I chose Celebrity for this year's cruise because after several Royal Caribbean sailings, I thought the dining, in-particular went downhill, and I wondered if it was time for me to "move up" to a premium cruise line. For a balcony cabin, I paid about $100 more per night on Celebrity than I normally do on Royal Caribbean, but I could not see where that premium pricing was put to use. There seems to be nothing premium about Celebrity (with few minor exceptions). I was shocked at how poor the experience on the Celebrity Equinox was.
Appearance:
It's an older ship--yes--but not that old, still the décor is quite dated and you don't walk on the ship and think, "wow" as you do on many other cruise lines. It's not a pretty ship. Carpeting is worn and frayed in many areas and seating upholstery seemed dirty/worn. There was rust on some decor that was made of metal. The cabin (Veranda 10**) appearance was "ok" but again, I had higher expectations for a premium cruise. The ceilings in the spa are sagging in spots (who uses dry wall for ceilings in a steam room?) Shockingly, there is only one space in the cabin where you are able to charge your devices or plug anything in, so you can't keep your phone by your bed, and there are no USB ports available anywhere. Also, why are all the men's urinals on the ship four feet off the ground?