phoenix_dream

11 hours ago, Veinless said:

 

Since tips are no longer included, I just tell Celebrity that the Suite Tips Team will cover the gratuities cost, and remove them from my bill. Fair is fair.

What in the world is the Suite Tips Team??

On 12/25/2023 at 6:17 PM, markeb said:

 

So do you have an arbitration date yet? I mean somewhere around page 321(a) subparagraph 5.1.3(c) in your cruise ticket Celebrity spelled out the procedure for arbitration. Right after the paragraph that said you agreed to arbitration and right before the paragraph that said you had to file any legal challenges in Florida and close to the one that said you couldn't participate in a class action. It was easy to ready in Arial 6. So I'm assuming you've filed for arbitration for breach of contract?

 

Venting is fine. Maybe even cathartic. But if people really think they aren't getting what they paid for then there are remedies in the cruise contract. Cruise Critic isn't a remedy.

 

I'm sure you're not getting what you think you paid for. You're not getting what I want to believe I paid for. But I'm betting unless they have the worst corporate lawyers on earth, we're actually getting what we really paid for. And we accepted their ability to change pretty much everything even after we bought the cruise. And I'm also sure they'll gladly send you the link where you could have read all those terms before actually buying the cruise. And no, I didn't read them either. I just assume they're there and that they're designed to hose me over. Like Ticketmaster, the airlines, MLB, NBA, NFL, NCAA, most carmakers, etc. 

Some of this logic is suspect at best.  For example, right now on the Celebrity website it says that Decoy cabernet is included in the Premium drink package.  Onboard right now it is NOT included, as people are being charged a surcharge for it.  So I don't think this falls under the "what you think you paid for" umbrella.  It's one thing advertised and another thing delivered.  Plain and simple.  Black and white.

It really all depends on what is happening on the previous cruise.  At times you can enter around 10:30.  On occasion (not often, but it does happen) there are Customs issues, or cleaning after a sickness outbreak onboard, or some other issue which delays things.  In those cases in the Retreat you most likely would be allowed to enter and wait in the lounge but no guarantees on that.

1 hour ago, vjmatty said:

 

I can't tell you how many people wanted to hire me to "just send a letter" when I was practicing.  When they asked why I wouldn't do it I said because it's never just a letter.  I'm sure they'd find someone fresh out of law school trying to start a business and needing every potential retainer that walked in the door.

Curious what you think about the fact that on their website, under Premium Beverage Package, it still shows several wines as included, while at the very same time they are actually no longer included and people are being charged a surcharge?  I'm no lawyer but this seems illegal to me (and I'm sure is just a matter of not updating their website in time, but shouldn't that come before the change is made?).  I wouldn't bother suing over it, but just curious what the legality is - a slightly different situation as the butler service is written in kind of a grey area but this is a black and white difference.

Grand Cayman is a tender port, so you need to be able to go up and down the stairs to the tender.  Once you arrive, presuming you dock in the normal area, you have a very short walk to town and/or taxis.  If you dock in the alternate dock then it is a fairly short walk to the taxi area.  Other than a beach next door there is nothing else there and you need a taxi to get to town.

I am not 100% certain of the other two ports so I'll talk about what I can remember and hope someone with similar issues can provide more accurate input.  In both Curacao and Aruba in our last couple of visits the ship docked quite a distance from the town.  In Curacao I believe you would need to borrow a wheelchair perhaps to get you to the taxi area.  It is an even longer walk to the first nice shopping/casino area - not sure if the wheelchair could be taken that far?  I don't recall any golf cart assistance but not completely sure.  Honestly can't remember for Aruba for sure but I don't recall seeing any golf carts.  

23 hours ago, 39august said:

The so called "Retreat Host" is a cabin steward, nothing else. They are employed by and report to Housekeeping, not the Retreat. We met our steward's Housekeeping supervisor by chance on last cruise or I would not have known this.  We actually spoke with him more than once, so it is very clear the "Retreat Host" is a cabin steward, and not  member of the so called "Retreat team".  Ours couldn't possibly have done anything our butlers used to do. He was a fine cabin steward but was literally RUNNING every time we saw him. So overworked. 

Makes you wonder, doesn't it, how long they will be able to keep some of these folks hired.  So very much of the workload was just dumped on them, and they had too much to do to begin with.  I remember years ago they had assistants to help them.  Granted they had more cabins then, but not twice as many cabins.  I predict a potential staffing issue in the future for these positions as there are so many other cruise lines to choose from.  I guess time will tell.

22 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Comparing posts 556 and 557, it appears that there is no consistency on ships and cruises for SS service (butler replacement) on Celebrity. I may be a bit off, but when a poster reports a good experience and another reports a bad experience,I believe them both. Celebrity is a rather large line with a good number of ships. I see no evidence of proper management among the ships and itineraries. As to “Retreat Hosts” and their duties, it appears that they have no job descriptions and nobody to enforce performance thereof. I think this may be the cause of “service problems” in the Retreat. Of course, with fares running above lux lines, it matters little to me now, as I am booking elsewhere due to price alone.

I agree.  Too often people who report a bad experience are referred to as complainers or people who are never satisfied.  At the same time, people who report good experiences are often reviled as cheerleaders.  Frankly, I've been accused as both!  I report my comments based on my personal experience - good, bad, or indifferent.  People can give them as much credence as they care to.

8 hours ago, LXA350 said:

Sky Suites are at the end of the day "junior Suites", hence not full suites. Therefore i am suprised with the staff shortages / savings approach that X only started with this now. Further, it would be helpfull when Luminae would start to take reservations for dinner and here also simmilar as on RCL the privilege to have dinner should be granted to Celebrity suites and above and if there is availability then for Sky Suites as well but it should not be anymore a guaranteed benefit. I would also remove the privilege of access to Retreat lounge and sundeck to ensure these areas are not overcrowded. I know it doesn't sound fair to some of you but the upper suites cost significantly more and therefore additional exclusivity needs to be offered to them as in my oppinion for what is offered at the end of the day anything above CC is fully overpriced not to mention that Luminae is also a failure.

Are you writing this as a joke or to get people revved up to argue with you?  Obviously it can't be a legit comment.  The "upper suites" already have lots more privileges associated with them so I think they are taken care of just fine,  That's as far as I plan to discuss this as the idea is too far out of the realm of reality for me to waste any more time on it.

19 hours ago, Joker54 said:

We were in the PH last year on the Equinox. We didn’t realize that the maitre‘ d was saving a window table for us. We dine in both pay venues and Luminae. We also had the same wait staff every time we dined in Luminae.

 

We never asked for a window table nor to have one reserved for us, it just happened. Once we figured out that they were saving a table for us we had our butler keep them informed as to our dining plans for each day. We didn’t want that table reserved if we were not dining there. 
 

Besides having our photos so they can address us by name, they also have access to our points level, status and I’m pretty sure annual spend.

 

Yes some people in upper suites make a lot of demands, at the same time there are others like us that don’t ask for or demand a reserved table. 
 

Disclaimer: we do expect all of the perks advertised for that suite, reserved tables are not an advertised perk for any suite.

 

cheers

You sound like a polite and considerate person.  Unfortunately those on our cruise were not. I didn't have a particular issue with the seat being saved for people paying big bucks for highest level suites. But if that was happening to me  (and it would be pretty obvious early on) I would definitely advise the hostess if I didn't plan to dine there that day.

2 hours ago, 39august said:

NC Fred- Apparently the list X sent you is out of date.  Decoy and Conundrum are now $19 per several people currently on board different ships. However, if I were cruising soon and had this list, I would print it and take with, just to see what response I might get on board. 

And yet, the website also still shows Decoy and Conundrum as included in the premium package! So not just a poor move overall, but false advertising.  

On 12/22/2023 at 2:36 PM, Baynanno1 said:

We had a similar experience recently on Solstice where the best (in my opinion) table was reserved for a couple. I didn't ask where they were accommodated. They also had obviously specially prepared (i.e. not on any menu) dishes.

I think my biggest frustration was that there were so many times they just never showed up and the ideal table went empty!  That's just not right.  I can see them catering to high level suite guests - heaven knows they are paying a small fortune to sail in those - but my real issue was with the guests themselves.  Totally inconsiderate.

On 12/22/2023 at 2:55 PM, Jim_Iain said:

 

Hi,  Wondering how they were "Fixing" this for suite guests?    

 

As you know we are both Zenith and Retreat guests.      While on Edge -  things were really confusing.   Prices were in USD of course but listed with an up-charge of 20% to cover gratuities.   I understand it has to do with Australia / New Zealand requires prices to be all inclusive.    I never saw an explanation of what the Max Premium Price Limit was.    Some had to fight to get over charges removed  

 

I don't drink but do advocate for those like Iain who do drink.    

 

I met Laura at the Zenith at lunch and when she asked her canned introduction -  "What amazing memories have we created for you on this cruise? "    I responded there were far to many negatives that positives.   She was concerned and asked me to explain.   I as a gentleman, I  answered this isn't the right time or place to go into detail and would write her upon return home.  

 

I will be including this as a minor point.

What I meant was, concern that they would adjust their rules so that suite guests were no longer charged the small upcharges while in Luminae or in the lounge, but not intend to change anything for anyone else.  I realize I am sounding (and probably am) a bit paranoid here, but frankly the way they've been handling things these days I can understand why.  It's already very frustrating that as a Zenith our perks of premium liquor and Wi-Fi are of no value when booking suites - a separate but annoying issue I didn't want to really get into with this particular thread.

I also don't want to seem like I don't care about non-suite or non-Zenith folks.  I certainly do.  It just seems that there have been quite a few significant sales on drink packages lately which are of no value to us.  So as a suite guest we don't get those kinds of discounts per se as the cost of the package is already included in the (sky high these days) price of the suites.  So once again, paying more and getting less.  But I understand it is an issue for everyone and I hope they look at it that way.

Wondering how many have been contacted after sending an email to the Executive office regarding the recent changes to wine prices vis a vis the premium package, and how that conversation went.

I wrote an email and got a call within a day.  Had a nice conversation with the woman on the phone about my concerns.  Besides mentioning my general displeasure with the new costs and why, I also expressed concern about how these changes are happening.  I have heard people say it has even changed mid-sailing.  I indicated I thought they should improve their communication so people know ahead of time what they are buying into, regardless of what the change is.

One of my concerns is that they may only focus on "fixing" this for suite guests.  As a Zenith member who took 30 years and close to 80 cruises to attain that level, I am not happy to see its valuable perk of premium drinks downgraded for those times I am not sailing in a suite (which with current prices may be often!).  If they lower the price of the package, offer great sales, etc.., but keep the current wine pricing that's fine for people who purchase the package as an add-on but that doesn't help me (or other Zeniths not in suites) at all!  I was told they are in the process of reviewing these changes and the comments coming in, and I was reassured that they value our loyalty and would keep that in mind.  

So, encouraging that they are quickly responding, and encouraging that they apparently are getting so much feedback that they are reviewing it.  Wouldn't it be nice, though, if going forward they relied on focus groups comprising of all types of Celebrity passengers, including (and perhaps especially) those who are the most loyal.   Fingers crossed something positive will come out of this.

Don't know about Japan, but typically 2 hours ahead of time.  I also would figure 3 in case of any issues getting to port.

1 minute ago, cruisestitch said:

Luminae doesn’t take reservations🤪

That's true.  Although on one b2b cruise I was on, the hostess was instructed to always save a particular window seat for a Royal Suite guest.  The most frustrating part of all was that literally half the time or more they never showed up and that most-desired seat was left empty!  How incredibly inconsiderate and selfish.  I've sailed in a Royal Suite (granted, only twice) and they never did that for me, nor would I ever ask or expect them to for that matter.

7 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

Thats why I prefer to bring wines from home in my luggage or take the ones I get onboard to the MDR. In all my Celebrity cruises I've bought the AI package twice.

That's fine if you sail in non-suite cabins or are not Zenith.  People sailing in suites often pay tens of thousands of dollars for their cabin - and then to be charged an upcharge for a glass of wine whose bottle sells for $20 or less retail??  That is nothing short of outrageous.  And those of us who have finally, finally earned Zenith status (for me 75+ cruises over 30 years), only to find the value of that status once again declining is very, very frustrating.  I'm not saying this as an attack on your response, but I think everyone should be concerned about these types of changes being made, and made after booking as well.  This change may not impact you personally but it is a disturbing trend and there likely will follow other changes that will impact you.  If we just sit back and take it and continue booking and don't provide any feedback it will continue and continue.

2 hours ago, ChloeWilkins said:

I know my reply is a bit late, but as far as I know, most cruise ships, including Celebrity, usually have smart TVs in staterooms, so streaming Netflix should be a breeze. However, it's a good idea to bring your iPad just in case. With the Netflix app, you can dive into some great content, and if all goes well, definitely check out the series featuring Prince Harry. Rumor has it that this collaboration boosted prince harry net worth! Plus, the series tackles some socially significant topics – definitely worth a watch!

Only the new ships and in some cabins on revolutionized ships will you find smart tv's, not all Celebrity ships.  In fact on a Sky Suite on Constellation, our TV did not even have the usual movies, access to your account, etc..  And whether streaming will be a breeze definitely depends on the internet on that cruise, which can vary greatly by sailing location as well as cabin location.  Granted, with their updated internet it is usually much better than previously, but you definitely cannot always stream successfully.

7 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

The ongoing, fun "appeal" to that song over time has become about the crowd participation aspect.

I agree.  How many times would I want to even listen to the same song over and over and over without the crowd participation or some other fun-added aspect.  Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of course and can like or dislike it.  For the record, I'm no youngster myself (on the other side of 70) and I have no issue with the sing alongs and love the "so good, so good, so good" and "bamp bamp bamp" singing!

We sailed on Celebrity many times with my youngest son, starting when he was 7.  He always had a good time.  As he got older he learned about other, more fun (for him) ships such as Royal and he definitely would have preferred them.  But all in all he always had a good time.  DH and I both worked fulltime so it was nice not to have all the bells and whistles so to speak as it meant we could spend more time as a family.  We swam together, played board games (some of which we brought from home), enjoyed the shows (even in his younger years), and just enjoyed some family time.  As he got older, he brought our laptop (no tablets back then LOL) and downloaded video games to play and movies to watch.  He also brought books and comics for his own quiet time.  I'm sure your kids will do fine, as long as expectations are set for the older ones especially.

58 minutes ago, markeb said:

I’m seeing a mixed bag. Most decent reds are above the package limit. For EQ they’re now offering the Kiowa Red Mountain merlot for $19; in November that was only available by the bottle. Still an upcharge, but not a full bottle. The Grgich Hills cab is still an $8 upcharge, but it was worth it the time I did it. I don’t expect a truly good California Cab in the packages, but the “other reds” seem to have vanished as well. 
 

It would be interesting to run the by the glass prices by a good NYC/Chicago/Miami etc. restaurant price (if they carry the same wines). My gut says Celebrity is high, but I have no frame of reference. They’re high compared to bottle prices, but so are almost all restaurants. 

Gibson's in downtown Chicago - Decoy Cab is $15 a glass.  Celebrity now $19 a glass.  26% higher on Celebrity.  And the big thing, to me, is that the premium package is very expensive and many people (me included) would purchase it primarily to have a bit higher quality wine with dinner.  And we are not even talking really high quality wines - we are talking wines we can buy retail for less than $20 a bottle.  To offer wines on the premium package which sell for around $10 a bottle at home is insulting to say the least.

1 hour ago, 39august said:

I'm guessing that Luminae will have some better cabs available that are not on the menu. 

Why? They never have before!

9 hours ago, CruiseRQA said:

The buffet serves a purpose that 90% of passengers use at some point during a cruise.   A butler?   Purpose still baffles me and used by maybe 10% of the passengers.   If X figured out that resources directed at having a butler could be more efficiently used elsewhere, well, they made the right choice.   

So you think it's the right choice to sell someone experience A, and then decide later to reduce the value by delivering experience B?  Makes no difference if you personally use that service or not. If I paid for a car that was supposed to include, for example,  heated seats and Hyundai decided to eliminate that feature in my car, it doesn't matter if I live in Florida and don't or rarely use it. It's a service paid for, and therefore should be delivered.  Period. I don't understand how people can think that kind of bait and switch is ok. Maybe if they make a change on something you do actually use, after you bought and paid for it, you'll understand. 

9 hours ago, bikerunner said:

The prices are what they are.  Might not like them but if you choose to sail and want wine btg this is the price.  Please stop comparing what you get them at local liquor/wine stores as its not comparable. I live in nh so prices for many are very inexpensive and no tax. I do like the penner ash btg for 4 mark up.  Or i think that is what i saw. That would  be one i would get all day , ie that was based on having premium pkg.  i will not worry or focus much on prices intil i get on board in april.  Was fine on my 14 b2b day on he sil end of nov.  Tho the changes happened on the cruise after mine.  

I beg to differ. It makes complete sense to compare prices we can pay at home versus what Celebrity charges.  Of course one expects a cruise ship or restaurant to charge more and make a profit,  but these amounts are insane.  A markup,  sure. A complete and total ripoff, not cool. If not to compare prices then what would you compare with? Local prices provide a realistic and honest comparison data point.  To ignore that is to be an incredibly naive consumer, which I guess is what they are counting on.

10 hours ago, drakes2 said:

I enjoyed the Decoy cab they gave me on my recent cruise it was on the wine list for $62 a bottle. Also received a beringee Knights valley which retails higher but didn't enjoy as much.  My waiter knew which wine I was drinking and would pour me a glass every evening. 

Yet in stores you can get it for as low as $17 a bottle sometimes.  I understand markup but this is crazy. Especially when they want to charge $19 a glass!

5 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I don't understand comparing the cost of a wine at your local store to the price on a ship...that's just me.

 

Walk into a local nicer restaurant and price some wines buy the glass.  🙂

I priced Decoy by the glass at Gibsons in downtown Chicago.  An expensive restaurant in an expensive city. $15 a glass. Now on Celebrity $19 a glass.  Prices are going up everywhere but Celebrity is out of control with this! When I can buy a bottle of wine for less than $20 it is ridiculous that it would be $19 per glass on Celebrity,  and now over the Premium package limit. And it's a good, but certainly not superior or special wine.  I am not a wine fanatic by any means but if buying or using the Premium package means I am stuck with low quality and low priced (on land) wines this may very well be the last straw for me.