Freedom, Oasis, or Celebrity Eclipse?? Help!

[FlamingJune1967]

(I posted this on Celebrity Board as well):)

 

I am planning a cruise in December (yes - just 2 months) to celebrate our 30th anniversary. I have a choice between:

 

7 day Oasis Inside Grty

8 day Freedom of the Seas Balcony Grty

10 day Celebrity Eclipse Inside Grty

 

All are similarly priced. All have (for us) desirable itineraries.

 

I'm having a heck of a time deciding!

 

We are a couple in early 50s

 

I love having lots of activities to choose from and especially appreciate quality shows/live entertainment and comedy clubs.

My husband likes those things as well, but would be just as happy to lounge on deck with a book all day.

Neither of us are foodies - and would not use the higher priced specialty restaurants - but we do appreciate variety of food venues.

Neither of us drink alcohol or use casinos, but we love to dance (loved The Crypt on Freedom and are sorry to hear it has been taken out)

 

We were on FoS for our first cruise 5 years ago and LOVED it - However, I'm looking for something really special for our 30th. I can get a balcony room for the same price as an inside on the other ships (which would be special since I've never had a balcony before), but I adore the whole experience of discovering a ship for the first time, and would not get that with Freedom.

 

I love all the entertainment value of the Oasis - but am worried that I will miss the "ship" feel - especially with an inside room.

 

As far as Celebrity Eclipse, both of us would love a 10 day cruise, and based on pictures, the Eclipse looks stunningly beautiful. But I am fearful that we will feel let down by the entertainment quality. I have found nothing to indicate any sort of game shows like "Love and Marriage" or "Quest" and the production shows get poor reviews on CC. I've read a bit about "lectures" and 70's 80's style music - neither of which appeal to me.

 

If anyone has been on both Eclipse and either of the other ships I would love your thoughts and comparisons.

 

thanks!!!

[micmacmissy]

Definitely, without a doubt, book Eclipse. Those ships are stunning, higher space to passenger ratios means it's easy to find a seat in the lounges, by the pool, in the (gorgeous!) solarium, better service all around. You will feel spoiled. Nothing wrong with Freedom or Oasis which are fantastic- but since this is your 30th anniversary...you want something a little more special! (Fewer kids likely on Celebrity as opposed to RCCL too.)

 

The specialty restaurants are wonderful and the buffet is a step up from RCCL. They serve hard scoop homemade ice cream each day (free) with rotating flavors and it is amazing! As are the made-to-order omelets. Great variety in food.

 

The production shows are not amazing. But so what? They have wonderful lounges with excellent live music, a few clubs, and usually a headliner or two that is pretty good. It is NOT at all boring! And a smoke-free casino.

 

We think overall the service and ambiance is what makes it special...book Eclipse and don't look back!

Edited September 25, 2016 by micmacmissy

[95roadking]

We've been on all three and love them all. But judging from what you are looking for, I would suggest Oasis. That class has the best entertainment at sea, IMHO. I'm not a big fan of inside cabins, but she does have the Promenade cabins, which cost a bit more but at least you get a window.

 

 

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[Nado44]

The Oasis class of ships at RCL is really special. There's so much to see and do. Therefore, I highly recommend the Oasis itinerary.

 

Are you looking to cruise in early to mid December and before the Xmas holidays? If so, I'd suggest waiting until Oct/Nov to book as pricing is likely to come down - you might be able to get an oceanview balcony for the price of an inside.

[funship freddy]

We have been on Allure and Eclipse (and two other Solstice Class) and vote Eclipse hands down. JMHO :D

[pinkrosesdeb]

For me, it would be Freedom for the balcony cabin which you have not experienced. We found Celebrity really quiet. We certainly did NOT find the buffet to be better in any way at all. We were on the Equinox for 10 days and it was a great cruise but there is something really special about a balcony cabin. One of our favorite things is breakfast on the balcony! I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 3 though.

[bigsky]

As much as I won't cruise an inside cabin, we LOVE the Allure! Can you splurge on a balcony on the Allure? Found the entertainment is above everyone else on the Oasis class. Just cruised on that class again a few weeks ago. Hard time cruising on any other class again.

 

You won't be disappointed with the Allure!

[crusinthrough]

In terms of value Celebrity is probably the best value since it's 3 days longer.

 

I think it really depends on what's most important to you. If it's entertainment than Oasis hand down. Nightly, you will find live band, dancing and production shows.

 

If you like the traditional cruise ship design Eclipse may be better. Personally, I like the Royal Promenade. It's something that make RC different.

 

Everyone says a balcony is the best but there is nothing wrong with an inside cabin to save some money. As another poster mentioned, the prices may come down for December cruises and you can get an Oceanview. If you go with the inside, have your upgrade preferences checked for "free upgrade" and you may get a visit from the upsell or upgrade fairy.

 

I would pick the Oasis for the experience and entertainment. However, the Eclipse would be a good choice as well.

 

 

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[SWFL Cruisers]

Another vote for the Eclipse. I have been on all three of those class of ships and love the "S" class with Celebrity. As for value with the Eclipse you get a drink package, prepaid gratuities and on board credit. All of that adds up on the other ships. Also the Eclipse does have the "Not so Newlywed" game that you spoke of.....I know because my bride and I have won it twice now, LOL. The Eclipse also has the Hot Glass Show through out the cruise which is a fun thing to see as each show is a different piece they are making. As for the Oasis class, we went on the Allure and found it to be too big for us and did not like having to make reservations for every show. We enjoyed our cruise on the Mariner of the Seas but have come to a point in our lives where we don't like all of the kids running around on the RCCL ships. My wife and I are in our 50's and like the more relaxed atmosphere on Celebrity. The bottom line is what do YOU like. If you like the constant games and family type cruise choose RCCL. If you want a more relaxed cruise with very few children choose Celebrity. Whichever you choose I'm sure you will have fun.

[Jax129]

Freedom balcony!!

[maryjo881]

I've only been on the Freedom and the Oasis but I loved them so much! My favorite part on the Oasis was Central Park and the entertainment. I would suggest the Oasis; however, if it's the choice of an inside room on the Oasis (or Celebrity) or a balcony on the Freedom then I say go for the balcony. If you could get a promenade room on the Oasis I think that would be good. I enjoyed the promenade room, but balcony will always be my favorite. Congratulations on your 30th anniversary!

Edited September 25, 2016 by maryjo881

[FlamingJune1967]

I cannot thank you all enough for the helpful advice!

My husband and I sat down this afternoon and read all of the responses out loud and discussed all the pros and cons you guys gave. I know that most of this info is available online, but it is incredibly helpful to get real-time feedback from folks that have experienced 2 or even all 3 of these class of ships!

 

And the winner is... Celebrity Eclipse!

 

In the end it came down to the points you all repeatedly made - relaxation vs activity - and while, theoretically we could relax on a mega activity ship - I (personally) would not.

I would be constantly checking the Compass for something to do, afraid I was missing out, while my poor husband - who almost never gets a break from stress and responsibility - would feel obligated to tag along. This way, less choices= more opportunity to relax. We live pretty close to Port Canaveral, so the Oasis is definitely in our future - just not this trip.

 

Also - we realized we are mainly looking for a romantic cruise rather than an active, kid-filled one (we have 6 kids of our own - 2 still under 12, so less children and more time to gaze lovingly into each other's eyes sounds divine!

 

Plus...duh - hard scoop ice cream for free! thanks micmacmissy

And thanks for the info on "Not so Newlywed" SpaceCoastCruisers! Glad to hear it!

 

My husband is on the phone with our travel agent right now - he is hoping to find a way to afford a balcony - but even if he doesn't I'm fine with an inside. It's hard to miss what you've never had and hard to go back once you get it!:D

[SWFL Cruisers]

I cannot thank you all enough for the helpful advice!

My husband and I sat down this afternoon and read all of the responses out loud and discussed all the pros and cons you guys gave. I know that most of this info is available online, but it is incredibly helpful to get real-time feedback from folks that have experienced 2 or even all 3 of these class of ships!

 

And the winner is... Celebrity Eclipse!

 

In the end it came down to the points you all repeatedly made - relaxation vs activity - and while, theoretically we could relax on a mega activity ship - I (personally) would not.

I would be constantly checking the Compass for something to do, afraid I was missing out, while my poor husband - who almost never gets a break from stress and responsibility - would feel obligated to tag along. This way, less choices= more opportunity to relax. We live pretty close to Port Canaveral, so the Oasis is definitely in our future - just not this trip.

 

Also - we realized we are mainly looking for a romantic cruise rather than an active, kid-filled one (we have 6 kids of our own - 2 still under 12, so less children and more time to gaze lovingly into each other's eyes sounds divine!

 

Plus...duh - hard scoop ice cream for free! thanks micmacmissy

And thanks for the info on "Not so Newlywed" SpaceCoastCruisers! Glad to hear it!

 

My husband is on the phone with our travel agent right now - he is hoping to find a way to afford a balcony - but even if he doesn't I'm fine with an inside. It's hard to miss what you've never had and hard to go back once you get it!:D

 

You're very welcome! I think you will be happy with your choice. Please come back and give us a review when you return. I wish I could recommend the Cruise agency we have used on all of our cruises however we can not advertise on the board. Whoever you book with make sure to ask for the PERKS!

[HAM]

I've been on Freedom and Eclipse. Eclipse is a FAR better choice !!!!!