Southern cruise-Which boat?
 

My Wife and I are thinking of taking a Southern Carribean Cruise in late October of this year. I currently have two quotes from different Cruise Liners. My question is, is the Royal Carribean (Serenade of the Seas) much better then Celebrity ( Summit)? We are first time Cruisers. The price difference for 7 days is $800.00.

My impression is that Celebrity is the better line. We had back to back cruises on RCL followed by Celebrity a few years ago. The RCL cabins were smaller, and the ship was not as nice. The only thing better was that the RCL crew was friendler. This was a while ago, so things may change. Also in your case I think that the RCL ship is newer and larger. Check it out.

FYI... Royal Caribbean owns Celebrity and and Celebrity is upscale. Have not been on the Summit, but check out the reviews on both ships.. Parrot Pop and I love Celebrity, especially the service which we have found to be outstanding.

I have not been on Celebrity yet. However, I have been on the Serenade OTS several times. It is my favorite ship in the RCI fleet. She is a Radiance class ship with expansive windows everywhere; glass elevators looking out onto the ocean. Consistently voted (by passengers) as best ship in the fleet for friendliness, service, etc. I am booked to cruise on her for two weeks next January.

Celebrity is supposed to be a bit more upscale. Not as many "games" at the pool, crew a bit more reserve, etc.

As first time cruisers, you have nothing to compare either cruise with. I think you would be happy with either cruise. If you go to cruisecritic.com, you will find a wealth of information on cruising.

I spoke with Celebrity last week about some options for next year, and Summit is to be upgraded this spring. I'd choose Summit in a heartbeat as the food will be better and the service and overall experience a step up or two from the smaller RCCL ships.

Love RCCL too. Have cruised many times on RCCL with no complaints. I'd still choose a Celebrity ship over RCCL, over Azamara (unless it's a super super sale) and Oceania. When you choose an Eastern or Western caribbean itinerary, though, look for the Solstice Class Celebrity Ships as well. Good luck.

Picky, picky, but please know that these are ships not "boats" - you wouldnt want to cruise in a boat.