mac_tlc

Research? What research? Some BS from some consultant who wants more Celebrity business. How about the “research” they will get from actual paying passengers when they find out on board. If their research is so compelling, they should be shouting it from the top of every mountain. I can’t believe their arrogance and gaul…. But actually, unfortunately, I can. mac_tlc

Not always. Especially with the recent high prices. Our Royal suite experience was on cruises that were booked before the current price increases and service changes. Last month on Jewel we had a regular balcony, and next week in Oasis we will too. There have been changes that affect every cabin category differently. Deposit amounts, on board booking changes, menus, price, stateroom service, buffet offerings ………. mac_tlc

Very close to booking Vista for either a TA or Panama Canal for 2025.

There is nothing personal here, just business. They have to do what they have to do, so do I. At some point the value proposition isn’t there. As we have gotten older and are retired, we have fortunately been able to sail in a suite when it’s just the two of us. There suite prices have increased far above inflation and are outside our “value zone”. I understand the business dynamics and as a customer, I will look elsewhere. They won’t miss us, there are a line of folks ready to replace us. That’s OK too. mac_tlc

That’s the insidious nature of these individual cuts: no one is a make or break but in total they lessen the experience and, for us, have us questioning the value. mac_tlc

Our first experience with the cutback was last month in Jewel of the Seas. Our only other upcoming Royal cruise is next week on Oasis, and that’s the annual family bonanza with the kids and grandkids. Most important thing for that is that everyone is together. For the first time in 20ish years, we have no other Royal cruises on the books, and barring a unique itinerary I don’t foresee any others unless things change, which is about as likely as me winning Powerball without buying a ticket. mac_tlc

I just want what I booked 18 months ago, not 18 years ago. mac_tlc

That’s great for those in that community, most are not. While not impossible, it is difficult to spend $1,000pppd on a Sky Suite. Even Celebrity’s ridiculous pricing for SS is often closer to $650-700pppd. Many pages back on this thread, I believe the reference to $1,000pppd was a CS, not SS. That’s an easier feat. I took a quick look at Regent today and for us normal non-aviation folks, it is close to $1000pppd or more —- pretty easily. Not wanting to cause a ruckus, but I think the stated $1,000pppd has morphed into something it was not originally. Imagine that happening on CC! 😂😂. mac_tlc

While that next step is possible, I think it’s unlikely for the E-class at least. All the venues on those ships were built and sized assuming SS is in the retreat. Luminae would be a ghost town and the other venues MDRs would be a zoo if 200-300 people just got booted. Same would go for the retreat Sundeck and other pool areas. But nothing is “Beyond” the current Celebrity management team. After never writing an email to any cruise company, I need to compose my second one this month…… mac_tlc

Just did the fjords last month.. will be following along! mac_tlc

This is definitely their MO lately: She also told me there are no plans to make an announcement of these changes or to notify people already booked in Sky Suites. She also said there’s no plan to offer any compensation or allowing penalty-free cancellation or return of deposit. Three of our future X cruises are in Sky Suites. This along with the debacle of the Beyond redeployment, vaping in casinos and skyrocking prices have soured us on X. We were already soured on Royal and will sail our last booked cruise with them next week. Other than the Alaska family cruise next August, we will reconsider our February Beyond and November Apex cruises. They were booked on board under the old rules, so only $100pp at risk. I’d rather forfeit that and move to YC or Oceania or Viking. This cheapening of the advertised, and booked, product is ridiculous. Was never going to make Pinnacle or Zenith anyway😜. mac_tlc

That is a fabulous post and mirrors our feelings. As a matter of fact, my DW and I were just talking about the “thousand cuts” when I read your post. We find ourselves questioning the value proposition. Our future cruises, except one, were booked a while ago when the prices were a lot lower. Still, Royal and X can, and will, make changes that impact already booked cruises. I think we will be trying MSC YC, and maybe Oceania and Viking. mac_tlc

I think my daughter and grandson will go to Cats, probably not me .

A quick perusal of the app for the current Allure cruise only shows the house band in Dazzles. We will be on Oasis next week. I will be sure to voice my displeasure at yet another cut and poor replacement. mac_tlc

Just took another look at Phoenix's website schedule and it indicated that they were on Allure this week. Wonder if it actually happened. mac_tlc

It really is becoming a race to the bottom. Other than E-muster, I can't think of a single change on Royal or X since the restart that has been positive for the paying guests. mac_tlc

According to their web site, Phoenix is on the Ovation in August and the Oasis in November. We saw them on Oasis and they were excellent, although the Music Hall is an awful venue, IMHO. Horrible sight lines, most bottom floor seats don’t face the stage. mac_tlc

I agree. We won’t be sailing on Icon, or Wonder for that matter, given their current pricing. That plus 6998 other Icon passengers. No thanks. mac_tlc

We never noticed any vibrations in the back. We loved the aft views. mac_tlc

Great to hear from you Frank! When it’s just the two of us, we have gravitated to X and the Retreat. Now, Royal and X suite prices are crazy. Plus with Royal seemingly going all in on 3/4 nighters, we have expanded our view. Considering MSC YC, although those prices are creeping up also. Also looking at Oceania and maybe Viking (for the itineraries and lecturers). Hope our paths cross again! mac_tlc

Safe travels M & A!!!! mac_tlc

Following along! Just did the fjords on Jewel of the Seas and loved it! Geiranger! Flam! Olden! All awesome. gotta do the Loen skylift in Olden!

What a ridiculous statement and comparison, but that seems par for the course. Last I checked, I’m not driving the ship, so I don’t need to see what’s in front. And I’m not in a station wagon. Have you done the Geiranger or Flam fjords in an aft cabin? I have and it’s the absolute best view there is, from the comfort of your own balcony. I’ve also done Alaska in an aft and will do it again next year on Edge in a sunset verandah. 180+ degree views. And I’ll see any spouting whales regardless of what side of the ship they are on, as I did the Seven Sisters Waterfall and their lonely brother on the other side of the fjord, and see them both at the same time. mac_tlc

IMO, a sunset verandah would be superior to any other cabin. To be in the aft sailing through the fjords is spectacular.

We had a port call at Molde cancelled last month on the Jewel so they could get back to Amsterdam early, do to the salt levels in the river beyond the locks. The locks were only going to be operational from 6am to 7pm, and our original itinerary would have had us at the locks about 1am. Docked at 6pm, and overnighted in Amsterdam. A bunch of people left early, I think there were 8 people at Giovanni’s on the last night and 4 of those were our party. mac_tlc