Bobsgonecoastal

I've often wondered why they don't discount prepaid gratuities. Maybe the majority of passengers just like to have them paid in advance. It would certainly be an incentive.

Just saw this, not sure if it has been previously posted. Starting in October 2023, Celebrity Cruises will eliminate prepaid gratuities from its All Included pricing packages. This change will go into effect for new bookings starting on October 4, 2023. Similar changes will go into effect for guests booking suites in suites-only area, The Retreat. The cruise line announced plans to remove not only gratuities, but also the onboard credit amenity for Retreat guests. No mention of any adjustments in pricing of the packages. So those are the negatives, but on the positive side, guests no longer need to book All Included packages for AquaClass staterooms. Instead, AquaClass staterooms can be booked with a cruise only fare. This has been a burr in my saddle for a while, so happy on that score. Here's the link: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/08/30/celebrity-cruises-removes-gratuities-inclusive-package-and-makes-changes-retreat Smooth seas and blue skies, Bob

What ever their reason is, I’m happy to see the cans go. Had a heck of a time opening them, and ended up getting a small cut from a sharp edge of the open can. Not to mention, they must be very expensive. plastic is not ideal, but I prefer that option over aluminum cans.

I feel for anyone who has had to endure those ridiculous long holds. I recently had call back service twice on the celebrity service line for booked guests. Was not blue chip, just through their usual 800 lines. it sounds like the call back service isn’t corporate wide, but it did work well for me. Safe and happy cruising everyone!

There is a old saying that I’ll paraphrase; some people have the time, and some people have the money, but few have the time and the money. The few describes those of us who are retired and have the wherewithal to cruise on a frequent basis. Celebrity and others would be wise to remember who really supports the cruise industry while they plan for their future market. Yes, we’re all getting older, but from my vantage point, we are still their most affluent and loyal market.

From what I gathered on the last two post Covid cruises, full is not the same thing as being at capacity. I’ve read that bookings were being cut off at 50 to 60% due to fewer crew members available and supply chain issues. From what I witnessed, their ships have not been at their designed capacity. Am I wrong about this?

Exactly! As far as bad top down decisions go, that one was epic. We don’t sail E class ships for that exact reason. Unless you’re booked in a suite, there are few traditional balconies on these ships. I’m sure this has had an effect on demand for E class cruises. I’ve talked to several of my X cruise mates, and they feel the same. Those that have experienced IV (aqua class) cabins said never again.

Very true, and that was just one of many poor decisions and bad communications by LLP. Yes, some of us loyal X customers are getting older, but that doesn’t mean you communicate your desire to throw us overboard for a new woke group of hipsters. That really soured my taste for LLP, and X overall. We still have the time and we still have the money! I’ve had numerous other bones to pick with her, but won’t get into them now. I truly hope the new X President steers the ship back to it’s previous market position of a premium cruise line. one that I would feel good about spending my time and money with.

After our January X cruise experience, instead of having our typical 5 or 6 cruises booked, we have canceled all but one. The bloom is definitely off the rose (the X rose at least). It’s just not very special anymore, just a mass market experience, and we can get that anywhere.

Not sure about it being a tough call. We’re booking Princess for $100pp fully refundable and for each $100 deposit we get $50 back in OBC. We’re booking HAL with $25 deposits. X is aware of this, so I don’t think their decision is tough, I think it’s business suicide.

Yes, Aqua has really gone up and based on a recent cruise we did in an Aqua cabin, I didn’t feel it was a good value. The first time we cruised on the Reflection right after it was put in service, we had what was called an Aqua Suite on deck 12. The benefits of Aqua class and what is now a Sky Suite. It was a great combination, but sadly X thought it was to good and did away with that the next year. we have canceled our two remaining Aqua cabin bookings, but still have one ABC islands in a regular balcony cabin which allows us to use our CC Elite plus perks. That is one way to deal with the crazy price hikes. We’re cruising with Princess more and more.

Celebrity was our first choice from the time we started cruising (20 aqua class cruises, most of them long), that has drastically changed in the last year. IMHO, Princess now provides us with a better experience, followed by Holland America, NCL, and Celebrity. Currently the closest cruise experience we’ve had that we would call premium was Princess Reserve Class. Celebrity has become a big disappointment fo us.

We began cruising with Princess on the Royal. Our first cruise was in a mini suite reserve class (previously called Club Class). We found the quality of food very good, and service was great. Loved all of the lounges and musical entertainment (we rarely go to the big shows on any cruise). While on board, we purchased fully refundable $100 book deposits. So far we’ve booked 2 additional cruises with $200 fully refundable deposits. I really appreciate the flexibility that provides. when you purchase these on board, you also get additional OBCs. It’s really no risk with a bonus. Every change or cancellation with X costs $200. No more lift and shift or courtesy changes unless you pay more for a refundable booking.

Me too! Every cruise with X has been Aqua, and now we really can’t take advantage of our E+ benefits. We’ve recently switched most of our cruising to another line, but the remaining cruise on Refection will be in a balcony cabin so we can use our perks one more time.

Exactly. I’ve always enjoyed al Bacio for great coffee, tea table service (not to mention the lemon tarts), is very classy for a coffee bar. Also love the Sommelier wine service in the dining rooms on X ships. Those are the two celebrity offerings Princess could learn from. Otherwise, we thought Princess was excellent.

We found Tuscan Grille and the buffet to be very good. Blu was a bit of a disappointment.

On our Jan cruise, we found the OVC to be very good. We both enjoyed eating there more than in the dining rooms. I did read on cc that the OVC dinner selections were cut by 75%, but we never went there for dinner.

Awesome, thank you.

In. January it was significantly pared down. I ordered extras from the classic menu like escargot to achieve the extra courses.

Years ago I had her email address and used it. I don’t believe she gives that out anymore. I guess one needs to sail on a President’s cruise to make direct contact.

Some of the differences in experience at the various dining rooms may be due to timing. From what I’ve heard, the cuts were implemented beginning in January, so a November cruise could have been significantly different.

Yes, we were on the Solstice. I had a conversation with one of the senior officers, and asked him about staffing. He said that 65% of the crew was new to Celebrity and 35% had never worked for a cruise line. It’s important to note that their experience was low, but their efforts to please were high. I’ve never had a cruise on X where I was disappointed in the crew. I believe it’s been difficult to re-staff post Covid for all cruise lines. Solstice seemed to be sort of a training platform, I was told the more experienced crew were being sent to E class ships, so I think those passengers will have better trained crews.

While our January cruise was well below par for X, I forgot to mention the Tuscan Grille is still excellent, albeit pricey.

Not to mention, we’re booking Princess with $100 pp Fully Refundable Deposits!

Ditto, that’s what we figured out after recently sailing with Princess. Have booked several more cruises with them. Food choice and quality was excellent, ship was elegant and service excellent. Are there areas they could enhance (i.e., wine service in dining rooms and their specially coffe shop) absolutely, but on balance, they are an excellent cruise line.