Caribbean Cruise? MSC Seaside, Symphony of the Seas or Celebrity Edge ?

So I am in a dilemma!? I am looking to book a Caribbean Cruise for myself for December 2018 and I am undecided on MSC Seaside, Symphony of the Seas or Celebrity Edge. A nice dilemma to be in some would say 🙂

These 3 ships are all new for 2018  All three companies delight in offering the latest in technology and all offering a first for cruising. Which one would you choose?

Here are the stats for all three :-

MSC SEASIDE

Here are the statistics

• Gross tonnage 160,000
• Number of passengers 5179
• Crew members 1413
• Number of Cabins 2067 Guest Cabins 759 Crew Cabins
• Length / Beam / Height
  • 323 m / 41 m / 72 m
• Lower Berth  4,134
• Maximum speed 21.8 knots
• Open Areas  43,500 square metres

Launching on the 17th December 2017 MSC Seaside really is the ship to sail on , a ship like no other and if you like new experiences then she really is the ship for you.

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS

Stats:

Passengers:  5,475

Crew: 2,390

Decks: 17

Length: 1188 ft

Tonage: 227,000

Built In: Saint Nazaire

Decks

The ship will feature 17 decks and will replica Harmony of the Seas, its sister ship, in almost every way including the iconic 110ft drop dry slide the Ultimate Abyss, the restaurants and even the mock up of the cabins.

Deck 2 & 3: Ice Skating Rink and Main Dining Room

Deck 4 & 5: Casino, Comedy Club, Promenade and Royal Theatre

Deck 6 & 7: Spa, Boardwalk, Aquatheatre and Rock Climbing Wall

Deck 8, 9, 10 & 11: Central Park, Rising Ride Bar, Staterooms

Deck 12, 13 & 14: Wonderland, The Bridge, Kids Clubs and The Solarium

Deck 15 & 16: Splashaway Bay, Mini Golf Course, The Ultimate Abyss and the Flow Rider

Deck 17 & 18: Loft Suites, The Perfect Storm and Waterslides

Royal have announced that they have been working with design company, Boldt, to provide glow-in-the-dark decking for two of its Oasis class ships, including Symphony of the Seas.

The cruise line now have a contract in place with Bolideck Glow, offering energy efficiency savings by reducing lighting requirements. When used outside it can also harvest energy, storing solar energy generated by day that can be converted into exterior lighting at night.

It will bring safety benefits by illuminating escape routes and signage as the luminous material ensures decking areas remain highly visible in the dark.

CELEBRITY EDGE

Passengers 2,900

Crew

Decks 16

Length 984ft

Tonnage 117,000

Celebrity Edge has been designed from the best architects from around the Globe completely in 3D. I have to be honest Celebrity Edge does have the Wow factor but the features on board have been criticized by critics calling them gimmicks. So what are the stunning features on Celebrity Edge

RETREAT SUNDECK – THE MOST SOPHISTICATED OF ALL RETREATS AND WILL OFFER ROUND THE CLOCK BUTLER SERVICE TOGETHER WITH THE ADDITION OF THE SUITE CLASS RESTAURANT LUMINAE.

NEW EDGE STATEROOMS WITH INFINITY VERANDAHS – NOW THESE ARE SOMETHING TO BE SEEN. The new Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda gives guests open-air access to the sea with just the touch of a button and with another touch of a button, passengers can take complete control of their stateroom and personalise everything from lighting, shades, temperature and service. Now this is my type of cabin.

ROOFTOP GARDEN – Now you remember the Lawn Club, a fantastic ares of space on top deck to have a drink or two overlooking the ocean. This has been replaced by the rooftop garden , a place to play games throughout the day but at night will change into an open air movie theatre and where you can listen to live music

MAGIC CARPET – Now this has to be my favourite concept on Celebrity Edge, a restaurant that moves up and down the side of the ship making you as close to the ocean as you could possibly be. With the ambiance changing throughout the day this definitely is a must do.

I will be totally honest with you  I am totally undecided. I have been on Oasis Class before and as a family we love Royal Caribbean. If I am travelling with friends I always book Celebrity. As for MSC Seaside I have never sailed with them before but the garden balconies , together with the waterfront promenade are all ready drawing me in. Decisions decisions , which would you choose?

Holly x