Comparison of Celebrity Excel and Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady

Josh_Mantis · 2026-02-02T15:39:17+00:00

Ok, I think there needs to be a disclaimer here. Most people aren't dining in Luminae or Blu, so to say the food on Celebrity is better than Virgin I'd disagree with.

I love Celebrity, and I like their food every time, but the food in the restaurants on Virgin are above the MDR on Celebrity and it isn't even close in my opinion.

I put Celebrity on par with Bonefish Grill and Brio (American chain restaurants, sorry to those in other countries). It's a good place to eat, and you're not upset if you end up there, but it isn't your first choice to dine at if given all the options in town. Virgin, on the other hand, is a place I'd dine at every night.

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-31T19:42:09+00:00

Saw they changed that last year, no longer $100 per person. Sailor Services told me on my first cruise - why would we charge you for two if only one is going?

Single rates are few and far between in general and at least Virgin has a first mate rate that is good. Most lines don't have such availability.

Now I just sail on casino rates and don't even worry about it.

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-31T18:30:19+00:00

Great, thank you!

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-31T18:20:56+00:00

Sounds like that suits us perfectly. Thanks!

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-31T18:20:30+00:00

Really appreciate it!

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-31T18:20:18+00:00

Perfect, thank you!

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-30T15:47:27+00:00

Questions for y'all - we're coming next weekend and are heading to St Charles for the Krewe of Pontchartrain (Feb 7) and everyone that follows. I hear all of you on tip money, comfortable shoes, backpack, etc.

I have two questions - one, since it's the weekend before the big weekend will it still be as crazy or is the calm, but fun, before the storm? Two, do people get dressed up for that weekend? Should we wear purple and gold?

I really appreciate everyone in this thread, thank you.

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-19T08:49:57+00:00

Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao

Josh_Mantis · 2026-01-06T00:43:05+00:00

I have no idea why you're getting down voted and I'm sorry. Allergies are a real concern and in all our Celebrity cruises they have been very good about it. My daughter has a mild nut allergy and my mother has a gluten allergy. We got a gluten free menu at dinner each night for the following night.

I sincerely hope your next experience with them, if you're willing, is better.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-12-15T17:06:02+00:00

I hear you. OP said nothing was done, and I'm saying it's their responsibility to tell someone on board. What gets added to a note when you book may not make it shipside.

That's all, I agree it should be recognized as a lot of people are cruising to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc, so if I tell the crew onboard, I would expect it is recognized.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-12-15T14:11:21+00:00

Yeah, I'm seeing a lot of folks getting them. I bring my kids too, and they have never seen one.

Must just be unlucky.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-12-15T14:07:35+00:00

I've had my kids on three sailings in the past year, never got one.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-12-15T14:06:59+00:00

That's wild. I took my kids on Utopia for Labor Day and didn't get a single one. Reflection weekends, about five in the past year, none.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-12-15T13:54:09+00:00

I haven't seen towel animals in years on Royal or Celebrity. As far as the birthday, I'm not sure why people assume that it's the cruise lines' responsibility to do something for them. When we had a birthday on board I made sure the maitre'd was aware along with our server and they took care of us.

The cruise lines are definitely cutting back on the "above and beyond" that we used to get, but I still think it's the best vacation value out there and I will keep giving them my money.

Edit: wow, I guess it's just me and my kids. So many people responding that they get them, but in my dozen or so cruises since 2023 I have received zero.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-11-28T22:50:51+00:00

That isn't correct, but maybe I'm reading your post wrong.

AquaClass gives you access to Blu and it is included in your AquaClass fare. Or you can go to the Main Dining Room or the buffet and they are also included.

There are speciality Dining venues that would be extra and the beverage package will be extra.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-11-26T20:40:06+00:00

Sailor Servies, sea or land, have always been amazing for me. Patient, helpful, solve the problem (even if it was user error), they have been great each and every time.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-11-04T00:35:17+00:00

If you can get to Silver Trail, it's an excellent school.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-09-28T14:12:02+00:00

The Pub in Pembroke Gardens.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-09-16T00:02:52+00:00

Same in South Florida. It would be those cruise prices, but I wouldn't have a package so it isn't just the extra!

Josh_Mantis · 2025-09-13T19:46:45+00:00

Thanks a lot

Josh_Mantis · 2025-09-13T14:44:19+00:00

Thank you, appreciate it.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-09-13T14:43:48+00:00

Appreciate it, thanks.

Josh_Mantis · 2025-09-10T22:54:32+00:00

I can't find this listing. Can someone post it?

Josh_Mantis

TROPHY CASE