Spif Barwunkel

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?

Quite right, HB. It would have been much more accurate to say 60's, 70's, 80's. Indeed, you're still a youngin'.

TR, do you really think that Celebrity is casting us older cruisers aside in order to make way for a younger, more vibrant maritime crowd? I do not, but I do understand that X realizes that those of us in our sixth, seventh and eighth decade of life probably don't have twenty plus years of cruising left. The younger generations of prospective cruisers need to be wooed and regaled with a product that reflects modern, contemporary change while maintaining a semblance of Celebrity past. Indeed, not all of the younger crowd will prefer 'E' class over 'S' & 'M', but the fact that additional choices are available makes 'X' an attractive product. You and I (older cruisers) are still very much a part of Celebrity's desired clientele. Perhaps it is us who are at a crossroads in our cruising life. Personally, I have enjoyed the Edge class and will continue to do so, knowing that I can still be well taken care of on Millenium and Solstice Class ships. And TR, 'X' still wants you.

I do not give much credence to what most people say and how they say it when it comes to separating themselves from Celebrity. You, on the other hand, having always been an even keeled and sensible poster, give me pause for consideration and understanding for what it is that you have to say. If I should stray from X, I would never consider MSC as an option, no particular reason why. Perhaps it just doesn't feel right. However, your endorsement may cause me to change my mind, should it ever come to that. I certainly do not see change in the near future. Your reasoning is valid and sound, without malice or insult. Smartly written and easy to read. Enjoy MSC. Perhaps we can continue to enjoy you occasionally where X marks the spot.

Celebrity is certainly not at a crossroads, they know exactly in which direction they want to go and to whom they want to appeal. Admittedly, the Edge Class ships are intended to attract Gen X and Gen Y, but not at the expense of losing the older generation of cruisers. In order to remain relevant and continue to provide an appealing product, Celebrity must evolve in its ships presentations without devolving in its overall attempt to provide familiarity and the best cruising experience. Across the entire cruiser demographic there will be those who like and those who dislike, those who adapt and those who cannot, those who help to provide a pleasant cruising experience for all and those who do not. Celebrity is not trying to fit into any category. X provides a means of recreation and relaxation, and there are many non-X factors that can affect the overall experience. Within the cruising population “a quality of people” that has always been there will continue to occasionally ruin a good thing.

Barbie looks lovely and fits right in with Beyond's intended ambiance. In this case, I've got to say that the luggage tags look good as well because they are taking you next door to another fun trip. We will sail Beyond in May in Europe, probably without Captain Kate. We look forward to the same great experiences you enjoyed as provided by the next Master of the Vessel.

Obviously, a great attitude accompanied the OP when boarding the Edge. No pre-conceived notions or planned investigatory procedures, just the intent to have a good time. Apparently, the OP succeeded in doing that. Indeed, if there were miscues here and there they were certainly not worth mentioning and had no negative affect on the overall experience. Also, the way in which this thread is presented affords us all the enjoyment of cruising positivity in the responses from other posters, unusually refreshing and humorously accurate. There are many of us with the same "tude" and it is nice when we occasionally gather in the same place.

If our cruise had been the very first for us and we were unable to take another, we would be very happy and satisfied at what we experienced. King Neptune and Sir Francis Drake were very good to us. We hit all the marks and feel privileged that Mother Nature allowed us access - up close and personal - to her mesmerizing beauty and hospitable creatures.

X knows the importance of being good to the countess!

Simply Google Karambole Tours, Martinique. That will get you to the right place for all the information.

countess, we also enjoyed Christelle and her Karambole tour in December '22. It was a very pleasant day on Martinique. Indeed, the banana wine did make for some really good sipping.

Good morning, countess. Nancy and I really enjoy the World Class Bar. Much quieter and low-key atmosphere when one wants it that way. If you have not already, try the Zacapa 23 Old Fashion. No matter your liquor preference, it just might spoil you. Only at the WCB. Hello to Barbie, Walt & Bev. Y'all have fun. That is my southern accent at its best.

kp, all of my posts are relevant to DW and me, right now, per my booking on the Ascent in December 2023. I have stated that fact emphatically per what X told me about our booking. What is happening right now to others on E-Class ships is certainly very important but is totally different from our current status and that of other perspective cruisers looking to book an Ascent sailing. I'm thinking that this bit of news is important as well. What will be in twelve-twenty-three remains to be seen. See my post #22.

To me, it's more cruiser confusion. Like moths to a flame and blinded by the light. Can't figure things out for themselves, with or without help.

Right now, in my case your incorrect is incorrect. On my Ascent cruise in 12/2023, we will dine at 6:00pm (early seating) as booked and showing on the invoice. MDR yet to be determined. As is the case, in many cases, many posts do not necessarily make the case. Below, is what X sent me. "At this time, the Edge Class is going to be ran as normal. No changes have been made or released to us here about that update. It was mentioned as a new concept but nothing was changed. As the Ascent, is part of the Edge Series, there will still be an Early, Late, and Celebrity Select Option. These guests are in early dining. Guests will be advised Day 1 of which Dining Room they're to meet at each day. From there they can work with the Matr'd to get that changed if they wish to try the other restaurants out during the sailing." "These guests" refer to DW and me.

This per Celebrity, right now. E-class ships are currently using early, late and select dining policy. On my Ascent cruise in 12/2023 I will dine at 6:00pm as booked in an MDR yet to be determined. A long time until then, means I do not have a warm tummy feeling about no further changes.

Thank you. I saw that mentioned in post #6. If that indeed remains the case, how far in advance can you make the reservations?

We booked a cruise on the Ascent 4 days ago for December 2023. We had the choice of select, early or late dining. We chose early, 6:00pm, and that shows on our invoice. I am going to assume that will be our assigned time in whatever dining venue we are given. The only time that would not apply would be when we want to eat at one of the three other MDR's. Our 6:00pm assigned dining time would not necessarily be available for other venues.

Checking in on your fly day, countess. Smooth air for your quick flight to FLL. How high the Eagles fly will be determined later today, and I know that you are excited for that. We cruised the same itinerary on Equinox in December last year, only difference was Barbados in place of Granada. Having stayed for a week on all of these islands many years ago, except Martinique, we were anxious to see them again. I would think that in all of your Caribbean travels you have probably visited these ports as well. Eagles gotta be careful of Purdy/Kittle, could be a dangerous tandem, like Brady/Gronkowski or Mahomes/Kelce. Enjoy the games.