Royal Caribbean cruiser, new to Celebrity. What should I know?

[Florida_cruisers]

As you can see from my signature below, I have been mostly on Royal Caribbean cruises (diamond member = Elite on Celebrity). We are 39 and 45 years old with an 11 year old boy. I am very excited to go on Celebrity as I've only heard great things about it. Anything I should know about Celebrity that's different from the other lines we've been on?

[MomtoCCC]

We are the same.. long time Royal cruisers going on our first Celebrity cruise this June. Curious to see what folks have to say.

[Scotico]

Just got off an E. Caribbean Celebrity cruise on Reflection (Wife and I both in upper 30's). Sailed a few times on Royal. Celebrity is a lot quieter with an older clientele. Do not expect the same on-board activities that you would expect on a Royal Cruise. We found ourselves very bored during the day and the ship was dead at night. Your son may not enjoy it as much as Royal. There is an indoor pool just for adults which we found was enforced by both staff and guests (one very grumpy old man told a family near the pool that their daughter was not permitted in the water). The food was ok (found the alternative restaurants great, especially Lawn Club).

[wahoolilly]

We have never sailed Royal Caribbean, but we just got off our 5th Celebrity cruise, 3 of which we've sailed with our school age daughters. Celebrity is quiet. We find ourselves to be on the younger end of the passenger age median, although we are in our late 40s. I will also say that there were always activities planned at night (look for the silent disco!), in which we had every intention of partaking, but we would get an after-dinner drink after a late meal and go back to our stateroom and crash. We must be getting old:). Our 2 girls always prefer quieter settings (they are now late teens), and they enjoyed the activities designed for children when they were younger. The youth areas weren't packed or loud. So, they LOVE Celebrity. Some kids, especially super active ones, might prefer the busy stimulation of the RC line - slides and rock climbing walls and all that. However, we just spoke with a friend (early 40s) who sailed on an RC Caribbean cruise last week with his wife and 2 young daughters and they happened to be on board with 1,800 college students on spring break. It was not pleasant for their family, given the heavy drinking and disruptive noises throughout the night. So, since you have a young family, I'd recommend avoiding spring break cruises on certain lines. I've also heard Disney is fantastic in accommodating the needs of both parents and children. Another thought is to get on YouTube and search the names of the ships you are considering. A lot of passengers record everything on board, and you can get a decent sense of the type of onboard experience you'd have and whether you'd like it. Bottom line: we love Celebrity, and plan to keep sailing on their vessels, but we understand it might not suit everyone.

[Pier290]

As you can see from my signature below, I have been mostly on Royal Caribbean cruises (diamond member = Elite on Celebrity). We are 39 and 45 years old with an 11 year old boy. I am very excited to go on Celebrity as I've only heard great things about it. Anything I should know about Celebrity that's different from the other lines we've been on?

Taking our 11 yr old son and 7 yr old daughter on 10 night Equinox in April...we are 40... ...their 1st cruise, we've cruised several times....I've heard nothing but fabulous reviews about the Kids Club on board! We can't wait! We LOVE Celebrity! Sailed on them 2 times prior....it's lovely.

 

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[galavant3]

We are long time Royal Cruisers (Diamond also) and will be taking our third Celebrity cruise in September.

 

We find Celebrity to be much quieter. You won't have the frequent announcements during the day. We have only cruised in Aqua Class but we find the food on Celebrity to be better. We always get the premium drink package so we don't really miss the Diamond Lounge (although we love it when on Royal).

 

We have never been bored but we enjoy pretty much everything. The wine tastings we have done on Celebrity have been excellent. We also just like getting to know fellow passengers.

 

Everyone has unique likes and dislikes but I doubt you will find it to be dramatically different.

 

Our children, now adults, still prefer Royal because of the younger demographic.

 

 

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[Bobby Dee]

I've been on both several times. I have not yet been on Oasis class or Quantum. You said that you are Diamond...1) there is no "Elite Lounge" similar to the 24x7 Diamond Lounge on RCCL. but there is a continental breakfast for Elites in the mornings that is nicer than what is available on Royal.

Royal has rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, ice skating rinks, movies by the pool, stabilized pool tables, and the newer ships have much, much more. On Celebrity, the S class has a lawn, some have a "hot glass show" and the M class has a pool with therapy jets.

Celebrity does not allow smoking in the Casino, or anywhere in-doors on the ship.

Celebrity has better drinks packages and they include specialty coffees.

I know what people have said above, but I find the food and the service to be comparable. I like the buffets on Celebrity better; they seem to be laid out better, (or is it layed out? I'm not sure.). But, that's just a personal preference.

I like the interior promenades on the RCCL ships that have them.

I'm sure there are more, but that's all I can think of right now.

[lakelorain]

We were Diamond + with RC before we tried Celebrity. Now we cruise for itinerary. We have taken children on both. We've found that the kids don't really care which line they are on. They love meeting other kids and the entire cruise experience. RC has a more extensive kids program and on-board activities but Celebrity has a very good program too.

What I feel the main differences are come down to 3 things.

1. RC is more high energy. Celebrity more laid back.

2. The food on Celebrity is more upscale with a lot of fish/lamb etc. RC's food is more traditional.

3. The majority of people on Celebrity are back in their cabins by 9 or 10. There is still a lot going on after 10 on RC.

There are other differences but those are the biggest in my mind. We have done many cruises on both lines with and without children and have future cruises booked on both.

Just a note, we also like MSC.

[Florida_cruisers]

Thank you for all your feedback, very interesting the comparison between the two lines. I can see how the itineraries are better on Celebrity and that's very attractive to us. DS as an only child doesn't like crowds and loud people but he does enjoy the amenities on Royal Caribbean.

 

I think we have to try it for ourself, even if it's not on the newest ship to really make a personal assessment.

[MixerDave]

Thank you for all your feedback, very interesting the comparison between the two lines. I can see how the itineraries are better on Celebrity and that's very attractive to us. DS as an only child doesn't like crowds and loud people but he does enjoy the amenities on Royal Caribbean.

 

I think we have to try it for ourself, even if it's not on the newest ship to really make a personal assessment.

 

My interpretation is that RCCL is into building big ships with lots of amenities but BORING itineraries - how many times can I take what I call the all Saints cruise. Celebrity on the other hand offers more luxury.

[lakelorain]

My interpretation is that RCCL is into building big ships with lots of amenities but BORING itineraries - how many times can I take what I call the all Saints cruise. Celebrity on the other hand offers more luxury.

 

I agree regarding the big ships. However, some of RC's smaller ships have unusual itineraries. Also many of their repositionings do too. Due to the number of ships RC has, it is sometimes difficult to find these cruses. We prefer long cruises so we often find the less boring cruises, some of which are one time only.

[Tedw]

We were Diamond + with RC before we tried Celebrity. Now we cruise for itinerary. We have taken children on both. We've found that the kids don't really care which line they are on. They love meeting other kids and the entire cruise experience. RC has a more extensive kids program and on-board activities but Celebrity has a very good program too.

What I feel the main differences are come down to 3 things.

1. RC is more high energy. Celebrity more laid back.

2. The food on Celebrity is more upscale with a lot of fish/lamb etc. RC's food is more traditional.

3. The majority of people on Celebrity are back in their cabins by 9 or 10. There is still a lot going on after 10 on RC.

There are other differences but those are the biggest in my mind. We have done many cruises on both lines with and without children and have future cruises booked on both.

Just a note, we also like MSC.

Well you wrote my post for me. We just got off of Oasis of the Seas and previously were on Reflection. Your summary is spot on from my point of view. We are now talking about doing back to back cruises with Oasis class the first week where we can stay up late and enjoy a lot of activities, followed up by a Celebrity cruise where we can kick back, relax and recover from the first cruise. I would strongly agree with your food analysis.

[Baron Barracuda]

OP - please tell us what ship, itinerary and month you'll be sailing.

 

Our first cruise was with X 20+ years ago, but once our three children began sailing with us we switched to Royal. Just a lot more for them to do. Now that our children are in their 20's we've moved back to X.

 

As has been stated X is quieter, but also IMO a little classier. Royal has the edge in activities and entertainment, while on the food on X is better, especially the buffet. We do miss Royal's diamond lounge, the nightly elite event is a poor substitute. The children's program isn't as big, but an 11 year old boy might be more interested in a wifi package, plus X offers more in-stateroom tv channels and some free movies so doubt he'll be too bored.

[Syracruisin]

Similar question here. My parents just booked a family cruise for everyone (parents in late 60s, three of us "kids" and our significant others in our early to mid 30s, no grandkids going) on the Celebrity Equinox in August. I thought we were all set for Royal Caribbean's Allure that week, but a travel agent mom was working with threw in $600 OBC per cabin plus the drink package, so she went with Celebrity.

 

In short, will we be bored? I tried looking up the daily activities and found things as riveting as iPad tutorials and glass blowing demonstrations (we can drive to Corning anytime we want to see that). My last cruise was the Navigator of the Seas, which I thought had a good mix of things to keep people entertained on board. I know everyone says Celebrity is more "relaxed" or "refined", but what exactly does that mean? Are the people snobby? Does it mean there's nothing to do on the ship? Will there be ship trivia, BINGO, or at least fun bars to hang out at? Are the shows - comedians, jugglers, etc. - comparable to Royal? This will be our first real family vacation since we were kids, and it's something my parents have talked about doing for the last couple of years. I just want to make sure it'll be fun.

 

Thanks!

[lakelorain]

Well you wrote my post for me. We just got off of Oasis of the Seas and previously were on Reflection. Your summary is spot on from my point of view. We are now talking about doing back to back cruises with Oasis class the first week where we can stay up late and enjoy a lot of activities, followed up by a Celebrity cruise where we can kick back, relax and recover from the first cruise. I would strongly agree with your food analysis.

 

I like your b2b plan. The Oasis Class ships can really tire you out. There is so much to do and, of course, you can't do it all.

A Celebrity cruise will be a vacation from your vacation. Have fun.

[JMG]

We are D+ on Royal and have cruised Celebrity or the past few years. Celebrity is definitely more upscale. It starts when you step on board the ship and are offered a glass of champagne/mimosa/orange juice. Unlike royal, Celebrity does not have announcements all day long...you get a daily schedule..YOU keep track and do what you want to do.

 

Evening shows on Celebrity are not the WOW shows that you get on Royal but they are entertaining. The Martini Bar is a wonderful spot to spend some time before/after dinner. Food is just better than on Royal.

 

We enjoy both lines but we do find that Celebrity gives us more for the $$ we spend.

[motherchic]

We started cruising in our 30's, now we just turned 60's. We sail both, Celebrity and Royal.

I agree with everyones comments.

1) Yes, Celebrity is quieter

2) Celebrity makes you feel a little more special (champagne on arrival etc....)

3)Your mega ships on Royal have fantastic shows. No comparison but IMHO the regular Royal ships have the same type of hit or miss entertainment.

4) I like the food on Celebrity better

5) our children are in their 20's-30's, they cruised on Carnival once and did not care for it. too loud. Royal is more their taste. More music, dancing venues....

6) We have always met fun people on the Celebrity. Never get to bed earlier then midnight. (casino, theater, music, drinks)

I hope your experience is a great one

[griffy116]

We're Diamond on Royal and going on our first Celebrity cruise in June too. My Grandson is 23 and is Diamond on Royal on his own points and has usually objected to the idea of trying a line other than Royal. He usually travels with a friend. In December, we went on a Royal cruise the week of Christmas. His friend had never been on a cruise. She absolutely loved it, but not for the nightly entertainment, the rock climbing or any of the activities. They are both very laid back and they wanted to explore a every port all day. They enjoyed walking around the decks when it was quiet. Sitting and watching the ocean and the stars at night. We usually have balcony cabins but we had gotten an OV room because it was cheaper, we were paying for a total of three cabins and it was a short cruise. We thought they would spend their time at the FlowRider or the clubs or parties. They didn't attend a single show or party and didn't use any of the "bell and whistle' activities because they weren't interested. We got balconies for this cruise and they are beside themselves. All they can talk about is having breakfast on their balcony before excursions, sitting and watching the sky from their balcony at night and seeing turtles, stingrays, dolphins and snorkeling. We got all four of the perks so they have the premium drink package, the free internet, the paid gratuities and OBC from Celebrity and our TA, which will go a long way toward some of the excursions. They couldn't care less about the activities. We think we are going to be very happy on Celebrity. It's really exciting to be "newbies" again.

[Florida_cruisers]

I like your b2b plan. The Oasis Class ships can really tire you out. There is so much to do and, of course, you can't do it all.

A Celebrity cruise will be a vacation from your vacation. Have fun.

That is exactly what we are planning on doing next year on a B2B cruise vacation to the mediterrenean. Will take the new RCL ship, the Symphony, which is supposed to be their biggest one yet at that point (our first mega ship) and then hop on the Constellation for some relaxation to the Greek islands.

[Melissa at Mohair Meadows]

I have always believed that a cruise is what you make of it. We have organized events with our roll calls (excursions, slot pulls, etc). and also enjoy taking it easy on sea days. There is a lot going on around the pool, of which I choose not to participate. But they are still fun to watch. The food is mostly amazing - the best part is I'm not cooking or cleaning up. I love the casino (it doesn't love me), but a few nights/cruise is great.

 

Melissa

[Scotico]

Similar question here. My parents just booked a family cruise for everyone (parents in late 60s, three of us "kids" and our significant others in our early to mid 30s, no grandkids going) on the Celebrity Equinox in August. I thought we were all set for Royal Caribbean's Allure that week, but a travel agent mom was working with threw in $600 OBC per cabin plus the drink package, so she went with Celebrity.

 

In short, will we be bored? I tried looking up the daily activities and found things as riveting as iPad tutorials and glass blowing demonstrations (we can drive to Corning anytime we want to see that). My last cruise was the Navigator of the Seas, which I thought had a good mix of things to keep people entertained on board. I know everyone says Celebrity is more "relaxed" or "refined", but what exactly does that mean? Are the people snobby? Does it mean there's nothing to do on the ship? Will there be ship trivia, BINGO, or at least fun bars to hang out at? Are the shows - comedians, jugglers, etc. - comparable to Royal? This will be our first real family vacation since we were kids, and it's something my parents have talked about doing for the last couple of years. I just want to make sure it'll be fun.

 

Thanks!

That pretty much sums up the daily activities on Celebrity. Just got off Reflection and was bored to death on sea days. My opinion is that the food was ok on Celebrity. I found RC food good. Celebrity does have some good alternative restaurants but the MDR food was not good. Shows were boring and did not find the comedians very funny. The entertainment on RC is way above Celebrity, especially on Allure. Casino on Celebrity is tiny with only about a dozen tables or so. Did not really hang out at Martini bar since I am not into martinis. Went to Sunset bar which is outside on back of ship. We found many of the elderly passengers snobby. I am sure your mom as entices with the OBC and beverage package. We had the same package along with free internet and gratuities. I would have given that up and went on Allure if I had known how quiet and boring the cruise would have been.

[sjb317]

We enjoy both Royal and Celebrity and in our experience, the two lines are more alike than different. I do think Celebrity's ships have more of an elegant look and I loved the solarium on Solstice. We had been told for years that Celebrity was a step above in food and service and have found that not to be true. I do think you get more choices in the buffet and MDR but, I tend to prefer the food on Royal.

 

Headliner and production shows are very similar, in fact, we've seen some of the same shows on Royal ships. It seems like the Celebrity ships close up by 11pm. One night I was in the casino and the manager came around to the few people left playing and said they were planning to close at midnight. :(

 

Sherri:)

[aggiejeff]

One thing to add. I much prefer the casinos on Celebrity. No smoking and they allow "full" odds on craps.

[Scotico]

We enjoy both Royal and Celebrity and in our experience, the two lines are more alike than different. I do think Celebrity's ships have more of an elegant look and I loved the solarium on Solstice. We had been told for years that Celebrity was a step above in food and service and have found that not to be true. I do think you get more choices in the buffet and MDR but, I tend to prefer the food on Royal.

 

Headliner and production shows are very similar, in fact, we've seen some of the same shows on Royal ships. It seems like the Celebrity ships close up by 11pm. One night I was in the casino and the manager came around to the few people left playing and said they were planning to close at midnight. :(

 

Sherri:)

That happened to us one night. the casino shut down at 10:45. There were only a few of us in there. No one was sitting at the bar and employees were just standing around. We left and could not find a bar open unless you wanted to go to the sky lounge. Martini bar was also closed.