georgiaguy

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

People say “but X has to get younger cruisers”.  Sure they do.  But don’t mistreat your existing customers.

 

Everyone is so excited to get a new ship in the Caribbean,  I know the people on canceled cruises are not as excited.  When I’ve had a cruise canceled I wasn’t jumping up and down.

 

I don’t need X to be just like RC.

At the risk of being argumentative, do I not count as an existing customer? What about the others here that have expressed interest?

Also, I don’t think everyone is upset. I have seen a number of people express satisfaction with the change. One person said they got an extra day in Europe (10 to 11 day) and $200. 

And again, one port change will not make X, RC. There are just not massive overhauls of the ships happening in the way that would require.  

Ask and you will receive...according to the chat agent it does mean obstructed view. So there you go.

Next dumb question. Does that mean the couch? Cause what is an l shaped bed?

So why deck seven and eight in some but not all of the porthole verandas? Not saying you are wrong but these are the thing are the things making it a question for me. Also why is it not listed on the symbol key?? lol (I clearly need a vacation...)

Here is a full deck plan. Note that it is also on a few select staterooms on deck 7 & 8. 

I was thinking obstruction as well but then I would think more of deck 6 would be obstructed. But maybe I am wrong. 

I feel like I should be able to figure this out but I can't for the life of me. What does the diamond symbol mean? For reference, this is from Celebrity's website and the ship is the Ascent. 

1 minute ago, zitsky said:

You worked for Celebrity.  Do you know their plans for the next 5 years?

I left the company about a decade ago so cant say I do know the plans, but I also see the only major change to the kids program since I left is to rebrand from “Fun Factory” to “Camp at Sea” They seem to be tweaking around the edge not doing a major overhaul. But again just my two cents. Maybe I am wrong.

Also probably a little sensitive about the age thing. I get tired of hearing folks talk about “millennials” like we are children still. Like I said I am 40 now have a masters degree and 11 years in my career field.

3 minutes ago, zitsky said:

I’m sure in 15 minutes he’ll be off his phone and in the pool.

Also I am a millennial and I turned 40 this year and by Celebrity standards I am the next generation and some of gen z are moving into their late 20’s. Not exactly children anymore.

I really don’t understand the concern that Celebrity is just going to become Royal because they have private beach island day. Here is the truth, and I know because I used to work in Celebrity’s kids program. They are not going to become Royal as long as the ships are not being dramatically overhauled. Celebrity does fine with the kids counts it has and the facilities it has, but lets be honest there is not enough family entertainment, teen entertainment, small kids entertainment, to dramatically change the demographics. Plus I love Celebrity and it sounds like for many of the same reasons you do. But I also like the idea that when my kids are a little bit older (both under 5 still) having the option of booking a cruise that goes to Cococay without having to book Royal. Sure they are are trying to attract some new folks to the brand but that is what brand survival with a long view (15-20 years) requires. How can they attract new butts in the seats and expanding the brand so that the brand you love can continue to exist? 

No one has to agree with me either. Just sharing my two cents. 

44 minutes ago, CruiseMsclDad said:

No seriously I never drink at all when I am on vacation with them, with MY sons I have to have all senses super sharp! So it would be just soft drinks and juices.

Strike what I said before. If you don’t drink then a zero proof package could make sense but definitely not the all inclusive add on.

Veranda vs deluxe is just about more “desirable” locations on the ship. I have never done concierge but to me the benefits have never really seemed worth it. When it comes to the all inclusive, it is worth it because if you price it out it individually it is more expensive.

2 hours ago, zitsky said:

I liked that there was toilet paper in the men’s bathrooms on the Beyond.

 

@georgiaguy are we ok now?

Yes, thank you.

19 minutes ago, zitsky said:

So what did you not like in your last suite experience?

Not to he that guy but this is supposed to be a conversation looking at the positives. 

As former crew, it warms my heart to hear all the mentions of staff/crew. Honestly, one of the reasons that I tell folks that I choose Celebrity is because I know the experience we were expected to provide and it is the experience I was looking for. To me this is really where Celebrity is comes out ahead. 

It seems that lately there has been a great many who are dissatisfied with the Celebrity brand and its leadership. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and has a right to share those. Just wondering if there are those who have things to share they are happy about and thought it would be nice to create a space for that as well. 

I Will start by saying last year on the tail end of Covid restrictions we finally got to cruise again and did a European cruise 10 night on Reflection. It was the best cruise we have been on so far. Everyday there was something wonderful. There were some supply issues and sometimes had to wait a little longer at the martini bar, and of course finding deck chairs was a challenge, but even that didnt stop it from being an incredible experience. Can’t wait to go on our next this coming March. 

Despite being a data nerd I didnt really start my spreadsheeting records until our 2022 cruise. Well it was supposed to be our 2020 cruise NY to Bermuda for 7 nights but then COVID. We took the 125% cruise credit and were able to book a 2021 Venice to Rome and that was of course canceled as well.

After that cancellation we decided to splurge for just a bit more and booked a 10 night Italy, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia cruise. We originally booked in a balcony but did move up for $200pp we got a sunset veranda. The pppd came out to $268.90

We are currently booked on the Ascent for next March. 7 night in the Caribbean in a veranda guarantee and currently we are looking at $244.12 pppd. 

Not sure how to compare because not exactly equal comparisons. That said, we were on the Reflection and it was probably our best cruise so far even with some of the supply issues and coming right at the end of the Covid restrictions. Looking forward to comparing it to being on a brand new ship. 

Havent even finished reading your post and the data nerd in me that loves to know what is actually happening vs how we feel is just fascinating!

It is in March, but we got a room at the Tru by Hilton through a deal on booking for $165. It didnt stay at that price but caught a random special deal.  

Anyone had an aft one? We have one in March that is at the very back by Eden. 

I worked for Celebrity and so I spent over a year back then. 6.5 & 7.5 months total for the contracts. I have 24 as a passenger.

9 hours ago, Bbmerzel said:

Thank you, this is so helpful! Did you visit any beaches?

I should have mentioned we had a bunch of non-refundable obc and so that is why we went on so many ship based excursions. The Corfu one we enjoyed but it probably was our least favorite. If we hadn’t had the credit for it we would have probably found a beach there. It is a good port for it. 

We did this same cruise on Reflection last July and it was so wonderful. This is like reliving it all over again.

Looking forward to our next cruise already. We just booked and looking forward to trying out the new ship. My husband and I will be celebrating birthday. He is turning 40 and this will be a great way to celebrate.