From Carnival to Celebrity

[classy_cruiser]

I have the same type of concern as OP as well. Don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a question about the personality of the typical Celebrity passenger.

 

DH and I are both 27. We are booked on our first cruise on Carnival in December. This was because numerous people told us that Carnival is the only way to go for someone our age. I am definitely excited about the cruise, but I do get the feeling it will be a slightly different crowd than we are used to.

 

DH and I have traveled internationally quite a bit and speak another language. We generally opt for a more unique/trendy local restaurant than a chain and we are somewhat picky in terms of acceptable service/food/alcohol quality. In that sense I guess I would say we are more "cosmopolitan".

 

But on the other hand we are very laid back. I am the kind of girl that really could care less about wearing expensive dresses, hair/nail treatments, expensive jewelry etc. I don't go out looking like a total slob but I am definitely not a walking advertisement for spa treatments! I'd rather save my money for something more useful.

 

In that sense I think would feel out of place amongst a bunch of glamorous passengers. I don't mind being the youngest person, as I work with people that are significantly older than me. Thoughts?

[Bridge Maven]

I have the same type of concern as OP as well. Don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a question about the personality of the typical Celebrity passenger.

 

DH and I are both 27. We are booked on our first cruise on Carnival in December. This was because numerous people told us that Carnival is the only way to go for someone our age. I am definitely excited about the cruise, but I do get the feeling it will be a slightly different crowd than we are used to.

 

DH and I have traveled internationally quite a bit and speak another language. We generally opt for a more unique/trendy local restaurant than a chain and we are somewhat picky in terms of acceptable service/food/alcohol quality. In that sense I guess I would say we are more "cosmopolitan".

 

But on the other hand we are very laid back. I am the kind of girl that really could care less about wearing expensive dresses, hair/nail treatments, expensive jewelry etc. I don't go out looking like a total slob but I am definitely not a walking advertisement for spa treatments! I'd rather save my money for something more useful.

 

In that sense I think would feel out of place amongst a bunch of glamorous passengers. I don't mind being the youngest person, as I work with people that are significantly older than me. Thoughts?

 

Classy Cruiser, you have nothing to worry about. While Celebrity attracts an older demographic that enjoys a more formal ambiance than Carnival, the passengers on both cruise lines are very comparable in terms of socio-economic class. Both cruise lines have a very diverse passenger base which includes people from all walks of life, with educational levels that vary from high school graduates to professionals with the highest degree in their field. Even though Celebrity passengers are more likely to wear formal attire, their clothing is not any more stylish or superior in quality than what Carnival passengers wear.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I have the same type of concern as OP as well. Don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a question about the personality of the typical Celebrity passenger.

 

DH and I are both 27. We are booked on our first cruise on Carnival in December. This was because numerous people told us that Carnival is the only way to go for someone our age. I am definitely excited about the cruise, but I do get the feeling it will be a slightly different crowd than we are used to.

 

DH and I have traveled internationally quite a bit and speak another language. We generally opt for a more unique/trendy local restaurant than a chain and we are somewhat picky in terms of acceptable service/food/alcohol quality. In that sense I guess I would say we are more "cosmopolitan".

 

But on the other hand we are very laid back. I am the kind of girl that really could care less about wearing expensive dresses, hair/nail treatments, expensive jewelry etc. I don't go out looking like a total slob but I am definitely not a walking advertisement for spa treatments! I'd rather save my money for something more useful.

 

In that sense I think would feel out of place amongst a bunch of glamorous passengers. I don't mind being the youngest person, as I work with people that are significantly older than me. Thoughts?

 

Classy Cruiser, you have nothing to worry about. While Celebrity attracts an older demographic that enjoys a more formal ambiance than Carnival, the passengers on both cruise lines are very comparable in terms of socio-economic class. Both cruise lines have a very diverse passenger base which includes people from all walks of life, with educational levels that vary from high school graduates to professionals with the highest degree in their field. Even though Celebrity passengers are more likely to wear formal attire, their clothing is not any more stylish or superior in quality than what Carnival passengers wear.

 

I agree that you don't have anything to worry about.

 

Since, though, you did inquire about the personality of the typical Carnival passenger - there is a difference, though it is slight. One thing which you may note is that you'll see (particularly about the pool areas) a somewhat higher "bubba factor" on Carnival than on Celebrity, though they are the exceptions.

 

What ship and duration sailing are you on? If you are on a ship which offers a steakhouse, might I suggest you book at least a couple of nights there? You'll probably appreciate the atmosphere and attention to detail more there than in the regular dining room where you will be subjected to the dancing waiters. While the dining room antics (dancing) was somewhat amusing our first couple of cruises, I must admit I tired of it quickly!

 

Tom

[gelo7]

Welcome aboard, you will LOVE X.

[letsgo39]

Regarding demographics - I think the price of the cruise, the itinerary, and number of days has a greater affect on passenger demographics than the cruise line itself.

 

A short Caribbean Cruise on an older ship during Hurricane season will attract a very different passenger than a two week European Cruise on a new ship during prime season, no matter what mass market cruise line you consider.

 

I totally agree with you. We cruised on the new Carnival Magic last June to the Western Med. It was a 12 day cruise and I really did not see any obnoxius drunks or anybody who was really out of line.Sure people had fun but nothing disgusting that we saw.It was a very port intensive cruise and maybe people were just tired!:D We were 3 generations including our 13 year old grandson. It was a perfect choice for us. Something for everyone and a great way to see Europe for the first time for our son and grandson. There were passengers from many countries which made it all the more interesting.

[kat228]

We went on a Carnival cruise last year during the first week of February, out of Tampa. We were in the minority being young because there were so many people 60+. (Older than my parents.)

 

So by saying you're always going to find a party and family atmosphere on Carnival, well, I don't always think that's true!

 

My fiance and I are both 26 (he'll be 27 by the time we cruise) and are trying Celebrity for the first time for our Honeymoon. Personally, I'm looking forward to it. I enjoy being spoiled and I'm not really one for staying out late. I can also tell you from our Carnival experience that just because the ship tends to be older doesn't mean things close up at night, there were still a lot of people out and about when we were turning in for the night!

 

ETA: We also tend to joke that we act more like 40 year olds than people in their mid-20s. So maybe that has something to do with it!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We went on a Carnival cruise last year during the first week of February, out of Tampa. We were in the minority being young because there were so many people 60+. (Older than my parents.)

 

So by saying you're always going to find a party and family atmosphere on Carnival, well, I don't always think that's true!

 

My fiance and I are both 26 (he'll be 27 by the time we cruise) and are trying Celebrity for the first time for our Honeymoon. Personally, I'm looking forward to it. I enjoy being spoiled and I'm not really one for staying out late. I can also tell you from our Carnival experience that just because the ship tends to be older doesn't mean things close up at night, there were still a lot of people out and about when we were turning in for the night!

 

ETA: We also tend to joke that we act more like 40 year olds than people in their mid-20s. So maybe that has something to do with it!

 

Spirit class ships (of which the Legend is one) are their most popular class - being a little less crowded than their other ships. It is our favorite. Having said that... the Equinox (or any Solstice class ship) is going to knock your socks off... GET READY!!! :D

 

Tom

[woodofpine]

Carnival is more vibrant and casino hotel styled. Celebrity is more 'elegant' and 'Ritzy' in stylings. These are 'stylings'; IMHO - big ship cruises are ALL more similar than dissimilar (how you get on and off, how you eat/drink/get entertained and sleep - near identical).

 

The up flip of Celeb's style is less 'vibrant' means more 'relaxed' or sedate. Dining is more formally served in style and the foodies and X-loyalists think the line's strength lays there (I agree). Celeb emphasizes nice spa pools and a sedate pool scene rather than kids slides and contest dynamics. Celebrity's show entertainment is a bit less hip and edgy - more traditional Broadway. In drinking terms, Carnival is more bucket of beer, Celebrity is more flavored martinis (shots with a college degree;)) The demographics of Celeb pax is older than Carnival, but all ships (esp. doing 7 day cruises) have a broad band of passenger ages.

 

It really goes to what sort of style you prefer. I think bedding and cabins on Carnival's newer ships might be a bit better than Celebrity - but its been awhile since I've been on Celebrity.

 

If you go with an open minded attitude keeping expectations in moderation, one ought to have fun on any big cruise ship!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... In drinking terms, Carnival is more bucket of beer, Celebrity is more flavored martinis (shots with a college degree;)) ...

...

 

LOL - though if you DO order a bucket of beers on Celebrity, at least they will trust you with bottles AND you get something like buy 4 (or 5) and get an additional one "free"! :)

 

...

It really goes to what sort of style you prefer. I think bedding and cabins on Carnival's newer ships might be a bit better than Celebrity - but its been awhile since I've been on Celebrity.

...

 

Without a doubt! On our very first Celebrity cruise, here is the bed that greeted us in our suite! (Someone should have been ashamed!!!)

 

 

 

Tom

[fleckle]

........But on the other hand we are very laid back. I am the kind of girl that really could care less about wearing expensive dresses, hair/nail treatments, expensive jewelry etc. I don't go out looking like a total slob but I am definitely not a walking advertisement for spa treatments! I'd rather save my money for something more useful.

 

In that sense I think would feel out of place amongst a bunch of glamorous passengers. I don't mind being the youngest person, as I work with people that are significantly older than me. Thoughts?

Classy Cruiser, I almost spit my coffee all over the screen reading this, I was laughing so hard.

 

We are regular, typical Celebrity passengers, older than you, but "glamorous" is hardly an adjective anyone would ever use to describe us or any of the other passengers with whom we cruise.

 

If you want to be pampered in a subdued, laid back atmosphere with congenial people and don't mind that most of them will be older than you, I think you will enjoy Celebrity. Do be aware that most of the entertainment and music on board is geared toward your parents' (or even grandparents') generation though.

[austinlw]

My wife and I will be on our first Celebrity cruise a month from now (woo-hoo!). The idea of someone labeling us "glamorous" would make anyone who knows us laugh hysterically.

[iwannacruznow]

I like Bubba.

[JAMESFALLETTA]

Wife and I are 32 and have tried most major cruise lines. Celebrity is now our favorite and we feel it's much better than Carnival andwell worth the higher cost. We won't be going on Carnival again, or RCCL for that matter, due to what we felt was poor food at buffet and main dining room.

[Bridge Maven]

It really surprises me to read so many posts from people who think that Celebrity is more expensive than Carnival, because I have found that for comparable itineraries on comparable ships that the prices are very similar and Celebrity is sometimes even less for any category that is not a suite. That is why I consider Celebrity to be such an excellent value.

 

However, if people are comparing the prices of suites on Celebrity vs Carnival then I agree that suites on Celebrity are a lot more expensive than suites on Carnival because Celebrity has a significant price difference between their suites and other types of cabins. However, I have also found that suites on Holland America are less than suites on Celebrity even though Holland America typically charges a lot more than Celebrity for their regular cabins.

 

I sometimes feel that Celebrity almost attracts two different classes of passengers because of their unusual price disparity between suites and regular cabins whereas other cruise lines only charge slightly more (percentage wise) for suites.

[streetspirit]

I realize this is the Celebrity thread, but in your situation I would suggest you might also give Royal Caribbean a try. IMO they are a notch up in service and detail from Carnival, and their ships are nicer. Plus they have a lot of adult activities onboard that are fun without being quite as "silly" as some of what they do on Carnival.

 

I would agree to this. We have our first cruise with Celebrity in less than two weeks but our previous two cruises have been with Royal Caribbean. We had so much fun and if you get Graham Seymour as Cruise Director (Freedom Of The Seas?) you will not be disappointed. The adult 'Quest' game he hosts is something to look forward to :-)

 

It's true that you don't see many younger couples on cruises but I think the times are changing.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

It really surprises me to read so many posts from people who think that Celebrity is more expensive than Carnival, because I have found that for comparable itineraries on comparable ships that the prices are very similar and Celebrity is sometimes even less for any category that is not a suite. That is why I consider Celebrity to be such an excellent value.

 

However, if people are comparing the prices of suites on Celebrity vs Carnival then I agree that suites on Celebrity are a lot more expensive than suites on Carnival because Celebrity has a significant price difference between their suites and other types of cabins. However, I have also found that suites on Holland America are less than suites on Celebrity even though Holland America typically charges a lot more than Celebrity for their regular cabins.

 

I sometimes feel that Celebrity almost attracts two different classes of passengers because of their unusual price disparity between suites and regular cabins whereas other cruise lines only charge slightly more (percentage wise) for suites.

 

Check out THIS thread I started - comparing rates between Celebrity (Solstice) and the Carnival Dream. A balcony on the Solstice was LESS than an inside on the Dream for 4 people!!

 

Tom

[black forest]

Hello,

 

we took 2 x B2B (altogether 2 x 14 days ) cruises with Carnival. Now we have booked our first cruise with X. First because of the initiary, second because we paid about the same for a 2 weeks cruise in a balcony stateroom with both cruise lines. Third - the elegant lay out of the X ships. We always liked the friendly way of the Carnival crew and felt very well treated by Carnival from the first time being on the Glory. They really gave us the feeling they care very much for their guests and specially for us (bottles of sparkling wine & fruit basekt as repeaters, early embarkation without being in a suite or s.th. like that)

 

We are 50 and 62 and don't like partying. On sea days we spent the days mostly on our balcony reading and listening to our ipod music. I have read about the hairy chest contest (is that the name?) here at CC after the cruise for the first time. We don't like to sit around the pool where it is so much crowded that you have to get up very early to get a sunbed. Perhaps there were people having to much alcohol - I can't remember. I think this happens more on the short cruises.

 

On our first cruise we visited a few shows and then decided, that we don't like them. We loved to listen to live music - like Brian, he was very good and we liked the music he presented.

 

So we always had a very calm cruise - the way we like it. The only thing I didn't like on our second cruise was the colorful interior of the Glory.

 

Someone noticed the people, what they wear, the quality, the social background. I second that - at least about the clothing. At many ports Celebrity ships, Princess ships where there at the same time. I couldn't see any difference in the clothing and the quality.

 

I am very much looking forward to lectures - I have read that Celebrity offers these. But I don't know what to expect.

[Kathie44]

While I have never cruised Carnival, I have friends and relatives who have and the reviews have not been good. Friends of mine WON a Carnival cruise and said they would never pay for one in the future and they had not even cruised X. The first thing my TA, who is a relative, told me when she was helping us plan our first cruise was, "Well, you don't want Carnival".

This Feb. will be my 9th cruise on X added to the 4 with RCCL. I think you will find X a good choice. I don't think of it as sedate at all, but I do trivia and other games, casino, dance parties at night after the shows, most of which are great. People are friendly and fun-loving without being drunk and disorderly and the staff is excellent. One of the activity staff last Jan. recognized me from a cruise 4 yrs before!!! I recognized him, but not which cruise.

There is something for everyone, but not 24/7 noise, which I've heard is a Carnival complaint.

I can also tell you that Celebrity cruises are not always more expensive than other lines. I just think the experience is worth every penny.

 

1/02 Explorer OS E. Carib. 1/03 Explorer W. Carib. 8/03 Summit Alaska

2/04 Adventure OS S. Carib. 2/05 Galaxy PC 6/06 Jewel OS Brit. Isles/Nor. Fjiords

1/07 Mercury Mex. Riv. 1/08 Mercury Aust/NZ 1/09 Galaxy S. Carib.

6/09 Summit Classical Med. 1/11 Summit S. Carib. 6/11 Constellation Scand/Russia

2/12 Summit S. Carib.

[pattycakes]

I was just on my first Carnival cruise with my daughter and her family (late 20s). We both felt the quality and consistency of the food (even down to plating) and service from the wait staff and room stewards were very much lacking compared to Celebrity and RCCL (actually the younger ones were more upset about it than I was). The entertainment was o.k. I didn't really see such a great improvement from Celebrity - it's not Broadway (and even that doesn't meet everyone's standards at times). I think Carnival put on twice as much comedy (especially 18+ shows which aired later into the night) and quizzes. I thought the Carnival ship was well laid out -- a little gaudy in places, but nothing offensive. I hated the upsell efforts of Carnival to double the shots in my drink every single time I ordered one. And I love and appreciate even more the no announcement policy of Celebrity.

 

I agree that you should consider RCCL as well. They try to incorporate the action with the service and quality, though I would say I've experienced a less personal feel due to size and population (my experience was on Adventure of the Seas). The Quest was a blast.

 

Like most said, It's such a different experience for everyone and the above is only my opinion.

[jt1120]

I'm going to roll out some support for Carnival. Don't get me wrong, we are tried and true Celebrity fans, but we did give Carnival a try on a weekender to the Bahamas. I have to tell you, despite all of the so called "reputation" that Carnival has, we actually had a pretty good time. It wasn't tha much rowdier than any other cruise, though it was a bit more "fun" vs. the more stately elegance and ambiance of =X=. We will definitely give them another try in the near future, but if it was a choice between the two, it would always be Celebrity first.

[artmc]

My wife and I have been on four Carnival cruises since 2004 and have no regrets, though we're both in our mid-50s. What we did notice is that the age on Carnival is getting older. (Aren't we all?) On our last cruise - the Freedom in February 2011 out of Fort Lauderdale - we couldn't help but notice the number of walkers and motorized scooters. There were four comedians on that cruise (all quite good) and at least two of them started their acts by commenting how they must have boarded Holland America by mistake. To their credit, the older people were the ones who laughed the most about this. Here's to all of them!

 

For those who want to avoid the hairy chest contests and the like on Carnival, try and sit by the pool at the back of the ship behind the Lido Buffet. You can't hear the noise, though they do pipe in music there, but not too loudly.

 

Anyway, DW and I will be going on our first Celebrity Cruise in February (the Infinity from Chile to Argentina) and are more than a little excited about it, and it's only October.

 

AMC

Carnival Inspiration 2004

Carnival Triumph 2008

Carnival Miracle 2008

Carnival Freedom 2011

[John73]

My husband and I are looking into other cruiselines after several cruises with Carnival. We are in search of better service, attention to detail, etc. We are both mid-twenties and not necessarily "partyers"- we're pretty easy going and can meet friends anywhere. From what I've heard about Celebrity, there is a bit of an older, more subdued crowd. We don't want to stick out like a sore thumb and are hoping to find others around our age. Is that likely?

 

FYI- I'm hoping I didn't offend anyone. We're excited about trying Celebrity, just want to get a handle on what to expect :)

 

On my Western Caribbean cruise last July I was at a 10+ table of other 30-somethings. Luckily, one of them had actually worked for Celebrity before, so we enjoyed our last night at sea playing Bocce ball at 1AM up on the lawn area. Great cruise, great tablemates, and a great time at sea. I can only hope that future cruises are as entertaining and fun.

[siestaclaud]

Have you cruised on Carnival?

 

 

Yes - we cruised on Carnival with all 4 kids about 6 years ago. It was our first cruise with our kids and our last cruise on Carival.

[letsgo39]

On my Western Caribbean cruise last July I was at a 10+ table of other 30-somethings. Luckily, one of them had actually worked for Celebrity before, so we enjoyed our last night at sea playing Bocce ball at 1AM up on the lawn area. Great cruise, great tablemates, and a great time at sea. I can only hope that future cruises are as entertaining and fun.

 

I don't understand your comment. If your friend had not worked for Celebrity would you not have been able to play Bocce Ball at 1 am?

 

Also we only travel in Europe so I don't know a thing about Carnival or Celebrity on other itineraries. We thoroughly enjoyed our Med cruise on Carnival last June with our son and Grandson. Lots to do for everyone and the food was very good.

[Miss SeaBee]

My daughter is 23, and she LOVED Celebrity Solstice. She loved feeling so pampered by the staff. We are going together on Celebrity Millenium in March, and we both can't wait!