Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity...

[gpnfish]

Differences:

• The "smoking" policy on Celebrity is great, with NO smoking on balconies)
  
• Chair Hog problems are fewer and far between
  
• The Celebrity LIQUOR PACKAGE is Great
  
• The food is better on Celebrity, especially in spec restaurants (this is subjective)
  
• Age is older on Celebrity
  
• No constant PA announcements during day, like RCI and Carnival
  
• Deck entertainment is limited in deck in Celebrity
  
• Forget the night club on Celebrity; it just doesn't work - Go to RCI if you want something to do at night!
  

I like RCI better, but I would not pass up a Celebrity cruise either

 

Gary

[maxsales]

Just to chime in here, we prefer RC over Celebrity.

 

Kelliepoodle summed it up well, as many others have. I would characterize X as both sedate and stuffy. We sailed the Constellation 41 consectutive days and can speak to the underlying theme of X "thinks" they are better than RC, and , they are not, they are just different. RC, we have never encountered the reverse attitude of RC thinking they are better than X. In fact, Loyalty Ambassadors encourage you to try the sister line. X does not, in fact you will be lucky to find a RC brochere. We boarded with high expectations and were sadly disappointed. We will always choose RC over X , the ships are more fun, friendly, and staff in comparison are far more helpful and happy than on X.

 

 

A couple of things not mentioned so far, are the bedding and the cabin layouts are better on RC. The conceirge class cabin is not worth the extra dollars on X. Also, on X we were shocked to see our cabin being prepared for the next day guests. New robes were placed in the closet, our bathroom ammenities gathered up together and new ones placed out for the next guest, our fruit and flowers were taken out of the room, and we were basically made to feel - get out. Time is up!! We had not even packed yet.

 

We were so sorry that our expectations were so high and felt let down. We had heard so many great things about Celebrity.Oh, and the dress code is not enforced on the X ships like many have stated.

 

Wow Larry and Liz sorry to read this. I really thought you guys had a good time on the origianal EME cruise.

:):)

[Nightfly]

I have one Celebrity cruise and I feel the major difference between the two is the lack of entertainment and whatever they did have was kind of boring. The bars/lounges were practically empty at 10:00pm and bar service was VERY slow. I would cruise on their Solstice class ships without a doubt....but I would think long and hard before I return to one of their smaller older ships.

Same thing happened to us......our cabin steward locked the refrigerator door the night before....I was so surprised....so much for excellent service.

 

I agree with this statement as well as most of the others on here. What I really enjoy is a sea day in the Caribbean on RC. Nice steel drum band playing by the pool, all the crazy "sexy legs contest", etc. Where on our X cruise no band by the pool, maybe some quiet music playing in the background. Alot more sedate on X.

[richstowe]

Hi Everyone,

I was just looking for your opinions on Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity cruises.

 

We have only ever cruised with Royal Caribbean as we really enjoy everything about them, but have recently been looking around at different cruises in terms of pricing and destinations and Celebrity keeps coming up.

Thanx for starting this thread. We are booked on our first X cruise.

Not having cruised yet, there are 2 items that we are excited about. First is the smoking policy,

specifically no smoking on the balconies and in the casino. DW loves a balcony but being chased off by smokers is aggravating.

We found this to be an issue on RCI and Carnival. (Not sure why one side of the ship can't be no-smoking but I digress.)

 

The second issue is the alcohol policy. Love the 2 bottle carry on policy and the cabin bottle service available on X.

Doubt we will do purchase it ,but the drinks packages also sound interesting.

 

 

I've cruised with both and have enjoyed both. I can clearly say that they have distinct differences and would say it just depends on how you feel at that moment you are booking.

 

I would sum it up as such, What is more of a priority to you?

 

Better service/food or better entertainment/activities.

Sorry several of you feel that you give up something entertainment wise to cruise Celebrity.

We are not too concerned because ours will be a very port centric cruise. We expect to be pretty tired most evenings.

 

I can't imagine only cruising with one line in order to get to a higher loyalty level.

Perhaps I don't know what I'm missing.;)

[loubetti]

Folks, it is real simple:

 

RCI does not own Celebrity (formerly owned by Chandris, thus the "X") because they want it to be a clone of Royal Caribbean.

 

It is intended to be a more upscale product and, yes, a bit older a crowd comes from that.

 

Then again, I sailed Celebrity in my 30's and loved it! I would compare it more to Cunard, which I have also sailed on many times.

 

If you are looking for a party ship, or a family ship, or a children's ship, I would not look at Celebrity. Although they can certainly accommodate families with children, it is far more adult oriented.

 

It is a different product than RCL, just as Azamara is.

[mrsdoc3]

I agree with this statement as well as most of the others on here. What I really enjoy is a sea day in the Caribbean on RC. Nice steel drum band playing by the pool, all the crazy "sexy legs contest", etc. Where on our X cruise no band by the pool, maybe some quiet music playing in the background. Alot more sedate on X.

 

A lot of people have complained on these boards about the "background" music on X. It is WAY too loud to be "background" music, and it sounds kind of new-wavish spa-like "relaxation" music. I found it kind of creepy (not relaxing), and most everyone else that has commented on it has said that it was too loud.

 

I took my teen-age kids on Carnival couple of years ago, and then on Celebrity in March of this year. Three of them liked Celebrity better; one liked Carnival -- because she wanted to be doing something almost every minute of the day. I think they are healthier on Celebrity.

 

Haven't been on RCCL in years, so I can't say anything about them. I usually go on a cruise to relax (nightlife isn't that important to me), so I'm usually on my balcony reading or walking on deck. You can do that on any line.

[Larry5440]

Was this really exuded by "Celebrity" (i.e. the staff)? Or was it more so exuded by the guests? If so, I suspect it being a 41 day itinerary might play a factor. In all fairness, comparing a 41 day itinerary to your typical 7 nighter is really comparing apples to oranges.

 

 

 

I was on Solstice in April, and they had brochures aplenty for Celebrity, RCI and Azamura- on the first day. By midweek, the pickings were slim across the board. Then again, you were on a 41 day journey. I'm not sure how much cross pollenation (yourself excluded of course) there is between that cruise, and a typical RCI trip anyhow.

 

 

 

In two Celebrity Cruises, I've never experienced this. I almost wish I had on Solstice, as we got a little "carried away" with the mini bar the last night LOL!

 

However, I sailed a transatlantic on QM2 in a Queens Grill Suite, and we encountered the same thing. I also had it happen to me on Liberty of The Seas. I don't think this is a company policy, but rather particular stateroom attendants trying to get ahead.

 

 

 

Nothing is ever 100%. However, I again reiterate that on Solstice in April, the dress code was very much enforced, as I saw people being turned away from the MDR. Again left wondering if there is a little more flexibility with someone who shelled out the $$ for a 41 day journey.

 

 

Have fun on the Allure. She is absolutely beautiful. :)

[Larry5440]

Wow Larry and Liz sorry to read this. I really thought you guys had a good time on the origianal EME cruise.

:):)

 

Hi guys

 

We had a great time meeting new friends and cruise mates. So glad to be part of the EME cruise. Loved sharing drinks at the Martini Bar with all of you. We just did not like the ship or attitude that Celebrity staff , not guests, portrayed.

 

Cheers!!!!

Edited August 21, 2012 by Larry5440

[Zubsin]

Interesting thread ... we have cruised X and are Select one cruise away from Elite but this time we are trying RCL because I liked the itinerary so I'll be interested in the difference.

 

RCL does not allow me to bring my 2 bottles of wine? That might mean it's the last time we cruise RCL.

 

I booked 9576 to get the larger balcony for me and the NON aft (my favorite) for my DH...

[DarthGrady]

1. less announcements....more relaxed atmosphere on Celebrity

2. Formal nights..you will see more formal attire, you will not see undershirts (with an imprint) and baseball caps.

3.Celebrity requests you maintain formal attire for the evening, not jsut the meal.

4. Nightlife.a bit quieter, but we have NEVER failed to find the rowdy folks that close the bars way, way, way past 1am..heck sometimes 3am.

 

Agree with this ^^^

 

I would also add that there are little touches that X provides, which RCI does not. Things like not having to check out pool towels, and a stand with water and cold towels set up for folks returning from port.

 

I really liked the lack of PA announcements and the softer pool deck music. I get so tired of the endless loud calypso music that RCI and CCL seem to alwaysd blast around their pools.

[Gatrcruzer]

I agree with most of what the other posters have said. Celebrity has better food, and really excellent pastries. However, I'd like to point out that for supposedly being a more "upscale" line, we found the coffee to be made from a concentrate and totally undrinkable. Even in their for-fee restaurants! Had to buy coffee from their coffee cafe in order to get brewed coffee. On RCI they have brewed coffee available for free.

 

I found the beds to be more comfortable on RCI than Celebrity. I also found the staff to be friendlier and service better on RCI. Much better. Entertainment is much better on RCI. If you are traveling with children RCI is probably a better choice (although some people with kids like traveling on X). If you enjoy a high level of activities or staying up later then RCI is a better choice.

 

However, RCI has its shortcomings. While I did not find the announcements to be problematic, having to swipe my card for pool towels was annoying and time consuming (and a little demeaning). I also don't care for the upgrade options in the dining room. Do you want real juice? That's extra. A better steak? That's extra. It makes me feel as though what is being offered in the dining room is subpar. I also like Celebrity's smoking policy, but of course, I'm a non-smoker.

 

Which line is a better fit for you really depends on you and your needs. Good luck with picking a cruise!

[ry21401]

No "swipe your card for pool towels", just take them.

 

As of January 1st 2014, Royal Caribbean removed the towel fee. Now, you can just take the towels and drop them off in the dirty towels bin without any trouble.

[gazza999]

We have been on a few RC cruises (and one on NCL) which we really enjoyed.

 

We are looking at a Celebrity Cruise on the Eclipse and as this thread is a couple if years old, I was wondering if people had more recent comparisons.

 

We are pretty relaxed when on cruises and have not had dinner in the MDR once on previous cruises, preferring the speciality and other restaurants. We don't do formal ☺

 

We also enjoyed the live bands in various locations on RC ships.

 

Earlier comments have mentioned that Celebrity is more 'stuffy' and 'sedate' than RC and that the ship is asleep by 11.pm.

 

Just wondering if things have changed over the last couple of years, any information would be appreciated.

 

Cheers

[lsnyder]

Hi Everyone,

 

I was just looking for your opinions on Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity cruises.

 

We have only ever cruised with Royal Caribbean as we really enjoy everything about them, but have recently been looking around at different cruises in terms of pricing and destinations and Celebrity keeps coming up.

 

I am 30 and my wife is nearly there too ;) so we just wanted to know what others thoughts were. The pro's and con's of each cruise line.

 

I will be posting this in the Celebrity forum as well.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! :)

 

We just tried Celebrity for the first time too. I was expecting it to be a notch above the other mainstream cruise lines we've traveled (Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival) because of their tag line (Modern Luxury) - but I can honestly say there was absolutely no difference. I've decided that it all comes down to individual ships - especially the size that suits you the best (for us it's 2,000-2,500 passengers - but we've yet to try a 1,000 or less ship - maybe our next trip), the staff and the location you are going to - so we now start with the destination/itinerary and size ship and then and go from there to see who's got the best deal (and drink package ;)). When our kids were younger - we loved Royal Caribbean because they had the best kids camps. Now we prefer Norwegian because of the smaller dining venues/choices.

[Big_G]

We sail both lines because of their differences. I wouldn't call Celebrity stuffy or sedate. They've introduced a Miami Vibe atmosphere and replaced their formal nights with Evening Chic. Poolside is more relaxing, no unnecessary announcements, and no smoking on balconies or inside the ship including the casino. You'll see less kids and maybe a little more polished attire. The shows won't rival Royals big ship shows but they're pretty good. I think the specialty restaurants are better than Royal's but that's always subjective.

 

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[ryano]

That moment you go to correct something and realize you are reading a 4 year old thread :o:p

[jules815]

We sail both lines because of their differences. I wouldn't call Celebrity stuffy or sedate. They've introduced a Miami Vibe atmosphere and replaced their formal nights with Evening Chic. Poolside is more relaxing, no unnecessary announcements, and no smoking on balconies or inside the ship including the casino. You'll see less kids and maybe a little more polished attire. The shows won't rival Royals big ship shows but they're pretty good. I think the specialty restaurants are better than Royal's but that's always subjective.

 

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

This sums it up. I went on my first cruise with X in March and loved it. I didn't find it to be stuffy or sedate either. I'm in my mid-50's, but was traveling with our 21 year old daughter, and she really enjoyed it too.

 

We were in a Sky Suite (lowest level suite) and dined in Luminae, their suite restaurant for all meals, and it was outstanding.

 

If you like lots of activities or sail with children/teens, probably wouldn't be the line for you.

[jules815]

That moment you go to correct something and realize you are reading a 4 year old thread :o:p

 

Ha! I know! Almost corrected the "people stay in their formal wear after dinner" post. :eek:

[skycomb]

Hi Everyone,

 

I was just looking for your opinions on Royal Caribbean vs Celebrity cruises.

 

We have only ever cruised with Royal Caribbean as we really enjoy everything about them, but have recently been looking around at different cruises in terms of pricing and destinations and Celebrity keeps coming up.

 

I am 30 and my wife is nearly there too ;) so we just wanted to know what others thoughts were. The pro's and con's of each cruise line.

 

I will be posting this in the Celebrity forum as well.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! :)

 

From what I heard from coworkers, Celebrity is more adult oriented.

[skycomb]

That moment you go to correct something and realize you are reading a 4 year old thread :o:p

 

I'm out of it and didn't realize. :D

[jules815]

From what I heard from coworkers, Celebrity is more adult oriented.

 

Adult oriented in that they don't have rock climbing walls, ice skating, mini-golf, characters on board like RC and Disney. They don't have belly flop contests either. They did have dancing out at the pool during the day, and they had a volley ball game in the pool with the officers. Like I said in my other post, if you're traveling with children, or you're into lots of activities, I'd stick with RC.