Peaches’Beaches

The veranda category of staterooms do not have foot stools on the balconies, no matter how big they are, only the chairs (and table) in the photo above. Concierge Class gets you the foot stools. (If you ask me, it's pretty cheesy on Celebrity's part not to put foot stools on all the balconies, whatever cabin category.)

 

 

 

We have sailed in the cabins on the slant of the hump with the largest (deepest) balconies, and we don't find them a problem in terms of making the cabin too dark.

 

 

 

OP: Concierge Class won't necessarily get you "the best" balcony cabins, it really depends on what's available. To me, "the best" balcony cabins on the S-class ships are on the slants of the hump -- they have the largest balconies. So a 1A on the slant of the hump would be fine, but if you can't find a veranda class cabin on the slant of the hump and there's a C2 that's available on the slant of the hump, then you would have a larger balcony by booking the C2. To me, a 1A on the slant of the hump would be better than a Concierge Class that's not.

 

 

 

But "best" is subjective. :D

I see what you are saying. So much to think about. Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

One more thing to consider, if you are concerned about cigarette smoke, is a cabin above the open areas on deck 5 port side (left). I believe one can smoke the entire length of the ship on deck 5 port side, so any cabin on deck 6 or 7 above and possibly higher is prone to the occasional smell of cigarettes.

 

The balconies on the S class ships are all a decent size although there are some larger ones as noted earlier. I find the really deep balconies make the cabin darker during the day so it's a trade off. The one thing that someone might be able to answer is the amount of furniture on the larger balconies. The lower balconies have 2 chairs and a table. Further up and depending on the room class, some have foot rests too. And some of the larger balconies have lounge chairs in addition to the chairs, table and footrests, but I don't know if the room level dictates this. I see in the post 2 the picture of the larger angled balcony shows only 2 chairs and a table. In this case is a bigger balcony better if you don't have extra furniture for it? Maybe someone can answer.

Oh the cigarette smoke is a fantastic tip. Starboard it is!

I want to know which balconies have loungers!? Do you think all the deeper balconies could accommodate 2 loungers?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

If you are worried about sea sickness then stick to the middle of the ship, which will also be by the midship elevators. Bed by bath or balcony is totally a personal preference. Some people find that the bed by the bath gives you less room to access the closet. Some people prefer the bed by the balcony for the view. I've been in both....doesn't matter to me. Port side or starboard is really a toss up as well. Sometimes the ship will dock opposite to a previous sailing so one time your port side view would be of the water and town and another of the loading docks. Or another ship could dock across the pier and obscure your view. Balconies are less expensive on the lower docks and go up in price as you go higher. But the cabins are all the same size. Only some balconies are larger.

Thank you for the info. We have a midship cabin on hold on deck 7 so far. We are heading in the right direction!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

There are MANY categories of verandah. It’s somewhat confusing, but here are some basics.

 

On the S class ships, the cabins are all about the same size. A verandah, concierge and Aqua have different levels of amenities. The obstructed view cabins are 2D and 2C, so avoid those. The 1A cabins have deeper balconies and sunset verandah SV and Concierge class C1 cabins have that beautiful view of the wake, but are a long walk.

 

The most convenient cabins will be near an elevator since you use them a LOT while onboard the ship. Remember, the restaurants are in the rear and the theater is in the front, you will spend more time at the restaurants and pool area, generally, and the theater, once a night.

 

 

 

Cabin selection is an art and we spend a lot of time deciding what cabin every cruise. Enjoy the process!

Thank you for the info. We have the 2A class, deck 7, 7280 on hold for us. It is down the hall a bit from the elevators. I thought that might be quieter?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Go for the 1A if you want a larger balcony. They are angled cabins off the hump. The photo is of 9237 on Eclipse and it had a bed settee near the balcony door.

 

[ATTACH]416537[/ATTACH]

 

In June we are booked into 6243 which is a 2C, which will have a similar sized angled balcony, but I believe the bed is by the balcony, which we have never had before.

This is why I love this forum. Everyone is so helpful!

So I was on the phone earlier with the gentleman from Celebrity and was trying to figure out the cabins. At this point we have a 2A cabin booked on the 7th floor just away from the elevators. I got an “upgrade” from 2B to 2A.

Is 1A aqua class?

I saw the cabins on the hump, but thought that people in neighbouring rooms could see us and vice versa?

Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So sorry but it's against policy to share names of TA's on Cruise Critic. I'm sure you'll manage to book and enjoy a wonderful cruise.

Oh sorry I did not know that.

Would anyone be able to explain the “transfer” part of my question?

Thanks

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I have studied the spreadsheet but find I am still quite confused.

First can anyone explain which Class of rooms belong to Veranda?

I would like the biggest balcony room for the least amount of money, on a lower floor (due to sea sickness), that is quiet and has a completely unobstructed view of the ocean.

When looking at Celebrity website they have 3 different prices for “veranda”, I’m going to assume this is because of the qualifiers I’ve outlined above?

Are concierge class rooms the best veranda rooms? At this point concierge is $100 more per person and if that guarantees me a balcony of bliss, I’ll take it.

I have no idea if the side of the ship, front or back means anything to choosing a room?

Also, preferences for third bed being close to balcony or bath is just that - a preference?

Loaded thread I’ve created. Thank you for any help you can give.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hello, I am looking at booking a cruise on the Equinox for this summer. I’ve read some threads and people are talking about booking first then transferring to a travel agent to get a better deal? I don’t understand what that means. At this point the best deal I can get is right off Celebrity website. Would I book direct then talk to a TA and see if they can do better?

Also, are there any Canadians out there who can recommend a great TA? I’ve never used a TA in my life for any of the many world wide trips I’ve taken, including my first and only cruise (reflection 4 years ago).

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hello, I am looking into booking a cruise for this summer and when the topic of “bad weather” came up I realized I have no clue what cruise ships do in bad weather.

Are cruises cancelled completely and if so, does the cruise line refund you?

Do cruise lines change their itinerary last minute to avoid bad weather?

Do cruise lines turn around and head to land in the case of bad weather and would we have to get a hotel?

How does personal travel insurance work in these scenarios ? I am Canadian and will depart out of Florida if that makes a difference.

Also, is there something to be said for choosing a southern or western Caribbean cruise because the likelihood of bad weather is lessened?

Thank you for your help and guidance.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I think it will work out for you and your group! At least you will know what to expect and make a final decision based on everyone's input as well as what you like. Whatever you decide, have a great time!!

Thank you! I’m excited for this birthday trip :-)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Its been that way for 20 years but seems to worse on this board. There is the “thou shalt not take your kids on a cruise” crowd but on the Celebrity board there is the "thou shalt not take your kids on a Celebrity Cruise." You will find that most of those complaining have never taken kids on a cruise or a Celebrity cruise. My kids who are now adults, grew up on Celebrity cruises and enjoyed them better than other cruise lines they were on.

It is what it is. I loved the cruise on the reflection that I took years ago and thought it would be fun for a family as well. Research is key though. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We just got home from our Equinox cruise yesterday and sailed with our 2 and 4 year olds. You've already received good advice regarding the older kids, so I will focus on the two year old. My son is day time potty trained so he spent a lot of time in the "hot pool" since the big ones were too cold for his liking. He loved it and loved the sprinklers too! But he was out of his element and very attached to me (and ONLY me the whole time.) This made things complicated, as he even refused to go with his father. We booked baby sitting but because we were notified late regarding availability, we only used it once. It is quite expensive at $19/hr but the staff was very good with them. If you do plan to book a sitter, make sure to turn the form in early to try to secure the times you'd prefer. We did use the toddler area in the kids club a few times and he seemed to really enjoy it. Event though there wasn't a ton of things to do, it was enough. We also borrowed different books to take to dinner and try to keep them occupied. A big positive was that the rocking of the boat kept him napping 3-4 hours at a time so we got a bit of a break each day.

 

Overall, we would do it again but preferably after the little one turns three. He had fun but it was a lot of work for me. To be fair, this has nothing to do with Celebrity, we would have felt similarly on any line. My four year old absolutely loved everything. The staff was incredible with them and it seemed everyone knew them by name by the third day. They really went above and beyond to make the kids smile. My daughter walked off the boat telling everyone she would see them next cruise so I guess she approves!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Thank you for your in depth review. I totally understand your opinion. How much of a “vacation” will it be for us when there isn’t enough to occupy the interest of the under 3’s. Good to know about the babysitting. Pricey but would be worth it for one date night lol.

I’ve read some other threads and there seems to be a definite “thou shalt not take your kids on a cruise” vibe with some individuals. I wonder why that is? Could it be because historically cruises were for retired folk and were very regimented? Either way, some cruise lines should look into “adult only” sailings, I think they would do well with that.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

FYI, keep your kids sailing cards so when they turn 18 they can get credit for the cruises they take. I know from experience that computer systems change and info can be lost.

Great idea!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Just wanted to add that we had a great time on Celebrity with our girls, youngest was a little over 2. I'm not sure the other guests were thrilled to see us board with our four girls on a ten day cruise but as the days progressed they realized our kids were not little monsters. By the end of the cruise we had met some great people. Celebrity is an awesome line and I do believe they are becoming more child friendly. Side note, our youngest was close to 3 and completely potty trained so we had no issue with the pool.

I’m so glad to here this. We haven’t made our decision just yet but it looks like no matter what Celebrity staff make the vacation awesome.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Yes! We saw many young ones out there! They loved it.

Wonderful!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We just came home yesterday from the Equinox with our 10yo. This was her third cruise (with Disney being 1 of them) and she reports that she had an amazing time. She loved going to the Fun Factory even though there were very few kids there most of the time. Her age group (cadets 10-12) only had 5 kids on the ship and their activities were often combined with the teens. She spent lots of time in the pools with a few of the 8&9yo girls that she met. The ship definitely isn't geared toward the kids like other ships so it really depends on the child/family finding things to do. I think the 6 & 8yo would have fun with the activities, but there really isn't much for the 2yo.

Thanks for sharing. Yes it’s the 2 year old that’s a quandary.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We are booked for next Feb on the Equinox with our 3 and 4 year old, and some of the comments make me concerned. I am really hoping they will go to Fun Factory willingly, and since they can go together, that should help.

 

However, we were on the NCL Gem this winter and thought the Splash Academy was not great. Our oldest refused to go. RCCL seems like overkill as they can’t really use he slides and there won’t be wall climbing. So, if worse comes to worse, we’ll download a ton of Paw Patrols and let them go to town...

I’m sure you will have a fantastic time. If you over prepare with extras for the kids I think you will be fine. I’m most worried about my toddler who can’t even go for a swim. Tough decision.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

If you are looking for a family vacation, then look at Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. If you are looking for an adult vacation, then Celebrity is fantastic. Our daughter loved Royal Caribbean as there was plenty to do, others her age and a high energy level on board.

We are considering planning an RCCL for summer 2019. The ships look so much fun and maybe wise individuals on these forums could guide me as to when the best time is to book for first timers.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We've sailed extensively across several different lines, Celebrity being our absolute favorite. While we only sail on cruises during the normal school year, we haven't seen but a handful of kids on either Celebrity or Holland America and have seen more so on Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL .. with Princess being somewhere in the middle with a smattering of kids depending on the itinerary.

 

Best rule of thumb is that more families with kids will book not only during the summer months or when school vacations occur, but also a 7 day or shorter itinerary. As soon as a cruise spans two different weeks, the number of kids onboard is lowered.

 

Celebrity will definitely have less kids onboard as there really aren't a lot of activities geared towards the younger ones but you mentioned August and if in early in the month and a 7 night cruise, so you will see families.

 

Could you still have a great time? Sure, but it depends on your kid's attention span and the things they enjoy. There won't be a lot of playground type structures like slides or rock climging but they do have fountains that spurt up on deck on some of the ships. The also have some games up on the lawn area on the S class ships (croquet, cornhole, hot glass (even though I read they brought this inside to a classroom setting). The indoor pool area opens up for families for a short period of time every day, usually an hour as adults are getting ready for dinner. They will have food choices geared towards kids up by the pool and the staff will most likely spoil them rotten. Aqua Class rooms are limited to two pax only so no kids can bunk up with their parents. It's more of an adult floor even though kids are technically allowed as pax #2 in a room.

 

Only you can determine if this line is right for your kids. Personally, I just don't see it being a draw for families with young kids but everyone's kids are different. And, as I've mentioned, we won't travel during the summer months and usually take longer cruises so never see all that many kids onboard anyway.

Thank you for the information. I appreciate the feedback about the differences between the cruise lines. We are looking at beginning of August so it might work out ok for our group. Our research continues.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Check out Norwegian Getaway. The older kids will love it with the slides, ropes course, mini golf, etc. Lots of other stuff for the kids and adults, plus lots of different entertainment options. They frequently offer 3 & 4th sail free along with one other perk like Celebrity. If it were just adults I would say Celebrity is great. If it is multi generational, I would look toward the newer Norwegian or Royal Caribbean ships. Just my 2 cents. Last year with the kids we did Getaway, this year without the kids we are on Equinox.

I’ll look into that thank you.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We cruised last Thanksgiving with our 8 year old granddaughter and 4 year old grandson. They had a blast! The crew were great with them and they felt so special! My granddaughter loved the production shows, participated in activities, and she and her Dad made great memories at the Silent Disco. They both enjoyed the splash pad and lawn club. Already booked for this Thanksgiving!

There is a splash pad on the Equinox? I wonder if my 2 year old is able to use that?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

To use the kid's club, a child must be 3 and over on Celebrity. Carnival, Disney and some RCI ships have nurseries for the "under 3" crowd.

Ah good to know. This might not be the year for us. Thanks.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We just returned from a Celebrity cruise during a school vacation week and there were very few children on board. There was a kids club but it was dead. If you have children that can occupy themselves, then go for it. But there are no slides, walls, children oriented activities, etc. It is directed to adults, mainly older adults.

 

There are better choices for families, i.e. Royal Caribbean.

Unfortunately Royal Caribbean isn’t giving me any good deals [emoji20]

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I have sailed Celebrity my last 5 cruises and have only ever seen a handful of children. However, I do know that Celebrity has a really nice Kid's Club with many activities enjoyed by young children. I've read other threads where parents have said their children had a wonderful time. For sure, Celebrity is not as family friendly as say, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival. I recommend that you look at some Youtube videos of the Kid's Program offered. Here's one you might find helpful:

 

 

 

Christina

Thank you for this!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We had our 6 and 8 year olds on both the Reflection and the Infinity. The Fun Factory is amazing. There are fewer kids, but they always found a new BFF on each cruise. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other more family friendly lines, but there is always enough to do. The other secret is that since there are fewer kids, the crew seem to real go out of their way to make the kids feel special.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Wonderful to hear about the attentive staff. I remember them being great on the last cruise I was on.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums