Celebrity vs Cunard: Thoughts? Advice?

[Gary B]

Hi there.

 

We are from the UK (London) and are looking at plans for the coming 2005 Christmas/ New Year. Up to now we have been on the P&O ships and also just back from the Transatlantic crossing on the QE2.

 

For 2005 Christmas we want to go to the Caribbean and are looking at the Celebrity Century from Fort Lauderdale on 24 Dec. Possibly in Royal Suite or Sky Suite.

 

I am wondering if anyone has any advice or thoughts, especially those who may have also been on the QE2 what they think about the ship and the choice and the whole "Celebrity" experience in general. Looking at the readers reviews on the community pages on CruiseCritic overall people seem to really rate the Celebrity Experience.

 

Any comments, thoughts would be much appreciated!!

 

Gary

[signman]

The beds on QE2 are way more comfortable than Celebrity.

[ocngypz]

Many of my British friends enjoy Celebrity's sailings in the Caribbean. I know one lady who books three consecutive weeks each year on Century!

 

If you are a sun worshipper, I would book a Sky Suite on Deck 12. Huge balcony and a great place to escape the pool crowds during the holidays.

 

You will find a higher density of children onboard during the holidays. You didn't say whether you are traveling with children or not. It could be a plus or minus for you.

 

I have sailed both Cunard & P&O... as well as Celebrity. Both Cunard & P&O passengers tend to be more reserved in their demeanor and dress. They also are, for the most part, more seasoned travelers. But then, most Europeans are more seasoned travelers than North Americans.

 

This being said, if I had to choose among the QE2, QM2 or the Century in the Caribbean, I'd pick Century. QE2's a/c is still acting up. QM2 has to tender in all ports and IMHO is just too darn big. Wouldn't mind a transat (no ports)... but island-hopping... no thanks.

 

You will fly in/out of Miami. Your agent can explore pre and post land options for you. I would recommend arriving several days prior to the cruise to get over jet lag.. so you can fully enjoy your cruise.

[Jimsgirl]

Gary Please E Mail with your UK E mail address. I would like to contact you re your transatlantic trip on Cunard.(got 2 cruises booked on QE for this May and Jan 2006)

I have done 8 trips on Celebrity (got another 2 booked for this year) Whilst I cannot compare the two lines, I can say that Celebrity are very good 95% of the time (no line is good 100%)

Food not really French but almost. Captain/Snr officers only dine with passengers once. Think you will like the M class ships best.

Cabins are good size, in fact less expensive inside cabins are far bigger than on the QE2 Bathrooms perhaps not so "swept up", toiletries poor on Celebrity but I always take my own anyway.

No social hosts, dance floors small, limited TV (in my cabins anyway). Staff are very good, smiling and usually friendly and helpful. There are lectures, and I have met various authors on board.

Cost is less on Celebrity of course . and I cannot compare passenger statistics.

 

My E Mail is :- rafex1@earthlink.net

 

I am an ex-Brit by the way, and lived in London before and during the war including l940's!

 

Lynn

[joramrose]

I have made four QE2 cruises (two TransAtlantic) and three Celebrity cruises, including a recent one on the Century in the Caribbean.

 

The QE2 remains my favorite ship.

Why?

 

It is all subjective, anyway, but there are lots of reasons.

 

I found service great on both lines.

 

The bridge (card game to which I am addicted) much much better on QE2. No competition on Celebrity.

 

Century rooms, especially in comparison to insides, quite a bit larger and airier. Outside rooms about the same. And yes, QE2 beds are much more comfortable.

 

Food equally good on both. My favorite dessert is a warm souffle, which QE2 does superbly and Celebrity does not offer. But their creme brulee is exceptional.

 

I like that Celebrity staff will bring special delicacies to the table, night after night, if you ask. QE2 may do that also -- I was so hungy looking at each day's menu choices I just never asked.

 

Food in the Lido (buffet) on QE2 much better than food in the Century buffet (or the Constellation, for that matter) but the ambiance nicer on Celebrity, being a newer ship.

 

QE2 offers far greater variety and diversity of onboard entertainment during sea days. In fact, it often was difficultl making a choice.

 

Casinos bigger, flashier, noisier on Celebrity. I don't know that they pay off any better.

 

Now, no one really goes on a cruise to watch television. but for those times you ARE in your cabin, TV choices much greater and much more interesting on QE2. I especially enjoyed their maps showing ship's current position. Celebrity's not nearly so good, not by a long shot!

 

QE2 had some great shows -- so did Celebrity, but I am not a big show person. QE2 offers a first-run movie in the theater every day if you want.

 

And QE2 has a terrific library and book store. Really a fine selection of light reading as well as travel books and reference material.

 

QE2 is not a new ship. But she is comfortable. Century is not new either, nor Horizon, but I liked both of them better than newer, fancier Constellation.

 

After all, it is a matter of taste.

 

love

joan

[Gary B]

Thanks to all of you for these tips and thoughts!!! VERY helpful indeed. We are very tempted to try Celebrity in the Caribbean now for the 2005 Christmas. Any other thoughts are most welcome !! Gary

[CaptData]

If I went on another ship I would chose a newer one so that it may be as confortable as possible. But this is IMO.

[ClaireP]

Hi, also from the UK and have the luck to travel on Summit in March 2004 and QM2 on the transatlantic crossing in October 2004.

 

I enjoyed both ships and they each have good service. Both cruise lines offer slightly different touches but overall I would rate them as the same standard!.

 

Having said that, QM2 is much more expensive because of her reputation and newness - so where there were celebrity ships doing the same itinerary, I would pick Celebrity - especially in the caribbean, where QM2 would probably have to tender to all ports.

 

I have really enjoyed Celebrity, previously on 2 M class ships (they are great!!!) and am travelling this year on Horizon, before she leaves Celebrity and also booked for Summit round-trip Hawaii in 2006 - book Celebrity - I am sure you will have a great time

[Gary B]

These tips have been very helpful. I have been reading on the boards a lot of grumbles about the state of CENTURY and problems, and that was the ship we had been looking at...... guess maybe I need to look at one of the other ships although the timing and route of the CENTURY departing 24 Dec 2005 was perfect... thoughts? Gary