Hesitations with Celebrity, Royal, and Norwegian

[Ray3127]

I know that there are hundreds of threads comparing X, RCL, and NCL. I’ve read A LOT of them and have a decent feel for each line. I know the best way to find out what we like is to simply try them, but that is easier said than done when you live in Nebraska and don’t have an unlimited vacation budget. So I’m trying to make the best decisions I can with the information that I have.

 

We’ve previously been on one cruise: 4 nights on the Disney Dream a little over a year ago. We loved it, but have not cruised since as we grew our family… our daughter was born in January, and now we are ready to get some cruises booked. We will be going on Disney again, but I'm trying to branch out and see what else can work for us, especially given the Disney $ premium.

 

We are looking at two different ‘types’ of cruises.

1. Just my wife and me. For this, I’d really like to do X except for the one big con I have listed below. We could also do RCL or NCL.

2. The whole family, which includes our two kids (young; 4 years old and 4 months old… so probably 5 and almost 2 years old by the time we cruise), plus potentially other relatives that are family. For this, I’m thinking RCL or NCL.

 

Celebrity S-Class

Pros: They really seem to fit what my wife and I love about cruising. Relaxed atmosphere, plenty of poolspace (plus the solarium), modern look/feel, very limited smoking on board.

Cons: I can’t wrap my head around the dress code. If I’m going to the Caribbean on vacation, I’m wearing shorts every day. I’d prefer to wear golf-type shorts and a polo, oreven a t-shirt, in the evening. I did this on the Dream and didn’t feel out of place, but it sounds like this isn’t even allowed on X. This is a big deal, as dressing up in this manner for dinner just is not our style. If it is your style, I mean no disrespect... it’s just not ours.

 

Royal Oasis Class

Pros: Tons of options,new CocoCay looks incredible (would definitely do an itinerary that stops here), decent pool/sun deck options/space, Solarium.

Cons: Doesn’t feel like you’re on a ship (lose the ‘connection to the sea’), have to pre-book/plan alot (not planning so much is one of the major draws of cruising to me)

* Maybe considering a Freedom class ship would take care of these 'cons'?

Norwegian Breakaway/Escape Class

Pros: ‘Freestyle’ concept, dress code fits us, tons of options, ‘Waterfront’ area

Cons: Limited pool/sundeck space, it feels busy, smoke smell permeates lots of areas due to ship design

 

If the dress code is that serious on X, then unfortunately we have to be out. I don’t mind dressing up abit for one night, but ‘dressing up’ to me seems to be the nightly expectation on X. If there’s no getting around that, then we have to go for RCL or NCL.

 

So with those pros/cons in mind, what fits us best, both as a couple and as a larger family group?

 

I'd really like to try them all at some point, just trying to figure out what the next step is for us, and particularly if my concerns listed above are legitimate or overblown. Thanks!

Ray

[1025cruise]

Well, on X you would be out of place in shorts. I either wore jeans or a pair of khakis and a polo. At first, I felt under dressed, but that was allowed per the dress code so that's what I did. Shorts at dinner would be a no. But I do think a cruise on X would be perfect for just you and the wife.

 

NCL would probably be the only cruise line that has no specific dress code. If no shorts is an absolute deal breaker, then this would probably be the recommendation.

 

I have to agree with you on the larger RCCL ships. The reason I cruise is so I can relax and take things day by day. The only things I schedule are excursions, spa appointments, and if I want specialty dining. I'd rather just go with the flow on everything else. The larger ships just don't appeal to me.

[griffy116]

We've sailed on Celebrity this past year and almost exclusively with RC on the rest of our cruises. If your connection with the sea is important, an Oceanview balcony on either line will satisfy your needs. If dress code (or lack of) is important, we found that Celebrity and RC are actually more alike than different. Slacks and a collared shirt (polo) will be fine on either line on what RC considers their formal night and Clebrity's "Chic" nights. After many years of packing long gowns and suits, we felt perfectly appropriate in slacks and polo for men and slacks and blouse for women. We didn't wear shorts but we did see shorts at dinner on both lines. RC definitely has more that will appeal to the kids from character parades to the ice shows, character breakfast, etc. The loungers on Celebrity are better. The food in the MDR are very similar. We had been told for years that Celebrity had better food. Everyone has a different opinion but we just didn't find that to be true for us. We loved the treats at al Bacio on Celebrity but missed being able to get a little sandwich at the Promenade Cafe on RC. Celebrity has some nice touches you and your wife might appeciate that would be totally lost on your children, like the wash clothes handed to you in the restrooms which RC doesn't have and a cup of ice cold water as you head back to the ship from a port (although RC has started doing that at some ports too), and the ease at getting a canned drink to go, which RC makes more difficult. You get a fountain drink or practically have to bribe a bartender to get the drink in an unopened can (with the drink package) on RC. The rest of our group missed the drink fountain on the RC ships (also with a drink package). If quiet relaxation is what you are after,Celebrity has more of that than RC. RC has something going on in almost every corner of the ship at almost any hour of the day or night. We found that we missed the activity level. RC ships like Allure have Central Park for quiet relaxation at all times if you are looking for that. As for the smoking, I'm a smoker and outside of the fact that there is a smoking section in the casino on RC, I didn't find any difference in the two lines, even though most people believe Celebrity is more restrictive.Both lines limit smoking to a couple of outdoor sections which are easy to find or easy to avoid. Can't help with NCL as I haven't cruised their line.

[Ray3127]

We've sailed on Celebrity this past year and almost exclusively with RC on the rest of our cruises. If your connection with the sea is important, an Oceanview balcony on either line will satisfy your needs. If dress code (or lack of) is important, we found that Celebrity and RC are actually more alike than different. Slacks and a collared shirt (polo) will be fine on either line on what RC considers their formal night and Clebrity's "Chic" nights. After many years of packing long gowns and suits, we felt perfectly appropriate in slacks and polo for men and slacks and blouse for women. We didn't wear shorts but we did see shorts at dinner on both lines. RC definitely has more that will appeal to the kids from character parades to the ice shows, character breakfast, etc. The loungers on Celebrity are better. The food in the MDR are very similar. We had been told for years that Celebrity had better food. Everyone has a different opinion but we just didn't find that to be true for us. We loved the treats at al Bacio on Celebrity but missed being able to get a little sandwich at the Promenade Cafe on RC. Celebrity has some nice touches you and your wife might appeciate that would be totally lost on your children, like the wash clothes handed to you in the restrooms which RC doesn't have and a cup of ice cold water as you head back to the ship from a port (although RC has started doing that at some ports too), and the ease at getting a canned drink to go, which RC makes more difficult. You get a fountain drink or practically have to bribe a bartender to get the drink in an unopened can (with the drink package) on RC. The rest of our group missed the drink fountain on the RC ships (also with a drink package). If quiet relaxation is what you are after,Celebrity has more of that than RC. RC has something going on in almost every corner of the ship at almost any hour of the day or night. We found that we missed the activity level. RC ships like Allure have Central Park for quiet relaxation at all times if you are looking for that. As for the smoking, I'm a smoker and outside of the fact that there is a smoking section in the casino on RC, I didn't find any difference in the two lines, even though most people believe Celebrity is more restrictive.Both lines limit smoking to a couple of outdoor sections which are easy to find or easy to avoid. Can't help with NCL as I haven't cruised their line.

Thanks for the details on the two lines. I'm ok with polo shirts every night, I'm just not at a point where I wear slacks unless I'm at work. Jeans, yes, but not when the temp is above 60 ;) I don't dress like a slob and understand the need to keep things decent... No swim trunks, tank tops, etc... But nice shorts, a polo, and nice sandals are my style. If that is accepted on X, I could see it working for us, because everything else (including the little touches you mention) appeal to us. Although we would choose RCL or NCL if traveling with family.

 

Do the 'anytime' dining options on RCL and X work well?

 

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[mafig]

I did not see anyone in the dining room in shorts on Celebrity. I don't know how strict they would be if you showed up in them, but I think that maybe you'd feel out of place?

[Ray3127]

I did not see anyone in the dining room in shorts on Celebrity. I don't know how strict they would be if you showed up in them, but I think that maybe you'd feel out of place?

I'm not one to push the envelope or ask for rule exceptions, so that's ok. I don't want to feel out of place, I just want to fit in, be comfortable, and meet the expectations/follow the rules. Sounds like Celebrity probably won't work for now. No problem!

 

Still interested in feedback on the other two. Is the pool/deck chair situation on NCL really that bad? How much planning is truly required on Oasis class ships?

 

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[mjkacmom]

Only RCL has some ships with nurseries and splash areas for diapered kids.

[champagne123]

I have been on all three cruise lines...new and old ships. Although we were happy with many things on NCL, I would rule it out. The pool deck is utterly ridiculous. You need to get up at 6am to reserve a lounger and it gets soooo crowded. Very small area.

 

RCCL...We love all of the mega ships...but also love the smaller ones also. No complaints at all with this cruise line.

 

Celebrity...number one in my book. Impeccable service and atmosphere. Have seen many men turned away from the main dining room for wearing shorts. Can't you just throw on a pair of khaki's for a couple of hours? Change after dinner. My hubby likes wearing shorts also and that is what he does. It is worth it....believe me.

 

Good luck in whatever you decide.:cool:

[Essiesmom]

Get a pair of zip-off pants. As soon as you leave the MDR, zip off the lower legs and voila! You are back into shorts. But if the Celebrity atmosphere is what you are seeking, packing one pair of lightweight long pants is small price to pay. EM

[Grandma Dazzles]

I think for just the two of you that Celebrity would be the best choice. However, if you can't wear long pants for a couple of hours each evening then that's not a choice. You would be turned away from MDR.

 

On RC long pants are suggested for the MDR. People do wear shorts - but occasionally the suggested dinner attire is enforced.

 

Sounds like NCL would be your best fit. However, for the sake of a couple of hours each evening of wearing pants you are spoiling things for yourself.

 

Dress code not being a consideration, you might enjoy a RC Radiance class ship for a couple's cruise. Family cruise would definitely recommend Oasis class. You do have to make reservations for the shows, but you are not held to them. There is always a line that opens up for anyone without a reservation. You can take a chance on getting in. If you don't want to make dinner reservations either go to the buffet, or if you want main dining room stick with traditional dining. Freedom class is another RC choice, but definitely feel Oasis class is worth it for the family.

 

Should you choose RC and pick a ship with an ice rink be aware that long pants are required to skate for all passengers, plus socks.

[bob brown]

Or the other option would be to dine at the buffet restaurant...I don't believe they have a "no-shorts" restriction there...but

that would probably get old after a few nights, and you would lose the enjoyment of being served at a table...

[Grandma Dazzles]

To add to my above post on RC and dining.

 

If you are wanting My Time Dining you are supposed to make a reservation. You can make reservations for different times every night. You can also just show up - just like a land restaurant you may have to wait or you might just be seated right away.

 

With traditional dining you have to choose either early or late seating - usually 5:30/6:00 or 8:00/8:30 depending on the ship. You do have to pick traditional or MTD. You cannot switch between the two.

 

There is also the main buffet, Windjammer, and cafe/snack places and for an extra fee specialty dining.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Celebrity does not permit shorts or t-shirts at dinner in any of the dining rooms or restaurants and will turn guests away to change clothes. They do permit shorts in the buffet at dinner. On a Caribbean cruise they often have island themed dinners and a grill to order station with beef, chicken, pork, & sea food. If you and your DW want to cruise Celebrity this would be the only option allowing you to combine shorts with dinner.

[Ray3127]

Thanks to all.

 

If we want to do X we will follow the dress code and do some slacks! If not, it seems RC is the pick.

 

I'd welcome additional feedback on RC vs. NCL related to my issues above. Frankly we like the sound of NCL better, except the pool/chair situation. That impacts us every day and would be a serious problem. RCL's pool situation and inclusion of the Solarium sounds much better. We hope to try them both soon, just wanted some validation after my research.

 

Thanks again!

 

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[Ray3127]

One more quick thing... The nursery is a huge deal, as our daughter won't be 3 until January 2021. Someone mentioned RCL is the only one to offer this--is that right? I thought I read about a nursery program on NCL, too. Any feedback on either of these (if both exist)?

 

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[sloopsailor]

Celebrity...number one in my book. Impeccable service and atmosphere. Have seen many men turned away from the main dining room for wearing shorts. Can't you just throw on a pair of khaki's for a couple of hours? Change after dinner. My hubby likes wearing shorts also and that is what he does. It is worth it....believe me.:cool:

 

Of the three lines, Celebrity will pamper you more. When cruising as a couple, you will feel like you are in a swanky resort hotel that caters to international travelers. More laid back and classy than the other two, especially compared to NCL. Casual wear is common during the day. Shorts, swim suits, sun dresses, T-shirts and sandals are common all over the ship during the day. Evenings you will see people in shorts and shirts, especially in the warmer climates, but typically nicer clothing than what you will see during the daytime. Shorts and Ts are not allowed in the dining rooms or in the main theater in the evenings. They are allowed in the buffet at all times it is open.

[Grandma Dazzles]

One more quick thing... The nursery is a huge deal, as our daughter won't be 3 until January 2021. Someone mentioned RCL is the only one to offer this--is that right? I thought I read about a nursery program on NCL, too. Any feedback on either of these (if both exist)?

 

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RC has Adventure Ocean for ages 3 and up on all ships. The bigger ships that you are considering usually have a nursery. They are adding them to many of the smaller ships. I would double check the particular ship before booking. Swim diapers are not allowed in the pools, except those ships with a baby/toddler zone - again check the specific ship.

 

If pool time/pool deck time is important to you definitely go with RC. Much more spacious and more choices including the solarium for adults.

[Friend100]

Royal Oasis Class

Pros: Tons of options,new CocoCay looks incredible (would definitely do an itinerary that stops here), decent pool/sun deck options/space, Solarium.

Cons: Doesn’t feel like you’re on a ship (lose the ‘connection to the sea’), have to pre-book/plan alot (not planning so much is one of the major draws of cruising to me)

* Maybe considering a Freedom class ship would take care of these 'cons'?

 

It is taking us almost 9 years since the introduction of the Oasis class before we have the courage to try it, and your reason of losing the connection to the sea is one of the reasons. To "fix it", we just did a cruise on a very small Holland America ship with a full wrap-around promenade deck, and I can see and smell the ocean every day! So I think we should be fine even though we probably won't be seeing much of the sea on Oasis on our next cruise (we didn't book an oceanview balcony). Also, with so many activities going on elsewhere onboard, I am sure we will have a great time.

 

To your point about Freedom class ship, YES, definitely it will take care of this 'cons" - did Liberty OTS twice and love it. We enjoyed our experience on Anthem OTS too but again, lost most of the connection to the sea. There is a promenade deck but nowhere close to the experience you will get on the promenade deck on the Disney Dream/Fantasy, or most of the HAL ships. They are classic!

[Velvetwater]

We like RCL/NCL similarly having sailed on a Freedom class Royal and a Jewel (smallish class) NCL.

 

If you like the bells and whistles of Disney then RCL is probably more of a fit.

 

The trick is to do not compare everything to Disney. We met a family who had sailed Disney on our NCL cruise and compared everything to Disney to the point they couldn't see the excellence of NCL's offering.

 

We have been on X and it is generally a good pick for most (if a little too sedate for us personally) and as far as I am aware Disney and X have similar dress codes for dining. Ie a dress up night where a jacket is now optional.

[Grandma Dazzles]

It is taking us almost 9 years since the introduction of the Oasis class before we have the courage to try it, and your reason of losing the connection to the sea is one of the reasons. To "fix it", we just did a cruise on a very small Holland America ship with a full wrap-around promenade deck, and I can see and smell the ocean every day! So I think we should be fine even though we probably won't be seeing much of the sea on Oasis on our next cruise (we didn't book an oceanview balcony). Also, with so many activities going on elsewhere onboard, I am sure we will have a great time.

 

To your point about Freedom class ship, YES, definitely it will take care of this 'cons" - did Liberty OTS twice and love it. We enjoyed our experience on Anthem OTS too but again, lost most of the connection to the sea. There is a promenade deck but nowhere close to the experience you will get on the promenade deck on the Disney Dream/Fantasy, or most of the HAL ships. They are classic!

 

If you like the old fashioned outside promenade deck feeling and also RC, try the Radiance class of ships. I have never felt that I missed the ocean view on the Oasis class, but had a balcony and spent most of my time in areas where I could see the sea - far forward in solarium, aft in aqua theater area, or watching grandkids on flow rider, sports pool, etc.

[dkjretired]

You can wear shorts on Celebrity except for the dining rooms for the evening meal.In the buffet, you can wear shorts.