phoenix_dream

I wonder how many of the people who are saying they love Celebrity and don't see what all the fuss is about and they've had a wonderful time etc., etc., have actually cruised with them lately? I have also always had a wonderful time on my 75+ cruises on Celebrity, but am concerned about many of the very recent changes (as well as the failed tests). My last cruise was in March and since it was my one (likely only based on prices) cruise in a Royal Suite I'm not sure I can evaluate my decisions based on that one alone as higher level suites sure do get treated better, at least based on my experience. I have 7 more cruises booked with Celebrity, all with non-refundable deposits so it is likely I will sail them all. I have 3 cruises in the next couple of months (starting in October) - two in Aqua Class and one in a Sky Suite. How those go (along with any other as yet unknown upcoming changes) will help me make my decisions for future bookings. I cruise 7-8 times a year and if I am not happy with what I experience on those sailings, especially considering current pricing, I will definitely be considering other lines. I can tell you one thing for sure, if they combine the loyalty programs with Royal Caribbean (which has been rumored) and take away some of the key perks I've waited many, many years for after finally reaching Zenith any loyalty I have to Celebrity (which is obviously considerable) goes out the window. It truly makes me sad to even consider this as I have always really enjoyed Celebrity and looked forward to each cruise.

I agree. And at the same time I think many changes do in fact affect everyone in one way or another. Prices keep significantly increasing while quality is decreasing. That affects everyone. Food quality is declining and options are being limited and/or charged for. That affects everyone. Had the trial of vaping gone forward, that would have affected everyone to varying degrees depending on whether you used the casino or just walked through it. Granted some changes affect some people much more than others, but I really feel its naive to say that everyone is not affected in some way. People may be more willing to put up with some things than others of course. I also completely agree that they are definitely not done. I am hoping sincerely that I am wrong.

We did the same itinerary on Mercury, not sure if it was 2005 or 2006. Absolutely loved it, especially Zihuatanejo. The truly sad part is that several of those ports are just not safe to visit anymore. We were able to hit a couple of them this past March which we enjoyed. For everyone's sake (cruisers and residents) I hope that changes for the better.

Wow that's great. We've stayed there once and gotten no upgrade. In all our stays this past year (and there are many) we've literally only got upgraded once, and that was just a king to a king study and we had to fight for it. Most locations we've been at were very, very booked up so I'm sure that has something to do with it

On E class I will never book anything but a suite as I want a real balcony as I spend a lot of time on mine.

That's crazy. They share the same kitchen on M class.

But that is exactly my point. Now there are many Aqua suites which may in fact have the same priority as Aqua cabins. And Blu was already very crowded. And many people like the food in Blu better. All in all just seems very concerning for Aqua cabin passengers. I hope I am wrong

That was 100% true on our coastal cruises in March. On our Roll Call half the people (or more) were bragging about their free cruises! Being a very loyal Celebrity cruiser who had sailed with them recently, we of course had to pay full price. Don't think it's the same for our two upcoming October cruises though.

Although to be honest (we're Hilton Diamond as well), they have cut back too. It is very, very rare that we are able to get an upgrade anymore. Have often heard the claim that there are none available, until I point out that their website is still showing them as available and then sometimes (not often) we shame them into upgrading us. Other times they just swear that the website is not updated. With their dollar limits on credit for dining, many of our breakfasts are no longer free, just admittedly cheaper. Wi-Fi hasn't changed. Never had them give us 2 bottles of water per day but to be fair, if we ask for more they have never charged us. And Doubletree doesn't charge $2.40 for a cookie🙂.

I really am concerned about sailing in Aqua Class now that they’ve created the Aqua Sky suite concept. I book AQ mainly for Blu. Blu was always crowded enough without essentially encouraging even more people to dine there! I know suites could always go there “based on availability “ but I think this change will make matters worse. I’m hoping I’m wrong as I have several AQ cruises booked in the next six months. I understand they can eat in Luminae as well, but I wonder if this will encourage them to eat in Blu more often.

I hear you - totally agree. And I have to wonder - does Celebrity even read these boards anymore?!?! I know they used to. They certainly would be wise to do so, even if they didn't care to respond to some points/questions as they used to years ago. I know these boards are a small percentage of the overall passengers. But there is also other social media, and long time cruisers who used to promote Celebrity to friends and family are now telling them to consider other options. Word gets around quickly in this internet age.

I agree with that. Only issue we had was seating - the nights the best shows were on all the seats were full and there was literally standing only two rows deep at the back (which made it very difficult for our disabled relative in a scooter - including people who took the handicapped area seat even if they weren't)

What's hard is paying a lot more (often double the pre-covid prices) and getting a lot less.

Back before I was able to afford balconies I stayed on the third floor often. Great location - smoothest ride, easy access to the Guest Relations/bar area. Easy to pick up an empty elevator. My only (minor) issue was when I had a cabin across from a lot of inside cabins. The passengers in those kept letting their doors slam at all hours of the day (which can happen on any floor, but it's louder when the cabins are right across from you rather than next door or down the hallway). Try to avoid those if you can.

One comment to those complaining about the complaining- if not for Cruise Critic or various Facebook groups we would never have even known about the majority of the changes as Celebrity is certainly not telling us. I’d rather know what to expect when I board, or before I book, especially at current prices. Also keep in mind ( ok, that’s two comments) that all the complaints about the vaping and cookie gate caused Celebrity to reevaluate their position ( along with many, many emails to corporate which never would have been sent without knowledge shared by so called complainers). Of course all comments and reviews anywhere need to be evaluated as to their authenticity and validity. Yes, some are a bit crazy, but many have very valid points and when one sees a trend it would be foolish to disregard the issue at hand. But once again to the OP I will say that while some things have changed there is still a lot to enjoy and changes or no changes you should have a great time!

I'm on that cruise also (and the one after). The prices for cabins lower than Concierge or Aqua were actually very, very cheap for a long time. They sold out quickly and those cabins are no longer available. Not sure about AQ and CC - haven't checked in awhile but I know for quite some time there were a lot of them available. I'm thinking many people were hoping to book cheap and then win a Move-Up bid to a higher level cabin.

Good to know, thanks

I am one of many who has posted about my displeasure with many of the changes. Despite them being so downplayed on this thread the changes, and tests of other changes are real. We shouldn't pretend otherwise. That said, there is still very much to enjoy and I'm sure you'll have a great cruise! Since it's been so long since you sailed, you will no doubt notice changes, some a cut, but others a better experience. Overall I'm sure the cruise will be a lot of fun. I myself have 7 upcoming Celebrity cruises which I intend to take and enjoy.

And yet this does feel rude. If I could have afforded it originally I would have. I was asking for input on how the system works, not how I should manage my personal decisions.

I have never, ever heard of OBC being able to be used for upgrades. Maybe it's being confused with FCC?

Not being rude in return, I prefer people not telling me how to feel. Like any gamble, one always hopes they win even if they know they might not. Vegas was built on that concept. Yes I could change my booking but if I could have afforded it I would have done it in the first place.

Yes and no. I have b2b cruises in October and they are both almost sold out. The lower cabins were priced cheaper but certainly not Aqua or above! I'm very sad to see them stop them as they are wonderful! But then after all the changes I am considering other options anyway.

My guess is that it will drop slightly when the change happens then rise again within a few weeks for just this reason. The real test will probably be to check again a month or two out. I'll bet by then it's back to where it was, if not higher

Interestingly I just read an article that Cancun resort bookings are really dropping. Maybe more people are cruising instead.

One of my all time favorite Celebrity shows. I've probably seen it a dozen times or more. Love the music. It also happened to come out about the time my youngest son was starting college. The point of not keeping someone in the nest so to speak to try to protect them really hit me emotionally.