potential newbie

[beaumontbhoy]

just off a rci cruise and looking at new cruise later this year and see a resonable priced med cruise from celebrity... want to know how do the too lines compare. what is smoking policy on celebrity , what enterainent is like and who does food compare

[We're The Groupnors]

We think Celebrity is a notch up from RCI, though I'm sure others will disagree. Only one announcement each day, strict non-smoking policy (no smoking on balconies or in cabins; only half of one inside lounge, and a few outdoor areas), no tough sell on liquor. We think the food is better than RCI, and the ships have an elegant, laid back atmosphere. We also notice less families with small children and less "partiers" than on RCI.

[Denny01]

Agree with Groupnors and believed the difference on Celebrity is you picked your options and on others including RCI, they seemed to press you more. Celebrity common areas are better organized and few choke points and less crowded.

 

I felt service was a definite cut above.

 

Each of us cruise for varying reasons so Celebrity can be knocked for it's low-key approach, but I think you can't go wrong trying it. I enjoy other Lines and concentrate on their positives and enjoy the experience.

 

Den

[u2cruiser]

I also agree with Groupnors. We had our first Celebrity cruise a couple of weeks ago and I have to say, the standard of service and quality is the best we've experienced so far.

 

Previously sailed on Princess, RCI, and P&O. I think the main reason is that the staff is so highly trained and go out of their way to make you happy. Nothing is too much trouble. Definitely felt a cut above the other cruiselines to us. :)

[beaumontbhoy]

thanks everyone, my wife is a smoker and she is worried that she wont be able to .. can u smoke in the casino?

[soflo3414]

thanks everyone, my wife is a smoker and she is worried that she wont be able to .. can u smoke in the casino?

That is a big NO.

[PartyAllDaTyme]

thanks everyone, my wife is a smoker and she is worried that she wont be able to .. can u smoke in the casino?

 

While your wife can't smoke in the casino, there are outside areas close by where it's allowed. Many smokers choose to cruise with Celebrity, despite the restrictive smoking policy. They often report that finding a smoking area is not overly burdensome.

[califgary]

I agree that Celebrity is a notch above RCI

[megr1125]

loved it! did a b2b2b on Summit (got GREAT deals, very last minute as in the day before, then booked the other 2 on the ship!:eek::D)

 

loved that there aren't many places for smoking (sorry!) Service and food were great...(the food was excellent. i prefer the preparation of food on Royal, but that is simply my personal taste. It wasn't bad or too gourmet, but i guess that my palate is just not sophisticated enough. That said, i certainly did NOT go hungry!!!)

 

I would not hesitate to do either line again! I like different things about each of them. You will certainly be spoiled!! Enjoy!

[deserttraveler]

I found the entertainment on the RCI Brilliance far better than on any of the three cruises I've taken on X (Infinity twice, Solstice once). At the same time, if you love meat and ice cream, they are always excellent on Celebrity.

[RMSeadog]

As you can see from my signature that we are big time Celebrity fans. Love the ships and people like extended family. However, RCCL has a product that is well worth trying and we feel is just a cut above "X". Oasis Class! The shows, choices of eateries both "free" and pay are excellent. Breakfast at Johnny Rockets is great, eat outside and it's "Free", inexpensive tapa and "free" roast sandwich's served in Central Park. We still agree that Celebrity's service in the MDR is a wee bit better than RCCL, not that the servers are poor, they just have to do more with less personnel.

 

While Oasis and Allure will never steal our hearts, they are in FLL year round and I would not think twice about booking into one or the other.

[John73]

As you can see from my signature that we are big time Celebrity fans. Love the ships and people like extended family. However, RCCL has a product that is well worth trying and we feel is just a cut above "X". Oasis Class! The shows, choices of eateries both "free" and pay are excellent. Breakfast at Johnny Rockets is great, eat outside and it's "Free", inexpensive tapa and "free" roast sandwich's served in Central Park. We still agree that Celebrity's service in the MDR is a wee bit better than RCCL, not that the servers are poor, they just have to do more with less personnel.

 

While Oasis and Allure will never steal our hearts, they are in FLL year round and I would not think twice about booking into one or the other.

 

I keep wanting to try out Oasis or Allure but boy are they expensive. And the idea of stopping in Labadee and Jamaica just isn't all that appealing. It's too bad RCCL doesn't have a great Caribbean itinerary for those looking for scuba diving. Celebrity's combo of Roatan, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman is great, at least as long as it lasts (apparently changes after 2012 season).

[High Seas Texan]

I did my first, and last, cruise on Celebrity. Was on the Infinity to Alaska May 10. If that cruise is any indication of how Celebrity works, I will never go back. I get a lot of flack for complaining, but I will tell everyone not to sail with them. No excuses for their lack of service, attitude and poor conditions of the ships.