RCI vs X

[RubyDog08]

I can't make up my mind between a 14 night with Celebrity and an 11 night with RCI. The ports are very similar, and cost is roughly the same. I guess I'm afraid of X since I've never sailed with them before. Any thoughts?

[Keith1010]

It's always good to try a new cruise line and 14 days is a plus over 11 days.

 

Keith

[Big_G]

X has better service overall, is a more relaxed cruise, has more adults and less kids but the sidewalks get rolled up a little early. RCI has nicer ships, more activities (on the bigger ships), and more late night venues. You'll see a slightly older or mature crowd on X.

 

It pretty much depends on what your looking for in a cruise. They're both great but a little different.

[Ocean Boy]

I think it depends on which ships you are comparing. We have cruises on both X and RCI. RCI is a much better fit for us and you can certainly have a relaxing cruise if that is what you are looking for. But there is also much more to do for the days when you feel like being more active. But, again, it depends on which class of ships that you are looking at as RCI's cruise experience can be very much affected by whiich class of ship you are sailing on. I don't really like being on RCI ships that are smaller than the Voyager class.

[The_Big_M]

You don't have anything to worry about. Celebrity is no worse than RCCL, just different. Ocean Boy is quite right about differences in RCCL's fleet being greater. I've only sailed on ships smaller than Voyager (Radiance and Rhapsody), and compared to those Celebrity is better with as many activities, more entertainment, better food and service, more inclusions and nicer ships.

[silentbob007]

If it is a Solstice class ship, go for it ... those are some great ships. I do like some of the things that X offers over RCI including a larger "every day" menu in the dining room.

[topcruiser16]

We prefer Celebrity over Royal but like both lines. The food is so much better on Celebrity, you can take a bottle of wine each on with you, Celebrity also has an all inclusive drink package. We pick Royal over Celebrity when the itinerary is better. That being said, Celebrity passengers tend to shut their activities down quite early but when we have had a port intensive itinerary we didn't mind.

Both lines are great.

Lynn

[TEXASMUNK]

Yes, Celebrity will be quieter late into the evening, but every Celebrity cruise we have taken, there are a few spots that will go well into the night...so if that is a concern, it should not be.

Another difference....dress code..you will see far more formal wear and X asks you to stay in formal attire for the entire evening. No baseball caps, being worn backwards or sideways at the dinner table....

Food much better. Less announcements. Superb staff.

[reeran]

I think RC is a better line for activity and excitement, X is more relaxing and quiet. On X you will see a lot more tuxedos on formal night.

[waterbug123]

Yes, Celebrity will be quieter late into the evening, but every Celebrity cruise we have taken, there are a few spots that will go well into the night

 

Agreed. We sailed on Solstice last year and the casino and casino bar area were lively well into the wee hours.

We also like being able to bring a bottle of wine aboard per person, the all inclusive drink package, and the restaurants, which we found to be excellent, particularly Murano. I also enjoyed the fact that at the pool area in the afternoons we were not having to listen to a staff member with a microphone holding a pep rally for silly pool games (belly flop, sexy legs etc.) If that's your thing, stick to RC. If you enjoy a relaxing atmosphere around the pool, try X.

Also, everyone always says X is an older crowd, but we really didn't notice a significant difference. Definitely fewer kids, but certainly not a ship full of old geezers either.

[bigeagle12]

14 days vs 11 days for roughly the same price = NO BRAINER for me :D

[FLACRUISER99]

14 days vs 11 days for roughly the same price = NO BRAINER for me :D

I do think after the cruise if you add everthing up "X" will cost more.

[reeran]

I do think after the cruise if you add everthing up "X" will cost more.

I think you are right there. How does the drink package work?

[FLACRUISER99]

I think you are right there. How does the drink package work?

I don't drink enough to make this pay

Classic package $44 per day unlimited

Package selections includes; Classic Non Alcohol package, all beers up to $5 and all Alcoholic beverages up to $8.

*Note if you order an alcoholic beverage over the $5 or $8 price then you are charged the ENTIRE cost of your drink. NOT just the difference. This is the stated policy aboard. The wine from the enomatic machines (self-serve) in cellar masters is not included.

 

It is often possible to order cocktails that are over the $8 price limit and request a “small” and have it count under your Classic package.

 

At assorted venues onboard

 

 

Premium package $54 per day unlimited

Package selections includes; Premium Non Alcoholic package and all beers and alcoholic drinks up to $12 per beverage.

 

*Note if you order an alcoholic beverage over the $12 price then you will be charged the DIFFERENCE of the cost of your drink. This is not a stated Celebrity policy but is the standard operating procedure aboard. The wine from the enomatic machines (self-serve) in cellar masters is not included.

 

At assorted venues onboard

[Erik101]

I do think after the cruise if you add everthing up "X" will cost more.

 

How so? What expenditures are you referring to that's more on X than RCI? Besides the beverage package from your previous post, which is very informative btw!

[RubyDog08]

I can't make up my mind between a 14 night with Celebrity and an 11 night with RCI. The ports are very similar, and cost is roughly the same. I guess I'm afraid of X since I've never sailed with them before. Any thoughts?

 

 

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I should clarify: Southern Caribbean on X Eclipse vs RCI Vision of the Seas. :)

[loubetti]

Go Celebrity based on cruise length. Go Celebrity even if price and cruise length were the same! :cool:

[FLACRUISER99]

How so? What expenditures are you referring to that's more on X than RCI? Besides the beverage package from your previous post, which is very informative btw!

I was responding to the statement "14 days vs 11 days for roughly the same price = NO BRAINER for me" 14 days is going to cost more then 11 days 3 more days of tips, drinks, casino, spa, whatever.

[skandls]

No Brainer - 14 days on the much newer Eclipse.

[spammie]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I should clarify: Southern Caribbean on X Eclipse vs RCI Vision of the Seas. :)

 

That makes it even easier, definitely Celebrity Eclipse! We went on our 1st Celebrity cruise last year and they are now our favorite cruise line. The Solstice class ships are amazing!

[bighairtexan]

I'd go w/ Celebrity in a heartbeat. Though I do like to cruise different lines now and then, Celebrity is my line of choice most of the time. As far as rolling up the streets, the casino and martini bar are hopping until at least 1AM usually later. But the disco... not so much.

 

If you have kids, I'd go w/ RCI. If you have any status on RCI it transfers to Celebrity. Diamond and up is Elite (Celebrity's highest level). And Elites have NICE perks.

 

Service is a bit more polished and refined on Celebrity and while not snooty, it's probably not as "friendly" as RCI. That being said, every crew, staff and officer you pass in the halls on Celebrity will have a "good morning" for you.

 

I love the Solstice class ships, but many of the Millennium class have been "Solsticized" and have all the great features in a bit smaller ship. So I'd either choose a Solstice or check to see the other ships that have gotten these venues. Like Bistro on 5 (OMG killer crepes at a $5 service charge for eat as much as you would like), Molecular Bar (interesting cocktails made w/ exotic liquers and foams and liquid nitrogen to make them super cold ... and smoking), Cafe al Bacio (for $ coffees and teas along w/ free savory and sweet items throughout the day).

 

Also no matter how lowly your cabin, on Celebrity you can order off the MDR menu during dinner time. Fun to do now and then.

 

OOOPS somehow I missed the Eclipse part. Run.. do not walk... and book Celebrity.

[Ocean Boy]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. I should clarify: Southern Caribbean on X Eclipse vs RCI Vision of the Seas. :)

 

You just converted me to Celebrity.

[CCJack]

I have been on both and I agree this is a no brainer... the cruiselines have much more similarities than differences. The differences they do have, X is just a touch better on all counts.. (in my opinion). Even with kids I would choose X. There is a kids club, there is lots to do, etc. Only thing really missing is ice rink and rock wall, etc... but you really don't use them that much. My kids loved solstice. There are late comedy shows, etc. on solstice. If there is an average age difference, it can't be by much. On both cruise lines, you see old, young, kids - the whole mix. The two things that really come to my mind on Solstice that I loved was the lack of announcements and the small venue entertainment (in the public areas, etc.) - some of the musicians on Solstice were fantastic and a bit more upscale music than RCCL. That said, we also love RCCL...and are getting ready for Allure in 30 days!

[R'man]

I have been on both and I agree this is a no brainer... the cruiselines have much more similarities than differences. The differences they do have, X is just a touch better on all counts.. (in my opinion). Even with kids I would choose X. There is a kids club, there is lots to do, etc. ... My kids loved solstice.

 

I agree with most of your comments, and those posted previously by everyone. The one with which we diverge is the kids...IMHO, all things being equal, Royal has Celebrity generally beat on the overall amenities that appeal to kids. You cannot go wrong with either, truthfully. Neither has ever disappointed.

[waterbug123]

We went on our 1st Celebrity cruise last year and they are now our favorite cruise line. The Solstice class ships are amazing!

 

Agreed! After many RC cruises, we sailed on our first Celebrity last year (Solstice) and loved it! We are sailing Solstice again next year, as well as her sister, Reflection.

 

Service is a bit more polished and refined on Celebrity and while not snooty, it's probably not as "friendly" as RCI.

 

We didn't find that to be the case at all!