Spif Barwunkel

If you must cruise Celebrity, you have E-class from Seattle, S-class from Vancouver and M-class from Seward. That is not a problem that is a choice. You can get to all those places from SC. Limiting yourself to one option pretty much makes up your mind.

Of course Celebrity is catering to a younger crowd, but not at the expense of anyone. I am 39 years older than the OP - who says he is 40 - but I believe that his family, and DW and I can have good times on any of the X ships no matter how Celebrity chooses to promote them and whatever changes are made to the presentation. And, despite the age difference, I do not feel "left out" when Celebrity woos guests to cruise the brand. However, I also realize that my age demographic is not what Celebrity is counting on for its future success 10 to 20 years from now. Until X states, "Guests 60 years and older should refrain from cruising on our ships" we will continue to be a couple of those younger older cruisers, perhaps not as spry as the 20 to 40 somethings but just as determined to have fun with others of the same ilk.

You also have the Summit and the Solstice available at that time for less money. If you have to do an E-Class ship with other choices available, pay the price and don't grumble.

Southampton it is.

With many of the posts on CC, it seems a boisterous maelstrom of personal affronts and self-degradation, all in the name of loyalty, or the lack thereof. It is certainly everyone’s right to personalize the nature of Celebrity’s new promotional strategies, if indeed they feel it is not intended to include them. But why would one feel that way? Why put oneself in a position of lesser importance and decreased desirability when that is not the intention? A 75 year old cruiser who is relatively healthy has 10 more good cruising years, maybe. A 40 year old cruiser who is healthy has 40 more good cruising years, maybe. Senior cruisers are not a Celebrity liability and the need to expand product awareness with different modes and methods is necessary to enhance product awareness and appeal, to all generations. Don’t take it personal. Us versus them has a negative connotation and no one should step foot on a cruise ship bearing that mindset. In my case those “them” folks include my three children - all in their 40’s – and seven grandchildren, ages 12 to 26. I will happily cruise with them and all others of their generations, on Celebrity, Royal, et al. That is not a statement which seeks approval and appreciation it is a statement of fact. DW and I are cruising b2b in May 2024 from London, 19 days on RCCL. The ship has bumper cars. I love bumper cars and I will seek to attain the title of “Bumper Thumper”, leaving kids quaking in their shoes, young adults quivering with fright and older cruisers wishing they were like me. I could just stand by and watch. I choose to clash with titans, of any age.

Vaping in the casino returns to the first page of the leaderboard. Already outdone in its own proliferation, there is really nothing more to be said. Celebrity knows its shortcomings. They certainly have been reminded of them on many occasions. Whether or not X cares about the negativity of it all remains to be seen. Nothing more can be done here.

Perhaps this thread has outlived its usefulness, saturated to the point where written waterboarding is no longer effective. What was once necessary and meaningful commentary has become monotony, and with monotony comes repetition and useless explication. The offended become the offensive in their inability to accept any attempt at positivity or disagreement. With the exception of a few others, over the last 20 pages, the only meaningful posts have come from "clojacks." While attempting to espouse the cause for this thread, he/she eloquently explained thoughts and opinions in a more controlled manner, and for no reason was forced to go on the defensive. Sometimes your strongest advocates are not necessarily your best CC friends. The few purveyors of gloom and doom, gathered together in a dark-dank room, where epithets used and wrinkled loom....and not one butler to clean up the mess. Woe is me.

Again, I am not affected by this suite service modification. Not being emotionally invested perhaps I can make this statement with a clearer head. Forget Celebrity's non-caring disrespect. Perhaps the fortitude, the desire and the dedication of the staff and crew involved in this change will prove it a worthwhile endeavor with a seamless transition. Could be the workers that guests are concerned about losing their jobs, will actually be instrumental in creating a system that makes everyone happy. Until proven otherwise, why not give the benefit of the doubt?

We are not suite dwellers when we cruise. We have always been quite satisfied with balcony/IV cabins. Obviously, I cannot relate to the dismay and uncertainty which is now being felt by Celebrity’s suite guests, but I can certainly understand their agitation. Another real-time unannounced alteration to the cruising familiarity, leaving those good folks to ponder the sudden lurch backward in providing the expected perks of the suite experience and expense. Celebrity has once again decided to make changes without pre-notification to its paying customers. Perfectly legal, as we all know, and in their minds justified, another example of the disregard for many of the guests. This does not directly affect me, just as vaping in the casino does not since I neither vape nor gamble. It does, however, give me pause for concern. Perhaps it’s just a matter of time before my cruising expectations are directly permutated by X’s need to modify another area of its presentation and product. Dare I say, for the better? Time will tell.

Here is the perfect example of this threads title. Is it time to exit the 'X', or cruise only on the 'S' & 'M' class ships? It's okay not having the ability or the desire to contemporize. Celebrity will continue to offer beautiful ships to those who dislike change while at the same time moving forward in space and time, for the sake and enjoyment of everyone.

It is a known fact, those sea-life animals that do not like E-class ships, will wait for you to go outside when sailing on M and S class ships. Science thinks it has to do with the wake.

It is a known fact, whales, dolphins and other sea creatures do not like E-class ships and will not sacrifice their blow holes in order to be viewed from those vessels.

I don't know what to do with this. Perhaps there is more to come.

Nothing speaks more eloquently than the vast wisdom gained from many years of experience(s). Arguably, the above condensed list demonstrates alleged shortcomings on Celebrity 'E' Class ships. Certainly, one must take note, and take heed. I will try, as best I can, to counter these comments with comments of my own pertinent to the E-Boats. 1. These ships are so versatile they allow me to stand on any open deck, or my IV, and look forward. That goes for port and starboard. And get this, all I have to do is turn around in the exact same spot and I can look backward. One side of the open ocean looks just like the other side of the open ocean. Imagine that. 2. But many very versatile and enjoyable Infinite Verandas. A new variation on an old theme. Nomenclature notwithstanding. To Infinity and Beyond. 3. Fewer bars equals less loud and shouty places. Patience equals nice and easy on any class ship. Personally, I prefer to imbibe at a lively watering hole with others who enjoy showing off their enjoyment. There is always quiet when I want it. 4. No World Class Bar on Edge and Apex. Beyond and Ascent will accommodate. You do have an 'E' choice. 5. Plenty of open air outside views, and inside/outside as well. Easy to find 'em. UGGII! 6. You can take beautiful pictures from your IV and many other places when sailing in to or out of any port. 7. Applicable if you booked your cruise "only" because of the Magic Carpet. Might have to question that rationale. I don't mind some wind on a nice day. It tests the "hold" capability of my hair spray. 8. Personally, I like to order my steak, loud and proud and medium rare. It tastes just as good whether or not accompanied by chatter. 9. Don't take my word for it. Give 'E' a try.

Can't say it any better than that!

As I have mentioned in an earlier post, I would like to know who the person(s) is whose lack of consideration and respect for Celebrity paying guests might be. By name, rank and serial number. I know, it's tough to admit being idiotic, and within that idiocy exhibiting pernicious intent. However, if this individual(s) can reveal his/herself through some kind of communication, explaining what it is they were thinking, or not thinking, that would go a long way to describing the benefits of this exercise, for Celebrity and for the large majority of its passengers. Certainly, there has to be worthwhile enjoyment and well-being for all from vaping indoors. Come out from the shadows of your corporate retreat and let us know what that might be.

Your initial cabin choice when booking is an important decision. Second guessing yourself when offered $$ is not always the prudent thing to do. Deciding to stay put is a smart move. Your balcony will serve you well and you will not miss out on the beauty that Alaska has to offer. Bundle up and enjoy the view outdoors, from your own personal space. The worst that can happen when accepting a room change is that you can get caught up in the possible logistics nightmare of being a part of the cabin shuffle. Depending on the number of participants and availability of the cabin offered to you, where you wind up may be totally different than initially promoted. Perhaps you will have a bit more money in your pocket, however. Is the money worth the trepidation and the possibility of disappointment? Only you can make that decision. Seems that you have already made the right choice. Wisely done!

An excellent point, Ms. Peaches. For every 10 non-vaping/smoking gamblers onboard, if 4 or 5 are not bothered by smoke enough to keep them out of the casino, then perhaps that is sufficient for Celebrity to justify puffing indoors. Might all the ranting and raving and huffing and puffing against this serve no purpose? That remains to be seen.

You are absolutely right, TR. Some small groups present valid vocal outcries and are long overdue to be heard. Others, not so much. This Celebrity consideration has no validity whatsoever and deserves no discussion, although it is getting a lot of that.

Perhaps Celebrity's response to you should have been: "Dear Celebrity Guest, because you spend too much time in the casino, perhaps you should consider vaping as an enhancement to your gambling experience." "We can't guarantee you more success, but we can assure you that losing will be much more enjoyable."

And what a shame that would be, if whatever the result is, it is what it is because of majority rules and not because of common sense as to the nonsense of it all.

Many of us non-smokers very much appreciate and respect a smoker's right to do so. Even more, I appreciate your attitude and consideration when enjoying a good cigar. Your comments are refreshing, and I am sure that they reflect the thoughts and feelings of many smokers. It is really quite easy to acquiesce, allowing enjoyment for all concerned, without threat or coercion.

..."while I'm at it, I'll raise you a deaf ear."

Surely Celebrity would not cut off its nose to spite its face, while succumbing to the whims of a small minority and flagrantly fouling the vast majority.

An excellent post. I would add to this, a question. If a considerate person who vapes is next to me in the casino where vaping is allowed, will that person refrain from vaping, respecting my space and refusing to become an inconsiderate person who vapes? If not, why not?