8/29/08 RCCL Radiance or Celeb. Millenium

[Pbjandthou]

Hello Everyone!

First, I apologize for this question that is so similar to one posted earlier today, but I'm having great difficulty deciding between these two cruise lines.

 

Long story short, my DH (45), my brother (46) and I (42) are taking my Mom on an Alaskan cruise for her 70th birthday. The RCCL - Radiance (Vancouver to Seward) and Celebrity - Millenium (Seward to Vancouver) are our 2 options.

 

We simply want to have a good time and get the best value for our money. My brother, in particular, is not at all "into" dressy dinners or shows, and my Mom is very young for her age.

It will be a challenge trying to get our Mom to go on independent tours as opposed to cruise line tours; however, I'm going to do my best to talk her into it. She has a deep-seated fear of the ship leaving without us.

 

Please provide me with your thoughts regarding these two ships and any ideas you might have for ways that I might be able to convice Mom that independent tours are the way to go.

 

Thanks!

[fti]

If dressy dinners is not a priority, the choice is easy - skip Celebrity. They have two formal nights, two informal (meaning semi-formal) nights and the rest casual. Definitely more dressy than many other lines.

 

John

[Pbjandthou]

Thank you, John. I wondered if the Millenium might be a bit too formal for my DB who considers khakis formal attire. :D

[fti]

It will be a challenge trying to get our Mom to go on independent tours as opposed to cruise line tours; however, I'm going to do my best to talk her into it. She has a deep-seated fear of the ship leaving without us.

 

One more thing - I don't understand your mother's opposition to leaving the cruise ship without you and doing independent vs. cruise-ship sponsored tours. If you are doing the same tours, you would be leaving the cruise ship with her. If you do different tours, even ship-sponsored ones, you would be splitting up anyway.

 

John

[mdeane]

Maybe you can convince her it is a matter of $$$$$$$. Plus getting much more for your money with lots fewer people crowding you. My DH is 70 and we always do independent tours. Never been left yet.

[mdeane]

Oh, remember RCCL also has 2 formal nights but I guess you could go to the Windjammer for those. We are some of those who love formal nights. I do think you would love the Radiance for your cruise.

[ptbooth]

Formal nights on the Radiance weren't so formal. A few tuxes and fancy dresses, but most men wore either suits or jacket/khakis/tie and women wore basic dresses.

[JJ2sail]

Also on Radiance, they have Chops and Portofino's for alternative dining.

The Windjammer also did a good job with dinners, much nicer than the usual buffet.