Indulge Package Question

[CRLess]

I haven't cruised on Celebrity since the days of the Century and Mercury...our last 20 something cruises in a row have been on Princess.  Since Princess has no ships down in Florida during August, we're looking at either the Infinity or the Equinox as an escape from all we have going on.  I am trying to decipher the differences in the drink packages/upgrades versus the Veranda/Concierge/Aqua Class (VCA).  Can one of you Celebrity experts answer a few questions I have to that regard...

 

In one of the sailings I am looking at, the difference between VCA at the Indulge level is $114 total (Aqua to Veranda), but with Indulge I get $300/pp on board credit, plus another $100/pp from my travel agent.  Do you have to use any of the OBC in the Spa or can you use your Indulge OBC for anything on the ship, including casino, or are there specific limitations as to what it can be used on?  What do all you Celebrity experts book as far as cabin level and drink package level?  

 

In the days that I sailed on Celebrity, I always enjoyed the product.  Princess has been and likely always will be our go-to brand, but sometimes its good to try something different.  Thanks in advance for steering me in the right direction!

[jelayne]

I would choose Aqua because the assigned dining room for AQ is Blu.  Blu is a smaller, quieter dining room vs the MDR and we feel the food and service are a bit better.  There are also some other benefits to AQ bottle of sparking wine, afternoon canapes (some good some so-so), access to the Persian Garden area of the spa which is nice on the Equinox not as nice  on the Infinity.

 

We always get the Premium beverage package because it includes a wider choice of wines and it includes the martinis at the Martini Bar.  

 

Currently Celebrity has no system to restrict OBC between shore excursions, spa, etc.  You can use it for most anything; specialty dining, excursions, casino, shops, spa, art, extra gratuity to staff, photos, etc.  

 

Personally I would choose the Equinox as it was renovated just before cruising stopped.  The Infinity has not been updated.

[CRLess]

Thanks for the input!

[upwarduk]

23 hours ago, jelayne said:

Personally I would choose the Equinox as it was renovated

 Not fully renovated, due to a crane accident at the dry dock.

Chemmo wrote:

Some rooms (not all) had new bedding and furnishings, some balcony furnishings were replaced. Carpets and curtains remained the same.

The Solstice deck (high forward) deck was turned into a suite deck. Nice furnishings but no water feature and limited shade.

Edited July 10, 2022 by upwarduk

[jelayne]

5 minutes ago, upwarduk said:

 Not fully renovated, due to a crane accident at the dry dock.

Silhouette has been fully renovated.

OP was deciding between the Equinox and the Infinity.