Celebrity first time

[weechloe]

Got off the Constellation yesterday. Lovely cruise, wonderful itinerary but I am definitely a Royal Carribean type of person. I guess I was just a bit disappointed because I had heard from so many people that they were just a step above Royal. Glad I tried it but the next will be back to Royal. Don't want to get beat up, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.:)

[ghstudio]

what were the pluses and minuses, from your point of view?

[TeaBag]

Was there anything you felt Celebrity did better?

[pete_coach]

Got off the Constellation yesterday. Lovely cruise, wonderful itinerary but I am definitely a Royal Carribean type of person. I guess I was just a bit disappointed because I had heard from so many people that they were just a step above Royal. Glad I tried it but the next will be back to Royal. Don't want to get beat up, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.:)

Brand loyalty is what every company strives for. RCI has yours.

It seems to me that everyone has their favorite for their own personal reasons and you are entitled to yours. :)

Bottom line is I hope you had a great vacation and nothing on the ship ruined it.

[eandj]

what were the pluses and minuses, from your point of view?

 

 

Yes, I hope the OP would come back and explain.

We use RCl for multigenerational family cruising. Seems there is something for everyone. And we enjoy it. However when cruising with DH for some quieter quality time together and no need for bells and whistles, we prefer X. They both work for us.

[ivori]

I just went on Celebrity Silhouette for the first time in May/June and I was very disappointed in the food. I actually lost weight if you could believe it. I was told by others who have gone on other Celebrity cruises that the food is far superior that any other line, well not in my eyes. Unless you go to one of the specialty restaurants then it is really below par. The service was excellent and the ship was beautiful. I never go on the excursions on any cruise line so can not comment on that.

[MicCanberra]

I suppose they prefer RCI and don't have any words for why they don't like Celebrity. Their opinion with no reasons why.:D

[weechloe]

My room was always clean. My room attendant was very attentive. I don't like the bottles as others have posted but that's very minor.

 

The Seaside Cafe was always very, very busy and more congested since all food is served to you. We found it very hard to get around because hot food and cold food had no consistency as to where it was. Egg stations would be closed today and on one occasion we were told no more pancakes since they were out of oil. This was halfway through the cruise. The tables were cleaned quickly and staff were very friendly.

 

Our last tour was cancelled two days before and a message was left on my phone. I could not understand the message due to a language difficulty and my friend got a message and could undertstand his. We went to the concierge since the explorations was closed and were told to take the on off bus and canal boat which we loved. When the explorations desk opened the gentleman there said he did not know anything about that service and I believe that although we had taken a boat tour in every port, they were not willing to help us since this was not a boat tour.

 

Our excursions were excellent.

 

My favourite thing was the pool in the solarium. First time I ever seen the chair hogs monitored and I like that. Watch the water on the wood deck as it was not removed regularly. It gets very slippery.

 

In Michael's Club as an Elite member the drinks are very limited and not the selection of RCI. Make sure if you use your phone in your room, I had to do this because of the time change to Canada when we were on shore, your time starts as soon as it starts to ring and not when the party answers. I reached an answering machine and my bill was over $18. Didn't leave a message, just hung up. I was told it was not when the party or the answering machine answered so add that into your bill.

 

Check your bill. My coupon for internet got billed by error on my seapass card although it was free. It wasn't like RCI where your credits were used as you used the internet. Check your seapass account frequently. I had two duplicate charges and three errors that had to be adjusted. My friends also had three errors. Friends won at the last bingo and got the wrong Seapass card back and even though they should have checked, the mix up occurred on the night before we disembarked and she notice that night just before she went to bed and the other person had charged on the account. I liked the laundry coupon, the same as Royal's but other coupons were useless. To get a specialty coffee you must use it in the specialty restaurant and not just at any bar. The wine coupon was 20 per cent savings after spending $40.

 

I loved the staff and they mingled frequently with the passengers.

[TLCOhio]

Great review, details and comments by weechloe. Appreciate your sharing and substance. One size doesn't fit all. Lots of different styles and interest. Glad we have many cruise ship options and potentials. People need to go with what fits their needs.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 99,695 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[rebeccalouiseagain]

i can understand if one likes Royal that they won't necessarily enjoy Celebrity. I tried Royal 3x's and it isn't for me.

 

Celebrity is pretty low key. Royal has a more casual, fast-paced, louder vibe. If people need that sort of stimulation- they aren't going to like Celebrity.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

duplicate post

[weechloe]

Thank God everyone doesn't have the same preferences. I have tried several and will in the future. Everyone has different tastes and priorities.

[jackdiamond]

It appears that you had a fine cruise, with just a few glitches. You must be thankful that you are elite on Celebrity since this was your first cruise thereon.

[weechloe]

Nice perk transferrable between the two companies:)

[MicCanberra]

My room was always clean. My room attendant was very attentive. I don't like the bottles as others have posted but that's very minor.

 

The Seaside Cafe was always very, very busy and more congested since all food is served to you. We found it very hard to get around because hot food and cold food had no consistency as to where it was. Egg stations would be closed today and on one occasion we were told no more pancakes since they were out of oil. This was halfway through the cruise. The tables were cleaned quickly and staff were very friendly.

 

Our last tour was cancelled two days before and a message was left on my phone. I could not understand the message due to a language difficulty and my friend got a message and could undertstand his. We went to the concierge since the explorations was closed and were told to take the on off bus and canal boat which we loved. When the explorations desk opened the gentleman there said he did not know anything about that service and I believe that although we had taken a boat tour in every port, they were not willing to help us since this was not a boat tour.

 

Our excursions were excellent.

 

My favourite thing was the pool in the solarium. First time I ever seen the chair hogs monitored and I like that. Watch the water on the wood deck as it was not removed regularly. It gets very slippery.

 

In Michael's Club as an Elite member the drinks are very limited and not the selection of RCI. Make sure if you use your phone in your room, I had to do this because of the time change to Canada when we were on shore, your time starts as soon as it starts to ring and not when the party answers. I reached an answering machine and my bill was over $18. Didn't leave a message, just hung up. I was told it was not when the party or the answering machine answered so add that into your bill.

 

Check your bill. My coupon for internet got billed by error on my seapass card although it was free. It wasn't like RCI where your credits were used as you used the internet. Check your seapass account frequently. I had two duplicate charges and three errors that had to be adjusted. My friends also had three errors. Friends won at the last bingo and got the wrong Seapass card back and even though they should have checked, the mix up occurred on the night before we disembarked and she notice that night just before she went to bed and the other person had charged on the account. I liked the laundry coupon, the same as Royal's but other coupons were useless. To get a specialty coffee you must use it in the specialty restaurant and not just at any bar. The wine coupon was 20 per cent savings after spending $40.

 

I loved the staff and they mingled frequently with the passengers.

Thanks for your thoughts, I am sorry that you didn't enjoy the cruise to the fullest. I suppose as everyone has said about everyone enjoys different typoes of cruises. However, I am disappointed that 'X' made errors with the accounts and had poor service in some of the other areas as well, that is not something that I would enjoy, no matter which cruiseline. cheers:D

[weechloe]

Don't get me wrong. I loved my cruise. This is not a perfect world but I am lucky enough that I have been able to enjoy many cruises and have never came home and said I am sorry that I went. The itinerary was wonderful and I saw places that were amazing. Going on different cruise lines just lets us know our own comfort cruise line. I have mine but everyone has different choices. A week on a cruise is the most wonderful holiday that anyone could every experience. The little things will never ruin that experience.:)

[kitkat9438]

Thank God everyone doesn't have the same preferences. I have tried several and will in the future. Everyone has different tastes and priorities.

Thanks for your viewpoint and telling us what you like about Celebrity. You are right, everyone has their favorites, and clearly you love Royal which is great. They are a lot different since there are more activities and not as laid back as Celebrity. I would like to suggest that you try one of Celebrity's newer ships since you were on the Connie. It's a midsize ship and older. The Solstice line such as the Eclipse and the newest Reflection are really oustanding ships with more in the way of entertainment and food options.

 

Whatever you decide happy sailing.

[Karynanne]

Comparing one cruise line to another is good. In the future you'll know which cruiseline is a good "fit" for you.

 

Thank you for your input.

[youwash]

You mentioned the Solarium and the "chair hogs". Is Celebrity doing something about them? If they are I would shout a big "YES"!!! Really was difficult to EVER get a chair last year on the Solstice.

[weechloe]

The area was monitored all the time. They removed your stuff after 20 minutes and left a note on your chair. I loved it. Finally not books left first thing in the morning and tying up the area for the full day.

[Charles4515]

My room was always clean. My room attendant was very attentive. I don't like the bottles as others have posted but that's very minor.

 

The Seaside Cafe was always very, very busy and more congested since all food is served to you. We found it very hard to get around because hot food and cold food had no consistency as to where it was. Egg stations would be closed today and on one occasion we were told no more pancakes since they were out of oil. This was halfway through the cruise. The tables were cleaned quickly and staff were very friendly.

 

Our last tour was cancelled two days before and a message was left on my phone. I could not understand the message due to a language difficulty and my friend got a message and could undertstand his. We went to the concierge since the explorations was closed and were told to take the on off bus and canal boat which we loved. When the explorations desk opened the gentleman there said he did not know anything about that service and I believe that although we had taken a boat tour in every port, they were not willing to help us since this was not a boat tour.

 

Our excursions were excellent.

 

My favourite thing was the pool in the solarium. First time I ever seen the chair hogs monitored and I like that. Watch the water on the wood deck as it was not removed regularly. It gets very slippery.

 

In Michael's Club as an Elite member the drinks are very limited and not the selection of RCI. Make sure if you use your phone in your room, I had to do this because of the time change to Canada when we were on shore, your time starts as soon as it starts to ring and not when the party answers. I reached an answering machine and my bill was over $18. Didn't leave a message, just hung up. I was told it was not when the party or the answering machine answered so add that into your bill.

 

Check your bill. My coupon for internet got billed by error on my seapass card although it was free. It wasn't like RCI where your credits were used as you used the internet. Check your seapass account frequently. I had two duplicate charges and three errors that had to be adjusted. My friends also had three errors. Friends won at the last bingo and got the wrong Seapass card back and even though they should have checked, the mix up occurred on the night before we disembarked and she notice that night just before she went to bed and the other person had charged on the account. I liked the laundry coupon, the same as Royal's but other coupons were useless. To get a specialty coffee you must use it in the specialty restaurant and not just at any bar. The wine coupon was 20 per cent savings after spending $40.

 

I loved the staff and they mingled frequently with the passengers.

 

I booked the cruise for the itinerary but sailing on Constellation confirmed my opinion that Celebrity is a step above Royal Caribbean.

 

As for the Seaside Cafe there were eggs stations open every day including a poached egg station which they don't even have on Royal Caribbean. Also Royal Caribbean does not have a waffle and pancake station and I had a lot of waffles and pancakes at that station throughout the cruise on Constellation.

 

As for the drink selection at Michaels Club it was better than the drink selection on most Royal Caribbean ships for Diamond members. I was on Mariner of the Seas last fall in Europe and we only got wine. Only a few Royal Cairibbean ships offer cocktails to Diamond members. On Celebrity as an Elite I had a selection of cocktails.

 

Ship to shore phones, surprised anyone would use those. I used my cell phone and racked up about a five dollar charge. There were no errors in my seapass bill.

 

As for the laundry the Celebrity deal was a lot better than Royal Caribbeans on Mariner. I got 20 pieces free and did another bag for $20. On Royal Caribbean they limit the types of garments you can put in the bags. The interent coupon was great, free 90 minutes. Also the morning Elite lounge at Ocean Liners fresh squeezed juices and specialty coffees.

 

Most important the food was better in the main dining room than on Mariner of the Seas. On Mariner I had to send stuff back. Not on Constellation.

[weechloe]

The laundry was the same as RCI. Maybe you don't know why anyone would use the phone but I don't have and could not get a cell phone plan from Canada for my phone that could be used in Europe. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I expressed mine. Glad you like Celebrity. Sorry, forgot to mention that on RCI my calls are 4.99 a minute, not 8.99.

[Charles4515]

The laundry was the same as RCI. Maybe you don't know why anyone would use the phone but I don't have and could not get a cell phone plan from Canada for my phone that could be used in Europe. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I expressed mine. Glad you like Celebrity. Sorry, forgot to mention that on RCI my calls are 4.99 a minute, not 8.99.

 

I like Celebrity and Royal Caribbean both but recognize the pluses of Celebrity over Royal. Not only better food and service on Celebrity, which is to be expected when there is more space and crew per passenger but Celebrity has the best smoking policy. I did not encounter any indoor smoking. Even the casino is non smoking.

 

All that said the itinerary was awesome and if it had been a Royal ship instead of Celebrity on those dates I would have booked the Royal ship. Also would have booked Princess or HAL ship if it were them.

[weechloe]

Loved the no smoking policy and I have always commented on my surveys about the smoking allowed on any ship.

[maz48]

I love hearing comparisons of different cruise lines so thank you for your posts. I always try to read such topics but this time was more interested as we are going on the Constellation soon.

 

I know it is all subjective but I have wondered for a while if people fall in love with their first cruise line they sail with and then find it difficult to enjoy other lines as much. Has anyone noticed this?

 

We have only cruised on Disney, 8 times so far and love it and we are oldies, though we go in term times and on longer cruises;). We are taking our first Celebrity cruise this October so are both looking forward to a different experience which we expect to be a more premium 'product' by the way cruise lines seem to be graded. I am hoping we enjoy it every bit a much as DCL and perhaps even more.