Spif Barwunkel

Say it isn't so. Could it be? Have standard balcony rooms met their demise, while infinite verandas are on the rise. Is it possible that cruise passenger behavior and indifference is a big reason for a radical change in a particular cabin category on X ships? If so, you'll pardon me, but I'm chuckling to myself right now. How ironic that the very cruisers who degrade the IV, may very well be the reasons for their own agitation and displeasure with current Edge Class events. A very interesting and valid hypothesis.

Even in my ignorance regarding cruise ship efficiency, this certainly seems to be sound reasoning. If indeed that is the case, does Celebrity now catch a break from all the negative IV and Brand related commentary? Those who dislike the Infinite Verandas will continue to dislike them but does the logic behind their creation validate X's attempt to become more efficient and thus cost effective. I would hope so. Can we get away from thinking that X is intentionally deserting loyalists, old folks, light sleepers and real balcony purists? Also, could it be that over the years there have been many cases of "standard balcony abuse"? Open balcony doors, low AC temp settings to offset heat discomfort when sitting on the balcony. It's not your dime, at the time, but sometime in the future your cruise cost might include another person's electric bill...so to speak.

Could not agree more, RY. Who do people think they are to voice differing opinions and comments in a sensible and logical manner? It screams nothing but vitriolic hubris that has no place on a forum such as this. Kudos to you for pointing this out. However, despite these machinations, I will continue to enjoy Celebrity cruising...in an IV.

Actually, there are plenty of "balcony" ships in all areas if you want to stick with Celebrity. Since 2000, nine M and S Class ships have provided much enjoyment to X cruisers. They will continue to do so in a style and presentation preferred by many. One's Celebrity "status" is in no way compromised by the introduction of Edge Class ships, and one certainly did not work hard to attain that status. You found an attractive vacation that you liked, spent the money and continued to partake of X's offerings for many years. There are things that some folks don't like about the new ships. So what, don't patronize them. There are nine M & S class ships on which you can continue to enjoy fun and frolic. No need to be frustrated because as you stated, "now I have the choice." So make it and stop blaming Infinite Verandas for all things unpleasant about X cruising. These ships are not for everyone, apparently, if one cannot adapt or enjoy the "Brand" in its entirety, cruise elsewhere like many folks are apparently doing.

Excellent positive responses in posts 86 & 87, just as you requested. Adding to those, I would say that the introduction of IV's on Edge Class ships piqued my curiosity and prompted me to book an IV on an early Edge sailing. We have two more booked this year on Beyond and Ascent. The point here is, the Infinite Veranda gave me the opportunity to see for myself what it is all about, thus making up my own mind and fulfilling my inquisitiveness. Had I not been a fan, no harm done, the cruise would still have been an enjoyable one. Enjoy the IV and Edge Class because they are giving you the opportunity to do so. I do not want to be the one who changes your mind. If you can comfortably book an IV cabin despite all the negativity on this thread, that you did not request, do so of your own accord and based on how your curiosity needs to be fulfilled, if at all.

Once again, you and I disagree. Not unusual. Certainly, if the OP is good with turning this thread in to another IV pros vs cons, that is just dandy, and I will yield to AliceS. In the meantime, in some cases, we remain off-script.

Whereas I do not feel that post #63 is intended to usurp this thread, it could certainly seem that way. The OP asked a simple question, and as is too often the case, some folks just can't stick to the script. I will not speak for the OP, but I will assume that your country of residence matters not in the total scheme of things. Just answer the simple question, no matter where you live. Nothing more, nothing less.

I do enjoy the Infinite Veranda. Semantics notwithstanding, it is a new variation on an old theme, and I do believe that the IV is more versatile than the standard balcony cabin. Different, no doubt, and it tested my adaptability, which passed with flying colors I might add. Call it what you like, IV does not work for everyone and given the vernacular in which many folks speak, the debasement of this particular cabin category will certainly continue. So, for those of you who continue to eschew the Infinite Veranda, your abstinence from same enables me, and a few others, to have unincumbered access for our choice of cabin. And when we sail away with all IV's full of the "cool" folks, our thoughts will go to the "others" onboard and that they too may feel some semblance of cool.

Book 'em Dano! And Gladys and Herman and Margie, as well.

Obviously, only bring ashore the required items that X tells you are necessary at a particular port-of-call. Beyond that, cash, credit card, etc. you have got to decide that for yourself. Lots of common sense and awareness can go a long way. Planned activities or excursions vs on-your-own and winging it, you be the judge.

you tell the stupidest questions.

i wuz never gud at capitols

its nise two see this thread retruning to thee fourfront of x fourums. we have segwaid into the identoficasion of briges now i see and i can uneqovocaly say that the current brige in qestion is non other then lupu brige in shanghy china. nown fore its ability to mimic other briges deepening on lite time of day an atmosferic presure it can easily be missedachin fore another span.

Totally agree on the importance and appeal of itinerary. Totally disagree on the inability to find appealing itineraries on S & M class ships. I have done the same three cruises, different ships and number of days, all on Celebrity. Nothing right or wrong here.

Knowing how much you apparently dislike many things about E Class, you are going to appreciate M Class. I'll not pre-dispose you to anything but count on a very enjoyable experience. Try the non-informed newcomer approach and figure it all out for yourself.

Ain't that the truth. Isn't it nice to have all that figured out, and we did not have to rely on anyone telling us how to do it? I would never ask another person how to spend my money nor would I ever tell anyone how to spend theirs.

No doubt, the debate over the pros and cons of Edge Class ships is way overdue for retirement. And yet it seems that the same perpetrators continue to infiltrate and permeate any and all X topics with their dissatisfaction. In the beginning it was helpful and informative to participate in worthwhile discussion. It has morphed into a boorish, non-pragmatic harangue against anything Edge related. Time to exercise some self-control.

I'll not speak to your cruising experiences, but considering your contributions to these forums over time I will assume that they are many. Between December of last year and June of this year I will have sailed on the three classes of X ships. Each had, and will have, totally different itineraries and exciting ports of call. Unless you have exhausted your cruising bucket list or just have no place else to go, I consider your comment a cop out and an excuse to further speak against Celebrity. There are many similar itineraries on all X ships. If one is pre-disposed to negativity, for any reason, nothing looks good.

Very interesting theories, suppositions and opinions regarding X changes at the top. I do appreciate the information and education from those in the know regarding such circumstances in the corporate world, although actual reasons for Lisa leaving as president and Laura taking over in that role are known only to a few. Today, just as in my many working years, I don’t give much attention to those high-level happenings, too far above my pay grade and I never felt the effects of any change. I therefore, in my lack of infinite wisdom, have always refused to place blame or give credit to one person for the good, the bad, or the ugly. No matter who has the final say, it is a team effort in arriving at the final result. If that is ignorance talking, I am comfortable in that incomprehension. Whether you’re a fan of LLP or not she was a big part of some big changes to X ships. Whether you’re a fan of Edge Class or not it is a big part of Celebrity’s new look. The times are-a-changin’ and if you do not care to keep up there are nine other ships - not counting Galapagos ships - that will gladly continue to cater to your cruising needs and desires. Continue to enjoy those offerings as you always have. Why continue to bluster, bash and rail against something you can do nothing about, too many positive ways to exert that energy. There’s a new prez in town. Hail to the Chief.

If Celebrity was not at a crossroads before, perhaps X is now, big change at the top with LLP moving to Vice Chair External Affairs, Royal Caribbean Group. Does that mean she will no longer be concerned with issues internal to corporate, thus no hands-on when it comes to day-to-day ship operations? Or, has she been tasked to resolve issues and concerns outside the RC purview that may be responsible for the continued perturbations and X bashing from some cruisers? With a new X prez in town will any changes be immediately evident and positive, thus toning down the clamorous negativities as spoken by X naysayers? I guess we’ll see. I have continued to buy the product and enjoy the presentation. Despite the imperfections and occasional minor issues, Celebrity is still my first cruise line of choice. Perhaps this change will eventually serve to bring back the cruisers who seek satisfaction elsewhere. Perhaps it’s that crossroads thing.

You can't say it much better than that. Despite the imperfections that have resulted in many negative comments, and minor desertions from the X brand, it is still a successful enterprise. And although you may not have been a fan of LLP, give the new lady a chance to do her thing. It still won't be perfect for everyone, but then again, we wouldn't know what to do with perfect and many CC folks would have nothing to write about

If this ridiculous comment is indeed serious, and the primary concern for the OP, then whatever else is happening on this cruise is of no importance. Too much worrying about whether or not one will be accepted into the neighborhood. Perhaps one should reconsider. Wow!!

As you should. No pre-conceived notions, no blame game. It's a two-way street and you must get to the end on one side before you turn to come back on the other.

I feel you! Whatever that really means.

What say we? Has it been determined that Celebrity is at a crossroads? I say, no. In trying to enhance the product, has Celebrity diminished the product instead? I say, no. Do many 'X' cruisers now look at the brand with one jaundiced eye and an eye patch over the other? I say, perhaps. In the total scheme of things, will it make a difference in my cruising choices. I say, no. what say you?