to do the Caribbean again... We enjoy fine foods (well, sorta fine is ok), want to be pampered and slightly spoiled. We enjoy water sports, dancing, and music. We would also love to just RELAX and enjoy each others company along with the company of others.

Have never sailed Celebrity, only Princess, RCCL, Carnival and Commodore. We also enjoy AI resorts such as Secrets Capri in PDC. We've traveled all over but would like to try something different, hence my post here.

Again, I appreciate all of the feedback, recommendations, advice and the congrats.

[Dreps]

We have sailed, Silversea, Regent, and Celebrity. As others have said, Celebrity is not in the same league. That said, Regent and Silversea are very similar. Their demographics are also similar, although Silversea definitely has less Americans onboard, which in no way is a judgment--just an observation. The age distribution really depends on the itinerary. The longer itineraries tend to have an older crowd because many are retired. Cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska tend to have a younger crowd and more children.

I can't comment on Seabourn as we haven't sailed on it because until recently Seabourn suites did not have "real" balconies. I also was under the impression that, if anything, the average age of Seabourn cruisers was even older than Silversea or Regent, but I may be wrong on that.

If you want a cruise for your special occasion find an itinerary and price point that you are happy with and then find a cruise agent that specializes in the cruise line(s) that you have chosen for further investigation.

[wripro]

I sometimes wonder where people get these impressions that one line attracts an older demographic than the others. Each cruise is different and you can never tell how old your fellow cruisers will be. All the luxury lines attract an older demographic than the mass market lines simply because they are more expensive and usually older people can afford more than younger ones (Sea Dream may be a possible exception to this generalization.) However, all the luxury lines are desperately seeking to attract this younger demographic and therefore you are seeing so many seven day cruises during the summer now.

[Keith1010]

I sometimes wonder where people get these impressions that one line attracts an older demographic than the others. Each cruise is different and you can never tell how old your fellow cruisers will be. All the luxury lines attract an older demographic than the mass market lines simply because they are more expensive and usually older people can afford more than younger ones (Sea Dream may be a possible exception to this generalization.) However, all the luxury lines are desperately seeking to attract this younger demographic and therefore you are seeing so many seven day cruises during the summer now.

Exactly. There are so many factors that change the demographics from the length of the cruise, to the time of the year, to the specific region.

In the summer months you will see children on board many of the luxury ships. Last summer we had a good many children on the Silver Shadow with parents in their 30's and 40's.

At the same time take a 15 day cruise in March on a variety of cruise lines in the Middle East or the Mediterranean and you will likely see folks in their 50's and older no matter what the cruise line is.

The OP asked for a comparison between Silversea and Celebrity and having sailed both lines I did not mention age because I really don't see this as being relevant.
Keith

[cruiseerf]

Having been on Silversea lots and Celebrity lots....I think they are similar in some areas....however on Celebrity you pay more for it.

Celebrities new class of Solstice ships have gorgeous suites!!!! That are far more new and exciting then Silverseas cabins (and the internet ALWAYS works). The public rooms are spectacular...really elegant and beautiful. You receive butler service with suites. Unpacking, packing etc...they will do it all for you. These ships have THREE specialty restaurants which you pay extra (Once again) to eat at and the food in these is as good as on Silversea as they are cooking for 100-120 and not 3000+. Services in specialty restaurants if you exclusively use them....they all know your name and likes and dislikes Very quickly and staff all talk so when they know you are "Doing the circuit" you are welcomed at all. Remember tipping is extra on board celebrity as well so full specialty restaurants mean more tips for staff. Lastly celebrity has full on production shows, dance classes, musicians,acapalla groups, and even a glass blowing exhibition EVERY Day on board.....so lots to do. Alchohol and bottled Water is Extra once again. At the end of this cruise....your bill is a shocker...although you have enjoyed quite a luxurious time.

Silversea has wonderful services, all know you by the end. Excellent food with 2 1/2 dining venues if include the hot rocks. Minimum cabin size is 300 square feet which is a suite on most big ships. Butler service, great toiletries comfy beds and DVD players are in all rooms. With few people there is a feeling of intimacy onboard the ship and if you avoid the "captains gatherings" to shake hands etc you feel as if you could be on a large yacht. Entertainment is a ZERO onboard these ships so you really have to plan on making your own fun and entertaining each other. Bring some DVD's or borrow some from the onboard library, books as well. Alcohol is included....as is bottled water....everything and anything you wish. At the end of this cruise...your bill is small or non existent if you didn't take too many shore exursions or hit the premium wine list. All inclusive. Also smaller ships hit better ports as large ships tend to go over and over to the same.

Ultimately you must decide what you are looking for. It sounds to me you are looking for quiet luxury sailing into the Caribbean and this is most definitely Silversea or Seabourn. In the above two scenerios, the Celebrity cruise comes out FAR more expensive as not only do you have to pay for a suite to obtain Silversea's luxuries....you then pay for everything else. Comparable yes, to a degree....a good deal no. Silversea is a far more economical option.

Enjoy....Silversea has won my votes for the last few years...however I think you are smart to compare. Good post! Ciao, Happy sailing.

[klfhngr]

Cruiseerf, thanks for the great info and for not bashing me when asking about these 2 lines! My TA has been trying for years to get me to 'step up', but I've been worried about costs. She said the same thing, that once said and done, the 'cheaper' lines end up costing more! You really have me thinking, hard!! Our drink tab can get pretty high, along with the specialty restaurants. If I can 'eliminate' those costs on a premium line, then it does appear that it will cost less than RCI/Carnival/Celebrity, etc..

Thanks so much, and thanks to all the others also!

[klfhngr]

Last question: Which of these attracts a 'younger' crowd, not that it really matters:
1) Silversea
2) Regent
3) Seabourn

[TLCOhio]

Last question: Which of these attracts a 'younger' crowd, not that it really matters:
1) Silversea
2) Regent
3) Seabourn

Don't think there is an accurate answer to that good and interesting question. Much will depend on the length of that cruise (shorter get a little younger crowd), where in the world and what time of the year. Then, do you mean "YOUNGER" of mind or body?

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[klfhngr]

Don't think there is an accurate answer to that good and interesting question. Much will depend on the length of that cruise (shorter get a little younger crowd), where in the world and what time of the year. Then, do you mean "YOUNGER" of mind or body?

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

I guess both.. We get along with people of all ages, so I guess it really doesn't matter. One thing that we do like is activities during the day, so that would be important (sorta).

[TLCOhio]

I guess both.. We get along with people of all ages, so I guess it really doesn't matter. One thing that we do like is activities during the day, so that would be important (sorta).

As someone age 62 and still working, I felt like one of the "younger" ones on our July 1-16 cruise. They were lots of "older" folks on this cruise, BUT, I was super impressed with their energy and activity levels, both on and off of the ship. AND, on things like Trivia, their fertile, aggressive minds were totally amazing. Lots of very, very smart and savvy people! So, then, the question comes to what types of "activities" are you interested where the fellow passengers' ages would be of interest? Tell us more on what you are seeking and needing. "They" were there throughout the day for the speakers, tours, afternoon tea, walking the deck, etc.

I was very impressed with our fellow passengers on the Silver Cloud.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[klfhngr]

As someone age 62 and still working, I felt like one of the "younger" ones on our July 1-16 cruise. They were lots of "older" folks on this cruise, BUT, I was super impressed with their energy and activity levels, both on and off of the ship. AND, on things like Trivia, their fertile, aggressive minds were totally amazing. Lots of very, very smart and savvy people! So, then, the question comes to what types of "activities" are you interested where the fellow passengers' ages would be of interest? Tell us more on what you are seeking and needing. "They" were there throughout the day for the speakers, tours, afternoon tea, walking the deck, etc.

I was very impressed with our fellow passengers on the Silver Cloud.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

We enoy all of the above, plus belly flop contest, knobby knee competition, etc.. ;) I'm jk. We also would like to just RELAX! Have 2 teens that usually travel everywhere with us, this time it's just mom and I!

[TLCOhio]

We enoy all of the above, plus belly flop contest, knobby knee competition, etc.. ;) I'm jk. We also would like to just RELAX! Have 2 teens that usually travel everywhere with us, this time it's just mom and I!

Whether good or bad, there were NO . . . belly flop contest, knobby knee competition, etc., on the Silver Cloud earlier this month. NOR, even close!

BUT, for relaxing, those opportunities and places on the Silver Cloud, and I would assume for all of the Silversea ships, are great. And as you are relaxing, reading, enjoying, there are people handy and very happy to get you something to drink, eat, etc. Below is one photo example around the pool deck. Clearly, it was cooler for us along this Norway Coast, making a blanket needed at times.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923


For this sea day on the Silver Cloud, there were many options, including lounging on the pool deck. The temperatures were upper 50’s, requiring a blanket, but still working well to be outside in this sheltered area for reading and relaxing as we sailed the Norwegian Sea towards the Lofoten Islands.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudPoolDeckLounging.jpg


Outside of the Silver Cloud’s Panorama Lounge is this wonderful, sheltered outdoor area with nicely-traditional deck chairs. You needed blankets, but it worked well in great comfort for being so far above the Arctic Circle. Some are napping, some enjoying a book and one gentleman has his Kindle electronic reader. Very tech savvy!:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudBackOutdoorLounging.jpg

[klfhngr]

Whether good or bad, there were NO . . . belly flop contest, knobby knee competition, etc., on the Silver Cloud earlier this month. NOR, even close!

BUT, for relaxing, those opportunities and places on the Silver Cloud, and I would assume for all of the Silversea ships, are great. And as you are relaxing, reading, enjoying, there are people handy and very happy to get you something to drink, eat, etc. Below is one photo example around the pool deck. Clearly, it was cooler for us along this Norway Coast, making a blanket needed at times.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923


For this sea day on the Silver Cloud, there were many options, including lounging on the pool deck. The temperatures were upper 50’s, requiring a blanket, but still working well to be outside in this sheltered area for reading and relaxing as we sailed the Norwegian Sea towards the Lofoten Islands.:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudPoolDeckLounging.jpg


Outside of the Silver Cloud’s Panorama Lounge is this wonderful, sheltered outdoor area with nicely-traditional deck chairs. You needed blankets, but it worked well in great comfort for being so far above the Arctic Circle. Some are napping, some enjoying a book and one gentleman has his Kindle electronic reader. Very tech savvy!:

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/tlcohio/CloudBackOutdoorLounging.jpg

Very nice!! Just want to be pampered!

[TLCOhio]

Very nice!! Just want to be pampered!

We were "pampered" and more. The staff on the Silver Cloud was great for our trip. You could not have asked for more and better service, plus great food, etc.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For more details, great visuals, etc., from our July 1-16 Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle Silver Cloud experiences:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[DGF]

First, congratulations of the 25th!!

A different approach if I might than the previous posts. What are your preferences?

Do you like ballroom dancing?- If yes, then the best and largest ballroom dancing is on board the Queen Mary 2 (http://www.cunard.com//Ships/Queen-Mary-2/); and I would recommend Princess Grill for a special treat (Cunard has separate dining by class- Queens Grill and Princess Grill); and don't worry about the ship size. At Princess and Queens Grill you have the benefit of small initmate dining rooms (small ship experience), your own private smaller lounge with at times special entertainment, and a ton of activities available on a big ship (i.e. planetarium)

If you like dancing- but want a smaller ship, then have a look at Crystall (http://www.crystalcruises.com/) which has a fair size dance floor, dance instructors, etc.

Do you want formal or country club casual dress code- if the latter have a look at the Oceania (http://www.oceaniacruises.com/). We have only been on the Insignia- Conceirge and PH, the latter with a butler. Food and service was outstanding some of the best we have experienced to date and their dress code is country club casual. Their new larger ship is Marina (http://www.oceaniacruises.com/ships/marina/inauguralsailings/default.aspx). I understand (have not experienced) that Regent also has a more casual dress code. The most formal ship (dress Code) I have been on was the Queen Mary 2 Princess & Grill Class

Do you want an all inclusive package (cruise far includes everything- airfare, transfers, gratuities, food, free drinks, exursions)- then you will enjoy the Regent Voyager (http://www.rssc.com/ships/seven_seas_voyager/). If you prefer to do your own excursions that from what I have read Silverseas is a top cruise line which meets that requirement. Will know more from our upcoming cruise

Do you want a large suite with a butler- then I refer you to an excellent thread comparing Celebrity and Silverseas- http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1221243

Do you want to mix with guests of your age- Crystal caters to an older crowd with outstanding service to this age group- i.e. When on board I noted that the crew took an elderly couple to the bus transfer, went with them to the airport, checked them in on their flight and did not leave them until they were at security

And of course itinerary

Hopes this helps

DEAN

[AllisonJames]

Hi, we are also celebrating our 25th next year, as well as the big 5-0 for both of us and plan to do some of the celebrating on the Silver Whisper March 15 out of San Juan (I'll actually be on board for my birthday!). Regarding the age issue, my impression is that the Caribbean and shorter itineraries skew younger, for obvious reasons. We would love to take a longer cruise, but with two teenagers we feel lucky if we can manage 8 nights away. We took our first luxury line cruise on Seabourn when we were in our mid-40's and certainly there were plenty of people in our age range, and most everyone was very friendly! We loved Seabourn and hope we will feel the same about Silversea. I have been reading a lot on these boards from all the very helpful experts, and my sense is that Silversea may be a tad more formal, especially since it seems like Seabourn has eliminated some formal nights on certain itineraries. We actually enjoy the formal nights because we never have the opportunity in our regular lives to dress up so it's fun. All our Caribbean resort vacations are so informal that it's great to have the opportunity to wear our long gowns/tuxes and it certainly makes everything seem more like an occasion. So depending on whether you enjoy dressing up or not, that might help you decide between Seabourn and Silversea. Silversea's ships are larger (compared to the SB triplets, we sailed on the Legend, no more than 208 guests) so we are looking forward to a larger ship with hopefully the same type of personalized service we experienced on SB. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. Have fun and congrats to another couple married in 1986! It was a very good year (except that the Red Sox blew the World Series!)

[lord of the seas]

Alison,you are not quit correct about the dress code on Seabourn.They have tried to see whether a slightly less formal dress code is what guests want,some do and some do not just like on Silversea,but Seabourn are changing the dress code that will include one formal evening if you wish to dress for the occasion.
Good luck with the trip.

[wripro]

The operative words being "if you wish." Even on formal optional nights now on Seabourn it is acceptable to simply wear a jacket and no tie. The times, they are a changing!

[AllisonJames]

Lord of the Seas, thanks for the info, your postings are always very helpful -- glad to hear the option to dress up on the shorter SB itineraries still exists, we really like it, although I guess some do not. As for me, I am hoping that March 17, 2011 on the Silver Whisper turns out to be a formal night, because it would be a really nice way to celebrate my big 5-0!

[billcrooz]

Lord of the Seas, thanks for the info, your postings are always very helpful -- glad to hear the option to dress up on the shorter SB itineraries still exists, we really like it, although I guess some do not. As for me, I am hoping that March 17, 2011 on the Silver Whisper turns out to be a formal night, because it would be a really nice way to celebrate my big 5-0!

allisonjames;you have to be a sox fan; me too; forget this year tho; you will LOVE Siiversea; dressing up is part of the ambience of cruising; enjoy as it probably will be phased out eventually !:eek: