Celebrity or Regent European Cruise
 

As a gift for my mother's 70th Birthday, we are sending her and my dad on a European cruise (They are Irish). We have whittled it down to 2 cruises. Celebrity Equinox 10 days Western Mediterranean and Regent Navigator Venice to Barcelona 10 days.
They have never cruised before so they have nothing to compare to. My mother enjoys the finer things in life (spacious cabin, fine dining, personal service, fine wines etc.) and for this reason I am veering towards Regent. My dad would enjoy the on board entertainment and chatting to other passengers. Regent is quite a bit more expensive and I am wondering if it is worth it. I am afraid that I may be making an assumption that because Regent is more expensive that it is better. Naturally I want them to have a lovely experience but only if it is worth paying the extra.Would you say that Regent is nicer in terms of decor and service? Is it stuffy at all? I was on a Celebrity cruise myself a number of years back and found it to be very nice but perhaps a little too commercial for my liking with upselling and photos etc.. Anyone any thoughts? Thanks in advance

The biggest difference is Regent's prices include EVERYTHING except spa treatments and casino gambling - all meals (including in the specialty restaurants), all drinks including house wines & top shelf liquors, snacks, nightly hors d'overs, excursions, gratuities, etc. Once you pay the booking fee you never have to worry about paying out money or putting your hand on your wallet. With Celebrity you pay extra for many of those same items.

We've been on both - Celebrity is OK, Regent is much better and more "high end".

Regent isn't "quite a bit" more expensive ... it's going to cost quadruple the Celebrity cruise. You can't go wrong on Regent. Service and food quality aren't even comparable they are so much better. Regent is truly a luxury cruise line; Celebrity is a step above mainstream. So they simply aren't comparable. For the price, I think Celebrity offers a lot, and you can choose your upgrades (better food and wine, bigger cabins). On Regent, everything comes pre-upgraded. But the shore excursions and flights aren't included on Celebrity, so it's just impossible to compare.

Thanks RoamsAround and Doug. Your input has been very helpful indeed and it looks like we are going to go ahead with the Regent cruise. It is a special occasion and we it to be a real treat for my mother. I hope we wont spoil any possible future cruise for them by starting out with a high end option! Only wish I could go myself! Thanks again- really appreciate your help.

We've taken two Regent cruises, one being the Mediterranean from Istanbul to Rome and it was truly fantastic. Food was terrific, very good selection of wines, and desirable and thoughtful day excursions. There was attention to detail in all areas. I think your parents will be very pleased--you've made the right choice. It can easily become the measure of all cruises!