Royal to Celebrity - need advice

[avalon007]

Hi Celebrity cruisers,

 

Ok here is the deal, we are Diamond members with Royal & have decided to give Celebrity a go for something different & because we get reciprocal benefits.

 

How do the benefits compare? Anyone who is Royal Diamond who has also done Celebrity who can advise?

 

We have no clue about Celebrity ships & how things work in comparison to Royal.

 

I have ascertained of the ships sailing out of Sydney, Solstice is the one to go on.

 

But I need advice on cabin type & cabin position.

 

We like balcony cabins & prefer mid to higher decks.

 

I see Celebrity offers a few variations on balcony or veranda cabins, are the more expensive veranda cabins worth the money?

 

What areas of the ship are noisiest, what decks are preferred.

 

Do they have an adults only pool/solarium areas like Royal?

 

What are the best dining options.

 

We are middle aged with no kids if that helps.

 

Thanks for any tips.:)

[cinlo]

Hi Avalon, welcome to Celebrity!

 

We have just returned from our first Royal Caribbean cruise. We are not quite to Elite level and were recognized as Platinum on our Royal cruise. The only real benefit I think was that we were invited to the private party that recognized the long term loyal folks that were receiving awards. However that was a very nice (short) party with the drinks flowing and some nice appetizers.

 

If you can swing for a Sky suite, they are very nice, but mostly in the shadow of the large overhang you can see on Solstice photos. Suites include a Butler, who is able to arrange dining in specialty restaurants, etc. You will also pay a bit more in daily gratuities for the butler. Next down in cost is Aqua class, which allows you to eat in the private dining room Blu, with somewhat "healthier" food being served. You may also eat there for breakfast each day. If you would rather be in the main dining room, get a room in Concierge class or below. There are 3 levels of concierge based on room location, but the amenities are the same for all of them, which also include an extra point on your cruise, if you wish to build up your points faster. Concierge also has fresh fruit and flowers in the room, and appetizers each day around 4 PM. You would have nice robes in your cabin, nice toiletries, etc.

 

Next in cost would be a variety of balcony rooms. If you check a place like Or...zdotcom, you can more easily see which rooms are available by proceeding as if you are making your choice. There will be blinking lights on the available cabins. Midship is usually considered to be a smoother ride but you already knew that.

 

By researching on Celebrity site you can see what the extra pay dining venues are...I believe they are Murano, Silk Harvest, and Tuscan Grill. The Martini Bar is a big hit on Solstice if you are a drinker. Hopefully you will sign up during the 123GO promotion and receive the classic drink package included on your cruise.

 

Our observation of the difference in the two cruise lines may be skewed....we usually take 7-13 day cruises on Celebrity, which involves more vacation time and money for most people. Our Royal cruise was only 4 days, so there were many more younger people, who dressed much more casually at the main dining room. You will find that people on the longer Celebrity cruises generally do like to dress for formal nights. In general Royal is more focused on family, with rock climbing walls, ice skating, belly flop contests, etc. You won't see those on Solstice, nor will you hear the cruise director constantly. You get one announcement from the captain at noon each day.

 

Hopefully this helps you somewhat... Enjoy your Solstice cruise!

[TN Vol Fan]

Please be aware there is no dedicated lounge for Elites (which equates to your Diamond status). There is an Elite continental breakfast and an Elite Happy hour on most days. Locations of these depend on the number of Elites on your cruise.

Solstice is a great ship and you will very rarely feel you are sailing with 3000 other passengers. Look up the deck plans for your cabin selection and check the sticky at the beginning of this board for info on individual cabins. You might note there are two banks of elevators on Solstice- forward and midships. No aft elevator. Pricing is really dependent on location, location, location. Only you can decide if a price is worth it.

The solarium pool is 16+ on most itineraries. It is the only adults area only except some parts of the spa.

MDR is very good and the specialty restaurants are great. You can get a package for the specialties or reserves them individually. Tuscan is our favorite. I think you will find the buffet has a lot of choice and better laid out than most RCCL buffets.

You will find on X you will not have to make reservations for most entertainments- seats are available right up to show time (5 minutes) for all the nightly shows. Good quality cruise ship shows, but not as much as on RCCL.

Smoking policy is strict- no indoor smoking or balcony smoking at all, with two outside deck areas allowing smoking.

If you decide on an X cruise, don't forget you have to actually call the Captain's Club to get a membership #- it's not automatic.

Good luck on your choice.

Edited November 4, 2014 by TN Vol Fan
more info

[wallie5446]

First everything will flow just as you are used to on RCCL, a cruise is a cruise.

 

On the S-Class ships all balcony cabins are the same 194 sq ft in size, since you dont have to chase reward points, IMHO, anything above a 1A catagory is a waist of vacation $$. All the 1A's are on the angle of the hump and have a bigger balcony, just like any RCCL ship.

 

The main perk of Aqua is a private dinning room, Blu, not the MDR, and included access to the Persian Gardens.

 

The speciality options are just like Royal, we feel the Chops is the best speciality venue at sea, Murano is wonderful.

 

What else?

[jelayne]

The Elite benefits we find we use are the 90 free internet minutes each, 1bag of wash & fold laundry each (good for undies, socks, work out clothes, jeans, tees would not recommend for things that could shrink or fade). Separate debarkation waiting area & priority tender service.

 

Elite breakfast is similar to Royal. As mentioned earlier there is no dedicated Elite lounge. The Elite cocktail hour is normally held in the Skye lounge 5-7. If there too many Elites on board to accommodate in the Skye lounge you will receive 3 drink vouchers each per day which can be used between 5-7 and are good for the same drinks that are on the Captains Club drink menu.

 

Hope you have a great cruise.

[villauk]

Agree with previous comments, but have added a few further points below.

 

As there isn't an equivalent to the Diamond Lounge, you won't have access to the special coffees throughout the day unless you purchase them (or you have the beverage package). IMHO, I prefer the speciality drinks at Cafe al Bacio - it's a lovely place to stop and relax.

 

The free bag of laundry and free internet minutes are also great perks. You won't get a balcony discount on X. Agree with Wallie, if you're Elite, then I don't think the CC cabins are worth the extra on S class ships as they are the same size as the regular balconies.

 

Solstice is a beautiful ship; we sailed on her from Australia to NZ a couple of years ago ;).

[Lyndihop]

My question is: We have sailed RCL only 3 times. And have a Celebrity TA scheduled next April (never sailed Celebrity) If I call Celebrity and give them our Crown And Anchor #'s. Will we at least be invited to the onboard parties for past passengers?? Any other perks???

[pepsicruiser]

I just booked my first Celebrity cruise and am Diamond Plus. Be sure join the Celebrity Captains Club and let them know your status on RCCL.

 

When you do book give your new Captains Club # and tell them you want to upgrade one category or you won't get it automatically.

 

When you do book be sure to tell them you want the discounted deposit or you won't get it.

 

Go to the top of Celebrity Cruise Critic page and go to sticky for "room information. Go to ship or class of ship and you can find many many rooms listed and information on the particular room you are looking for.

[Sloop-JohnB]

Hi AVALON007 and LYNDIHOP

 

Welcome to Celebrity

 

My question is: We have sailed RCL only 3 times. And have a Celebrity TA scheduled next April (never sailed Celebrity) If I call Celebrity and give them our Crown And Anchor #'s. Will we at least be invited to the onboard parties for past passengers?? Any other perks???

 

RCCL's Crown & Anchor Society & Celebrity's Captain's Club Programs are seperate... So the points earned are not combinable.

 

You will start in the Captain's Club from 0... But RCCL C&A Members who are Platinum and above have Equivalent Level "Privleges" with Celebrity's Captain Club. For more info on this and more, including how to proceed before you cruise check out this RCCL Crown & Anchor Page

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=340&faqSubjectName=Crown+%26+Anchor+Society&faqId=971

 

Cheers!

Edited November 4, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[Sloop-JohnB]

Just to add onto PEPSICRUISER's comments (Reply # 8 above)

 

Make the necessary arrangements to join Celebrity's Captain's Club BEFORE you book.

 

Info can be found on the RCCL website - Crown & Anchor Page = http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&faqId=971&faqSubjectId=340

 

You will earn points as a Captain's Club Member (starting at 0). But all the while enjoy Privleges that correspond to your status in the C&A Society (starting at the RCCL Platinum level = Celebrity Select)

 

As a Captains Club Member you are entitled to any Captain's Club Specials / Promos as well as the ongoing benefit of a 50% Deposit as well as a one SubCategory Upgrade (ie 2D to 2C or A2 to A1 etc). There are however some categories & Suites that don't apply, or cruises (such as Holiday ones). So best to always read the fine print on any cruise you are thinking of booking.

 

Celebrity's Captain's Club = http://www.celebritycruises.com/captains-club/membership/captains-club-overview

 

For more info on benefits look around these Pgs, and also read the Terms & Conditions to further understand how The program works

 

Cheers!

Edited November 4, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[pepsicruiser]

I just booked my first Celebrity cruise and am Diamond Plus. Be sure join the Celebrity Captains Club and let them know your status on RCCL.

 

When you do book give your new Captains Club # and tell them you want to upgrade one category or you won't get it automatically.

 

When you do book be sure to tell them you want the discounted deposit or you won't get it.

 

Go to the top of Celebrity Cruise Critic page and go to sticky for "room information. Go to ship or class of ship and you can find many many rooms listed and information on the particular room you are looking for.

[wallie5446]

My question is: We have sailed RCL only 3 times. And have a Celebrity TA scheduled next April (never sailed Celebrity) If I call Celebrity and give them our Crown And Anchor #'s. Will we at least be invited to the onboard parties for past passengers?? Any other perks???

 

Yes, call C&A and have them walk you thru setting up your Capt Club number. Then get it added to your booking.

[wallie5446]

I just booked my first Celebrity cruise and am Diamond Plus. Be sure join the Celebrity Captains Club and let them know your status on RCCL.

 

When you do book give your new Captains Club # and tell them you want to upgrade one category or you won't get it automatically.

 

When you do book be sure to tell them you want the discounted deposit or you won't get it.

 

Go to the top of Celebrity Cruise Critic page and go to sticky for "room information. Go to ship or class of ship and you can find many many rooms listed and information on the particular room you are looking for.

 

Book thru the "Loyality" desk at Capt Club, not a reg CSR at the first timmer 800 #.

[phoenix_dream]

I recently posted a review comparing my Freedom of the Seas cruise to Celebrity Solstice class ships. There is a posting on this thread about it, but here is a link as well. You may find it interesting.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=264598

[royalcruz]

We prefer Celebrity, but we prefer Diamond lounges to Elite cocktail hour. The Elite cocktail hour is 5-7, during the time we prefer to spend in the cabin getting ready for the evening. We usually arrive at the Diamond lounge at 7:30 and spend an hour there. We often meet new people in the Diamond lounges, but not so much in the Elite hour, because it's held in a large room, where everyone is more spread out; it feels inappropriate to sit close to people when there is room to sit elsewhere. We've met a few people sitting at the bar in the Elite hour, though. We do appreciate the extra internet minutes we get on Celebrity.

[avalon007]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies.

 

We have already joined Captains Club so that one has been ticked off.

 

So regards the happy hour for Elite level on Celebrity can I confirm that it is dependant on how many at that level on board or regardless of numbers you will still get some sort of drinks discount?

 

Is the discount restricted to certain types of drinks only?

 

Also, is their a loyalty members party like on Royal that we get to attend?

 

I don't think the extra costs for the higher level of balcony cabin is worthwhile by the sounds of it as I wouldn't use a butler service & I find the appetisers, fluffier robes, flowers in the room not that appealing etc.

 

:)

[avalon007]

I recently posted a review comparing my Freedom of the Seas cruise to Celebrity Solstice class ships. There is a posting on this thread about it, but here is a link as well. You may find it interesting.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=264598

 

 

Thanks, I read your review.

 

So can you explain the main differences between Royal & Celebrity in regards to overall entertainment?

 

We enjoy the main theatre shows on Royal, musicians, comedy & magic shows as well as other events like the 70's disco night in the centrum/promenade. We don't spend a lot of time going to the nightclub etc but also don't want everything to be over & done at 10pm.

 

We like to go to a show every night normally.

 

During the day on Celebrity do you get the following options for entertainment:

 

Trivia contests

Scavenger hunts

Horse racing/poolside type events

Live bands by the pool

Lunchtime deck BBQ's

Movies (dedicated theatre or in the main theatre)

 

Do they have a pool party on one night etc?

 

Do they offer the following entertainment options?

 

Table tennis tables

Mini Golf

Shuffle board

Board games

 

 

Regards demographic, I like a mix of ages, prefer not loads of kids but also prefer not to feel like I'm in a senior citizens club either. Is it possible the Celebrity majority demographic could be older (65+) than we may expect?

 

 

Thanks!:)

[hurwitz5]

We haven't been on RCCL in a while, but we do love the amount of shade on the Solstice class ships. Both and indoor and outdoor pools have a lot of lounge chairs in the shade. This is very important to us. We also like the towel policy on Celebrity. You can take as many towels as you want when sitting by the pools. I have heard that RCCL has the passengers sign out the towels. The Celebrity cruises are more relaxing. We have friends who have more recently sailed on both lines, and they feel the food on Celebrity is better.

[Sloop-JohnB]

Thanks, I read your review.

 

So can you explain the main differences between Royal & Celebrity in regards to overall entertainment?

 

We enjoy the main theatre shows on Royal, musicians, comedy & magic shows as well as other events like the 70's disco night in the centrum/promenade. We don't spend a lot of time going to the nightclub etc but also don't want everything to be over & done at 10pm.

 

We like to go to a show every night normally.

 

During the day on Celebrity do you get the following options for entertainment:

 

Trivia contests

Scavenger hunts

Horse racing/poolside type events

Live bands by the pool

Lunchtime deck BBQ's

Movies (dedicated theatre or in the main theatre)

 

Do they have a pool party on one night etc?

 

Do they offer the following entertainment options?

 

Table tennis tables

Mini Golf

Shuffle board

Board games

 

 

Regards demographic, I like a mix of ages, prefer not loads of kids but also prefer not to feel like I'm in a senior citizens club either. Is it possible the Celebrity majority demographic could be older (65+) than we may expect?

 

 

Thanks!:)

 

Mr Sloop & I are in our 50s & 60s, I would say we are very much Celebrity's average customer... In regards to our ages, occupations, education, etc

 

I often say here on CC that the Celebrity Demographic Target are couples over 40 to about 70 (give or take a few each side), who appreciate the finer things in life "modern luxury" while still being a mainstream line. So Celebrity is therefore a lot like Princess.

 

As I understand it, HAL skews older (my Parents Favourite cruise line in their 80s & 90s).

 

And RCCL & Norwegian a bit younger as they aim more for families

 

Demographics tho can shift a bit depending on when & where you cruise... How long, and time of year. Christmas, Holidays & Summer are going to see more families. Spring & Fall (Transatlantics - New England etc) an older crowd.

 

Celebrity definitely has a focus on food & wine (and other libations). Part of the reason we chose this cruise line. We find the food to be EXCELENT all over the ship 24/7. And there are great bars & lounges... Be they somewhere hopping like he centrally located martini bar or a quiet spot like Cellarmasters Wine Bar (now also serving Craft Beers)

 

The ships are active all day long... And often into the wee morning hours, but as some of this is based on demand / itinerary, the bigger ships on lazy Caribbean Sailings tend to be the ones I you are a night owl.

 

Mr Sloop & I are fans of Late Traditional Dining (8-ish)... We begin our evening enjoying Sailaway / Sunset on our Balcony... Change for Dinner. Meet friends for drinks, have Dinner and then catch a later show (be it Entertainment in the Main Theatre - Atrium / Grand Foyer - Late Night Comedy - or an Organized Party upstairs in the Sky Lounge or on the Pool Deck). And of corse the casino is open too. Rare is it when we go to bed before 1 or 2 AM

 

Lol, the trick is learning how to pace yourself... We are not beyond taking a wee nap here & there, or sleeping in on Sea Days.

 

There is a wide variety of daytime activities... Something for everyone. Including Favourites like Daily / Weeklong Trivia, Guest Lecturers, Ship Tours, Computer Classes, Craft Sessions, Wine Tastings etc

 

And Celebrity Officers & Crew also host a few fun events... Officers vs Pax Water Polo - Dancing with the Stripes - Liars Club etc

 

Movies are shown onboard... On the M-Class Ships usually in a Conference Room, on S-Class Ships in Celebrity Central.

 

Lunchtime you have lots of choices...

 

Oceanview Buffet - MDR (on Sea Days) - Mast Grill (by the Pool) - Aqua Spa (by the Spa) - Bistro on 5 ($ 7 ) are on all Celebrity Ships... and some of the Specialty Dining Venues may also be open for Lunch... Check your Daily "Celebrity Today" for info

 

The S-Class Ships have a lot of spaces that were designed for designated activities... Such as the Library - Card & Game Room - and of course The Lawn. Up on the lawn you can just sit & wiggle your toes, or take in a concert, order a picnic or play bocce ball. There is on some ships a spot where you can practice your putting

 

I suggest you take a look around Celebrity's Website (especially the Onboard Experience - Booked Already - and FAQs sections) as well as becoming familiar with the Ship you plan to sail on (Celebrity Ships).

 

There are also many topics here on CC and tons of photos. Just hanging out here for a short while and you will learn a lot

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers!

Edited November 5, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[swcruise]

Hi, is the sky lounge exclusive for elites during cocktail hour 5-7, or can regular guests use the lounge as well ??

[BrusselsGirl07]

So regards the happy hour for Elite level on Celebrity can I confirm that it is dependant on how many at that level on board or regardless of numbers you will still get some sort of drinks discount?

 

Is the discount restricted to certain types of drinks only?

 

Also, is their a loyalty members party like on Royal that we get to attend?

 

:)

 

Hi Avalon007 - yes, having the happy hour in a dedicated area each night is dependent on how many Elite members are on board. If there are too many, they won't have a dedicated lounge for the 2 hours, they will just give you drink vouchers to be used at various bars - 3 vouchers per person.

 

On our recent Alaskan cruise there were not many Elite members, and so we did have drinks in a roped off area of the Cosmos Lounge - except for formal nights, when they reverted to the voucher system. So I think each ship is slightly different depending on the staff organising the events.

 

When we did have the happy hour in the Cosmos Lounge, servers would bring around hot and cold hot d'oeuvres, and they had a drinks menu with about 10 different drinks you could have including red and white wine, sparkling wine and various cocktails. You were not limited to the amount you could have, and we found we had not even finished one when another would be put down in front of you! My favourite was the 'Side Car'. Not sure what it was, but it was lemony and delicious!

 

There is loyalty members party that you will be invited to - I believe we had an Elite and above cocktail event as well as another event for all loyalty members.

[BrusselsGirl07]

Hi, is the sky lounge exclusive for elites during cocktail hour 5-7, or can regular guests use the lounge as well ??

 

It depends on how many people are attending the cocktail hour - if it is a big group they would probably close it off completely. On Millennium they roped off a section so that other people could still use the lounge as it was a smaller group, but they did close the lounge completely for two invitation only events for the loyalty club members, for around 2 hours for each event.

[wallie5446]

Hi, is the sky lounge exclusive for elites during cocktail hour 5-7, or can regular guests use the lounge as well ??

 

On the Reflection last year it was closed to the non Elite level pax during the event.

[avalon007]

Thanks for the additional replies, very helpful.

 

Any preference for best decks to have a balcony cabin on Solstice?

 

Looking for quiet decks without pool chairs scraping above or music pounding from below.

[Cruise a holic]

Hi Celebrity cruisers,

 

Ok here is the deal, we are Diamond members with Royal & have decided to give Celebrity a go for something different & because we get reciprocal benefits.

 

How do the benefits compare? Anyone who is Royal Diamond who has also done Celebrity who can advise?

 

We have no clue about Celebrity ships & how things work in comparison to Royal.

 

I have ascertained of the ships sailing out of Sydney, Solstice is the one to go on.

 

But I need advice on cabin type & cabin position.

 

We like balcony cabins & prefer mid to higher decks.

 

I see Celebrity offers a few variations on balcony or veranda cabins, are the more expensive veranda cabins worth the money?

 

What areas of the ship are noisiest, what decks are preferred.

 

Do they have an adults only pool/solarium areas like Royal?

 

What are the best dining options.

 

We are middle aged with no kids if that helps.

 

Thanks for any tips.:)

 

We enjoy both Celebrity and RC. I would say that both lines are great. For "adults" who want a quieter vacation, Celebrity is the choice. We typically enjoy cabins mid-deck-with cabins above and below. But have enjoyed aft suites also. As you state, since you are a diamond member on RC, you will be entitled to celebrity elite perks. This includes a daily cocktail period of about two hours. We preferred the RC Diamond cocktail hour, but Celebrities is nice.

 

Celebrity has a nice pool/solarium area for adults only, which is typically respected by the guests. Celebrity doesn't make loud speaker announcements all day- but rather once in the morning which is great. Celebrity has a stricter no smoking policy. The Casino is smoke free. I find overall, the food in the main dining room to be better on Celebrity.

 

I prefer the solstice class Celebrity Ships, or the Freedom , Oasis and I am sure the new Quantum class RC ships.

 

I think that you will enjoy the experience on Celebrity, especially without children.