Hi everyone,

I'm an absolute cruise addict and I'm already looking into next year's cruise even though my husband and I haven't taken this year's yet. We have already done Princess and Carnival and enjoyed both, but we'd like to try some other lines. We are debating between the Celebrity Constellation and RCCL Explorer of the Seas for March 2008. Both are hitting various Caribbean ports. We're looking at those particular cruises because they hit places like Antigua or St. Lucia as well as some of the "standard" stops like St. Thomas (which we've already seen). The cruises are 10-12 days (depending on which one we decide on).

Our travel agent said Celebrity Constellation was very, very elegant but that there was less to do. My hubby and I aren't partying types, but we do enjoy some entertainment and activities.

Any words of wisdom from any Celebrity or RCCL veterans would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

If I'm not mistaken, and I welcome people to correct me, but it is my understanding that Celebrity caters to a little older crowd (I have not cruised on Celebrity.......yet). I'm almost 52 (16 between my ears, though), and have nothing but good things to say about RCCL. I have also heard that the midnight buffet on Celebrity is at 9pm, and that luggage is set outside cabins by 6pm on the last night before disembarkation (by choice, not by suggestion of the cruise line), as opposed to the standard 11pm on RCCL. I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up!

Someone in their 50's would fit right in on Celebrity. Celebrity is a premium cruise line and RCI is a mass market cruise line. They each target different income levels and different life styles. Your Travel Agent should be able to ask you questions about your likes and dislikes, your expectations, your lifestyle, etc. She should be able to tell you if RCI is a better fit for you or Celebrity.

We have been on Celebrity 5 times and it has always been fabulous. I did not think that they were geared for older people. I think it depends on the ports the ship is going to and the time of the year. I do feel that Holland American did cater to older crowds. As for things to do on the ship you won't have time for all the activities. Your bags had to be out by your cabin at 12 midnight the last night of the cruise. I would say, do you want more of an elegant cruise than go Celebrity. Hope this helps.

Thanks, guys. I probably should have mentioned, my hubby and I are in our late 20s.

Thanks for the replies!

Cortney..you just answered the question! Since you have already tried Princess and Carnival, go with RCCL! Being in your 20's, you will certainly love the Voyager class ships and I don't think elegance will be an issue.

I found Celebrity to be a little snobbish when we first spoke with them. I had looked at the suggested attire for semi formal and was told that a sport jacket and tie were required. At the time my job required the suit and tie bit and I wanted to be as far removed as possible from that during my vacation. I asked if they would require it and the comment was that they could deny access to the dining room...I didn't bring a sport coat just in spite and was welcomed during these evenings with dress slacks and a long sleeve dress shirt...We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise with Celebrity and the itinery; and found the crowd to be very well mixed..We do, however, prefer RCL.

No matter what; cruising rocks.

P l

Thanks, I stand corrected on the age issue. Here is a perfect example of how a misconception, or inaccurate information can influence one's decision making. We have not considered Celebrity because we were under the impression it was an older crowd, and since they fall under RCCL, we'd just stick with RCCL.

See...an old dog can learn a new trick; just might have to consider a Celebrity cruise.

You cannot go wrong with Royal Caribbean Voyager Class ships. Especially at your age!! They off so much entertainment, the best food I have ever eaten and the most beautiful ships. As you can tell they are by far my favorite cruise line.

Hey Courtney. I'm 25. I absolutely love RCCL. I've never been on any Celebrity cruises, but I can tell you that your experience on Royal Caribbean will definitely be a great one. I've been on Carnival and RCCL. I would much rather cruise with RCCL. Their ships are more elegant, there are better quality activities, better food. Bottom line, I just think RCCL is better overall. I would do a Carnival cruise again because they're usually cheaper, but RCCL would definitely be my first choice. Especially since you're traveling with your husband, you will appreciate the quality of the RCCL ships a lot more.

I'm beginning to think that it's the luck of the draw re: age with one exception, Carnival. We have cruised on Celebrity twice, once we had a nice mix of ages (it was spring break week) Last Jan. 28th to the Eastern Carribean was an assisted living cruise. After changing tables twice just to get people that enjoyed wine, conversation, etc. we finally got to talk with some people our age. (65 and 56) Note that I was one of the youngest, mentally and physically, on the cruise. Those crew members that would talk admitted that Jan/Feb is heavy seniors because of their desire to escape the cold weather. Additionally, Millenieum is pretty beaten up but I understand it's going in for refurburshing. Bon Voyage

Jelly: "assisted living cruise" is a great description. Now that's an adjective!

GC if you go celebrity you will be pleasantly surprised. A step above RCI without all the bells and whistles. Speaking of bells and whistles, not so many ship announcements that you only hear half of anyway. Very classy cruise line. Especially Millenium Class.

Thanks for the Celebrity endorsement.

I am a little surprised that Celeb doesn't get more attention here. They are considered "upscale" and from my experience, they are.

I haven't been on the Navigator as Sonny has given both thumbs up on the food, but "X" had better food, and better shows than I had seen on RCI.

I would sail RCI in a heartbeat but Celeb to me is like RCI kicked up a notch with about half the number of children as an RCI. I don't need no stinking rock wall, skating rink or wave pool, and I definitely like the champagne on embarkation and at the introduction of senior staff. Plus, Navy blue is a very cool color for a ship.

Uh oh, "upscale" may eliminate me since I'm kind of a jeans and tshirt guy! Someone might get offended when I do my armpit rendition of "Born Free!"

Heck no, just change "Born Free" to Tchaikovsky’s "Serenade for strings!"

Music to my ears; goin' cruisin' with Chef Ken and free entertainment to boot. Oh yes, Chef Ken, I forgot the champagne upon arrival; thought it was just part of my ongoing cruising dreams. It also reminded me of the quote from the Celebrity service adviser when I asked how Celebrity compared to RCI and she stated, "we are a step up from RCI". I, however, would go RCI first.

Peter1

Chef Ken,
Just wanted to say I have a blast reading all of your posts! Thanks for the entertainment!!!
Sonny could get paid for PR and you could get paid for entertainment through RCCL!!
bopper

Thanks for all of the advice, guys! I appreciate it!