First Time on Celebrity-Considering Europe

[flannbarr]

My wife (62) and I (57) are going to the British Open at St. Andrews in Scotland 7/10/22-7/17/22. We are looking at adding a European cruise to the front or back end of our trip.

 

We have primarily cruised Royal Caribbean (Emerald status) in the past because we always had kids with us and we like the Oasis class of ships. 

 

We are looking at the Celebrity Edge on 7/2/22 from Rome and ending in Barcelona. It cruises to Italy, France and Spain. We would then take a flight from Barcelona to Edinburgh where we would meet our traveling partners in Scotland.

 

We are considering a Sky Suite on the Edge because the perks look really good. Changing to Celebrity would be a big change for us but maybe it's time since we are child-less on this cruise!

 

Any thoughts that you can share as we transition from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity are appreciated.

[GlobalMethod]

52 minutes ago, flannbarr said:

My wife (62) and I (57) are going to the British Open at St. Andrews in Scotland 7/10/22-7/17/22. We are looking at adding a European cruise to the front or back end of our trip.

 

We have primarily cruised Royal Caribbean (Emerald status) in the past because we always had kids with us and we like the Oasis class of ships. 

 

We are looking at the Celebrity Edge on 7/2/22 from Rome and ending in Barcelona. It cruises to Italy, France and Spain. We would then take a flight from Barcelona to Edinburgh where we would meet our traveling partners in Scotland.

 

We are considering a Sky Suite on the Edge because the perks look really good. Changing to Celebrity would be a big change for us but maybe it's time since we are child-less on this cruise!

 

Any thoughts that you can share as we transition from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity are appreciated.

We like Celebrity and still will travel with them ... A previous partner of Celebrity was Azamara ... Azamara is now owned by a financially secure firm and has even added a ship to their fleet since leaving the RC fold ... you sound like just the right demographic for Azamara and it's smaller more personal type of cruising, so check them out ... Happy Travels!

[TeeRick]

There are many of us here who started with Royal Caribbean when we cruised with small kids.  Then in later years switched to the more adult and quieter experience of Celebrity.  On occasion we still sail Royal Caribbean too and enjoy them as well.  But most of our cruises now on Celebrity.  Longer cruises and destinations are preferred.  There have been many threads and posts on this topic if you do a search here.   The suite experience on Edge is excellent.  A Sky Suite on Celebrity comes with all of the suite benefits and in particular Luminae.  The equivalent Jr Suite on Royal provides not much in comparison.

Edited June 20, 2021 by TeeRick

[upwarduk]

1 hour ago, flannbarr said:

 

Any thoughts that you can share as we transition from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity are appreciated.

If you are Diamond or above on Royal, then you will be Elite on Celebrity. Just give your Crown & Anchor number when you book.

Edited June 20, 2021 by upwarduk

[glmacruise]

We did the best of the western med cruise. Absolutely, amazing. Celebrity would have fresh fish at the buffet during lunch. I asked them how and they get some every port they stopped in. Quite possibly the best cruise ever.

[Denny01]

We loved the Edge and will be trying the Retreat next cruise which is a TA. I’d strongly recommend it. Difference? Celebrity is much more focused on adults but our kids (when they were ‘kids’ loved it too) and you’ll find the common areas and dining much less crowded and few lines. 

 

Many fun specialty restaurants and a good active thread on that. Good lectures by experts beyond the ‘what to buy/our tours to take’ lectures. 

 

Entertainment isn’t up to RCL level of great Broadway plays, but this itinerary is very port-intensive so not a big issue. If you can, spend a few days in Barcelona…..but of course heading to Scotland is fantastic also! 

 

Lots of places to sit and enjoy and relax. 

 

Den

[Eglesbrech]

If you want any information about St Andrews or the local area then just ask. There are lots of amazing hotels, restaurants and places to visit in the Kingdom of Fife. Some of the hotels even have views over the greens. When the open is on they book up very quickly, all rooms in the town centre do.

 

Book your flights early as well as availability to / from Scotland can be limited, particularly as you are visiting within the Scottish school holiday period.

There is no direct train link from Edinburgh airport to St Andrews (the nearest train station is Leuchars) but you can book a private car transfer easily enough.

We have travelled with Royal and Celebrity and personally I prefer Celebrity as it is indeed more grown up. Much less razzmatazz but better food, better conversation in the bars etc for our age group. Better perks in a suite. Both are of course good.

 

Your  trip sounds just lovely.