Mostly Loyal to Royal tried X and loved it!

[jules815]

Went on a 5-night Cozumel and Key West on Constellation last week. It was spring break for my daughter, and this was another mother/daughter cruise for us. I'd say Constellation is probably comparable in size to a Radiance class ship. Ship was spotless and in beautiful condition. Very relaxing, without being boring. Probably not the best line for children. There are no characters, etc., but they did have a smaller kid's club area and one for teens as well.

 

We were in an S1 Sky Suite, like a junior suite, but had access to their concierge lounge, Michael's Club, and our dining room was Luminae, their suite restaurant. I specifically booked this category because I really wanted to try a dedicated suite restaurant. We were definitely WOW'd there.

 

We booked two more while on board for 2017. They have some really nice Caribbean itineraries with islands we haven't been to.

 

Next up...Harmony transatlantic!! :D This will also be a new ship class for us, as well as itinerary.

[debshomespun]

We have done more RC cruises than any other line and a couple years ago, we tried Celebrity. To us...Celebrity is a step above RC, IMHO. Celebrity seems to be a more refined cruise experience overall. We still continue to cruise TC, but our choice line is now Celebrity. Our cruises are now based more on where they go.

[Clarea]

Went on a 5-night Cozumel and Key West on Constellation last week. It was spring break for my daughter, and this was another mother/daughter cruise for us. I'd say Constellation is probably comparable in size to a Radiance class ship. Ship was spotless and in beautiful condition. Very relaxing, without being boring. Probably not the best line for children. There are no characters, etc., but they did have a smaller kid's club area and one for teens as well.

 

We were in an S1 Sky Suite, like a junior suite, but had access to their concierge lounge, Michael's Club, and our dining room was Luminae, their suite restaurant. I specifically booked this category because I really wanted to try a dedicated suite restaurant. We were definitely WOW'd there.

 

We booked two more while on board for 2017. They have some really nice Caribbean itineraries with islands we haven't been to.

 

Next up...Harmony transatlantic!! :D This will also be a new ship class for us, as well as itinerary.

Appreciate the comparison, we are also looking at X.

Edited March 22, 2016 by clarea

[Missus Makkem]

Another who has over the last 2 years tried Celebrity and love it, change of many things but specially new itineraries.

Never say never as we have loved Royal too but felt it was time for a change and it certainly worked for us.

[Tif1171]

Thank you for the comparison as well. My husband and I have only done Royal but I was looking at trying Celebrity. Does anyone know if I could use my future cruise credit with Royal on Celebrity since they are affiliated?

[champagne123]

Although we have only been on X once, we LOVED IT!!!! I see you booked the Reflection...this is the one we are looking at also. I also noticed you have never been on a Mega Ship. You are in for a big WOW on the Harmony...and although we do not sail her until next year, we have been on both her sister ships. Nothing in the world like them. :):):)

[Texasopa]

We were on The Solstice last May to Alaska, and absolutely loved it. I think Celebrity is a little nicer then Royal.

[Clarea]

Thank you for the comparison as well. My husband and I have only done Royal but I was looking at trying Celebrity. Does anyone know if I could use my future cruise credit with Royal on Celebrity since they are affiliated?

You would have to read the fine print on the FCC. I'd also try calling Crown & Anchor because I usually get more dependable info from them.

[BillOh]

Having reached Diamond we may give X a try, but with our usual MO of sailing in the Caribbean for our Anniversary that maybe hard, Celebrity seems to pull most of their ships out of the area by early May, and the past few years even into mid April. We may have to be more flexible if we want to try it.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Great to hear!

 

I've booked the Reflection for my Feb break week next year (did it while bemoaning my cancelling my Disney cruise I'd scheduled for this year's break - then changed to Spring Break but still cancelled it - and REALLY regretting it during our super cold Feb break this year) and am super excited. I'm going AquaClass! :)

[jules815]

We have done more RC cruises than any other line and a couple years ago, we tried Celebrity. To us...Celebrity is a step above RC, IMHO. Celebrity seems to be a more refined cruise experience overall. We still continue to cruise TC, but our choice line is now Celebrity. Our cruises are now based more on where they go.

 

I believe this is where we are too. I wasn't sure, because there are quite a few on the Celebrity board who say that the X experience has gone downhill, but I definitely noticed a difference. And while it might not matter to some, I really appreciated the nice little touches. The servers walking around the foyer at embarkation with glasses of champagne or mimosas for everyone, smiling and saying "welcome aboard." The chilled towels being handed out around the pool in the afternoon...nice touch. I even thought their plastic drink glasses looked nicer...a few times I had to tap them, because I was surprised they would be using glass poolside, and they were plastic. :)

 

And of course they have some really nice itineraries sailing out of Florida. My husband and I will be doing a 10 night on Reflection in 12/17 that does an overnight in St. Maarten. St. Maarten will be the only island on that cruise that will be a repeater for us, but the overnight will make it different.

 

I'm sure we'll still continue to sail with RC, but I'm really happy I gave X a try.

[Summerknight]

Thank you for your comparison. My DH was on a mission to reach Diamond Plus. Mission accomplished.now I would like to try new things!

[jules815]

Although we have only been on X once, we LOVED IT!!!! I see you booked the Reflection...this is the one we are looking at also. I also noticed you have never been on a Mega Ship. You are in for a big WOW on the Harmony...and although we do not sail her until next year, we have been on both her sister ships. Nothing in the world like them. :):):)

 

Yes, we're really looking forward to finally sail on an Oasis Class ship. It will also be our first transatlantic, and my first time in Barcelona. Big trip for us!

 

I'm also very excited about the 10-day on Reflection in 12/17. Here's the itinerary:

 

Sailing from Ft. Lauderdale...

Sea Day

Sea Day

St. Johns, Antigua

Bridgetown, Barbados

Castries, St. Lucia

St. Maarten (arrive 9am, depart next day at 6pm :) )

Sea Day

Sea Day

 

New islands for us, an overnight in St. Maarten, and 4 sea days...love the two up front and on the end. :)

[dagadget]

Went on a 5-night Cozumel and Key West on Constellation last week. It was spring break for my daughter, and this was another mother/daughter cruise for us. I'd say Constellation is probably comparable in size to a Radiance class ship. Ship was spotless and in beautiful condition. Very relaxing, without being boring. Probably not the best line for children. There are no characters, etc., but they did have a smaller kid's club area and one for teens as well.

 

We were in an S1 Sky Suite, like a junior suite, but had access to their concierge lounge, Michael's Club, and our dining room was Luminae, their suite restaurant. I specifically booked this category because I really wanted to try a dedicated suite restaurant. We were definitely WOW'd there.

 

We booked two more while on board for 2017. They have some really nice Caribbean itineraries with islands we haven't been to.

 

Next up...Harmony transatlantic!! :D This will also be a new ship class for us, as well as itinerary.

 

Very interesting Cathy and I started our cruising career on Celebrity Millennium in April 2006. WE were in a Concierge Class SR on deck 9 with the large angled Balcony just below the overhang on the starboard side. We had Champagne handed to us when we stepped aboard and a tray of hors d'oeuvre in the afternoon on our table. Since then we have cruised exclusively with Royal but we will cruise with Celebrity again as we loved the extra perks that we received. Many were because of the cabin we reserved but still it is going to be nice to try it again.

[cruisingsince94]

We had always sailed with RCI but decided to give Celebrity a try thanks to a great deal we found in 2014. We were very impressed. As many have said, maybe just a touch above in many areas.

We did a 2nd cruise on Celebrity this past November and it was also very good. If we find a good deal on them I will not hesitate to book Celebrity again.

[Italy52]

We tend to sail Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Princess mainly because of their itineraries. The one pro we like about Celebrity is the fact that the ship is non-smoking in the interior (casino included) and on balconies. The con is that their optional dining venues are pricier than other ships.

[diesel1973]

When we started cruising years ago we did RCCL. Tried X and were very impressed. Climbed to Elite status on X and thought we would try RCCL again as they match status. Did cruise in Feb. on SOS and was just OK so we are moving back to X. We think the perks and the difference in food makes the difference. After viewing X and RCCL Car. cruises offered next year,there doesn't seem to be much difference in price.

[George C]

I was disappointed in Celebrity on our 1 cruise, we also had sky suite which we loved I thought it was equal to a GS, but I think that depends on ship. Love the smoking policy, really disliked entertainment, but will try again sooner or later

[Cruising-Snowbird]

Thank you for the comparison as well. My husband and I have only done Royal but I was looking at trying Celebrity. Does anyone know if I could use my future cruise credit with Royal on Celebrity since they are affiliated?

 

We have a couple of 'Next Cruise booking' for RCL. I tried to use them when we booked the Celebrity cruises next May for Panama Canal and Pacific run up to Vancouver. NO GO.... They told me that Celebrity does not accept RCL Next Cruise Bookings. I confirmed that when we were on the our next RCL cruise and the next cruise rep told me the same thing.

[jules815]

After viewing X and RCCL Car. cruises offered next year,there doesn't seem to be much difference in price.

 

Definitely not if you're able to get in on one of their promotions. For the 10-day we'll be doing next year, I was once again able to take advantage of the Big, Better, Best, or whatever they call it, promo. Went with "Best" and for $400 pp, we'll both get the Premium Beverage package, unlimited internet, gratuities and $600 obc. Just an Ultimate package alone on RC would be more than $400pp for 10 days. We received the additional obc because we booked a Sky Suite. (SS is like a junior suite, minus the walk in closet, but you get concierge lounge access (open all day and serving drinks...anything your heart desires, and meals in their suite restaurant.)

 

Also, their Premium Beverage package was very nice. It included non-alcoholic beverages such as Vitamin Water, Honest Tea, Arizona Iced Tea. Their premium tea at Cafe' al Bacio (their Promenade Cafe') is Tea Forte. I drink English Breakfast with milk, and they always asked me if I wanted the milk chilled or warm. :) I'd never even thought to ask, but again, one of those nice touches. They will make cups to go, but if you're seated in the area, they serve you in a very nice cup and saucer. I just remembered another thing. Every day at breakfast, and again at dinner, a lovely ceramic pot of tea would appear, already brewed, and our waiter would pour the first cup. No little metal pot of hot water and a tea bag on the side.

 

Not a big pop drinker, but when my daughter would ask for a Diet Coke at any bar or in Luminae, they would give her a glass with ice and a full can. They do not have Freestyle machines, (at least not on the ship I was on) and I don't think they had a pop package with special cups. I don't remember seeing any.

 

I believe if you go with the "Big," promo you get to select one perk for free, "Better" you get two. With those levels, the beverage package is Classic, but people we met in the Martini Bar had paid the difference to upgrade to Premium. If you select Best, you get all the perks, and it ups the package to Premium. They don't offer this promo on all sailings, but it was available for both that I booked. Also, I don't believe this package is available for interior rooms. Oceanview and up.

 

I must sound like a commercial for Celebrity by now. We absolutely love RC, but we really did come off of this trip with X feeling pampered. It was just lovely.

[jules815]

Oh yes, that one more thing I forgot...no smoking in the casino, or really anywhere inside on the ship. There was the standard deck 4, outside area, and a I believe an area on one side of the main pool. That no smoking in the casino was nice though, or maybe not so nice, because I spent more money feeding the slots an a couple of evenings. :eek:

[PNW Traveler]

Many good comments re the similarities and differences between Celebrity and Royal. We cruise both and are have earned Elite and Diamond without the reciprocal club arrangements. (Although it will take us a bit longer to get to D+ switching back and forth between the two cruise lines!)

Itineraries - We've found that Celebrity has some interesting longer cruise itineraries; however, with fewer ships than Royal, the Celebrity cruise we're researching may not offer sailing dates that work for us. We've cruised enough to really enjoy the less visited ports in smaller cities. Celebrity offers more of these itineraries.

Re ports - Celebrity does a very good job with lectures and port information. Celebrity seems to be more itinerary focused and less "resort ship activity" focused.

Evening entertainment - As mentioned in a previous post, Royal excels in evening entertainment and live music. Celebrity offers more single performer shows and certainly more subdued music.

Fares - We generally sail balcony or better and will compare prices on similar itineraries. From our experience, Celebrity (apart from its "sales" or "deals") does not reduce fares as frequently as Royal. There also have been fewer special fares for military, etc.

We've been sailing with Celebrity and Royal for several years. There have been minor quality changes with both cruise lines, but the fares are often half of similar itineraries on luxury cruise lines. It is good to have choices.

[Alohaaloha]

We've always been loyal to Royal, but after getting to Diamond status we have decided to try a Transatlantic on Celebrity Eclipse in October.

Reading the comparisons on here have reassured me that Celebrity will make a nice change from the Royal ships we have enjoyed.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[mo&fran]

As another poster remarked, Celebrity pretty much does not leave much in the Caribbean in the summer.

When we started cruising on a regular basis back in 2003, we were cruising X and doing TA cruises. when we reached Elite, we tried a TA on Navigator. At that point the Voyager class became my favorite ship class, and we have stayed with Royal since then. But we started to cruise a lot more, and Royal was really the only choice that worked for us. We were living in Ct, so we cruised on Explorer a lot every winter.

We still came down to Fl to cruise on other ships in November, and i really do not have any desire to go back to X.

As another poster noticed, the Millennium class on X is very much like the Radiance class with one big exception, Millennium has a lot fewer passengers , so it tends to be much less crowded.

Celebrity just does not pack a lot of inside cabins in those ships compared to Royal.

[Mango Mike]

You can add my wife and I to those that have switched to Celebrity.

 

Having been on a few Royal cruises, we opted to give Celebrity a try for our 30th anniversary this year. Just got off the Equinox about a month ago. Booked it again for next year.

 

Yep, Celebrity for us (we'll still cruise Royal depending on the circumstances though).