Smithers,
Celebrity isn't for everyone, but there are few who sail on it that don't have a superb cruise. Horizon and Zenith are smaller/older ships with no balconies. Because of that, they feel more intimate, and they do not have 100% of the "extras" that newer and larger ships offer -- like specialty restaurants, an extensive on-board shopping area, a large children's pool, etc. None the less, these ships offer the same food, service, entertainment, and overall experience as the rest of Celebrity's fleet. The Century class ships are mid-sized, offer balconies, and have nearly all the venues that modern ships offer. They are well designed ships that offer everything most people want or need. The Millennium class ships are mega's and they have the latest and greatest. About all they lack from the RCI mega ships are the rock climbing and ice skating rinks.
The entire fleet offers first rate food and service. It is European in nature, and that puts some folks off a bit. The service in the dining room is a little more formal than than you will find on RCI, but it is not stiff or pretentious. There will be live music during dinner, sorbet to cleanse your pallet , and other nice touches. But, there will also be plenty of birthday cake singing, entertaining waiters, etc. The food is also more more European, but most people find it excellent and the menu has many choices. And, of course, there is a casual alternative dining location. Unlike some cruise lines, for dinner it is not a buffet. Instead, it is a casual sit-down dinner in the same area as the breakfast / lunch buffet is served.
One feature of all Celebrity ships that some people miss is a self-service laundry. You have full laundry and dry cleaning service available, but there is no self-service facility on board.
The passengers on Celebrity may be, on average, slightly older than on RCI, but you can be assured that there will be a wide range of ages including lots of children of all ages, unless you are traveling in the peak of the school year when there naturally are fewer. And, you will encounter people of every social circumstance. My wife and I had a lovely time on a Century cruise a few years back when two of our table mates were honeymooning janitors. They were great companions and we all had fun.
With regards to on-board activities, entertainment, the spa and gym, theater, lounges, pools, etc I do not think there is any difference between RCI and Celebrity. Similarly, the shore excursions, boarding (except Celbrity gives you a free welcome aboard glass of champagne), ships safety, and all of the other surrounding features of your cruise are identical so far as I can tell.
In short, you will enjoy a Celebrity cruise, I am confident. Book it without fear of feeling out of place.
Ted
