Celebrity & Carnival, differences?

[69Telecaster]

Im going to be going on the Celebrity Horizon on May 29th, leaving from Norfolk VA going to Bermuda for a 6 day cruise. This will be my 3rd cruise and my girlfriends (soon to be wifes)2nd. We went to the Bahamas last year on the Carnival Victory. The year before that I went to Bermuda on the Carnival Triumph, so this is obviously my first time sailing with celebrity.

I was just wondering from those of you who have used both cruiselines, what differences can I expect? Pros & Cons of cruising with celebrity instead of Carnival?

I would also like to say that I enjoyed carnival, on the 2 cruises ive been on but I have nothing to compare it too because ive never used another cruiseline. I will say, what I did NOT like about Carnival was all of the sales & marketing that is continuously going on, it really got on my nerves after a while, I would have really prefered a more laidback & relaxing atmoshpere. Im 34, so I still will enjoy a drink or 2 in the bar, but I dont necessarily want to be around a college age crowd or around a bunch of kids (nothing against kids, but I just dont want to be around them on a relaxing vacation. My soon to be wife is 22, but is more mature for her age. My travel agent told me that I would probably enjoy celebrity more because its more of a laidback atmoshpere but that my wife at her age will probably enjoy carnival more.

Thanks and I really appreciate any advice or insight!



Jim

 

[idssms]

There are so many differences,, lets think of analogy......

I have owned both an Audi TT convertible and a Porsche 911 Cabriolet and they are both nice but the Audi just isnt as nice as the Porsche. It looks good, drives well but something is missing when comparing it to the Porsche.

Carnaval has nice ships, lots of bang for the buck, but the furniture in the cabins just isnt the quality as on Celebrity. The food is plentiful on both but the quality is better on Celebrity. The service is lacking on most Carnavals where as,, Celebrity prides itself on its great service. Everyone says,, Goodmorning, etc on Celebrity where as on Carnaval you take your chances.

Celebrity pays more for its managment folks and gets higher caliber employees.

We did Carnaval when we started cruising in the 80's and have moved from them and DIsney to Princess to Royal Caribbean and now to Celebrity.

Of course we may take the next step to Seabourn and Raddison which I understand are even nicer.

Of course, this is all my opinion only and others may not agree with me.

 

[Nanatravel]

With 14 cruises in my history, 6 on Celebrity ships including the very first cruise on the Horizon and 3 in the past 2 years on Carnival's new ships, I will try to outline some variances. I believe your TA is correct in her analysis.
Horizon was built in 1990 (apx.) holds 1400 passengers and each normal cabin is about 160 SF. thus the ship is older (however well kept) and smaller than the Carnival ships. There are no balconies or extensive atrium like on the Carnival ships. Public rooms are of more modern decor; silver, blond tone woods, more contemporary designs. Service and the aim to please are what brings Celebrity's reputation up a notch. There won't be many announcements at all. Read the daily newsletter before you go to bed so you can decide what you may wish to do and when the next day. I bring a highlighter. If you read this, most of your questions will be answered. Just a few weeks ago while sailing with our daughter & son-in-law (36 & 38) for the 1st. time, we were in St. Thomas and never heard an "all clear to go ashore" announcement, so be aware of your surroundings and proceed to wherever you wish to go. Dining is an enjoyable evening experience. If there is something you love, go ahead and ask for it again the next evening even it its not on the menu. If you wish two entree's, again, go ahead and order them upfront. My little grandson had Shrimp Cocktail every night! Our SIL enjoyed Escargot nightly. There should be a fresh made to order omlet station within the Ocean Buffet area and a Pasta Bar at lunch time (in the same place). Watch the buffet hours as they still have some gaps in opening service compared to Carnival (I loved their buffets with so many choices and long hours of operation). Don't miss the Wine tasting and Martini tasting ($5 for 5 small different martinis). Take part in as many or as few on-board activities as you like. There will be some poolside activities but not many. Our recent cruise had two guest speakers: finance and tennis, plus enrichment classes in computers, photography both regular and digital, self help seminars; make-over, galley tour, etc. Encourage your GF to do things and you do a few different things. You will each enjoy your time on vacation so much more. The spa and gym were good when we sailed Horizon which got us hooked on cruising. There should be a Michael's Club, Rendevous Louge (our favorite before dinner spot) and other public rooms. You should have a safe in your cabin now but I am not sure about a mini-fridge. If you require something of your cabin steward, don't hesitate to make a request. I bring post-it notes and write in very simple terms. Celebrity now allows Tips to be charged to your Sign & Sail account but they do give you a "card with this & a Thank you" for presentation to the proper server. Envelopes are still provided as well. Bermuda is different than a Caribbean cruise for all cruise ships. There will be limited evening entertainment while docked and thus no casino operation. It is Bermuda's law and way to promote their nightly tourism and economic gains. Don't miss King Henry's 8th pub across from the Sonesta or the Swizzle Inn near Georgetown (?). Rum Swizzles and Yellow Birds are the best! We have spent some time on land tours. Hotel hopping is a neat thing to do. Rent a motor shooter, but do be very careful as the roads are extremely narrow and very windy. Don't miss Horeshoe Bay and get up to the Princess hotel on the top of the cliff above the golf course. If you are into golf, this is the place to play. Bus service is a great way to experience this island and its very friendly people. Don't hesitate to ask for a transfer and travel from one end of the island to the other. Most of all like on all cruises, wear a smile and extend a handshake. You are on vacation.
Bon Voyage

 

[prettygigi]

_Not fair to compare Carnival during the 80's with a new product.

Also, my best friend works for Royal Caribbean and he knows nothing about better pay for Celebrity! He does both lines as if they were one. Some times I even see him coming to work with a Celebrity shirt on.

Just thought I would say.

 

[Mary El]

69Telecaster: A minor correction to Nanatravel on the Horizon's cabin size (I've been on the Horizon, and her sister ship the Zenith), the cabin size is 172 sq. ft. vice 160 sq.ft.

I will also again be sailing on the Horizon to Bermuda out of Norfolk, but in October.

Post what your experiences were sailing out of Norfolk. I'm curious to know.