For those who prefer S Class to E or M, tell me why.

[Koohiichan]

DH and I have booked the Eclipse for a 9-night S. Caribbean. We want to try S class as we’ve only been on M and E. If you’ve sailed all 3, but prefer S, please tell me why. 

 

Thanks!
Koohiichan

[zitsky]

Balcony.  No I don’t mean a window.

 

S class which I think includes Eclipse and Equinox has the right balance of restaurants and services.  It has Tuscan AND Murano etc,  I liked Murano but my husband prefers Tuscan.

 

I was on Beyond and ate at Le Voyage.  Frankly I wasn’t impressed.  Eden was nice though.  

It was a burden to have to decide when to sit on the balcony on Beyond so I’m glad Celebrity is taking that stressful decision away from me.  It’s so much nicer to have a window.  I don’t have to worry about carrying my food or drink outside.  It’s so much more convenient this way.

 

I’m on Millie next because we’re in Japan.  Not by choice.  It is really limited in terms of restaurants.  I prefer S class.

 

 

[Galaxy2004]

I like all 3 classes for different reasons. We don't sail in suites so don't have info on that. For S Class we love the library and the amazing atrium setup and just feel that the ship flows better than E. On E class though you can't beat their jogging track, Sunset Bar, and rooftop garden area. We also like the smaller dining rooms over the large main dining room. M Class it's all about the aft balcony rooms.  

[zitsky]

1 minute ago, Galaxy2004 said:

I like all 3 classes for different reasons. We don't sail in suites so don't have info on that. For S Class we love the library and the amazing atrium setup and just feel that the ship flows better than E. On E class though you can't beat their jogging track, Sunset Bar, and rooftop garden area. We also like the smaller dining rooms over the large main dining room. M Class it's all about the aft balcony rooms.  

I thought I would like the Sunset Bar but i was never back there.

[DaKahuna]

I like the size of the S-class over M & E.  The Retreat Lounge and staterooms, especially on the non-revolutionized ships are more comfortable and provide me the feeling of a classic cruise.  The staterooms and lounges on the revolutionized ships has had function taken away in favor of fashion and while they are brighter in color they are less comfortable cold and uninviting and storage has been minimized. 

 

[DaKahuna]

9 minutes ago, zitsky said:

I’m on Millie next because we’re in Japan.  Not by choice.  

 

 I cannot wait to read how horrible your Millennium cruise in Japan was. 

 

[Galaxy2004]

@zitskyOh goodness, on Ascent I lived there!! I would sit in one of those cushy chairs on the starboard side and read for hours while the amazing bar staff brought me water, then red bull, then spicy margarita, then, well, you get my drift. It was a winter Caribbean cruise so all about relaxation. 

[zitsky]

32 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 I cannot wait to read how horrible your Millennium cruise in Japan was. 

 

Well we booked another Sky Suite so they’re forcing us to have a balcony.  

 

It’s going to be awful sitting on the balcony on a warm day while I sip iced tea and read a book.  😭

[zitsky]

34 minutes ago, Galaxy2004 said:

@zitskyOh goodness, on Ascent I lived there!! I would sit in one of those cushy chairs on the starboard side and read for hours while the amazing bar staff brought me water, then red bull, then spicy margarita, then, well, you get my drift. It was a winter Caribbean cruise so all about relaxation. 

Didn’t the staff get curious when you were sleeping at the bar night after night?

 

Maybe I’ll try it on Millie if there is one.

[cruisestitch]

The layout of the e class ships is often difficult….dead end hallways, steps to access some areas, that horrible dark spooky space that is REALLY difficult if you have poor eyesight, the cavernous Club area….and worst of all the lack of any forward facing lounge or viewing area

[bjahil47]

We have been on Equinox 9 times and Beyond once.  We have upcoming cruises on Eclipse and Reflection.  My husband will not go on another E class ship.  We found Beyond to have a sterile cold feel.  We were never greeted in Retreat Lounge.  Luminae is too far from MDR to order off that menu.  I did really enjoy the Retreat Deck and our SS was very nice. We did enjoy the buffet restaurant very much.   We prefer a bit smaller ship.  The S class has a variety of specialty restaurants and I can order from MDR if I am in Luminae.  We are always greeted upon entering The Retreat and get to know the Concierges.  It has more of a warm homey feeling.  Just my opinion!  

[SerraG]

I just posted this in my live review, but I’ll repost it here as well -

 

This was our first sailing on an Edge class ship and while we loved Eden and the aft view from there, we were not in love with the rest of the ship.  It felt less grand than S class ships, maybe because so many of the ocean views were reserved for paying customers of $pecialty Restaurants, or The Retreat, or those who bought the Iconic Suites.    The Grand Foyer on S class ships is really open and impressive, with a view all the way up, while on the Edge, the central area feels confining, and almost mall-like.

 

The pathway from bow to stern on the interior public decks felt choppy. Having to walk around Fine Cut, The Casino or The Art Auction required some zig-zagging.

 

In particular, we really missed The Skyview Observation Lounge that is at the top of the other Celebrity ships we’ve been on.  The Club replaced the Skyview Lounge for trivia and was not a good venue.  The tiered seating, giant posts and especially having two levels, made it difficult to see the stage and also to form groups.

 

The bigger space for Cafe al Baccio was nice, but it was still completely packed on sea days, with people wandering about searching for tables.  I assume the interior spaces would have felt less crowded on a warmer weather cruise when many people would have been on the pool deck.   Speaking of which, the Sunset Bar was unpleasant or flat-out closed for much of the cruise due to the cold weather and blustery winds.

 

We prefer the S-class ships, but wouldn't avoid an E-class, if it was sailing an itinerary we wanted to do.  

[ladylemondrop]

Hi, S vs M - I love the size of S class, it has more restaurants and bars than M. Feels newer.
S vs E - Proper balconies on S, vs slide down window on E. 

S class also has shaded cabana seating by the pool which I need. 
Silhouette and Reflection are my favourite two ships. I am about to try Apex next so we will see! 

 

[Cruiscs]

Have never been on S class but on Edge. To me Edge was stunning. Excited to sail on Silhouette soon. Have heard good things about S class. 

[Ergates The Ant]

Loved the Eclipse, but as I was getting rather bored with the artwork, was looking forward to trying the Silhouette. Thanks to Covid, that never happened, but we did cruise on the Apex last month. 
Apex had no wow factor, apart from Eden, which looked great but we found rather unusable. Uncomfortable chairs, odd seating layout, and a rather weird entry area, a narrow mirrored corridor. Much of the public area was more like a rather dark conference hotel, whereas the S class ships seemed airy and bright. The S class central lifts gave great views of the atrium, and the interesting areas on the upper floors, such as the library and the suspended tree. Lots to look at and admire. Apex was sadly lacking. In fact, the best thing for us by far ( on a cooler weather cruise to Norway) was the Infinite Veranda, which worked really well for us! 
I’d think twice about booking a ship with no forward facing lounge, it was sadly missed on Apex.

Anyone thinking of booking a cabana on Apex would be wise to look at them first before parting with your money! They were laughable!

[Gracie115]

9 hours ago, cruisestitch said:

The layout of the e class ships is often difficult….dead end hallways, steps to access some areas, that horrible dark spooky space that is REALLY difficult if you have poor eyesight, the cavernous Club area….and worst of all the lack of any forward facing lounge or viewing area

 

9 hours ago, bjahil47 said:

We have been on Equinox 9 times and Beyond once.  We have upcoming cruises on Eclipse and Reflection.  My husband will not go on another E class ship.  We found Beyond to have a sterile cold feel.  We were never greeted in Retreat Lounge.  Luminae is too far from MDR to order off that menu.  I did really enjoy the Retreat Deck and our SS was very nice. We did enjoy the buffet restaurant very much.   We prefer a bit smaller ship.  The S class has a variety of specialty restaurants and I can order from MDR if I am in Luminae.  We are always greeted upon entering The Retreat and get to know the Concierges.  It has more of a warm homey feeling.  Just my opinion!  

 

Many of these pretty much are why we DON'T like E class at all.  Tried it twice, won't go back again.  The ships are "cold,"  and I don't mean temperature, just the atmosphere in general. So many spaces that aren't utilized, blank walls heading toward MDR's.   

 

Luminae on E class and especially Beyond & Ascent where it just continues to get bigger and bigger is a huge disappointment compared to M or S class.  Large, more like a MDR than the warm, friendly, FAR better menu choices and excellent service.  On the E class while the wait staff tries valiantly they can't get beyond the number of tables, the warmed over food, the INTENSE noise in the main part of the restaurant, so loud at times you can't hear across your table.

 

The Retreat lounge is not inviting at all.  Never greeted by staff, rarely had bar service because it was understaffed with the bartender frequently the only server in site.  

 

The rooms themselves are built with composite, think LVT flooring, we love the real wood accents of both M & S class.  

 

Kelly Hoppen, the interior "designer" and I use that term very lightly furnished the rooms with uncomfortable seating, especially on balconies and now I am reading they are using those same designs on M & S class as they supposedly "upgrade"  those areas.  

 

OH well, I know many disagree with me but that's fine, we all have choices, and ours is to not book E class again.

 

 

[Cruiscs]

2 hours ago, Ergates The Ant said:

Loved the Eclipse, but as I was getting rather bored with the artwork, was looking forward to trying the Silhouette. Thanks to Covid, that never happened, but we did cruise on the Apex last month. 
Apex had no wow factor, apart from Eden, which looked great but we found rather unusable. Uncomfortable chairs, odd seating layout, and a rather weird entry area, a narrow mirrored corridor. Much of the public area was more like a rather dark conference hotel, whereas the S class ships seemed airy and bright. The S class central lifts gave great views of the atrium, and the interesting areas on the upper floors, such as the library and the suspended tree. Lots to look at and admire. Apex was sadly lacking. In fact, the best thing for us by far ( on a cooler weather cruise to Norway) was the Infinite Veranda, which worked really well for us! 
I’d think twice about booking a ship with no forward facing lounge, it was sadly missed on Apex.

Anyone thinking of booking a cabana on Apex would be wise to look at them first before parting with your money! They were laughable!

Interesting. Have heard very different opinions on Edge vs Solstice class. Many say that Edge class are so much more high end and luxourius compared to S class. 

Edited June 20 by Cruiscs

[Lena11033]

6 minutes ago, Cruiscs said:

Interesting. Have heard very different opinions on Edge vs Solstice class. Many say that Edge class are so much more high end and luxourius compared to S class. 

 

I think everyone has different tastes. I've not done S class (one i had was cancelled) but I've done M and E - I won't be doing another M class one.

[zitsky]

33 minutes ago, Lena11033 said:

 

I think everyone has different tastes. I've not done S class (one i had was cancelled) but I've done M and E - I won't be doing another M class one.

Can you expand on the reason you don’t like M class?  Which ship were you on?

[highway180]

39 minutes ago, Lena11033 said:

 

I think everyone has different tastes. I've not done S class (one i had was cancelled) but I've done M and E - I won't be doing another M class one.

I agree, did one M class, on the connie, worst cruise I've ever had....almost gave up on Celebrity.

It was the last time we ate in the MDR on a cruise .Not a fan of E class as well. Gota have a real balcony, so it's primarily S class for us.

[horseymike]

12 hours ago, Koohiichan said:

DH and I have booked the Eclipse for a 9-night S. Caribbean. We want to try S class as we’ve only been on M and E. If you’ve sailed all 3, but prefer S, please tell me why. 

 

Thanks!
Koohiichan

Call me a dinosaur but I enjoy walking on the outer promenade deck.

The e class ships do not have this .

 

 

 

[gordylad]

Been on the Silhouette, Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection and Edge. Unless the itinerary is appealing to us we wont rush to go back on E class.

4 restaurants v MDR - we prefer MDR. We missed Ensemble lounge while on Edge.

Enjoy the theatres on both Edge and S class.

Enjoy the pools on Edge and S class.

Prefer the layout and the flow of S Class.

E class shops are more high end.

The buffet on Edge was excellent probably better than any ship we have been on.

We would not go on a ship without a balcony and although we had a SV on Edge you tend to have to pay the extra bucks. In addition you normally have to book SV cabins on E Class fairly soon after release which for me kind of tells you something.

[TeeRick]

12 hours ago, Koohiichan said:

DH and I have booked the Eclipse for a 9-night S. Caribbean. We want to try S class as we’ve only been on M and E. If you’ve sailed all 3, but prefer S, please tell me why. 

 

Thanks!
Koohiichan

Somewhat depends on the type of cabin you book really.  What type did you book?

 

For suites, E-Class ships and the Retreat area and amenities are quite nice.  Real balcony too.  For M- and S-class suites, the refurbished Michael's Club not even close.

 

For non-suite balcony cabins, prefer S-Class by far.  E-Class has cabins with windows and not real balconies unless you can get a Sunset Veranda.  S-Class has more dining options and choices over M-Class.

 

Size of ship a factor?  M-Class is smaller (and oldest) but it is more intimate and can go on more itineraries (like Panama Canal full transit) if that is your driving factor.  Original E-Class (Edge and Apex) about the same size as S-Class but more passengers in that space.  Expanded E-Class (Beyond, Ascent) a bit larger in overall size.

[DaKahuna]

12 hours ago, zitsky said:

Well we booked another Sky Suite so they’re forcing us to have a balcony.  

 

It’s going to be awful sitting on the balcony on a warm day while I sip iced tea and read a book.  😭

 

That sounds absolutely horrible but I have good news for you -- The Japan itinerary has very few sea days so you will not have to suffer that indignity too many times. 

 

[scubacruiserx2]

1 hour ago, Gracie115 said:

 

 

Many of these pretty much are why we DON'T like E class at all.  Tried it twice, won't go back again.  The ships are "cold,"  and I don't mean temperature, just the atmosphere in general. So many spaces that aren't utilized, blank walls heading toward MDR's.   

 

Luminae on E class and especially Beyond & Ascent where it just continues to get bigger and bigger is a huge disappointment compared to M or S class.  Large, more like a MDR than the warm, friendly, FAR better menu choices and excellent service.  On the E class while the wait staff tries valiantly they can't get beyond the number of tables, the warmed over food, the INTENSE noise in the main part of the restaurant, so loud at times you can't hear across your table.

 

The Retreat lounge is not inviting at all.  Never greeted by staff, rarely had bar service because it was understaffed with the bartender frequently the only server in site.  

 

The rooms themselves are built with composite, think LVT flooring, we love the real wood accents of both M & S class.  

 

Kelly Hoppen, the interior "designer" and I use that term very lightly furnished the rooms with uncomfortable seating, especially on balconies and now I am reading they are using those same designs on M & S class as they supposedly "upgrade"  those areas.  

 

OH well, I know many disagree with me but that's fine, we all have choices, and ours is to not book E class again.

 

 

 Hello Gracie . We hope that you and Mr J are OK . We have a Caribbean Princess cruise booked for July 12 to Iceland and the UK to beat the heat before the storm season ( we won’t say the H word ) sets in . We have been doing mostly HAL as our suite spot . We did have a great cruise on an old favorite NCL to Antarctica in January this year . Cheers !