Celebrity Century V Sapphire Princess, What should I know?

[lucywestie]

I posted this same thread on the Princess board. But looking for some Celebrity feedback as well!

 

We have done one cruise on RCL back in 2007. We were on the Serenade at that time for a 13 night Alaska and Coastal cruise. We are currently booked on a back to back on Celebrity Century but some of the reviews being posted lately state that the ship is looking pretty old and tired and sounds like Celebrity may be getting ready to sell her off.

 

I have done some research and found a back to back on the Sapphire, not as many nights [14 compared to 19 on Century] but the price is comparable. [This is the last Alaska cruise of he season plus a coastal down to LA].

 

We are in our 40's/50's not fussy about eating in the main dining room, prefer casual dining in the buffet or eating at any specialty restaurants on board. The Century only seems to have Murano's as a specialty.

 

We are not tied to any one cruise line but want to get the most from our trip. It seems that the Sapphire goes to Glacier Bay plus the other more normal Alaskan ports plus the coastal phases hits nearly all the ports the Century would go to.

 

So any thoughts out there from people who have sailed both. Or from anyone who has just sailed the Sapphire? Am I right in thinking she is going in for a refurb pretty soon?

Many thanks

Pete

[leonardofan]

If it wuz me I'd take the Century. Sailed Transatlantic on her 6 months

ago and ship was in great shape. MDR food was even better than on

other Celebrity ships I've sailed on. Single specialty restaurant not as

elegant a space as on Millennium or Solstice class ships (was added

when ship was Millenniumized a few years ago) but food and

service equally brilliant-- they also added a Spa cafe for healthy

lunches, which I had enjoyed on Millennium class ships.:).

 

Sailed on Crown Princess (different builder but same age and size as

Sapphire) a couple of years ago -- liked it a lot but food less satisfying

than Celebrity (high quality ingredients but unambitious recipes) and

although more choices of specialty restaurants they are less appealing.

Certainly nothing to justify paying a higher per diem--enjoy the extra

days on the Century!

 

NB:For what it's worth, it is NOT clear that the Century is leaving the fleet

anytime soon. Its sisters went to RCCL'S joint venture in Germany, but

there would be a very small window to absorb the Century before they

get the newbuilding they have just ordered for spring 2014.