Chuck

It sounds to me like you'd appreciate Celebrity. We've been on the Horizon twice to Bermuda and it's a lovely ship. Just the right size, very well maintained, clean and elegant. Celebrity's made its name by offering the best food among the mass market lines and the most upscale ships for the money.

Haven't been on Regal Empress so can't compare directly. But we've considered taking her for a short cruise and have seen the brochure and web site and researched the message boards. Empress is a much older ship with somewhat limited facilities. Probably would be fun for a short cruise but definitely not as nice as Celebrity.

If good food and elegant surroundings are to your liking, I think you'll be very pleased with Celebrity. You should be able to get some pretty good deals if you're going in the fall.

We did Celebrity out of Charleston last year, the trip was great, however Charleston really is not equiped to handle cruise ships well. Celebrity pulled out of Charleston and Regal Empress went in. My parents took a Regal Empress cruise out of Florida last spring and said it was awful, everyone got sick due to the air filters not being changed, the rooms were very small, the hallways had very low ceilings (old ship) and the food left alot to be desired. There has been a few other ships advertised out of Charleston but it might be more worth your while to go to Virginia or Philly to pick one up or Florida. You really want your first cruise to be a good one.
Good luck

To vicki and cruzer,

Thanks very much for your insights. I think Celebrity sounds like a better choice for us--especially for our first cruise, as you mentioned.

Let's not put down the Regal Empress. It is a wonderful old ship with good food and great service.

Of course one can not compare it to Celebrity but if you want the ambiance of a small old ship this is the one for you. The ship is very well maintained and the price is right. You can even talk with the Captain personally. You won't get that on Celebrity.

As with all small old ships you do not get the plush cabins and the elaborate buffets. The entertainment is of the lounge variety but there is plenty to do on the ship.

I'd walk a mile for the fresh hot donuts every morning and the home-made pizza.

Another positive ... they do not abandon you in ports such as the other cruise-lines do. There is always complimentary transportation to the sights. No expensive shuttle or cab rides. The shore tours are also very reasonable.

If you want country club and glamour book Celebrity.

Paul

I agree 100% with Paul--Regal Empress is an incredible value, but comparing it with Celebrity is an apples and oranges type of thing. I wouldn't recommend it for a first cruise, but for a veteran cruiser who has some interest in the evolution of cruise ships, it's fascinating! The library is one of the loveliest public rooms afloat and OH MY GOD! The donuts and pizza ARE heavenly! Not to mention probably the very best on deck barbecue I've ever experienced on a ship. Regal Empress is definitely NOT glitz and glamour but it surprises a whole lot of people...very pleasantly!