Additional Coverage:
- I spent 50 days on the same Celebrity cruise ship in 5 different rooms. Here’s how they compare, and which is the best value. (businessinsider.com)
Cruise Control: Local Couple Spends 51 Nights at Sea, Reviews Celebrity Constellation Cabins
TAMPA, FL – For many, a single cruise is a luxurious escape. For one local couple, last fall meant a whopping 51 consecutive nights aboard the Celebrity Constellation, spanning six back-to-back cruises from Rome to Tampa. Thanks to some savvy casino play on a previous Celebrity voyage, Tammy Barr and her husband snagged discounted sailings, turning their extended maritime adventure into a unique opportunity to sample various cabin classes.
Their nearly two-month journey allowed them to experience a range of accommodations, from the coziest interior cabins to the amenity-rich Concierge Class. Barr shares her insights on what each room offered and which she’d choose if paying full price.
The Inner Sanctum: Interior Cabins
Their journey began in an interior cabin, a windowless haven perfect for those who prioritize darkness for sleeping in. These 171-square-foot rooms, typically priced between $550 and $700 per person, offer a comfortable king-sized bed, a small desk, refrigerator, television, and a surprisingly spacious bathroom with generous counter space and a large rectangular shower. While the lack of natural light was a blessing for late sleepers, Barr admitted to missing the stunning sea sunsets from her bed.
A Glimpse of the Sea: Ocean-View Staterooms
Upgrading to an ocean-view room typically adds $50 to $100 per person to the cruise cost. These rooms, while similar in size and amenities to the interior cabins, offer the undeniable perk of a window.
Barr noted variations in layout, with some windows positioned above the bed and others offering a usable bench or storage area. Located on lower decks, these rooms often provide a quieter and smoother ride, a benefit over balcony rooms, which can experience more motion.
Stepping Up: Deluxe Ocean-View
The deluxe ocean-view cabin offers a significant jump in space, expanding from 171 to 242 square feet. This felt “massive” in comparison, according to Barr, with a larger window providing excellent sea views.
While the bathroom, bed, and vanity remained similar to other classes, the extra space allowed for in-room yoga and hosting friends. However, at an additional $100 per person over standard ocean-view cabins, Barr questioned if the larger room and window were truly worth the extra expense.
Fresh Air and Views: Veranda Rooms
For those craving fresh ocean air and a private viewing spot, the standard veranda room (also known as a balcony cabin) is a popular choice. At 175 square feet, it’s slightly smaller than the deluxe ocean-view but gains an additional 40 square feet of outdoor balcony space.
Barr particularly enjoyed leaving the door open to hear the waves. These rooms typically cost around $300 more per person than a standard ocean-view cabin.
The Royal Treatment: Concierge Class
The most enjoyed cabin of their journey was the Concierge Class. This balcony cabin, at 191 square feet with a 42-square-foot balcony, offers a bit more space, including extra shelving and a longer couch that converts to a queen-size bed. While the bathroom and closet remained similar to other rooms, Barr noted the bathrobes felt particularly plush.
The real draw of Concierge Class lies in its abundant perks, including access to a dedicated concierge for assistance with excursions, complimentary binoculars and sparkling wine, and a pillow menu for the bed. Exclusive events, such as port lectures and a helipad party with officers, further enhance the experience. However, Barr suggested these exclusive events might lose their appeal on repeat cruises.
Concierge Class comes with a steeper price tag, often nearly double that of an interior cabin, ranging from $928 to over $1,000 per person per week. This class, while offering a luxurious hotel-like experience, is not even Celebrity’s highest offering, with AquaClass and The Retreat providing even more upscale amenities and services.
The Sweet Spot: Barr’s Verdict
After experiencing a diverse range of cabins, Barr ultimately found her “sweet spot” in the standard veranda room. While the Concierge Class, with its luxurious perks, was her favorite, she believes the standard veranda offers excellent value at a more reasonable cost. For her, the additional few hundred dollars to upgrade from an ocean-view or interior room is well worth the privilege of watching the ship sail from a private balcony rather than through a window or on a crowded shared deck.
Celebrity truly offers cabins for every budget, and Barr’s extensive journey provides valuable insight for future cruisers looking to make the most of their time at sea.