Paulras

Also got a free cruise (from Revel) for pretty much any 2014 7 day cruise. Booked the free inside cabin (pay for taxes/port) on Breakaway to Bermuda in June. Saved almost $1000 per person based on the prices I see online.

I will definitely be upgrading since an inside cabin is really tiny compared to other lines. But since I had to book it within 60 days, I just had them book the inside for now and they said I can upgrade later for the additional cost when I figure out which type of cabin. Probably be upgrading to balcony or mini-suite. Hopefully an aft-facing which has a bigger balcony.

They also included a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries for the room plus casino drink cards for both of us. But we will probably just do the beverage package so we won't use the drink cards.

Unless your casino tier is Golden or higher, then you get Premium.

 

 

 

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Not sure what I'll get. The agent on the phone had no idea that there were different casino drink cards. If I get on board and see the cards, will I know if it's premium or basic? Is it specified on the card?

Booked through the casino on the Breakaway in June to Bermuda. They said both of us in the cabin would receive a drink card for drinks in the casino. But they couldn't elaborate what kind of drinks or dollar limit per drink. I'm also interested in the Ultimate Beverage Package. Though it's not as inclusive as Celebrity's drink package, it would still be a good deal. But if I get it, then the Casino drink card is useless.

Trying to decide on using the drink card and just paying for non-casino drinks or just getting the UBP. Any thoughts? Do you know what drinks are included in the casino drink card? Never been on NCL but this was a free cruise from Revel casino.

We will definitely have at least 8 alcoholic drinks a day each (plus sodas too). And it ranges from beer to wine, mixed cocktails and martinis. 2 or 3 of those could easily be in the casino nightly.

I believe the casino is closed when we're docked in Bermuda for 2 full days so the casino card won't be able to be used then. Although we'll probably be off the ship for most of that time anyway.

Tough decision - I feel like I keep swaying one way and then the other on what to do. So any thoughts would be appreciated.

I'm 3 weeks away from a Christmas cruise and booked a CC cabin because Celebrity said I would get 1 extra credit that would have brought us both up to Select. I know that a CC cabin has very few extra perks over a balcony which was almost $1000 less for this cruise. But the extra point helped make my decision because I want to be more loyal to Celebrity. I've tried Princess, Cunard, and Carnival and my choice of best is Celebrity. I was hoping that my future cruises would at least be at Select. Now I have one additional cruise to take which is frustrating considering I paid a great deal of money for the upgraded cabin. Plus a Christmas cruise is about double the price of non-holiday sailings and so even though I paid the equivalent of a suite on a non-holiday cruise, I'm still getting less points and will miss the Select level that I was expecting.

I also understand that some who were one cruise away from Elite were given bonus points so they aren't harmed but according to the Captains Club rep, they didn't give these to those of us one cruise away from Select. And they also don't care about the fact that you're well after final payment date (3 months for me). Just doesn't seem right to recognize this problem for one level but not the other.

I believe the conversion ratio was good and the new program is good. But the conversion should be based on credits currently earned or those to be earned on cruises which are after the final payment date. That would have been fairer since we have no ability to change our plans like Celebrity did.

Actually, I wasn't trying to be rude. I'm flabbergasted that someone would call Murano or the Tuscan Grille and make an offer to eat there. Celebrity often has 50% off on the speciality restaurants, so there would be no need to haggle with them for a deal. :confused:

Sorry I mistook "If I was traveling with you, I'd be embarrased" for trying to act like a jerk. It's obvious now you were simply being constructive.

Would I be annoyed, of course. Would it be the end of the world, no. I would just cruise as I always do for the fun of it, not for any points or perks.

 

What I don't understand is that the Captain's club clearly said that there could be changes at anytime, so since there had been chatter about changes for months and months, wouldn't someone think that they might be affected by any changes.

 

Celebrity is not going to make everyone happy, but I would think that the majority of their customers are fine with the way they converted points and the new program.

 

I do feel for you, but I also understand why Celebrity made the decisions they did.

I cruise because I like it. I cruise Celebrity because I think they are the best of the mainstream lines. I paid extra money thinking that there was an implied promise, even though I had full knowledge that Celebrity had their fingers crossed behind their back just in case. The potential changes have actually been talked about here for like 2 years so thinking it would happen 3 weeks before my trip and that I would lose out on something I was expecting would be silly. But it's happened and I think it should have been rolled out a little better. Certainly don't give bonus points to some in this situation but not others. That's the salt on the wound.

The majority on here are happy because they are Elite and have either now become Elite+ or have something to aspire to without losing anything. I'd love to see the riots if the change was no more Elite cocktail party, only Elite+ gets it. I'm sure "read the contract" wouldn't suffice for that one. Better watch out, it might happen a week before your next cruise!

What is the difference between a cruise and airline ticket. You pay for the airline ticket in full when you book it, but don't get the points until after you fly.

No difference. But if that flight that you were taking in a few days that you paid for months ago would have brought you to a special frequent flyer level, wouldn't you be annoyed if the airline said "sorry, you need 5000 more miles; read the contract". And what if you paid extra money to upgrade to first class because you were told that coach wouldn't be good enough, but first class gets you to the next level?

I don't want the Select status today, I just want to be given the same consideration (ie. bonus points) as those between Select and Elite so that I reach the next level after the cruise that I booked 9 months ago and paid for 3 months ago with the understanding that the upgraded cabin would make me Select.

And by the way - most of the changes to airline frequent flyer programs that I've seen are based on the date tickets are purchase and paid for, not some random date that impacts all.

A couple of points first the captains club was not a contract simply a free benefit. It was clearly stated that the program could change without notice.

 

Second Celebrity did pretty much what you suggest, by providing bonus points to those members which would allow them to move up a category on their next cruise as they would have under the previous system. Unfortunately they based the next cruise on a Verandah. Which makes sense when you think about all the complaints on this forum about people moving up to Elite very quickly by booking insides on short cruises.

 

It appears Celebrity was listening to everyone and tried to make this change as equitably as possible. Some folks are going to be upset and I can understand that.

Max - they only did this for Select that would be Elite after their next cruise. They did not provide bonus points for those like me who are cruising in 3 weeks, well after the final payment, who are Classic and would have been Select after this sailing. I will be short 10 points and they said there's nothing they will do.

Elena summed it up perfectly. I have no way of changing my cabin, either up or down, at this point. And I purposely went with Concierge Class to ensure I was Select after the cruise.

I also disagree that it's a "free benefit". We all know how business works and nothing is free. Any costs the company incurs to have the program, be it free cocktails, discounts, dry cleaning, etc. are eventually passed on to us, not to Celebrity's bottom line. All of our fares have the cost of the program built into it.

I understand that the program can change without notice and I actually agree with the new point system. I just think it's poor business practice to publicize that no one is losing anything when in fact, some of us who made our final payment but didn't step on board are being disadvantaged. Especially when bonus points are being given out for the exact same situation for those between Select and Elite.

I don't see anyone in the same situation as us.....under the old system, we WOULD BE ELITE for our Feb 2014 cruise (which was already paid in full) but under the new system, we will be required to either book an additional cruise or pay $250USD more EACH (and Celebrity is 'allowing us to do this as a favour') to achieve Elite......not quite the same as complaining about losing a perk we never used.......

I'm sort of - I would have been Select after our sailing in 3 weeks but now I'll be 10 points short. No ability to change my cabin selection which I paid more for in order to get the 1 extra credit to reach Select. They moved the goal post on me and said they can't do anything.

What's this about paying $250 more?

Why would Celebrity give you old points for cruises you haven't taken yet. It is just like any rewards/loyalty program, you have to complete the cruise, flight, purchase, etc., before you are granted the points.

I would agree if it wasn't past the final payment date. The cruise is literally 3 weeks away and all of a sudden the goal line is moved. My booking at CC cabin was based on the belief, as advertised, that this cruise will make the two of us Select. Now it's changed and the extra cash spent for the cabin was wasted.

I would accept this more if Celebrity didn't recognize this problem for those who are Select and close to Elite by giving them bonus points so their next cruise will get them there, but completely ignored those who are Classic moving to Select. Especially considering we're so close to the sail date.

The Captains Club rep said they wanted to fix this problem for Select moving to Elite so they set up bonus points but didn't do it for Classic moving to Select. Does that seem fair?

PS - I'm not asking for bonus points right now or Select now. I just want to make sure I'm Select after the cruise next month just like I would have been before. I was told I would be 10 points short.

I think it was handled very well, and factoring in stateroom type in addition to nights is revolutionary in the industry (correct me if I'm wrong).

 

Bottom line: nobody lost anything (the most important criteria), and those who reach Elite now have two additional levels to strive for. I don't think Elite + is as desireable as Royal's Diamond Plus, but that's just my humble opinion and I'm glad they added the extra levels.

Nobody who already cruised lost anything. But as I mentioned, I lost out because I didn't step foot on the ship yet even though everything is paid for and I'm already starting to pack. So I respectfully disagree with you.

Now I wonder if I book next time if the brass ring will be moved again to screw me twice. I've also never been on RCCL so I was looking forward to having an automatic status there because I was going to be Select. Now I won't be able to until I book (AND SAIL) on another Celebrity cruise.

PS - this is the second time I got negatively impacted by changes. I was on a 14 day in 2000 and was told I only got 1 credit because it was before some cutoff date so the 12+ day extra point wasn't given out. My Concierge Class cabin a few years ago got me the other 2 credits giving me a total of 3 (now 90).

I like the new program except for the fact that I and probably many others who are booked on an upcoming cruise which would have put us at Select are no longer going to be Select afterward. I read that many Select members who were close to Elite were given bonus points even though they may not even be booked on a next cruise. I have a cruise in only 3 weeks that I purposely booked in a Concierge Class to gain that extra point to be Select for the next time, now I learn we'll still be 10 points away after we get back. If I knew that, I wouldn't have paid almost $1000 more for Concierge since there aren't too many valuable perks to Concierge Class over a balcony except the 1 extra credit which was advertised under the old system.

I know the program is subject to change without notice, but it's not fair that Celebrity recognizes this problem for those who are close to Elite by giving bonus points, but not those of us who are close to Select. I think they should make the bonus points available to those who are in our situation especially when it's well after the final payment date and you can't make changes to your trip.

While I can understand your disappointment this is not false advertising. I suggest that you read the terms and conditions of the Captain's Club program. The last sentence states:

 

Note: the Captain's Club program and inclusive member benefits are subject to change without notice.

 

They gave covered themselves in this situation. Nothing is guaranteed.

Completely understand but then don't give the "bonus points" to Select members in the same position.

I called the Captains Club and they confirmed that even though my cruise in 3 weeks would have made us both Select under the old system, the new system leaves us 10 points short. And they also said that they are giving bonus points for people in my situation but only for those between Select and Elite, not Classic and Select. And there's nothing they can do.

Really annoyed now. They should grandfather people in my situation or provide bonus points just like they're doing to get to Elite.

I wouldn't be as frustrated if I knew this 3 months ago when I made final payment and could change my mind about the extra cost of Concierge Class. But now it's too late and the perks that they advertised are being taken away. That's called false advertising in my opinion.

I followed it up with an email and will continue to correspond with Celebrity and probably Michael Bayley, the President/CEO until this is fixed.

Isn't it funny how the little things become "big things" just because someone decided to change the rules? Bottom Line: this is NOT a big deal, nor is it a life or death situation. It was man made, and no matter what anyone says, Celebrity is in the business of making money! We all look at things through the different lenses that we have acquired throughout our lives, and our experiences have been similar and different. Ever wonder why nothing gets done in Congress? It is so very difficult for some people to agree, but Celebrity is sailing the ship, and the new point program is almost here. The rules are the rules; however, don't let it control you, as it really doesn't matter...life is difficult enough as it is. I do understand the varied comments regarding the program, and I can understand where people are coming from with their comments. People deal with situations differently, and are just expressing their thoughts, concerns and opinions. After all, we are human...

Maybe not a big deal for you. But i spent an extra $1000 for a CC cabin primarily because Celebrity advertises that besides other perks, you get 1 additional captains club credit which would put me into the next tier for my next cruise. Now 3 months after final payment i find that the rules change and i don't get what i paid for. I understand that rules can be changed without notice but if bonuses are being given out for some who are being affected, my situation should be considered. It's only 10 points, much less than the 30 some are getting.

I'll be calling the captains club tomorrow to discuss.

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I currently have 3 credits or 90 under the new system. I have a 10 day Christmas cruise on Equinox in a few weeks. I reserved Concierge Class instead of a regular balcony because the 2 old credits would put us at Select. Now, if I'm understanding the new program correctly, I'll only get 50 new points giving me 140 or 10 shy of Select.

Is that correct? If so, that sucks and I'll have a big problem with it. Especially considering how Christmas cruises are like double the price of non-holiday cruises. I don't see any bonus points when I log on.

I lost out when the last conversion took place because I had a 15 day cruise in 2000 but only received 1 credit because I was told it was before the new program.

Always found the MDR enjoyable. Maybe it's me but when I look at the menus for the MDR, there are several options that strike me as items I want to order. But I see the menus for Blu or some other specialty restaurants and I might only find one entree that's appealing. (keep in mind I don't eat any seafood).

I also like that you can try multiple entrees in the MDR so when the two of us can't decide between 3 or 4 different entrees, we'll just get them all and share more like family style. Sounds piggy but the portions tend to be geared towards having a second plate anyway; at least for me. Unless things have changed, I thought the specialty restaurants only allow one entree? If you don't like what you ordered, you're stuck. I like being able to ask for a different option. And the MDR food is always very good to excellent. I've been to specialty restaurants in the past where the food and service was hit or miss so I was less than thrilled by them.

We'll do a specialty here and there but always check out the MDR menu posted earlier that day first to make sure we won't miss anything we really feel like having.

Carnival tends to attract a younger, more party-like crowd. I've found on my 3 Carnival cruises that too many straight guys are so drunk that I can see one or more of them being abusive to gay passengers. We didn't have any incidents, but there were very few people that were friendly to my BF and me.

On the otherhand Celebrity's staff and passengers were extraordinarily friendly on our 2 cruises. Celebrity tends to attract a more mature (in mind, not necessarily age) crowd. We were very friendly with straight people that we wouldn't have thought we would be, including an entire Virginian family (3 generations, many of which were military and ex-military), a newlywed Southern couple, a retired air force ranking officer (and wife), another couple from the mid-west; people who don't normally fit into the "gay friendly" category. They all knew we were gay but would even go out of their way to talk to us or book an excursion with us. That NEVER happened on Carnival, where we felt like we had to be in the closet.

PS - as a disclaimer, I'm not saying everyone on Carnival is an alcoholic party animal. But my experience is that that there are quite a few more than on Celebrity (and Celebrity never had drunken breakdancing in the Karaoke lounge!).