Decisions....

[PortMaster]

We have cruised many times, mostly with Carnival. We have been considering 2 Celebrity cruises for the ports that are not offered by Carnival or are very limited through them.

 

Our question is:

 

What is the main or major difference between the 2 Cruise Lines in anyone's opinion?

 

No bashing is necessary on either side, just opinions please.

 

Thank you very much in advance!!!

[jelayne]

Celebrity is quieter- no announcements about bingo, contests , etc. No hairy chest competition, no water slides or mini golf. Food is better, great bars (martini & Molecular in particular) crews are wonderful, officers more visible and interact with guests. Generally a more refined adult atmosphere.

 

If you prefer a loud party atmosphere I would stick with Carnival. If that's not important to you give Celebrity a try.

[4774Papa]

We have cruised many times, mostly with Carnival. We have been considering 2 Celebrity cruises for the ports that are not offered by Carnival or are very limited through them.

 

Our question is:

 

What is the main or major difference between the 2 Cruise Lines in anyone's opinion?

 

No bashing is necessary on either side, just opinions please.

 

Thank you very much in advance!!!

I have never cruised on Carnival, but know people that have.

 

From what I hear, in some ways the differences are small.

 

However, I think you will find Celebrity's cruisers to be less the party hardy type and more into wine tasting.

 

The food on Celebrity is pretty good. Celebrity's cruisers are probably older and well traveled.

Carnival's clientele are probably cut more across the population spectrum.

 

I have cruised NCL and it is probably somewhere between Carnival and Celebrity. I like Celebrity the best. Celebrity is a class cruiseline.

[PortMaster]

Thank you both for your responses. We cruise mainly for the destinations so unless it's 4+ sea days, it would not be an issue to us what does or does not go on during those days. We like the comedy shows that Carnival has though.

 

I was in the Navy for more than a few years and I have traveled around the world many times and that is what started my sense of 'adventure'. I am trying to make sure my wife sees as many places as possible which is why we are looking elsewhere.

 

We do not mind the 'Hairy Chest" contest etc, but we do not take part or sit around to watch them. Some of the shows are enjoyable and we give the other entertainment a try when able...We spend time in the casino but are not big on the bingo and other similar offerings.

[Orator]

Celebrity smoking policy makes a Hugh difference for many. No smoking in cabin, on balcony or casino. In fact, no indoor smoking permitted. Some designating outside smoking areas.

[bighairtexan]

I'm elite on Celebrity and over 20 cruises with Carnival.

 

Food and service is more polished on Celebrity.

But that's not to say the food and service isn't good on Carnival. I just prefer Celebrity.

I like the more subdued decor on Celebrity. Sophisticated vs glitzy.

 

The stricter smoking policy on Celebrity is more to my liking.

I like that you can order off the MDR menu in your cabin w/ advance notice.

 

 

I find there is more night life on Carnival (love the piano bar in particular), and I prefer the entertainment on Carnival in general.

I like Carnival's deli and pizza, but Celebrity's room service menu w/ hot breakfast options.

[phoenix_dream]

I would say Carnival is like a dinner at TGI Fridays. Celebrity is like a dinner at Capital Grill. Both are nice but depends on the atmosphere you want. Carnival has more kids, more color (decor), more noise, more activity, more "fun". Celebrity has more adults, usually an older crowd overall, more quiet, more"sophisticated" activity, and IMHO the edge as regards food and service.

[DancerOT]

As a note, I think it is also important to think about when you are going. The quietest cruise I was ever on was on Carnival, the craziest to watch the drunks and partiers was RCCL, and the one where I partied the most (staying at the club til 5am) was on Celebrity. Actually, the two where I partied the most were both on Celebrity.

 

In all honesty, I think every line has something to offer. I really enjoy the waterslides, the piano bar (when you have a good piano player) and the comedy club on Carnival. Whereas I like the service (talk about pampering!), the decor, and the martini bar among other things on Celebrity. My personal feeling is that if you go in with an open mind and are ready to have fun no matter what, you will.

[PortMaster]

I was looking at the Southern Caribbean cruises out of San Juan. Grenada was one of the stops we wanted as was St Croix (I have been there plenty, but DW has not), Antigua and Dominica. Probably in spring 2015, as we already have 2 booked for 2014 with another Line.

[OCruisers]

Celebrity is quieter- no announcements about bingo, contests , etc. No hairy chest competition, no water slides or mini golf. Food is better, great bars (martini & Molecular in particular) crews are wonderful, officers more visible and interact with guests. Generally a more refined adult atmosphere.

 

If you prefer a loud party atmosphere I would stick with Carnival. If that's not important to you give Celebrity a try.

 

The above pretty much covers it.

 

Also ... and PLEASE not starting a smoking threat .... just saying ....

Celebrity is not "smoker friendly" which is a big minus if you smoke BUT a plus if you don't.

 

LuLu

~~~~~

[Jane2357]

Carnival is FUN - Celebrity is romantic and relaxing. Service is equal with both being excellent - slight edge to Celebrity for food. The piano bar on my Oct. Carnival cruise was the best hangout - tons of fun with a wonderful piano player, wish Celebrity had the same. Carnival is like going to a birthday party - bit noisy with lots going on - Celebrity is like going to an upscale restaurant - refine elegance. I can have a blast on either line!