RCCL and Celebrity

[KevBew]

I just returned from my first RCCL cruise and I can't begin to describe how much I can't wait to get back to X!

 

I have been on 5 X cruises prior to last weeks cruise on Jewel of the Seas. I have felt that X has been slipping over the years as a result of RCCL folding X under it's operations. I thought I would find a similar product, boy was I wrong.

 

The boarding process was about the same as X but with just a slight tinge of chaos. Once aboard the ship you were on your own. No one to escort you to your room and no champagne. The fire doors were closed to keep you out of the stateroom areas until after 1:00. Kind of strange but I guess I understand.

 

The public lounges, dining rooms, casino and other public spaces were adequate and relatively comfortable. Shops, spa, theatre and bars were equal to X. Upon first glance you almost could convince yourself you were on a ship that could have been X.

 

After settling in the differences were evident. I could only book an inside because I made the decision to go very last minute. I have had insides on 2 of the M class ships so I was shocked at how small the inside cabins on JOS were. There was barely enough room to walk along the sides of the bed. The closets were way too small and the bathroom was just slightly more spacious than a phone booth. The one nice thing was the shower that had doors instead of the dreaded sticky shower curtain on X.

 

Other members of our group had outside balcony cabins and they were also VERY small in comparison to X. The balconies were slightly larger than X balconies but I would have preferred more cabin space .

 

The biggest difference was the food. Although the food on X has been slipping lately it is still miles ahead of RCCL. Breakfast was bland, tasteless mass produced fodder. The eggs were so tasteless I couldn't help but wonder if they were powdered. The bacon was undercooked and swimming in grease. I ended up eating cold cereal for 4 days to avoid the hot food.

 

Lunches were nearly identical every day of the cruise. We ate off the ship whenever possible becuase we needed some variety.

 

Dinner, well, it followed the same path. The choices were very plain and tasteless. The beef dishes were very limited and small in comparison to X. You could ask for more but it usually took 20 minutes for it to arrive. Many remarked how good the food in Chops and Portofino was compared to the main dining room. However, that was a $20.00 charge and that could add up if all you wanted was a good meal. It was clear to all that they (RCCL) have found a way to force you to pay more for food by keeping the quality of food higher in the speciality venues.

 

The other passengers ranged from 20's to 70's. There weren't too many kids on the cruise but the time of year probably had something to do with that. There was one woman who had her dog with her on the cruise. It was one of those small yappy dogs. Something I have never seen on X. It was a much rowdier crowd. Dress codes were never enforced as witnessed by shorts and jeans in the dining room on FORMAL night!

 

The stateroom attendants were a far cry from what you receive on X. No carafe of water, just a small bucket of ice. I had to ask for additional bars of soap and resorted to retrieving ice on my own.

 

I may get flamed for what may be small details but that's what sets X apart from the other mass-market lines. We heard rumor that RCCL will eventually eliminate X. That would be a huge mistake. Without X, I for one would pay more to get a better product elsewhere. I will never book another RCCL cruise. Just my observations.

[Host Karen]

It's a shame you found Jewel so lacking. Having sailed Brilliance, Jewel's sister ship, three times, I find the decor, layout, and public areas far out-do the Constellation or Infinity. I also found the balcony cabins (category D on Brilliance, Concierge Class on the M-class ships) to be the same space-wise, with RCCL having the edge on cabin storage, but the X ships winning the bathroom category, both for size of the shower and storage. I also prefer the cabin layout on Brilliance, with the bed next to the sliding doors rather than closer to the cabin door. I think it opens up the cabin and also allows one to draw the drapes and divide the room so early risers can sit on the sofa and read or watch tv without disturbing late sleepers.

 

As far as food is concerned, X wins hands down and the buffet, with servers, wins by miles vs. RCCL's serve-yourself buffets. However, we enjoyed the food on Brilliance and never experienced a problem when requesting seconds of anything or multiple dishes. If you didn't like the precooked eggs, you should have availed yourself of the made-to-order egg station. We also enjoyed the new menu in the Seaview Cafe and spent several evenings on extended voyages dining in Chops.

 

Personally, I have never seen dogs nor shorts or jeans on formal night onboard a Royal Caribbean ship (although we did see the latter on the Grand Princess).

 

I'm glad you have found a cruiseline that fills your requirements. We enjoy X and RCCL for different reasons and find that one has benefits the other does not. Here's wishing you many enjoyable future cruises on Celebrity.

[kelmac]

KevBew,

 

I would agree with you. We have cruised RCCL five times and can't seem to get over the fact that the food is pretty mediocre. Having said that, Princess and NCL are not any better. Cruise lines should never let the passengers "self serve" -- it turns into a "feeding frenzy" of obscene proportions.

Royal Caribbean has beautiful ships and the activities/entertainment are second to none. Yes the cabins are small, and there are way too many people on board, but I can live with that. Some people equate volume and access to food, with value and quality, but I prefer small amounts of fine cuisine. If I'm going to spend 12 days on a cruise ship the quality of the food is my number one concern.

We have given up on NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean. I love their ships, but can't get over the food issue. Celebrity is our first choice, and we will do Holland America during the holidays, but it may be a while before we try Royal Caribbean again.

No such thing as a bad cruise, but....,:rolleyes: :)

 

Enjoy!

Kel

[goouchjac]

Agree with KevBew on some points on their RCL cruise,,,having sailed on the Radiance, got back on the 22nd.Jan, found certain issues the same, no carafe of water,(have to order it from room service), bathrooms are VERY small, buffet everyday much the same, food in the dining room not too bad(no breadsticks)...Cabin attendant was okay, she was very accomodating..The one thing that we liked is their c&a program,,,had a wonderful brunch for us and it was really good, nothing like that on X, in fact seems their loyalty program is MUCH better than X, even get $$$off on your cabin...Ship is very nice, alot of glass...Pool area is smaller than X, no attendants and you bring your towel from your room every dayLOL....The captain was very friendly, would see him around the ship talking with passengers, his announcements were funny and always had a "herdy gerdy" in them(whatever that means)..

We love X and found ourselves doing alot of comparing,,,yes, X does spoil us with service and food, we may try another RCL cruise again, maybe on the Mariner out of Port Canaveral;) ....

[poetic license]

oops

[poetic license]

KevBew,

Here's something that will make your Jewel of the Seas cruise seem like a week at the Ritz: I was reading some threads on the HAL board this morning, and one of the threads was LIVER AND ONIONS. You can't believe the number of posts there were waxing poetic praising HAL for offering liver and onions as an entree item!! :eek:

 

Feel better now?:D:D:D

 

Cheers,

[albertiger]

KevBew,

Here's something that will make your Jewel of the Seas cruise seem like a week at the Ritz: I was reading some threads on the HAL board this morning, and one of the threads was LIVER AND ONIONS. You can't believe the number of posts there were waxing poetic praising HAL for offering liver and onions as an entree item!! :eek:

 

Feel better now?

 

Cheers,

better find a hiding place now cause the liver n onions lovers, what! no bacon!:D (myself included) are comin to get ya!;)

[KevBew]

KevBew,

Here's something that will make your Jewel of the Seas cruise seem like a week at the Ritz: I was reading some threads on the HAL board this morning, and one of the threads was LIVER AND ONIONS. You can't believe the number of posts there were waxing poetic praising HAL for offering liver and onions as an entree item!! :eek:

 

Feel better now?:D:D:D

 

Cheers,

 

OK, that's pretty scary, I guess everything is relative.

 

As soon as I read your reply I had a flashback to my grandparents house on Saturday for dinner, ewwww.

[AFT_LOVER]

After 3 M Class sailings (Connie, Infinity, Summit), none did we have an escort to our stateroom, only had champagne on Connie in England for TA. Summit was the worst. The crew had no idea what Concierge Class was. No pillow top mattress, had to beg for pillow menu other than the bricks that were there. Fresh flowers on day one & by day 14 they were pathetic. After having 9201 CC AFT on Infinity with relaxing evening meals & breakfast on the balcony, we booked the same for Summit. Summit has teak floor bar atop the 5 AFT CC staterooms (with 200 sq ft balconies). Sounds like a war zone!! They pressure wash all the garbage from beer, puke, butts, food down on the 9th floor balconies & what a delightful aroma that is at near 100 degree temps doing PC. 5 hour wait for transfers (bus) at LAX to San Pedro pier, then nearly 2 hours in line for security. another hour for Express Pass CC. This is EXPRESS EMBARKATION? Luggage arrived after 6 PM and that is express luggage. Laundry is to be same day without any extra charge, not on Summit! And for our 26 anniversary we were given dinner at Normandie that next day we were charged $120 for! That took a week to get corrected.

 

I SAY NEVER AGAIN! And still no letter of apology fromthe letter I wrote to Dan Hanrahan, President. And their gangway crashed on my left foot for 10 days in bed & they want to give me 20% off my next cruise. What a joke! At least CSA Travel Insurance takes care of me...........

 

So I am booked for Scandinavia/Baltic this May on Jewel & we have a 209 sq ft stateroom with 120 sq ft balcony that wraps around. They gave early booking discount, over 55 discount & since we are Diamond members we get $200 off balcony rate. Celebrity gives -0-. They ave the Doncierge Lounge for Diamond & Diamond Plus members where you get free Latte, Cappucino & epresso 24/7, excellent ice rink tickets, seats for specialty restaurants, and great excursion rates for us also. Then to top that from 5-9 FREE BOOZE (Top shelf). Again Celebrity does -0-.........

Diamond members & Diamond Plus members get free excursions that re discussed via a phonecall before the cruise.

 

SO I am excited with 2 RCCL cruises booked one in May & Freedom OS in October.

[tbelian]

What is a Doncierge lounge?

[tuggers]

Dog? Was it a service dog? Interesting.

 

Maybe Hanrahan just doesn't understand the problem???

[KevBew]

What is a Doncierge lounge?

 

to complain about the smallest of details and expect to receive comps!

[KevBew]

Dog? Was it a service dog? Interesting.

 

Maybe Hanrahan just doesn't understand the problem???

 

It was a one of those little white, hairy dogs that she kept in a bag. She had it in the Windjammer the two times I saw her. One lady aksed her what you had to do to bring a dog and she said you had to pay a charge and know the right people.

[goouchjac]

After 3 M Class sailings (Connie, Infinity, Summit), none did we have an escort to our stateroom, only had champagne on Connie in England for TA. Summit was the worst. The crew had no idea what Concierge Class was. No pillow top mattress, had to beg for pillow menu other than the bricks that were there. Fresh flowers on day one & by day 14 they were pathetic. After having 9201 CC AFT on Infinity with relaxing evening meals & breakfast on the balcony, we booked the same for Summit. Summit has teak floor bar atop the 5 AFT CC staterooms (with 200 sq ft balconies). Sounds like a war zone!! They pressure wash all the garbage from beer, puke, butts, food down on the 9th floor balconies & what a delightful aroma that is at near 100 degree temps doing PC. 5 hour wait for transfers (bus) at LAX to San Pedro pier, then nearly 2 hours in line for security. another hour for Express Pass CC. This is EXPRESS EMBARKATION? Luggage arrived after 6 PM and that is express luggage. Laundry is to be same day without any extra charge, not on Summit! And for our 26 anniversary we were given dinner at Normandie that next day we were charged $120 for! That took a week to get corrected.

 

I SAY NEVER AGAIN! And still no letter of apology fromthe letter I wrote to Dan Hanrahan, President. And their gangway crashed on my left foot for 10 days in bed & they want to give me 20% off my next cruise. What a joke! At least CSA Travel Insurance takes care of me...........

 

So I am booked for Scandinavia/Baltic this May on Jewel & we have a 209 sq ft stateroom with 120 sq ft balcony that wraps around. They gave early booking discount, over 55 discount & since we are Diamond members we get $200 off balcony rate. Celebrity gives -0-. They ave the Doncierge Lounge for Diamond & Diamond Plus members where you get free Latte, Cappucino & epresso 24/7, excellent ice rink tickets, seats for specialty restaurants, and great excursion rates for us also. Then to top that from 5-9 FREE BOOZE (Top shelf). Again Celebrity does -0-.........

Diamond members & Diamond Plus members get free excursions that re discussed via a phonecall before the cruise.

 

SO I am excited with 2 RCCL cruises booked one in May & Freedom OS in October.

Hi Macop,,sorry you had such a bad experience on Summit, our favorite of the Mclass ships,,,,agree with the perks on RC for diamond members(which we are),,much better than X who gives it's loyal cruisers zippo,,,that being said we still prefer X but we may try another RC ship,,thinking of the Mariner..;)

[poetic license]

What is a Doncierge lounge?

 

Maybe a lounge where you can take your little white hairy dog in a bag for pre-dinner cocktails and upscale kibble. :D:eek::D:eek:

 

Cheers,

[KevBew]

Maybe a lounge where you can take your little white hairy dog in a bag for pre-dinner cocktails and upscale kibble. :D:eek::D:eek:

 

Cheers,

 

No, everyone knows you go to the Champagne Bar for pre-dinner cocktails and upscale kibble.

[tuggers]

With what I pay for specialty kibble for a Great Dane and a Doxie, a cat and a parrot I could drink LOTS of champage. The REAL stuff too, not that California bubbly!!!:D

[kruisecat]

This is an interesting thread as DH and I are about to embark on our first RCI cruise. Previously we have only sailed on X on Century (2x) and we would not consider ourselves to be seasoned cruisers. My biggest concern has been that we have been spoiled by X and will have a hard time going backwards. We booked this cruise because it was out of Tampa our home port and we are going with friends who have children and we understand that the children's program is the best on RCI.

 

All that said, I have a strong feeling that for any cruises that are just the 2 of us will be X. I like being spoiled :D

[tuggers]

Don forget Z is coming to Tampa in Nov '06 and will have some great 10, 11 and 14 night Caribbean cruises!:D

[templed]

A bit off topic... but... (this isn't aimed at the OP... )

 

Why must people insist on waxing poetic about the horrors of cruise lines in the Cruise lines Cruise Critic space... Especially when it's obvious that they favor another line over another... ie. RCCL over Celebrity....

 

My comment... it's obvious that you don't like (insert Cruise line here)... so, stick with your preference...

 

You'll get nowhere by repeating stories over and over...

 

my $.02

 

I've not sailed X yet... but, I am wholeheartedly looking forward to it... I've sailed both NCL and RCCL... and thoroughly enjoyed both...

[poetic license]

With what I pay for specialty kibble for a Great Dane and a Doxie, a cat and a parrot I could drink LOTS of champage. The REAL stuff too, not that California bubbly!!!:D

 

I can sympathize: I'm the lackey of an adorable peek/sheltie mix who has me wrapped completely around her left paw. With what I shell out for her specialty grub in a year I could probably go on a short cruise.

 

Hmmmm ... now that I think about it THAT way .....

 

Anyone want an adorable peek/sheltie pooch with soulful eyes?:eek:;):eek:

[JanetScho]

This is an interesting thread as DH and I are about to embark on our first RCI cruise. Previously we have only sailed on X on Century (2x) and we would not consider ourselves to be seasoned cruisers. My biggest concern has been that we have been spoiled by X and will have a hard time going backwards. We booked this cruise because it was out of Tampa our home port and we are going with friends who have children and we understand that the children's program is the best on RCI.

 

All that said, I have a strong feeling that for any cruises that are just the 2 of us will be X. I like being spoiled :D

 

The Century was my Dh and my first cruise (last February). We could not say enough about the service, food, shows etc. We loved and raved about it so much that we just had to take our 8 and 14 year olds on a cruise this time.

We are booked to leave on Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas on Sunday. We booked Royal because we thought it would be more kid friendly and have more kids on board that Century did.

My biggest worry is that I will be comparing everything to X and it will be a disappointment!

[KevBew]

My biggest worry is that I will be comparing everything to X and it will be a disappointment!

 

As you can tell, that's what I did. I got reminders to stop comparing the two (RCCL and X) but it was really hard. I had 5 X cruises to place judgement on my 1st RCCL so I was pretty harsh. There were some really nice things on JOS but I couldn't help but wish we had been on X instead.

 

The kid's program seems more intense on RCCL so you may find that to be a plus. There were very few kids on our cruise last week. I remember seeing maybe no more than one or two at a time in the different venues throughout the ship. They do have a pretty elaborate kids area on JOS.

 

Have a great time and maybe you can come back and tell me I'm full gas!

[AFT_LOVER]

That is RCCL Concierge Lounge for Diamond & Diamond Plus members.

 

Elite members on Celebrity get 20 mins of Net time...........

 

What is a Doncierge lounge?

[The Big Booper]

We have been on the X Connie and the sisters Radiance and Serenade. I was interested in the OP comments and the comparisons drawn.

 

I went to Yahoo travel which lists room size by cabin category and this is what I found.

 

Jewel Connie

 

Inside 165 170

 

Std Outside 170 170

 

Superior Outside 179 NA

 

Balcony/Verandah 204 179-191

 

Jr Suite 293 244

 

From this quick table, except for the inside where X is 6 inches longer, RCCL cabins are consistently bigger and by a substantial margin in the Jr suites.

 

I will concede that X offers a more upscale service experience in the dining rooms and the buffet. However we HATE cafeteria lines and this is a major annoyance to us. I prefer to pick my own food out of the trays and own quantities. If I want 3 well done bacon strips I can take my time going thru the bacon tray on RCCL since it has a dozen food islands and not a long cafeteria line where I would hold up the line while I guided the attendant to the precise strips I want. This is worth far more to me than a white gloved waiter occasionally carrying my tray for me. And on X, whats with the AquaSpa healthy food being at the other end of the ship, which means DW, a 5 year recovering fattie, has to navigate the buffet, pool area and the aqua spa to get her stuff, round trip and then find me at a table in the cafe. Totally dumb arrangement.

 

As far as the public areas, RCCL wins here hands down. The Aqua Spa has a tiny fixed glass roof over the pool area and since there are few chairs around the pool we usually had no choice but to sit by the side down below. This area has all the charm of a hospital corridor with the yellow green walls and floors and 10 foot high ceilings. Compare and contrast to the tropical pools on the 4 Radiance ships where the entire roof is glass and can open to let the sunshine in. Not to mention the temple doors, footbridges and lifesize stone elephants and pumas hanging out at the pool and the birds, monkeys, et. hanging from the trees and supports.

No comparison and a major let down for us on seeing the pitiful AquaSpa pool.

 

We also preferred the 10 deck centrum with the glass elevators facing in vs the 3 deck public space on the Connie. And the outer facing bank of glass elevators on the Radiance types had no obstruction to viewing the sea wheras the Connie's glass elevators had dozens of steel supports blocking the view. Another major disappointment.

 

The string quartet on the Connie played by the Cova and with the carpeting didn't carry that well whereas the classical trio on RCCL plays at the base of the Centrum and here the sound carries up the open well along the marble and glass walls and sounds magnificent anywhere on the ship close to the centrum. There were always people hanging over the rails watching and listening to whatever musical group was playing at the base. To quote the teenage girls, AWESOME.

 

I have not even talked about activities because this is a personal preference; some like quest, some like sushi demonstrations and wine blending talks.

 

And as a previous poster (Macop?) said the cabin layout on the RCCL ships is superior where the desk and outlets are in the middle of the cabin unlike X where the desk and outlets are by the balcony door. We had chargers and charging wires for the cell phones, walkie talkies, digital still and camcorder all sitting on the glass table blocking easy access to the balcony on the Connie.

 

JMHO