RCCL and the crowds vs Celebrity
 

We just returned from a great cruise on celebrity. The boat was a great size and we did not feel like we were one of the masses. We never stood on a line of more than five people for a buffet, ice cream and always were able to get a deck chair and a spot in the casino.

Celebrity does not have the best itinery for next Christmas so we are looking into Royal. There are three boats we are considering but all can ccomodate more people then were on our cruise this year and we are afraid we are going to be waiting in lines and not have the incredible service we just had on the celebrity. Can anyone comment on the major differences between the two lines?

Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity. I've sailed on both, and I assure you, you shouldn't have any problems. Each has their own nuances. I think you will enjoy RCCL. ((b))

Just came off the "Radiance"..our 5th RCCL cruise. The ship was definitely sold OUT and we never waited in line for anything more than a minute or two and that was at the omelette station in the Windjammer (buffet).

I've never felt crowded on any of RCCL's bigger ships. Some of these "we were crowded" or "we had to wait" whines I suspect are the product of "we waited until the last minute to show up"
way of doing business.

If you don't want to chance it and it is THAT much of a major vacation-ruining "issue" for you then I advise you to go on a smaller vessel but if you do, please don't complain because there "wasn't much to do."

Just came off the "Radiance"..our 5th RCCL cruise. The ship was definitely sold OUT and we never waited in line for anything more than a minute or two and that was at the omelette station in the Windjammer (buffet).

I've never felt crowded on any of RCCL's bigger ships. Some of these "we were crowded" or "we had to wait" whines I suspect are the product of "we waited until the last minute to show up"
way of doing business.

If you don't want to chance it and it is THAT much of a major vacation-ruining "issue" for you then I advise you to go on a smaller vessel but if you do, please don't compalin because there "wasn't much to do."

We have been on Celebrity (Mercury) and RCCL (Legend). While we preferred Celebrity, both were no problem with regard to lines, crowds etc., or that is how it seemed to us. I think you need to balance the class of ship, the cruise line, and your personal tastes.

Intrepid1,
Can you tell me about basketball court hours? Do they close it for dinner hours and reopen later? I'd also appreciate any feedback you have on this ship.
Thank you.