Hi All
Does anyone have any views on Celebrity cruises please, are they comparable to P&O standards?
Many Thanks
Hi people,
I'm going to be on this cruise with Celebrity Cruises in March, and I just wondered if anyone here has sailed with Celebrity before and can tell me a bit about what to expect? What was the average age group (me and my partner are in our mid-30s), and was the food as wonderful as we've been told it is?
thanks!
I'm going to be on this cruise with Celebrity Cruises in March, and I just wondered if anyone here has sailed with Celebrity before and can tell me a bit about what to expect? What was the average age group (me and my partner are in our mid-30s), and was the food as wonderful as we've been told it is?
thanks!
We are looking to book our first ever cruise to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary in May 2009.
We were advised for a first time cruise not to go to 'upmarket' but as it is a special occasion maybe go for upper mid range say 'Princess' or 'Royal Carribean' lines which may have 4 or 5 formal nights during a 2 week cruise which sounds about right.
However we have been offered what seems a great cruise deal for 11 nights on Celebrity's newest ship 'Solstice' but we were wondering if 'Celebrity' line may be a bit too 'posh' or formal-we wouldn't want to have to be 'suited and booted' every night for dinner or feel uncomfortable lolling around in shorts and t-shirts during the day.
Could anyone who has been on a Celebrity cruise offer any advice in this regard or anyone offer any advice as to what may be an ideal 1st time cruise line but with a special occasion in mind?
We were advised for a first time cruise not to go to 'upmarket' but as it is a special occasion maybe go for upper mid range say 'Princess' or 'Royal Carribean' lines which may have 4 or 5 formal nights during a 2 week cruise which sounds about right.
However we have been offered what seems a great cruise deal for 11 nights on Celebrity's newest ship 'Solstice' but we were wondering if 'Celebrity' line may be a bit too 'posh' or formal-we wouldn't want to have to be 'suited and booted' every night for dinner or feel uncomfortable lolling around in shorts and t-shirts during the day.
Could anyone who has been on a Celebrity cruise offer any advice in this regard or anyone offer any advice as to what may be an ideal 1st time cruise line but with a special occasion in mind?
Scoobyclaret, go for it!! For an 11 night cruise Celebrity will probably have 3 formal nights, 4 informal and 4 casual which is the same as Royal Caribbean and most of the others. We first cruised 4 years ago for Silver wedding and now have 9 cruises under our belts including Island, Thomson, Holland America, Cunard QM2, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean (owner of Celebrity line).
We enjoyed each line for different reasons and, apart from Island and Thomson, would not hesitate to use each one again. Cunard amongst all is probably more formal and best avoided for 1st cruise, but Celebrity is ideal with what I would describe as 4.5 star service, and summer wear (shorts & t-shirts) is perfectly appropriate during the day both inside ship and on deck etc.
The line is elegant, but certainly not "posh". Having used so many lines now I do slightly regret that we did not "push the boat out" a bit more for our Silver wedding, which was with Island. As you say go for something ideal, but with the special occasion in mind! You have the answer staring you in the face...again go for it.
We enjoyed each line for different reasons and, apart from Island and Thomson, would not hesitate to use each one again. Cunard amongst all is probably more formal and best avoided for 1st cruise, but Celebrity is ideal with what I would describe as 4.5 star service, and summer wear (shorts & t-shirts) is perfectly appropriate during the day both inside ship and on deck etc.
The line is elegant, but certainly not "posh". Having used so many lines now I do slightly regret that we did not "push the boat out" a bit more for our Silver wedding, which was with Island. As you say go for something ideal, but with the special occasion in mind! You have the answer staring you in the face...again go for it.
First off whats the deal, ship, date, itinerary, cabin, price, for a special cruise cabin choice can be as important as the ship or the cruise line, also which is the day you must be away so we can look at the options. do you have any desire to visit somewhere or have a budget in mind.
We are off on our second celebrity next week, so can update then,this is a Constellation a Millenium class ship but any corportate fleed wide info should be usefull.
It's not that much above the other mid range, people tend to dress slighly better most of the time but day time and casual is about the same on all the american ships and formal is dark suite/TUX so its in the mid infomal range you will see more jacket on celebrity than the others I think.
Traditional dining so fixed time and shared table or for two the choice will be yours, the food has changed since last time M roux(sp) is no longer the advisor so we see how things have gone next week. The alternative dining snack locations like the pool grill have very good food. room service menu was good but if you are in higher grade cabins will be even better(same on a lot of ships).
Ships are nice very classy and lost of interesting features art work(a ship tradition) and the service levels good, not familiar with the main features of the soltice classs ships yet. the passenger mix tends towards a less lively atmosphere which can be nice you also get a better mix of cultural activities like lectures and less of the party things like games round the pools.
We found the entertainment slightly "not us" aimed at a slightly older/mature generation perhaps, the acts that are around the ship will edge more towards the clasical than contemporary. shows etc. are great on any ship first time and will be of a high standard. comedians are often american so you either get it or forget it.
I would recommend Celebrity but would not rule out others that could provide fantastic time if they have price/itinerary that are preferable. Celebrity have been well price for a lot of trips so are not going to break the bank for that slightly more upmarket trip.
A cruise is the sum of the parts, ship, crew, people, itinerary, so read up some of the reviews on the cruise line and the ship to see if it is "your thing". picking an itinerary that has special value is also important.
One thing to consider is you could(most do) get hooked, so picking a ship/cruise line that you would go back to is something to think about, we have returned to the same(ish) crew a number of times(across 3 ships) and this has enhanced our cruise experience a lot as when we go back we are remembered so rather than a once in a life time special trip you create a longer term quality experience.
Whoever said don't go too upmarket could you ask them why and report back I would like to here the arguments for such a statement. I know people that would not be happy unles they were on something right up there like Seabourn and others that would be out of place on anything that was not Brit to the core like Thomsons or Island.
If I were you I would book a cruise before this "special one" find something this year and go on it this will give you the firstt hand experience to make a choice for the special one. There are loads of deals and if you are flexable on the trial trip you will get somehting good, having donea ship you will knos how thisgs work so can get more out of the next one.
Allthough this year we are putting in some extra dosh to make our 3 regular trips a bit more special(*0 B/days) I still think that more days at sea are the way to go, rather than less day more upmarket/better cabins.
We are off on our second celebrity next week, so can update then,this is a Constellation a Millenium class ship but any corportate fleed wide info should be usefull.
It's not that much above the other mid range, people tend to dress slighly better most of the time but day time and casual is about the same on all the american ships and formal is dark suite/TUX so its in the mid infomal range you will see more jacket on celebrity than the others I think.
Traditional dining so fixed time and shared table or for two the choice will be yours, the food has changed since last time M roux(sp) is no longer the advisor so we see how things have gone next week. The alternative dining snack locations like the pool grill have very good food. room service menu was good but if you are in higher grade cabins will be even better(same on a lot of ships).
Ships are nice very classy and lost of interesting features art work(a ship tradition) and the service levels good, not familiar with the main features of the soltice classs ships yet. the passenger mix tends towards a less lively atmosphere which can be nice you also get a better mix of cultural activities like lectures and less of the party things like games round the pools.
We found the entertainment slightly "not us" aimed at a slightly older/mature generation perhaps, the acts that are around the ship will edge more towards the clasical than contemporary. shows etc. are great on any ship first time and will be of a high standard. comedians are often american so you either get it or forget it.
I would recommend Celebrity but would not rule out others that could provide fantastic time if they have price/itinerary that are preferable. Celebrity have been well price for a lot of trips so are not going to break the bank for that slightly more upmarket trip.
A cruise is the sum of the parts, ship, crew, people, itinerary, so read up some of the reviews on the cruise line and the ship to see if it is "your thing". picking an itinerary that has special value is also important.
One thing to consider is you could(most do) get hooked, so picking a ship/cruise line that you would go back to is something to think about, we have returned to the same(ish) crew a number of times(across 3 ships) and this has enhanced our cruise experience a lot as when we go back we are remembered so rather than a once in a life time special trip you create a longer term quality experience.
Whoever said don't go too upmarket could you ask them why and report back I would like to here the arguments for such a statement. I know people that would not be happy unles they were on something right up there like Seabourn and others that would be out of place on anything that was not Brit to the core like Thomsons or Island.
If I were you I would book a cruise before this "special one" find something this year and go on it this will give you the firstt hand experience to make a choice for the special one. There are loads of deals and if you are flexable on the trial trip you will get somehting good, having donea ship you will knos how thisgs work so can get more out of the next one.
Allthough this year we are putting in some extra dosh to make our 3 regular trips a bit more special(*0 B/days) I still think that more days at sea are the way to go, rather than less day more upmarket/better cabins.
Whilst agreeing with some of W/J's comments, it seems to me that after 25 years of marriage you will be extremely well versed in your personal preferences on holiday.
My advice would be go with "gut feel" on this because if you spend days researching the deal will be gone! You will not be disappointed with Celebrity!
My advice would be go with "gut feel" on this because if you spend days researching the deal will be gone! You will not be disappointed with Celebrity!
I had a quick look at those May09 cruises prices look ok ish but not that cheap for 10/11 nights trips nice itineraries round the greek isles.
What might be worth looking at is the new "Aquaclass" cabins with the access to the spa facilities could be something that would make it special.
Celebrity often have fantastic 55+ rates so if you qualify might be worth looking out for them.
What might be worth looking at is the new "Aquaclass" cabins with the access to the spa facilities could be something that would make it special.
Celebrity often have fantastic 55+ rates so if you qualify might be worth looking out for them.
Windjammer / Hamrag- thank you for your detailed and informative replies.
Sounds like Celebrity would be a very good standard but not too 'posh' and I did like the sound of it from the off although Mrs Scoobyclaret I think would prefer a 14 rather than 11 night cruise if possible.
In reply to Windjammers enquiry-the deal we were offered (albeit 2 weeks ago so it may not be valid now) was £1,559 per person for the Eastern med voyage (Rome, Greece, Turkey).
This included a balcony suite, return flights, optional prepaid tips of around £60 and $100 on board credit. Our budget was around £1,500 per person so it was just about right.
I have searched some internet cruise sites but there doesn't seem to be a vast amount of choice of cruises which encompass the 26th May which is the magic date as far as we are concerned
Sounds like Celebrity would be a very good standard but not too 'posh' and I did like the sound of it from the off although Mrs Scoobyclaret I think would prefer a 14 rather than 11 night cruise if possible.
In reply to Windjammers enquiry-the deal we were offered (albeit 2 weeks ago so it may not be valid now) was £1,559 per person for the Eastern med voyage (Rome, Greece, Turkey).
This included a balcony suite, return flights, optional prepaid tips of around £60 and $100 on board credit. Our budget was around £1,500 per person so it was just about right.
I have searched some internet cruise sites but there doesn't seem to be a vast amount of choice of cruises which encompass the 26th May which is the magic date as far as we are concerned
-
Edited by
Scoobyclaret
2008-04-17 19:24:44
Hi Scoobyclaret, if you are on the Solstice on 25th May next year, we'll see you there.
We love P&O normally but have been on Celebrity Summit before and enjoyed that, so we think this one should be great too. We are aged 47 & 45 and we think Celebrity is ideally suited to us and do not feel it is aimed at the older clientele.
We are on ventura in July so will be good to compare 2 similar sized ships from different operators.
Cheers
Gerry
We love P&O normally but have been on Celebrity Summit before and enjoyed that, so we think this one should be great too. We are aged 47 & 45 and we think Celebrity is ideally suited to us and do not feel it is aimed at the older clientele.
We are on ventura in July so will be good to compare 2 similar sized ships from different operators.
Cheers
Gerry
Hi, £1500pp, nice budget.
If that was a celebrity package that has the advantage of Door to Door, Rome is not the easiest port to DIY with cheap flights.
The current(celebrity UK site) Cruise only fare for a Balcony is £1323(2C)-£1570(Aqua) so with flight and transfers and tips the £1559 is not far out(£200ish extra),
that 2c with Celebrity Air(gatwick, £220) is £1543 tips are £57 so £1600
An agent shoud be knocking £100+ off that fare.
This year the Galaxy is doing the cruise and it has sold well so is more expensive the century is similar but cheaper.
Remember if prices drop you should be able to get the price drops if you have a good agent talk to them about this, It might pay to go direct with celebrity(celebrity cruisers that have done this please comment) to make getting these easier.
Ok thats the starting point and very nice it is to.
What else is there
Your top priority 26th. so latest travel date is the 25th. and lets stick to europe for the search and price around £1500 balcony.
These are 12 days include venice.
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=24897
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=24875
or
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=26047
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=10122
here is(celebrity) one we did in 2006 spashing out on the custom 2 day tour of StPetersburg made it very special
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=26045
and a simiular to go with it, might be easier to fly to amsterdam than drive down depending where you live)
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=26046
If that was a celebrity package that has the advantage of Door to Door, Rome is not the easiest port to DIY with cheap flights.
The current(celebrity UK site) Cruise only fare for a Balcony is £1323(2C)-£1570(Aqua) so with flight and transfers and tips the £1559 is not far out(£200ish extra),
that 2c with Celebrity Air(gatwick, £220) is £1543 tips are £57 so £1600
An agent shoud be knocking £100+ off that fare.
This year the Galaxy is doing the cruise and it has sold well so is more expensive the century is similar but cheaper.
Remember if prices drop you should be able to get the price drops if you have a good agent talk to them about this, It might pay to go direct with celebrity(celebrity cruisers that have done this please comment) to make getting these easier.
Ok thats the starting point and very nice it is to.
What else is there
Your top priority 26th. so latest travel date is the 25th. and lets stick to europe for the search and price around £1500 balcony.
These are 12 days include venice.
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=24897
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=24875
or
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=26047
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=10122
here is(celebrity) one we did in 2006 spashing out on the custom 2 day tour of StPetersburg made it very special
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=26045
and a simiular to go with it, might be easier to fly to amsterdam than drive down depending where you live)
http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=26046
Yes I agree with Hamrag and go with your GUT feeling. This sounds a fantastic price for a Balcony room on a brand new ship. Normally everyone wants to cruise on the newest and you will often find lower prices on their other ships.
As Windjammer says if the price of your room comes down you can have that lower price applied to your booking. Just keep checking the Celebrity Web Site.
I have had numerous price drops applied and speak to your agent about this. If you book directly with Celebrity you will not get the normal 10% discount that most will give.
You could call Celebrity and price your cruise. This price you have quoted may well be an early booking discount and sometimes these are as good as it gets. It is all about supply and demand. I have had price drops and then found that the prices have gone up after this.
You will not be disappointed with Celebrity I feel sure. Just enjoy and look forward to planning.
Go on to Cruise Critic and you can ask questions etc there.
Sue
As Windjammer says if the price of your room comes down you can have that lower price applied to your booking. Just keep checking the Celebrity Web Site.
I have had numerous price drops applied and speak to your agent about this. If you book directly with Celebrity you will not get the normal 10% discount that most will give.
You could call Celebrity and price your cruise. This price you have quoted may well be an early booking discount and sometimes these are as good as it gets. It is all about supply and demand. I have had price drops and then found that the prices have gone up after this.
You will not be disappointed with Celebrity I feel sure. Just enjoy and look forward to planning.
Go on to Cruise Critic and you can ask questions etc there.
Sue
Thanks again Windjammer for your help and advice-I will check out those deals and also have a trawl around some off our local travel agents tomorrow as I believe more brochures are out then.
Keela-that price was given to me by a Royal Carribean/Celebrity rep who was visiting one of our local agents during their 'cruise preview week' after he had rang their head office for prices (as he didn't have access to their online system).
My gut feeling was that it sounded a good price for what you get but like with most things one likes to shop around a bit rather than jump at the first offer just in case there is an even better one around!
All the best
Keela-that price was given to me by a Royal Carribean/Celebrity rep who was visiting one of our local agents during their 'cruise preview week' after he had rang their head office for prices (as he didn't have access to their online system).
My gut feeling was that it sounded a good price for what you get but like with most things one likes to shop around a bit rather than jump at the first offer just in case there is an even better one around!
All the best
WJ...Have you seen any blogs/information/updates on the refurb of the Summit.
I spotted a few on CC but they were mainly qustions.
I did read that it had to go to Germany instead and someone even said it might be late into the UK
If you spot anything on any of the other boards can you let me know please
Thanks
Mandy
I spotted a few on CC but they were mainly qustions.
I did read that it had to go to Germany instead and someone even said it might be late into the UK
If you spot anything on any of the other boards can you let me know please
Thanks
Mandy
Scoobyclaret, just to give you an idea.
With a UK travel agent and including flights, I have got the highest price concierge cabins for £1,450 each.
I did a lot of shopping around and this is the best I could do.
Cheers
Gerry
With a UK travel agent and including flights, I have got the highest price concierge cabins for £1,450 each.
I did a lot of shopping around and this is the best I could do.
Cheers
Gerry
Cheers Gerry
Thanks for the info-that does sound like a great deal you've got-I am really tempted to this cruise but Mrs SC does seem to want to shop around a bit to see what else is on offer.
Anyway if we do end up on the Soltice in May perhaps we'll meet up for a beer or two
Thanks for the info-that does sound like a great deal you've got-I am really tempted to this cruise but Mrs SC does seem to want to shop around a bit to see what else is on offer.
Anyway if we do end up on the Soltice in May perhaps we'll meet up for a beer or two
That highest price CC(for £50pp i would consider the Aqua) with Celebrity is
Gut feel go with celebrity £1,790.00
Posting here and using Gerrys agent £1450
shopping around a bit more and keeping the Mrs happy PRICELESS.
Gut feel go with celebrity £1,790.00
Posting here and using Gerrys agent £1450
shopping around a bit more and keeping the Mrs happy PRICELESS.
My advice would be to grab this offer now. If you hold back then the prices will almost certainly go up. This is a brand new ship and everyone will want to sail on her.
I know that the Transatlantic is being heavily booked. The first to book paid £800 less than those who made the booking when it first became available.
I know this person Tenerife Sharon on the CC board and she is a great judge if when to jump.
Sue
I know that the Transatlantic is being heavily booked. The first to book paid £800 less than those who made the booking when it first became available.
I know this person Tenerife Sharon on the CC board and she is a great judge if when to jump.
Sue
You're quite right WJ, you can't put a price on keeping the Mrs happy but if we can get the same deal as Gerry I would hope it comes somewhere near it 
OOPS Sorry I put that wrongly. Those who booked Soltice as soon as it became available for booking paid less than those booking now. Most of the time there is a special incentive to book before a particular date and they will give perhaps £100 or £200 per cabin for double occupancy also sometimes OBC.
Sharon could not believe how quickly they price went up from when she booked. Normally the best time to book is right at the beginning when those offers are on or to leave it and book late. Booking late you will probably have less choice of room etc and may have to settle for less.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
Sue
Sharon could not believe how quickly they price went up from when she booked. Normally the best time to book is right at the beginning when those offers are on or to leave it and book late. Booking late you will probably have less choice of room etc and may have to settle for less.
Just my thoughts on the subject.
Sue
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