Alternatives to Celebrity

[Mimiya11]

On 8/16/2023 at 3:43 PM, Poconolady said:

Does anyone have any personal experience with Viking Ocean cruises? I’m about ready to jump ship from Celebrity.

We were on the Viking Star in March.   We found a Panama Canal cruise that fit our timing better than Celebrity and wanted to try a Viking Ocean.   We loved the size of the ship, easy to find nice spaces (well except for early mornings on sea days), the customer service, and the cabin.  The food did not blow us away but we did have a few excellent meals and decided to keep to the buffet as we loved eating outdoors, had all the same choices as in the main dining room (including made to order steaks) and an amazing FREE gelato bar.   We did find the ship a bit sleepy and seemed an older demographic (we are in our late sixties but enjoy 70's/80's/90's rock music so hung out in the Explorer's Lounge a lot).  Other venues were more music from the 40's, classical (which was nice) and not much else so it is snoozy at night.   We are not jumping ship from Celebrity so fast (going on a TA in November) and did not enjoy our one and only HAL cruise.  Friends going on Azamara next month for the second time which they love.          

[Jeremiah1212]

2 hours ago, basenji56 said:

I am booked on Crystal too. But after their recent bankruptcy and seeing how many clients lost money, many of us are wary of their financial situation. 

The new Crystal cruising today is a totally different company. Same ships, same name, but that’s it. The new ownership is split between Abercrombie & Kent and a holding company that is run by the former owner of Silversea. 

[basenji56]

7 minutes ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

The new Crystal cruising today is a totally different company. Same ships, same name, but that’s it. The new ownership is split between Abercrombie & Kent and a holding company that is run by the former owner of Silversea. 

Hopefully they are well capitalized and can withstand any future pandemics. 

[neverlaysup]

15 hours ago, jelayne said:

Ive been looking at Regent and Seabourn anyone here have any experience on either of them. 

We've sailed twice on Regent over the last year. One in the Caribbean and the other being Alaska. It is a small ship vibe with super friendly, low maintenance guests. Food and drink are far superior to Celebrity (better than Murano) and entertainment was good (we don't do the big shows and prefer small lounge acts...they were good). Most of the shore excursions were free (no free helicopters but plenty of great tours included) If you can get a good deal, give them a shot.

[MamaFej]

15 hours ago, jelayne said:

Ive been looking at Regent and Seabourn anyone here have any experience on either of them. 

You might find this thread helpful. 

There are a few rather pretentious posts. If you can get past them, there is also some good, helpful, relevant information. 

 

 

[kirtihk]

15 hours ago, jelayne said:

Ive been looking at Regent and Seabourn anyone here have any experience on either of them. 

Yes, on both.  They are really good!  Seabourn was better for us: Regent Splendor we had (a new) is for 746 people, and Seaborn Venture (an also new ship) was an expedition ship with 264 people.  Food was better on Seabourn.  Regent is the best for space (square footage per person in open areas) among all cruise lines we've been on.

Edited August 18, 2023 by kirtihk

[Baron Barracuda]

We've moved over to Viking for our last couple of sailings and are very happy.  Miss the casino and big time entertainment but enjoy their free dining options and love all the inclusions.  Can initially appear pricey but they are always releasing discount codes which are posted in the "post Viking promos thread" in the VO board.

[Nemanoxer]

Saying goodbye to Celebrity after the cruise next week. Will try a German cruise line and Princess instead.

[RainbowRichard]

On 8/17/2023 at 10:22 PM, Chrisclaire said:

I posted a question on the P&O UK forum "P&O v's Celebrity"

Some interesting responses.

Good to hear your P&O experience was pleasantly surprising!

We have only ever sailed with Celebrity and have loved every cruise......Inside, Balcony, Concierge & Aqua

However our most recenct one last Sept was a little disappointing. 

We are leaving from Sydney in October on Solstice and will make a decision after that as to who we cruise with next.

As you say, Celebrity prices are excessive and for us it's about what else is out there that is similar but not so expensive!

 

Thankyou to the OP for this very interesting/helpful post!

 

I think part of the reason for being pleasantly surprised was that we perhaps had lower expectations than we do of Celebrity but I’ll post some further thoughts on there for the benefit of everyone else - thanks for the link. 

[SueMo]

We, too, were looking to cruise a different line after so many downgrades in the X experience (especially food)over the years.  We have done some HAL cruises and have found them to be a little better than X in some areas and a little worse in others.  When a lot of CC posters recommended Oceania, we were hoping to find a new home.  But although they are better food-wise, their entertainment was dreadful and amenities we expected to get, such as free shuttles into city centers, weren’t available unless already offered by the port authority.  Also, two ports of call were canceled last minute, without sufficient explanation. We have a transatlantic VV booked for next year, so we’ll see how that goes.  
We recently cancelled a cruise to Australia and New Zealand and found a tour company that has set up a 13 day self drive tour, including car rentals, flights from the north island to the south, hotel rooms which include breakfast, and tickets to many attractions for not a whole lot more than the cruise would have cost us and we’ll see much more.  We did the same in Iceland a few years back and loved it.  I’m thinking our solution is to quit cruising and do more land tours!

[happy cruzer]

Compared to booking a suite on Celebrity, I would definitely go with Seabourn instead.  Smaller ship with great service.  And you do not hear No for anything remotely reasonable.

 

Booking balcony or less, just go with the line that offers the itinerary you prefer and tailor your trip to what you like.  Those big ships on major lines usually offer a huge variety of options, you don't have to do all of it like I often see people complain that they don't need a rock climbing wall, etc. - Don't go there.  Like good dining then pay for the specialty restaurant; still much more affordable than suites.  It may not be perfect but you can get a very enjoyable cruise on most lines.

 

And leave the door open for Celebrity, we are booked on one of their Asia cruises.  Love the itinerary and the overnight visits.

 

Love hearing everyone's take on the changes happening to travel.

[Islander500]

Wow!  Thanks to everyone who has so thoughtfully shared their experiences and advice. Have lots to consider and appreciate reading about other great options. I’m excited to try different lines and experience the variety described. I feel somewhat liberated!  🎉

[di T]

2 hours ago, SueMo said:

We, too, were looking to cruise a different line after so many downgrades in the X experience (especially food)over the years.  We have done some HAL cruises and have found them to be a little better than X in some areas and a little worse in others.  When a lot of CC posters recommended Oceania, we were hoping to find a new home.  But although they are better food-wise, their entertainment was dreadful and amenities we expected to get, such as free shuttles into city centers, weren’t available unless already offered by the port authority.  Also, two ports of call were canceled last minute, without sufficient explanation. We have a transatlantic VV booked for next year, so we’ll see how that goes.  
We recently cancelled a cruise to Australia and New Zealand and found a tour company that has set up a 13 day self drive tour, including car rentals, flights from the north island to the south, hotel rooms which include breakfast, and tickets to many attractions for not a whole lot more than the cruise would have cost us and we’ll see much more.  We did the same in Iceland a few years back and loved it.  I’m thinking our solution is to quit cruising and do more land tours!

Would agree with your comment on Oceania! We tried them a few months ago and don’t think we will cruise with them again.Entertainment was so old fashioned. Food was good but the price was a good bit more expensive, and that tiny bathroom was the smallest I’ve experienced lol

[deliver42]

I found Princess pretty comparable to Celebrity at a lower price point.

[SHIP TRAVELER]

We are trying Regent next year.  We booked a guarantee window suite on a 7 day western Carib cruise.  The price of $5800 for two includes shore excursions, all dining, premium drinks, tips, and $1500 OBC.  The smallest room is 300 square feet with a separate tub and shower stall and a nice table.  From my reading many are upgraded to a balcony when booking a window guarantee but we are not huge balcony users so the size is the big thing.  Our latest Sky Suite on the infinity was much smaller.  We like to play a little and there is a casino on board.  We are giving Regent a try to see how it compares to the Sky Suite product which is now priced through the roof and does not include excursions or specialty dining.  The Sky suite on all classes loses points for the high shower/tub combo and the lack of a decent table for in room dining. 

[keysey222]

We go back and forth between Celebrity and HAL. Not that HAL isn't doing much of the same cost-cutting shenanigans as Celebrity, but they are a solid alternative. They just posted their 2025 Europe cruises and I was pleasantly surprised by their itineraries. We're booked with Celebrity for 2024 and returning to HAL for all 2025 cruises due to better itineraries for us. They only thing we'll miss is the Retreat sundeck.

[Islander500]

1 hour ago, di T said:

Would agree with your comment on Oceania! We tried them a few months ago and don’t think we will cruise with them again.Entertainment was so old fashioned. Food was good but the price was a good bit more expensive, and that tiny bathroom was the smallest I’ve experienced lol

I’ve read about the tiny bathrooms. Are they the same in all O ships? Haven’t they improved on them in newer ships?  Curious.  

[di T]

33 minutes ago, Islander500 said:

I’ve read about the tiny bathrooms. Are they the same in all O ships? Haven’t they improved on them in newer ships?  Curious.  

Have only sailed on Oceania for the first time in June, we were on one of the small ships in a regular balcony.Shower was so cramped and both Hubby and me are slight built! Don’t know how a large person would manage. We had a lovely time though, but for me it’s unusual to not book a future cruise while onboard.

[ECCruise]

2 hours ago, Islander500 said:

I’ve read about the tiny bathrooms. Are they the same in all O ships? Haven’t they improved on them in newer ships?  Curious.  

Only the R Class ships have the small bathrooms, of which the shower is probably the only factor.

Oceania: Regatta, Insignia, Sirena and Nautica

 

Marina and Riviera have larger bathrooms, as does newest ship Vista and upcoming Allura.

 

All 4 Azamara ships (Quest, Journey, Onward and Pursuit) also have the same small bathrooms.

 

Frankly, we've sailed those R class vessels hundreds of days and wouldn't call the bathrooms our favorite, but really have had no issue with them at all. 

[Veinless]

4 hours ago, deliver42 said:

I found Princess pretty comparable to Celebrity at a lower price point.

Yup! Just booked them for 14 days in the Mediterranean. Celebrity is slowly cutting its own throat. 

[MamaFej]

We had an Oceania cruise booked for 2020, but... 2020.

 

We've heard very good things about their food. A small bathroom isn't as big a deal for me as for some, as I have been an RV-er my whole life.

 

However, I'm reading about short scheduled port times and lots of cancelled ports. We cruise for itinerary, and port times are a big deal for us. 

 

It's good to have options, and I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences.

[MustBCruzn]

4 hours ago, keysey222 said:

We go back and forth between Celebrity and HAL. Not that HAL isn't doing much of the same cost-cutting shenanigans as Celebrity, but they are a solid alternative. They just posted their 2025 Europe cruises and I was pleasantly surprised by their itineraries. We're booked with Celebrity for 2024 and returning to HAL for all 2025 cruises due to better itineraries for us. They only thing we'll miss is the Retreat sundeck.

 

Thank you so much for heads-up on the 2025 itineraries. We just booked an awesome Adriatic cruise for Oct 25 to make up for the May 24 Beyond Adriatic cruise that Celebrity cancelled on us with no notice (I heard it on CC first).

[hubofhockey]

On 8/17/2023 at 1:29 AM, wineoclock said:

He’s really good. I enjoy watching his videos.

Bembridge is one of the few honest YouTuber cruise people around.  Too many of them are either travel agents or love everything.  

[ChucktownSteve]

1 hour ago, Veinless said:

Yup! Just booked them for 14 days in the Mediterranean. Celebrity is slowly cutting its own throat. 

I don't believe they are cutting their own throats.  Maybe they are  with their previously loyal customers however I believed they have dramatically shifted their target.  Notice the shorter cruises?  Notice the diminished food quality, I'm sure many can add to the list.  I believe it's designed to attract the new and move up cruiser who has never tasted steak and believes hamburgers are good.  Thus the cut of meat won't matter to them.  It's all optics.  As long as Celebrity fills the ships with unaware people willing to pay the higher prices for less, that's where they make their margins.

[NutsAboutGolf]

8 minutes ago, hubofhockey said:

Bembridge is one of the few honest YouTuber cruise people around.  Too many of them are either travel agents or love everything.  

 

He produces good content yet he's too monotone for me to fully pay attention to him.  Jay from TheShipLife is as balanced as you can be.  He's former crew so can share perspectives others can't.  He does reviews and cruise news, he has been accused of being click-baitish but those are his "cruise news" video, not his ship reviews