YYC F/A

I don't know about any other Cruise Lines, but Celebrity certainly lets Pax upgrade at the current prevailing rate (you pay the difference between your booked / paid for price and the one currently advertised)

 

I suppose... That it being a Group Booking / Charter Group, could have some bearing, in that I know their pricing that I've seen online always seems to be vastly different from a regular cruise fare (be that higher or lower)... And then there is the aspect of how the Group holds their written agreement / contact with Celebrity on pricing etc

 

But...

 

Considering their comments on the Bevvy Pkgs, and now this...

 

Personally, I am guessing this is just a case of laziness... Let's do the least work and reap the maximum rewards.

 

As someone line yourself who has sailed on Celebrity would certainly leave a bad taste in my mouth for this TA and their ability or organize stuff

 

God help you if something went wrong and you truly needed them in your corner. Thinking they'd be making themselves really scarce then

 

Cheers!

This is not 100% true.

Celebrity posts Exciting Deals rates within 75 days of sailing. These are for new bookings only, and are not combinable with any offer previously booked, nor are you allowed to be "retro'd" to an Exciting Deals fare. Exciting Deals rates are deep discount last minute sell of rates for new bookings only, usually on a Guarantee Basis.

Not only are they not combinable with any other fare that was previously booked, but they are also strictly not combinable with groups.

The only time you can move up after final payment is if the STANDARD (unrestricted) fare goes down, OR/ if you switch to a Resident, Seniors rate etc (though in this case you'd lose your 123 GO or Pick Your Perk etc. and may also not be combinable with the group that you're booked in).

The 4/October voyage Boston - Quebec City has also been cancelled and official announcement will come out later today apparently.

The cruise line does not make the decision alone. The cruise port in Bermuda is closed to all shipping until the storm has passed. Ships can not be in a port during a hurricane.

You need to tell that to the Captain of Jewel of the Seas during Wilma. We holed up in Bermuda for 2 days while the storm raged.

In any event, glad that X made the decision to keep everyone somewhat dry, and most importantly safe, and the $100 / $200 refundable OBC was indeed a nice gesture (though it should be noted that the taxes/fees X charges passengers for a Bermuda itinerary of $230 per person are SIGNIFICANTLY higher than the government taxes/fees applicable for the two ports in PCL and NAS so arguably folks have still overpaid even with the $100 OBC and hopefully X won't be "pocketing" that difference).

Not sure I understand Choice Air's relationship with the airlines....although we've used choice air three or four times for one way trips to/from Europe for cruises (with no problems). They book the tickets and we get a record locator (almost always from American or another one world carrier). We can change seats/etc by just accessing the airline web site or calling the airline with the record locator.

 

The part I don't understand is the financials because we are charged for the ticket immediately (which is normal for non-refundable tickets), but Warning Celebrity keeps the money until after final payment...and they keep it in the account with your booking number. This becomes a serious (but solvable) issue if you cancel your cruise reservation with the choice air flight to make a new reservation on the same ship based on a "new bookings only" fare. if you don't do this correctly, Celebrity will cancel that flight, even though you've paid for it and even though you have a record locator....because their computer system sees that you cancelled the cruise. Don't cancel that first cruise until you have made sure that your choice air reservation and money have transferred to the new cruise booking.

This is a good point. There are "pros" to ChoiceAir but there are also some sticky issues. I'm also aware of several folks whom have turned up at the airport and their e-tickets are worthless as X didn't actually settle financially with the carrier so the tickets were voided.

Back to the OP's question, the answer is "it depends". If ChoiceAir is booking you onto a "published fare" - i.e. one that the carrier normally also sells directly to the public - then typically you will be eligible to accrue mileage on those tickets.

On certain marine contract or wholesale/bulk fares (particularly common for Transatlantic or Repositioning voyages or where you fly into one city and back from another), many of these will earn reduced or zero frequent flyer credit.

Your ability to upgrade using points is also a crapshoot, but that is also an issue with the majority of lower priced tickets these days even if you book directly with the carrier. Delta for instance only allows mileage upgrades on some of the highest fare categories - at which point it can often make more sense just to buy a Business Class ticket. This applies no matter where you purchase the airfare as it's all based on the fare bucket, e.g. L booking class versus M booking class etc.

The Premium Beverage package on X is the best in the business (by far). Across any cruiseline, mass market or luxury - no one can rival the beverage options of X. 40+ different vodkas, 40+ world craft beers, great new cocktail options at all bars, Martini bar, Molecular bar... list goes on. Even onboard Regent and Crystal, I wistfully missed the great beverage options we always enjoyed on X.

While I have a soft spot for HAL, the beverage package offerings have steered my business back to X. I don't drink for the sake of drinking, but being able to choose from great hand crafted cocktails, freshly made smoothies, or a respectable selection of up to 20 wines by the glass (Premium Package) on X leaves HAL in the dust.

The Signature Beverage Package on HAL offers IIRC a paltry four house wines, which on my last cruise, were so poor quality they were quite literally undrinkable. There is no way on HAL to upgrade or pay a differential to get drinkable wine, nor is there any real choice of wines, just some very cheap and pretty nasty house pours. I ended up buying bottles of wine or better wines by the glass (with no discount) which largely made the beverage package a moot point.

If you just want a simple vodka tonic, HAL will be just fine. Anyone that appreciates wine or a true selection of craft beers and cocktails will be disappointed with the weak HAL offering however.

I've spoken with some fairly senior executive team folks at HAL about this, they say they are aware of the issues (particularly with regard to wine), but yet nothing is ever changed.

Is it possible to switch the travel agent after a cruise has been booked? I am currently booked on a cruise in Nov, 2015, and my current TA has billed my credit card for the final payment amount, which is not due for another year. When I questioned this, I was told that Celebrity would reverse the charge. Well, they did, but for an amount $430 less that what was originally charged. I am now awaiting an answer from the TA about that discrepancy.

 

It seems that it was a lot easier to get things done in years past. And yes, I have dealt with this TA for many years. I'm thinking maybe too long.

 

Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

Stan

Technically I believe you cannot switch TA's once you are past "60 days from booking creation".

Likely the best situation here is to ask for a management representative from the TA, explain your past loyalty and your displeasure at the unauthorised charge, and indicate that you wish for the situation to be rectified (and perhaps even some "goodwill" might be nice for the hassle and inconvenience).

Then going forward, make a decision on future bookings as to your future TA. Remember also that sometimes these issues are the fault of the TA, sometimes the fault of the cruise line, and while it's important that it's rectified and you are given complete and timely information - I'd still give your TA the opportunity to make it right.

If all else fails, you can always request to move this specific booking to deal with X direct with no TA - irrespective of whether you are within the 60 day window or not.

If your booking was made less than 60 days ago, then yes, there is a mechanism to transfer the booking/change the TA.

I went on my May-June Summit sailing. Looking forward to it on my August 31 sailing coming up.

 

They pull out the deck chairs, to open up dance space. They set up a couple bars to sell drinks. The deck around the pool is VIP area for suite guests, monitored by the Michael's Club Concierge.

 

The set up white billowy curtains at the entrance doors and around the room, giving it an outdoor Miami nightclub type dance club feeling.

 

It lasted about 2 hours or so.

 

Modern dance/electronic/mixed pop DJ music is played, a few of the theatre performers perform like contortionists and aerialists. It's a colorful (literally with the color changing LED lighting the space) show, and how well it does varies based on the crowd and demographic of each individual sailing.

 

The CD and assistant are there to pump the crowd and encourage participation. Luigi is a hoot...!

Thanks for the info on this! I'm on the 31-Aug Summit sailing also, should be interesting to check out all the new entertainment and nightlife options! :cool:

I'm sure we'll bump into one another onboard ;)

Next time just dispute the charges with your CC later, X has to respond to denied charges or just take the loss. Either way it would save you time and a headache.

Your CC terms of use require that you take reasonable steps to raise the incorrect charge/dispute with the vendor in question and provide them the opportunity to respond and fix before you file a dispute.

CC fraud protection was never designed to be a substitution for resolving a simple billing discrepancy with a store or service provider. However, particularly in North America, abuse by consumers of the fraud protection process has been pretty high.

To the OP: I'm glad you got your $33 discrepancy resolved, and it's always unfortunate when a member of staff is abrupt or less than responsive. That said, I've sometimes seen the odd discrepancy on the bill and I wouldn't say it's necessarily a systemic problem or "disaster"

Some notes from recent experiences:

• While it's true that no sharing is allowed, and I have never tried to circumvent this or "cheat" the system, routinely when there's several of us at dinner and only some have premium package, and some have classic, the Sommeliers have provided "courtesy" pours of premium wines that the premium folks have ordered to the classic folks as well - I suspect largely because it's much easier to open one bottle and pour 6 glasses than 3 glasses of one wine and then another bottle for 3 glasses of a "Classic" wine
  
• The same is true with sparkling water, San Pelligrino etc. at both MDR and at casual dining venues. Glasses for all guests are almost always offered without asking, and only one Premium Package card is required to get the bottle
  
• We've never tried to get drinks for people not on the package at bars, and the bar staff do seem to enforce this. That said, I've also seen "courtesy upgrades" for folks on Classic packages when the bar doesn't have a Classic brand but has a Premium brand
  
• Soda water is not strictly the same as San Pelligrino or other sparkling waters. It contains sodium bicarbonate as well. However I'm fine myself with soda water in lieu of sparking water
  

The premium package can be purchased onboard for an upgrade rate. The rates have gone up if you wait til onboard - it depends on when your Classic Bev Package was originally added to your booking as to whether you pay onboard the $10+$1.50 a day or whether you pay the higher rate. I recommend calling Celebrity's pre-cruise enhancement desk:

Celebrity Experience Desk: 1-800-590-6221 for Concierge Class and higher

Celebrity Pre-Cruise Enhancements: 1-800 722 5941 Standard Staterooms

They can do an upsell ahead of time from Classic to Premium.

I always take the Premium up-sell as the selection of wines by the glass (over 20 versus around 5 on Classic) is worth it alone, and then I also appreciate all the Martini's and Molecular Bar (Solstice Class Ships) beverages that are included.

Some final notes - at the Molecular Bar, please appreciate that while the Premium Package covers these drinks, they are significantly more involved and complicated to make than pouring a whisky and soda. I always show my appreciation to these folks with an up-front gratuity at the start of the cruise and an explanation that by the end of the cruise we plan to sample the entire cocktail menu :cool: The gesture is always appreciated as these folks work hard and don't always get the same percentage of the gratuity pool as they churn out less volume.

All in all, I consider the Celebrity packages to be the best in the business, far superior to Royal and HAL, and while I rate NCL's UBP the second best, Celebrity is still streets ahead - covering many things the others don't such as premium waters, the full range of specialty coffees, health bar smoothies, and energy drinks such as Red Bull. Not too mention that Celebrity is unique in having bar venues with 40+ international beers, venues with 40+ different vodkas, and a dozen different bourbons. No other cruise line - mainstream or luxury - has the same breadth of choice as Celebrity whom have made a significant investment in the onboard beverage offering, even bringing onboard outside consultants to assist in bar concepts, and cocktail / menu design.

CellarMasters - particularly on the S-Class, is underutilised I think everyone agrees. It's a pity as I love the space and it's nice sometimes to have somewhere a bit more secluded and quieter for a drink with some friends.

However with the move to beverage packages (I think it's now North of 70% in terms of average number of passengers with a beverage card), the fact that the Enomatic wine machines are specifically excluded from beverage packages is a direct reason why I usually ended up at another bar or lounge for pre- or post-dinner drinks. True, one can get select wines by the glass that are covered if you upgraded to the Premium Package, but on the whole this place is lucky to have a half dozen folks in here while other venues are packed.

I do expect changes, especially if X needs to create dining venues for Suite guests, and "Concierge Lounges". Michaels Club on some vessels is "the beer place" with over 40 (50?) different beers from around the world, and on Reflection I found this to be a busy spot once folks "discovered it" later in the cruise. It'll be a shame if Michaels Club in effect becomes off-limits and there is a loss of CellarMasters as well.

So, a small amount of folks (undisclosed and hard to determine how many of them actually came onboard with some kind of illness in the first place) had suspected Norovirus. An outbreak that affected less than 4% of the total onboard population.

These folks are quarantined to cabin, provided complimentary medical care, and Princess instigates additional cleaning and sanitising measures.

Yet somehow, Princess should also be financially responsible for fines incurred by people disembarking early in contravention of the PVSA?

I heard there's a cold and flu bug being passed around a lot of the kids' school. Maybe I should keep the kids at home, and then hold the school accountable for my costs of childcare. Surely they're responsible for for the consequences of my decisions.

As cruising expands to a broader demographic, so too do the tastes and attires onboard.

In addition, airlines are becoming more and more tight on luggage allowances. The days of 2 free checked bags are long gone with most airlines, and for the Mediterranean as an example, folks doing a week or two of touring around by land before or after their cruise - well dragging along extra suitcases full of tuxes, gowns et al is something that more and more people are reluctant to do.

Cruise lines more and more are having to balance the desire of those that wish to "dress up to the nines" with those that want to be elegantly dressed, but perhaps not in a Tux or full suit, or full gown.

FWIW, on a recent X cruise I wore a 3-piece suit, but without the jacket. The MDR was uncomfortably hot and stuffy so I wore the suit pants, the vest/waistcoat, a formal dress shirt and tie, but sans Jacket. I guess I would have been one of those vilified by the OP and pointed out to the Maitre D for not wearing a jacket while seated. Each to their own. :rolleyes:

I've never heard of a cruise line compensating a TA for a cruise sale with a fee vs. a commission, nor have I heard of situations where TAs don't get commissions but instead charge a fee for cruises which is what I understand has been the case with air bookings for some time. Am I incorrect in this or has there been a change in the fundamental way cruise lines compensate TAs?

A commission is paid by the cruise line, however there are significant "non commissionable fare" components built into your fare that are not disclosed to the consumer. For Alaska, this is usually over $200 per person of the fare, for Panama Canal I've seen it over $500 with some lines. Thus, if you book a $299 cruise fare in Alaska, yes the agency will be paid a commission. But it will be paid out on only 1/3rd of the actual cruise fare, or put another way, only around $15 per person commission. Of course, agencies are also not paid commissions on taxes/fees either.

I've seen instances where a customer is spending around $1,000 on the cabin adding in all the taxes/fees, but where the agency compensation is less than $30. As the non commissionable portions of cruise fares continue to rise, I expect to see more and more agencies either focus on higher end business, or charge fees for low margin business.

Airlines are blazing the trail. Call Delta or United and you'll pay $25 or $30 per person "direct ticketing fee" for the privilege of buying your ticket over the phone. Bag fees, fees for early boarding, fees for carry-ons... It's changing not just the airline model but will inevitably seep into other areas of the travel business.

For cruisers, the price to go on a cruise has fallen dramatically in real terms when adjusting for inflation compared to the 1980's and early 90's, but so too will the model continue to evolve for both fees (from agencies and cruise lines alike) and from onboard revenue charges.

We use these guys too and while we have never had to cancel a cruise, we have been bitten by the decrease in OBC when we applied for a price drop. Maybe we need to find a new Travel agent. We have been happy with them though.

The OBC is being funded by the agency's compensation / cruise commission in many/most cases. If your cruise fare drops, so does the agency commission, and thus so could/should your OBC. In some major price drop instances, your OBC would be most, if not all of the commission on the new booking if not adjusted.

I'm puzzled why that's such an alien concept, I'd hardly say it's being "bitten".

There are many different agency models out there. Some charge for cancellations, some don't but charge a small professional fee up front, some charge no fees at all but perhaps offer a more limited service model.

FWIW, I'd also not be surprised to see more of an "a la carte" approach to fees from the cruise lines in the future, not dissimilar to the airlines. Holland America already charges ($25pp IIRC) if you book direct with them and need assistance to complete your online check-in with a HAL reservation agent - whereas most TA's would do this for you gratis.

Just as the cruise line onboard revenue and additional a la carte items onboard continue to evolve, so too do I expect to see more of this in other aspects of the business too. But we digress :cool:

I must put a trip to a travel agency on my "to do" list and pick up a new brochure! My 2010 one must be totally out of date! :rolleyes:

Hopefully you'll also extend them the courtesy of being able to try and earn your business and provide a quote for your next cruise so that you're not just using them as a free brochure depository.

Why not simply follow the rules? Wonderful way for the law school graduate to start off. Or don't they teach ethics anymore?

Thanks for the condescending lecture, really adds to the discussion. I hardly think that subbing a high end bottle of beer for a bottle of wine is an issue of "ethics"... :rolleyes:

To the OP - I'd try and take it on and worst case they hold it til end of cruise.

You could email Celebrity guest relations ahead of time and ask for permission if you explain it's a very special bottle of high end craft beer and ask if they'd allow you to sub one bottle of that instead of one bottle of wine/champagne.

Otherwise just try it and see what happens.

Thank you, yes, the "fantasy" has tarnished. We want something new on the Celebrity ships or new ports. The ala carte's are expensive and we have a problem finding the value. We're not interested in Oceania or Azamara. Seabourn and Crystal are ships for smokers. Disney is good for a family.

 

M-Class ships were best in the early years. The S-Class ships now offer the same lounges, same entertainment, same food, same, same, same, etc. with little creativity to keep the "fantasy" of cruising for old timers.

 

Increasing Loyalty benefits does not make surprises. 123 Pkg promos don't give enough incentive. The lounges are limited in entertainment, the buffet has no alternate service, the bells and whistles of the biggest RCI ships or the Princess ships are now major competitors due to changes in smoking policies.

 

Celebrity needs to polish its product and ferry us to a new Caribbean ports. Celebrity needs to mix things up aboard ship to make the ferry worth the ride and added costs worth the dollars.

 

jls

I frankly have no idea on what product you feel you'd really enjoy?

Your rush to dismiss Crystal and Seabourn (smokers!) is illustrative perhaps of choosing to believe what you want to believe.

To elaborate further - Crystal has one of the tightest smoking policies of any line now. In addition to no smoking in the Casino (for a number of years now), smoking has now been banned in all public lounges and indoor areas - except the cigar bar. Smoking is also banned in staterooms and on verandahs. So frankly, I have no idea where you are coming from with the comment about smoking? :confused:

Back to Celebrity - you can cruise the Caribbean for 7-nights on a brand new ship that has an upscale look and feel, modern art everywhere, nicely appointed staterooms - all for $899 for a Balcony Stateroom - and now with your bottled water, soft drinks, liquor and wine included too!

If you can't see the value in that, then I really am at a loss.

Certainly, I agree that the Specialty Dining costs have gone up considerably of late, but if I throw in a few nights of specialty dining, enjoy my complimentary beverage package, and factor in taxes and tips, I'm still less than $1200 for an upscale "all-inclusive" trip, or, around $340/night for two of us.

If I compare this to staying at a nice upscale resort in Hawaii or Florida, by the time I factor in dining, entertainment and unlimited beverages for two - I can't even come close.

I guess I see the "value" in these floating ferries differently from you.

Just returned from NCL and had the UBP. Cliff notes:

• Package allows premium spirits, but mass confusion onboard as to what brands are included and are not. I tried ordering some that were listed as $8.50 and thus included in the amount for Spirits but was told that because the total with gratuity was over $8.50, it was not included
  
• Had to get the Head Bartender involved on several occassions due to above confusion and ended up carrying around his pager/phone number and the UBP info sheet with the pricing listed as to what is included
  
• Aside from above annoyances, great selection of drinks and spirits included, and I pushed the boat out and tried many different things knowing that if I hated it - well - it's ok, it's not like I blew $8 or $10 on it!
  
• Wine selection excellent. Some 35-40 wines by the glass that are included. Very stong part of the program compared to Royal (house plonk only) and Holland (also house plonk only).
  
• No bottled water or coffee beverages as you know. Bummer. I missed that versus Celebrity's quite awesome packages
  
• The wine machines including those in the Studio Lounge are NOT included in the UBP. I got confirmation from Bar Manager on this point. Reason being? They cannot monitor use (makes sense) so you could be pouring wine all night for others and abusing package.
  
• I gave out $1 tips liberally to "good" bar staff. My service experience was outstanding. I hate to say it, but these folks will reward the folks that reward them. A small gesture to say 'thanks' goes a long long way. I was often enjoying generous pours and even one or two "off package" libations courtesy of a friendly bar staff member
  

All in all? I'd rate NCL's UBP the second best in the business- after Celebrity. Royal is playing catch up with the awful policy of house plonk (and it's almost undrinkable) and Bud / Bud Light only. Unless you drink cocktails, Royal's package is weak - but I hear big changes are coming.

Holland - they are evaluating, last time I tried a few months back the package was very restricting - no coffees, no bottled water, no nice wine.

Princess - new beverage package will rival Celebrity's from what I know so far.

But NCL - not bad. Throw in coffees and bottled waters and you've really got an ULTIMATE beverage package :))

Anyone know of a Miami hotel that picks up from the airport and will take you to the cruise terminal the next day?? I'm sure there has to be a good selection that will.........

To the best of my knowledge, none of the hotels DT provide "free" shuttle from airport and to port.

Holiday Inn MIA airport on Ponciana provides free airport shuttle AND free shuttle to port of Miami. Newly renovated rooms.

If you go to Marriott.com you can put in Corporate Code/Promo Code "TRS" and then you can view properties that have a Cruise/Transfer rate that includes transfers (and usually breakfast and some cocktails). It can be quite a good deal, sometimes only $10 more than the lowest rates, but with breakfast/transfers/welcome cocktail vouchers included.

I can barely get my TA to do anything I ask her for never mind know which cabin is bad on EVERY ship. Seems like a tall order. Before someone tells me I should get a new TA she's the best I've found in Calgary. I'd love to live in a city where there was some decent TA's.

Hi Lorekauf,

Sorry to hear that - this always makes me disheartened when I hear these things about TAs. It brings a bad name to all of us in the profession - many of us whom work very diligently for our clients!

I assure you there are some great TA's in our city here including some cruise specialists who deal with cruises and cruises alone and really do go out of their way to make your trip a great one! ;)

Google is your friend. I hope you have better luck for your next cruising adventure and will find a good TA here in the city whom specialises in HAL. Sorry to be circumspect, but advertising or promoting is not allowed on CC here - but there are some agents out there near to you that do care, I promise ;)