After 5 P&O cruises.....Ive had a taste of Celebrity...

[kruzgal]

Am guessing that the reference was to the Reflection which has more AQ cabins / AQ class suites. Report are that this means more passengers with the same amount of space.

 

No more ships planned yet I don't think, but to be fair, the Reflection is still quite new, as is the Silhouette. (3 yrs)

 

We have just sailed on Reflection, after 3 previous cruises on various S class ships, and the ship felt no more crowded than the others. From what I have read, the only place the additional cabins can be felt is in the restaurant Blu, since the additional cabins are Aqua Class. We found the ship quieter than ever experienced in the evenings, probably because we were sailing from Italy and they tend to eat late and party late. By the time they were out of the dining room we were on our way to bed!

[Presto2]

By the time they were out of the dining room we were on our way to bed!

 

Don't you just love Italy -------- :):D:cool:

[KarateMan]

500 more --------- that's a LOT of people! I have been reading the reviews of the Reflection and the knock on that the extra passengers had on there.

I have to admit, we were thinking of going on the Azura next year, but when we checked it out we saw that the ship carried more passengers than its sister ship from Princess and had more passengers than the Silhouette by far and not a lot more space. A shame - we really DO want to do an August cruise on P&O as we loved it the last time. :)

 

Wait till you try any of the original Princess Grand class ships and then compare. I have to admit I love the design and facilities and size of them but adding 500 more passengers turns the ships into no-go ships for me and they are on my "do not cruise on" list. I have been on Sapphire Princess (exactly the same as Azura/Ventura) and Sapphire only carries 2,600 passengers. Until you have been on the large ships with less passengers you have no idea what you are missing out on and how much more relaxing it is. Mere words on a forum simply cannot describe how great it is.

 

Too many bean counters have ruined these ships and I will happily sail with the competition to avoid these new oversized monsters.

[smokey01]

Wait till you try any of the original Princess Grand class ships and then compare. I have to admit I love the design and facilities and size of them but adding 500 more passengers turns the ships into no-go ships for me and they are on my "do not cruise on" list. I have been on Sapphire Princess (exactly the same as Azura/Ventura) and Sapphire only carries 2,600 passengers. Until you have been on the large ships with less passengers you have no idea what you are missing out on and how much more relaxing it is. Mere words on a forum simply cannot describe how great it is.

 

Too many bean counters have ruined these ships and I will happily sail with the competition to avoid these new oversized monsters.

 

I have been on Azura, Ventura, Grand Princess and Crown Princess. I never found the P&O ships any more crowded than the Princess ones. Would go on any 4 of them again.

[Denarius]

We have been on Azura twice and Ventura three times. At the time we didnt feel they were overcrowded. However after Celebrity Eclipse its clear they were. More space and less people has to equate to a more enjoyable experience.

 

As an example they have recently revamped Ventura and reduced the largest bar/seating/lounge area (the exchange) by half to put in 18 single cabins. So, whilst 18 people benefit, up to 3400 have to endure a smaller bar area. Penny pinching gone mad. Seems to suggest a cruise line run by accountants, not cruise experts.

 

 

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I agree entirely. I estimate that the bar area itself, excl the casino, has been reduced to a third of its former size. Yet in the latest Peninsular Club mag they boast about it as though it were an improvement.

[kevinyork]

I agree entirely. I estimate that the bar area itself, excl the casino, has been reduced to a third of its former size. Yet in the latest Peninsular Club mag they boast about it as though it were an improvement.

 

Reduced to a third of its size. Thats terrible. Maybe they say its an improvement in terms of revenue, not passenger enjoyment.

 

 

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Edited August 3, 2013 by kevinyork

[kevinyork]

Im interested to see what happens with the new ship due 2015. Being based on Royal Princess which has pretty good passenger space ratios I believe P&O will change it in some way to the detriment of passengers, but spin it to make us believe its an improvement. Probably get rid of a bar and shove in some single cabins. Not that Im against single cabins just that they should build them into the design without reducing space for everyone else.

 

 

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[OldJerseycruiser]

Hi, would like to hear your views on the Antarctica cruise, i presume it was onboard Infinity? We are booked to go next year but a little bit concerned about anti-british feeling in Buenos Airies.

 

Yes, it was on Infinity and we had a fabulous time. We also had concerns about anti-British feeling as there had been several violent incidents before we went, but we didn't experience any of that, even though we had three days in B.A. before joining the cruise.

 

We were also very lucky in that we had the best weather experienced on our cruise for possibly the last ten years (we were told this by the Antarctica expert on board). The Drakes Passage was like a mill pond and, for the first time, the Captain allowed passengers to go up to the helicopter deck to view the scenery in Antarctica as the weather was so calm. He even let a tender off the ship to get a mini iceberg to show us all the striations from rainfall on the ice from thousands of years ago. It was a very special cruise.

 

If you want any further info, let me know.

 

P.S. Did a great tour in the Falklands with Patrick Watts with fellow Cruisecritic people and they let us off first with a special tender.

[Presto2]

I personally didn't find Azura anymore crowded than Oceana for the size, the breakfast was still the same bun fight on both ships, and equinox was no different.

 

Breakfast times in the buffet and searching for a sunbed when it is hot or a comfy place inside when it is raining has been the same experience every time we have cruised no matter how big or small the ship

 

We sailed on Oceana mid August and had loads of space re sunbeds on every sea day --------- unlike the Celebrity Silhouette, to be honest, where we decided to go back to our aft cabin for the day. :)

 

Not sure about the bun fight at breakfast as we don't get up early enough ;)

[jeanlyon]

I have sailed on Artemis, Arcadia, Azura and Fred's Braemar. the only ship where the sunbeds were like sardines was Azura - that is if you could find one. We ended up going right up the top, but then of course you are nowhere near a pool. The main pool had the seascreen on very loud all day and the other pool had loud piped music. Also in bad weather when nobody could go outside, it was so crowded inside. It was a "never again" for us.

 

As for buffet bunfights, the only ship where this was not the case was Braemar. On Fred, you wait to be seated - only a minute or so, then after you have your table you then go and get your food. no need for a tray, just a plate. cutlery is already on the table and white napkins and tablecloths. Not the cafeteria style on P&O. Probably not possible on something the size of Azura, but so much nicer.

Edited August 3, 2013 by jeanlyon

[Thejuggler]

Now back after 2 weeks on Eclipse to Iceland, Faroes and Norway. A trip I would recommend with any cruiseline as it was stunning. The bonus of heavy rain in Norway over the last few weeks and while we were there meant the waterfalls were huge, even the guides were taking photos!

 

Eclipse is a great ship, very well laid out, lots of small bars and rooms so you can always find a quiet spot. Service was exemplary in all departments and disembarkation was the smoothest I have ever experienced, P&O and Princess should try it.

 

Balcony cabin was as large as a superior deluxe on Ventura and the balcony was large enough for the three chairs and a table. Bathrobes for all passengers, towels for hand drying in all public toilets, antiviral handwash dispensed by a member of staff on entry to buffet and when coming back on ship, very difficult to avoid.

 

Drinks prices were reasonable. Cheapest wine in the buffet was $6 a glass, $11 for just over half a bottle, beer $5.25 for draft John Smiths or Heineken, $5.25 - $10 for bottles. Short and a mixer was $8 and the measures are huge. I asked for a G&T with no ice and the gin (Bombay Sapphire) was a third the height of a highball glass. I asked the bar staff about measures and they pour for 5 seconds through a pourer.

 

Restaurant wines started at $30 a bottle and went to thousands, but bottles from the buffet range could be ordered by the bottle from bar staff who worked alongside somelliers, so €22 if you ordered two 355ml carafes.

 

There is NO 15% extra charge on bar bills on Celebrity. Just like P&O the prices include a tip, but extra can be given if you wish.

 

Downsides were the Skylounge at the front of the ship was too often used for upper tier members only events and often when we were leaving port. A shame when in the fjords and Akureyri as no other bars have a forward view and going on deck wasn't an option due to the weather,

 

The entertainment was mixed, we tended to sit near the back so we could walk out early. Someone thought it would be a good idea to ask Bobby Davro to do some shows. He was awful, we lasted 10 minutes before walking out and submitting a formal complaint, we weren't alone.

 

Restaurant Food was varied, but heavily meat based. Lots of steaks, lamb, pork, veal. Not a lot of choice for vegetarians. Buffet was huge and we never found it overcrowded. Stir fries cooked to order, curry, carvery, pizza, hotdogs, burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, fish and chips were available every day.

 

Our speciality restaurant experience was a disaster and we refused to pay.

 

Having now done Ventura, grand Princess and Eclipse it is a better laid out ship than Ventura and Grand Princess, but lacks some features, restaurant food on Ventura and Princess edges it.

[kruzgal]

Just for others that may be going on Eclipse, don't let the banners saying Elite event put you off going in to the Sky Lounge. Every evening, between 5 - 7 pm they offer free drinks to Elite members and the event is often held in the Sky Lounge, but they only actually use half of the lounge - if you keep walking in you should find you are able to sit over on the other side. I have seen many people put off because they see the banner and walk away. I guess if there was an extremely large number of Elites, they might use the entire lounge, but that is unusual and would only typically happen on a transatlantic.

 

Glad you enjoyed the cruise!

[littlesteelo]

I am debating whether to go Celebrity for my summer cruise next year, having done Ventura and 3 on Independence of the Seas. I would prefer to do RCI, but I don't want to go on Independence again, or Adventure, and Brilliance is doing Scandinavia next summer, and we prefer hot destinations.

 

My options are basically as follows:

Emerald Princess to the Med

Celebrity Eclipse to the Med

Azura to the Canaries

Potentially Azura 17 night Med, it may clash with things at home though

Ventura b2b fly-cruise

 

I really do want to do Celebrity, but the price pp works out at several hundred pounds more than P&O and Princess. Yes you get the drinks package included, but the cost of the cruise plus drinks would be less than that on P&O.

 

Is Celebrity worth paying around £1000 more (4 of us) over P&O?

Edited August 18, 2013 by littlesteelo

[kevinyork]

I am debating whether to go Celebrity for my summer cruise next year, having done Ventura and 3 on Independence of the Seas. I would prefer to do RCI, but I don't want to go on Independence again, or Adventure, and Brilliance is doing Scandinavia next summer, and we prefer hot destinations.

 

My options are basically as follows:

Emerald Princess to the Med

Celebrity Eclipse to the Med

Azura to the Canaries

Potentially Azura 17 night Med, it may clash with things at home though

Ventura b2b fly-cruise

 

I really do want to do Celebrity, but the price pp works out at several hundred pounds more than P&O and Princess. Yes you get the drinks package included, but the cost of the cruise plus drinks would be less than that on P&O.

 

Is Celebrity worth paying around £1000 more (4 of us) over P&O?

 

In my opinion, £250 pp to sail Celebrity for two weeks is worth it having been on 5 P&O cruises and 1 Celebrity Eclipse cruise. Remember with the drinks package on X it covers speciality coffees and bottled water too.

 

The Eclipse and the other S class ships manage to present a cosy, classy appearance but still accomodate 2800 people (400 less than Azura and Ventura) and believe me you feel the extra space.

 

 

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Edited August 18, 2013 by kevinyork

[Lovemychoos]

In my opinion, £250 pp to sail Celebrity for two weeks is worth it having been on 5 P&O cruises and 1 Celebrity Eclipse cruise. Remember with the drinks package on X it covers speciality coffees and bottled water too.

 

The Eclipse and the other S class ships manage to present a cosy, classy appearance but still accomodate 2800 people (400 less than Azura and Ventura) and believe me you feel the extra space.

 

 

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I'd definitely second that - no doubt whatsoever :-)

 

Lou

[rubydoobydoo]

Now back after 2 weeks on Eclipse to Iceland, Faroes and Norway. A trip I would recommend with any cruiseline as it was stunning. The bonus of heavy rain in Norway over the last few weeks and while we were there meant the waterfalls were huge, even the guides were taking photos!

 

Eclipse is a great ship, very well laid out, lots of small bars and rooms so you can always find a quiet spot. Service was exemplary in all departments and disembarkation was the smoothest I have ever experienced, P&O and Princess should try it.

 

Balcony cabin was as large as a superior deluxe on Ventura and the balcony was large enough for the three chairs and a table. Bathrobes for all passengers, towels for hand drying in all public toilets, antiviral handwash dispensed by a member of staff on entry to buffet and when coming back on ship, very difficult to avoid.

 

Drinks prices were reasonable. Cheapest wine in the buffet was $6 a glass, $11 for just over half a bottle, beer $5.25 for draft John Smiths or Heineken, $5.25 - $10 for bottles. Short and a mixer was $8 and the measures are huge. I asked for a G&T with no ice and the gin (Bombay Sapphire) was a third the height of a highball glass. I asked the bar staff about measures and they pour for 5 seconds through a pourer.

 

Restaurant wines started at $30 a bottle and went to thousands, but bottles from the buffet range could be ordered by the bottle from bar staff who worked alongside somelliers, so €22 if you ordered two 355ml carafes.

 

There is NO 15% extra charge on bar bills on Celebrity. Just like P&O the prices include a tip, but extra can be given if you wish.

 

Downsides were the Skylounge at the front of the ship was too often used for upper tier members only events and often when we were leaving port. A shame when in the fjords and Akureyri as no other bars have a forward view and going on deck wasn't an option due to the weather,

 

The entertainment was mixed, we tended to sit near the back so we could walk out early. Someone thought it would be a good idea to ask Bobby Davro to do some shows. He was awful, we lasted 10 minutes before walking out and submitting a formal complaint, we weren't alone.

 

Restaurant Food was varied, but heavily meat based. Lots of steaks, lamb, pork, veal. Not a lot of choice for vegetarians. Buffet was huge and we never found it overcrowded. Stir fries cooked to order, curry, carvery, pizza, hotdogs, burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, fish and chips were available every day.

 

Our speciality restaurant experience was a disaster and we refused to pay.

 

Having now done Ventura, grand Princess and Eclipse it is a better laid out ship than Ventura and Grand Princess, but lacks some features, restaurant food on Ventura and Princess edges it.

 

This was not true of our cruise on Equinox in May

15% was added to every drink we had, there was also a bit on the bottom of the slip for extra if you wished

[littlesteelo]

Okay, just worked out it will cost more to do a 14 night on Eclipse than to do the 17 night on Azura. This is going to be a difficult decision to make I think.

[kruzgal]

This was not true of our cruise on Equinox in May

15% was added to every drink we had, there was also a bit on the bottom of the slip for extra if you wished

 

 

The 15% is included in the drinks prices on Eclipse when sailing from Southampton. On all other Celebrity ships the 15% is not included but added on top of the base price. The menu prices are adjusted accordingly so the result is you pay the same on any ship.

[kruzgal]

Okay, just worked out it will cost more to do a 14 night on Eclipse than to do the 17 night on Azura. This is going to be a difficult decision to make I think.

 

If you do book Celebrity, I would say to book direct with them and then keep an eye on the prices. I did this 2 years ago and ended up saving £2000 when the price dropped. I basically printed out a screen shot of the cruise price on the day I booked then did a quick check/dummy booking every few days. When I saw it drop I rang them and a new invoice was sent. It is down to you to keep checking - they will not honour it automatically. They will generally honour price drops before final payment, but you have to take whatever offer is on at the time so you may lose the drinks package for example as that offer may not be running.

 

I think the prices may be higher at the moment because they are adding in the drinks package. Also, the prices are often better when the cruises are first released or in Jan/Feb during the 'wave season', or last minute.

[davecttr]

Am I right in thinking the single supplements for Celebrity are 100%? If so they will only attract very wealthy solo cruisers. They must also miss out on parties of 3 adults when one of the party needs a single cabin.

[kruzgal]

Yes single supplements are typically 100%, although sometimes this is reduced closer to sailing.

[Presto2]

Just returned from the Silhouette and have to say that Celebrity, this time has been amazing. The quality of the food was superb, as was the whole feel of the ship. It was the best in 3 years. I think this one will give P&O a run for its money.....

[redridinghood]

I adore the 's' class ships on Celebrity. Sadly they do not seem to do short trips anymore and the prices have really rocketed. I know I am lucky to be able to go any ANY cruise but have to admit to always wishing it was Celebrity one I was going on next.

[rubydoobydoo]

The 15% is included in the drinks prices on Eclipse when sailing from Southampton. On all other Celebrity ships the 15% is not included but added on top of the base price. The menu prices are adjusted accordingly so the result is you pay the same on any ship.

 

We are sailing from Southampton in May, this time we have booked a drink package, 15% was added to the bill at checkout, so if there is no 15% added to drinks why would it be added to the package ?

[FAB1]

The 15% tip is still paid on all drinks. They have a different Drinks Menu when sailing from the UK that shows the price of drinks with the 15% included. The price of the drink package does not include the 15% so if booking this for a cruise out of the UK they add the 15% at checkout. I prefer it this way as you know the full cost of the drink without having to do a mental calculation to add 15% to the price.