I'm Jumping Ship! Help!

[need2cruisesoon]

Yes she is bigger then the rest. She is 7 feet longer than Eclipse, and 2 feet wider than Eclipse. The extra 7 feet in length and 2 feet in width does nothing so far as adding cabins. It boils down to an extra 14 sq. ft. per deck. These extra measurements seem "immaterial" to me considering the ship is 1047 feet long.

 

Both Reflection and Eclipse have 16 decks (will assume all S class do), it's just that decks 12-16 have been reconfigured in order to add cabins within those decks on Reflection. The pools have been moved 1 deck up on Reflection, and deck 15 on Reflection is a complete deck, whereas on Eclipse, it's a partial deck forward, open mid, and partial aft.

 

As to crowding, They didn't add any additional public space, seating space in restaurants etc. They removed the nightclub Quasar to make it conference space. 1/3 of Reflections' Sky Lounge is missing as it is part of the Reflection Suite. That pubic spaces remained the same size (smaller with loss of Quasar versus Sillie) there is certainly less space per passenger than other S-class ships, as a practical matter, even though the ship is indeed a little larger.

 

Some even post in other threads the pool is physically smaller, and that they experience dramatic waits for BLU and other things on Reflection versus other ships. So it's a bit odd in this thread all of a sudden everyone doesn't think reflection is crowded at all.

 

Wasn't this topic covered (Grand Tour S Class Ships) a couple years ago by a OP named "Cruisetrail"? I believe the Reflection was his least favorite ship.

Edited March 17, 2015 by need2cruisesoon

[cle-guy]

Wasn't this topic covered (Grand Tour S Class Ships) a couple years ago by a OP named "Cruisetrail"?

 

no clue...I only joined CC in the last 2 years. I got my info from sailing the ships and reviewing current deck plans on the X website.

[wallie5446]

Wasn't this topic covered (Grand Tour S Class Ships) a couple years ago by a OP named "Cruisetrail"? I believe the Reflection was his least favorite ship.

 

Have no clue, how about a link to the topic.

[Ma Bell]

Yes she is bigger then the rest. She is 7 feet longer than Eclipse, and 2 feet wider than Eclipse. The extra 7 feet in length and 2 feet in width does nothing so far as adding cabins. It boils down to an extra 14 sq. ft. per deck. These extra measurements seem "immaterial" to me considering the ship is 1047 feet long.

 

Both Reflection and Eclipse have 16 decks (will assume all S class do), it's just that decks 12-16 have been reconfigured in order to add cabins within those decks on Reflection. The pools have been moved 1 deck up on Reflection, and deck 15 on Reflection is a complete deck, whereas on Eclipse, it's a partial deck forward, open mid, and partial aft.

 

As to crowding, They didn't add any additional public space, seating space in restaurants etc. They removed the nightclub Quasar to make it conference space. 1/3 of Reflections' Sky Lounge is missing as it is part of the Reflection Suite. That pubic spaces remained the same size (smaller with loss of Quasar versus Sillie) there is certainly less space per passenger than other S-class ships, as a practical matter, even though the ship is indeed a little larger.

 

Some even post in other threads the pool is physically smaller, and that they experience dramatic waits for BLU and other things on Reflection versus other ships. So it's a bit odd in this thread all of a sudden everyone doesn't think reflection is crowded at all.

 

I can only comment about my own experience and I don't find it "feels" any more crowded than the other ships. She is a lovely ship with a great crew.

[need2cruisesoon]

Have no clue, how about a link to the topic.

 

Grand Tour of the S Class Ships

This is part 1:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1743821

 

This is Part 2:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1751328

Edited March 17, 2015 by need2cruisesoon

[alcpa1]

We were terribly disappointed with a RCI cruise in '14 and the only saving grace was Chops. As diamonds (should be diamond+ by our account but not by RCI's) we truly remember some very good cruises from the Song of Norway forward. I can understand the OP's desire for something better.

I hope all the discussion about dining wasn't too confusing. Clearly all cabins from inside to Concierge class dine in the MDR. Dinner is served with early or late seating or select (open). Aqua class dines in Blu with open seating, Suite passengers will dine in Luminae also with open seating as it opens on each ship in the fleet beginning in April. Each ship in addition has several specialty restaurants with a surcharge of $7-$50 per person. Wine dinners are more.

When you choose your Celebrity sailing contact the Captain's Club to register your RCI Crown and Anchor status and have a comparable Captain's Club number assigned.

For cabin selection the JS is most comparable to the Sky Suites. On the M class ships the Concierge and Aqua class cabins are a little larger that the standard balcony cabins. And amongst those classes there are also some primo cabins that are featured in a M class Sticky. On the S class ships all balcony cabins are the same size but some have "better" balconies.

Can't help with the cuisine for Luminae yet but Blu is our favorite.

Keep asking questions and we will all try to help.

[lawgeek]

Yes she is bigger then the rest. She is 7 feet longer than Eclipse, and 2 feet wider than Eclipse. The extra 7 feet in length and 2 feet in width does nothing so far as adding cabins. It boils down to an extra 14 sq. ft. per deck. These extra measurements seem "immaterial" to me considering the ship is 1047 feet long.

 

Both Reflection and Eclipse have 16 decks (will assume all S class do), it's just that decks 12-16 have been reconfigured in order to add cabins within those decks on Reflection. The pools have been moved 1 deck up on Reflection, and deck 15 on Reflection is a complete deck, whereas on Eclipse, it's a partial deck forward, open mid, and partial aft.

 

As to crowding, They didn't add any additional public space, seating space in restaurants etc. They removed the nightclub Quasar to make it conference space. 1/3 of Reflections' Sky Lounge is missing as it is part of the Reflection Suite. That pubic spaces remained the same size (smaller with loss of Quasar versus Sillie) there is certainly less space per passenger than other S-class ships, as a practical matter, even though the ship is indeed a little larger.

 

Some even post in other threads the pool is physically smaller, and that they experience dramatic waits for BLU and other things on Reflection versus other ships. So it's a bit odd in this thread all of a sudden everyone doesn't think reflection is crowded at all.

 

Actually an extra 2' of beam would result in additional 2,094 sq. ft. per deck and an extra 7' of length adds another approx. 861 sq. ft. for a total of 2,955 sq. ft. per deck. This is calculated by multiplying the 2' added beam by the overall length (1,047') and 7' extra length by the overall beam (123').

[Stateroom_Sailor]

Just so you know, RCI & Celebrity are the same company.

 

We just did our first cruise on the Celebrity Equinox and we enjoyed it very much. A notch higher than RCI but did like RCI as well.

 

Just a personal opinion, but I think the 123GO! sale is more genuine than the BOGO. Depending on the price of Veranda's, and if you spend money on board, the Concierge Cabins are really good bang per buck when you subtract what you would have spent anyways. The BOGOHO sale has turned into a marketing gimmick, like a jewelry store that's always "35% off!"

 

According to the other forum, cocktails have jump from $7-$8 to $10-$12, and a beer is now $6. Has Celebrity taking a sudden jump also?

 

There's also buzz about cuts in waiting staff, followed by abnormal fare increases for 2016. The other forums are getting similar posts to this, people jumping ship.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

As much as you are a fan, I am a nonfan. I have sailed in CC cabins several times, and on S class ships I don't see any value, with the possible exception of extra points toward Elite status.

 

We're CC fans at the moment because of the 123GO! sale, but had there been an option to get all 3 perks with a veranda, we would have. We had an OV last time, so obviously I can't comment. Improved linens and toiletries, snacks at night, I won't turn it down. We get room service for breakfast on port days, so I'm hoping for more breakfast options.

[dkjretired]

Yes she is bigger then the rest. She is 7 feet longer than Eclipse, and 2 feet wider than Eclipse. The extra 7 feet in length and 2 feet in width does nothing so far as adding cabins. It boils down to an extra 14 sq. ft. per deck. These extra measurements seem "immaterial" to me considering the ship is 1047 feet long.

 

Both Reflection and Eclipse have 16 decks (will assume all S class do), it's just that decks 12-16 have been reconfigured in order to add cabins within those decks on Reflection. The pools have been moved 1 deck up on Reflection, and deck 15 on Reflection is a complete deck, whereas on Eclipse, it's a partial deck forward, open mid, and partial aft.

 

As to crowding, They didn't add any additional public space, seating space in restaurants etc. They removed the nightclub Quasar to make it conference space. 1/3 of Reflections' Sky Lounge is missing as it is part of the Reflection Suite. That pubic spaces remained the same size (smaller with loss of Quasar versus Sillie) there is certainly less space per passenger than other S-class ships, as a practical matter, even though the ship is indeed a little larger.

 

Some even post in other threads the pool is physically smaller, and that they experience dramatic waits for BLU and other things on Reflection versus other ships. So it's a bit odd in this thread all of a sudden everyone doesn't think reflection is crowded at all.

 

Actually the ship as someone mentioned is 4000 tons larger than her sisters. Most do not know that the gross tonnage of a ship is not the weight of the ship but the inside volumn of the ship so the ship added 4000tons of inside space, I'm sure some of that was public space.

 

Also, when Celebrity changed the configuration on the Reflection while it was being built, they issued a press release with some information. They added a number of tables in Blu and the MDR to offset the number of new cabins. Celebrity web site won't let me get to older press releases right now but I will check later.

[cle-guy]

According to the other forum, cocktails have jump from $7-$8 to $10-$12, and a beer is now $6. Has Celebrity taking a sudden jump also?

 

 

Celebrity raised their drinks pricing in May of 2014. They raised Drink Package pricing sometime in 2013, and have recently raised the price for packages purchased on-board as well, in mid 2014 or so.

[micmacmissy]

Not sure why you are "fed up" with RCI, but having sailed on both, IMHO there is little difference except that Celebrity has a somewhat more mature clientele and less bells and whistles (and announcements and activities). If you are looking for an appreciable upgrade from RCI in terms of food or service, I am afraid you may be disappointed.

 

I respectfully disagree. I think there are several areas in which Celebrity outshines RCCL:

 

Buffet food: far superior on Celebrity. Real eggs, made to order omelets, delicious waffles, yummy pizza. (Sorry, but Sorrentos is HORRIBLE). Plus, there is outdoor seating which is really nice!

 

Solarium: Celebrity's solarium (on M class ships like Summit) has a wonderful spa like bubble pool, with a built in lounging section...it's great!

 

Ice cream: Forget the subpar soft serve coming out of that dirty machine poolside on RCCL. Celebrity has homemade, hard scoop ice cream in several flavors which change daily...plus a load of great toppings. This is located in the buffet as well...no surcharge!

 

Lounges: Live music and great service in the pre-dinner and evening hours...really nice! We had a hard time finding live music before 9:30pm on RCCL.

 

Service: Dining room and room stewards are equal on both lines. But on Celebrity you'll notice little things, like champagne on embarkment, ALL staff saying hello, a tent set up on the pier where you can get a drink or relax in the shade after a port day.

 

Smoking: None indoors on Celebrity ships, which means you can actually enjoy the casino and other areas without disgusting secondhand smoke!

 

Fellow passengers/ambiance: They follow the dress code on Celebrity, which means you generally won't see some chump in a tuxedo-printed tshirt on formal night. Also, no Bingo announcements or belly flop contests by the pool.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

Celebrity raised their drinks pricing in May of 2014. They raised Drink Package pricing sometime in 2013, and have recently raised the price for packages purchased on-board as well, in mid 2014 or so.

 

I only bought 2 frozen drinks on the Millennium, and I thought they wee under $8... I am basically wondering if Celebrity is keeping up with inflation (more or less), or did they give a bold 30-40% hike?

[Stateroom_Sailor]

I respectfully disagree. I think there are several areas in which Celebrity outshines RCCL:

 

Buffet food: far superior on Celebrity. Real eggs, made to order omelets, delicious waffles, yummy pizza. (Sorry, but Sorrentos is HORRIBLE). Plus, there is outdoor seating which is really nice!

 

Solarium: Celebrity's solarium (on M class ships like Summit) has a wonderful spa like bubble pool, with a built in lounging section...it's great!

 

Ice cream: Forget the subpar soft serve coming out of that dirty machine poolside on RCCL. Celebrity has homemade, hard scoop ice cream in several flavors which change daily...plus a load of great toppings. This is located in the buffet as well...no surcharge!

 

Lounges: Live music and great service in the pre-dinner and evening hours...really nice! We had a hard time finding live music before 9:30pm on RCCL.

 

Service: Dining room and room stewards are equal on both lines. But on Celebrity you'll notice little things, like champagne on embarkment, ALL staff saying hello, a tent set up on the pier where you can get a drink or relax in the shade after a port day.

 

Smoking: None indoors on Celebrity ships, which means you can actually enjoy the casino and other areas without disgusting secondhand smoke!

 

Fellow passengers/ambiance: They follow the dress code on Celebrity, which means you generally won't see some chump in a tuxedo-printed tshirt on formal night. Also, no Bingo announcements or belly flop contests by the pool.

 

I think the MDR is also superior. RCL gives the same sides to most dishes, which get really old after 7 days. Next time I'm going to have to skip out and go to the Italian specialty dining at least once. We didn't have a Sorrentos, but the pizza they had was about the worst I've had anywhere, including frozen or at a Chinese buffet.

 

To the OP, Celebrity is a good switch depending on what you enjoy most about RCL. If you lean towards service and luxury, Celebrity will be a great fit. If you lean towards fun and entertainment, giant ships to wow you, Norwegian might be a better choice.

[cle-guy]

I only bought 2 frozen drinks on the Millennium, and I thought they wee under $8... I am basically wondering if Celebrity is keeping up with inflation (more or less), or did they give a bold 30-40% hike?

 

It as not a bold hike, it was a buck or 2, wines did seem to have hefty increases but I don't recall.

 

It seemed more to move cheaper drinks from Classic package pricing to Premium Package pricing, to entice people with free classic packages to upgrade and spend the $11.80 a day to upgrade.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

[quote name='cle-guy']It as not a bold hike, it was a buck or 2, wines did seem to have hefty increases but I don't recall.

It seemed more to move cheaper drinks from Classic package pricing to Premium Package pricing, to entice people with free classic packages to upgrade and spend the $11.80 a day to upgrade.[/quote]

We went in late August on the Millie, and I didn't hear anyone complain about drink prices. It sounds like they're being more incremental on Celebrity, and perhaps taking for granted RCL loyalty.

[wallie5446]

Has the OP ever returned and filled in the blank as to why they are jumping?
Or did I miss the post?
EW

[wwcruisers]

[quote name='wallie5446']Has the OP ever returned and filled in the blank as to why they are jumping?
Or did I miss the post?
EW[/quote]

Doesn't appear to have, yet. It looks like the OP's been on CC for several years, but isn't a frequent poster. My guess is that they'll return, in a day or two. But, isn't it amazing that some folks actually have more things to do than read these boards (and, of course, cruise :p)?? ;) Edited March 18, 2015 by wwcruisers

[tinybabynurse]

Re Concierge Class Perks:

All three of the 123 package perks if available

A MUCH better room-service breakfast menu -- we do this a lot

Foot stools on the balcony -- for us, a better perk than it sounds like it would be

Fruit and canapes (not worth the trouble to us)

We got a really nice tote bag that we liked

Sparkling 'welcome' wine if you like that.

Priority boarding? Maybe, but not something we consider important.

Extra point per day if you are trying to gain 'status'. Doubt we will ever make the top level since several of the captains don't have enough cruises for that :D so not important to us.

Wife said the shower head was nicer (it's a shower :rolleyes: ....).

Bath mat was a nice, thicker rug-like thing rather than a 'towel'.

The robes are DEFINITELY nicer.

The binoculars are OK but we had to get another pair because ours had been dropped and gave us double vision.

The umbrella is a full length one and not handy to carry if it does rain.

We decided if we could get the CC for a couple hundred more then we would take it, otherwise just take a balcony and not worry about it.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

[quote name='wallie5446']Has the OP ever returned and filled in the blank as to why they are jumping?
Or did I miss the post?
EW[/quote]

I don't want to put words in the OP's mouth, but there has been major uproar on the RCL forum, loyalists infighting, and people bailing to various other cruise lines just this week. These are the major complaints:

1. A jump in 2016 fares, seen by some as unreasonable
2. An up to 40% jump in price for alcoholic beverages
3 A cut in waitstaff (waiters serving more tables). Edited March 18, 2015 by Stateroom_Sailor

[goldgirl2]

OP here:). Sorry about the delayed response! Life sometimes gets in the way. I'm fed up with RCI for a few reasons. First, the price increase. When compared side by side X came out ahead. More perks and more luxury. Second, on our last cruise we paid @ $500 for a ship excursion for 4 of us. The excursion was cut short. Our guide disappeared for over an hour so we missed half of it due to time. When I complained to guest services they had the too bad for you attitude and did not compensate in any way. Those are my major complaints.
We are leaning toward a sky suite. We enjoy the space. Do all suites have the same perks? We are platinum on RCI does anyone know how that will transfer? Thank you for all the great feedback! You are all so helpful:)

[LabGuy64]

Hey Curt....

I want to see the hot glass show! (next cruise booked on silhouette so will not see it)....lol, How many more dining options do we need?!



quote=cle-guy;45951883]No, Reflection does not have these. Only Equinox Does.

Eclipse was to get them during its dryock, but there is a thread running that the conversion is not happening (Cellar Masters became Gastro Bar on Equinox, and a non-used kiosk became Slush by the pool).

I'd generally recommend avoiding Reflection, since it is the same size as all other X S class ships, but it has several hundred extra people on it.

Sillouhette may be my recommendation as it is S class, and has the lawn club grille etc. on the upper deck, instead of just a glass blowing show. Extra dining opportunities.[/quote]

[wallie5446]

[quote name='Stateroom_Sailor']I don't want to put words in the OP's mouth, but there has been major uproar on the RCL forum, loyalists infighting, and people bailing to various other cruise lines just this week. These are the major complaints:

1. A jump in 2016 fares, seen by some as unreasonable
2. An up to 40% jump in price for alcoholic beverages
3 A cut in waitstaff (waiters serving more tables).[/QUOTE]

All the things that Celebrity did last year.

[wallie5446]

[quote name='goldgirl2']OP here:). We are platinum on RCI does anyone know how that will transfer? )[/QUOTE]

You will receive the Classic level perks:

Classic Member Benefits*
(after completing your first sailing**)

• Exclusive Captain's Club Celebration event
• Access to Reunion Cruise and President's Cruise events
• One category upgrade through AquaClass® (prior to sailing, when available, restrictions apply) ***
• One Complimentary scoop of gelato from the Gelateria (not available on Celebrity Century®)
• 10% off any single Internet package (restrictions may apply)
• 10% discount on any digital or print photo package at the Photo Gallery
• Access to Captain's Club newsletter online
• Use of the Loyalty Desk service center between cruises
• Access to the onboard Loyalty Host during your cruise
• Eligibility for Captain's Club promotions when booking a future cruise onboard
• Earn Double Club Points if you travel solo in a stateroom (as of July 1, 2014)
• Receive Hertz Gold Plus Rewards membership (earn free rentals) with weekly rental discounts, free upgrades, and other special offers. Learn more.

[CathyCruises]

[quote name='goldgirl2']OP here:). Sorry about the delayed response! Life sometimes gets in the way. I'm fed up with RCI for a few reasons. First, the price increase. When compared side by side X came out ahead. More perks and more luxury. Second, on our last cruise we paid @ $500 for a ship excursion for 4 of us. The excursion was cut short. Our guide disappeared for over an hour so we missed half of it due to time. When I complained to guest services they had the too bad for you attitude and did not compensate in any way. Those are my major complaints.
We are leaning toward a sky suite. We enjoy the space. Do all suites have the same perks? We are platinum on RCI does anyone know how that will transfer? Thank you for all the great feedback! You are all so helpful:)[/QUOTE]

The sky suites are the lowest level of suite. Standard cabins are 194 sq ft, the sky suites are about 300. You will be able to dine in the suite restaurant but will not have access to Michael's Club, with free drinks all day, etc., and which is reserved for all suites higher than sky suite. You will have butler service, afternoon tea service, etc. Sky suites also have bathtubs instead of just showers.