jagoffee

Aloha, if I researched correctly your cruise in the Royal Suite should be over. I know your original booking did not include the Premium Drink package or the Streaming Internet. I am just curious if you cruised in a Royal Suite without those items? At one time they used to be standard features of a Royal Suite. Did you enjoy your cruise?

I assume you are referencing January 2022? Did you actually purchase a drink over the $12 limit and pay the full amount? this was Princess’s initial policy, but it was modified pre Covid.

We may have different experiences on Solstice Class ships. Pre Covid The Sky Lounge was not for just Elite and above passengers from 5-7 at some point. It may have been different between ships.

Isn’t it listed in the Celebrity AP?

What is the cut back? Many if not most people have had the Classic Drink package since the start of the 123 and BBB programs many years ago. Being able to have unlimited drinks in any bar (that carried the choices) between 5-7 was a great addition. (For those without a package). What are you suggesting? That only Elite and above be allowed in the Sky Lounge and serve appetizers between 5-7? But still allow other free drinks at other bars? Prior to the shutdown, it seemed to me that Celebrity was no longer limiting the Sky Lounge to Elites and above. As you know Celebrity does not have a DL lounge. We will see what is done after all the COVID restrictions are lifted. As mentioned, I am fairly certain that on our Apex TA that Celebrity offered appetizers in the Eden lounge area between 5-7. Although it is of not value to me, I certainly do not considering offering Unlimited HH drinks for two area a cut back. Just the opposite.

Just as a calibration. Do you considered Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc as an acceptable wine? Or most Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand acceptable? My wife and I have always found the Classic Drink wine options limited, so we always have the premium package.

The “pause” of the Elite Happy Hour in the Solstice Class ship was related to Covid and large gatherings. (As I recall). Celebrity eliminated the required to only get HH free drinks in one location several years before the Pandemic and also the requirement to be Elite to go to the Sky Lounge. This would not work on the Edge class ships. But I am fairly certain in October Celebrity was passing out Horderves in the Eden lounge area.

No, just two. Even is you currently have a booking with 3 or 4 passengers, you will only pay the move up fee for the first two passengers.

Even prior to the Pandemic, it was clear to me that Celebrity was driving customers to non refundable rates. ($100 pp lost with a balance to be applied to. Future cruise). Given the typical price difference, I am surprised that so many people still book with the refundable rate. Repositioning cruises used to be a bargain, but not any longer.

Our experience and experience is different. We have enjoyed the Porch many times and always at lunch. I would never dine there in the evening. I do dine at the Lawn grill in the evening and occasionally for lunch. perhaos we have just been lucky.

Yes, it is a great view from most of the tables. There are several no seafood choices as well. My DW and I always enjoy the experience and it is never busy for us. Give it a try after you review the menu. We have never needed a reservation.

I do not recall that saving the lagoon was the driver for this change. I thought it was the lack of local resources to handle large numbers of passengers. They were being overrun. As you know it is a small island and they do not wish to be a busy cruise port. The old R class ships were the idea size for them. Historically I do not think it was normally a stop for large ships. The ships just kept getting bigger and bigger, which was starting to spoil what was special about Bora Bora. Bora Bora and Moorea are two of my all time favorite ports.

For two people?

I food is your number one priority, you might want to try Oceania. I still prefer Celebrity’s Suite experience and I have yet to experience poor service or poor food. Maybe I have just been lucky or I have a different standard. I know that my wife and I are low maintenance. I have always been a little uncomfortable with all the attention. We will see in November if Celebrity has changed as significantly as you have indicated.

Good luck.

True. The issue was created by Celebrity increasing the price of the Classic Drink package by less than the Premium Drink package. It does appear that the Premium Drink Package increase is not strictly driven by inflation, but also making the Premium package more valuable. (Thus more profitable). Thus the issue is not really the price of the upgrade, but the price increase for the Premium Drink Package. I wonder if the cost of the Indulge bundle will increase as well? As we know Specialty dining pricing has increased by 18%. Good thing it did not increase as much as gas has increased.

How many days was it between the first time you saw the first expired bid and when you received your unsuccessful bid?

Often and always are obviously not the same. I would say the theory is still a good theory based on all the examples.

If Celebrity would have increased the price of the Classic Drink Package the same percentage as the Premium Package, the upgrade cost would still be the same. The previous $10 a day plus gratuity has existed for a long time (maybe forever?) and it was a screaming bargain IMO. Customer can just chose to pay the difference on any drinks over the limit if they wish.

I cannot even remember the last time Celebrity increased the cost for the drink packages? Anyone remember? Perhaps over 10 years ago? With the AI bundle and the previous 123 and BBB bundles I seriously doubt if Celebrity sells very many individual drink packages. I am sure they sell a lot of upgrades from Classic to Premium. The cost to upgrade from the Classic Drink Package to the Premium as been $10 plus gratuity from the very start. (From what I recall). With the current inflation trends, it would be more of a surprise if the prices were not increasing. Princess is also increasing the cost of their Plus bundle that includes the drink package. They are also also creating a new Premium Drink package that will cost $25 a day to uograde from the Standard package to the new Premium package.

So,perhaps the upgrade to premium was actually worth it?

Less than 50% of the difference between you Aqua Class cabin the the Sky Suite. $50-$100 a day per person.

IMO the Princess plus $40 add on is a screaming deal. Might be the best deal in the industry. It certainly is based on my cruise experience. I would “guess” the number of passengers that reach the 15 alcohol drink number (for most of any given cruise) is very low. I suspect the limit is not a cost restriction, but just a control mechanism. (Over drinking and sharing).

How long is your cruise?

Clever