Royal or Celebrity?

[prmssk]

Just a general comment to those commenting on the age of passengers, we have found that age isn't all that indicative of what a specific individual will enjoy.  We got married on a Holland America ship in our 20s, started cruising Celebrity in our 30s (before even our first Royal cruise), and have tried many of the other cruise lines.  Even at our young age, we feel we really fit it on Celebrity.  The crowd never felt old to us and there was still plenty of energy on the ship.  So to the OP, don't let demographics stop you from trying a cruise line, ship, or itinerary.  Also don't feel you need to stick with the first line you try.  Trying others may help you find a better fit or it might help you appreciate better how Royal is a great fit.  Either way the time is spent creating experiences.  

[PhillyFan33579]

6 hours ago, Mapleleafforever said:

We've only ever cruised Royal (so far) but we've been told that If you can afford the price premium try Celebrity. Might want to take a look at Virgin as well. 

From my own experience cruising on both RCI and Celebrity, there is not a significant price difference if you include drink packages, tips, and WiFi access when comparing prices. Although as someone previously mentioned, I have noticed Celebrity has gotten more expensive as they no longer require purchasing tips, drinks and WiFi for most cabins. My guess is everyone paying for these upfront was helping keep the prices lower across the board. For example, the people who don’t drink much were likely subsidizing the bigger drinks. As others have stated, the vibe is drastically different between Celebrity and RCI. I am in my 50s and enjoy both cruise lines. But I can see Celebrity becoming more appealing as I get older.  

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, the penguins said:

I am so pleased you find this funny.

Your first post clearly said no scooters or walkers.

Presumably your latest post is intended to be funny.

We have friends and relatives who have been in  wheelchairs from birth. Others who fight a daily battle to live life as normally as possible.

My comment on longer itineraries is based on experience. We regularly due the Transatlantics which can be 15 days add on the time needed to travel from the US to join the ship and then get home again and this brings it to 17 minimum. For many younger passengers being away from work this long is not a viable option. 

Yeah, I think you need to relax a little. You aren't the only one who has people in wheelchairs. My father in law is paralyzed and my niece has mobility issues. My original comment was *clearly* about *older* people with mobility issues - not younger, or people from birth. If you go back and read that, I think you'll realize that.

 

As for longer itineraries, a TA or other longer itinerary on *any cruise line* will skew older because of vacation time/retirement. How many 20yrs olds go on RTW cruises vs 7 day cruises? But Celebrity skews older *independently* of cruise length for the reasons myself and others have mentioned. Nothing to do with cruise length, which will make all lines skew older.

 

You seem to be triggered by anyone not recognizing naturally (i.e., age) occurring mobility issues vs those occurring from accidents or other things. Not sure what to say/do about that, other than to again point you back to my original comment which clearly wasn't about that.

 

My point was, and still is, while X is an older crowd, you don't see the scooters and walkers like you might expect to see.

 

 

[alyssamma]

1 hour ago, prmssk said:

Just a general comment to those commenting on the age of passengers, we have found that age isn't all that indicative of what a specific individual will enjoy.  We got married on a Holland America ship in our 20s, started cruising Celebrity in our 30s (before even our first Royal cruise), and have tried many of the other cruise lines.  Even at our young age, we feel we really fit it on Celebrity.  The crowd never felt old to us and there was still plenty of energy on the ship.  So to the OP, don't let demographics stop you from trying a cruise line, ship, or itinerary.  Also don't feel you need to stick with the first line you try.  Trying others may help you find a better fit or it might help you appreciate better how Royal is a great fit.  Either way the time is spent creating experiences.  

Thanks...you actually said what I meant to say in a better way 🙂

 

[Stealthdog]

We like both lines but there are some differences.  These are just our opinion:

 

The Royal ships themselves are usually gorgeous and better looking than Celebrity ships.

 

The food on Celebrity (generally) is better than Royal, particularly MDR and below.  If you mostly dine in specialty restaurants or stay in a suite that gives you access to an alt MDR, you probably wont see a difference.

 

The entertainment on Royal is significantly better - both quality and quantity.  We often skip the shows on Celebrity.

 

Celebrity is a much quieter experience, which is both a pro or con depending on your preferences.  A pro is definately the casino - if you like to play the tables or slots, you will have an easier time finding a seat on Celebrity after 10pm. 

 

As mentioned throughout this thread, you wont find as many children/minors on Celebrity, which is a definate plus for us.

 

Celebrity has an Aqua Class concept that gives you access to a healthier dining dinner option and access to the spa thermal suites, which is very nice.

 

I dont think there is a significant difference in service.  We havent had poor service on any cruse.

 

[hotrock]

Re:  Celebrity   I saw something I thought was called "all included" or something similar.  Also I get the impression that different cabins come with different amenities.   Don't know the details

[davekathy]

2 minutes ago, hotrock said:

Re:  Celebrity   I saw something I thought was called "all included" or something similar.  Also I get the impression that different cabins come with different amenities.   Don't know the details

During the booking process you are asked to choose Cruise Only or All Included. No biggie. Different cabins with RC come with different amenities also. 

[hotrock]

Thanks

[2chiefs]

2 hours ago, Stealthdog said:

We like both lines but there are some differences.  These are just our opinion:

 

The Royal ships themselves are usually gorgeous and better looking than Celebrity ships.

 

The food on Celebrity (generally) is better than Royal, particularly MDR and below.  If you mostly dine in specialty restaurants or stay in a suite that gives you access to an alt MDR, you probably wont see a difference.

 

The entertainment on Royal is significantly better - both quality and quantity.  We often skip the shows on Celebrity.

 

Celebrity is a much quieter experience, which is both a pro or con depending on your preferences.  A pro is definately the casino - if you like to play the tables or slots, you will have an easier time finding a seat on Celebrity after 10pm. 

 

As mentioned throughout this thread, you wont find as many children/minors on Celebrity, which is a definate plus for us.

 

Celebrity has an Aqua Class concept that gives you access to a healthier dining dinner option and access to the spa thermal suites, which is very nice.

 

I dont think there is a significant difference in service.  We havent had poor service on any cruse.

 

Great answers and we agree with these comments.

We also like less kids and so for Royal we cruise mainly when normal school is in session. Less kids. We cruise every year in the weeks before Christmas. Fares are lower and kids are fewer. We also like the month of May before school lets out for summer (and before hurricane season for Caribbean cruises LOL)

 

We also cruise on Celebrity for a laid-back experience.

[clskinsfan]

On 8/15/2022 at 7:33 PM, prmssk said:

Time of year makes a huge difference.  Personally, we prefer a few less kids and so avoid summer and school breaks.  Pre-pandemic, our early December cruise on the Harmony of the Seas had very few children and really was quite a nice cruise.

 

As for the difference between Celebrity and Royal, I don't think you can go wrong with either.  We have had great food, service, and experiences on both lines.  Personally, I think the food and experience is a bit more elevated on Celebrity but food especially is very subjective.  We also like Celebrity's Always Included fares that include the beverage package, wifi, and gratuities.  We prefer Celebrity because it is a more relaxed vibe and we like the smaller ships but don't hesitate to book Royal when Royal has a cruise that interests us.  

This is us as well. We prefer Celebrity. But it does tend to be a bit older crowd. So I would keep that in mind if you are looking for late night partying. I also think the food is better on Celebrity. Especially the specialty restaurants. But we like both lines. And are doing our first Oasis class cruise on Allure in October. NCL isnt bad either. Although I hear they are going to a set menu in the MDR. That would turn us off to them. I do love the Waterfront on their ships. It is a great place to chill out after dinner and have a few drinks. We started with Carnival when our kids were young. It was cheap and a fun family vacation. But we have outgrown that craziness. 🙂

[George C]

49 minutes ago, hotrock said:

Re:  Celebrity   I saw something I thought was called "all included" or something similar.  Also I get the impression that different cabins come with different amenities.   Don't know the details

I was looking at Allure vs Beyond for this November this was a year or so ago , grand suite on allure was about 3k per person same week, Celebrity Beyond was a few hundred less for sky suite both had free WiFi, but celebrity also included WiFi, drink package, tips and 400 each in OBC. Plus celebrity suite restaurant and suite lounge are far superior to rccl . 

[CTSandy]

Celebrity is my comfort level - doesn’t feel as crowded or rushed as Royal, and big difference in the amount of kids.  Jus got back from Alaska on Quantum, which reminded me of all the things I hate about mega ships - long, long lines for tendering and getting off ship.  Celebrity offers little things like live flowers and plants, fabric towels in restrooms, lots of places to just sit comfortably and read.  I also think food in MDR is a little better on Celebrity - also love that it’s smoke free.  We did Quantum because my niece and her husband are both teachers and this worked out better for them, but it was packed with kids, strollers, and screaming in the dining room.  Shows better on Royal, though.  I think both lines are still under staffed and it’s reflected in longer times for dinner.  Staff is professional and polite on both.  Staterooms are comfortable and well cared for on both.

[Ret MP]

I haven't read every post so excuse me if I repeat.  

 

This question is like asking you if I'd like Rum or Whiskey better, I don't like either, except Kraken, BTW.  No one can answer that but me.  So, my answer is try the one you haven't cruised on yet.  You obviously are inquisitive about it, so give it a go.  I think for most/a lot of us, a bad day on a cruise ship is better then a good day on land.  JMHO   

[davekathy]

2 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

I haven't read every post so excuse me if I repeat.  

 

This question is like asking you if I'd like Rum or Whiskey better, I don't like either, except Kraken, BTW.  No one can answer that but me.  So, my answer is try the one you haven't cruised on yet.  You obviously are inquisitive about it, so give it a go.  I think for most/a lot of us, a bad day on a cruise ship is better then a good day on land.  JMHO   

I agree. We don't book or not book a cruise line, ship or intineary based on others positive or negitive experiences or opinions. 

[George C]

30 minutes ago, davekathy said:

I agree. We don't book or not book a cruise line, ship or intineary based on others positive or negitive experiences or opinions. 

We mostly cruise Caribbean and after over 50 Caribbean cruises we now book ships based on the ship and suite perks. European cruises would be more based on ports, since we have only done a couple.

[Cruiscs]

14 hours ago, Stealthdog said:

 

 

The Royal ships themselves are usually gorgeous and better looking than Celebrity ships.

 

 

 

Do you mean the more newer ones(quantum and oasis class)? Have only been on Wonder and Navigator (ship visit only) 
Have been on celebrity eclipse for a ship visit and at that time I believed it was the most elegant and classy ship I had seen. This was in 2016. Probably a little dated these days? Idk. 
 

[2chiefs]

10 hours ago, Ret MP said:

I haven't read every post so excuse me if I repeat.  

 

This question is like asking you if I'd like Rum or Whiskey better, I don't like either, except Kraken, BTW.  No one can answer that but me.  So, my answer is try the one you haven't cruised on yet.  You obviously are inquisitive about it, so give it a go.  I think for most/a lot of us, a bad day on a cruise ship is better then a good day on land.  JMHO   

I agree but it's good to hear what other people like and dislike because it still gives you a flavor of what the cruise might be like ahead of time so you can make a choice. For instance, if many people say they dislike Royal because of all the kids, even though that sounds like a negative, a family-oriented reader will look at it as a positive. So bottom line, I think the discussion really helps. Especially for those folks still working and have to make an important decision if they can only take one vacation a year. Unlike sampling whisky or rum, sampling cruises can be expensive and perhaps they can only take one per year (that was our pace before retiring). 

[2chiefs]

15 hours ago, Stealthdog said:

We like both lines but there are some differences.  These are just our opinion:

 

The Royal ships themselves are usually gorgeous and better looking than Celebrity ships.

<<<SNIP>>>

 

We like both as well.

Interesting that you think Royal ships are more gorgeous than Celebrity. We thought the opposite. Just goes to show that everyone has their own tastes....

Cheers

 

[Cruise a holic]

Having sailed on both lines, they have different positives.  If you are adults and looking for very good food- great service-I would recommend Celebrity- Our favorites are the Solstice class or edge class.  However the summit was redone nicely.  The edge class has great suite perks- the deck for suite guests as well as the restaurant is wonderful.  The adult pool is great- not as many kids- IMO a more restful vacation.  The martini bars excellent- overall excellent service all around-  Speciality restaurants great.  LOVE the no smoking casino and minimized smoking areas.  Great one announment per day policy.

 

The Oasis class on Royal IMO wonderful for multigenerational families.  So much to do for the kids and active young adults.  Entertainment beat celebrity or for that matter any other cruise line including Disney. We just got off the Oasis of the Seas and it was so crowded- back to pre covid days.  Service and food good- but I think Celebrity has the edge.  Shopping on Royal was very disappointing- nothing for toddlers not even tee shirts- selling used watches and handbags- guess they have a market for that merchandise.  Also sailed on the Adventure of the seas in June- very disappointing all around  Felt like a school cafeteria. Food poor to fair.  Service lacking- ship old and rusty.  Problem with plumbing.  

 

Agree that best to sail when school is in session on either.  We currently have three future apex cruises and one Oasis cruise booked over the next 12 months.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 17, 2022 by Cruise a holic

[brillohead]

How is the dress code situation on Celebrity these days?  (I'm almost afraid to ask this... NOT looking for a big debate!)

I just booked a Celebrity cruise (my first in almost 20 years on Celebrity) and it will be at the end of nine weeks of cruising on Royal.  I prefer the MDR over the buffet for dinner, but I'm not wanting to "dress up" every night.  Is a t-shirt going to get me kicked out of the MDR on non-formal nights?

[Stealthdog]

1 hour ago, Cruiscs said:

Do you mean the more newer ones(quantum and oasis class)? Have only been on Wonder and Navigator (ship visit only) 
Have been on celebrity eclipse for a ship visit and at that time I believed it was the most elegant and classy ship I had seen. This was in 2016. Probably a little dated these days? Idk. 
 

 

Ill be able to do a new comparison this December with a b2b on Odyssey and Beyond.  The RCL Freedom and Oasis class ships look much nicer than the Celebrity Solstace class ships imho.  Better interior designs, ship layouts, and interior decorations.  Just my opinion though.

[George C]

18 minutes ago, brillohead said:

How is the dress code situation on Celebrity these days?  (I'm almost afraid to ask this... NOT looking for a big debate!)

I just booked a Celebrity cruise (my first in almost 20 years on Celebrity) and it will be at the end of nine weeks of cruising on Royal.  I prefer the MDR over the buffet for dinner, but I'm not wanting to "dress up" every night.  Is a t-shirt going to get me kicked out of the MDR on non-formal nights?

I was definitely surprised on how casual the dress was on our July 2021 cruise, I wouldn’t wear a T-shirt but don’t think it would be a problem, definitely didn’t see anyone with T-shirt in suite dining room for dinner .

[brillohead]

11 minutes ago, George C said:

I was definitely surprised on how casual the dress was on our July 2021 cruise, I wouldn’t wear a T-shirt but don’t think it would be a problem, definitely didn’t see anyone with T-shirt in suite dining room for dinner .

I'm definitely not traveling in a suite, so no problem there!  Just planning on the plain old MDR for dinner.

[davekathy]

40 minutes ago, brillohead said:

How is the dress code situation on Celebrity these days?  (I'm almost afraid to ask this... NOT looking for a big debate!)

I just booked a Celebrity cruise (my first in almost 20 years on Celebrity) and it will be at the end of nine weeks of cruising on Royal.  I prefer the MDR over the buffet for dinner, but I'm not wanting to "dress up" every night.  Is a t-shirt going to get me kicked out of the MDR on non-formal nights?

Celebrity no longer has formal nights. Depends on the Maitre D at the entrance to the MDR.  No matter the evening I always wear a golf/polo style shirt.

 

Just as an FYI...https://www.celebritycruises.com/faqs/onboard-dress-code

[sjb317]

We enjoy both Royal and Celebrity and I find that we are kind of alternating between them.  I’ve always thought Celebrity ships are more elegant than Royal but Royal is definitely more of a fun, party like vibe.   We recently sailed on Apex and I was completely blown away by the beauty of that ship.  Entertainment was some of the best I’ve seen on any ship and that includes Oasis class. 
 

Food wise, I think Celebrity’s included venues win over Royals but in comparing specialty restaurants, I prefer Royals.  We also like the Martini Bars and World class Bars on Celebrity, plus I think Celebrity ships offer more varied wines than Royal.   Service is pretty equal on both lines.

 

As far as price, if you always purchase a drink package and WiFi on Royal, add the cost of those plus daily gratuity charges to your Royal price and I think you will frequently find the cost for Royal versus Celebrity AI is not to far apart.  
 

Sherri🙂