RCCL or X?

[larry the lobster]

We usually cruise RCCL and are Diamond Plus members but we are considering an X cruise and have been told our status would be an Elite member even though we have not been on X before. We would be cruising with my parents and 14 year old daughter. Why would X be a better option this year vs RCCL??

[hypercafe]

I prefer X. We have sailed on the Voyager class and I do not like the buffet area, almost impossible to get a seat. I also do not like the fact there is no burgers made by the pool. That said RCCL is a better fit for my grandchildren.

[weechloe]

I posted in August after getting off Celebrity. Everyone has their own preferences. I am diamond and got elite status on Celebrity. My personal preference, tried it and I greatly prefer Royal

[Notagoose]

Your 14 year old would probably prefer Royal, as there is more "stuff" to do. Celebrity tends to skew older, and is generally quieter, I would say. Both are great in their own ways, though.

[ghstudio]

RCL ships offer more nightlife and child/teen options....but after our last RCL cruise on one of the "seas", I can tell you why we won't sail with them again.

 

1) The "central park" ship design invites you to walk along the park with 3000 other passengers who are also strolling along. It's a mob scene

 

2) If we didn't arrive for a show 30 minutes early, we couldn't find a seat

 

3) We never found a time when we could actually get in to Johnny Rockets

 

4) We found lines for most everything...

 

5) desserts were anything the kitchen could make in a sheet cake pan....just awful

 

I could go on....but it just didn't work for us. We hate crowds and lines, we enjoy food (in moderation). We now are just cruising Celebrity in Aqua class which is a small ship experience on a larger ship.

[dln929]

We usually cruise RCCL and are Diamond Plus members but we are considering an X cruise and have been told our status would be an Elite member even though we have not been on X before. We would be cruising with my parents and 14 year old daughter. Why would X be a better option this year vs RCCL??

 

Frankly, with a 14 year old, I'd stick with RCI. I took my daughter on the Brilliance in May and she had an absolutely fantastic time. She loved the mini golf (bocce ball on the lawn wouldn't be as much fun), climbing the rock wall (no X equivalent), swimming in the pools in the evening (X closes the pools much earlier). Etc. The nice thing about Royal is that it appeals to all generations but you already know that if you're Diamond Plus! Celebrity is a more relaxing, mellow kind of cruise line. But who am I to say? Lots of teens go on X with their families and love it. You might enjoy the novelty of a laid-back, easygoing cruise. If it's not your cup of tea it's not like you're stuck with it!

[phoenix_dream]

With the little we know about you, it is difficult to provide input beyond what was already said. You are on a Celebrity board, so of course most people on this board prefer the Celebrity brand, even if they also enjoy RCCI or other lines. Both brands are nice, but generally have a different ambiance. In my opinion, Royal is a bit more family oriented, has more activities, and nightlife tends to be a bit more robust. I find their service and food good, but a step down from Celebrity (others disagree). Celebrity is more of a quiet elegance type experience, but that does not mean it is boring either.

 

Different ships and different sailings are also a factor. Celebrity S class ships are newer and have more entertainment venue options. Celebrity M class ships are smaller (albeit not small, similar to Radiance class), with a more traditional design. I happen to prefer the latter; others prefer S class. Both are very, very nice in their own way. Seven day cruises in the Caribbean will likely skew younger in age and have more nightlife than 14 day Eurpoean itineraries. I'm sure the same applies to RCCI ships.

 

If you want to tell us more of what appeals to you, we can provide more detailed input.

[Phxazzcruisers]

Every one has their own likes and dislikes. That being said, I think a 14 year old would have, for reasons above, a better time on RCCL. Celebrity does have a good program for teens, however, be sure to book during a school break so she will have some kids her own age aboard. We greatly prefer Celebrity and Azamara, but we do not have any kids. Just our preference. You do get some nice benefits with Elite, I would give it a try

[phoenix_dream]

I have to add one more opinion because I can't help myself. Please - no offense to others - this is my opinion only. I think you said there are four adults going on this cruise, and one teen-ager. My opinion only and to each their own, but if it were my cruise majority wins. I would pick the cruise most appealing to the adults, so long as there is enough to provide a reasonable experience for the kid. Have traveled with my son on cruises since he was 3 and when he is old enough to pay for it, then we will make a decision based on what is best for him. :D:D:D

[jt'scruisinmom]

What ships are you considering? Sometimes I think that makes a difference. I will compare Summmit and Explorer for you a bit.

 

More teen activities and larger pool area on Ex. We found it impossible to get seating near the pool or in the Solarium on the Summit. The Solarium on the Summit is enclosed, open on the Ex, which I prefer for fresh air. There is also better pool cocktail service on the Ex. The additional food areas, burger station and healthy eating area in the Solarium are plusses for Celebrity. I much prefer the Windjammer on the Ex, feel the flow is better, more variety and better service. Room service on the Summit was not very good, never did get our orders correct.

 

IMHO, Summit has nicer inside spaces with lots of room. Many areas inside the ship were quite empty and passageways never seemed crowded. The shows were comparable, Ex may be a little better. There are far fewer announcements on the Summit. Less hawking of art work, photos, etc. Much quieter around the pool, fewer activities. In fact, the whole ship's atmosphere seemed a little quieter, more adult. Not sure how much your 14 year old would enjoy that.

 

The Elite cocktail hours in Michaels are very nice, larger space and more comfortable seating. The hostess was lovely and very sociable. The ship's officers also joined us in there more than once and were all charming and engaging. It all just seemed so civilized and made us feel very special as Elite members. You will also be invited to several activities. We loved the high tea, wine tastings, bridge tours, Captain's cocktails, etc. I felt the Captain and his staff were much more approachable and interacted with pax more often than on the the Ex.

 

I enjoyed the different dining options on the Celebrity. The Bistro, gelato station and the specialty coffee bar were great, as were the many lounge areas. Also, there is no smoking in the Casino on the Summit, so you don't get the drifting cloud in adjoining areas.

 

Not sure if any of this helps. We love the Ex, but really did enjoy the Summit and will try other Celebrity ships in the future, just not during summer. Hopefully, then the pool area won't be so crowded.:)

[phoenix_dream]

What ships are you considering? Sometimes I think that makes a difference. I will compare Summmit and Explorer for you a bit.

 

More teen activities and larger pool area on Ex. We found it impossible to get seating near the pool or in the Solarium on the Summit. The Solarium on the Summit is enclosed' date=' open on the Ex, which I prefer for fresh air. There is also better pool cocktail service on the Ex. The additional food areas, burger station and healthy eating area in the Solarium are plusses for Celebrity. I much prefer the Windjammer on the Ex, feel the flow is better, more variety and better service. Room service on the Summit was not very good, never did get our orders correct.

 

IMHO, Summit has nicer inside spaces with lots of room. Many areas inside the ship were quite empty and passageways never seemed crowded. The shows were comparable, Ex may be a little better. There are far fewer announcements on the Summit. Less hawking of art work, photos, etc. Much quieter around the pool, fewer activities. In fact, the whole ship's atmosphere seemed a little quieter, more adult. Not sure how much your 14 year old would enjoy that.

 

The Elite cocktail hours in Michaels are very nice, larger space and more comfortable seating. The hostess was lovely and very sociable. The ship's officers also joined us in there more than once and were all charming and engaging. It all just seemed so civilized and made us feel very special as Elite members. You will also be invited to several activities. We loved the high tea, wine tastings, bridge tours, Captain's cocktails, etc. I felt the Captain and his staff were much more approachable and interacted with pax more often than on the the Ex.

 

I enjoyed the different dining options on the Celebrity. The Bistro, gelato station and the specialty coffee bar were great, as were the many lounge areas. Also, there is no smoking in the Casino on the Summit, so you don't get the drifting cloud in adjoining areas.

 

Not sure if any of this helps. We love the Ex, but really did enjoy the Summit and will try other Celebrity ships in the future, just not during summer. Hopefully, then the pool area won't be so crowded.:)[/quote']

One more thing to point out about the Elite hour, though, just so the OP knows. The teen-ager will not be allowed into the Elite evening social event, nor will adult traveling companions unless they are in the same stateroom. Perhaps they know this already, but if not don't want any rude awakenings onboard.