ALANG

Trying to make sense of the specialty dining reservation policy. I have a cruise booked on the Sun Princess later this year. Went on the app to book specialty dining as I have purchased the Premier Package which allows for two specialty restaurant experiences. The app says I can't book any type of dining because I currently do not have the appropriate status level and the cruise is not paid in full. Final payment date is about three months out. So I called Princess and asked the question, "Since I have the Premier Package which I paid for what happens if the specialty restaurants are booked and I am unable to secure reservations what is then then policy" The representative basically said I was basically out of luck and I could try to get some OBC. Well I did not pay for the package with OBC. I said thank you, hung up, and shook my head. I began to think that this happens a lot because Princess probably sells more "specialty reservations markers" than they have open spots. I am not new to cruising with 45+ under my belt but wanted to try Princess again. Just can't get my head around the representatives answer or not being able to book as soon as I put down the deposit. As of now this is the first line that would not allow dining without paying in full. Thank you all in advance for any help!

After a recent very disappointing cruise on the Beyond in The Retreat and the continuing actions of the management of Celebrity, we have just booked trips on Oceania and the Yacht Club on MSC. After numerous trips on X, we just feel like we have been kicked to the curb. Today they did it again and screwed over single cruisers. BOHICA.

Does MSC offer transfers from Southampton to Heathrow or would you recommend a private car. Flight is at 2PM.

Just got off the Celebrity Beyond almost two weeks ago. Wife and I were in the Retreat and were disappointed in the experience. The pricing of the Retreat is insane for the value received. Luminae was nothing to write home about but the service was very good. We have been sailing Celebrity for 15 years but now they have kicked their loyal customers to the curb with their cutbacks and ridiculous pricing. So today we booked a 12 day trip in the Virtuosa's YC. I am expecting a great experience. Sometimes change is good and this past loyal Celebrity customer is looking forward to this trip.

Sounds like some positive news for a change.

Price and value are two completely different things. Price is what you pay and value is what you receive. As of now Celebrity's pricing is high compared to the value. So very recently DW and I have booked three cruises, one with MSC (Yacht Club), Oceania, and Princess. I will be sailing shortly on the Beyond in the Retreat but would not considered booking The Retreat now due to crazy inflated pricing and cutbacks. Our last ten cruises have been with Celebrity. I hope this is a trial separation but it looks more like a divorce. Alan

I just cancelled two X retreat cruises and booked an MSC Yacht Club and Oceania. IMO Celebrity's pricing does not match is value. I have a hard time accepting a product that changed after I purchased it. No use complaining, vote with your wallet. .

Celebrity BOHICA

French onion soup.

Menu remains the same.

I average at least 18 months.

Cute but it was one and done.

One and done for DW and I.

I have booked special dining for the 12/1/23 Beyond cruise over 50 days ago. Keep checking.

For you gambling folks, what do you think are the realistic odds Celebrity will with either fix the issue within 6 months, admit there is a serious noise issue and they have no clue how to fix, or too bad the customer will have to live with it and give them a big $50 OBC.

If you disapprove, flood all social media venues along with the corporate executives with emails.

Looks like Celebrity is doing the same as Steve Wynn did in 2008 when he opened up very expensive clubs and properties during the Great Recession in Las Vegas. Many said he was nuts. He said "There are always enough people that price doesn't matter and want certain experiences and they will pay". He was proven correct, so basically if you don't want to play, just know there are enough that will play.

Same for us. We would pay more with their 35% sale than we did a couple of months ago. Celebrity should call it the Smoke and Mirror Sale.

DEOinTX, There is a Roll Call started for the Beyond 12/1/2023 cruise. Feel free to hop in and join. Alan

I asked them about the Magic Carpet and they said they really never noticed it. Alan

DEOinTX, Talked to a couple who have sailed on the Beyond in 11214 and the raved about it, no issues. So I booked 11212 on the same cruise you are sailing 12/1/2023. Welcome aboard!

Only if you use OBC and it is still just a one and done. Alan