Last minute deal in our email box caught my eye. The price, the "close to home" port and the itinerary added up "to let's take a chance on this transatlantic to Barcelona." This is our 4th TA, and the weather was less than perfect compared to our previous 3 TAs on Celebrity. They're was plenty of activities to fill the day, however, but missing was professional speakers with lively and entertaining subject matters. The evening entertainment was very good and the music groups around the ship were excellent.

We are Elite Plus with Celebrity which gives us Diamond status on Royal. The perks were different between cruise lines, but evened out in the end. With Celebrity we each receive 240 minutes of WiFi. With Royal we each received one 24hour consecutive period. I ended up purchasing a package for the last 9 days. Discounts on laundry services was offered on Royal. On Celebrity they are free (2 bags of laundry each, plus dry cleaning and pressing).

BUT, the evening Diamond member Happy Hour, was far superior on Royal - longer, very generous, themed receptions, plus 3 drinks per person to use in any bar on the ship. This was in addition to the reception, which was in The Colony Room, because there were so many Diamond members on board. Read more