Celebrity is not more expensive

[dock]

@Jim_Iain, we’re excited to try O as well, however a recent reviewer indicated that if we like X ( which we do, price is the problem), then  we’d “ be bored out of  our minds on O”.I’m a bit anxious, but we’re keeping our options open.
 

Who knows we may be back on X in the future, but for the next couple of years all our cruises are not on X. We’re still doing family cruises on Royal though. Perfect for young adults. 

[Lastdance]

Variety is the spice of life; these years are going by way too fast, so do what makes you happy.  There is really no reason to be upset when someone is providing their own opinion on here, as you can always check it out or not.  If you are happy with your cruise bookings, no matter the cruise line, that’s great for you!  Booking another line does not necessarily mean you do not have great memories about Celebrity!  It just means that you have a sincere reason to open the door to a wider variety.  Some people found Celebrity the same way.  We all love cruising, or would not necessarily be on this site.

 

Edited March 3 by Lastdance

[Gracie115]

17 minutes ago, dock said:

@Jim_Iain, we’re excited to try O as well, however a recent reviewer indicated that if we like X ( which we do, price is the problem), then  we’d “ be bored out of  our minds on O”.I’m a bit anxious, but we’re keeping our options open.
 

Who knows we may be back on X in the future, but for the next couple of years all our cruises are not on X. We’re still doing family cruises on Royal though. Perfect for young adults. 

 

There is no question that O is much quieter in every way than X.  There is nightly entertainment in the theater, usually a piano player in the martini lounge and violin trios or quartets that perform in a few different areas.  But that's it for evenings.  We were fine with this, loved the violinists, went to 2 of the shows just to see how they were (okay) and that was about it.  But then that's been no different for us on X cruises.  We enjoy our balcony in the evenings and walking around the ship.  

 

[Liao]

13 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

 

There is no question that O is much quieter in every way than X.  There is nightly entertainment in the theater, usually a piano player in the martini lounge and violin trios or quartets that perform in a few different areas.  But that's it for evenings.  We were fine with this, loved the violinists, went to 2 of the shows just to see how they were (okay) and that was about it.  But then that's been no different for us on X cruises.  We enjoy our balcony in the evenings and walking around the ship.  

 

I sailed on Riviera, before refurb, lovely ship even then, food was very good, service, almost as good as Celebrity, entertainment was almost an afterthought and very repetitive.  After 9PM...crickets.

[Dolebludger]

Actually, somebody who ranks onboard entertainment high on their list of “must haves” on a cruise would be disappointed in lines like O, Regent, Silversea, and such. Actually, the best entertainment I’ve experienced on a cruise was on NCL! But I found every other factor about that line not to my liking.

[cruzzzinma]

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

I'm surprised how many Ex Celebrity I'm meeting over on the Oceania Forum.

Everyone we met on Oceania used to sail Celebrity, Princess and/or Holland America. They were all friendly and interested in our first-timer perspective on Oceania.

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, cruzzzinma said:

Everyone we met on Oceania used to sail Celebrity, Princess and/or Holland America. They were all friendly and interested in our first-timer perspective on Oceania.

That is the most common compliment I hear on the Oceania board.    Those I have talked to seem to welcome us instantly and not he pretense I often read on Cunard and Silversea.   I  really hope it meets our expectations.   

 

Hopefully my next cruise on Celebrity Solstice in a month will make me more comfortable again with Celebrity.   

[Jim_Iain]

3 hours ago, Gracie115 said:

 

There is no question that O is much quieter in every way than X.  There is nightly entertainment in the theater, usually a piano player in the martini lounge and violin trios or quartets that perform in a few different areas.  But that's it for evenings.  We were fine with this, loved the violinists, went to 2 of the shows just to see how they were (okay) and that was about it.  But then that's been no different for us on X cruises.  We enjoy our balcony in the evenings and walking around the ship.  

 

 

I know we all enjoy different things on a cruise but the thing you list are a plus to us.   I can't remember a show we went to in the last 10 years.   In the evening we are very late diners and usually after closing down Luminae we enjoy a nice quiet drink while listening to nice gentle music either String or Piano. 

 

Our days of staying up to disco the night away to mind numbing base have quietly slipped away.

 

Ugh.... I don't feel as old as I'm painting myself.   

[Straughn]

I am a long time Celebrity cruiser-with my (now deceased) husband and now as a solo. I usually book a Sky Suite as a solo and occasionally Aqua, depending on ship and/or itinerary.  Butlers in the SS are nice, but not a deciding factor in selecting a cabin. Access to the Retreat lounge/Michael’s Club and Luminae are the suite attractions.

 

In December, I sailed on Oceania for the first time, on Vista. I was in a Concierge cabin. I was very impressed with everything, from the service, to the food, to the staff. Once I left my cabin, everything was equal. There was no restaurant, no bar, no area (other than the interior suite lounge; I had access to the interior Concierge Lounge) was off limits. I  have  two more O cruises booked, both in Concierge. Price wise, the Concierge room on O was significantly less expensive than Aqua on Celebrity.  
 

The solo rate on O was not quite double, while the Aqua class rate (cruise only, no perks) on a comparable X cruise, was 2.5 times the  per person rate for two in a cabin. I paid the $30 per day cost to upgrade to the Premium beverage package on O. Just comparing cruise, beverage package, and Wi-Fi, I saved close to $1500 by sailing on Oceania. I have two more cruises booked on O and one more booked on Celebrity. After, that we shall see which cruise line I choose.

[billc23]

5 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

It is impossible to make a blanket statement about all cruises and classes of cabin. 

 

After many years as an exclusive upper Celebrity Suite Passengers I finally decided to explore other cruising opportunities and have found some very good deals that won my booking as oppose to Celebrity.   Price was on of the considerations while many other changes at Celebrity also played into my recent bookings.   Our target market is different from many others is usually CS and RS.

 

I will give one example - Where Price had a major influence on decision.

 

Oceania -   Istanbul - Barcelona  -  Oceania Vista Nov 9, 2025   10 Day

Booking includes $600 OBC, Free Champagne, Free Specialty Dining , Free Wif,  Free drinks with all meals and a cocktail hour.   They do sell a premium upgrade.

 

We booked the Owner Suite  which is larger than a PH so that can be used for comparison -  $24,000.   To us it was an incredible deal-

 

Compared to Celebrity on a similar cruise approx same number of days -

Celebrity Suite    $20,536    500 Sq Ft

Royal Suite          $29,536    759 Sq Ft

Edge Villa            $34,536     950 Sq Ft

Penthouse           $40,536    1,575 Sq Ft

 

 

 

Highlights

• Complimentary laundry service - up to 3 bags per stateroom (some restrictions apply)
• Priority Noon ship embarkation with priority luggage delivery
• Exclusive card-only access to private Executive Lounge staffed by a dedicated Concierge featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day
• 24-hour Butler service
• Complimentary in-suite bar setup with 6 full-size bottles of premium spirits and wines from our suite beverage menu
• Complimentary welcome bottle of Champagne
• Fresh fruit basket replenished daily
• Priority online specialty restaurant reservations
• Unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace
• iPad® upon request for your enjoyment on board
• Optional private in-suite embarkation day lunch from noon to 2 pm in Owner’s Suites
• Customized entertainment system
• Bulgari gift set and variety of amenities
• Choice of daily printed newspaper
• Complimentary Oceania Cruises logo tote bag and personalized stationery
• Cashmere lap blankets
• Choice of pillow from a luxurious selection
• Complimentary shoe shine service
• Complimentary pressing of garments upon embarkation (certain limitations apply)

Great post as usual Jim! Friends of ours have stayed in that room and said it was an incredible experience. You will have the entire aft area of the ship with great separation between sleeping and living space. Celebrity Retreat cannot compare to a true luxury line and, until you experience the difference, it is difficult to believe how hassle free the experience is compared to Celebrity.  

 

Why do some have no issue finding lux line sailings at better prices than Celebrity Retreat - as documented by the many posts in this thread - while some find it so difficult??? Perhaps those challenged with this would benefit from a TA who deals with luxury line sailings. 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Oceania 12 night transatlantic Nov 2024 for a balcony is $9700 CAD for 2 

Equinox 12  night transatlantic Nov 2024 for a balcony is $5361 CAD for 2 

Is Oceania $4000 better ? 
We book when the Equinox basic cruise price was $1666 CAD for 2 

[billc23]

Just now, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Oceania 12 night transatlantic Nov 2024 for a balcony is $9700 CAD for 2 

Equinox 12  night transatlantic Nov 2024 for a balcony is $5361 CAD for 2 

Is Oceania $4000 better ? 
We book when the Equinox basic cruise price was $1666 CAD for 2 

To some it may be $4000 better. The luxury line comparison to Celebrity is usually a comparison to the Retreat on Celebrity which has become very expensive. A Retreat SS on the Equinox sailing you posted is probably $4000 more than a balcony - is it worth that much more? Depends on the person. My point is if you are able and willing to pay Retreat prices it makes sense to look at a true luxury line even if you are satisfied with the Celebrity Retreat experience. 

[Jim_Iain]

18 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Oceania 12 night transatlantic Nov 2024 for a balcony is $9700 CAD for 2 

Equinox 12  night transatlantic Nov 2024 for a balcony is $5361 CAD for 2 

Is Oceania $4000 better ? 
We book when the Equinox basic cruise price was $1666 CAD for 2 

 

I truly don't know yet and as I say each of can find comparison even on the same cruise line between  itineraries.   An example would be that when I booked the 3rd leg of the world cruise Singapore to Sydney  I paid $25,000+ for a CS.     After final payment the dropped the price to about $17,000.    I would have to say that left a sour spot with me.    Luckily for me they also dropped the RS by about $10,000 and I was able to upgrade for $350  -   Made me feel better but with the new 10% deposit for a suite and the elimination of refund of deposit on Future Booking Credits -- I have totally shifted booking cruises 2+ years in advance. 

 

Value is what each of us is different.    Would be interesting o see what Oceania when you booked your Equinox cruise.    Also the value of  US$ 3,000 vs CD$4,000 would be different to me than to you.

 

I truly don't believe Oceania strives to compete on the lowest level cabins but they also do offer great opportunities of these cabins for Singles not having to pay 2x-3x premium. 

[Texed]

6 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I'm really interested on how many define Oceania -   They do not consider themself a Luxury Line but in between Celebrity and a Premium Line.  

 

Mr. Jim,

I agree.  I do not think Oceania and Azamara are  luxury lines,  But, they are very nice cruise lines.  When we sailed both lines we thought the regular restaurants were a smidge above Celebrity.  We thought the speciality restaurants were a smidge above Celebrity specialty restaurants also.  The service was comparable, even though Celebrity has many more passengers.

 

We sailed in the Owner's Suite and the forward Vista Suite.  We could only enjoy the forward veranda when we were at slow speed, very windy.  The rear Owner's Suite is our second favorite suite.  The "M" class Penthouse is very hard to beat.

 

If you like a quiet lounge with a drink, you will love Oceania.  We are not partiers at all, but Oceania was too quiet for us.  We do like a little night life and active casino.  But, I am betting you will like your cruise on Oceania.  

 

All of the above is a personal opinion, which I usually do not give because everyone is different.  😊

 

Edited March 4 by Texed

[Jim_Iain]

1 minute ago, Texed said:

 

Mr. Jim,

I agree.  I do not think Oceania and Azamara are  luxury lines,  But, they are very nice cruise lines.  When we sailed both lines we thought the regular restaurants were a smidge above Celebrity.  We thought the speciality restaurants were a smidge above Celebrity also.  The service was comparable, even though Celebrity has many more passengers.

 

We sailed in the Owner's Suite and the forward Vista Suite.  We could only enjoy the forward veranda when we were at slow speed.  The rear Owner's Suite is our second favorite suite.  The "M" class Penthouse is very hard to beat.

 

If you like a quiet lounge with a drink, you will love Oceania.  We are not partiers at all, but Oceania was too quiet for us.  We do like a little night life and active casino.  But, I am betting you will like your cruise on Oceania.  

 

All of the above is a personal opinion, which I usually do not give because everyone is different.  😊

 

 

Thanks---I have always appreciated your perspective.     Not too worried about the forward facing cabins and the wind.    We rarely go out on our deck while at sea ---- except to possibly take a quick sunset picture.   

 

I think I could find enough to do in the Owner's Suite to keep me happy.    Now Iain with 8 Bottles of Liquor or Wine may not even be able to walk. 

 

I know many would not find this amenity of interest but Vista has an indoor smoking lounge which is walled off  with a door from other area.    I think that is how I sold the Vista to him.   I won't be going in but he can smoke in peace out of the weather.

[Dolebludger]

Jim_iain, I can only answer concerning the market placement of Oceania. It is a sister line of Regent. It is a slightly stripped down (as to perks) version of Regent. it is considered a low level lux line or a high level premium. It misses on full lux due to absence of some perks, but it is rated higher than premium due to its smaller size and high space to guest ratio.,

[markeb]

6 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

I know we all enjoy different things on a cruise but the thing you list are a plus to us.   I can't remember a show we went to in the last 10 years.   In the evening we are very late diners and usually after closing down Luminae we enjoy a nice quiet drink while listening to nice gentle music either String or Piano. 

 

Our days of staying up to disco the night away to mind numbing base have quietly slipped away.

 

Ugh.... I don't feel as old as I'm painting myself.   

 

We're kind of the opposite, and I freely admit I haven't even looked at a cruise on any line after our May Alaska southbound cruise on Summit. Booked before the changes, so we do have gratuities included. And before the recent price increases that make you take a deep breath on the Retreat. And while Regent and the like may be comparable to the current Retreat pricing, I don't know that we'll pay that anyway. Which creates quandaries on multiple levels...

 

We enjoy the evening entertainment on Celebrity. Our last two cruises we played a game of "follow the house band". The first was a very cool guitar based mostly rock band from Mexico, and in November a guitar based mostly rock band from the UK. And maybe we're living the youth neither of us had growing up in flyover country. (We saw the remaining members of Kansas last night, have tickets to 5 Springsteen shows starting in just over a month, and I'm catching Alanis Morrisette with Joan Jett in June.) We're 61 and I'm not ready to to spend my evenings listening to strings and piano (unless it's Roy Bittan or maybe Billy Joe). Maybe I'm just a man without a country!

 

I've said before that we're probably looking at land based vacations, and even just driving places in the US versus going on a cruise. It's not a simple calculus for us, as we've enjoyed cruising, but the Caribbean has become multiple stops at the same port, just changing the name, and for the most part if we're going to Europe we'd rather fly, go to a location, and immerse ourselves there. Greek islands and parts of Northern Europe would be the exceptions. The Pacific is different, but I'd rather spend two weeks in New Zealand and/or Australia than bounce around from port to port on a cruise ship. And I enjoy cruising!

 

Oh, well...

[verizon]

16 hours ago, What A Market said:

You will love this suite.

I’ve been fortunate enough to book twice (once on the Marina and once on the Riviera’s maiden voyage).  Threw some great parties there.  

Yes as A SOLO cruiser I like the pricing but the ship is too SMALL and OLD for me.

Thats is the reason why I never step foot on Celebrity Millennium class ships 

I am looking at Cunard Ann. That ship fit me much better.

Edited March 4 by verizon

[adolfo2]

21 hours ago, zitsky said:

So I listened to all the folks saying Celebrity is expensive.  So I got a quote from Regent for a 14 day Japan cruise all inclusive with airfare in a Penthouse B suite with butler.  It came out to ONLY $49,000 for two pax.  I just about fell off my chair.

 

I realize a better comparison might be a veranda cabin which I’ve peeked at before on the website but never formally priced out.  But since Celebrity includes a butler again in all suites I wanted to compare butler for butler.

 

However I still don’t quite see how Celebrity is more expensive than THAT.  I’m not quite ready to spend that much on a cruise.  Unless I get free toilet paper.

Silly comparison... not in the same league!

[Mark_K]

16 hours ago, cruzzzinma said:

Everyone we met on Oceania used to sail Celebrity, Princess and/or Holland America. They were all friendly and interested in our first-timer perspective on Oceania.

That doesn’t surprise me, I doubt many first time cruisers choose a fairly expensive line that specializes in longer voyages to see if they like cruising. 

[zitsky]

51 minutes ago, adolfo2 said:

Silly comparison... not in the same league!

That Regent price does include business air.  It has a larger suite.  Includes all meals and alcohol. And excursions.  Am I missing anything else?

 

What’s the attraction of a small veranda cabin on Regent?  Just that everything is included?  
 

I will do another comparison with a Celebrity veranda cabin.

[tfred]

12 hours ago, billc23 said:

To some it may be $4000 better. The luxury line comparison to Celebrity is usually a comparison to the Retreat on Celebrity which has become very expensive. A Retreat SS on the Equinox sailing you posted is probably $4000 more than a balcony - is it worth that much more? Depends on the person. My point is if you are able and willing to pay Retreat prices it makes sense to look at a true luxury line even if you are satisfied with the Celebrity Retreat experience. 

absolutely true. The per day rate can be attractive outside X Retreat lines

 

The issue that many pax would have is that Oceania, Regent et al have scheduling and port embarkation  

 

X has an easy to remember schedule - Saturday or Sunday departures from easy to get to south Florida   Others may leave from Miami but arrive 12 days later in different port that requires some gymnastics to fly home from. Many working people may only want to take a one week vacation - fly in the night before and then leave and arrive home at the end in one day 

 

Others may have the same daily rate as X but when a 7 day turns into a 12 day the total number may be more than many want to spend, especially if they have more than one vacation per year 

[paulh84]

The Celebrity to premium and luxury line arguments always leave out important context and details. However what I was shocked at was when trying to appease some friends by checking prices on Royal Caribbean's price for a 9 night ABC cruise. To make it an even comparison to Celebrity's All Included, the price for Grandeur of the Seas, which I would likely not even entertain sailing on, was 73% higher than we paid Celebrity for Aqua Class on Eclipse. 

[RichYak]

50 minutes ago, zitsky said:

Am I missing anything else

It seems to me the biggest thing you're missing is that one Regent and the other is a mass market cruise ship with over 2000 passengers.

[zitsky]

3 hours ago, RichYak said:

It seems to me the biggest thing you're missing is that one Regent and the other is a mass market cruise ship with over 2000 passengers.

You mean a mass market cruise line that is elitist because they offer different fares versus an egalitarian cruise line where people spend $20,000-$50,000 on a 14 day cruise?

Edited March 4 by zitsky