jules27556

I agree about future bookings. What I find unfortunate is that right now it seems almost necessary to lower expectations to avoid disappointment.😞

Reflecting as well.😊 Back in the day when I was in Flight Attendant training with one of the "majors" in the airline industry, it was explained that the revenue from business travellers ( perhaps you remember flying to get to a meeting, often last minute) as well as cargo, covered the expenses of the flight + profits. Our mission was to provide an "Exceptional Experience" to EVERY passenger, not just those responsible for the greatest revenue. Later, service industries adopted slogans like going "Above and Beyond". There was a clear vision of the importance of attracting and maintaining customers which equated to corporate success or failure and growth. I have said it before that the increased fares are to be expected. I do not take exception to them. However, it is unfortunate IF these increases may not have allowed Celebrity to maintain the quality product people have come to enjoy and expect. The important thing I have learned from life experiences, people express their disappointments, concerns and fears differently. What is even more important is to be tolerant and even respectful of those differences of expression, without feeling the need to judge, even if done eloquently. I chose Celebrity because it appeared to be a "step above" the cruises I had taken from 1976 - 2010. It is my hope that when the dust settles, it will indeed be what I have looked forward to these many months/years! May your sailings, regardless of stateroom category, all be an Exceptional Experience!

Don't forget the pork cheeks and belly.🤣🐖

Interesting. I looked at the menus and RCL new menus had prime rib, roasted tenderloin, beef dishes, lobster......and even though an additional charge, there are Premium choices. Thank you for posting!

It is my understanding that some of those who have been emailing are receiving a phone call. Of course not from LLP. Chief ExecutiveLisa Lutoff-PerloPresident and Chief Executive Officer1050 Caribbean WayMiami, FL 33132lLutoff-Perlo@celebritycruises.com

I do not eat fish with gills (only shell fish).....well, I did have Dover Sole years ago and thought it was quite good, probably because it had the consistency of beef. ( Midwesterner and grain fed beef lover here!) I am familiar with Tilapia, . At my school, we had a vegetable garden that the boys were responsible for. There was an irrigation system that was a large tank holding water with Tilapia. The garden benefited from the water that contained fish waste. The fish were fed and on cold Florida nights/days protected by a tank covering. If the fish got too big they were removed. Never eaten, buried in the garden. I had no idea, until reading CC, that Tilapia could become a menu offering.😲🐟

I agree. Celebrity set the expectations we have by promoting their cruises as " Wonderfull, Colorfull, Flavorfull, etc ", so why would it be unreasonable to believe they will be FULLfilled?

May I offer my take? Here goes. I was booked on a B2B on the Constellation last Oct., Concierge 24 days. Unfortunately, I contracted Covid 5 days before my flight to Italy. Due to fare increases for 2023, my FCC for the loss of the Oct trip only covered an Oceanview accommodation for a 10 day May Connie replacement cruise. I understood and had no problem with the increased fare. Clearly it was a result of what Celebrity was experiencing in their costs and the debt they had incurred. My assumption was that the increases were in part necessary in order for them to maintain the quality product their guests enjoyed and that they continue to advertise. The reduced offerings in the evening at the OV cafe, be it a result of waste or use, may be a disappointment. However, if executed while maintaining quality choices, such as a grill and carving station with accompaniments, would be reasonable and probably accepted. My exception is also to the changes to the cuisine in the complimentary dining venues. Last fall's increase in gratuities....fine Going Green for stateroom....fine Room Service charge.......fine ( reduces carrying so many $5 s) Drink package changes.....fine (my choice) etc etc The tone and vibe being set by these changes is surely going to make guests less forgiving when noticing the "warts and wrinkles" in other areas. My expectation, when choosing Celebrity, was that I would have an Exceptional Experience. Not luxury but certainly "above and beyond" what I had experienced in the 70's through my last cruise in 2010. Appears best to let the dust settle, since my FCC is intact and there is time to make a new decision on which ship and destination. It does appear that those loyal to Celebrity are more interested in preserving the brand than they are. My best to everyone and may your experiences always be exceptional!

At the fares for both Aqua and the Retreat who would have "thunk" it? For that matter all fares! I have never had pork belly or pork rinds, nor will I. OMGoodness, plan B may have just gone out the window!

And so the "tweaking" has begun!

And the changes in the MDR. In fact, the Celebrity Rep I spoke to today, advised there would be "tweaks" to the Aqua menu as well. I cancelled the cruise I booked for May and have the remainder of the year to use the FCC. 😊

Are sodas canned or fountain? Smoothies? Cappuccino? Appears only offering of non alcohol. Thanks!

Cappuccino included in the new Zero alcohol pkg?

Are the non alcohol drink packages still available? I did not find them when exploring drink package options. Thanks!

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@mahdnc David, I am following your live report! Thank you for the pictures, news and sharing your recent adventure! Oh my! Gary from the Azorean Tours, asked me to let everyone know there are spots available for the 1/2 Day Tour. There are 3 Groups. Group 1 JoAnne, Group 2 Julie and Group 3 Julie If interested, email Gary. garytravassos32@gmail.com Although it hasn't been mentioned, I trust everyone made it on the ship! Such a terrific group and cruise! FYI, Mother (after Paxlovid) is feeling great and sounds really good. I have had a few more challenges (finished Rx) but hoping things begin to turn around in another week or so. Stay safe and healthy. Keep the narrative and photos coming! Best regards, 😷 Julie

Suddenly working for me as well!

Down 3 days for me as well. How can they not notice? Certainly call volume has increased and drop in online bookings.