Please tell me If celebrity is for me

[James&Rob]

We are a gay couple 32 and 48 of 13 years togeather we have sailed carnival 4 times and Princess once we have alway had a great time on all, on our last cruise which was on the victory march 6-13 2005 we talked to a few people about celebrity they had cruise that line befor they told us that we would not enjoy celebrity not that it isnt a good line but for a older more settled crowed. That it isnt a party ship Please give me your imput on this I really want to try other lines and celebrity is my next choice thanks James

[cruising with marti]

We are a gay couple 32 and 48 of 13 years togeather we have sailed carnival 4 times and Princess once we have alway had a great time on all, on our last cruise which was on the victory march 6-13 2005 we talked to a few people about celebrity they had cruise that line befor they told us that we would not enjoy celebrity not that it isnt a good line but for a older more settled crowed. That it isnt a party ship Please give me your imput on this I really want to try other lines and celebrity is my next choice thanks James

 

 

JAMES

 

Every cruise that I have been on which includes Celebrity, there has always been a party going on.

 

You will enjoy Celebrity as well as any other cruise line that you have been on

 

 

 

 

Phil

[Leela]

If you really liked the activity and non-traditional aspects of your previous trips -- stuff like freestyle dining, rock climbing walls, or the Princess "personal choice" features, Celebrity might not be for you. Celebrity is more traditional, with set dinners with set tablemates, formal nights were men are expected to wear at least dark suits but a significant number turn up in tuxedos, everyone stays dressed in the evening's dress code all night, no rock climbing walls, less of a mardi gras kind of party atmosphere. If that doesn't sound interesting, then Celebrity might be too staid for you. Here's a question: do you guys still consider yourself all-night clubbers, or do you prefer hanging out with friends and chatting? I used to be an all-night clubber (heck, I was a club DJ in San Francisco for a bit about 10 years ago), but now I'm definitely a chill-out in a cozy place and chat kind of person.

 

I've only done one Celebrity cruise, and it was right up my alley. I went with my mom and we loved the formal nights, the fact that everything was kind of quiet and we could just relax in the shade with books from the library, and that people were still into old-time's games like shuffleboard and trivia quizzes. I was 39 and my mom 64 when we took our first Celebrity cruise. Our "partying" consisted of chatting with our tablemates at dinner until the staff was ready to close the dining room, and having a martini and chatting in a lounge after dinner -- then going to bed. It was perfect for us, because we wanted a chilled-out kind of mother/daughter togetherness time. We're going again next month, and can hardly wait!!

[cruising with marti]

Leela

 

 

you mean you never went to the late night disco?:)

 

 

Phil

[hdawson]

Party ships? No. That doesn't mean no fun to be had. Not as many kids as on the two lines you've sailed. Superior food and very refined and professional service. Food is a bit more imaginative in preparation and presentation. In the buffet you will be given a linen lined tray to carry your goodies and then a steward when you're ready will carry your tray to your table for you. Guests dress more in tune with the standards expected. You'll see more tux on formal nights. Tipping is the traditional last night thing. There are no PA announcements hawking bingo, pool games and the like. Only one PA announcement for the postition report at noon. When first boarding, you are escorted to your cabin by a steward while you're sipping some complementary champaign. In your cabin, you'll find a complementary carrafe of water rather than the bottle of water for sale.

Ship decor is a bit more understated elegance. Art is very modern. When reboarding from warm ports a steward is at the gangway to offer chilled towels. At first I thought that pretty hokey but have learned how refreshing they are. No freestyle or personal choice dining. Waiters are very accomodating. Gormet bites served in the lounges late night. Cotton hand towels in the public restrooms. Overall just a bit more upscale. That shouldn't be taken as a slam at any other line. Just an opinion.

[jezzdogg]

If you like really great food and great service then Celebrity may be a fit for you, however if you like to disco until early in the am and like a lot of activities and also poolside activities then you may be better off with it's sister line. Also Celebrity does some Gay cruises where they rent out the whole ship and they party and bring in their own entertainment. Hope thihs help;s

[NOVACruisers]

Gotta be honest with you - we took the galaxy in 2003 and the pax were generally over 70. And this was in a new port (baltimore). We like big ships and a mixed craowd of old and new and we felt like we were in a senior citizens center. You should really consider any other cruise line except Celebrity and maybe HAL (although we are trying HAL in four weeks only because it departs close to home). Service and near top-of-the-line room were the best we've ever had - not a lot of people our age (44 & 49) to party with. We were told that there were over 400 wheelchairs brought onboard. Also saw three ambulances meet us at ports of call. We met one newlywed couple who wanted to kill their TA. I guess in the end it all depends on what you want out of your cruise. We really enjoyed the cruise - just not at the top of our list. Hope this helps.

[Kathy & George]

If your looking for a college party atmosphere, then you are on the wrong line. If on the other hand you want a more relaxed, more luxurious cruise, you will find Celebrity to be just the ticket. There is pleanty of fun to be had on-board. I would suggest that you take one of the C-class ships as there are more lounges available; or the M-class vessels, that have nicer spas (Persian Gardens) and offer spa cusine. The Zenith and Horizon just don't have the space to offer as many amenities, however they have a charm that is so endearing.

[cruising with marti]

Hdawson

 

What am I missing???? Ater 12 cruises in the past 3 and a half years (7 on Princess and 5 on Celebrity) I have never found any major differences, subtle yes, but not significant.

 

I'll bet if I sailed RCL or Holland America, there would only be small differences.

 

I have found robust parties going on, on every cruise that I have been on. To say that Celebrity is a little more upscale than say Princess, well I have never felt that to be the case. But hey, as you said " just my opinion"

 

Phil

[hdawson]

Phil. I agree. All lines seem to serve at least good food, have good entertainment, plenty of bars and lounges and adquate spa facilities.

So they all seem to offer a good cruise experience. It IS the little

subtle differences that sets one line out from another and how you

value those differences. Each line tries to differentiate themselves

from the competition. The Princess personal choice dining is a good

example of a different approach. Some like it alot; some prefer

traditional dining. Some want to be reminded every half hour of the

upcoming bingo or pool game. Some do not. Some do not mind paying

for water in their cabin, some appreciate the complementary water.

Again, just my opinon after 16 cruises.

[Leela]

you mean you never went to the late night disco?:)

 

I went one night and was bitterly disappointed. There were about 8 people huddled around the bar drinking and the dance music was really awful. But then, since I used to DJ at techno clubs, warehouse parties, and raves, I'm pretty darn picky about dance music. If I hear Ricky Martin or Christina Aguillera I run from the room. But give me some acid trance and I dance like a maniac. Or give me some Frank Sinatra and a partner, and I'll foxtrot all night.

[catmand]

Hi guys, I do think you will enjoy the Celebrity experience. Last year we sailed both Princess and Celebrity from San Francisco to Mexico. We didn't notice a difference in the ages of the passengers on either trip. I don't agree that Celebrity caters to an "over 70's crowd".

[James&Rob]

Thanks Guys,

 

 

It looks like we will be sticky with Carnival or Princess for our cruising needs. We are not the upscale type. We are just simple country folk who like to cruise and see places we would not ordinarilly. We do however enjoy the occasional mixed drink.

 

Thanks

James and Rob

[TravelCouple]

Hi James/Rob..

I have heard that the July 25th Galaxy cruise to the Med is a "gay cruise". So maybe that will have more of a party atmosphere that you are looking for??? I really think that the type of crowd you get depends on the destination as well.

But honestly, I've heard only good things for the most part about Celebrity. Can't hurt to try at least.

P.S. I've been on the Carnival Destiny, and I HATED it. Really not the ambience or crowd we'd hope for. (lots of partiers, but the obnoxious loud types who seem to think they own the ship) Ick.

[98Charlie]

One thing that has been ignored in the decision making process is the length of the cruise.

 

We have been on Celebrity twice out of 9 cruises. The Century for 7 nights had a lot more late night activity (meaning participation by the passengers) than did the 10 night Horizon. In general, longer cruises = older average age.

 

Note also that "refined" doesn't mean "stuffy". DW and I were farm raised. One of our tablemates on the Horizon was a retired farmer about 15 years older than us. We had a blast comparing our own "good old days".

 

I wouldn't write off Celebrity as a good time cruise.

 

Charlie

[RelentlessTraveler]

Greetings!

 

I just had the pleasure of completing a 12-night Panama Canal cruise (Feb 26-Mar 12) on Celebrity's Galaxy. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I recommend this ship and its current crew highly. Now, is Celebrity for you? Good question... This was my third cruise, and I accompanied my mom on the journey. The trip was sponsored by the senior citizen's activity center, of which she is a member. What follows are my observations, opinions, rants... etc.

 

First, Celebrity markets to an "older" clientele. At the age of 47, I was most definitely a youngster on this vessel. There's a lot going on during the trip, something for everyone. My sanctuary was the Martini Bar. The disco (Stratosphere Lounge) had some great music playing (new U2), but the place was a morgue after 10pm. The days at sea (which I'm not particularly fond of) had something happening for everybody. The computer center offers classes in Photoshop Elements ($20 bucks a pop), and the staff is great! Computers are available free of charge, on deck 5 and 6. Internet runs .75 per minute (ouch!). They had 2 traveling professors onboard, who gave presentations on Mayan culture, poetry, etc... (kind of a college at sea kind of thing). If you're into physical fitness, the Galaxy has a great gym and spa, and a nice track on deck 12 for jogging/walking.

 

The port stops were OK, IF you manage to get out by yourself, on your own. Montego Bay, Jamaica... take the taxi to the "safe" tourist shopping zone, but please be adventurous and venture outside the fenced in place reserved for tourists... This is where you get the great pictures! OK, back to the topic. Is Celebrity for you?

 

Hmm... My mom loved the ship, and the crew. I second that... only good things to say here! However, my wife did not accompany me on this trip, as our travels tend to be more adventurous... Tahiti, Cambodia, Bali (hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling... you get the idea.). She wasn't into the idea of several days at sea. As for myself, I'm not really into the formal nights (3 of them) and assigned seating common to what I call the "traditional" cruise lines. But, did I like it? YES! So consider this a recommendation!

[donnaw]

James & Rob,

 

I have to agree with Charlie, the longer the cruise and smaller the ship, the older the passengers. If you enjoy Princess, you will enjoy Celebrity on the equivalent ship (Grand vs. Millie, Century vs. Sun Class). Your best bet would probably be to remain open minded and if you see an itinerary that you like at a price that you are willing to pay then go for it! We have done Carnival and enjoyed it but prefer Princess and Celebrity.

[Queenk2]

James/ Rob,

I have been on many cruisesand enjoyed them all. When we were in our twenties, we went on Hal and had a fab time. We like Princess, Cunard Celebrity..all of them offer great things! I am going on the Liberty and haven't traveled with Carnival in over 10 years. I hope we have a great time this Christmas with our kids and friends. I think it is all in where you want to go and when. I meet people of all ages, and backgrounds and find someting I like about them. I enjoy meeting new people all the time. Just imagine if we were all the same age and had the same ideas and enjoyed the same things...how boring! Part of the joy of going places is meeting people who hold different beliefs from you. Travel and let the world broaden your horizens!

[BCHappyGal]

Just home from a Celebrity cruise on an M class ship and it was wonderful and probably the biggest nationality mix of passengers I have ever encountered and also probably the youngest average age I have ever crusied with.

I think time of year and itinerary dictate average age much more than the cruise line.

Yes I have cruised with HAL, Carnival, Princess & Celebrity as well as some lines that are no longer around.

I did find Celebrity service a little above what I find on the HAL ships and I much prefer the traditional dining to the PC dining of Princess.

I prefer not to have the constant anouncements for Bingo etc that you get on Carnival & HAL.

The unfortunate part is while the service once you are aboard the Celebrity ship is wonderful the Shore Customer Serivce is terrible. Believe it or not that poor pre crusie service may well send me back to HAL or Princess.

 

Whatever cruise line you chose have fun

[ron46936]

From what we've seen HAL is the only really old line. It's where the old folks take their parents. I see RCCL and Carnival as the "party" lines.

[hdawson]

Actually Carnival and Royal Caribbean share the same demographics. 30% over 55 and 30% under 30. Both have lots of families.

[Sky Sweet]

I am in my fifties and consider my peer group to be as young as thirty and as old as eighty because once a person becomes an adult, common interests and outlook are a more important factor in determining compatibility than age. There is a 78 year old woman at my health club who decided to go to college just a few years ago, works out five days a week, and has played bridge with the same group of woman for almost fifty years, while being self employed. At the same time, there are people in their thirties who think they are too old to improve themselves and would rather complain about the road not taken.

[mykel67]

Hi,

 

We too are a gay couple, and just completed our first ever cruise on the Century on March 12th. I would not describe it as a "party ship", but it's not a sedate "retirees" ship either... it falls somewhere in between. We are 37 and 39, and frankly we were looking for something that would NOT be like what we see on Carnival and RCL commericals: calypso bands playing by a crowded pool, kitchsy contests, etc. Unfortunately there was more of that sort of thing than we would have liked. We met another gay couple on the cruise who seemed to enjoy the experience much more than we (they were 39 and 43)-- I guess it just depends what you're looking for. We've decided we're just not "cruise people". We really missed having full days on the beach of a resort, and we did not like the crowds by the pools and the "wedding banquet" style food at dinner each night.

[benjamins]

Hi,

 

We too are a gay couple, and just completed our first ever cruise on the Century on March 12th. I would not describe it as a "party ship", but it's not a sedate "retirees" ship either... it falls somewhere in between. We are 37 and 39, and frankly we were looking for something that would NOT be like what we see on Carnival and RCL commericals: calypso bands playing by a crowded pool, kitchsy contests, etc. Unfortunately there was more of that sort of thing than we would have liked.

 

We've decided we're just not "cruise people". We really missed having full days on the beach of a resort, and we did not like the crowds by the pools and the "wedding banquet" style food at dinner each night.

 

I agree. I'm around your age, my wife is 38 and I'm 45. We sailed the Century in 1999. On the Century we met a gay couple and one of the couple loved to dance and discussed dancing with my wife and mother-in-law. They also treated us to caviar on the ship and a great bottle of port in Portugal. This European Century cruise of 13 nights included practically no calypso band and we didn't spend much time around the pool. Most of the kitsch was around the pool as well, but it was pretty limited.

 

This was closer to the "real" Celebrity, IMO. A Celebrity that you may have been looking for without many of the cheesy cliches of cruising. Unfortunately, the excellent food served on Celebriity and the tableside service have gone away and the menus have become dumbed down for new cruisers. They've gone for mass, not for a more discerning type of customer like yourself and partner. My last Celebrity cruise was in 2002 on one of the newer class of ships. Neither the ship nor the cruise experience did it for my wife or me, and I haven't been on Celebrity since. I simply don't like the direction they are going in and wish they'd simplify and refine the experience and actually put a hold on growth unlike many here who want more new ships to sail. The people who really want Celebrity as it markets itself and was originally conceived aren't the masses and I dont' think can fill up the 9 ships they currently sail. If this sounds elitist to some, so be it. Wasn't the Century as a ship, though, rather nice for the most part?

 

You may actually like cruising, but not on today's Celebrity, though "yesterday's" may have suited you better. You may like Oceania or a European line like P&O or MSC. I wouldn't write off cruising. But lines that used to be for people wanting a less formula and cliche alternative to Carnival or RCI in the form of HAL or Celebrity, are just getting a milder version of those lines on these "premium" lines these days.

[geoherb]

We've never taken an all-gay cruise since we enjoy meeting a wide variety of people. We've sailed on Celebrity twice, Princess four times, Royal Caribbean three times, and NCL and Carnival once each. When it comes to choosing our next cruise, we look at price and itinerary. We'll gladly book another on the first three cruise lines and aren't looking at the last two at all.

 

At 43 and 49, we fell into the middle of the age range on the Century. Our last cruise was a 9-night holiday cruise, so that affects the passenger demographics. We were among the youngest passengers on our Princess cruise to New England/Canada. Probably fewer than 10 percent of the passengers were younger than us.