Celebrity vs RCL - what differences can we expect?

[watcher_62]

We'll be on our first Celebrity cruise in well over a decade in January, having been focused on RCL. I've noticed many people on these boards have sailed both, and I'm hoping those of you that have might share your opinions/comments on what you see as the major differences.

 

Feeling a bit like a newbie as I negotiate the Celebrity planning process, so any insights or tips on anything would be appreciated.  Here are some things I've noted so far:

 

- We transfer over as Elite, and I've already noticed significant differences in how we book drink packages and internet, etc. "Sale" prices don't seem to really be on sale, and Elite benefits have to be requested by phone?

 

- We would usually book specialty restaurant packages as well, but I'm seeing a number of comments that the MDR food is very good and comparable, so I'm unsure of the need?

 

- We are rated in the casino on RCL, and actually booked Celebrity through a casino offer.  I see as Elite we get some drink benefits during happy hour from a limited menu, and it appears everyone gets free drinks in the casino while playing? Do we need a drink package (yes, we do indulge daily 🤪

 

- We're in a Veranda stateroom on deck 8, but I see there are many different classes of cabins as well. We normally sail in Balcony or Jnr Suites on RCL. What can we expect from the amenities, etc?  Or are they very similar?

 

It's a strange experience switching - we've done 44 RCL cruises, 38 of them since our last Celebrity cruise in 2011 - so everything on RCL is second nature. Your comments would truly be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Ex-Airbalancer]

34 minutes ago, watcher_62 said:

We'll be on our first Celebrity cruise in well over a decade in January, having been focused on RCL. I've noticed many people on these boards have sailed both, and I'm hoping those of you that have might share your opinions/comments on what you see as the major differences.

 

Feeling a bit like a newbie as I negotiate the Celebrity planning process, so any insights or tips on anything would be appreciated.  Here are some things I've noted so far:

 

- We transfer over as Elite, and I've already noticed significant differences in how we book drink packages and internet, etc. "Sale" prices don't seem to really be on sale, and Elite benefits have to be requested by phone?

 

- We would usually book specialty restaurant packages as well, but I'm seeing a number of comments that the MDR food is very good and comparable, so I'm unsure of the need?

 

- We are rated in the casino on RCL, and actually booked Celebrity through a casino offer.  I see as Elite we get some drink benefits during happy hour from a limited menu, and it appears everyone gets free drinks in the casino while playing? Do we need a drink package (yes, we do indulge daily 🤪

 

- We're in a Veranda stateroom on deck 8, but I see there are many different classes of cabins as well. We normally sail in Balcony or Jnr Suites on RCL. What can we expect from the amenities, etc?  Or are they very similar?

 

It's a strange experience switching - we've done 44 RCL cruises, 38 of them since our last Celebrity cruise in 2011 - so everything on RCL is second nature. Your comments would truly be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

It is just a better cruiseline ! 

passengers on Celebrity he whole are a lot nicer than RCL 

you did not write which ship you are on so it is hard to compare cabins 

 

 

 

[peanut head]

One of the biggest differences is that there are less children on Celebrity.  There are no slides/climbing walls.  You can do, as you already know, as much or as little as you like.  You can go all-in and order the upgraded packages now and not worry (as much) about pricing when you get your final bill for drinks and specialty restaurants.  You can also try out the MDR and if it's not to your liking, request a specialty restaurant dinner(s) and pay the cost(s). 

[ymncruise]

no smoking in the casino, no need to check out towels

[lv2cruisgrl]

Food is better, less kids, quiet areas to enjoy. We stopped sailing on RC a while ago.  On a whim we did Wonder of the Seas last month and said, ok we are done with them.   Food was the biggest issue, tasteless, cold, lack of choices on WOS. 

We will stay with Celebrity. 

[NutsAboutGolf]

 

1 hour ago, watcher_62 said:

- We transfer over as Elite, and I've already noticed significant differences in how we book drink packages and internet, etc. "Sale" prices don't seem to really be on sale, and Elite benefits have to be requested by phone?

 

You have to call in to stack both the pre-sail discount of usually 14%-15% off for the internet and status discount of 30% for Elite.  It appears Celebrity's software cannot recognize status and apply the corresponding discount online

 

1 hour ago, watcher_62 said:

- We would usually book specialty restaurant packages as well, but I'm seeing a number of comments that the MDR food is very good and comparable, so I'm unsure of the need?

 

Def buy a specialty dining package, if you're on a typical 7 night sailing get a 3 pack as you won't regret it

 

1 hour ago, watcher_62 said:

- We are rated in the casino on RCL, and actually booked Celebrity through a casino offer.  I see as Elite we get some drink benefits during happy hour from a limited menu, and it appears everyone gets free drinks in the casino while playing? Do we need a drink package (yes, we do indulge daily 🤪

 

If you can carry on wine, drink in the casino, drink during happy hour, drink when in the ports and charge a few drinks to the room daily and you probably won't need the drink package which is quite expensive.  Also you can carry on liquor, there's a slim chance it'll get to your stateroom when you board but it will be delivered to you on the last afternoon

 

2 hours ago, watcher_62 said:

- We're in a Veranda stateroom on deck 8, but I see there are many different classes of cabins as well. We normally sail in Balcony or Jnr Suites on RCL. What can we expect from the amenities, etc?  Or are they very similar?

 

What "amenities" do you receive on RCI?

[thebutlerdidit]

I’m not sure if this will help at all, but I’ve done 12 Celebrity cruises and only one short Royal cruise, which was chosen by someone else and I joined in on. 
 

Plusses on the Royal side:

- As an Elite, I enjoyed the perks that Royal’s Diamond tier gave me. I loved the 4 drinks per day wherever and whenever I chose. I’ve never used the 5:00-7:00 drink perk on Celebrity because we’ve always had a drink package provided by a travel agent, through the old 1-2-3 Go promotion, or through a Suite or Aqua Class. 
- The food on Royal was really really good during my sailing!  Things have changed a lot on Celebrity recently, and food is one of those things that is very noticeable. I hear that they’ve changed on Royal too, but I can’t really say that Celebrity is a step above any more. 
 

Plusses for Celebrity are the relaxed vibe, the no-smoking  casino, the fact that entertainment doesn’t need to be pre-booked, and the overall service snd visibility of officers and department heads. 
 

I’m in a situation now where extended family groups are considering a group vacation in summer 2025. Whether a land or cruise vacation hasn’t been decided yet, it’s early days. There will be children in the 9-13 year age group, and whereas I was favoring RC because of what it offers in the way of children’s entertainment, now I’m not sure how much weight that has. European cruises are very port intensive, and between the heat and excursions it feels like everyone will want to chill wind down. I’ve been following several live trip reports, but I’ve mostly just seen the adult point of view. 

[jelayne]

You may not need a drink package.

You can carry on 2 bottles of wine ( no corkage if you don’t take the bottle to a restaurant or bar) you can pour a glass in your cabin and carry the glass into dinner.

 

Elite has a breakfast from 8-10 every morning and you can get lattes, cappuccino, bloody Mary’s, mimosas there.

 

5-7 happy hour except on the first evening.  Unlimited drinks from a Happy Hour menu.

Free drinks while playing in the casino. 
 

Each Elite members get 90 minutes of free premium internet. ( just log off as soon as you are done or you will quickly burn through your minutes)

Also each Elite gets 1 bag of wash and fold laundry, 1 item dry cleaned and 2 items pressed. 
 

A list of benefits and the dates and location of Elite events will be in your cabin.

[neverlaysup]

1 hour ago, ymncruise said:

no smoking in the casino, no need to check out towels

Also no creepy lifeguards surrounding all the pools.

 

[neverlaysup]

5 minutes ago, jelayne said:

ou can carry on 2 bottles of wine

Per adult so for most couples, that is 4 bottles of wine.

 

[TeeRick]

2 hours ago, watcher_62 said:

We'll be on our first Celebrity cruise in well over a decade in January, having been focused on RCL. I've noticed many people on these boards have sailed both, and I'm hoping those of you that have might share your opinions/comments on what you see as the major differences.

 

Feeling a bit like a newbie as I negotiate the Celebrity planning process, so any insights or tips on anything would be appreciated.  Here are some things I've noted so far:

 

- We transfer over as Elite, and I've already noticed significant differences in how we book drink packages and internet, etc. "Sale" prices don't seem to really be on sale, and Elite benefits have to be requested by phone?

 

- We would usually book specialty restaurant packages as well, but I'm seeing a number of comments that the MDR food is very good and comparable, so I'm unsure of the need?

 

- We are rated in the casino on RCL, and actually booked Celebrity through a casino offer.  I see as Elite we get some drink benefits during happy hour from a limited menu, and it appears everyone gets free drinks in the casino while playing? Do we need a drink package (yes, we do indulge daily 🤪

 

- We're in a Veranda stateroom on deck 8, but I see there are many different classes of cabins as well. We normally sail in Balcony or Jnr Suites on RCL. What can we expect from the amenities, etc?  Or are they very similar?

 

It's a strange experience switching - we've done 44 RCL cruises, 38 of them since our last Celebrity cruise in 2011 - so everything on RCL is second nature. Your comments would truly be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

We have sailed extensively on both lines.  What Celebrity ship will you be on?  And what is your favorite and least favorite class of ship on RCCL?  That might help us best answer some of your questions.

 

Celebrity has no behemoth, amusement park type ships.  On Celebrity you will see almost no kids on longer itineraries and very few as well in non-school vacation or holiday periods.  And all the ships are much, much quieter.  Definitely an older crowd and many retired folks.

 

Entertainment is generally better on RCCL ships (IMO).

 

Casinos about the same, but Celebrity is non-smoking.  Drinks can be free if somebody comes over to your table game.  Don't count on this happening too often.

 

There is no equivalent of the Diamond Lounge on Celebrity.  But as Elite, you will get happy hour drinks at most bars 5-7pm.  You will also get an Elite breakfast every morning.

 

Many people on Celebrity in standard cabins sail with an upgrade "trifecta".  Drink package. WiFi. Gratuities.  The drink package and WiFi can be classic or premium depending on what you need/want.

 

Celebrity has a suite restaurant (Luminae) that is like Coastal Kitchen.  It also has a restaurant called BLU for Aqua Class cabins (no equivalent on RCCL).  As you mentioned JR Suite, the lowest level suite on Celebrity is the Sky Suite.  It includes all suite benefits, including Luminae, and the upgraded premium "trifecta".  Unlike the JR Suite where you get pretty much nothing.

 

I think the MDR food is pretty equivalent on both lines.   The buffet (Oceanview) is an improvement in selection and quality over the Windjammer (again, IMO). But the specialty restaurant food is definitely better than the MDR.  The number and selection of specialty restaurants depends on the Celebrity ship so consider that if you book a multi-night dining package.  The E-Class ships have 4 different MDR's.

 

Hope this all helps.  And enjoy Celebrity.

[39august]

IMO Luminae is MUCH better than Coastal Kitchen on RCI. We are Pinnacle on RCI and have not been back since our first X cruise Dec. 2017. It's a whole new ballgame to us. Much more sedate, almost no children, older people; never have I seen an obvious drunk on X, although I'm sure such exists. I would say the clientele is more upscale overall than RCI. I particularly enjoy the various music offered in several different venues all over the ship in the evenings. 

[Tudy]

I have sailed both lines and enjoy each of them for different reasons. I must say, though, that I prefer Celebrity's E-class ships the best. I usually sail Concierge unless I find a really great deal on a suite or it's a really special occasion. On RCL I sail ocean view verandas. I have been successful with move up bids to suites on both lines.

 

I like the cabins on the E-class better than RCL. I happen to be one of the people who prefers the infinite verandas. On the ships that have not been revolutionized, the cabins are about the same as Royal.

 

Pre-covid we always purchased a premium drink package on both lines because we liked the convenience of not having to sign for every drink. But now they are prohibitively expensive. We pay the "All-Included" price on Celebrity but do not pay to upgrade. We find it more cost-effective to just pay the difference.

 

On Royal, we purchase the ultimate dining package. On Celebrity we will do 1 or 2 specialty restaurants depending on the length of the cruise.

 

The suite experience on Celebrity is far and away better that Royal. That is why the Sky Suites are so much more than a veranda cabin.

 

Shows are better on Royal. Just saying.

 

I recently took my brother who sails mostly on Carnival (but has done an RCL cruise with me), on the Apex.  He was blown away. He loved the ship and he loved the crew. He has another Apex cruise scheduled. But he believes that Carnival is the best fit for him when he sails with his kids. He prefers Carnival to Royal.

[Saturngrl]

We are also Elite on Celebrity.  In addition to the above-mentioned perks, Elite members are invited to special Captain's Club events, including a mixology class and backstage tour.   The Elite breakfast is nice to do, if you enjoy a light breakfast.   

 

We prefer Celebrity over RC for the quality of the food, fewer children, non-smoking casino, towels in the public restrooms and the specialty restaurants.  If you sail either the Reflection or Silhouette, the Lawn Club Grill is a MUST to do!  

[broadwaybaby123]

Both are good lines, but yes, anything regarding discounts for loyalty members has to be called in.

[dateacher]

Just got off Oasis of the Seas but normally sail Celebrity. As someone said, there are far fewer kids on Celebrity.  I did find the people on RCL were more about partying.  Lots of action in the main foyer or whatever they call it.

 

Food is better IMHO on Celebrity.  More quiet bars on Celebrity.  

 

We went on RCL because we had 5 kids and it worked for us.  Wouldn't do it without kids.

[watcher_62]

Thanks all for the info - very helpful!  We are sailing on the Reflection in January.

[davekathy]

11 minutes ago, watcher_62 said:

Thanks all for the info - very helpful!  We are sailing on the Reflection in January.

Another plus with Celebrity is when you first board the ships you are allowed to go directly to your stateroom to pick up your SeaPass cards and drop off any carry on luggage. Your asked not to linger in the stateroom. Usually the general announcement is made at ~1:00 PM that the staterooms are ready. 

[Tee & Chilli]

Very good comparisons here. Royal has the diamond lounge for breakfast and light bites in the evening. This includes the first night and 4, 5 or 6 drinks can be used anytime. Celebrity no happy hour drinks on night 1.

[GSRDPM]

Hi everyone.  

We are in a similar position as the OP - We are Diamond + on royal and are sailing on Celebrity for the first time as Elite on the Equinox for a 6 day in July.

 

With regards to the 5-6PM Happy hour drinks - We have dinner at the early seating (6PM) Can "happy hour drinks" be ordered during dinner in the MDR or only at bars outside the MDR?

 

Could someone please share details on the "Elite breakfast", including where it takes place?

 

Thanks!

[davekathy]

3 minutes ago, GSRDPM said:

Hi everyone.  

We are in a similar position as the OP - We are Diamond + on royal and are sailing on Celebrity for the first time as Elite on the Equinox for a 6 day in July.

 

With regards to the 5-6PM Happy hour drinks - We have dinner at the early seating (6PM) Can "happy hour drinks" be ordered during dinner in the MDR or only at bars outside the MDR?

 

Could someone please share details on the "Elite breakfast", including where it takes place?

 

Thanks!

The CC HH is from 5 to 7 PM. The CC HH drinks cannot be ordered in any of the dining venues. 

 

The Elite above breakfast is a continental style from 8 to 10 AM in the Tuscan Grill. 

Edited June 2, 2023 by davekathy

[GSRDPM]

2 minutes ago, davekathy said:

The CC HH is from 5 to 7 PM. The CC HH drinks cannot be ordered in any of the dining venues. 

 

The Elite above breakfast is a continental style from 8 to 10 AM in the Tuscan Grill. 

Thank you!

[neverlaysup]

2 hours ago, davekathy said:

The CC HH is from 5 to 7 PM. The CC HH drinks cannot be ordered in any of the dining venues. 

 

The Elite above breakfast is a continental style from 8 to 10 AM in the Tuscan Grill. 

And for the Elite breakfast, if you DO NOT have a drink package.....your specialty coffee is included and you can also get some breakfast booze (Mimosa, Bloody Mary....).

[Gracie115]

We found Coastal Kitchen on both the Harmony & the Anthem to be very nice.  Not quite Luminae quality at DINNER, but much better variety at CK for lunch.

 

Entertainment far better on Royal, much more variety and some amazing theatre shows.

 

Specialty dining good on both.

 

We would do either if the itinerary and price was right.....something I expect NOT to be the case with Celebrity as pricing has become prohibitive for us.

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

19 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

Entertainment far better on Royal, much more variety and some amazing theatre shows.

I have yet to sail on Royal (upcoming cruise on Liberty in 2024) and am curious to know specifics of why their shows are better. Are we talking vocal talent, production quality, set design, or what? I've only done Equinox and Apex and was thoroughly impressed with the shows in the theater based on the acrobatics, sets, and vocal talent. Cristalize on Apex was a very imersive experience that I would be surprised to see something similar on a Royal ship.