Consider Cruising Celebrity for the First Time, Need Some Help

[danny8826]

Hi,

 

We have never sail with Celebrity Cruises before, but we have cruised with Royal Caribbean quite a bit so we have questions about Celebrity Cruises.

We are hoping someone can give us more info.

 

We particularly wanted to know their daytime activities.  A friend of mine who I cruise with love dance classes like Zumba, Line Dance, etc... (not couple dance classes). 

For those who cruise Celebrity often or have cruise Celebrity before, does they offer dance classes?  What are activities do they offer?

We LOVE Royal Caribbean because they offer a lot of day time activities and their ships are innovative. 

 

I have been told by a few people and even an agent that seasonal cruiser on Celebrity can be a bit snobbish because this is a luxury cruise line.  What was your experience like?

 

Thank you,

Danny

 

 

[CYNSport]

Well, first off, Celebrity isn’t a luxury cruise line,(it’s called a premium mass market. Regent, Crystal,and Seabourn are some of the luxury lines),  so I wouldn’t worry about snobbish guests. We’ve met many nice people on Celebrity (12 cruises)  but, honestly that’s not a major factor in enjoying our cruises. Lots of folks cruise both RC and Celebrity, so you will hopefully get lots of detailed answers. In general, Celebrity has fewer activities. Not sure what interests you about Celebrity (itineraries, change of pace), so if you are more interested in on board activities, then you may find Celebrity lacking. 

Edited July 19, 2019 by CYNSport

[danny8826]

2 minutes ago, CYNSport said:

Well, first off, Celebrity isn’t a luxury cruise line,(it’s called a premium mass market. Regent, Crystal,and Seabourn are some of the luxury lines),  so I wouldn’t worry about snobbish guests. We’ve met many nice people on Celebrity (12 cruises, but, honestly that’s not a major factor in enjoying our cruises. Lots of folks cruise both RC and Celebrity, so you will hopefully get lots of answers. In general, Celebrity has fewer activities. Not sure what interests you about Celebrity (itineraries, change of pace), so if you are more interested in on board activities, then you may find Celebrity lacking. 

 

 

Thank you for your response.  This helps me out a bit.

It was the price and ports.

RC also have the same exact ports for one of their ship and cost $300

 

Thank you,

Danny

[bcruiser1]

I'd try a different cruise line.  They all nickel and dime you to death, but celebrity has reached a new level of incompetence. We've cruised Celebrity for several years, and they are becoming more desperate in their attempts to separate you from your wallet. Here's an example:   They started charging for restaurants on the ship.  First a minimal fee, and now they are up to $45 per charge per person.  Then they have an "add on" menu at their premium restaurants.  Which means you can buy additional items over the $45 that you're already paying:   They started charging for room service after 11:00pm.    Then they added upcharge items on their regular dinning room menu.

 

Today, they told me that my deposit is non-refundable.  REALLY???  Are they running out of money? This whole thing doesn't make me feel right.

 

 

[Luvcrusn]

Perhaps if you could describe your age range, who's travelling and region of the world you're interested in cruising we could give a more detailed response targeted to you. In general, Celebrity offers a higher level of service and the food is better. Celebrity also often offers beverage package perks as well as pre-paid gratuities and OBC. We've sailed both lines and prefer X to Royal for those reasons. If we were sailing with children or young adults, we'd choose Royal, since it tends to cater more to families (although X offers programs for them, there tend to be fewer). Yes, there are line dancing times at the pool during the day, trivia, Zumba (there might be a fee, sorry, not sure). There are less pool games. X offers a more laid back vibe, but not snobby. You won't find water slides, carousels, wave pools, rock climbing, etc. on X. 

[Luvcrusn]

2 minutes ago, bcruiser1 said:

I'd try a different cruise line.  They all nickel and dime you to death, but celebrity has reached a new level of incompetence. We've cruised Celebrity for several years, and they are becoming more desperate in their attempts to separate you from your wallet. Here's an example:   They started charging for restaurants on the ship.  First a minimal fee, and now they are up to $45 per charge per person.  Then they have an "add on" menu at their premium restaurants.  Which means you can buy additional items over the $45 that you're already paying:   They started charging for room service after 11:00pm.    Then they added upcharge items on their regular dinning room menu.

 

Today, they told me that my deposit is non-refundable.  REALLY???  Are they running out of money? This whole thing doesn't make me feel right.

 

 

There are free restaurants. Both lines have specialty restaurants for added fees, and both have extra charge items on menus. The option for non-refundable deposits at a cheaper price is offered by both lines, and you have the choice at booking. Either you weren't aware of it when your booking was made or a TA didn't disclose it. There are plenty of no cost options on board both lines.

[SFCAcruiser]

I will echo the response you got from CYNSport. Celebrity is not a luxury cruise line, and if it was your travel agent that told you that, then it might be time to find a new agent. Commonly, Celebrity is considered to be roughly equivalent to Holland America and Princess as far as their prices and service levels.

 

A number of posters on this forum cruise back and forth between RCI and Celebrity for different reasons ; there are a lot of similarities. If you have any frequent cruise status on RCI, Celebrity will grant you the same level of status, as long as you request it from Celebrity (it is not automatic). 

I know that Celebrity provides Zumba classes ( I believe it is free, but not sure). 

[danny8826]

19 minutes ago, bcruiser1 said:

I'd try a different cruise line.  They all nickel and dime you to death, but celebrity has reached a new level of incompetence. We've cruised Celebrity for several years, and they are becoming more desperate in their attempts to separate you from your wallet. Here's an example:   They started charging for restaurants on the ship.  First a minimal fee, and now they are up to $45 per charge per person.  Then they have an "add on" menu at their premium restaurants.  Which means you can buy additional items over the $45 that you're already paying:   They started charging for room service after 11:00pm.    Then they added upcharge items on their regular dinning room menu.

 

Today, they told me that my deposit is non-refundable.  REALLY???  Are they running out of money? This whole thing doesn't make me feel right.

 

19 minutes ago, bcruiser1 said:

 

 

 

Thank you

 

[danny8826]

20 minutes ago, Luvcrusn said:

Perhaps if you could describe your age range, who's travelling and region of the world you're interested in cruising we could give a more detailed response targeted to you. In general, Celebrity offers a higher level of service and the food is better. Celebrity also often offers beverage package perks as well as pre-paid gratuities and OBC. We've sailed both lines and prefer X to Royal for those reasons. If we were sailing with children or young adults, we'd choose Royal, since it tends to cater more to families (although X offers programs for them, there tend to be fewer). Yes, there are line dancing times at the pool during the day, trivia, Zumba (there might be a fee, sorry, not sure). There are less pool games. X offers a more laid back vibe, but not snobby. You won't find water slides, carousels, wave pools, rock climbing, etc. on X. 

 

 

One of us in our late 40's and the other is in his early 50's, but we are very active.  The cruise that we are looking at is the Celebrity Reflection cruisig the Caribbean. 

We like lots of activities like what RCI has. We do go to the pool once in a while, but the pool is not what we are cruising for. 

So if it's a sea day, we'll be bore if there is no activities or lack of it.

 

[danny8826]

19 minutes ago, SFCAcruiser said:

I will echo the response you got from CYNSport. Celebrity is not a luxury cruise line, and if it was your travel agent that told you that, then it might be time to find a new agent. Commonly, Celebrity is considered to be roughly equivalent to Holland America and Princess as far as their prices and service levels.

 

A number of posters on this forum cruise back and forth between RCI and Celebrity for different reasons ; there are a lot of similarities. If you have any frequent cruise status on RCI, Celebrity will grant you the same level of status, as long as you request it from Celebrity (it is not automatic). 

I know that Celebrity provides Zumba classes ( I believe it is free, but not sure). 

 

Thank you.

I'm a Diamond on RCI and yes, I was told that Celebrity would match my status on their line.

 

[Cruising89143]

32 minutes ago, bcruiser1 said:

I'd try a different cruise line.  They all nickel and dime you to death, but celebrity has reached a new level of incompetence. We've cruised Celebrity for several years, and they are becoming more desperate in their attempts to separate you from your wallet. Here's an example:   They started charging for restaurants on the ship.  First a minimal fee, and now they are up to $45 per charge per person.  Then they have an "add on" menu at their premium restaurants.  Which means you can buy additional items over the $45 that you're already paying:   They started charging for room service after 11:00pm.    Then they added upcharge items on their regular dinning room menu.

 

Today, they told me that my deposit is non-refundable.  REALLY???  Are they running out of money? This whole thing doesn't make me feel right.

 

 

 

Guess what? Your description is exactly that of Royal Caribbean. 

 

OP we moved from RCI to Celebrity about five years ago and love it. While we thought the Oasis class was an engineering marvel we grew tired of the large crowds. We still think that the Oasis class has the best entertainment in the industry but below the Oasis class we feel that the entertainment is on par with Celebrity. 

 

While food is subjective we feel that there is a difference between the two with X coming in at a higher level. X is more laid back and you’re not going to find all of the activities described. Only one announcement per day and that is usually at noon by the Captain. No smoking anywhere inside of the ship. 

 

Finally as mentioned, X is not a luxury cruise line. They are a step up over RCI and I have found “snobby” people on just about every cruise line. Just happens. Try it for yourself and see. You may be surprised.🙂

[danny8826]

14 minutes ago, cruisingator2 said:

 

Guess what? Your description is exactly that of Royal Caribbean. 

 

OP we moved from RCI to Celebrity about five years ago and love it. While we thought the Oasis class was an engineering marvel we grew tired of the large crowds. We still think that the Oasis class has the best entertainment in the industry but below the Oasis class we feel that the entertainment is on par with Celebrity. 

 

While food is subjective we feel that there is a difference between the two with X coming in at a higher level. X is more laid back and you’re not going to find all of the activities described. Only one announcement per day and that is usually at noon by the Captain. No smoking anywhere inside of the ship. 

 

Finally as mentioned, X is not a luxury cruise line. They are a step up over RCI and I have found “snobby” people on just about every cruise line. Just happens. Try it for yourself and see. You may be surprised.🙂

 

Thank you.

I don't like bigger ships myself.  I haven't been on an Oasis class of ship but have been on the Quantum class and love that. 

The Radiance class is the best and I also like the Freedom and Vision class as well.

 

 

[Cruising89143]

7 minutes ago, danny8826 said:

 

Thank you.

I don't like bigger ships myself.  I haven't been on an Oasis class of ship but have been on the Quantum class and love that. 

The Radiance class is the best and I also like the Freedom and Vision class as well.

 

 

 

Then I think you will love the Reflection. We have cruised on this ship twice. Both times in the Caribbean which tends to be a little more active onboard than cruises with non Caribbean itineraries and longer cruises. 

[danny8826]

19 minutes ago, cruisingator2 said:

 

Then I think you will love the Reflection. We have cruised on this ship twice. Both times in the Caribbean which tends to be a little more active onboard than cruises with non Caribbean itineraries and longer cruises. 

 

 

Thank you.

I will take that into consideration.

 

[Fixit2010]

Based upon my experience.

There are all sorts of people on board.  Yes I have encountered some elitism and I have also encountered people that are very nice.  Having sailed on both celebrity and RC,  I feel that celebrity is at a much better level than RC.

[danny8826]

2 minutes ago, Fixit2010 said:

Based upon my experience.

There are all sorts of people on board.  Yes I have encountered some elitism and I have also encountered people that are very nice.  Having sailed on both celebrity and RC,  I feel that celebrity is at a much better level than RC.

 

 

Thank you

 

[George C]

1 hour ago, danny8826 said:

 

Thank you.

I'm a Diamond on RCI and yes, I was told that Celebrity would match my status on their line.

 

Need to call celebrity and you will be elite level, I prefer Diamond perks but some elite are nice shorter happy hour and no dedicated lounge. Agree do not consider celebrity elite but you will find people dressing a little better at night , they may or may not allow shorts in mdr for dinner. In general we prefer larger rccl because of entertainment, buffet on celebrity is way better than rccl.

[Luvcrusn]

The Reflection is a nice ship. We've sailed it to the Caribbean, and in fact have another Caribbean scheduled on her. There's plenty to do. There is no smoking on X anywhere indoors including the casino. The one daily announcement is usually at 10:00AM. Your Diamond status on Royal will be matched to Elite level on X. Make sure to call X Captains Club, advise them of your Crown & Anchor #, get a Captains Club number and have them linked to your reservation. Captains Club can be reached at 800-760-0654.  There are some nice benefits. The HH is handled a bit differently, since on X there is no dedicated Diamond Lounge. There is also a bistro breakfast  usually held in Tuscan Grille. There is also a choice of 90 free WIFI minutes or 30% off a package. The minutes are for each Elite member and do not have to be used consecutively, so make sure to log out when you're through with it or the clock will continue to run. Additionally there's a laundry benefit (one bag each) wash and fold only. 

The dance lessons are by and large at the pool and are line dance type dances not requiring a dance partner.

[danny8826]

18 minutes ago, George C said:

Need to call celebrity and you will be elite level, I prefer Diamond perks but some elite are nice shorter happy hour and no dedicated lounge. Agree do not consider celebrity elite but you will find people dressing a little better at night , they may or may not allow shorts in mdr for dinner. In general we prefer larger rccl because of entertainment, buffet on celebrity is way better than rccl.

 

 

Thank you.

That's good to know.

 

[danny8826]

14 minutes ago, Luvcrusn said:

The Reflection is a nice ship. We've sailed it to the Caribbean, and in fact have another Caribbean scheduled on her. There's plenty to do. There is no smoking on X anywhere indoors including the casino. The one daily announcement is usually at 10:00AM. Your Diamond status on Royal will be matched to Elite level on X. Make sure to call X Captains Club, advise them of your Crown & Anchor #, get a Captains Club number and have them linked to your reservation. Captains Club can be reached at 800-760-0654.  There are some nice benefits. The HH is handled a bit differently, since on X there is no dedicated Diamond Lounge. There is also a bistro breakfast  usually held in Tuscan Grille. There is also a choice of 90 free WIFI minutes or 30% off a package. The minutes are for each Elite member and do not have to be used consecutively, so make sure to log out when you're through with it or the clock will continue to run. Additionally there's a laundry benefit (one bag each) wash and fold only. 

The dance lessons are by and large at the pool and are line dance type dances not requiring a dance partner.

 

Wow, thank you so much.

I might try celebrity and see how I like it.  Now, I have to convince my travel companion to go for it too.

 

 

[Michidoeme]

The Zumba classes haven t been free anymore since a couple of years

[danny8826]

6 minutes ago, Michidoeme said:

The Zumba classes haven t been free anymore since a couple of years

 

 

Thank you.

Do you happen to know how much they cost?

 

Thank you,

Danny

[jelayne]

In addition to line dancing at the pool there is trivia, bingo,  guest speakers, art auctions, cooking demos, wine tastings, galley tour, officers vs Guest pool volleyball and/or bocce ball that come to mind.  

[keesar]

1 hour ago, jelayne said:

In addition to line dancing at the pool there is trivia, bingo,  guest speakers, art auctions, cooking demos, wine tastings, galley tour, officers vs Guest pool volleyball and/or bocce ball that come to mind.  

 

We have not had a guest speaker on a 7 day cruise in many years.  

 

 In terms of activities, you will find that Royal Caribbean tends to have more and there is a higher level of energy on the ship.  We loved the entertainment on the Royal Caribbean.  I think the food is a notch higher on Celebrity.

[danny8826]

2 hours ago, jelayne said:

In addition to line dancing at the pool there is trivia, bingo,  guest speakers, art auctions, cooking demos, wine tastings, galley tour, officers vs Guest pool volleyball and/or bocce ball that come to mind.  

 

 

Thank you.