Spif Barwunkel

In "defense" of Celebrity, unfettered "loyalty" to Celebrity, two of the most ridiculous and over-worked forms of poppycock on the Celebrity forum. How ludicrous one sounds when advocating for a psychological diagnosis of cruising behavior while insinuating that some folks cannot possibly enjoy the X brand in its current form. I can. You can't. Anyone have a problem with that? I don't. I don't defend Celebrity in any of its decisions, good or bad, right or wrong. Why, because I am not smart enough to know the entire reasoning behind those decisions. We are booked on five cruises between now and August of 2024. Two are Celebrity, the remaining three on three different cruise lines. So much for unfettered loyalty. I will not base my future cruise bookings on what you are happy or unhappy with. I can only hope that future X sailings continue to satisfy our expectations, even with the occasional miss-step.

Wow! The OP offers "My Thoughts on All the Cuts" and in the next 7 posts is admonished because of a "no big deal" attitude, being "blase", taking the "perfect" cruise and not yet experiencing the "Celebrity Death Temperature." And then is solicited to, with all of us, "stick together." I'll not speak for the OP, but I would assume that the "lemming" philosophy was retired long ago, assuming there ever was one. I am in agreement with KKB. The changes, cuts, occasional bad food, extra charges and so on and so forth, have not yet gotten me to the point where I will carry a sign on the picket line. I will voice my concerns where I see fit, on the ship, on the post-cruise survey and by any other means I feel are necessary, including CC. I speak for me, not for anyone else. Whereas others are affected much more than me regarding Celebrity's indiscriminate indiscretions, they speak for themselves, not for me. Because we view the offenses at varying degrees of severity does not lessen the validity and the importance to all concerned. They are not that concerning to ME! Respect that. They are very concerning to YOU! And in your concern, you have my approbation.

Actually, you don't know what you meant. Cue the balloon drop and champagne pop, now there are two reasons to celebrate.

We "provincial" folks in and around Port Canaveral who enjoy cruising, consider ourselves fortunate that we can now include Celebrity among our choices with whom to cruise the high seas. Granted, residents of small seaside communities along Florida's East Coast might never consider themselves to be the same astute cruisers as those high-heeled big city 'snoots", and for that reason Florida has provided FLL and MIA for their cruising pleasure. In no way do we want you to feel dumbed-down or cheapened when in our small communities. That being said, you might have already done that with your comments above, resulting in the fact that you might just fit right in. Even so, Port Canaveral is not right for you. You would be so out of place here when boarding any ship. After all, PC appeals to the pre-teen to 75 plus age demographic. As you so profoundly stated, that does not appeal to you. Continue further south in order to get the best bang for your cruising buck. That is the smart decision.

Well, I guess I am okay with your latest Seaside review. You did state "over all a wonderful cruise." You know, my first MSC cruise is forthcoming on September 17 on Seaside. I am paying attention to what you have to say. The YC, the casino, the itinerary, in this case is irrelevant to me so no concerns there. Although, overnight at a private island is different and Ocean Cay gets rave reviews. Food wise, I am easy to please so there should be many good eats from which to choose. DW and I enjoy exploring new ships and that is where my concerns lie. You mention an awkward layout, empty spaces, spaces to nowhere. I do not want to get lost, disappear, never to be heard from again. Future posts would be from a "ghost of cruises past." We are on this MSC ship only because good friends from NY asked us to join them. I would hope that at the end of the cruise, DW and I will think of Seaside as a nice place to visit again, with or without friends.

Cheers to you, NMT. A fine bubbly certainly works.

I feel the same way. As for your football team(s) the ladies from England are on to the semis of the Women's World Cup. A tip of the hat and a sip from a pint is due, wouldn't you say?

Just like "loyal" customers can't lose money just for the sake of Celebrity...should they think that is the case.

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!