Would You Jump Ship?

[firemans15]

Let me explain, DW and I have only cruised RCI in the passed but wanted to try X to see how they compare. (we have SS 1233) We are not parters, just like to go relax and enjoy. After reading some post on here about X Century SS 1233 and the recent let downs that others have recieved, I'm wondering if I should go back to RCI where I know what to expect or stop sweeting the little things and give it a try? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated...:confused:

 

 

Firemans15

[seattleadjuster]

Don't do it. Celebrity isn't the same as RCL, just like my wife isn't the same as my first love.

 

RCL was our first cruise line and we still love it, but we've also found Princess to tie with RCL as our favorites. Our least favorite is Celebrity and Norwegian . . . yet, Celebrity and Norwegian were our last 2 cruises.

 

We still love them all. Celebrity won't have a lot of the things that RCL has (we love RCL deserts and the desert table, as well as the fantastic view from the buffet area); but, it has things that RCL doesn't have (we love the room service clam chowder, best we've ever had).

[Host Anne]

We have sailed RCI and Celebrity interchangably for a number of years. We have enjoyed all of our cruises on both lines. Little things here or there may have made one cruise better than another but neither line has ever really disappointed us (we had an unfortunate spring break cruise on Zenith but that was due to the passengers being 90% college students).

 

I think change is good. Celebrity's ships are very nice and their staff is terrific. There food has generally been very good over the years (everyone's taste is different) in our opinion. RCI ships do tend to have more activities but Celebrity has always had plenty for us to do.

 

I say give it a try.

[tuggers]

Why limit yourself or miss an opportunity because it 'might' not be as good. It might be better. It might not. But give it a try. Variety is the best part of life!

I've done somewhere around 40 cruises on X in 4 years (I had a more impressive record before I slacked off in the last year!:D ) but I still do RCI, Princess, HAL, MSC, etc. All different but how bad a time can you have on a ship sailing the seas???

IMO, the food and service are better overall on X. To me the next closest is HAL. Princess and RCI are about equal, especially in the food department, and 3rd and 4th on MY list. Food is subjective so that is just MO.

I like the no announcement policy on X. I like the champagne on boarding and being escorted to my cabin when I know the way as well as they do. I like having a wine steward. In short, I like to be pampered. But what is important to me might not be important to you.

Try X. It will be a great trip. You might decide to do more or go back to RCI but at least you will know for sure and not just be taking our word for it.

[firemans15]

Thank you for your quick and informative responses, it has eased my mind.

I will go and enjoy!!!!

[CathyCruises]

I was the one who posted about SS 1233 but I would definitely go--maybe they've fixed the squeaking, or maybe it won't bug you. It only happened when we were going at a good clip.

 

Having said that, the room was in a great location, the veranda was big enough for a table and chairs and two lounges (bring the blankets from the pool area!), the service was right on and the food was good except for the salads.

 

I have sailed all the other lines too and I have to say that I have never been able to distinguish one from another once you're on board--other than my one trip on Crystal. I guess that's why I never rack up any loyalty points--I go with the best itinerary vs price vs condition/age of ship.

 

I just read on another thread that someone on RCCL (I think) was instructed to bring the towels from their stateroom to their spa appointment--I think that's absurd and wouldn't happen on X--so go and have a great time and tell the sweet bartender in Michael's Club hi from Cathy!

[jerseygirl3]

Don't fret about the Century. We loved it. Make sure you check out the Aqua Spa Cafe...the food is excellent, especially for lunch and it's actually healthy!

 

The only way you will know if Celebrity is for you is by giving it a try. We always like to try out new lines and honestly, the only two we've ever been really disappointed in were on Carnival. But we've had others on Carnival that were great.

 

Our favorites are Celebrity, HAL, Princess, RCI, Carnival, and NCL in that order. But like many others have said, any cruise is better than a day at work!

[firemans15]

Thanks to you Cathy and JerseyGirl3 for your post. I will have a good time reguardless.....I guess I was just a little paronoid....!

 

Firemans15

[marsda]

Thanks to you Cathy and JerseyGirl3 for your post. I will have a good time reguardless.....I guess I was just a little paronoid....!

 

Firemans15

I sailed X for the first time last September, coming over from RCI. What I noticed the most was that I felt like a first time cruiser because I was used to things being a certain way on RCI. The buffet area worked differently on Mercury from the Windjammers... little things like that. X has a different feel to it than my RCI cruises, but it was really nice for a new experience. I enjoyed it a lot... it's sort of like loving your children... I love them both, but I love different things about them. Just remember... any cruise is a good cruise. If bad things happen, they are just creating memories for you!

Enjoy!

Marsha

[Kathie44]

We sail only X and RCCL. I can't imagine jumping ship for real like another thread discusses or changing because of negative reports. The negative reports are in a great minority and many times fellow pax, chime in wondering if the complainers were on the same cruise with them.

We love both lines and haven't experienced a major difference between the two. Our next cruise will make it 4 and 4 for each line and our next one after that will probably be X again. We base our bookings on itinerary and price. X isn't always more $$.

You'll probably be wishing you were on a longer cruise. Our first 4 were 7-nighters, but the last 3 have been 11, 12, and 11, with a 14-nighter coming up. I think I'd feel deprived if I had to get off after only 7 days, lol.

 

1/02 Explorer E. Carib.

1/03 Explorer W. Carib.

8/03 Summit Alaska cruise/tour

2/04 Adventure S. Carib.

2/05 Galaxy Panama Canal

6/06 jewel Brit. Isles/Nor. Fjords + 3 nights in London

1/07 Mercury Mexican Riviera

1/08 Mercury Aust/NZ