REVIEW: First Celebrity Cruise

[rucruizin]

This started out as an addition to kelmac's review of the 3/21/08 sailing on the Connie. It became so lengthy, I had to give it it's own thread.

 

Hey Kel...:) Thanks for the review, even though we were there it's nice to see the perspectives of others.

 

We made it home safe, late Monday night. We gave up our seats on the early flight in exchange for first class on the later flight, a $300 flight voucher, and meal vouchers. I love that option. You simply have to ask yourself...how much is my three hours worth? All the bags were waiting for us at the baggage claim office.

 

In retrospect of the cruise...I came up with the following...

 

Embarkation...took over an hour, and I thought it was one of the more disorganized embarkations I have been through in awhile. We are platinum on Carnival, so those perks make a huge difference.

 

I have always felt that Carnival folks were the nicest, happiest cruisers.

 

However, I was very impressed with everyone I encountered on the ship. I think we may have found our perfect match. On other lines I have experienced rude foriegners, obnoxious children, rowdy revelers, snobs, mean old people, and everything in between. I was very impressed with the Celebrity clientel. I never felt that anyone was snobby. No one was rude. No rowdy, swearing drunks. Even the children seemed quite well behaved.

 

Everyone was so friendly, and people would happily start up a conversation with me wherever I was. I felt very at ease the whole time.

 

The cruise critic group...was a 10 in my book! Four of the couples from this group were practically inseperable. We were always with at least one other couple from this group, and usually more. Like I told them...unless I'm that one person that everyone needs a break from...I never tired of their company. I couldn't have hand picked a better group, and it truly made this cruise an extra special one.

 

I still prefer Carnival food. The menu selections in the main dining room seemed very limited. There were several nights that nothing excited me. Even the desserts were lacking, and I usually eat 2 or 3 of them. I am a recent vegetarian, and our wait staff did an excellent job of accomodating any request I made. After seeing what the menu had to offer, I was quite satisfied with the many vegetables my waiter brought me every night. The dining room service was very good, to excellent. As good as I have experienced on Carnival. MUCH! better that HAL and Princess.

 

The asst. Matre' d was always present, every night and did an excellent job of accomodating any requests. I happily tipped him as he was the first one of his position who had ever done anything for me, on ANY cruise.

 

I was especially impressed with the aqua spa cafe. They always, happily accomodated any special request I made to tweek a dish that wasn't vegan, or totally vegetarian. Same with the buffets..there were so many wonderful vegan offereings. I ate quite well.

 

My other disappointment in the food department, was the room service menu...I felt it was much more limited that any other cruiseline I have been on. I was not impressed with it at all. However, the service was always prompt when we did order room service.

 

Our cabin steward was good, not great, not outstanding. He did his job...period. My biggest frustration was when we asked for two fluffy pillows. We made 3 seperate requests, and ended up with 8 FLAT pillows. The cabin was always clean, and he was quick to make up the room. There isn't anything I can put my finger on specifically, but I have had cabin stewards that just seemed to make the evening turndow...something to look forward to.

 

The cabins...teeny tiny. Wow! I was shocked at the lack of space. I had to make the DH leave the room so I could change my mind. I love the spacious Carnival cabins, and the luxury and space on HAL. We had the problem with the water squishing up through the bathroom floor. One morning, the main water line was out in our part of the ship. No toilets, no water...not that there is ever an opportune time for something like that...but in that case...it was really bad timing:o

 

As for the decor in our room...who ever had the brilliant idea for the color scheme including rust, burnt orange, avacado green, and bile yellow in the cabins, must have been on acid. It looked like the 70's threw up in there.

 

The spa and fitness center were awesome. Plenty of machines to go around.

 

My serious annoyance of the cruise...The Persian Garden. It was touted as a tranquil, quiet place to relax or meditate. We were told that only 40 passes were sold for the entire cruise. This was to ensure the atmosphere. Well we purchased the $200 add on, and experienced nothing but frustration with it. They did not bother to tell us that they ran specials for couples, and ladies nights, etc. that included use of the "relaxation" room. Also, anyone who books a spa treament, gets access. Guess what? If you have 20 extra people in there with their girlfirends, friends or husbands...it's not tranquil anymore. My DH was pieved, to say the least. He spoke to the spa manager, and she basically told him to call next time and find out if anything was scheduled, before he came. WHAT A RIP OFF!

 

The drinks were outrageous, so I was forced to smuggle. I love those souvenier glasses that the drinks came in. So, for you potential smugglers. Mind you I didn't drink all this, most of it came home with me. When returning from port, I brought on 2 bottles of vodka, one bottle of tequila, 6 pack of VI beer, mixers, and a 6 pack of diet 7-up.

 

We didn't even bother with the shows. The one we started, I walked out on. Once you have seen one ship production...you have seen them all. The band on the deck was horrible. An asia, imitator band...did I mention horrible. They couldn't even pronounce half of the words. We knew it was time for lunch when they came out. Or the Ipods got turned up really high. The a capella group was outstanding! We caught them just about every night. We missed the comedian, and wished they had more comedy shows. Carnival still is best in that department.

 

A word to anyone out there who will listen...please...don't sing along with the a capella guys. The people next to you didn't come to hear you sing off key:rolleyes:

 

Our overall impression of the cruise...great! We had a wonderful time, made wonderful new friends. There were little touches that made it a classier cruise, than past cruises. We loved the waffles! Some days they were cooked better than others.

 

We would definately sail Celebrity again.

 

For cost, service, comfort, space, food...I would still choose Carnival

 

For Class, itinerary, fellow passengers, service, and overall experince... I would choose Celebrity.

 

For comfort, spaciousness, cabin amenities, itinerary...I would sail with HAL

 

For itinerary only...Princess

 

If I won a free trip...Royal Caribbean

 

I too am happy to answer any questions you have.

[Drew B]

I still prefer Carnival food. The menu selections in the main dining room seemed very limited. There were several nights that nothing excited me. Even the desserts were lacking, and I usually eat 2 or 3 of them. I am a recent vegetarian, and our wait staff did an excellent job of accomodating any request I made. After seeing what the menu had to offer, I was quite satisfied with the many vegetables my waiter brought me every night. The dining room service was very good, to excellent. As good as I have experienced on Carnival. MUCH! better that HAL and Princess.

 

Were you already a vegetarian (or vegan) on your last Carnival cruise? I really like Carnival's food, too, but I think that Celebrity has a much better variety of vegetarian/vegan options.

 

My other disappointment in the food department, was the room service menu...I felt it was much more limited that any other cruiseline I have been on. I was not impressed with it at all. However, the service was always prompt when we did order room service.

 

Compared to CARNIVAL?! Sorry, but Carnival's room service offerings are miniscule, especially for vegetarians. I think they have one cold veggie sandwich (they don't offer any hot items for room service) and that's about it. Also, were you aware that during dinner time on Celebrity, you can get anything from that night's dining room menu delivered to your cabin via room service? They don't do a good job of making people aware of this option, but it's a great one once you know...

 

 

Thanks for a great review!

[jerseygirl3]

Were you already a vegetarian (or vegan) on your last Carnival cruise? I really like Carnival's food, too, but I think that Celebrity has a much better variety of vegetarian/vegan options.

 

 

 

Compared to CARNIVAL?! Sorry, but Carnival's room service offerings are miniscule, especially for vegetarians. I think they have one cold veggie sandwich (they don't offer any hot items for room service) and that's about it. Also, were you aware that during dinner time on Celebrity, you can get anything from that night's dining room menu delivered to your cabin via room service? They don't do a good job of making people aware of this option, but it's a great one once you know...

 

 

Thanks for a great review!

 

I, too, was surprised by the OP comment on the room service menu. I think Carnival's is terrible. You can't even get pizza on Carnival's room service menu. I think Celebrity's is so much better and more choices.

[rucruizin]

Were you already a vegetarian (or vegan) on your last Carnival cruise? I really like Carnival's food, too, but I think that Celebrity has a much better variety of vegetarian/vegan options.

 

 

 

Compared to CARNIVAL?! Sorry, but Carnival's room service offerings are miniscule, especially for vegetarians. I think they have one cold veggie sandwich (they don't offer any hot items for room service) and that's about it. Also, were you aware that during dinner time on Celebrity, you can get anything from that night's dining room menu delivered to your cabin via room service? They don't do a good job of making people aware of this option, but it's a great one once you know...

 

 

Thanks for a great review!

 

Drew, I actually decided to become a vegetarian on day two of the cruise. I was reading a book on deck (skinny beyotch) and it talks about everything that is in our meat, and what it does to our bodies. I have always been a very healthy eater, and I LOVE the veggies and fruit. It made sense, and so I thought it was a great place to experiment with all the food options. More than anything I just did it because I have been having some bizarre health issues, and I am trying to figure out how food could impact those.

 

So, in answer to your question..."no." In fact, it was many of the meat dishes on Carnival, that I especially liked. Chicken is what I normally ate. I will be curious to see, on our next Carnival cruise.

 

I can also see your point about room service...I loved the roast beef and brie sandwiches, chicken wraps, etc...

 

Breakfast menu was fine on Carnival, but it was the afternnon options that I prefer.

 

As for dinner...I loved our tablemates and wait staff. I wouldn't have missed an evening with them, for anything.

 

I really liked Carnival's pizza, and would happily walk up to whatever deck I needed to, to have a slice.

[rucruizin]

One other thing I forgot to mention...actually a few things;)

 

I loved that they did not make public announcements, every fifteen minutes. Especially thankful that they NEVER made announcements directly into the cabins. That is one of my biggest pet peeves on Carnival. Don't barge into my cabin at 9:00 am on the first sea day...I'M SLEEPING!

 

Also, I don't know if this is the norm, or just the demographics of this particular cruise? Cigarette smoke smell was an exception. There were a couple areas on the ship where you might find a very small handful of smokers. They seemed scattered, and rare. On other ships, entire rooms would be permeated with smoke. Even the casino wasn't bad enough to keep me from walking through? It was great, no complaint there.

 

I also wanted to note that EVERY employee I ran into on the ship, was very cheerful and pleasant. Everyone greeted you with a "good morning" or "have a nice day" or whatever. I also saw staff goin out of their way to help people carry trays, or find a seat, or get a drink...

[Host Anne]

RU ~ thanks for taking the time to write and post your review. It's always helpful to hear from those who haven't sailed Celebrity before. We're actually sailing Carnival next year for the first time with a group of friends. It will be interesting to compare. I appreciate your taking the time to do so.

 

Please be sure that you submit your review to our Cruise Critic REVIEWS section so lots of others can read your helpful review as well.

 

THANKS AGAIN!

[jerseygirl3]

One other thing I forgot to mention...actually a few things;)

 

I loved that they did not make public announcements, every fifteen minutes. Especially thankful that they NEVER made announcements directly into the cabins. That is one of my biggest pet peeves on Carnival. Don't barge into my cabin at 9:00 am on the first sea day...I'M SLEEPING!

 

Also, I don't know if this is the norm, or just the demographics of this particular cruise? Cigarette smoke smell was an exception. There were a couple areas on the ship where you might find a very small handful of smokers. They seemed scattered, and rare. On other ships, entire rooms would be permeated with smoke. Even the casino wasn't bad enough to keep me from walking through? It was great, no complaint there.

 

I also wanted to note that EVERY employee I ran into on the ship, was very cheerful and pleasant. Everyone greeted you with a "good morning" or "have a nice day" or whatever. I also saw staff goin out of their way to help people carry trays, or find a seat, or get a drink...

 

I don't think the lack of cigarette smoke was just specific to your sailing. We've noticed Carnival ships seem to be overrun with smokers and not so much on Celebrity. We couldn't even go near the casino on Carnival because the smoke was so choking. Normally (as a former smoker) smoke doesn't particularly bother me, but we found on our last couple of Carnival cruises it was terrible. I could probably count on one hand the amount of smokers we saw on Constellation in February.

[mgg42]

I love Carnival, I've sailed it several times and have always enjoyed myself. My cruise next week on Celebrity will be my first and I am looking forward to it.

 

There is this one thing about Carnival, and this is going to sound awful, but people tend to laugh in agreement when I say it. I swear, every time I get on Carnival, a whole contingent of people basically come "out of the woods" to get on board! It's always a good time, but it really can be a boat full of snaggle-toothed hillbillies!

[Drew B]

Drew, I actually decided to become a vegetarian on day two of the cruise. I was reading a book on deck (skinny beyotch) and it talks about everything that is in our meat, and what it does to our bodies. I have always been a very healthy eater, and I LOVE the veggies and fruit. It made sense, and so I thought it was a great place to experiment with all the food options. More than anything I just did it because I have been having some bizarre health issues, and I am trying to figure out how food could impact those.

 

So, in answer to your question..."no." In fact, it was many of the meat dishes on Carnival, that I especially liked. Chicken is what I normally ate. I will be curious to see, on our next Carnival cruise.

 

I can also see your point about room service...I loved the roast beef and brie sandwiches, chicken wraps, etc...

 

I would love to hear if your thoughts are different after your next Carnival cruise (assuming you are still vegetarian, then).

 

Also, did you know that Celebrity has a different vegetarian menu every day in the dining room (in addition to what is on the regular menu)? There's a menu for lunch and one for dinner, and they offer at least two choices per course (appetizer, soup, salad, entree...), and one of them is always vegan. This vegetarian menu makes the variety on Celebrity much more extensive than on Carnival, but you have to know about it to ask for it. Were you aware this existed?

 

Carnival offers one vegetarian entree each night. They tend to be delicious, but there is only one and they are rarely vegan. They usually happen to have items in the other courses that are vegetarian, but you have to be careful. I've gotten soups and salads with small amounts of meat in them that I wasn't expecting. If you were vegan on Carnival, I think you'd have to make special arrangements and have the maitre d' work out something off-menu for you...

[drk]

For cost, service, comfort, space, food...I would still choose Carnival

 

For Class, itinerary, fellow passengers, service, and overall experince... I would choose Celebrity.

 

For comfort, spaciousness, cabin amenities, itinerary...I would sail with HAL

 

For itinerary only...Princess

 

If I won a free trip...Royal Caribbean

 

 

 

I loved the above assessment. We have 8 Carnival, 8 Celebrity and several on each of the other lines mentioned. We too love Celebrity and Carnival but are not wild about Royal Caribbean. Anyway enjoyed your review...we board the Constellation next Friday for the TA!! How was the quitar guy on your sailing?

[rucruizin]

jerseygirl...good to know. I have reactive airway disease so I HAVE to avoid smokey spaces. Like you, I only counted a handful of smokers on the entire ship.

 

mgg...I know exactly what you are speaking of;) it's becoming very common. You will love Celebrity. Have a fabulous time!

 

Drew...I feel so much better, now that I am not eating meat and dairy. I had a bite of cheese on the cruise, and I felt horrible. Now that my body is actually cleaned out, I can't imagine eating that stuff again. If I do, I'm sure it will come at a price...one that might keep me from EVER doing it again. I'm happy.:)

 

drk...lol!:D Have a wonderful cruise!

[rucruizin]

RU ~ thanks for taking the time to write and post your review. It's always helpful to hear from those who haven't sailed Celebrity before. We're actually sailing Carnival next year for the first time with a group of friends. It will be interesting to compare. I appreciate your taking the time to do so.

 

Please be sure that you submit your review to our Cruise Critic REVIEWS section so lots of others can read your helpful review as well.

 

THANKS AGAIN!

 

Thank you, it's always nice to have such comments from a host:D

 

How do I go about submitting it?

[rucruizin]

I would love to hear if your thoughts are different after your next Carnival cruise (assuming you are still vegetarian, then).

 

Also, did you know that Celebrity has a different vegetarian menu every day in the dining room (in addition to what is on the regular menu)? There's a menu for lunch and one for dinner, and they offer at least two choices per course (appetizer, soup, salad, entree...), and one of them is always vegan. This vegetarian menu makes the variety on Celebrity much more extensive than on Carnival, but you have to know about it to ask for it. Were you aware this existed?

 

 

Oops, forgot to answer this one..

 

No, I didn't know that they had a special menu??? My waiter obviously knew, the asst maitre d knew. Non one even offered it to me. The AM had a special east indian dish prepared for me one night. It was good, but when they brought out the same exact thing the next night...I kinda, quielty asked for a large plate of veggies. The waiter asked if I wanted the vegetarian meal again the next night. I asked him if it was going to be the same dish...he nodded his head, and I mouthed, "no" to him.;)

[Drew B]

That's very strange. I've always asked my waiter on night one for the vegetarian menu, and it then shows up every other night. I've had an issue sometimes at lunch when the open-seating waiter didn't seem to want to get it for me (more work, I guess, without any bump in tip), but I've always firmly but politely insisted...

 

I'm less extreme than you. I don't even really call myself vegetarian, as I will eat seafood sometimes. Still, even though I would do FINE with just the regular menu, having the vegetarian one gives so many more options. Some of my tablemates were jealous of the beautiful dishes I was getting, and a few of them ordered something from the vegetarian menu after that...

[Host Anne]

RU ~ here's a link to the page where you submit your review (you can do a simple copy and paste from your original post): http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/

 

Under Are You a Cruise Critic headline, select your ship and then insert your review!

 

You can also get to this area by clicking on the REVIEWS button at the top of the page in the gold bar!

 

Thanks again for sharing!

[kelmac]

Janet,

 

Once again, super review!:)

I always believed the healthiest people were the "part-time" vegetarians, like our primative ancestors. Lauren and I prefer smaller amounts of higher quality foods -- the aqua spa is pretty good in that area.

 

Might have to give Carnival a try down the road? Many people have indicated the food on Carnival is better than NCL and Royal Caribbean.

 

Once again, thanks for the candid and down to earth review!

 

Say hi to Bob,

Kel:D

[rucruizin]

RU ~ here's a link to the page where you submit your review (you can do a simple copy and paste from your original post): http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/

 

Under Are You a Cruise Critic headline, select your ship and then insert your review!

 

You can also get to this area by clicking on the REVIEWS button at the top of the page in the gold bar!

 

Thanks again for sharing!

 

Done!:D

[rucruizin]

Janet,

 

Once again, super review!:)

I always believed the healthiest people were the "part-time" vegetarians, like our primative ancestors. Lauren and I prefer smaller amounts of higher quality foods -- the aqua spa is pretty good in that area.

 

Might have to give Carnival a try down the road? Many people have indicated the food on Carnival is better than NCL and Royal Caribbean.

 

Once again, thanks for the candid and down to earth review!

 

Say hi to Bob,

Kel:D

 

I will:D

 

We will have to hook up with you and Lauren again sometime.

 

When you are ready to try Carnival, let me help you pick your ship, itinerary, etc. I know what you like, and I think I could be very helpful in directing you to a cruise, and ship that would suit you. I think you will be quite impressed.

 

After talking to some people who were on those NCL ships, that were in port with us...I don't think I'm ready to try it. Sounded like total frustration with trying to have dinner. One man told Bob, that he felt like all he did was stand in line, and still didn't get what he wanted. No thanks:rolleyes:

 

Already in contact with the TA, and looking at options for next year. If we don't choose a land option, our only other option is Emerald Princess.