Trying to decide between Celebrity and Virgin for Med next summer

[Winterstale]

Trying to decide between splurging on a Rockstar suite on Virgin or an Aqua Class on Celebrity next summer...Really like the itinerary on Celebrity but the thought of no kids is VERY appealing....

It really looks like the ambience on Celebrity is more our speed....can anyone weigh in on what to expect as far as kids go in the med on summer sailings? 

[jelayne]

We have done 4 med sailings on Celebrity and there were children on all of them there not large numbers, maybe 50-60.  We really didn't see any running, yelling and general irritating behavior.

We did see groups of children from the kid club doing organized activities around the ship scavenger hunt, etc.

.

[Winterstale]

That's kind of what I would expect - honestly, I'm actually more worried about Virgin being packed with partying 30-somethings - lol. Not that I don't like to have a good time when I'm cruising? But if they're pumping out house music in all the pool areas? that would drive me bats😁

[Georgia_Peaches]

I would go with Celebrity for this reason...

 

1.  Unlike the Caribbean where many ports are repeats for seasoned cruisers who may remain on the ship for the day...with their kids, a Med cruise is typically very port intensive which means families (most people, really) are likely to get off the ship to explore each port leaving less kid activity on board, during the day at least.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 25, 2023 by Georgia_Peaches

[OysterD]

49 minutes ago, Winterstale said:

That's kind of what I would expect - honestly, I'm actually more worried about Virgin being packed with partying 30-somethings - lol. Not that I don't like to have a good time when I'm cruising? But if they're pumping out house music in all the pool areas? that would drive me bats😁

There has been a 5 or 6 episode documentary on TV here in the UK following the crew on a Virgin ship. From what I could tell, its very much a party atmosphere on their ships. Based solely on what I've seen from that show and watching other videos on Virgin, I think there's a better chance of you being annoyed by the non stop partying on Virgin than there is of you being annoyed by kids on a Celebrity ship. It's a very different atmosphere. 

[basenji56]

1 minute ago, OysterD said:

There has been a 5 or 6 episode documentary on TV here in the UK following the crew on a Virgin ship. From what I could tell, its very much a party atmosphere on their ships. Based solely on what I've seen from that show and watching other videos on Virgin, I think there's a better chance of you being annoyed by the non stop partying on Virgin than there is of you being annoyed by kids on a Celebrity ship. It's a very different atmosphere. 

This is my concern about VV too.  And that is what their marketing indicates is their desired demographic.

 

But anecdotally, it appears that the ships are mostly full of the regular cruisers--retired or almost retired people. I think that is because VV is significantly more expensive than Carnival or Royal.

[Essiesmom]

Just from what I have read here, the dining scene seems to be very confusing on Virgin.  If I go to the Mediterranean I am going for the ports, and want more organization when I am back onboard. I think I would not take. Irvin there unless I had sailed them previously and was familiar with their system.  EM

[C4HCG]

10 minutes ago, OysterD said:

There has been a 5 or 6 episode documentary on TV here in the UK following the crew on a Virgin ship. From what I could tell, its very much a party atmosphere on their ships. Based solely on what I've seen from that show and watching other videos on Virgin, I think there's a better chance of you being annoyed by the non stop partying on Virgin than there is of you being annoyed by kids on a Celebrity ship. It's a very different atmosphere. 

Saw that too, I wouldn’t sail Virgin for free. 

[Juni2106]

3 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

Saw that too, I wouldn’t sail Virgin for free. 

Oh I’m sure you would

 

the hyperbole on here is sometimes staggering 

Edited March 25, 2023 by Juni2106

[Georgia_Peaches]

15 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

Saw that too, I wouldn’t sail Virgin for free

Feel the same way about Disney...and that's not hyperbole as @Juni2106 suggests.  I feel that strongly about it.  And at my tender age of 55, I'm not into the party scene postured by V.V. so probably wouldn't sail them for free either.

Edited March 25, 2023 by Georgia_Peaches

[C4HCG]

18 minutes ago, Juni2106 said:

Oh I’m sure you would

 

the hyperbole on here is sometimes staggering 

Oh I’m sure I wouldn’t. Don’t insult my integrity please, wouldn’t state it if I didn’t mean it. The arrogance of some people on here who think they can make snide comments about others is not sometimes but always staggering.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Which month? 
I been on Celebrity ships in May, June, September and October in the Mediterranean, there was enough kids on the cruise to make a difference 

[OysterD]

1 hour ago, Juni2106 said:

Oh I’m sure you would

 

the hyperbole on here is sometimes staggering 

What hyperbole?

 

Clip from the show. Guests (or 'Sailors' as Virgin refers to them) are met on board with a very energetic guy with a loud hailer giving high fives. I'm sure lots of people love that, but working a very busy and stressful job the last thing I want on my 2 weeks off is non stop in your face over the top madness. Having said that, I'm 40 and also not ready for HAL or Oceania or other similar lines when everyone is in bed by 10pm! I think Celebrity strikes the right balance and is just what I'm looking for. 

 

 

 

Full episode on YouTube incase the OP or anyone else is interested. Maybe take a watch and see if that kind of atmosphere is what you're looking for...

 

 

 

[Jeremiah1212]

2 hours ago, OysterD said:

There has been a 5 or 6 episode documentary on TV here in the UK following the crew on a Virgin ship. From what I could tell, it’s very much a party atmosphere on their ships. Based solely on what I've seen from that show and watching other videos on Virgin, I think there's a better chance of you being annoyed by the non stop partying on Virgin than there is of you being annoyed by kids on a Celebrity ship. It's a very different atmosphere. 

My experience is limited to the Caribbean. It’s different, yes. But the boring parts don’t make good television. The ships are very chopped up so if there is a rambunctious event in one space you could be next door and have no idea. Just like Celebrity’s passengers aren’t 40 year old models in nothing but designer clothes, VV’s aren’t exactly whatis depicted either.

 

2 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Just from what I have read here, the dining scene seems to be very confusing on Virgin.  If I go to the Mediterranean I am going for the ports, and want more organization when I am back onboard. I think I would not take. Irvin there unless I had sailed them previously and was familiar with their system.  EM

There are a lot of options but it’s not confusing at all. Just go to wherever looks appealing. 

 

44 minutes ago, OysterD said:

What hyperbole?

 

Clip from the show. Guests (or 'Sailors' as Virgin refers to them) are met on board with a very energetic guy with a loud hailer giving high fives. I'm sure lots of people love that, but working a very busy and stressful job the last thing I want on my 2 weeks off is non stop in your face over the top madness. Having said that, I'm 40 and also not ready for HAL or Oceania or other similar lines when everyone is in bed by 10pm! I think Celebrity strikes the right balance and is just what I'm looking for. 

 

 

Full episode on YouTube incase the OP or anyone else is interested. Maybe take a watch and see if that kind of atmosphere is what you're looking for...

 

I’m slightly younger than you and share much of the same sentiment, but it’s really not all party and loud all the time. Like I said, my experience is only Caribbean, I suspect a Med cruise would be a little less lively just due to the long port days. Am I super eager to book another? Probably not. But I’m not opposed to it. 

[ccqueenanne]

I was on VV on a 5-night Caribbean sailing, which in my mind would have more party people than a longer Med itinerary. I think VV wanted to be a cool party for a younger demo, but that isn't how it panned out in reality. I'd say there was a bell curve of ages - a few in their 20s, many in their 30-50s, some 60s, a very few 70+. You didn't see the larger numbers of scooters, walkers, wheelchairs that you'd see on X. You do feel the difference with no kids (in a good way).

 

Food on VV was on par with specialty restaurants on X (or better). It was really VERY good, and included. The dining scene isn't at all confusing - at least not for CC regulars who research their cruise lines beforehand. Make your reservations in advance once they open for booking on the app, done and done. There is no drink package, though on a Med itinerary you'll be off ship a lot, so paying per drink may make sense.

 

Here are the potential issues with VV:

- the one pool is very small - that may matter to you or not

- the entertainment isn't cruise traditional, it is more progressive and edgy at times. If you aren't comfortable with LGBTQ+, if a drag show doesn't appeal, you would be more comfortable sticking with X. 

- the standard cabins are a bit Ikea, but that won't be your experience in a Rockstar suite.

 

I'd also note that what makes for a good TV show or advertisement rarely reflects what being onboard is actually like. It isn't a non-stop party, and everyone isn't beautiful. We spent our time onboard much as we do on X - playing trivia, board games, eating good food. Unlike on X, we also went to shows because they were more interesting than what X offers, and we went to the disco (once) and it was hopping. We did drink less, since we didn't have a package.

[morfred]

3 hours ago, C4HCG said:

Oh I’m sure I wouldn’t. Don’t insult my integrity please, wouldn’t state it if I didn’t mean it. The arrogance of some people on here who think they can make snide comments about others is not sometimes but always staggering.

With 24 posts no less.

[Juni2106]

1 hour ago, morfred said:

With 24 posts no less.

it wasn’t snide it was blatant 

 

and talking of snide what does my post count have to do with anything? 
 

 

[NMTraveller]

I think that fewer kids on Celebrity has more to do with the length of the cruise.  For longer cruises, 10 days or more you will not see many kids.  And going over the pond why would anyone book anything shorter?  There were not many kids on my Eastern or Western Med cruise.

 

I have not sailed Virgin so no comment on that line.

Edited March 26, 2023 by NMTraveller

[C4HCG]

5 hours ago, Juni2106 said:

it wasn’t snide it was blatant 

 

and talking of snide what does my post count have to do with anything? 
 

 

It was snide and uncalled for. Hopefully you’ve seen the later posts from other people which explain better than I can why I wouldnt sail Virgin for free. In fact I’d go further, I wouldn’t if they paid me.

[Accessor]

First off, unless you have been on Virgin, hold back judgement based on YouTube video opinions.

 

We have been on 3 Virgin cruises, and have been on over 10 Celebrity, so we have 1st hand experience with both lines. we are a married M/F couple in our early 50's.

 

Vigin superior vs Celebrity (IMHO)

 

1. Virgin food is top quality (not cheap cuts of meat like Turkey found on C) , and it's all free (well, unless you want something special like Truffles or a seafood tower). Filet for lunch in Wake open everyday? YES. That's just one example. Tons of food options and most have longer hours. Best pizza at sea! And food isn't banquet style it's all cooked to order so you can modify anything easily!

2. NO kids. Yes, NO kids. That's a BIG positive. I don't care if the ship only has 50 on board, they will still manage to be found and some aren't exactly well behaved (most are).

3. Tons of activities and entertainment choices. Nearly all are free, except some with booze options. Sure, they have a dag show, but NOBODY is forcing you to go. We avoided this show, but decided to give it a try and it was super funny and entertaining

4. The average age on Virgin is 50. Yes, they originally thought it to be lower, but it's not. I would guess it's somewhat lower than Celebrity....but it's no more of a party ship then Celebrity especially since their is no all you can drink package. Less completely over served people, IMHO. The shorter cruises are more of a party vibe, as expected with any cruiseline

5. SERVICE. It's authentic. Not robotic. Crew is not stressed and overworked like any other cruiselines. It shows in how much more relaxed crew is. Happy crew, Happy pax.

6. Ship size. Perfect and not too big. Rarely do they exceed 2,000 guest. Never feels crowded

7. CHEAPER drinks. The prices of all drinks are all inclusive, no plus 20%! You can get bottle service in some venues. 375ml bottle of Vodka or Gin is about $45 including fees and mixers!

8. Bimini private beach club. WOW, great place to chill and relax without all the annoying slides and other stuff geared towards the under 18 crowd.

9. Price online is all inclusive, except alcoholic drinks. Tips, standard bevs like soda, internet, dining.

 

Virgin inferior to Celebrity

 

1. Ship design. It's very unpolished in some areas. More industrial and design over function.

2. Buggy app, yes, it's getting better...but still have some polishing to do

3. Rooms are as luxurious, and storage not as well planned. It works, but overpackers be aware

4. Bathrooms are WAY too small. Period. Good quality shower gear, but too small.

5. Entertainment isn't mainstream. Don't expect musicals. Good news is you can choose what appeals to you.

6. Confusing layout with bad signage.

 

Please read opinions from pax that have sailed on both cruiselines...too many experts that have never stepped foot on Virgin can tell you why not to try it!

 

 

 

 

 

[Sigyn]

15 hours ago, OysterD said:

There has been a 5 or 6 episode documentary on TV here in the UK following the crew on a Virgin ship. From what I could tell, its very much a party atmosphere on their ships. Based solely on what I've seen from that show and watching other videos on Virgin, I think there's a better chance of you being annoyed by the non stop partying on Virgin than there is of you being annoyed by kids on a Celebrity ship. It's a very different atmosphere. 

Ack. That sounds like a nightmare cruise to me. A non-stop party? Even a high-end (as in, non-Carnival cruise) style party? Nope. I'm 55 and that is not my style. 

[Sigyn]

15 hours ago, Juni2106 said:

Oh I’m sure you would

 

the hyperbole on here is sometimes staggering 

Actually, there are many cruises I wouldn't do for free, either. A few years ago, at my last job, I was often offered cruises for $100 pp. (that's right, $100 pp) Cruises on the luxury cruise lines as well as the regular ones. They were last minute cruises, with 4-8 weeks notice, unfilled cabins. Some that were going for up to $8,000 pp if you were buying them at that moment for yourself. With butlers and concierge service. In suites. I didn't go because while they sounded nice, I simply didn't want to spend the time rushing and trying to deal with everything to go last minute. And I was busy in my job, and sometimes our kids were in school, etc. Instead, I offered them to my friends, who did go and had a fabulous time. 

 

But not everyone wants a free cruise. I can definitely say that I wouldn't take one if the cruise line, schedule, and itinerary didn't interest me. 

Edited March 26, 2023 by njsmom

[TeeRick]

We sailed Constellation in the summer through the Mediterranean and Adriatic regions.  Very port intensive.  It was a ten day cruise from Venice.  There were hardly any kids at all even though it was in school summer vacation period.   Excellent cruise!  We have never sailed Virgin.  But we are thinking of Viking.  Biggest drawback for us is there is no casino.  Not that we are big gamblers but we do like to partake a few times a cruise.

Edited March 26, 2023 by TeeRick

[Georgia_Peaches]

27 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

But we are thinking of Viking.  Biggest drawback for us is there is no casino.  Not that we are big gamblers but we do like to partake a few times a cruise.

We also considered Viking for a Med cruise.  I was disappointed there was no casino as well but the thing that sealed it for us as a no-go was the fact that they wanted final payment almost a year out of embarkation day.  I'm not willing to tie my money up in free loans to a cruise line, so we passed.  I would, however sail Viking for free if it were offered 😁. 

[TeeRick]

22 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

We also considered Viking for a Med cruise.  I was disappointed there was no casino as well but the thing that sealed it for us as a no-go was the fact that they wanted final payment almost a year out of embarkation day.  I'm not willing to tie my money up in free loans to a cruise line, so we passed.  I would, however sail Viking for free if it were offered 😁. 

Is the final payment refundable for some period of time?  Or is it lost if you cancel anytime within that year?