JonnyCT81

Hi there, appreciate your very thorough review so far.  Have you been able to get a pax count from anyone on board?  From your pool photos it looks pretty sparse.  Many thanks!

Thanks for the review, heading on Equinox for the 9/26 sailing.  Have they said how many pax and crew are on board?

2 hours ago, edgekid said:

We booked an October 2021 cruise to Europe a few weeks ago through our T/A, which at the time was $800 less than Celebrity's pricing..  That same booking today through Celebrity directly is now $2,000 more than we paid..

Careful out there... You must monitor pricing continually....

 

 

 

 

Hi there, TA here - part of this might be that your travel agency booked a "group rate", meaning they block off a group of rooms at a set price when the schedules first come out.   As time goes by, Celebrity can change their rates, however these rates stay the same until about 4-6 months prior to sailing, when they are released back into general inventory.  Going through a TA is a great way to save money off of published fares, provided they have the space available.  Anytime you are working with a TA, make sure to ask if they have any group rates available. 🙂

 

I just don't see how they are able to restart cruising by summer if they have only repatriated half of their current crew.  I have a cruise scheduled in November and I am starting to wonder if they will even be sailing by then.  It's taken about two months to get half of the crew home, how long will it take to get the rest off?  Add to this the time to rehire staff, gett them cleared to work, and keep them safe and virus-free until sailings start again...the timeline just doesn't look good for any cruising in 2020.  The logistics involved are monumental; also, how many of these people who just went through this ordeal will even want to come back and work on a cruise ship?  I forsee staffing issues until there is a vaccine to prevent illness so they can work their entire contract-length without fear or not only getting sick, but also being able to get back to their homes.

X and RCCL are sending 90 percent of their crew home (or at least are trying to). Anyone who thinks that somehow all of these people are just going to resign contracts, get back on a plane, and start cruising again is wrong. Cruising will not start back up until all of this is under control; I'd suspect we're not going to see.cruiaing start back up until fall/winter at the earliest.

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A good question that I have is that if all of the crew from the ships are finally being sent home fleet wide, how is anyone supposed to cruise in the next few months? It's going to cost millions of dollars to get them home via private transport (as stated in the CDC terms they agreed to); they are just supposed to do an about face in 2-3 months time to get everyone back? Doesn't seem to make much sense to me.

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Check out the link below. It looks like RCCL has filed a Trademark for "Seaface" for a mask to be worn to protect against viral particles....

 

Think they will be color coded like your Seapass card? Maybe they'll even display your CC/Blue Chip Tier as well.

 

Crazy times we're living in.

 

www.royal caribbean blog.com/2020/04/22/royal-caribbean-trademarks-name-sanitary-masks

 

Having issues with link, get rid of spaces at beginning to see page.

 

 

 

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23 minutes ago, Baron Barracuda said:

 

Sorry, but this doesn't pass the smell test.  In normal times I would agree, however RCL just drew down a multibillion $ line of credit which will supposedly sustain them into 2021. At the moment they should be swimming in cash.

 

 

 

The OP was trying to make this thread about something being positive - clearly relating to their love of cruising, but it's morphing into a debate about how modern day businesses conduct their finances.

 

Firstly to my comment about cash flow.   Just like in the great depression, there were the "runs on the banks".   If we all went to our bank and demanded all of our cash back, the banks wouldn't be able to give it to us, not because they don't have the cash, but because when you make a deposit in a bank, that cash is used for other things for the bank like loans, mortgages, LOC, etc.  They don't have all the cash on hand just sitting in a vault waiting for you to come get it.     This same principle is used in business - if celebrity is like any other service business, they probably pay their vendors on NET 30/60/90 day payments - meaning they still have to pay people who gave them the food, booze, fuel and other items from cruises that have long since ended.  This allows for cash flow to be mitigated and business to keep running.  Deposits and fares are only one cog in a vast financial machine of the company; however this is how business is done in all large corporations from chain restaurants, to cruise ships. 

 

Yes they secured additional funding, but they have fixed assets that require maintenance, fuel, and they still have to pay their staff.   They just furloughed 25% of their staff, due in part that they need to stop the bleeding and keep cash running - the day you can't make payroll is the day you file for bankruptcy.  No one was planning for this to happen and IMHO they are doing the right thing by cancelling cruises until June, and I expect this to be pushed out again.

 

You WILL get your money back, and this WILL pass - I get that no one likes waiting for their money to come back, but they are doing what is financially right for the company by staggering refunds and offering a 25% bonus to take FCC.  Again, your patience is the best thing that you can do for both your TA and X.  I am doing my part to support not only X but my sanity and have booked vacations with them through 2022.  I'm planning on getting back out on the open sea with an Aperol Spritz in my hand as soon as this is all over. 

Hey everyone,

 

TA here - the best way that you can help out Celebrity is to reward them with your patience. To date I have had 73 client's bookings that I have had to take care of that were cancelled, or changed with their "Cruise with Confidence" program.

 

To clear a few things up:

 

1. Refunds are taking between 45-60 days to process if you choose to take them. This is not because they are hoarding your money, it's because they have to mitigate their cash flow. If everyone tried to get their money back at the same time, they (or any other service/banking related industry) would go bust - they do not have everyone's deposits and fares sitting around in the bank just waiting to go to your folio's on the ship.

 

2. Commissions are protected for TA's that are cancelled by X, or with the CWC if it is after final payment - if it is before final they are repriced when you move your sailing. There is no incentive to delay, prevent, or impede in any way you choosing to take the refund or FCC. tldr; I get paid regardless of what you do, the only thing that changes is when I get paid.

 

These are trying times for not only the cruise industry but also for your TA. We will all get through this, but we ask for your time and patience in the process.

 

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This is not a Celebrity policy - this policy was enacted by CLIA. Other lines are following the same protocols as Celebrity.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/industry-proposes-people-over-70-171330071.html

This has been the case since early March, so it's nothing new. For those who are claiming "age discrimination" - discrimination has to have some malice intent behind it. If a ride at an amusement park says if you're under 13 you can't go on the the roller coaster, am I supposed to say to my niece that she is being discriminated against? They are doing it because based on all current knowledge THE OLDER YOU ARE, THE MORE LIKELY YOU ARE TO DIE FROM THIS DISEASE. Until there is some sort of vaccine or cure, the cruise lines will not take responsibility for your safety against this illness.

These private companies are protecting themselves from litigation (as is their right as a private corporation).



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I think that for the first time ever, the cruise lines know that their bottom lines (and very existence) are at stake. A norovirus outbreak here and there never really put the fear of God into to them that they have now since Uncle Sam isn't going to be helping them out.

Going forward I think you're going to see a lot more screening at ports, and enforcement of pax activity onboard. In the past it might have been about not wanting to "rock the boat" (pun intended); now it's all about getting people onboard to spend money, which they will not do unless their health is guaranteed. I'd imagine security will be on the lookout for pax who exhibit signs of illness - I can also see the cruise contracts being amended to say that you can be compelled to be seen by the ship's medical staff if you're suspected of being sick.

Until a vaccine or some type of cure is found I expect you will continue to see enforcement of health policies that restrict seniors over 70, and those with ongoing health issues. The cruise lines are in a fight for their very survival, and some will not make it. I know I will not set foot on a ship unless my they health of my family and friends is secured.

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This questionnaire is the same thing that you get every cruise - the only addition is the travel history.   This was done BEFORE the new policy that was activated as of today which bars people with chronic conditions.

 

Again, you can choose not to abide by the policy, but you do so at risk of losing your cruise fare.  I cannot stress enough that the list Celebrity is providing is used to be a guide for chronic conditions, and not absolute.   If you take medicine for any chronic condition, there is a high chance that they will view it as "chronic" and deny you boarding.

 

I have been advising all my clients to cancel if they are on any daily medication.  I strongly you discuss all options with your travel agent or Celebrity before making any decisions.

Hello All,

 

TA here - have gotten a lot of questions pertaining to this new policy.   Celebrity is aware that some people might not be truthful with the policy and have been told to look for prescription medications at the pier.  They also will be signing a form stating they don't have anything, on risk of being denied boarding with forfeit of fare.

 

I know no one wants to risk not being able to to go on their vacation - however I strongly recommend everyone abide by this new policy, as you risk not only being denied boarding, but losing your money as well.  While I agree that the policy is vague at best, should you take any daily medication for any reason I'd consider that to fall under "chronic" and cancel.

Most data shows that the older you are, the higher mortality rate there is - that's not a personal opinion, that's the medical data.   Being that cruises (depending on sailing date, line, etc.) have a lot of seniors, it would make sense that they are the most affected by this travel issue.   Just because you say you're healthy, that you can run a 5k and go to the gym doesn't mean you can't get sick and potentially die from this disease.  Bottom line it's your travel (and life) - do what you feel comfortable with, however the data doesn't lie - the mortality rate is higher the older you are.

 

Image Data Source: https://www.popsci.com/story/health/covid-19-coronavirus-death-rate-by-age/

14 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

Yes, I realize that a perk is not full price. In fact, a perk should be free, but that's a concept that Celebrity is struggling with. My question to @JonnyCT81 pertained to the pricing of a pre-cruise purchase versus an onboard purchase. According to his post, the latter will not be subject to the new $14 pp/pd fee, and I'd like to know whether or not the pre-cruise purchase will also be exempt from this latest cash grab. 

Hi there,

 

To put it in context, let's assume you book an "Exciting deal" and get your cruise at a super low rate with no perks.  

 

If you book the beverage package onboard or before hand on your cruise planner on the website, you will have pay the per day price, plus the 20% gratituity, it won't affect your cruise rate.

 

If you want to purchase your cruise with the beverage package included, it will increase your cruise fare by $14/pp, per day. 

 

If you're buying it separately, the pricing for the package will remain the same (I haven't been told the beverage package pricing is changing, but these things do change all the time).  

 

Hope this helps!

Hello all,

 

TA here - thought I would help clear the air regarding the new Bev Pkgs. 

I actually saw a similar post in late august regarding this, and at the time hadn't heard anything about what was going on. I found out about this information last week that it was going to start on 10/2, but it later got pushed back to 10/10.

Here are a few pieces of information, hopefully this well help - keep in mind I don't have all the answers, just what's been put out to us.

 

On 10/10 there will be four new rates:

- Cruise Only (No perks)
- 2 Perks
- 2 Perks w/ Beverage Package
- 4 Perks

 

If you choose the Bev Pkg or 4 PERKS, the rate will increase $14/pp/pd (this is for both classic & non-alcoholic for those guests under 21).  THIS WILL NOT AFFECT SUITES, their pricing does not have the fare increase.

 

These rates are only for new bookings made on 10/10 or later, if you have a booking made before 10/10, you will not pay the increased fare.

 

From what I understand in talking with my contacts at X, all of the beverage packages were starting to eat into their costs, so they were faced with a dilemma: do they charge a "fee" (like NCL, which usually is 10% of the gross cruise fare), raise fares across the board, or raise rates on those with the beverage package. They clearly chose to go with the third option - this allowed them to keep rates the same for those who didn't use it, while raising rates slightly for those that do.   

 

Keep in mind that this doesn't effect purchasing the packages onboard, you can still do that without paying an increased fare.

As someone who loves the X brand and is mostly what I sell, I am not happy about it, but overall I don't think that the increase in fare will hurt their customer base, as it still does remain a good value IMHO.

 

I hope this helps clear the air a little, time will tell how this works out for the brand, and customer base.

Limited number of bar stools. 

We never saw it full enough to be an issue, there always was ample seating for all. In any case with the summit getting out of drydock now she's not going to be back in for another 5 years at the earliest. It seems Celebrity is removing a lot of the shade from all their ships, and not including it in their new builds (i.e. Edge). I'm a shade guy, so I hope they don't forget about those who don't want to be in the sun the time.

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We were on the summit to Bermuda in late May and didn't take issue with it. There is still enough shade under the bar (where the stools are) that those who wanted shade could sit there, and those who wanted to be in the sun could sit at a table.

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1 hour ago, hcat said:

So there will still be 20 more eligible AQ Class diners for BLU ( plus suite guests,) which is not being enlarged?  

 

It always was going to be a gain of 20 pax with those new rooms that were on deck 10.   They changed those to 2C, and changed 10 C3 to AQ.   I believe they think that with Lumanie, suite guests will go there (rightly so) IMHO.

 

HI everyone,

 

It looks like the new cabins on deck 10 of the SUMMIT (1000 - 1024) have been changed to 2C cabins.  I don't know why this was done, but it might have to do with it being a partially obstructed view, as that's what the 2C category denotes (maybe people complained?).

 

To offset these rooms, Celebrity has recategorized 10 C3 rooms to AquaClass on deck 9: 9141-9157 on port, 9118-9126 on starboard.  You can see these changes on the new deck plans on Celebrity's site for the Summit, I would think that if they were changing it here on the Summit, they probably mean to do it on all the the Millennium class ships?   

 

EDIT:  Looks like the same thing on the Millennium Deck Plan on their website, those C3 rooms were changed to AquaClass.

 

 

My partner and I are in our mid-30's now and started sailing X when we were 29.  We've been very loyal and will be Elite Plus after our next cruise this month.  That being said, just get a normal table already - either in the room, or on the balcony. We're going on Summit on the 19th to Bermuda, and we just want to have somewhere for us to enjoy some breakfast in the morning, or late night munchies before bed.  It's common sense to have a table in a room where people are going to sit, converse, or just hang out.  While a desk/vanity might be fine to work on an iPad or put makeup on, it's not a one-stop place for all food/beverage/snacks in the room.  I believe it to be a major design flaw with these "revolutionized" rooms, and I hope they fix the issue soon.  #tableplease 

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to review the Summit, she looks great!  I am going to going to Bermuda on her on the 5/19 sailing.    In looking at your photos, I am sad to see them take away the normal tables that were there before, and replace it with a smaller table; how are you supposed to use your balcony for room service?   My partner and I enjoy having breakfast on the balcony in the morning, it's hard to see how we can do that on such as small surface....don't people think of these things when they are making the purchase order for "tiny round cocktail tables"?   In any case, enjoy the rest of your cruise, and thank you for your amazing effort!

Here's the graphic I got in my email that shows the breakdown by cabin type.

 

Hey guys,

 

What you are saying is sad because I believe it to be true.  I like you all prefer the same-sex saunas as it is more private and (like a sauna should be) you can go in with just a towel after a workout.  I'm a travel agent and while I haven't gotten any new info on deck plans on the ships post drydock, there is a bullet point that says that there are going to be 13 new AquaClass rooms located right near that spa, based on the current location of things on the ship that would either be where the kids club is now, or where the locker rooms are.   While I am holding out that this won't be true we have no choice but to wait and see.  I am going on Summit in May post drydock and am hoping this isn't true.  Looks like I am going to have to enjoy the private Men's Sauna for the last time possibly when I am on Silhouette in Feb.

Great page with videos showing construction of the ship, and the new "Grand Plaza" - thought everyone would like to see ;-)

 

 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/celebrity-cruises-unveils-the-grand-plaza-the-breathtaking-epicenter-of-celebrity-edge-300712353.html