My brother and his wife are first time cruisers and although they were generally pleased with the experience, they did not have the benefit of comparative experience.
We have cruised frequently with Thomson, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity and the latter has marginally emerged, overall as our preferred line.
There are very many corners on a cruise ship and it is becoming clear that very few of them remain uncut.
Staffing levels have reduced with a commensurate impact on service.
Menu choices in the restaurants and buffet are more restricted and focus on cosmetic elaboration of very basic meals.
Drink prices, without a package, are prohibitively high and a number of brand choices have been moved into the premium package.
My biggest issue however, was the quality of entertainment.
The Orchestra were of the usual high standard but the singers and dancers were possibly the poorest we have experienced in more than twenty cruises.
The variation and standard of guest entertainers was truly dreadful.
Whether they were chosen by the Cruise Director or foisted upon the ship by the shipping and airline schedules we certainly copped a raw deal.
Will we cruise Celebrity again? yes, in fact we will be on Silhouette later this year.
Would we recommend them? Probably but without the degree of confidence and enthusiasm of our first Celebrity experience.
