Celebrity vs. Royal Caribbean

[alexxandraa397]

I am a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser (18 cruises) but am not pleased with the direction the cruise line is going. There are too many gimmicks and up-charges for my liking on their newer ships. Call me old school (which is sad because I'm only 22) but I enjoy the sense of community on a cruise ship. It's something that you just can't get at a land all-inclusive, and sadly, it is dying on cruise ships as well. :( I enjoy eating all together (bye bye on Quantum), and I don't like that people who shell out $10,000 for a room get a ton of special treatment. Yell at me if you must, and I agree that you should get some special privileges if you are paying that kind of money, but not so much that makes us other cruisers feel like meager peasants! End rant.

 

Anyway, since the loyalty points are interchangeable between Royal and X, I was wondering how the two lines compare. What are the pros/cons for Celebrity?

[miched]

If you look thru some of the threads on here you will find that Celebrity is also going in the same direction. Special areas for those in suites, and those that have the most loyalty credits.

 

Just keeping up with the rest of the industry.

 

 

🌅🚢🇺🇸

[richstowe]

alexxandraa

If you main issue with RC is the constant attemp to up-sell you and reintroduce "classes' to cruising , I've got bad news for you,

Celebrity is going the same way. :mad:

 

Both are mass market cruise lines but there are difference between the two . You are treated as a trusted responsible adult on Celebrity.

You do not have to sigh out pool towels as an example. Use of the PA system is much more limited.

There are certainly less children on board and less of a family atmosphere on X.

Food is subjective but I'd give the nod to Celebrity.

 

The biggest failing of Celebrity compared to RC is entertainment . Both the theater shows and the other acts are inferior on X.

In addition they have just cut the events staff so if you like trivia etc , you are going to be disappointed.

[josumello]

I am a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser (18 cruises) but am not pleased with the direction the cruise line is going. There are too many gimmicks and up-charges for my liking on their newer ships. Call me old school (which is sad because I'm only 22) but I enjoy the sense of community on a cruise ship. It's something that you just can't get at a land all-inclusive, and sadly, it is dying on cruise ships as well. :( I enjoy eating all together (bye bye on Quantum), and I don't like that people who shell out $10,000 for a room get a ton of special treatment. Yell at me if you must, and I agree that you should get some special privileges if you are paying that kind of money, but not so much that makes us other cruisers feel like meager peasants! End rant.

 

 

 

Anyway, since the loyalty points are interchangeable between Royal and X, I was wondering how the two lines compare. What are the pros/cons for Celebrity?

 

 

Been on both cruise lines multiple times. The experience on Celebrity is very nice and upscale. However the entertainment is really lacking. Like terrible!! RCl wins hands down in that department. However if entertainment is not that important to you Celebrity wins out. If you like an active night life go with RCL.

 

 

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[Cruising89143]

alexxandraa

If you main issue with RC is the constant attemp to up-sell you and reintroduce "classes' to cruising , I've got bad news for you,

Celebrity is going the same way. :mad:

 

Both are mass market cruise lines but there are difference between the two . You are treated as a trusted responsible adult on Celebrity.

You do not have to sigh out pool towels as an example. Use of the PA system is much more limited.

There are certainly less children on board and less of a family atmosphere on X.

Food is subjective but I'd give the nod to Celebrity.

 

The biggest failing of Celebrity compared to RC is entertainment . Both the theater shows and the other acts are inferior on X.

In addition they have just cut the events staff so if you like trivia etc , you are going to be disappointed.

 

Pretty much agree with the above. Also Celebrity has the same suite perks plus more compared to RCI so if that is an issue with RCI then I suggest not booking Celebrity but other lines have the same type perks. Make sure you check.

 

I cruised many times with RCI. Still enjoy them but I don't enjoy all of the kids. I prefer Celebrity due to the food being a step up, better suite perks, less kids and fewer announcements. You will hear none for bingo, art auctions,etc. No belly flops contests.

 

I can't speak for the Millie class but the main shows on the S class match that of RCI. No ice shows. Other than the Oasis class which is in a class by themselves when it comes to entertainment I don't see a huge difference.

Edited April 19, 2014 by cruisingator2

[cynbar]

I think all the cruise lines seem to be going in the same direction, almost back to the days of strict classes for cruising. Celebrity does have lots of perks for suites and very loyal customers, you will find venues closed off due to their events, that sort of thing. There is still the choice of Traditional dining on Celebrity, but it is not like it used to be, many of the spaces sit empty because cruisers are eating elsewhere. Overall, I agree with the above comments. Celebrity is quieter than RCI with less entertainment, fewer kids, fewer announcements. It suits people who want a dignified atmosphere where they enjoy their own company, don't need to be entertained as much as the other cruise lines do. Food and service are excellent to very good. If that suits you, give it a try. But unfortunately I think the changes you mention are here to stay.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

I'm going to play devil's advocate and say I like all the gimmicks and up-charges, they allow me to have as frugal or lavish of a cruise as I want. It's like a $30 room in Las Vegas, where the hotel is making money on all the extra's. I go back to old commercials from the late 80's where cruising used to start at $899 for 3 days. In today's dollars, I'm pretty sure I could do a 3 day all inclusive cruise for $1,800 pp.

 

That being said, I don't like all the changes they're doing either. Quantum is a total money grab, and there's no reason they couldn't have had a scaled down MDR for traditionalists and community minded people. Uprooted people are more likely to splurge.

 

I don't know if the loud music being played so Celebrity was to attract younger cruisers, or if that was just a rumor. None the less, they should especially not change the traditional atmosphere on Celebrity. They would probably do better attracting a more reserved youth that would mingle well with existing loyalists, and think about adding a 3rd mass market cruise line.

Edited April 19, 2014 by Stateroom_Sailor

[stevea36]

Anyway, since the loyalty points are interchangeable between Royal and X, I was wondering how the two lines compare. What are the pros/cons for Celebrity?

 

Note: loyalty points are NOT interchangeable between the lines. There is some transfer of level, but not points. After 18 cruises I will presume that you are at least Diamond. That would get you the perks of an Elite member of Captain's Club, but not the points. If you cruise on =X= you will earn points on =X= only, but be aware that you are starting with 0 points !!.

 

Steve

[micmacmissy]

Here's how the lines compare, in my opinion:

 

1) Much better food, especially in buffet area. Don't miss the omelet station in the morning.

 

2) Excellent service. (Yup, even more excellent than Royal.)

 

3) Clean, modern ships with extra special touches, like champagne upon boarding.

 

4) A courtesy tent on the dock on port days...drinks and and cold towels as you reboard the ship.

 

5) A refined passenger base that actually follows the dress code. Formal means formal, and smart casual means long pants, collared shirts, nice dresses, and no fudging. You will not see tshirts or shorts in the dining areas.

 

6) Nonsmoking ships! Yes, even in the casino. You can breathe! It's great.

 

7) No self serve ice cream machines on the pool deck. Instead, 7 flavors of homemade ice cream daily. It's fantastic!

 

8) Delicious pizza! (New Yorker here) We found Royal's pizza inedible.

 

9) No promenade, but many lovely, cozy lounges and bars.

 

10) Awesome specialty restaurants...don't miss Qsine! Royal has nothing like it. (Although Quantum will try.)

 

11) Celebrity's Select dining is a hot mess...not nearly as organized and efficient as Royal's My Time Dining does it. Book either early or late and request a large table...you'll get a more traditional experience without the long waits!

 

12) Both lines will upcharge. We spent $1,000 extra on our last 7 day cruise...yikes! But it was worth it!

[richstowe]

Here's how the lines compare, in my opinion:

 

6) Nonsmoking ships! Yes, even in the casino. You can breathe! It's great.

The very limited smoking areas on Celebrity is certainly a big plus for us .It was the biggest reason why we first booked with Celebrity

 

11) Celebrity's Select dining is a hot mess...not nearly as organized and efficient as Royal's My Time Dining does it. Book either early or late and request a large table...you'll get a more traditional experience without the long waits!

I agree. There can be looong waits.:mad:

You can prior to sailing go to the Celebrity site and make reservations for a specific dining time on your cruise.

12) Both lines will upcharge. We spent $1,000 extra on our last 7 day cruise...yikes! But it was worth it!

$1,000 extra, if I had the drink package, would be way way too much for me to be worth it but to each his own.

[Kellie Poodle]

I've cruised both lines many times. I don't think the food on Celebrity is all that better than RCI, but it is much prettier. X does not have that wonderful salad bar on sea days. I have only sailed the M class ships and Century, but I think RCI does a better buffet. Maybe the S class ships do a better job.

 

I have found that service is excellent on both lines. I believe it's a corporate culture, more so than a "line" culture.

 

I've had many of the same entertainers on X cruises that I've had on RCI cruises so I don't think the 'average' entertainment is very different. No ice rinks and other youth-oriented activities. Both lines have talented production staff. Those people work their hearts out to entertain us.

 

I do like the Celebrity non-smoking policy. Though RCI has stepped up and disallowed smoking on verandas, the casino is still stinky.

 

We tend to sail the smaller RCI ships, the largest being Voyager class, and we don't do the Caribbean (BTDT), so we experience a different demographic than on Caribbean cruises. For European and other overseas destinations, RCI is a great line to cruise with, though X is often priced lower for similar itineraries.

[micmacmissy]

$1,000 extra, if I had the drink package, would be way way too much for me to be worth it but to each his own.

 

We didn't have the drink package, so that included drinks. We also weren't traveling with our kids, so we had more drinks than we normally would. ;)

 

As far as making reservations ahead of time...we couldn't. We were supposed to be late dining, but that got screwed up and once on board, our choices were either early dining (when the rest of our party had late) or Select Dining. So we could eat together, we all switched to Select. We tried to make reservations the first day on board for the rest of the week...all they had available was either 530pm or 845pm. Boo, Celebrity! Don't understand how RCI owns this line, and manages it beautifully, why can't they teach Celebrity how to do it???

[cruisingsince94]

I am a loyal Royal Caribbean cruiser (18 cruises) but am not pleased with the direction the cruise line is going. There are too many gimmicks and up-charges for my liking on their newer ships. Call me old school (which is sad because I'm only 22) but I enjoy the sense of community on a cruise ship. It's something that you just can't get at a land all-inclusive, and sadly, it is dying on cruise ships as well. :( I enjoy eating all together (bye bye on Quantum), and I don't like that people who shell out $10,000 for a room get a ton of special treatment. Yell at me if you must, and I agree that you should get some special privileges if you are paying that kind of money, but not so much that makes us other cruisers feel like meager peasants! End rant.

 

Anyway, since the loyalty points are interchangeable between Royal and X, I was wondering how the two lines compare. What are the pros/cons for Celebrity?

 

My wife and I had done 16 RCI cruises before we decided to give Celebrity a try. We sailed on the Constellation last month and were very pleased. I agree with other posts that the entertainment was better on RCI but for us that was the only edge I give them. I liked the clientele better, food, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. You should experience it once firsthand and if its not for you then RCI will still be there.

[bonsai3s]

...and as you already know, your Diamond or D+ status will allow you to enjoy similar perks on Celebrity's Elite or E+.

 

That said, what caught my attention was: 18 cruises and only 22 years old.

Good for you. I could only wish I had the money, or the time (I knew nothing about cruising) when I was 22.

 

At 22, I was in the military, serving our country. :)

[Lois R]

...and as you already know, your Diamond or D+ status will allow you to enjoy similar perks on Celebrity's Elite or E+.

 

That said, what caught my attention was: 18 cruises and only 22 years old.

Good for you. I could only wish I had the money, or the time (I knew nothing about cruising) when I was 22.

 

At 22, I was in the military, serving our country. :)

 

Thank you for your service:)

[biomedbob]

The "My Time" or "Any Time" or whatever they call it on RCI or X has been a winner for us.

 

Most recently on Celebrity I don't think we waited more than 3 minutes to be seated, and on RCI they could see us coming and march us right to a table.

 

We eat when we want to, based on our day's activities or shows that we'd like to attend.

 

Early is too early and late is too late. :mad:

[Kellie Poodle]

...and as you already know, your Diamond or D+ status will allow you to enjoy similar perks on Celebrity's Elite or E+.

 

That said, what caught my attention was: 18 cruises and only 22 years old.

Good for you. I could only wish I had the money, or the time (I knew nothing about cruising) when I was 22.

 

At 22, I was in the military, serving our country. :)

 

I don't believe that D+ will get you E+. It will get you E.

[alexxandraa397]

Thanks everyone for all your input!

 

Note: loyalty points are NOT interchangeable between the lines. There is some transfer of level, but not points. If you cruise on =X= you will earn points on =X= only, but be aware that you are starting with 0 points !!.

 

Thanks for clearing that up!

 

That said, what caught my attention was: 18 cruises and only 22 years old.

Good for you. I could only wish I had the money, or the time (I knew nothing about cruising) when I was 22.

 

At 22, I was in the military, serving our country. :)

 

Thank you for your service! I was blessed to be the daughter of parents who love to cruise, and even more blessed that they enjoyed bringing me with them! haha

Edited April 22, 2014 by alexxandraa397

[Maverine]

Here's how the lines compare, in my opinion:

 

 

 

1) Much better food, especially in buffet area. Don't miss the omelet station in the morning.

 

 

 

2) Excellent service. (Yup, even more excellent than Royal.)

 

 

 

3) Clean, modern ships with extra special touches, like champagne upon boarding.

 

 

 

4) A courtesy tent on the dock on port days...drinks and and cold towels as you reboard the ship.

 

 

 

5) A refined passenger base that actually follows the dress code. Formal means formal, and smart casual means long pants, collared shirts, nice dresses, and no fudging. You will not see tshirts or shorts in the dining areas.

 

 

 

6) Nonsmoking ships! Yes, even in the casino. You can breathe! It's great.

 

 

 

7) No self serve ice cream machines on the pool deck. Instead, 7 flavors of homemade ice cream daily. It's fantastic!

 

 

 

8) Delicious pizza! (New Yorker here) We found Royal's pizza inedible.

 

 

 

9) No promenade, but many lovely, cozy lounges and bars.

 

 

 

10) Awesome specialty restaurants...don't miss Qsine! Royal has nothing like it. (Although Quantum will try.)

 

 

 

11) Celebrity's Select dining is a hot mess...not nearly as organized and efficient as Royal's My Time Dining does it. Book either early or late and request a large table...you'll get a more traditional experience without the long waits!

 

 

 

12) Both lines will upcharge. We spent $1,000 extra on our last 7 day cruise...yikes! But it was worth it!

 

 

 

Nr 7 is wrong. On S class there is at least a soft ice machine at the mast grill and another one at the Aqua Spa cafe.

 

 

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