Carnival Cruiser thinking about try Celebrity, ???'s

[luv2trvlnow]

We are considering trying a Celebrity Cruise but have some questions. I know people think Carnival is the worst but we have enjoyed our cruises. We are considering the Exotic Southern on the Eclipse in April 2014.

 

I hear Celebrity is more peaceful, quieter, etc. Can someone tell me what activites there are available on Sea Days? Since this is a 14 day cruise we don't want to be bored.

 

On Carnival we do enjoy the pool games, piano bar, and shows. We usually don't get back to our room until 1am or so. What is going on after 10pm? Also how are the shows?

 

We will not be booking one of the higher category rooms. We usually book an inside. How are the rooms?

 

Can you also tell me about the food? Since we will be in an inside I know we aren't allowed in one of the restaurants. Anyplace else I won't be allowed?

 

I know it is alot of questions but I want to make sure since this is a longer cruise.

 

Sharon

[Cruiser Susie]

There are lots of things to do on Sea Days, but a lot of how it appeals to you will depend on your interests. We enjoy a not too early breakfast; generally hit the walking track for multiple laps, attend a lecture or trivia; meet up with friends for cards and conversation; if we are not traveling with friends, we may choose from some of the other activities in the daily guide; we have NEVER been bored on a sea day or on any cruise, for that matter. Sitting on our balcony and enjoying the view with a cup of coffee or tea is always grand, but we have also enjoyed doing the same on the back balcony of the ship.

 

The Eclipse is a beautiful ship. There are some pool games, but not nearly to the extent of Carnival. There is a fair amount of live music offered during the days, especially sea days, and the staff work very hard to keep their guests entertained. The ship may be quieter at night than you are used to, but a lot of that will depend on the cruisers on that sailing. The shows you will have to decide for yourself... everyone's taste differs.

 

Our very first cruise was on Carnival in an inside cabin, and we had a great time. I have not sailed in an inside room on Celebrity, but I do know they are fairly spacious in size. (183-200 sq. feet) Your inside cabin location has nothing to do with not being able to go to Blu; Blu is designated so that only guests in Aqua Class or Suites have access to Blu. There is nothing else that you will not be able to have access to on the ship.

 

We have done this itinerary several times, and will be on the Eclipse in March, and then again the following March. I hope you enjoy your cruise as much as we will!

[Bruin Steve]

We are considering trying a Celebrity Cruise but have some questions. I know people think Carnival is the worst but we have enjoyed our cruises. We are considering the Exotic Southern on the Eclipse in April 2014.

 

I hear Celebrity is more peaceful, quieter, etc. Can someone tell me what activites there are available on Sea Days? Since this is a 14 day cruise we don't want to be bored.

 

On Carnival we do enjoy the pool games, piano bar, and shows. We usually don't get back to our room until 1am or so. What is going on after 10pm? Also how are the shows?

 

We will not be booking one of the higher category rooms. We usually book an inside. How are the rooms?

 

Can you also tell me about the food? Since we will be in an inside I know we aren't allowed in one of the restaurants. Anyplace else I won't be allowed?

 

I know it is alot of questions but I want to make sure since this is a longer cruise.

 

Sharon

 

First, Sharon, as you noted, I am one of those who does think that Carnival is clearly the worst cruise line...I have been on four Carnival cruises among my 30+ cruises on seven different lines...it is no contest...Their ships are the most crowded, the poorest design, the gaudiest decor...and they cut the most corners...I don't think the food compares at all with Celebrity (or Oceania or some others I've cruised on)...Their entertainment is consistently substandard...

 

However, I also DO understand how many people can like them...After all, what's not to like about being on a cruise...any cruise...And they do deliver what they set out to--food, fun, entertainment and activity for a low price...Many people go back again and again, but have little to compare it to...Of course, OTOH, everyone has different standards and criteria, so, for some people, Carnival is EXACTLY what they want...

 

For ME, Celebrity is far more to my liking...The ships are far more spacious with far fewer passengers per gross ton...The food is much better and the service blows Carnival away...The demographics tend to be a little older (though not as old as some other lines--like HAL, often Princess or some of the "luxury" lines)...With 2,850 people on an S-Class ship, there is plenty of everyone--including people who stay up a little later in the evening--especially in the Caribbean...

 

Celebrity ships won't have some of the "pool games" you find on Carnival, but there will be plenty to do on at sea days...all of the usual cruise ship staples--Trivia contests, games, casino, lectures, movies, spa/exercise , dance lessons, arts & crafts, etc. There is also plenty of entertainment at night with a main show each night (the quality, IMHO, being better than on Carnival) and a piano bar or karaoke or dancing, etc. You will find plenty to do...

 

The rooms are nice--though my one grumble is that they don't have a lot of closet/drawer/shelf space. The decor is nicer than Carnival. All rooms, even insides (I believe, I've always had a balcony) have a sitting area with a sofa, a flat screen TV, etc.

 

As to restaurants, the main dining room is excellent...really, if it were up to me, I could eat there every night...but there are also several specialty restaurants available, for a small charge...Murano, Tuscan Grille, Qsine...The only one you don't have access to is Blu--which is just a dedicated dining room for the "AquaClass" cabins...There are also several smaller and informal places one can eat...The buffet is EXCELLENT...and has a great selection of sushi nightly, among other things...

 

If what you like about Carnival is the constant noise and activity, the drunks being rowdy until all hours of the morning, the unattended kids running wild all over the ship and the constant sales job by the crew, you won't get that on Celebrity...What you will get is a more refined, more relaxing, but still very enjoyable cruise experience...

[SCGirl3211]

Having sailed on both lines I think there is a big difference between the two lines. I see Celebrity as a step above from Carnival (several acutally). There is more activities to try than you could ever participate in even on a 14 day cruise. The food is superior and I consider myself somewhat of a foodie.

 

The staff and crew are always attempting to make your cruise awesome!

 

The one deal maker for us is the non-smoking policy. We love that the casino, restaurants and all entertainment venues are no smoking. This one factor keeps us from experimenting with other lines.

 

I think overall you will enjoy Celebrity more than Carnival. The fact that you are asking this question must mean you are looking elsewhere for a reason. Take the leap...you won't regret it!!

[aquaclass]

We are considering trying a Celebrity Cruise but have some questions. I know people think Carnival is the worst but we have enjoyed our cruises (We enjoyed our 2 Carnival cruises). We are considering the Exotic Southern on the Eclipse in April 2014. Looks like a great itinerary on a beautiful ship.

 

I hear Celebrity is more peaceful, quieter, etc. Can someone tell me what activites there are available on Sea Days? Since this is a 14 day cruise we don't want to be bored. A quick search on this website for “Celebrity dailies” or similar will give you many options - 16 post down on this link will give you some examples as well http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1547669

 

On Carnival we do enjoy the pool games, piano bar, and shows. We usually don't get back to our room until 1am or so. What is going on after 10pm? Also how are the shows? In our experience there is plenty going on after dinner. There are a variety of shows - again check out the dailies for examples.

 

We will not be booking one of the higher category rooms. We usually book an inside. How are the rooms? I think inside staterooms are nice. http://www.celebritycruises.com/explore/ships/detail.do?shipCode=EC#staterooms/explore/ships/stateroomDetails.do%3FcabinType=IS&cabincls=I&shipCode=EC

 

Can you also tell me about the food? Since we will be in an inside I know we aren't allowed in one of the restaurants. You would be “allowed” in the same 7 restaurants as nearly everyone else (95%) on the ship. Blu is an additional restaurant for those who book an Aqua Class stateroom (about 5% of the ship) Anyplace else I won't be allowed?

 

I know it is alot of questions but I want to make sure since this is a longer cruise

Generally, I would say, Celebrity has a different feel as opposed to Carnival. Their slogan “modern luxury” suites them well. As will ALL cruise lines, the longer the itinerary the older the demographic. We are in our mid 40’s and feel comfortable on a 7 night Celebrity cruise. Both our Celebrity Caribbean cruises have had a demographic of about a third of the passengers under 50 a third from 50-60 and a third over 60. Personally we would love to do a 14 night cruise, but cannot get the vacation time for it.

It might be helpful to tell us a little more about yourself and what you enjoy/expect from a cruise. For instance, if you were looking for daily outdoor pool time with a 60 ft slide, a 1:00pm conga line, 2:30pm hairy chest contest, bars open til 4:00am etc you might be disappointed in a Celebrity cruise.

[eandj]

The 14 dayer will have an older crowd...an ANY line. Young families can't get away and younger workers might not have the $$ or time available to take. So naturally retirees tend to show up for these cruises... Which are wonderful, by the way. The ship is modern hip. Rooms are beautiful. Public areas cool. Your itinerary is one of your favorites.

 

If you are used to lots of ship activities to make your cruise, then you won't find this one as "stimulating". Generally not much is happening after 11:00 p.m. However you will find some folks in the various bars having a great time. Just depends on the group sailing that itinerary. Pool games, loud music, announcements etc are not going to be constant like on Carnival.

 

Food is subjective. We enjoy it. The buffet which is set up in stations is wonderful. Lunches have the most variety. Entertainment is subjective. Dh likes it on X. (he's a low key kind of guy) I find it not too exciting. I like more variety type shows like you find on RCL.

 

If you choose Carnival for the ship ambiance, there is a different vibe on this line. Nothing "best" about either. Just different.

[TLCOhio]

You've received an excellent range of comments, insights and opinion. We have not been on the Eclipse, but we super enjoyed one of her sister ships. In my view, the design, style and quality is excellent. Very classy and interesting. Below are some of my visuals samples for the Solstice that will be close to what you get with the Eclipse. We liked the entertainment and speakers on the ship. It's not Broadway or London's West End, but it worked. You've got a number of dining options. Overall, I think you will like sailing on this type of ship.

 

Speciality Dining Photos/Tips:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1434523&page=2

 

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 101,594 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

 

 

For the handy and quick, especially at breakfast and lunch time, here is the Oceanview Cafe buffet on the Solstice. This visual sample shows how large and open are these various serving areas. This area includes getting items from the pizza-pasta bar area, various hot and cold items, free tea and juice machines, etc.:

 

 

 

For entertainment in the Solstice Theatre, it was called “Solstice -- The Show” featuring a European-style dance, air acts, music, etc. Very dramatic and interesting as they swing, twirl and soar over the audience and stage. It is a “state-of-the-art” theatre with these "Cirque-type" dancers being able to “do their thing”. Here is one example of the “air show” put on by the show performers.:

 

 

 

I liked to ride one of the eight glass elevators in the mid-ship courtyard with nice views out to the different floors, enjoying the ship architecture, people being active, etc. You can see the relaxing library in this shot. Classy design on this ship! Some tradition, but not too dated or old.:

 

 

 

On the top, back of the Solstice, here is a wider view of Corning Hot Glass show area, plus the green grass and the unique covering designs for this special area of the ship. Classy design touches and style!!:

 

 

 

The Solarium was one of our favorite areas. Food and drinks were nearby and it was very relaxed and sophisticated. Quieter, too, as it is an adults-only area. Two hot tubs here. Not crowded, especially in the evenings. Nice art and design with this facility. Wonderful setting for relaxing and watching the outside water/shore views, enjoying subtle inside action, etc.:

 

 

 

Here is an overview for this wonderfully-appointed, speciality Murano dining room with nice wood, ceiling, glass, etc., details.* Maximum capacity for seating in 90.* For the last night, they have 30 people on a waiting listing.* We booked ahead which was smart in order to get a specific date on a sea day.:

 

[luv2trvlnow]

I can give you a little more information about us:

By the time of this cruise my husband will by 65 and I will be 61.

I generally like things more active. I do like the waterslides on Carnivals newest ships. I also like rollercoasters, but they get my husband sick.

Don't drink much.

Don't gamble.

I can get bored just sitting on a chair in the sun all day.

We have gone on a Carnival cruise and then stayed in the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa and enjoyed both.

 

Sharon

[mrsdoc3]

We took our kids (16, 14, 12, & 10) on Carnival Legend a couple of years ago, and they all had a great time. I found myself spending a lot of time with them doing photo scavenger hunts, playing games, miniature golf, trivia, etc.

 

This past March, we took them on Celebrity Solstice. The kids (18, 16, 14, & 12) also enjoyed this one; in fact, three of them enjoyed it more. The one that didn't (16yo daughter) ALWAYS wants to be doing something. The rest of us really enjoyed just relaxing.

 

I think the food in the buffet is better on Celebrity, but I preferred the main dining room food on Carnival (but our sailing was pre-comfort food menu).

 

Never been on a 14 day cruise, but I'm sure there will always be something to do. Bring several good books (or if you're lucky, you may be able to find a good on in the library on board) and just sit on deck and read (or nap -- one of my favorite ship-board activities!)

[cruisetrail]

We are considering trying a Celebrity Cruise but have some questions. I know people think Carnival is the worst but we have enjoyed our cruises. We are considering the Exotic Southern on the Eclipse in April 2014.

 

 

Hi Sharon, don't worry. There are cruise lines worse than Carnival.

 

 

I hear Celebrity is more peaceful, quieter, etc.

 

A sort of. There are a few quiet places. However, many reports of loud music in the atrium and on the pool deck.

 

 

Can someone tell me what activites there are available on Sea Days? Since this is a 14 day cruise we don't want to be bored.

 

On Carnival we do enjoy the pool games, piano bar, and shows. We usually don't get back to our room until 1am or so. What is going on after 10pm?

 

Have a look:

 

 

Also how are the shows?

Shows are average on Celebrity at this time.

Who knows what will happen in 2 years.

 

 

Can you also tell me about the food? Since we will be in an inside I know we aren't allowed in one of the restaurants. Anyplace else I won't be allowed?

 

The food overall is good. It's not as good as you can have on HAL or Princess, but better than on Carnival. Celebrity offers more variety than Carnival especially if you are willing to pay extra.

Blu restaurant is reserved for a specific class of cabins. Nothing to think about really. The rest of the ship is for all the guests.

 

The Eclipse is the best ship in Celebrity fleet.

The ship has very modern design. Public rooms are spacious. You'll see a very impressive atrium. There will be a good selection of extra charge restaurants. The Hot Glass Show is a highlight of the cruise.

 

However, the ship design suffers from some major and minor flaws.

 

Major: lack of promenade deck, crowded pool deck (grass lawn takes about 1/3 of the upper deck), life boats spoil the views from balconies.

 

Minor: huge overhang over the balconies, aft balconies lack privacy, cabins are smaller than you find on Destiny class, with little storage space, two elevator stations instead of three, no hydropool in spa.

 

Generally speaking, the design is geared towards 70+ population: slow pace, minimal physical activity, grass lawn. It's more like a modern upscale hotel (public rooms) with modest rooms (cabins) than a cruise ship. It lacks maritime flavour.

 

Overall, we enjoyed our cruise on the Eclipse but will choose better options in the future.

[Barn Goddess]

I loved our cruise on the Eclipse. I have sailed Carnival several times and much prefer Celebrity. I am 45 and my husband is 44.

 

We had a balcony room (loved it!) and our friends had an inside room. It was exactly like our room just without the balcony.

 

There are not all the daily pool games like on Carnival but I like that it is a little more relaxed and chill on Celebrity. I love the Lawn Club area - you can play corn hole, bocci, croquet - lots of fun. They also have an evening concert under the stars with blankets on the lawn and LED candles.

 

The service was amazing and the food was excellent. We ate in one of the speciality restaurants one night just to try it out but really enjoyed the selections in the main dining room. I also liked Bistro on 5 - there is a charge for the food there but so worth it. The buffet was also really good and the flow was good too. The pizza and ice cream were delicious and the afternoon sushi was a real treat :)

 

We had a blast and never wanted for things to do - there is a game room on Deck 9 (this was the deck our cabin was on) and there was usually someone up for a card game. They also have board games available as well.

 

The people on our trip were super friendly and we met a lot of nice people at the various functions and around the pool.

 

I hope you have as much fun as we did - happy cruising!

[judatt]

We just got off the Carnival Pride this past Sunday and we had a great time - the Pride, Carnival and most of all the fact that we had nearly all of our immediate family on board was great. I enjoyed the food, the entertainment and most everything we did.

 

This was our second Carnival cruise and our other on the Valor was also enjoyable.

 

We have been on Celebrity 3 times and NCL once (almost 20 years ago). Did I enjoy Carnival - yes. Do I enjoy Celebritry more - yes. If it is just my wife and I we will certainly most likely go with Celebrity. Why?

 

I know both of these are probably petty, but why does Carnival have to have announcements all the time? Particularly when I know that on many of them it is nothing more than a sales presentation. When they come on every 20 minutes on the first day and tell you that you must go immediately to the excursions desk to book the best excursions as they are rapidly selling out. And the same thing the next day and the next day. I don't think any of them actually sold out.

We have a daily bulletin - why do we need someone to come on and make an announcement about every event? It is just annoying.

The other item that I got so tired of on Carnival is the constant pestering to buy drinks. I will most likely go on another Carnival cruise because my kids and grandkids like them. When we do, I'm going to make a sign to take with me to put on my chair that says "No Thanks, we don't need a drink". If I said no thanks to the guys coming around with drinks one time last week I said it at least 100 times - maybe 200!

 

Regarding food, as others have said the only venue you won't have access to is BLU. I have never gone Aqua Class so have never been to BLU. I did go Concierge Class one time but only because the price was basically the same as a balcony. Didn't really think the benefits were all that great. The MDR and the buffets are fine on both Celebrity and Carnival. I think where Celebrity really excels compared to Carnival is the specialty dining. We have been in the specialty dining on Mercury, Milinnium, and Summit on Celebrity and did the Steakhouse on Carnival Pride. We had a great time in the Steakhouse because we were celebrating our daughters birthday. However, on Celebrity I have found the service in their speciality restaurants to be impeccable. The food has also been excellent. On Carnival the service was not great and some food was outstanding (shrimp cocktail, crabcake, lobster); and some food was good (steaks, deserts); some food was basically inedible (onion soup, lobster bisque).

Overall, we prefer Celebrity but also have a good time on Carnival when we sail with our family.

[fleckle]

I can give you a little more information about us:

By the time of this cruise my husband will by 65 and I will be 61.

I generally like things more active. I do like the waterslides on Carnivals newest ships. I also like rollercoasters, but they get my husband sick.

Don't drink much.

Don't gamble.

I can get bored just sitting on a chair in the sun all day.

If you like things more active, then you might consider Celebrity's sister cruise line, Royal Caribbean. There you can find such features as a climbing wall, flow rider or ice skating rink that you won't find on Celebrity ships.

 

We find the vibe on Royal Caribbean to be sort of mid-way between Carnival and Celebrity.

 

I think you will find the ambiance on Celebrity ships quite subdued and laid back compared to the continual rah-rah cheerleader go-go-go atmosphere promoted on Carnival.

 

 

[artmc]

Hi, Sharon;

 

DW and I are doing the same cruise in November. We sailed the Infinity in South America for 14 days last February. We're back less than a year later, so I guess that says something. We had also done four Carnival cruises, which we enjoyed and wouldn't object to sailing with them again.

 

As for the rooms, we had an inside suite and it was fine. (We're taking an obstructed - one hopes not too obstructed - balcony suite this time.)

 

Regarding dining rooms, we found the MDR meals to be excellent, and never even bothered using the other dining rooms.

 

Like you, we enjoy the nightlife, rarely getting back to the room before 1 a.m. I had the same concern as you about Celebrity - would we be bored? In fact, I asked similar questions before we left and we were told not to worry. The music went late. Carnival has better piano bars, but the dancing went late in the Constellation room, and the Martini Bar was also fun. Celebrity may attract and older crowd, but they aren't dull; you just won't see the excesses you may have seen on Carnival.

 

As for daytime activities I was quite concerned because even in the South American summer the weather around the Cape is hardly balmy, which means you can't read outside on a deck chair - my favourite sea day activity. However, there were great trivia contests, and the lectures were very good.

 

Here's the best measure. I'm an avid reader and on my last Carnival cruise (the Freedom - Feb. 2011) I finished 2.5 books during an 8-day cruise.

 

I took three books for our South American cruise and finished half of one.

[JAMESFALLETTA]

My wife and I enjoyed our 2 Carnival cruises, however they were both taken prior to our first on Celebrity. We are in our early thirties and not into the loud party scene, and find the food and service on Celebrity to be much better.

 

The insides on newer Celebrity ships are quite spacious compared to the ones we experienced on Carnival. I think you'll enjoy the change by going on Eclipse which has consistently high reviews.

[luv2trvlnow]

Thank you to everyone for the valuable information. We have been thinking about a change of pace. Going on the same cruiseline you begin to know what to expect. We really think this itinerary is fantastic. It is the big draw for us. It has 4 islands that we haven't been to.

 

We are lucky because my husband has 5 weeks vacation and has no trouble getting off 2 weeks at a time. We take a 2 week vacation almost every year.

 

Sharon

[Duanerice1]

First of all I have never been on a bad cruise. Some not as good as others but never a bad one. I’ve been on countless Carnival 4 – 5 day cruises and just recently took a 7 day Carnival crusie. It would have been great except I was used to Celebrity. I mean it was fine, absolutely nothing wrong with it. I would do it again, sure, but there would have to be a pretty substantial price difference. I must say, our waiter was the best we’ve ever had. Food was pretty good to. Not outstanding but pretty good.

 

But we came away longing for Celebrity. So much so that when they ran a January special a few weeks after we got back we jumped on a 5 night Celebrity cruise just to get our fix. I can’t put my finger on it but it isn’t the same. Now we don’t stay out until 1 am. Always wondered what people do after the show if they don’t drink and gamble.

 

As an example though, when the shuttle was dropping us off at the ship we dropped some passengers off at Carnival first. I mean this place was a mad house. People everywhere, noisy, looked like total chaos. Went down to the Celebrity terminal and it was so quiet. Hardly any people, not much noise, just a much more relaxing experience. That really highlighted the difference in the lines.

 

There is not as much “in your face” activities during the day. We don’t really hang by the pool much but it looks like everyone is having a good time. We have a pool and year round great weather at home so no need to fight the crowds.

 

People take cruises for different reasons. Some go to party, others to see the islands, etc. We go to relax. Give me a balcony on the sea with a good book and I am fine. I mean we do participate, use the gym, go to the shows, etc but we don’t need to be entertained all the time. Give it a shot, you will always find something to do and shouldn’t be bored.

 

On a side note, the S class ships are some of the nicest I’ve seen. I don’t agree with some others about the design “flaws”. Great ship.

Enjoy,

Duane

[PROCRUISE]

Thank you to everyone for the valuable information. We have been thinking about a change of pace. Going on the same cruiseline you begin to know what to expect. We really think this itinerary is fantastic. It is the big draw for us. It has 4 islands that we haven't been to.

 

We are lucky because my husband has 5 weeks vacation and has no trouble getting off 2 weeks at a time. We take a 2 week vacation almost every year.

 

Sharon

 

Just another 2 cents worth.

 

As you can see we're VIP with CCL but decided to give Celebrity a try aboard The Equinox and The Constellation. The Equinox is probably the most beautiful ship we've ever cruised upon and the ship environment was very upscale but relaxing. Best buffet set up we've seen on any ship and shows were very good. Food is a very subjective subject, so I'd say the food is only slightly better than CCL but CCL has better desserts! We basically picked Celebrity for the great itineraries and found we truly enjoyed this cruise line. Will be on The Millennium in January, again because of the great itinerary. I suspect you'll be very pleased with your Celebrity cruise but we have nothing negative to say about CCL either. :)