RCCL vs. Celebrity - Who Wins?

[Sunny Bunny]

I am a little nervous about taking my 1st RCCL Cruise. I have cruised on Celebrity in the past for the more "upscale" food and service that they advertise. Should I be concerned on RCCL? I know that they are the same parent company but from what I have read, they cater to different audiences. SO-to-speak. I will be sailing on the Serenade out of San Juan in October 2004.:)

 

Thanks!

[Folgy]

I am a little nervous about taking my 1st RCCL Cruise. I have cruised on Celebrity in the past for the more "upscale" food and service that they advertise. Should I be concerned on RCCL? I know that they are the same parent company but from what I have read, they cater to different audiences. SO-to-speak. I will be sailing on the Serenade out of San Juan in October 2004.:)

 

Thanks!

I think you will be pleasantly surprised.You are also sailing at a better (kids free time zone)

[dam1050]

I've sailed both lines and have always enjoyed the food on both. Although you read many complaints on these boards over the RCI food, I have always found it to be quite good myself. I suppose it is all what you are used to and what your expectations are. There certainly are no lack of choices.

Believe me, you'll no doubt come home a few pounds heavier than when you left ! :D

Dave

[jezzdogg]

As a fellow cruiser that sails both cruiselines, Celebrity does win, however you will enjoy your RCCL cruise. Celebrity's food and service is much better than RCCL's, however, there are more activites.....a little livier ship on RCCL. Again, do not worry you will have a great time.

[Family of 14]

We had a great time on both ships!

 

Food and service WAS better on Celebrity than it was on the AOS (on the Vision in 2001, we had excellent food and service), but we still enjoyed both ships as they are different. The cliental of people were a little more upscale on Celebrity, but still had some undesirable passengers. We never had a problem finding entertainment. We had teens with us on Celebrity as well.

[wolfganghowell]

Bunny, we go back and forth between the lines too and though we prefer X, RCCL has some nice differences. Here's what we've noticed.

 

The ship itself has a more casual feel. Not downscale, just a little more relaxed. More of a livelier vibe at night - the casino is more rowdy, the lounges a bit louder, the people generally a bit younger and more of a "party" vibe. Sometimes on X the ship can look deserted at night and the disco sort of empty.

 

The food is ok, not as elegant as X. Preparation is simpler. I've found the appetizers, salads, soups and desserts prepared very well. Entrees - the beef is not as tender, the fish is a little more "fishy" than X. Dining room food is good, just not as high quality. Windjammer tends to be crowded and the food not as high quality as X but still just fine.

 

The ship staff are very friendly, not as reserved and formal as X, but more familiar in tone.

 

RCCL targets a younger crowd and more families. Like I said, we like both and have adjusted our expectations to each line.

[Brad1185]

Absolutly, you should be very concerned. Get out while you still can. Yes you will be surprised, at all the cutbacks.

[JohnSax]

I am comparing the Radiance Class RCI ships to the Millenium Class X Ships: Loved both but here's my take: RCI Radiance takes the prize for sheer beauty and elegance of the ship itself. The RCI ships are bright, contemporary and stylish and wow--all that glass! The X ships, on the other hand, are very nice but much more subdued, some might even say on the sterile side. The interior decor, while nice, was not as much to my liking. The food and service in the dining room is where X shines and RCI falls short. No contest--X Dining room experience much better. RCI had better entertainment I thought, but now that X is teaming up with Cirque, they will be hard to beat. For lido dining, I loved the concept of the Windjammer on the RCI Radiance ships, BUT food never seemed to be hot, or even very warm. It tasted good, but they need to work on keeping it HOT. X's lido dining was hot, but I didn't think the food tasted all that great--good, just not great. Pools better on the RCI ships (especially the Solarium), Spa better on the RCI ships. Personally, I like both X and RCI and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either one, they just have their own strengths and weaknesses. NOW, if I could only have X food and service on the Radiance ships....

[FSHLOT]

I sailed both..And been on a few different cruise lines,I have to say that they are all GREAT!!!...Never had a bad expierence..YET (knock on wood).....Just enjoy it,i'm sure you will!!!:)

[Family of 14]

I am really going to enjoy the Serenade if the Radiance class is nicer than the Millie. I thought she was beautiful! (didn't care for the blue hull though ;))

 

As for the Solarium, how can you beat the Millie pool with the "rollers" for relaxing and the wave motions? :D I can't tell you how many times I fell asleep in that pool. Can't wait to get on the Serenade!:)

[JohnSax]

Family of 14--Yes, the Solarium on the Millie is nice BUT wait until you see the Solarium on the Serenade! The pool doesn't have the "rollers" and it is a regular pool, not a thalasso like on the Millie (there are two jacuzzi's as well) but the decor will knock your socks off!

[Tide Pride]

I agree with Joh Sax' comments regarding Serenade. Can not comment on X as I have never sailed on that line but plan to next time. The Serenade is absolutely stunning. If there is a more gorgeous ship anywhere it would be out of this world. The crew were outstanding on the Serenade in terms of being friendly and trying to please. The passengers were great and the activities were also. The dinning room food was always lukewarm or cool. I can not believe RCL would tolerate this, but here again the staff made up for it in friendliness and eagerness to please. I have sailed RCl four times and had a ball each time. I plan to try X next due to food experience on the Serendade. I want to emphasize this did not spoil my cruise in the slightest as I would sail the Serenade again in a NY minute. Based on previous posts regarding Celebrity I think I may miss the outgoing nature of the crew that RCL has but we will see.

[tmt9367]

I say Celebrity is better hands down! ;)

 

 

TMT

PS: Hello fc!

[pcur]

I'll give a final opinion after my Celebrity cruise this November.... :D , but we've been on one before.

 

RCI's ships are prettier and classier. We think they are better designed.

 

We've had amazing service on RCI our last several cruises in 2002 - 2003, so I don't agree about Celebrity being better, BUT our Celebrity cruise was several years ago. My opinion of service goes back a loooooooooong way, and RCI is still doing great, in my opinion.

 

We did find the food on Celebrity better, but RCI's is very good, so like I said on another thread yesterday: DH is picky about food, and he loves RCI's, but LOVED Celebrity's.

 

You will not be disappointed in your first RCI cruise. I agree: good ship and good time of year for weather and a quieter, more adult ship.

[jonesmen]

We're contemplating either RCI Vision or Celebrity Mercury for the Mexican Riviera. Wondering about how the two compare. Also, any thoughts on the experience for 13 yr old boys?

[Monthend]

I was on my first cruise in October on RCI Majesty of the Seas. The food and service was excellent. The ship, though small, was beautiful. Cabins small but enough room. Entertainment great and loved Rico the cruise director. Went on my first Celebrity in June on Zenith to Bermuda. Cabins were bit enough to dance in, entertainment was good but not as good as RCI. Food was great but I though RCI was just as good. The choices were a little more upscale- lobster and escargo, but that might be because first cruise was three night and second was seven. Service was a little more reserved on Celebrity, a little more warm and friendly on RCI. You can't go wrong with either.

[kelmac]

JohnSax is right on! I love everything about RCI ships (been on five) except the food falls way short of Celebrity. RCI produces large volumes of low quality food. Celebrity gives you smaller portions of high quality food. The service is much better on Celebrity as well. I'm taking a break from RCI ships until the food improves--switching to the larger ships of HAL and of course staying with Celebrity. Celebrity cruise number eight coming up! Enjoy! Kel

[footer6]

I sailed RCCL (Nordic Empress) in 2001, Celebrity (Constellation) last year and just returned from the Mariner of the Seas. I am going back to Celebrity. The food and service was noticeably better on Celebrity. There has been a sharp decline in food quality on RCCL. I thought that the food in 2001 on Nordic Empress was about as good as the food on the Constellation. I can't say that anymore (unless Celebrity's food also has declined since March of 2003). Then again, maybe the Mariner is just too large a ship to expect the same quality. We had almost 3,600 passengers last week. The dinner service on the Mariner was very good. Most of the problems are with the food in the Windjammer. Much of the food at lunch just wasn't very good. The pizza had the consistency of sturdy cardboard. The breakfast food is better than lunch if you can find a table before it gets cold. On Celebrity, the staff carried your tray to a table. On the Mariner, no trays, just giant platters. Don't get me wrong, we still had a good time on the Mariner, but if I was about to make my choice, I would choose Celebrity.

[Tatka]

We're contemplating either RCI Vision or Celebrity Mercury for the Mexican Riviera. Wondering about how the two compare. Also, any thoughts on the experience for 13 yr old boys?

I would go with Mercury.

 

You see, if you were talking about kids on Voyager class ship vs M class of Celebrity (I know it's smaller) they would probably have more fun on RCI but Vision class ship doesn't offer much more than C - class on Celebrity for the kids, while service and food is much better on X. (Food is just great on Celebrity!)

 

We decided to do California Coastal instead of Mexican Rivera on Mercury(mostly because of the length of the cruise and time ) but if we were to go to Mexico we would pick Mercury. (We also have a boy, who will be 13 at that time)

 

DS sailed with me last year on Celebrity Century and loved it. :)

 

We were docked next to Explorer and when I told him about everything that ship had he said...Mom I love our ship and perfectly fine with everything we have here. ;)

[Tatka]

I'll give a final opinion after my Celebrity cruise this November.... :D , but we've been on one before.

 

RCI's ships are prettier and classier. We think they are better designed.

.

I agree RCI ships (even smaller once like Splendour and other Vision class ships) are very pretty , with a tonns of glass and wonderfull solarium pools....But classier? I thought Century was a very classy ship!

[Pog]

JohnSax is right on! I love everything about RCI ships (been on five) except the food falls way short of Celebrity. RCI produces large volumes of low quality food. Celebrity gives you smaller portions of high quality food. The service is much better on Celebrity as well. I'm taking a break from RCI ships until the food improves--switching to the larger ships of HAL and of course staying with Celebrity. Celebrity cruise number eight coming up! Enjoy! Kel

I have been on several different cruise lines but our all time favorite is RCI. The HAL line I will never go on again, unless I am immobile and old, old, old. It was the worst experience of our lives, all 20 of us. We are all 50 something and felt like we were in an old age home that closed at 9:00 at night. The only time the casino tables opened was when our group arrived. We are not a wild crowd but we enjoy life and have fun. That is what both RCI and Celebrity give us. If I am with a crowd I rate both the same but if I am cruising alone with my husband I would go on RCI. It is more welcoming more inclusive to people. Celebrity is more stuffy but with a group it is wonderful. We enjoy cruising and love them all except for HAL, never again!!!

[Tatka]

I have been on several different cruise lines but our all time favorite is RCI. The HAL line I will never go on again, unless I am immobile and old, old, old. It was the worst experience of our lives, all 20 of us. We are all 50 something and felt like we were in an old age home that closed at 9:00 at night. The only time the casino tables opened was when our group arrived. We are not a wild crowd but we enjoy life and have fun. That is what both RCI and Celebrity give us. If I am with a crowd I rate both the same but if I am cruising alone with my husband I would go on RCI. It is more welcoming more inclusive to people. Celebrity is more stuffy but with a group it is wonderful. We enjoy cruising and love them all except for HAL, never again!!!

Yoy are probably talking about smaller and older HAL ships. They've recently

built 3(finishing forth) new ships Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam to attract younger crowd and families.

 

We are going on HAL Zuiderdam for our next cruise.... There will be about 100 kids of age 9-12 (just to keep company for our son) !!!

 

It'll be about 400+ kids in total. I hope their parents aren't in their 80ies ;)

 

HAL also has some positive points. For example size of their cabins. While I love Celebrity , next time we sail on Mercury our kid will be using bunk bed to sleep while on Zui he will sleep on sofa. HALs inside cabins are 185 sq.ft and ocean views start from 195 sq.ft.

 

Age of the PAX can be determined by itinerary, length and time of the year.

 

I read post how old and quite was folks on Brilliance trans Atlantic cruise....and how wild was night disco on Celebrity Millenium in Med. :D

[kiefaber455]

We've sailed on each--one in the Mediterranean (Constellation) and the other in the Carribean (Serenade). Maybe it was where we sailing, but the Constellation felt more upscale like a fine wine and the Serenade felt more like you were letting your hair down and having a cold Corona.

 

We are doing Brilliance in January and thinking of doing it again in Sept. of 2005 in the Mediterranean because of the ports of call. The cruise line and ship have to be really bad for us not to sail if we really like the itinerary.

[abridalmaven]

You know to pick one over another is tough, everyone has different tastes. My son and his bride were on Celebrity for their honeymoon and will never travel on it again, they hated to food in all the venues. The pools were slimey by day two ( fresh water pools are not usually emptied) and they were bored...on their honeymoon:eek: . They went to Alaska and loved the ports.

We went two weeks later on the Radiance and when we showed them our cruise videos, they said they wished they had chosen RCI. The only reason they picked that ship was the sail date. Had they been flexible they would have chosen RCI.

I like ships that are pretty and have lots to do. Personally I eat to live, not the other way around. But even so I was never disappointed with any of my meals on RCI so far. Now I wish I could say the same about NCL. I wil never go on their ships again:( .

[Tatka]

You know to pick one over another is tough, everyone has different tastes. My son and his bride were on Celebrity for their honeymoon and will never travel on it again, they hated to food in all the venues. The pools were slimey by day two ( fresh water pools are not usually emptied) and they were bored...on their honeymoon:eek: . They went to Alaska and loved the ports.

We went two weeks later on the Radiance and when we showed them our cruise videos, they said they wished they had chosen RCI. The only reason they picked that ship was the sail date. Had they been flexible they would have chosen RCI.

I like ships that are pretty and have lots to do. Personally I eat to live, not the other way around. But even so I was never disappointed with any of my meals on RCI so far. Now I wish I could say the same about NCL. I wil never go on their ships again:( .

I don't get it... Fresh water pools? Not usually emptied ? Celebrity doesn't have fresh pools. I've sailed on Century and pools were emptied every night. On RCI pools work 24 hours a day so there is a chance they aren't emptied.

 

Which X ship your kids were on?

 

I think Royal ships are beautifull from the smallest to the largest...but there is no feeling of being pampered on them.

 

Another thing I liked on RCI more was that we could've bought alcohol drinks in tax-free shops and (after paying a fee) make our own cocktails in our cabin.

 

On Century we could check our account using TV in cabin while on Splendour we couldn't.

 

All in all I think both lines are good choice, but for the same price I'd pick Celebrity first.