Differences between Carnival and Celebrity

[jimbo5544]

8 hours ago, NCteacherlovescruising said:

 

Why do you say they have an identity crisis on their hands?  You don’t sound like a fan. 

Frankly I have never sailed on a Celebrity ship (although I have toured several).  That said, I do want to sail on one.  My comments have been partially answered already, albeit possibly not on purpose.  Celebrity is supposed to be a more upscale Royal product, but what is their clientele?  Is it older, just more mature, more upscale?  They seem to have trouble filling all of their ships...  I think that is why the Edge has a more radical design and features (the outside bar that moved up and down the side of the ship).  It was not a knock, just an observation.

[jbethel11]

11 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Frankly I have never sailed on a Celebrity ship (although I have toured several).  That said, I do want to sail on one.  My comments have been partially answered already, albeit possibly not on purpose.  Celebrity is supposed to be a more upscale Royal product, but what is their clientele?  Is it older, just more mature, more upscale?  They seem to have trouble filling all of their ships...  I think that is why the Edge has a more radical design and features (the outside bar that moved up and down the side of the ship).  It was not a knock, just an observation.

Unfortunately, there is hardly any diversity in their clientele, which leads me to believe that they aren't having any sort of crisis, as they've found their niche. 

[jimbo5544]

1 minute ago, jbethel11 said:

Unfortunately, there is hardly any diversity in their clientele, which leads me to believe that they aren't having any sort of crisis, as they've found their niche. 

Then they need more of them to sail on them.

[jbethel11]

19 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Then they need more of them to sail on them.

To some extent, I disagree. Unfortunately, the demographic that can afford such premium and luxurious cruise lines is the older, retired and affluent crowd, who've saved up to cruise. 

[MJSailors]

I would consider Celebrity’s “vibe” to be refined enjoyment.On a Celebrity cruise,you will find linen tablecloths in the MDR for breakfast,lunch (sea days ) and dinner.

There are no hairy leg or chest contests,no Quest games,no blaring announcements made throughout the day. You will not see baseball caps or logo tee shirts,muscle shirts or men’s tank tops in the dining rooms or rarely in any of the other venues on the ships.

Celebrity’s casino is smoke free as well as all indoor spaces including cabins and balconies.

It seems that the typical demographics for Carnival and Celebrity are more different than alike.

That can be a positive as what appeals to some Carnival customers would not appeal to Celebrity customers and vice versa.

Good that people have a choice of cruiseline to fit their personalities, way of life, travel expectations and their type of enjoyment.

 

[eas2225]

Celebrity has Silent Disco.  So much fun!  Look it up.

[jimbo5544]

3 hours ago, eas2225 said:

Celebrity has Silent Disco.  So much fun!  Look it up.

Perfect example of the difference between the two.....

[BNBR]

16 hours ago, MJSailors said:

I would consider Celebrity’s “vibe” to be refined enjoyment.On a Celebrity cruise,you will find linen tablecloths in the MDR for breakfast,lunch (sea days ) and dinner.

There are no hairy leg or chest contests,no Quest games,no blaring announcements made throughout the day. You will not see baseball caps or logo tee shirts,muscle shirts or men’s tank tops in the dining rooms or rarely in any of the other venues on the ships.

Celebrity’s casino is smoke free as well as all indoor spaces including cabins and balconies.

It seems that the typical demographics for Carnival and Celebrity are more different than alike.

That can be a positive as what appeals to some Carnival customers would not appeal to Celebrity customers and vice versa.

Good that people have a choice of cruiseline to fit their personalities, way of life, travel expectations and their type of enjoyment.

 

 

This is a good description.  The demographics between Carnival and Celebrity are quite different.  I'd also add that they have actual hand towels even in the public restrooms on Celebrity and you can't forget the Solarium.  The buffet is light years ahead of Carnival.  Ships are cleaner, too.  

 

Celebrity is just way more sophisticated and refined.  Which can be boring for some people.  I enjoyed our recent X cruise but I'm not dying to go back.  Everything was damn near perfect, but I miss water slides and some of the fun atmosphere.  On the same hand, I've found Carnival a bit too far in the other direction.  We tend to prefer Royal Caribbeans Oasis-class as it seems to hit both audiences with just one ship.  Refinement and family fun.

[jimbo5544]

8 minutes ago, BNBR said:

 

This is a good description.  The demographics between Carnival and Celebrity are quite different.  I'd also add that they have actual hand towels even in the public restrooms on Celebrity and you can't forget the Solarium.  The buffet is light years ahead of Carnival.  Ships are cleaner, too.  

 

Celebrity is just way more sophisticated and refined.  Which can be boring for some people.  I enjoyed our recent X cruise but I'm not dying to go back.  Everything was damn near perfect, but I miss water slides and some of the fun atmosphere.  On the same hand, I've found Carnival a bit too far in the other direction.  We tend to prefer Royal Caribbeans Oasis-class as it seems to hit both audiences with just one ship.  Refinement and family fun.

Options are good things to have...

[KKB]

Interesting thread as we are taking our first Carnival cruise (Europe) after 12 Caribbean cruises--Princess, RCCL & Celebrity, several of each.

We have enjoyed all 3 lines, and find them to be more alike than different. Would cruise each one again in a heartbeat.

Interestingly our fav cruise was the Oasis followed by the Quantum--SO SO many things to do each day on such a large ships which we loved. (ironically our RCCL cruise to MX Riviera was our LEAST fav; how a ship with 3200 people could have SO FEW activity offerings was beyond me--I really felt it was the cruise director on this one)

We did notice that Celebrity can have a few less activities--but we were often on smaller ships as well. We agree the service/experience is a small notch above RCCL. Very small.

We got into Celebrity as the prices could not be matched on other lines when you factor in perks.

I suspect that a European cruise will be a VERY different take on the typical Carnival cruise. Radiance goes into dry dock in March so essentially it will be a brand new ship as well.

Edited July 15, 2019 by KKB

[Aquahound]

On ‎7‎/‎13‎/‎2019 at 9:14 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

I’ve seen this asked in the Celebrity forum, but curious to see the replies here. We have had 7 Carnival cruises, 1 Princess, 1 RCI, and 1 NCL. We have a Celebrity cruise coming up fairly soon. For those that have cruised with Celebrity, what differences did you notice?  

 

Celebrity is probably my favorite cruise line.  Yes, they are much more sedate and laid back than Carnival, but their ships are beautiful and very modern.  Summit just received a major refurbishment, which modernized their décor and public spaces.  My best simile for Celebrity is it feels like South Beach.....modern and chic.  You'll find the swanky Martini Bar to have the most night life.  The best part of Celebrity is the fact they do not allow smoking anywhere inside the ship. 

 

I disagree with the comment that Celebrity is like Princess.  IMO, Celebrity and Princess have 2 totally different feels. 

 

Ref nightlife, Celebrity will not compare to lines like Carnival, RCI or NCL.  However, they do still have evening game shows and theme parties like 70s night, a 60s party, a deck party, etc. 

 

My Carnival experience is very limited but the main stage entertainment I saw on Liberty was awful.....far worse than anything I ever saw on Celebrity.  Celebrity's stage shows can't touch RCI though.....but then again, no one can. 

[silversneakers]

On 7/14/2019 at 3:09 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

 

I’m hoping not. That was our least favorite of our 10 so far, with the Oasis of the Seas and The Getaway being our favorites. 

 

Oasis and NCL are both very family-oriented catering to a younger, active crowd.  Celebrity and Princess not in the same league being an older, more sedate crowd.  You do see some families on both Celebrity and Princess but it does not have the facilities that attract younger families. 

[Steve551]

On 7/14/2019 at 4:23 AM, cruzeluver said:

We have a nearly equal number of cruises between the two lines.

 

Celebrity ships tend to be far quieter without the family-friendly features found on Carnival (no water slides, mini golf, sky courses etc.) and no loud music or pool-side games. One announcement per day which comes from the captain who provides weather and how far to the next port of call. Food on Celebrity is generally of a higher quality (and we like Carnival's food just fine) and service is more polished, without dancing waiters in the main dining room. 

And usually better entertainment. We like Celebrity's "specialty" restaurant selection better too. They have not made as many cutbacks as Carnival. BUT, you will pay more to cruise with Celebrity.

[Steve551]

On 7/14/2019 at 12:09 PM, NCteacherlovescruising said:

 

I’m hoping not. That was our least favorite of our 10 so far, with the Oasis of the Seas and The Getaway being our favorites. 

 

We have been on many different cruise ships over the past 20-years of cruising and RCL Oasis Class ships are my favorite.

[jbethel11]

6 minutes ago, Steve551 said:

BUT, you will pay more to cruise with Celebrity.

On average, yes. However, I see a 7 day Equinox sailing for less than a 7 day Miracle sailing in a balcony cabin. 

[Steve551]

6 minutes ago, jbethel11 said:

On average, yes. However, I see a 7 day Equinox sailing for less than a 7 day Miracle sailing in a balcony cabin. 

And sometimes if you figure in the "extra" stuff Celebrity often gives it comes out about the same or cheaper.

[BNBR]

3 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

Celebrity is probably my favorite cruise line.  Yes, they are much more sedate and laid back than Carnival, but their ships are beautiful and very modern.  Summit just received a major refurbishment, which modernized their décor and public spaces.  My best simile for Celebrity is it feels like South Beach.....modern and chic.  You'll find the swanky Martini Bar to have the most night life.  The best part of Celebrity is the fact they do not allow smoking anywhere inside the ship. 

 

I disagree with the comment that Celebrity is like Princess.  IMO, Celebrity and Princess have 2 totally different feels. 

 

Ref nightlife, Celebrity will not compare to lines like Carnival, RCI or NCL.  However, they do still have evening game shows and theme parties like 70s night, a 60s party, a deck party, etc. 

 

My Carnival experience is very limited but the main stage entertainment I saw on Liberty was awful.....far worse than anything I ever saw on Celebrity.  Celebrity's stage shows can't touch RCI though.....but then again, no one can. 

 

Celebrity is like South Beach!  I like that and it's totally accurate.  I'd say Celebrity is like South Beach, Carnival is like... Excalibur and Circus Circus.  Celebrity is very much modern/chic feel to it, refined, classy.  In the evenings pretty much everyone on board was wearing nice pants and collared shirts all over the ship.  Carnival is not that way, at all.  It's kind of trashy.  I find the two lines quite radically different and actually still enjoy both knowing those differences.  Celebrity is much nicer, calmer, elegant.  Carnival will focus more on activities/fun/kids/families/etc.

 

I would disagree about the stage shows.  I found Carnival and Celebrity to be almost identical (low budget/meh).  Only Royal seems to set a higher bar on their largest classes of ships.

[Aquahound]

3 hours ago, BNBR said:

 

Celebrity is like South Beach!  I like that and it's totally accurate.  I'd say Celebrity is like South Beach, Carnival is like... Excalibur and Circus Circus.  Celebrity is very much modern/chic feel to it, refined, classy.  In the evenings pretty much everyone on board was wearing nice pants and collared shirts all over the ship.  Carnival is not that way, at all.  It's kind of trashy.  I find the two lines quite radically different and actually still enjoy both knowing those differences.  Celebrity is much nicer, calmer, elegant.  Carnival will focus more on activities/fun/kids/families/etc.

 

I would disagree about the stage shows.  I found Carnival and Celebrity to be almost identical (low budget/meh).  Only Royal seems to set a higher bar on their largest classes of ships.

 

I'm glad someone else agrees with the metaphor about South Beach.  It was totally what I thought of when cruising Celebrity.  It's a chic cruise line and has a feel unlike any other mass market line.  

 

Ref the stage shows, like I said, my Carnival experience is very limited so I can't give a full comparison.  On Liberty, there was 1 male and 1 female singer and the music was piped.  I like how they use a live orchestra on Celebrity and have a full cast of singers.  

[JaniceB]

I have 1 Celebrity cruise and many Carnival.  I guess it depends on what Celebrity ship.  We were on the Equinox and had a very nice time.  We were invited to the front of the ship to sail into San Juan.  We just had a regular balcony room, no status.  We kept ourselves entertained during the day.  We even played games against the officers, bocce ball and volleyball.  There was a lot of interaction with the officers.  The shows were great and the martini bar was a show in itself.  The passengers were not all old, my guess would be the majority were 30-60.  I thought the food and service was very good.  I rarely eat in dinner in the buffet but did on the this cruise and it was very good.  There were even some kids.  I didn't miss the slides since I don't use them. 

[graphicguy]

Maybe limited in my experience with Celebrity, as I only sailed on the Solstice.  But, I've also sailed on a few Carnival Ships.  

 

Service between the two?  Probably more alike than different.  

 

I will say the Solstice was a beautiful ship.  Was the food more upscale on Celebrity?  Yeah...a bit.  But, the "vibe" was stuffier, too.

 

The entertainment highlight was a glass blowing demonstration near a grassy knoll area (which is quite novel on a cruise ship....we actually played bocce ball there).  GLASS BLOWING????!!!!!!!......that came with a low rating as far as entertainment is concerned in my book.  Yes, they had some other entertainment.  All of it was fairly sedate, however.

 

Carnival had smaller entertainment productions, but they also had more of them, which sort of made up for it.

 

Yeah, they have some similarities.  But, out of all the cruises I've taken, Carnival and Celebrity were the most dissimilar.  You want something going on all the time...want to let your hair down a little....want to sometimes see craziness in some of the passengers..... go Carnival.

 

You wand sedate...subdued....quiet?  Go Celebrity.

[KKB]

Funny we are NOT subdued, sedate or quiet cruisers--but we love Celebrity!

Now, 3 were over spring break so FAR from subdued!! (and QUITE young demographic!)

We find a cruise is what you make it...and we like to be BUSY on a cruise (or any vacation for that matter)

Normal Caribbean port day (any line): buffet breakfast, couple hours in the sun, burger by the pool, poker tournament, trivia, dinner, show/game show, dancing/casino--PHEW. LOVE IT. EVERY line we have cruised allows us these options. I don't consider that quiet, sedate or subdued! I agree that other than the spring break demographic, 30s-60s is the bulk of the crowd. Similar to Princess, imo. Frankly that has been the predominant demo of most our cruises--they have more disposable income than 20s, kids often older or grown & still very active, generally speaking.
I have avoided Carnival--my 92 YO aunt said there wasn't enough to do on her Carnival cruise! (that woman is out 5 nights a week--keno, horse racing, dancing, so she, too, likes to be busy! 

But we found a 12 day Med cruise on the newly refurbed Radiance next summer for about $1K each (including taxes & fees) for the 3 of us OV. HECK of a deal. I figure a European cruise is VERY different & those 3 sea days will be more about relaxing & refueling for more sightseeing than going all day. You can do that on every cruise line!

[NCTribeFan]

I read the thread on the X board and had a long response typed up but deleted it.  I felt that so many of the responses over there were way too snobbish.  I've encountered that sort of thing on the HAL board, too.

 

I've sailed >30 Carnival, 1 RCI (2003), 3 HAL, 1 NCL, and most recently, 2 MSC.

 

I'm rather tired of Carnival.  Yes, I'm now "old" and the constant shoving FUN FUN FUN down my throat is exhausting.  I like HAL, but not because I'm now in their target demographic.  I like the ships, the food, the service, and have never had any trouble at all finding something to do in the evening.  Their BB King bands are fantastic.  Can't wait to sail on a ship that has the new Rolling Stone venue!  I just prefer the ship sizes and layouts.

 

I'm booked on my first X sailing but it's not for another 600 days!  Price was incredible with a lot of OBC, free drinks, and free service charges.  How could I pass that up?  It's on Infinity, which will be Revolutionized a few months before we sail.

 

I expect X to be a lot like HAL.  I don't hang out at the pool but try to find somewhere semi quiet to read and relax.  That's virtually impossible on any Carnival ship. 

 

Anyway, I still sail mostly for the ports, not the ship.  Carnival has the same things happening on every ship, whether it's on Fantasy or Horizon.  Same trivia.  Bingo.  Pool games.  Shows.  Menus.  Jokes from the CD.  I'm just bored with it and want some slightly-different experiences.  I currently have 3 Carnival cruises booked but I'm always looking to sail a different line (no interest in the mega RCI ships; MSC Divina was beautiful but too large for my tastes, loved the old, smaller Armonia). 

 

Still, I've found that the lines are more alike than they are different. 

[Devo1459]

WE have done 3 Celebrity cruises as we just got off a 2 week Baltic cruise.  We have also done about 9 Carnival cruises.

As mentioned above.  Way younger crowd on Carnival.  You don't see people wearing baseball caps on backwards in the dining areas on Celebrity.  The pool areas are much quieter.  I believe the service and food are at least a notch above Carnival.  Having said that we are sailing on the Vista this coming 24th of Aug. We like the celebrity product too.  Food is Lido is always good.  I think Carnival's Steakhouse is better.  Im getting older now and don't care so much for the mass crowds at the pool area so we are doing Havana this up coming cruise.  Hey, its a cruise, Carnival, Celebrity....who cares enjoy.

[hotsauce126]

On 7/14/2019 at 11:50 PM, MJSailors said:

no Quest games

 

I'm out

[Joebucks]

I have yet to sail on Celebrity, so I don't know for sure. The consensus seems to be that it is superb in appearance, food, service, etc. It doesn't carry the same vibe though which is more important to me than the other stuff. While it sounds like a fine product that I will probably experience one day, I just have no interest in that at the moment. Especially for a few hundred more.

 

I like to compare it to people who would say a local dive bar is ugly, cheap, and trashy. While the wine bar is fancy, sophisticated, well-decorated, etc. The wine bar is therefore the superior choice on the weekend. Which one would be a better time though? I could give two craps about the things people like to "brag" about, give me the FUN!