Coming over to Celebrity after RCCL

[BroncosFan2010]

After our wonderful Back to Back on RCCL's Serenade, we have officially decided to make Celebrity our next cruise line!

 

We feel completely new at cruising since deciding to try a new line. We are looking at the Constellation out of FLL in April for the 14 night exotic southern Caribbean route. We usually book a balcony cabin on on RCCL, usually an E1 category or higher. How would this compare to a CC class or regular Veranda room on Celebrity?

 

What other things should we be looking for that are different from RCCL?

Any tips and advice would be appreciated.

[sue7045]

After our wonderful Back to Back on RCCL's Serenade, we have officially decided to make Celebrity our next cruise line!

 

We feel completely new at cruising since deciding to try a new line. We are looking at the Constellation out of FLL in April for the 14 night exotic southern Caribbean route. We usually book a balcony cabin on on RCCL, usually an E1 category or higher. How would this compare to a CC class or regular Veranda room on Celebrity?

 

What other things should we be looking for that are different from RCCL?

Any tips and advice would be appreciated.

 

We are also jumping cruise lines. I am a diamond member of RCCL and have done alot of their ships. We decided to go to Celebrity and I am as excitited as I was for my first cruise. I am looking forward to new menus, room and the bars! I am watchng your post to see any tips.

[cruie4ever]

The Constellation is a M class ship(about the same size as the Serenade) & the typical Balcony cabins are 170 sq ft ,a bit smaller than a E1 on the Serenade of the Seas @179 sq ft . However , the Concierge balcony cabins are 190 Sq Ft on the Connie & you get more perks.

 

If you are Diamond level on RCCL make sure that you get the Elite level with Celebrity for the best perks in the industry .Take a look at the reward levels at http://www.Celebrity .com (Captains Club) . Just contact Celebrity about transfering from Diamond to Elite .

 

Imo Celebrity food & service is above RCCL's food & service . Celebrity attracts more of a middle age to the 70s demographics . There is plenty to do on their ships so you won't get bored .

 

We hope that this information is helpful to you

[cruie4ever]

If you cruise on a Soltice class "S" class ship the typical balcony cabins are 192 sq ft & you won't need concierge .If any thing Aqua class is the best to upgrade to because youi then have your own "Blu"dining room +all the Aqua class perks .

 

Diamond level = Elite level on Celebrity & imo the Elite perks are worth $500 -$700 on a 10 -14 night cruise . Make sure you talk to Celebrity to get your Daimond level transfered to Elite on Celebrity .

 

We love Celebrity & have many many cruises on both Celebrity & RCCL

[Gonzo70]

Hello,

 

My first few cruises were with RCI and now I have switched over to X (RCCL is actually the parent company to both X, RCI and a couple other smaller lines). While RCI ships definitely have more energy and nightlife (as well as more families and younger average age), my wife and I both prefer the overall X vibe. X provides a more tranquil, upscale type experience and the food is bit higher end. There are nice touches on X such as they hand you a glass of sparkling wine or mimosa as you board, there are minimal overhead announcements (i.e. no hawking the next bingo game or art auction), no having to sign out for pool towels etc.

 

X also has a much more restrictive smoking policy to RCI; on X no smoking at all in the casino, all indoor bars/lounges but one, and no smoking in any staterooms or private balconies. My wife and I really are pleased with this policy.

 

In terms of staterooms, Concierge Class rooms offer some additional perks that regular balcony staterooms do not have such as a bottle of sparkling wine in your room upon arrival, priority boarding, fruit and fresh flowers in your room, afternoon canapes delivered to your room etc. On M-Class ships (of which Constellation is one) the Concierge Class staterooms are also slightly larger than other balcony staterooms. If Concierge Class is not much more expensive, I'd go for it, but the perks are not worth a very large price difference over a standard balcony room IMHO.

 

So long as a lot of late night entertainment is not a big priority, it is defintely worth giving X a shot. We are glad we made the change and are next three cruises are now booked with X.

[Host Anne]

We have sailed on many Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships over the years and enjoyed them all. The M-class ships (Constellation was the last built but the most recently refurbished) are wonderful. They are built on the same hull as the Serenade (Radiance class). They are among our favorite class of ships.

 

We are sailing on the 14-night Constellation cruise in February and can't wait. There are many similarities between the lines but there are some distinctions. There are typically fewer younger children on Celebrity; food, while subjective, is usually rated a bit higher on Celebrity with Celebrity's alternate restaurants definitely a step above Roya ships restaurants in my opinion.

 

Celebrity ships are usually a bit more sedate. While there are plenty of activities you won't find regular announcements or things like the belly flop at the pools.

 

You will find friendly and service-oriented staff (which we've found on Royal as well). You'll have great bars and lounges to enjoy and nice perks from your Diamond status which transfers to Celebrity's elite status as already mentioned.

 

I would recommend making speciality restaurant reservations on line if you plan to try them (we really enjoy them). But with a 14 night cruise it's probably less of a challenge to get a reservation once onboard.

 

Really, the differences are subtle but I think you'll enjoy Constellation.

 

One other thing that is truly unique to Connie (as she is affectionately called). Perry Grant is the entertainer in Michael's Club. There is no one else like him at sea. He's fun, flamboyant, funny, demands attention and provides entertainment that most truly enjoy.

 

Our favorite cabins on Constellation run across the back of the ship. They all have bigger balconies and we love to watch the wake. The corner aft cabins (you normally have to have at least three people to book them) are my favorite cabins at sea and they aren't a suite. There are only a handful of them so they go quickly. But the cabins next to them are very nice as well.

 

Have a great time planning and looking forward to a new experience.

[Solstice23]

The Constellation is a M class ship(about the same size as the Serenade) & the typical Balcony cabins are 170 sq ft ,a bit smaller than a E1 on the Serenade of the Seas @179 sq ft . However , the Concierge balcony cabins are 190 Sq Ft on the Connie & you get more perks.

 

If you are Diamond level on RCCL make sure that you get the Elite level with Celebrity for the best perks in the industry .Take a look at the reward levels at http://www.Celebrity .com (Captains Club) . Just contact Celebrity about transfering from Diamond to Elite .

 

Imo Celebrity food & service is above RCCL's food & service . Celebrity attracts more of a middle age to the 70s demographics . There is plenty to do on their ships so you won't get bored .

 

We hope that this information is helpful to you

 

 

same size basically but way less passengers on Connie

[Solstice23]

We have sailed on many Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships over the years and enjoyed them all. The M-class ships (Constellation was the last built but the most recently refurbished) are wonderful. They are built on the same hull as the Serenade (Radiance class). They are among our favorite class of ships.

 

We are sailing on the 14-night Constellation cruise in February and can't wait. There are many similarities between the lines but there are some distinctions. There are typically fewer younger children on Celebrity; food, while subjective, is usually rated a bit higher on Celebrity with Celebrity's alternate restaurants definitely a step above Roya ships restaurants in my opinion.

 

Celebrity ships are usually a bit more sedate. While there are plenty of activities you won't find regular announcements or things like the belly flop at the pools.

 

You will find friendly and service-oriented staff (which we've found on Royal as well). You'll have great bars and lounges to enjoy and nice perks from your Diamond status which transfers to Celebrity's elite status as already mentioned.

 

I would recommend making speciality restaurant reservations on line if you plan to try them (we really enjoy them). But with a 14 night cruise it's probably less of a challenge to get a reservation once onboard.

 

Really, the differences are subtle but I think you'll enjoy Constellation.

 

One other thing that is truly unique to Connie (as she is affectionately called). Perry Grant is the entertainer in Michael's Club. There is no one else like him at sea. He's fun, flamboyant, funny, demands attention and provides entertainment that most truly enjoy.

 

Our favorite cabins on Constellation run across the back of the ship. They all have bigger balconies and we love to watch the wake. The corner aft cabins (you normally have to have at least three people to book them) are my favorite cabins at sea and they aren't a suite. There are only a handful of them so they go quickly. But the cabins next to them are very nice as well.

 

Have a great time planning and looking forward to a new experience.

 

 

agree 100%

[algorithmannie]

Fantastic summaries of the differences. Very accurate. I haven't cruised on Connie, just on Solstice, but there is a different vibe to Celebrity.

 

RCCL advertises that they are a cruise line for active families... very accurate. I would advertise that Celebrity is a for pampered relaxation. It's very modern and has good energy... not super slow and boring feeling... lots of activities but very geared toward an upscale relaxing experience. Less families, but there are still young people.

[workingboy]

The other big difference that I would point out is smoking. Celebrity has much more restrictive smoking policies. Not sure if this makes a difference to the OP.

[BroncosFan2010]

This all sounds fantastic! I love the strict smoking policy, the idea of fewer kids/families, and a laid back experience. RCCL has it's good qualities, but DH and I enjoy a quiet vacation. We don't want cartoon characters in your face, and loud music/announcements at all hours of the day. We don't need belly flop contests and sexy legs competitions. I can definitely live without pirate children parading around the dining room during late seating on formal night!

 

Is there anything that I should know about booking with Celebrity that will be very different than RCCL? I guess I am wondering if there is anything significant to watch out for or be aware of that you only can know about once you have cruised with Celebrity.

[Barbee524]

We jumped ship from RCI to Celebrity in April and loved Celebrity so much we didn't hesitate to book another cruise on them to Alaska next May. The only reason our next cruise in October is on RCI and not Celebrity is that we had a next cruise certificate for RCI and needed to use it up.

 

You'll really enjoy the Elite benefits you'll receive on Celebrity much better than what RCI is now offering to Diamond members. I relaly liked having only one announcement a day, just the captain at noon. I also thought the food and the service was better.

 

My biggest problem with RCI though is the size of their newer ships, they're just too darn big. I really like the Vision or Radiance class ships, really disliked the Mariner and can't even imagin going on the Freedom or Oasis class ships. If I want to stay at a mega-resoret, I'll book a resort not a cruise on one of these behemoths(sp).

 

Also as a smoker I have no problem at all with the smoking policy on Celebrity

[BroncosFan2010]

We jumped ship from RCI to Celebrity in April and loved Celebrity so much we didn't hesitate to book another cruise on them to Alaska next May. The only reason our next cruise in October is on RCI and not Celebrity is that we had a next cruise certificate for RCI and needed to use it up.

 

You'll really enjoy the Elite benefits you'll receive on Celebrity much better than what RCI is now offering to Diamond members. I relaly liked having only one announcement a day, just the captain at noon. I also thought the food and the service was better.

 

My biggest problem with RCI though is the size of their newer ships, they're just too darn big. I really like the Vision or Radiance class ships, really disliked the Mariner and can't even imagin going on the Freedom or Oasis class ships. If I want to stay at a mega-resoret, I'll book a resort not a cruise on one of these behemoths(sp).

 

Also as a smoker I have no problem at all with the smoking policy on Celebrity

We feel the exact same way about RCCL's bigger ships! Another reason to switch.

[R'man]

My biggest problem with RCI though is the size of their newer ships, they're just too darn big. I really like the Vision or Radiance class ships, really disliked the Mariner and can't even imagin going on the Freedom or Oasis class ships. If I want to stay at a mega-resoret, I'll book a resort not a cruise on one of these behemoths(sp).

 

Before taking Liberty I said the same thing...I was dragged the first time. I was first one aboard the second time around.

[wwcruisers]

This all sounds fantastic! I love the strict smoking policy, the idea of fewer kids/families, and a laid back experience. RCCL has it's good qualities, but DH and I enjoy a quiet vacation. We don't want cartoon characters in your face, and loud music/announcements at all hours of the day. We don't need belly flop contests and sexy legs competitions. I can definitely live without pirate children parading around the dining room during late seating on formal night!

 

Is there anything that I should know about booking with Celebrity that will be very different than RCCL? I guess I am wondering if there is anything significant to watch out for or be aware of that you only can know about once you have cruised with Celebrity.

 

After 8 years of exclusively RC cruises, DH and I sailed on Solstice (Eastern Caribbean) last February -- we loved it! Although I have no complaints about the ships, food, or service on RC, I think that Celebrity is just a notch above. We also try to avoid kids and smokers -- and we found that to be easier on X. One thing to be aware of -- since there aren't constant blaring announcements over the PA system, you do need to pay attention to the Celebrity version of the "Compass" -- or you'll miss some fun stuff. :cool:

[klingoncruiser]

As a D+ member on RCI, I really like both lines. I find Celebrity is a bit more upscale on service and food (subjective subject). RCI ships are second to none though.

 

You will be very pleased with the cruise.

[wwcruisers]

Oh, and BroncosFan -- on Solstice at least, we had "behind the scenes" tours of the kitchen -- with the head chef as our guide! I seem to remember a similar tour of the theater, but we missed that one due to a scheduling conflict.

[Barbee524]

I just remembered another reason to cruise on Celebrity. You are allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine onboard at embarkation.

 

We had a bridge tour on our cruise which was the annual reunion cruise. It still makes me chuckle when I think about our first cruise on Celebrity being a reunion for us.

[finzzup]

One of my favorite differences, they serve you in the buffet lines. You don't have to worry about other people's dirty paws in the prepared food. (Yes, I am neurotic about this.)

 

Glad to hear they have tightened up the smoking more. Just hope they enforce it. Our last X cruise had "wanderers."

 

Just tried our first cruise on a rival, never again!! Celebrity has spoiled us.

[DHADEN]

First off, I want to hear all about your Serenade B2B!!

We have Serenade booked next June for a B2B.

 

After our wonderful Back to Back on RCCL's Serenade, we have officially decided to make Celebrity our next cruise line!

..............

What other things should we be looking for that are different from RCCL?

Any tips and advice would be appreciated.

We are RCI Diamonds who also switched to Celebrity - mainly because of teh Diamond perks being taken away while the "Elite Perks" are being extended. We went on the Infinity first - -IT WAS FANTASTIC!!

I couldn't count how many times we said, "Wow, this is as good as RCI used to be!"

 

Warning about the M-Class! Stay away from Deck Nine! There is an overhang that sticks out about 8 or 10 feet over your balcony. You can't even see the sky, and the support beams impead any photographs you take from your balcony.

 

...................

Is there anything that I should know about booking with Celebrity that will be very different than RCCL? I guess I am wondering if there is anything significant to watch out for or be aware of that you only can know about once you have cruised with Celebrity.

 

A couple of big differences when you book with Celebrity:

 

Being Diamond you get the Elite perks, but you have to actually talk to them about setting that up - it is not automatic.

ON RCI, you get $200 balcony discount for being Diamond. You won't get that with Celebrity.

However, you can get the "Booking Onboard" and the "Stock Ownership" On Board Credits, with Celebrity whereas with RCI, you can't combine with the discount.

 

Hope This Helps.

[monkeyinhat]

Secretly hoping waiters do not sing and dance on X :cool:

 

I think we are the only ones who hate this.

[lv2cruisgrl]

We are also jumping cruise lines. I am a diamond member of RCCL and have done alot of their ships. We decided to go to Celebrity and I am as excitited as I was for my first cruise. I am looking forward to new menus, room and the bars! I am watchng your post to see any tips.

 

 

We are doing the same next year, cant wait to do Solstice!!

[Barbee524]

Oh another reason, trays in the buffet, no juggling of your plate and your drink. It's amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference.

[lovemylab]

Secretly hoping waiters do not sing and dance on X :cool:

 

I think we are the only ones who hate this.

 

You're not the only one who hates it. I can handle the singing...I don't like other guests waving their dirty napkin in the air :eek:

 

Easy way to avoid it is book MTD. We did this on our last cruise and didn't have the singing waiters in our area.

 

We also have a B2B booked on Serenade for next year, but have been looking at trying Celebrity. The Solstice class ships look gorgeous and we really like some of the itineraries available.

[Mabers]

OMG.....I haven't even started my Royal cruise yet, and I am missing Celebrity already! Loved Royal, then tried Celebrity, loved it more, but decided to do Explorer on Thursday. Help!

 

Another thing on Cel......on a cold day being met with hot towels and hot chocolate, and on a hot, hot day, being met with cold towels and bottled water after going ashore.

 

Never mind....only a few weeks 'til I'm back on Celebrity again. :D

 

M.