NCL fan trying Celebrity for the first time

[MNFreeze]

My family and I have been on 3 previous cruises, all with NCL. We loved the cruises and have never had any issue with service or food. Now we are trying Celebrity do to the fact that this itinerary and price work out great for us. We also have been wanting to try a different cruise line just to see something different.

 

About us: My Wife and I are in our late 30's to early 40's. We have a daughter, 18 and a son who is 5. We are pretty laid back people that can appreciate how hard all the staff works on all ships.

 

I would like to hear from people that have been on both NCL and Celebrity to tell me what differences they notice.

 

Please I do not want to hear from people that have not been on both cruise lines. I would like info straight from the horse’s mouth and not his trainer.

 

Thank you,

 

MNFreeze

[Planer's Edge]

The obvious difference will Freestyle dining versus Traditional dining. The food should be very similar with slight edge to Celebrity in presentation. You will have less dining options than you had on NCL.

 

Your children might be quite bored unless there are plenty of others in their age group on board.

 

Other than that a cruise is still a cruise. Go and enjoy and generate your own impressions for future reference.

 

PE

[jkeller527]

It depends what time of year that you go as to what the kids offerings will be and there will be still less.

 

The food is definately upward on Celebrity but few choices as they do not have all of the specialty dining but the main dining is superb to anything I have done with NCL. You will probably find the service the same in cabins but dining is definately better on celebrity.

 

Dress code is a huge difference as you will need a lot more clothes on Celebrity as the dining is not as easy as NCL so figure extra luggage. NCL is just plain easier.

 

Got of the Jewel in October. Celebrity further back

[njhorseman]

My family and I have been on 3 previous cruises, all with NCL. We loved the cruises and have never had any issue with service or food. Now we are trying Celebrity do to the fact that this itinerary and price work out great for us. We also have been wanting to try a different cruise line just to see something different.

 

About us: My Wife and I are in our late 30's to early 40's. We have a daughter, 18 and a son who is 5. We are pretty laid back people that can appreciate how hard all the staff works on all ships.

 

I would like to hear from people that have been on both NCL and Celebrity to tell me what differences they notice.

 

Please I do not want to hear from people that have not been on both cruise lines. I would like info straight from the horse’s mouth and not his trainer.

 

Thank you,

 

MNFreeze

 

Will you accept information from both the horse and trainer? ;)

 

We've cruised on NCL 16 times, Celebrity 7 times.

 

Atmosphere: NCL: Informal, laid back atmosphere. No formal nights. Celebrity: formal nights and the service overall is a bit stiffer, the staff not quite as personable as NCL's. We prefer NCL's Freestyle dining particularly on port-intensive cruises, although Celebrity now offers a Freestyle-like option.

 

Food: Slightly better main dining room food on Celebrity, but NCL has the wide variety of specialty restaurants.

 

Entertainment: Wider variety on NCL.

 

Smoking policy: Celebrity is more restrictive.

 

Children's activities: Edge to NCL...but our experience in that regard is not that current.

[STARFISH*4]

my first cruise was on X my last 6 cruises on NCL...we prefer NCL for the FREE~STYLE and its more us...laid back...X was very formal we thought, older crowd, kinda stiff and stuffy; but boy were we catered to:)...we just dont like all the FORMALITY and set dining and tablemates...we prefer the ease of NCL...

from what you have said that you are laid back and younger kids i think NCL is more for YOU but who am i to say...you have to TRY it and see...

we did wasnt for us; not at this stage in our lives anyway!

[mkad1109]

We loved both lines. Travelled with my children and they are not too varied eaters... by the end of the Celebrity trip they had tried Frog legs!!!! (I didn't LOL!).... We really enjoyed both lines. I think there were a few less children on Celebrity...for me it didnt matter since mine are all very close in age....You might have a different experience there... But mine enjoyed the usual events. It seemed much more subdued and relaxed on Celebrity which was nice. I enjoyed dressing up as did my children... I would travel either line in a New York minute!

[Springwater21]

we had a balcony on each line, about the same size. Enjoyed each cruise,especially the 11 day on Celebrity. I would have to agree with Starfish4- Celebrity was dressy, assigned meals at dinner with the same 8 people. Nice people, just like NCL better. The itinerary was great, Celebrity left out of Baltimore, so we drove from Ontario Canada, visited family in Delaware, then took the cruise. Our first NCL was on the Sun to the western Caribbean, also loved the cruise and the itinerary. Took no children either time, and was not bothered by any children on board, hardly saw them. Prefer NCL to Celebrity..personal preference. Either cruise will give you a great experience. Dona

[GORDONCHICK]

NCL and Celebrity are my tw favorite lines - for different reasons. The food is better in the MDR on Celebrity, along with presentation. Great service on both lines, but NCLs is more relaxed while Celebrity's is more formal (still very friendly crew).

 

The dresscode for dinner is very different on X, and you may even feel underdressed if you change after 1st seating and are out & about the ship. All the X ships we've been on did not have a dinner buffet, but Solstice and Eclipse might. So it was either the pasta buffet, burgers from the grill, room service, the specialty restaurant or the MDR. I've always thought the food was very good in the MDR.

 

We have also found the NCL officers to be much more out and about the ship and have a genuine concern that your cruise goes well. We've been on 2 X cruises and been to the M&G and have never met an officer at one.

 

If you're going when other children will be on board, your 5yo should be fine. My DS has been on X when he was 3.5 and 6, and loved both times, but you will typically find more children on NCL even over the same time period (the exception would be summer in Alaska = lots of kids on both). Your 18yo may more company their own age on NCL than X.

 

I think if you go into the cruise knowing that each line has their differences and not expecting them to be exactly the same, you will love your cruise on X.

 

Two things to try/look for if they sound interesting to you:

1) almond croissants - can be found around 9am at Cova Cafe. There are chocolate too, but I can get those anywhere. The almond ones are to die for and I eat one every day I'm on an X ship!

2) look for the made-to-order Belgian waffles. Usually in an outside area by the aft pool. They do the waffles and made-to-order pancakes (blue berry, chocolate chips, pecan, etc). The key is to find them the 1st morning. Many people won't know they're there until late in the cruise and the line gets longer each day...

[Clay Clayton]

To add to carmen's list

3. Sushi pre-dinner - that and a cheese and fruit plate from room service was our daily ritual while enjoying a cocktail after dressing for second seating dinner.

4.Ice cream of the day, and if you are a mint fan, my bff swears by the After Eight.

 

 

Have cruised X twice and NCL 5 times, prefer NCL but that is do to informality and price..wouldn't hesitate to do X again.

In addition to the differences the other posters have mentioned;

-if you are on Summit, Millie, etc, then the specialty restaurant is a significant step above anything including LeBistro on NCL - both in taste, service and price...but well worth it IMHO.

-again if you are on these ships, they have an indoor pool that is open to all and is very spa like.

[singinglizzie]

If you are non-smokers, you will appreciate Celebrities smoking policy - no smoking in the rooms, or balconies!! If you like a fixed dinning time you will also like Celebrity - personally I thought Celebrity was great and would love to cruise them again, but the free-style concept keeps drawing us back to NCL. You didn't mention which ship you will be sailing, but I would love to sail Aqua class! Enjoy, I don't think there's such a thing as a bad cruise!

[tinker]

We have been on Celebrity only once and it was a much older crowd and the entertainment not as good as NCL. I will say the food was a bit better though. Service was good on Celebrity but the crew a little more subdued.

 

There was no band at the pool deck on Celebrity, something we really enjoy and again the passengers were mostly 60 and older. It was October with a Bermuda itinerary and maybe you would find a younger passenger mix on spring and summer sailings. (We are in our mid 50s),

 

Not to discourage you but myself, I probably would not book on Celebrity again as we like the laid back, fun and Freestyle concept of NCL. Now that they have changed up the Florida/Bahamas itinerary for May we have two NCL cruises booked for 2011.

[cynbar]

We have sailed on both Celebrity and NCL several times, enjoy them both the way we enjoy different restaurants at home, but I have to say that they are very different, so just prepare yourself in advance. Celebrity has now added the choice of Select Dining where you go at anytime to a special section of the MDR, so that is something to consider choosing if you like NCL's freestyle approach (but I hear that Select fills up fast.) The biggest difference that I've seen is the overall level of formality---- Celebrity is way more formal, every evening. You will have 2 formal nights on a 7 night cruise where you are expected to dress up for the MDR, with at least a jacket and tie for men and a dressy outfit for women. This is usually observed throughout the evening, even after dinner. The other 5 nights will be smart casual, but Celebrity cruisers dress very carefully on those nights also, although with no jackets or ties. Most (but not all) of the evening attire I have seen on NCL would look out of place on Celebrity, where no one says "It's your vacation, dress however you want." Anyway, we like both approaches at different times, depending on the itinerary mostly (NCL's freestyle was most welcome for our port-intensive European cruises.) And I must say, it is a nice atmosphere when everyone is dressed up in their best finery. But you should be prepared, otherwise it will be a shock after NCL!

[Bundles917]

 

There was no band at the pool deck on Celebrity, something we really enjoy and again the passengers were mostly 60 and older.

 

On my recent Celebrity Summit cruise to Bermuda (May/June) there was a band every day poolside. The age range varied 30s - 60s plus. There were some families with family under 18 (though not many).

[hateswaterloves2cruise]

We've been on NCL 6 times and Celebrity just once. Loved both lines, but obviously enjoy NCL more, mostly due to the laid back atmosphere. We had a table for 2 on Celebrity and the very best waiter we have ever had on any line. I would have taken him home if I could have. He really made the cruise for us. I agree with all that has been said, particularly about the clothes. I enjoy dressing up at times but when we are in the Caribbean, I like capri's and tank tops rather than dresses. As long as you are aware of the differences you should have a great time.

[iheartbda]

Since the comments and opinions are all over the place, I will add mine to the mix.:D

 

We've cruised X 5 times and NCL 5 times. The MAIN difference we found was the freestyle dining and the dress codes. Maybe it was the particular ships we were on but aside from the specialty restaurant on NCL which was outstanding, the food in the MDR on Celebrity was far and above NCL.....food being subjective, of course.;)

 

We did not find the crew to be stuffy, far from it. On one M&G on NCL, not one from the staff showed up, but on the next, all did.:confused:

 

Yes, people dressed up on the traditional formal nights on X but there were also those that did not, like shorts and tanks tops in the show lounge, and many did not stay dressed for the whole evening. Entertainment was on equal grounds but that can be subjective as well.

 

One thing that was really nice on X which they don't seem to have anymore was the option of the alternative dining. Same MDR menu was offered in the buffet area where you were seated with table cloths and full service but dress code was casual.

 

I think any cruise line will offer a good experience if one goes in with an open mind and does not compare it to another line. Most of the lines are more alike than different.:)

[Sauer-kraut]

Just wondering if the OP posted this over on the Celeb. boards? What kind of responses are you getting over there?

[iheartbda]

Just wondering if the OP posted this over on the Celeb. boards? What kind of responses are you getting over there?

Yes, they did and what would you expect?:p:D

[DMH15]

I was on X Summit and liked it very much. For me the pros and cons:

 

Pros:

1. Best meal at sea in X Normandie. So worth the surcharge - was $25 - not sure what price now. Food was superlative, as was service and atmosphere.

2. Sushi available in the afternoon with no surcharge. Don't know if this is still the case. Anyways, we were like a little club, meeting each evening to get our sushi fix.

3. Aqua Spa cafe - I discovered this early and adored the light and healthy breakfast and lunch. I'd get up early each day and work out and then head to the cafe where my mom would meet me. Lunch was an offering of either a hot or cold entrée, was always a tough choice as both were enticing.

 

Cons:

1. More formal. Don't get me wrong... I love to dress to the nines and wear my latest Christian Louboutin shoes, but in this modern day travel baggage restrictions I tend to like resort casual (or see my NCL room service notes below). Looking back at my X pictures I really did take a lot of fancier clothes.

2. Gym: was not open as many hours as NCL. Had to reserve a treadmill and they sometimes would limit the time. This was frustrating.

3. Set dinner times. When I cruised X there was no alternative to a flexible schedule, (I do not like buffets so that is a moot point on either line).

 

NCL:

Pros:

1. Freestyle. NCL branded this and though imitated to some degree, no one else rivals them.

2. NCL suite life. Again, without going to a luxury line, NCL takes it to a new level that appeals to me. I travel with my elderly mom. She is a lot of fun, but I finally realized I was HER butler and concierge... Now with NCL we both get pampered.

3. The best crews. Just something so endearing and memorable about NCL's crews. You would think traditional cruising would lend itself to this, but NCL seems to be the best at this. Just read the NCL boards to see the many long lasting connections between crew and pax and how crew seems to remember pax with uncanny flair.

 

Cons:

1. If a non smoker, can range from mildly irritating to frustrating. Casino can be brutal. This being said, the policy is no secret, so no one should be upset by smoke if smokers are just doing what they are allowed to.

2. Bingo - just awful. Too expensive. Too much hoopla for the short, underpaying sessions.

 

I am very happy with NCL, especially in a suite... But consider X to be my second choice and I would not hesitate to sail them again.

[DMH15]

Forgot to mention on NCL when in a suite can have any restaurant meal served in suite... After a long day in port it is nice to have a specialty restaurant meal in the suite, while wearing pajamas - surcharge still applies.

[CPT Trips]

On Celebrity, you have to read your "daily" and check the time occasionally. No Cruise director, assistant, art auctioneer or bingo specialist reminding you over the ship's loudspeakers of the activity designed to separate you from your money numerous times a day.

 

On many Celebrity ships there is an adult pool and hot tubs in the solarium.

[webecruzin2]

Celebrity, hands down for us! We've cruised on both NCL and X both with and without our daughter since she was 10 yrs old (she's now 25) and we love the fact that you can get excellent quality food in the MDR without having to pay extra for it. It's always a disappointment on NCL in the MDR after going to one of the specialty restaurants. The service in the restaurants on X is far superior as well, IMO.

We like the loyalty program on X, as well. Always been upgraded and invited to Captain's table twice (no idea why). We're not afraid of getting dressed up once or twice during our cruise, in fact we enjoy it.

Love the free sushi before dinner. Good entertainment. Always have had good interaction with the officers and crew. Room stewards are top notch. X doesn't have announcements blaring all day and night and aren't trying to pry money from you every chance they get. Wish they would just eliminate the rip off that bingo is all together.

Celebrity is just a classier environment.

But this is what WE like. These things may not be important to you. We cruise on NCL solely for the great deals (balcony for 299.00!) and we just ignore the things that we don't like, enjoy everything else and have a great time on all of our cruises. It's always what you make it!:)

[guyver]

I was on X Summit and liked it very much. For me the pros and cons:

 

Pros:

1. Best meal at sea in X Normandie. So worth the surcharge - was $25 - not sure what price now. Food was superlative, as was service and atmosphere.

2. Sushi available in the afternoon with no surcharge. Don't know if this is still the case. Anyways, we were like a little club, meeting each evening to get our sushi fix.

3. Aqua Spa cafe - I discovered this early and adored the light and healthy breakfast and lunch. I'd get up early each day and work out and then head to the cafe where my mom would meet me. Lunch was an offering of either a hot or cold entrée, was always a tough choice as both were enticing.

 

Cons:

1. More formal. Don't get me wrong... I love to dress to the nines and wear my latest Christian Louboutin shoes, but in this modern day travel baggage restrictions I tend to like resort casual (or see my NCL room service notes below). Looking back at my X pictures I really did take a lot of fancier clothes.

2. Gym: was not open as many hours as NCL. Had to reserve a treadmill and they sometimes would limit the time. This was frustrating.

3. Set dinner times. When I cruised X there was no alternative to a flexible schedule, (I do not like buffets so that is a moot point on either line).

 

NCL:

Pros:

1. Freestyle. NCL branded this and though imitated to some degree, no one else rivals them.

2. NCL suite life. Again, without going to a luxury line, NCL takes it to a new level that appeals to me. I travel with my elderly mom. She is a lot of fun, but I finally realized I was HER butler and concierge... Now with NCL we both get pampered.

3. The best crews. Just something so endearing and memorable about NCL's crews. You would think traditional cruising would lend itself to this, but NCL seems to be the best at this. Just read the NCL boards to see the many long lasting connections between crew and pax and how crew seems to remember pax with uncanny flair.

 

Cons:

1. If a non smoker, can range from mildly irritating to frustrating. Casino can be brutal. This being said, the policy is no secret, so no one should be upset by smoke if smokers are just doing what they are allowed to.

2. Bingo - just awful. Too expensive. Too much hoopla for the short, underpaying sessions.

 

I am very happy with NCL, especially in a suite... But consider X to be my second choice and I would not hesitate to sail them again.

 

I haven't sailed both but I do want to add something inreference to quote above by Donna.

I had a drink server by the pool come up to me on the Dawnmy last cruise and ask me if I wanted a rum & coke. I gave him a funny look and he said that it was my favorite drink the last time I was on the Dawn. I recognized him but was amzed that he remembered me from 3 years prior. I must have drank alot of rum & coke on that one!!:D

[iheartbda]

I haven't sailed both but I do want to add something inreference to quote above by Donna.

 

I had a drink server by the pool come up to me on the Dawnmy last cruise and ask me if I wanted a rum & coke. I gave him a funny look and he said that it was my favorite drink the last time I was on the Dawn. I recognized him but was amzed that he remembered me from 3 years prior. I must have drank alot of rum & coke on that one!!:D

Now this is giving me a real chuckle.....please, I am not singling you out and this is just a general observation, but along with your comment, the one you quoted and others who talked about the interaction of the NCL crew brings something to mind.

 

When people give their reasons for not liking traditional dining, many say they don't think it's necessary, or even pointless, that the wait staff remembers what they drink every night. Some even think the extra attention is just begging for more of a tip.;):)

[MNFreeze]

First let me say thank you for your replies. They were helpful and pretty much what I was thinking.

 

We will be sailing on the Millennium in March along with my SIL and her family.

 

I will see in March how I feel Celebrity compares to NCL. I will say I do love NCL and have really enjoyed every part of our cruises. I have not had bad service or a bad meal on NCL and I would even say I have walked away from most meals thinking the food was great (both MDR and specialty restaurants).

 

The service on NCL has always been wonderful in my mind. I can be a person that likes to talk to strangers (even though my mom said not to). I enjoy talking to the staff and finding out where they are from and about their families. They are people too and I like knowing more about them. Everyone on NCL has been more than excited to talk, which is nice. I look forward to talking to the staff on Celebrity as well.

 

So thanks again for your replies and if people have anything else to add please feel free.

 

MNFreeze

[halos]

Will you accept information from both the horse and trainer? ;)

 

We've cruised on NCL 16 times, Celebrity 7 times.

 

Atmosphere: NCL: Informal, laid back atmosphere. No formal nights. Celebrity: formal nights and the service overall is a bit stiffer, the staff not quite as personable as NCL's. We prefer NCL's Freestyle dining particularly on port-intensive cruises, although Celebrity now offers a Freestyle-like option.

 

Food: Slightly better main dining room food on Celebrity, but NCL has the wide variety of specialty restaurants.

 

Entertainment: Wider variety on NCL.

 

Smoking policy: Celebrity is more restrictive.

 

Children's activities: Edge to NCL...but our experience in that regard is not that current.

 

Exactly my experience. Especially the part highlighted.

Add to that the passengers on Celebrity tend to be older. NCL is more diverse in age of passengers.

 

Celebrity is a great cruise but it is far different than NCL. Not better, not worse, just WAY different.