A Question for "Old Celebrity Hands"

[Lsimon]

Service does vary from cruise to cruise but it seems like it is more due to the staffing and management more than the ship or class of ship and it is somewhat random as to when it is better or worse and not a big difference overall.

 

Opinions do vary as to who likes the M class and who likes S class more. Speaking generally, some like the newer ships just because they are new - although some of the S class ships are aging a bit too as the Solstice is now 6 years old. I used to like the M class more but my last several cruises have all been on S class just because those were sailing the itinerary we wanted to sail. It's been over three years since we last sailed an M class ship. The more modern features and "newness" of the S class is nice.

 

Generally I preferred the bar and lounge areas on M class more. I used to like the walking path on M class but they've eliminated it for cabin additions since we last sailed on one. The M class cabins have more storage space but the S class cabins are a bit nicer overall. The M class have the nice thalassotherapy pool but the S class have the lawn area - which I liked more than I though I would. S class has two aft bars (one more for eating and one more as just a bar) and more specialty dining options. Bottom line: lots of pluses and minuses between the two that tend to cancel each other out in my opinion.

 

Most serious complaints about the S class I've heard from some cruisers: Those that enjoy dancing A LOT feel the location and layout of the dancing on S class isn't nearly as nice as it is mostly located in the atrium. On the M class they usually use the Rendezvous lounge and/or the sky lounge for dancing to live music.

[Honeybearhollow]

I would pick S Class every time. I love the beauty of the big ships, there is a more elegant feel, and there is always something to do. I like the buffet better. I think the shows are better. The other ships are older and don't feel as nice.

It would be great if they offered a new, smaller ship with all the S Class amenities.

[shofer]

We really liked the Zenith!

 

Ah! the Zenith. Fond memories here of our first cruise. We were so blown away by the food, ambiance, service, etc.

 

Loved the Rendezvous Lounge and missed it on Silhouette. Ensemble Lounge is for the Specialty restaurants.

 

Sue

[swigso]

I have sailed on both M and S class the Zenith was not with Celebrity when

I first sailed with them in 2000 have seen the Horizon now called Mein Shiff 2 or something, but back to your question.

The Connie was always our favourite ship, but then we sailed on the Equinox, wow she was beautiful and the crew were fantastic,

we then sailed on the Eclipse again what a fantastic ship, the layout,

bars etc are all modern and the Martini Bar is fantastic.

Did a sailing on the Constellation straight after and I must say I did

notice a difference.

The Connie seemed old there were just some things like the Toilets self flushing

the buffet layout the Lawn (which I thought would be ODD) the

extra decks to wander around, the casino was better designed and I'm told

the shops were more user friendly.

If I had the choice it would be 'S' class but I would never turn down a cruise on Celebrity.

[Cruise a holic]

I'd like to get a sense from those who have sailed several times on Celebrity whether the overall satisfaction differs among the various ships and if so is it a big difference or hardly enough to matter.

 

Put it this way. Hypothetically, if there were two ships available for the same itinerary, same dates, same price per cabin class, same everything, but one is a Solstice class and one Millennium class, and you could pick either one, which would you pick and why? Or is it a toss up.

 

While we sail on both annually, I truly prefer the solstice class ships. Especially the Silhouette. The M class ships are smaller and less crowded, but you have more choice of activities and dining on the S class ships. The S class ships are newer so you also have nicer decor. While the M class ships have been refurbished, they aren't as grand as the S class ships. We also like the Molecular bar which isn't available on the M class ships. The design of the Buffet on the S class ships is also much more user friendly.

 

Having said all above, we sail in a couple of weeks on the Summit! We truly enjoy the cruise-as we do not have to fly-but not the same as the Silhouette.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited July 29, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[Twoifbyc]

If all else is equal (ports, days at sea, price), we would do the S class ship. The lawn area and the Sunset Bar are the winning factors. I've noticed that people have said the M class due to less passengers onboard-- the S class may have more passengers, but the layout of the ship/areas makes it feel less crowded IMHO.

[Cruise Raider]

I'd like to get a sense from those who have sailed several times on Celebrity whether the overall satisfaction differs among the various ships and if so is it a big difference or hardly enough to matter.

 

Put it this way. Hypothetically, if there were two ships available for the same itinerary, same dates, same price per cabin class, same everything, but one is a Solstice class and one Millennium class, and you could pick either one, which would you pick and why? Or is it a toss up.

 

These are equal in my opinion. Out of the S-class, I would pick the Equinox and out of the M-class, the Infinity.

 

While I like the size of the M-class ships and love the set up in their spa and indoor pool.

On the S-class, even though much larger, there is still room for everyone without feeling too crowded. I also love their indoor pool area but especially love the lawn club.

Yep...for me it is a toss up.

[Bobal]

Interesting answers here - particularly seeing how what one person likes another sees as a disadvantage.

 

Whilst S class ships have a lot more style and wow factor I think on balance I prefer M class for two main reasons, both to do with crowding.

 

We prefer to dine on a table for 2 in Select dining and most of the S class tables for 2 are crammed in together with barely any space in between. Equally the loungers on S class seem to be more crammed in with literally no space at all between most of them - I'm afraid (unlike many) I feel that the lawn is a huge waste of space.

 

We also like a C1 aft cabin and the M class aft balconies are larger (deeper) than S class.

[floridatravelersforlife]

Agree with a lot of posts

 

For port intensive cruises we prefer M Class as there tend to be less tender days than S Class. We have experienced some less than pleasant tenders off S Class ships that are moored further off shore. Longer transfer times and more rocky boarding.

 

We like S Class for the bigger and more elaborate bath facilities.

 

We like M Class for the more intimate Persian Gardens.

[lovescarborough]

For us the answer is simple. Solstice class if we want Aqua class. On M class ships just a balcony. The Aqua class cabins on M class are not as good and Blu is too small, so always a wait for a table. By contrast the bar and lounge areas in M class are nicer to sit and watch the dancing .

[drychi]

My wife and I have been fortunate to sail on every class of Celebrity ship from the Century to the Reflection. We always enjoyed each of the ships. I would, and hopefully will, continue to sail on all of them in the future.

I would say that I prefer the S-class ships because I believe the Persian Garden experience is better on them and I like the theatres, public spaces and buffet areas better as well on the S-class. Having said that, I would echo Host Andy's sentiment that a cruise day is better than a working day. Happy Cruising!

[rhlaw]

We love both classes. We agree with everyone above as what is on each class, but no one has mentioned the bathrooms in the S class. I love the the bathrooms on them. They are far superior to the M class,in regular rooms, below suites. But we still love the M class, because less people, a cozy ship. Would not hesitate to go on either.

[buffetking]

Having been on both class type ships.....I like the S class. Newer ships, intelligent

layout. Even with many more passengers on a S class ship, I never waited in line for anything. The S class CC cabins could use more storage drawers though.

 

Now get out there and live it up!

[Downdie]

I have sailed on both M and S class the Zenith was not with Celebrity when

I first sailed with them in 2000 have seen the Horizon now called Mein Shiff 2 or something, but back to your question.

The Connie was always our favourite ship, but then we sailed on the Equinox, wow she was beautiful and the crew were fantastic,

we then sailed on the Eclipse again what a fantastic ship, the layout,

bars etc are all modern and the Martini Bar is fantastic.

Did a sailing on the Constellation straight after and I must say I did

notice a difference.

The Connie seemed old there were just some things like the Toilets self flushing

the buffet layout the Lawn (which I thought would be ODD) the

extra decks to wander around, the casino was better designed and I'm told

the shops were more user friendly.

If I had the choice it would be 'S' class but I would never turn down a cruise on Celebrity.

The Horizon is still the Horizon and sailing with it's sister ship the Zenith for Croisieres de France (CDF) I've sailed both post Celebrity and they are still great little ships. Mein Schiff 2 was the Mercury and Mein Schiff 1 the Galaxy sailing for TUI. The Century will be transferred to CDF next May.

[Sloop-JohnB]

 

Our bottom-line is looking first at where the sailing is going, the ports, etc. That's our view and priority. Not a specific ship or size/category. Have not done a Carib cruise. I would do an M-class ship if it was going where it was of interest to us and fit our budget/schedule. To Celebrity's credit, they have their ships going in many different part of this interesting world. Good for them. Really like the Solstice-class and the general value/options that they offer.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

We too have only done 2 Celebrity Cruises... One on each... Solstice in 2012 and Summit in 2013

 

But I would have to agree with TLCOHIO we are now die-hard Celebrity Fans. Only other line I am even considering in the Mothership... Royal Carbbean.

 

Itinerary comes first for us too.

 

Although Mr Sloop likes the S Class a bit more cause they are just naturally bigger have a wee more to offer cause of size / Pax numbers (more Bars, Restaurants, Entertainment... Late Night Comedy Show, Late Night Jazz etc)

 

Other than that things are pretty equal between S & M Classes... Cabins, Food, Service etc

 

Will say tho that I LOVE the T-Pool that ONLY the M Class Ships have in their Solarium. Truly devine!

 

And having Aft Elevators... 3 banks is awesome vs just 2 in S Class

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers!

Edited July 30, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[candoez]

I'd like to get a sense from those who have sailed several times on Celebrity whether the overall satisfaction differs among the various ships and if so is it a big difference or hardly enough to matter.

 

Put it this way. Hypothetically, if there were two ships available for the same itinerary, same dates, same price per cabin class, same everything, but one is a Solstice class and one Millennium class, and you could pick either one, which would you pick and why? Or is it a toss up.

 

The difference is 3000 pax vs 2000 pax. We prefer Solstice because the ships are newer and by choosing Aqua you avoid a crowded MDR.

[phoenix_dream]

Aqua class is available on both M and S class, so that is not a deciding factor for me. I am very happy with either, and if I was given a choice of an identical itinerary I would just pick the one where I could get a better cabin (price/location). If that were the same, boy would it be tough! I personally prefer M class (the t-pool is my very favorite Celebrity feature), as I like the size and design. But S class is wonderful and has a lot going for it. Service and quality of food seems to vary a bit more by happenstance than by class of ship per se, so that doesn't factor in at all. S class has more options for bars, etc., so if I had a cruise with a lot of sea days I might pick that for that reason. S class ships are of course newer - it doesn't matter to me but it might matter to some - although Celebrity does an excellent job of keeping their ships in good order. I am prone to motion sickness, so if I were sailing an itinerary with a good chance of rougher seas I might pick S class as due to size and perhaps design they ride the waves a bit better IMHO.

[Cruise a holic]

Aqua class is available on both M and S class, so that is not a deciding factor for me. I am very happy with either, and if I was given a choice of an identical itinerary I would just pick the one where I could get a better cabin (price/location). If that were the same, boy would it be tough! I personally prefer M class (the t-pool is my very favorite Celebrity feature), as I like the size and design. But S class is wonderful and has a lot going for it. Service and quality of food seems to vary a bit more by happenstance than by class of ship per se, so that doesn't factor in at all. S class has more options for bars, etc., so if I had a cruise with a lot of sea days I might pick that for that reason. S class ships are of course newer - it doesn't matter to me but it might matter to some - although Celebrity does an excellent job of keeping their ships in good order. I am prone to motion sickness, so if I were sailing an itinerary with a good chance of rougher seas I might pick S class as due

 

to size and perhaps design they ride the waves a bit better IMHO.

 

While we love both- My favorite is the S. Class ships They have more amenities. We enjoy the choice of speciality restaurants, the molecular bar , walking through the shops- and the physical appearance of the ship. The pool area is more comfortable, both the indoor and outdoor pools on the S class. The cabins are also nicer. With the exception of the AQ and CC, the cabins are smaller- 170 square feet, balcony on M class vs. 195 square feet on S class for balcony.

 

Having said all- We will be sailing on the Summit in about 10 days! Love them all.

[Sascol]

S class every time. They offer a 'newer' more up to date feel. Many aspects of the M class ships are a bit dated (in our opinion). You'll see more things that need a little TLC on the M class ships.

[maxsales]

I'd like to get a sense from those who have sailed several times on Celebrity whether the overall satisfaction differs among the various ships and if so is it a big difference or hardly enough to matter.

 

Put it this way. Hypothetically, if there were two ships available for the same itinerary, same dates, same price per cabin class, same everything, but one is a Solstice class and one Millennium class, and you could pick either one, which would you pick and why? Or is it a toss up.

 

This is really a chocolate vs vanilla question. We enjoy both classes.

 

If I was forced to just pick one ship in the Celebrity fleet it would be the constellation, that ship has a special vibe for me.

[fleckle]

S class every time. They offer a 'newer' more up to date feel. Many aspects of the M class ships are a bit dated (in our opinion). You'll see more things that need a little TLC on the M class ships.

I think a friend described the differences well by saying that the S-class ships are like a new pair of modern, stylish stiletto shoes, great looking but not the most comfortable, while the M-class ships are like slipping on your favorite comfortable, older shoes.

They may be a little worn, and not the most stylish, but they still feel wonderful and look fine to us.

We enjoy the S-class ships, but find that the M class ships still fit us very well and are more comfortably and conveniently laid out, maybe because we are a bit dated and need a little TLC every now and then ourselves. ;)

 

Edited July 30, 2014 by fleckle

[r5516]

We have sailed on the Zenith, Century, Summit. Equinox, Infiniti, and Mercury. Each of these ships have been most enjoyable, some are small but they all have great features. We will be sailing on the Eclipse in March 1015, looking forward to another fantastic Celebrity cruise.