leaveitallbehind

That's actually a point I was considering as well. If the OP is also referring to loyalty programs (which are typically accessible through a cruise line app), then I agree - individual accounts and passwords would be recommended as these accounts are typically set up individually as well. But other than that I don't know that it would matter as most cruise line apps are "generic" in nature - and it would then just be personal preference as to how you set yours up.

Which cruise line are you referring to?

Innovation is typically a competitive advantage. Lack of same is stagnation.

That is not necessarily true for all cruise lines as we have been on several bridge tours - all post 9/11. You are correct that filming was not permitted, but still pictures via our smart phones were - we have a number of them that also included several senior crew members during our tours. I will add the caveat that most of our bridge tours were loyalty program tier related - only two were the result of the behind the scenes tour as you reference. I also have not seen that tour anymore since the pandemic restart either and it may be possible we will not see it again.

While this is very interesting information, I would also add that - in particular for new cruisers - a number of the cruise lines offer behind the scenes tours that, at least in the past, included galley, backstage, laundry, storage facilities, engine control room, some crew areas, other facilities, and with some, the bridge. We have been on several of them in the past and they were quite interesting. A lot changed with the pandemic and I cannot answer with certainty which cruise lines have resumed this - and many may not yet have. But it would be worth checking on any planned cruise to see if that would be an option.

AKA "crew entertainers" - LOL

To add to the very good information provided by @Heidi13, they may just not have someone who is "out front" in the typical role of CD as seen on other cruise lines. But as was well pointed out, there certainly are people, perhaps just behind the scenes, who fill that roll with managing the entertainment on board.

It can be difficult to find strangers willing to share a stateroom on a cruise, and this site will not offer any assistance. Have you considered local organizations such as a church or other community organization where there may be people of common interest who also may not be complete strangers?

Along with whatever suggestions you receive here, I would suggest talking with a travel agent who specializes in cruises. They would be in a position to help you navigate your cruise line options based on your cruising preferences, itinerary choices, and budget.

I think NCL is more favorably compared to RCCL as they are direct competitors whose primary demographics is families. Their ship designs are based on venues and activities that cater to that and are often compared to amusement parks resulting from their kids programs, rock climbing walls, bumper cars, zip lines, water park pools, flow riders, etc. Celebrity is more upscale whose primary demographics is adults without children, the opposite of NCL. Their ship designs feature none of the venues or activities described as with NCL and RCCL. Celebrity does feature standard early and late seating in their MDR, but they also have "Anytime" dining for the MDR and all of their other dining options that allows for custom dining time flexibility.

Just was passing on the blog that was one source of the information. It's just a topic of discussion - no factual conclusions either way. No further response is necessary and none further will come from me. Enjoy your day.

No there wasn't a dedicated lounge - but the HH was always (in our experience) in the sky observation lounge. And during the 5 - 7 cocktail hours it was open only to Elite and higher members, which in that manner had it dedicated just to them at those times. I really don't want to debate this as I would like this thread to remain intact. I was just responding to a comment made by @doghog. But it's information that first appeared here: https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2023/09/27/royal-caribbean-and-celebrity-considering-merging-loyalty-programs-the-future

Along that line, as you indicate, Celebrity is reportedly going to establish a lounge (as was pre-pandemic) that will be specific to Elite and higher members for this purpose. Information I have heard indicates that it is an effort to be somewhat comparable to Royal with their now renamed Diamond Club as the "Crown Lounge". This may become something similar?

To add, the Celebrity cocktail hour is not offered on the first night or on the Captain's night. However, Elite and higher are invited to that event, which is held in the same lounge, where cocktails are served. We have also been on cruises with Celebrity where the 5 - 7 cocktail hour was limited to three drinks, regardless of status. This is just one example of the differences between the two programs.

If you look at the chart posted by @hallasm it indicates that the reciprocity between the two programs has Royal Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle all receiving the benefits of Celebrity Elite, and Celebrity Elite, Elite Plus, and Zenith all receiving the benefits of Royal Diamond. (There are also combined tier benefits for the lower tiers beginning at Platinum and Select). Although both have the same number of similar tiers, neither line's match is one for one at all levels. And as mentioned the Royal Crown and Anchor program is more robust in terms of benefits at each tier level than Celebrity Captain's Club. But the reciprocity is nice as a perk and, although points earned remain with each line earned with, it is the only shared benefit program between two cruise lines that I am aware of. (I know MSC has a tier matching offer for new cruisers, but that is a one way program and has conditions included to maintain it).

But join Captains Club with Celebrity to assure your Celebrity points accrual when you cruise with them.

IMO the most valid point you make is with ROI and loss of real estate value for some other venue to allow for this. The investment may be too high and the end use too low to provide enough of a return and other more profitable venues would likely occupy that real estate. But don't sell new idea technology challenges short or the willingness for cruise lines to invest in them. As examples, if you are familiar with RCCL look at Two-70, or with Celebrity Eden. Both venues are cutting edge in technology and are a competitive draw that must be worth the R&D that went into them - and are not separate charge venues. But they are daily use, high volume venues, which in that manner would certainly differ from this idea. Not disagreeing with you, but I never fault anyone for their ideas - many of today's products started as blue sky thinking.

...and as mentioned there are cruise lines that have jacuzzi / whirlpool stye tubs in the bathrooms of certain suite categories. They are relatively large and function as with jacuzzies - just not the freestanding style found on balconies of many ships.

Thinking this further Celebrity also has jacuzzi tubs in some of their suite bathrooms. I guess that would not be too uncommon among other cruise lines. But from the OP's question I was envisioning a free standing jacuzzi/hot tub in the stateroom area v the balcony, and not a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.

Interesting! But, sorry, I can't help you with this as that is something I am not familiar with. Also not sure how practical it would be? One particular concern I could see with this is with the amount of humidity that would be in the room when in use that would be difficult to vent. (I am familiar with this in a resort hotel room many years ago). I would also think it might need to remain drained between uses to prevent spillage in heavier seas. That all being said there may very well be ships with that feature - just not any I'm aware of. Hopefully you get your answer!

Of those you mention, RCCL has many door decorations on every ship we've sailed.

The cruise lines have staff at the corporate level whose responsibility lies with new design and innovation. My suggestion would be to check the different cruise line websites for their corporate leadership and start there with a phone call to that HQ to see to whom you should contact.

Just a suggestion - you may also want to check with your travel agent (if you used one) or directly with the cruise line that you are on for current information on this new policy. I would think they should know and be able to advise.

Agree with the comments made by @CruiserBruce and @Honolulu Blue in that in our experience as well this was not an issue and was not a topic of discussion relative to our ability to board the ship or disembark at the relative ports of call.

What cruise lines do you typically cruise with? This is rather common with most of the mass market cruise lines.