Trying another cruise line by a Carnival cruiser

[hbrote]

We just returned from a quick five day cruise aboard the Celebrity Constellation (4/5/14) which we booked at the last minute for a price that was to good to pass up. My wife and I had been discussing trying another cruise line for a bit of time now and this cruise was perfect. We both have cruised only with Carnival and we are not unhappy with the cruise line. We did however, wanted to expand our horizons.

 

 

We were not sure how boarding was handled by Celebrity so we went by their instructions on our cruise documents. As stated, boarding would be at 11:30AM and we should arrive thirty minutes earlier. Celebrity lets people go right onto the ship once you have checked in (which is nice) but getting through check in was a little trying and no one was checked in until 11:30AM. At least they stick to their schedule but you are on your feet the entire time. Someone with problems standing for a long time should wait until a later time to check in. We boarded the Constellation at 12:00PM and were impressed by immediately by the décor of the ship. Unlike the designs of Joe Farcus, who must have loved Circus Circus in Las Vegas, the interior of Constellation was done in a much more subtle and refined designed. I believe this helps to set the tone of the cruise “right off the bat”.

 

 

Our staterooms would not be ready until 1:30PM so off to the Pool deck we went. The first thing I noticed was the level of music being played. You could actually talk to someone at your table. When we first arrived they were playing recorded music but the band was setting up and would be playing live shortly. We found a table near a service bar and relaxed with a cocktail, enjoying the music while deciding what we would eat for lunch. I decide on a burger and fry's that were excellent. While on Carnival I have had “Guys” burgers and the regular burgers served on the Lido deck and can say I enjoyed the burger on Celebrity more. My wife opted to try “Ocean View Cafe” to see what offerings they had. She returned with a Tuna and Chicken Salad which she said were “Wonderful”. About half way through our meal the band started to play and we were both prepared to be blasted out of our seats but were pleasantly surprised that the music level was enjoyable. I don't want to sound like an complainer but we have walked off the Lido deck on Carnival due to the DJ blaring music at a level where you could not talk to each other. I think it has been like this since the incorporation of the DJ on Carnival.

 

 

At 1:30PM promptly the announcement was made that all cabins were ready and we headed down to see what ours was like. We had booked a “Concierge Class” balcony, mid ship on deck eight. Once again the décor of the cabin was very nice, along the lines of the newly remodeled cabins on Carnival. I haven't been in a balcony cabin on Carnival for years. From what I remember the cabin might have been a bit more narrow than the Carnival but the balcony was longer than the suites on the Carnival Freedom . All and all I was not disappointed with our Stateroom. A bottle of champagne was chilling and awaiting sail away which is a nice touch they provide. Again promptly at 4:00 PM our muster drill was held and I dreaded standing in lines, waiting for late comers and packed in like sardines. We were both pleasantly surprised when we were told to meet in the theater for the drill. Celebrity does not have you wait outside, wonderful. In the case of a real emergency you would still report to the theater to be escorted to the life boats. I really appreciated this more than you know. By the way there were no drinks present and everyone paid attention, not being disruptive.

 

 

After the conclusion of the safety drill went back to the stateroom for sail away and a bit of champagne. Out on the balcony we anticipated our departure and were hearing some distinct music and a DJ. Funny but it wasn't from the Constellation. About a quarter of a mile away the Carnival Freedom was getting ready to leave and we were entertained by the DJ playing. You could hear everything said by the DJ and the lyrics of the songs perfectly. I certainly hope they turn the volume down on our next cruise.

 

 

We had Celebrity Select Dinning and made reservations for the next three days in the San Marco dinning room. I would like to say that the quality of the food aboard Celebrity is, in my opinion, much better than offered by Carnival. Service in the San Marco was impeccable and you did not have to wait a large amount of time between courses. Overall the food quality was excellent or better.

 

 

One of the bars aboard, The Martini Bar, was the place were a lot of the passengers spent time. Open at 4:00 PM promptly, you would get there a little bit early to get a seat at the bar proper. Celebrity has their best bartenders here and they all put on quite a show. The real neat thing, at least to us, was the chilled bar surface. It made a neat tablet for sketching and the more the cocktails were enjoyed more sketching was done.

 

 

Another enjoyable area was the “Cafe Al Bacio” a coffee bar with great tasting products served with a flair. Service here was also wonderful and you could enjoy a cappuccino while relaxing in a comfortable chair while watching the sea go by.

 

 

I know we did not explore some sections of the ship but of the areas we visited, they were all excellent.

The entire crew were approachable and more than helpful.

 

 

We like our short time aboard the Constellation that we booked another cruise and look forward to exploring more fully the Constellation.

 

 

Carnival and Celebrity are without a doubt different products. We will continue to cruise Carnival based on the selection of ports and time of year of the cruise but we now have another choice with our addition of Celebrity. I know we will cruise with Celebrity more often.

[belkin]

Thanks for the comparison, I enjoyed it.

 

I agree about the music from the DJ. We spend a lot less time out on deck these days when we cruise.

[Acosmo]

Very nice comparison, thank you for posting.

[wmowan8485]

Thanks for your charming comparison OP! I haven't sailed Celebrity since 1998, must try her out again.

[NCTribeFan]

I plan on "graduating" to Celebrity and HAL once I hit my Milestone cruise. I love Carnival but I'm getting older and just really want something with a little less FUN FUN FUN being shoved down my throat. I even bought 100 shares of RCL to add to my 100 shares of CCL. :)

 

My 2nd cruise was on Royal Caribbean and I really enjoyed it but the cabin was miniscule (and I was sailing with my then-teen DD).

 

The only other line I've tried is HAL, which was a really marvelous 14-night roundtrip to Hawaii.

 

I'm not particularly interested in NCL, but I know a lot of people really enjoy them.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[USNUZULOOSE]

Thank you for the review. Sounds like it is very pleasant. I wanted to give Celebrity a try for a coastal cruise.

[Rogueperson]

As much as I would say that Carnival is my favorite line, I can't say that I would cruise exclusively on Carnival. The other lines have their own flavor which may exceed Carnival in other ways.

 

Carnival for me, has the best overall over me. But I can't stop trying other lines. Celebrity beats out on food. Princess beats out on romantic atmosphere. Royal Caribbean wins out on novel ameneties. NCL. I'm not sure what their niche is, its been too long since i've tried them. Looks like i will try their ships in the near future.

 

Carnival definitely, has the best bang for the buck in my opinion, but sometimes, you can't let that be the only determining factor.

 

There is no such thing as "the best cruise line". They all have their strengths and styles.

[rrraydon]

Thanks for the comparison. I recently cruised EX out of New Jersey just to get away from Carnival for a while. The atmosphere and fellow cruisers were of a different notch, so to speak, and I found it to be alot more relaxing.

 

I wouldn't mind booking a few more RCI cruises. My daughter (16) is a bigger fan of Carnival and doesn't want to sail RCI again if given a choice.

[hbrote]

I love Carnival but I'm getting older and just really want something with a little less FUN FUN FUN being shoved down my throat.

 

 

I know your what you are saying. We find ourselves spending less time on the Lido deck on each cruise and staying in and around the Serenity area's. I'm not saying I retire to the cabin after dinner but we still spend times in the lounges. I really had great times in the Martini bar, perhaps to good a time one evening.

[mousey]

I'm glad you ventured out and got a taste of what else is out there. I love Carnival but believe that "Variety is the spice of life!":D For others, staying with what they know suits them best is their thing. I say, "To each his own!" Viva la difference!:D

[Bulldog3777]

Nice for a change that I did not have to wade through people slamming you because you had a pleasant time on a Celebrity ship. I thought your review was very well done.

[092306]

Thanks for the comparison review! We are looking to try other lines at some point too and Celebrity looks like it has a lot to offer. Glad you enjoyed it!

[crusinpsychRN]

How was the entertainment?

 

I too have been abandoning Lido due to the sound level the DJ plays. I was very happy 2 wks ago on Legend when it was a new DJ and the sound was appropriate. Could actually hear the music, not the noise!

[busymom_ot]

We recently returned from our 4th cruise, all on Carnival. We've been talking about venturing out & trying other cruise lines also. When I read about other lines I'm always drawn to Celebrity. Thanks for your review. Further convinced to give Celebrity a try!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[NCTribeFan]

I never really intended to mostly sail Carnival, but I was a single (struggling) mother and their prices were just always better. I can't sail last minute, and don't splurge on balcony cabins, and (as noted) the insides on RCI were so tiny on the majority of ships sailing in the early '00s, that I just kept coming back to Carnival because it was such a good value.

 

Next thing you know, I'm Platinum. And there's a ship in Charleston, sometimes one in Norfolk, and one in Jacksonville that I can drive to the port, which also makes a big difference when you have a limited budget.

 

Now that there are some Carnival sailings with no solo supplement, I hope to get that big Milestone cruise (hoping for Panama Canal or another Hawaii cruise). By then, maybe I'll loosen the purse strings a little and go a little more upscale.

 

I'm not particularly interested in paying for luxury. I cruise (mostly) to get to the ports and happen to really like my dark, inside cabins. But I do want to branch out. I doubt I'll make it to Diamond level on Carnival. I'm only just over half-way there and the Platinum benefits just aren't that much of an incentive to keep me sailing, which is a little sad, really.

[hbrote]

How was the entertainment?

 

I too have been abandoning Lido due to the sound level the DJ plays. I was very happy 2 wks ago on Legend when it was a new DJ and the sound was appropriate. Could actually hear the music, not the noise!

 

The entertainment was very good. I do have to say I never make it to shows, so I can't comment on these. Other folks said they were good. The music played by the different groups I heard (2), were very good. No DJ on the lido / pool deck during boarding the five piece group and singer were excellent. We were in the "Revelations Lounge" on deck 11 (beautiful views) and the had a DJ after the karaoki and he was good playing a great mix at a volume level that was pleasant. I'm really hoping they get the DJ volume issue in control on the Freedom before our upcoming cruise.

 

On a lighter side, I let John Heald know that I had finally heard the DJ & music on the Freedom at a comfortable level, but I was a quarter mile away on an other ship. John must be getting plenty of complaints as he took interest in what I said on FB. I know that I have complained for a few years now. By the way I love almost every type of music from the 40's through the 90's.

Edited April 21, 2014 by hbrote

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

hbrote ~ enjoyed your comparison of Carnival & X. I too think the food is better on X. Do they still welcome you onboard with champagne or another drink? I like the concierge cabins too, love the flowers, hors d'oeuvres & wine.

I'm just going on my 3rd Carnival cruise but really liking the differences.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[JustCruiseMe]

Sounds like you need to stick with Celebrity. I see everything except check in was much more to your liking than anything Carnival has to offer. We are 50's and still love the Fun Fun Fun. I think we may always like it. But that doesn't mean we won't ever try another line. Kind of scared to though because I feel they'll be "too old"..lol for us.

[hbrote]

Sounds like you need to stick with Celebrity. I see everything except check in was much more to your liking than anything Carnival has to offer. We are 50's and still love the Fun Fun Fun. I think we may always like it. But that doesn't mean we won't ever try another line. Kind of scared to though because I feel they'll be "too old"..lol for us.

 

Wow, how did you read that into my post...... I stated I would still cruise Carnival, just had another brand to consider. :D

[broyles60]

Wow, how did you read that into my post...... I stated I would still cruise Carnival, just had another brand to consider. :D

 

Yes, just look at your signature, you have a cruise with each coming up soon!

[Webecruzen]

Thank you for your review. DH and I were discussing trying Celebrity. Our 16yo DS will be diamond on our Carnival Thanksgiving cruise and feel we are ready for a change. We were actually looking at the Celebrity web site last night and thought some of the longer itineraries looked great as well as their stricter smoking policy.

[hbrote]

HI all!

 

hbrote ~ enjoyed your comparison of Carnival & X. I too think the food is better on X. Do they still welcome you onboard with champagne or another drink? I like the concierge cabins too, love the flowers, hors d'oeuvres & wine.

I'm just going on my 3rd Carnival cruise but really liking the differences.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

If they had the welcome champagne I must have gotten by without noticing.

Yes the small things with concierge cabins are very nice and we enjoyed them.