Coming over to Celebrity after RCCL

[DHADEN]

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

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.

 

When are you going, lov?

 

We start ours on June 5th! Have Equinox booked bofore that, though. ;)

[thebutlerdidit]

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.

 

 

 

 

That overhang was very welcome on our Alaskan cruise. We ate on our balcony rain or shine (there wasn't all that much shine) and never got wet. I wouldn't hesitate to get the same cabin again.

[BroncosFan2010]

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

 

I think we are the only ones who hate this.

 

 

We hate it too! I want quiet dinners, and not have to pay for a speciality restaurant every night to get it (even paid for a speciality dining and there were screaming kids in Portofino when we were there.... NOT a fan). I loved my waitstaff in the main dining room on Royal, but hated seeing them rushed because they had to dance or do something cheesy. Worse, on our B2B we had the kids paraded around, in pirate costumes, the dining room at late seating, around 9:00 on FORMAL NIGHT! Talk about ruining a romantic evening. I hope Celebrity does not do this either.

[BroncosFan2010]

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

We have Serenade booked next June for a B2B.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

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.

Here is the link to my RCCL B2B review on the Serenade: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1266348&highlight=

[topsailgirl]

I recently cruised RCCL after being a loyal X cruisers. I usually stay in suites on X so I get pampered. On my RCCL cruise, no suite -- stayed in ocean view cabin. I expected that the level of service would be lower on RCCL but I have to say it was not. I was pleasantly surprised at the excellent level of service throughout the ship. I will sail with X whenever possible for many of the reasons listed above, but it is not because of a difference in service levels.

[cruiselvr04]

Another Diamond RCCL loyal here thinking about jumping to X after our November cruise on Navigator. We won't miss the pirate parade or the singing in the dining room either!!!

 

We usually book a D1 or D2 on RCCL and often aft balcony. On S class should we do a CC cabin and if so which ones have a larger balcony? I am unsure of what to book. May wait until we are on board the Navigator to do so but really unsure about cabins. I don't think we are Blu people (don't know if DH would like the food), plus I prefer a cabin that is farther back from the front due to the wind. Thanks for the advice!

[wwcruisers]

We hate it too! I want quiet dinners, and not have to pay for a speciality restaurant every night to get it (even paid for a speciality dining and there were screaming kids in Portofino when we were there.... NOT a fan). I loved my waitstaff in the main dining room on Royal, but hated seeing them rushed because they had to dance or do something cheesy. Worse, on our B2B we had the kids paraded around, in pirate costumes, the dining room at late seating, around 9:00 on FORMAL NIGHT! Talk about ruining a romantic evening. I hope Celebrity does not do this either.

 

Yikes -- that brings back unpleasant memories from a previous cruise on RC. :eek:

DH and I had Chops reservations for 8:00 pm (had looked forward to it all week). We were in the middle of our first course, when a party of 5 was seated at the table next to us. Looked like grandparents, parents, and a little girl about 3 or 4. Well, it was obviously past her bedtime, because she began to cry almost immediately after they were seated -- and the adults in the group pretty much ignored her. When we quietly asked the Maitre'd if we had misunderstood the age policy, he said no, but when people make their reservations on line, there is no way to enforce the restaurant's age/time limits. :rolleyes: I do have to say that the efforts of the Chops wait staff were nothing short of heroic at keeping the cranky child entertained, and getting the family fed and out the door as quickly as possible.

On Solstice, I believe that children are allowed in Silk and Tuscan Grille, but Murano is adults only. I know we didn't see any the night we ate there. :D

[Sail Girl]

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

 

My DH and I tried the Liberty of the Seas because it was new and the fare for the 7 day cruise was inexpensive. Boy were we glad we didn't spend a lot and the cruise was only 7 days! The only thing we enjoyed about the cruise was the people we met. You couldn't drag us back on that ship.

We'll stick with Celebrity and hope we enjoy thier largest ships. If not, we'll sail on the M class ships as they have a layout and amenities we enjoy.

 

Glad your experience was a good one and you thoroughly enjoyed ithe Liberty of the Seas!

Aren't we luck to have choices to satisfy all of us!?

[HNLGAL]

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.

Very much enjoyed your comparison and am now really looking forward to our Infinity cruise to Alaska next May. One question though... I have read that those "welcome aboard" drinks are not free, as one would think. I read that after you accept one, they ask you to give your card to charge. Can you tell me if that is true or perhaps on another line? I just don't want to be embarrassed at the time. Thank you!

[HNLGAL]

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.

 

What is MTD please? I know MDR and SR but MTD? Thank you!

[Gonzo70]

Very much enjoyed your comparison and am now really looking forward to our Infinity cruise to Alaska next May. One question though... I have read that those "welcome aboard" drinks are not free, as one would think. I read that after you accept one, they ask you to give your card to charge. Can you tell me if that is true or perhaps on another line? I just don't want to be embarrassed at the time. Thank you!

 

The sparkling wine and mimosas are free as you board. They will not ask for your card.

[mrshark]

we are pretty much done with RCL, and prefer their premium line Celebrity. Of our last 5 cruises, 3 have been with Celebrity, 2 with Royal. Our last one was in the spring, 5 nights to Mexico with Royal. To us anyway, their quality of food, entertainment, etc was way off. It just didn't impress us. Our last Celebrity cruise was on Solstice in September 2009 in the Mediterranean. We were wow'd for sure, from food to service to the ship, etc etc.

 

Needless to say we booked Solstice again for our winter break next year, and won't hesitate to book another Celebrity cruise after that. from Zenith to Constellation to Solstice the ships were great.

 

My friend sailed on Oasis of the seas, he and his wife were not happy, aid there were lines for everything,a nd bigger was not better.

 

We have found a home in Celebrity and will stick with them.

[lovemylab]

What is MTD please? I know MDR and SR but MTD? Thank you!

 

My time dining.

 

You get to choose the time to eat, and you can also choose whether to sit with just your own party or with others.

[reklawr]

Here is the link to my RCCL B2B review on the Serenade: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1266348&highlight=

 

 

Broncosfan, Nice review! Thanks for taking the time to do the review.

[DHADEN]

Here is the link to my RCCL B2B review on the Serenade: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1266348&highlight=

 

Broncosfan, Nice review! Thanks for taking the time to do the review.

 

 

Me too, Amanda!! Thanks a lot!

[Barbee524]

What is MTD please? I know MDR and SR but MTD? Thank you!

 

I know your questions was already answered but... we're on the same cruise to Alaska next May!

 

If you haven't already, be sure and drop by the roll call.

[jerseygirl3]

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.

 

Connie is probably our favorite ship. If you can grab an aft Concierge Class balcony cabin, go for it. The balconies are humongous and the little "extras" that go along with a CC class are really nice.

 

Jo-Ann

[BroncosFan2010]

Connie is probably our favorite ship. If you can grab an aft Concierge Class balcony cabin, go for it. The balconies are humongous and the little "extras" that go along with a CC class are really nice.

 

Jo-Ann

 

I would love aft, but it looks like they are all taken right now. I will keep my eyes out!

[tha sista]

Glad I found this thread! I have 21 cruises with Carnival as its become comfortable. I am booking an Alaskan cruise in July on Infinity for a conference. Not jumping 'ship' and not unhappy but this is convenient and really want to do this cruise.

 

Can you give me some cabin selection tips, booking with X tips. We will be selecting at least a concierge class cabin, but don't know where on the ship to look for or any specific cabins to ask for. Are there any ins/outs to be aware of for X. I have been trying to scour CC...I feel like a fish out of water over here on your side...weird huh? Any info you can provide is much appreciated!

[NnJ2010]

you've already gotten great advice. IMO if you like RC and want a slightly more upscale and more relaxing cruise, then you will love Celebrity. We've done four different lines and now we pretty much only look at RC and celebrity with celebrity being our first choice especially if it's just the two of us. It is a bit quieter and older. We started cruising them about 9 years ago (which would have made us 27 and 34) and we were definitely some of the youngest passengers back then. However, I would imagine that's changed a bit in the last few years with all of the marketing. (it's been a few years since our last cruise so I won't have the latest and greatest info.) :)

 

We loved the M-class ships. Those were what got us hooked on celebrity back then (along with the food and service and overall quieter atmosphere). Beautiful ships. And I would definitely make plans to go to the Oceanliner. I know they updated the Constellation but if this restaurant is still similar to the Normandie and the others in that category, I have yet to find a specialty restaurant on a cruise ship that rivals these restaurants. They are in a class all their own. (again its been a couple years so...there are probably others now as well but these were phenomenal!)

[phoenix_dream]

The Connie is just an amazing ship - one of my very favorites (and that was before the upgrade). I have cruised RCCL, Princess, NCL, and Carnival. IMHO none of them come even close to what Celebrity offers.

 

Everyone has different tastes and expectations, but for me and my family, Celebrity is IT. I am now in my late 50's, but have been cruising primarily Celebrity since I was in my 30's. I go on cruises to relax and to feel pampered and special. I don't want to be bored silly, but neither do I want constant partying, or children running and screeching up and down the hallways (I love kids; just don't want hords of them vacationing with me). While I have enjoyed all my cruises, I just don't find any of the other cruiselines I mentioned measuring up to Celebrity in that regard.

 

If you are looking for a little more refined, pampered environment (but stopping short of being stuffy), with excellent service and good food and entertainment, you will not be disappointed.

[KCcruisin07]

The Connie is just an amazing ship - one of my very favorites (and that was before the upgrade). I have cruised RCCL, Princess, NCL, and Carnival. IMHO none of them come even close to what Celebrity offers.

 

Everyone has different tastes and expectations, but for me and my family, Celebrity is IT. I am now in my late 50's, but have been cruising primarily Celebrity since I was in my 30's. I go on cruises to relax and to feel pampered and special. I don't want to be bored silly, but neither do I want constant partying, or children running and screeching up and down the hallways (I love kids; just don't want hords of them vacationing with me). While I have enjoyed all my cruises, I just don't find any of the other cruiselines I mentioned measuring up to Celebrity in that regard.

 

If you are looking for a little more refined, pampered environment (but stopping short of being stuffy), with excellent service and good food and entertainment, you will not be disappointed.

I agree. X food and service are great, and so is the ambiance!

[BroncosFan2010]

The Connie is just an amazing ship - one of my very favorites (and that was before the upgrade). I have cruised RCCL, Princess, NCL, and Carnival. IMHO none of them come even close to what Celebrity offers.

 

Everyone has different tastes and expectations, but for me and my family, Celebrity is IT. I am now in my late 50's, but have been cruising primarily Celebrity since I was in my 30's. I go on cruises to relax and to feel pampered and special. I don't want to be bored silly, but neither do I want constant partying, or children running and screeching up and down the hallways (I love kids; just don't want hords of them vacationing with me). While I have enjoyed all my cruises, I just don't find any of the other cruiselines I mentioned measuring up to Celebrity in that regard.

 

If you are looking for a little more refined, pampered environment (but stopping short of being stuffy), with excellent service and good food and entertainment, you will not be disappointed.

 

Sounds exactly what I am looking for! Thanks!

[HNLGAL]

Glad I found this thread! I have 21 cruises with Carnival as its become comfortable. I am booking an Alaskan cruise in July on Infinity for a conference. Not jumping 'ship' and not unhappy but this is convenient and really want to do this cruise.

 

Can you give me some cabin selection tips, booking with X tips. We will be selecting at least a concierge class cabin, but don't know where on the ship to look for or any specific cabins to ask for. Are there any ins/outs to be aware of for X. I have been trying to scour CC...I feel like a fish out of water over here on your side...weird huh? Any info you can provide is much appreciated!

 

Hi Sista,

This is similar to a question I posed a couple of months ago and this is what I have gleaned from everyone since then. BTW I am sure you will find X ' s beds MUCH more comfortable than those boards on Carnival! I couldn't believe how very uncomfortable those beds were... like sleeping on a board! The very worst bed I have EVER slept on (we were in a Suite on the Legend). Anyway, here's what I have learned about X's cabins... good luck and have fun! Oh, before I forget... What I do is go to my ship (On X's website) pull up the deck plans and just compare... as all M ships are touted to be the same or very much alike, you can pretty much expect the same cabin number on each. Here you go... (I included a couple of other tips I learned along the way as well).....

 

" I've printed my tickets and luggage tags on the computer, BUT was told a month from our cruise I can call and order hard tags which I will do. Why not just call Celebrity and ask for luggage tags..... I did call. Was told they can't be issued because I have not been ticketed yet."

"If you want a large balcony at a low price, consider one of the "Sweet sixteen" cabins... They are on the Penthouse deck, Category 2C. The 16 cabins with extra large balconies are:

 

6021, 6023, 6025, 6027, 6029, 6031, 6033, 6035 and

6016, 6018, 6020, 6022, 6024, 6026, 6028, 6030

 

These balconies are about double the size of the other 2C balcony cabins, but you don't pay extra :o)

• sky suites on Millenium class ships are basically the same except the two that are next to the Penthouse suites. Those are much larger and decorated in the same way as the penthouse suites. We had one on Infinity and it was great. There is a walk-through door to the balcony but that did not detract whatsoever, the rest of the cabin made up for it.
  
• The CC (Concierge Class) AFT cabins on Celebrity's Summit are shown online as having the exact same size balcony as all the other CC cabins, but - let me assure you - that the AFT cabins' balconies for CC are HUGE!
  I - at the moment - do not have the exact sq. footage - but they appear to be as large as the cabin itself in length and width as well. We had friends booked in 8 of those cabins and they make it well worth the signing up for them. There are a minimum of two lawn-type deck chairs, 2 tables and some regular chairs and those are just in the area under the roofing, which is half of the balcony. No wy you can miss with those cabins!
  
• Deck 7 (Vista deck) has 2 cabins that have an angled balcony that is the size of a suite if not bigger. They are nearly 3x the size of a standard veranda cabin. They are 7049 and 7080- IN addition, they are very much more private, with nobody to your left and it feels like you are jetting out over the ocean. very cool...
  Similar cabins on deck 6 are 6053, 6048. deck 8: 8045, 8046. i would not recommend the ones on deck 9 due to overhang. Best one is deck 7 by a long shot!!!
  
• Do not book 8108 on the Summit. Concierge class. Balcony is too small for two people. Obstructed view. And, smells of sewage.
  
• Concierge Cabin 9038 on the Millenium is a great cabin. The balcony has extra room as it is on a angle. The rest of the room is the standard size for concierge level, but the larger balcony makes it very very comfortable. It had a large table for breakfast, two padded chairs and a small round table. There actually would have been room for a lounger, but we didn't bother to ask for it. A great room (and if you get Vali as your attendant - it's an added bonus!)"
  

Happy Sailing!

• 
  

[silentbob007]

I just booked my first X cruise ... looking forward to trying something new. Interesting comparisons so far ... thanks. :)