bikerunner

Kind of disagree, they are doing what is needed for their stakeholders, ie stock holder. Will pricing hit an apex, eventually but like many pointed out they are still selling so no reason to pause. So they lose loyal, they might gain new ones. Yes we were all spoiled with the prices right after and right before covid. It's a market adjustment. There are still good deals to be found, just not as straightforward anymore. I use a TA for mine and the pricing is fine, 25-30% min off of published rates with extra obc.

You have to call cannot be done online

I have never seen bidding open up before final payment is due. I have seen before 21 days open up on a few of my cabins I have booked. Really depends probably on demand and availability of rooms on the ship. I have seen many times right before final payment lots of rooms open up because of group holds released.

That will be all I need then, The room showers would not be an issue, but I would probably be using the gym ones more after workouts. Thanks for the response

Will be going on my first Azamara cruise soon, do the gym locker rooms, if they have them, have showers in them. On lots of my cruises I usually worked out and then just took a shower there.

I see this as a very true statement. For me I started sailing Celebrity in 2001, late 20s first cruise I think. I pretty much have always ignored advertising and marketing, If anything Ill go the opposite way on trends. My main consideration was what works for me, I never cared for gimmicks, ie rock wall, bumper cars, water slides etc, I was told multiple times on my first few cruises that I would enjoy Royal/Carnival more by people onboard. Kind of laughed as many people just assume based on age what I would like and not like My main focus always has been on service given, and quality not quantity.

About the only thing know is the ship floats as its not even gone on sea trials yet.

The TA should be able to supply you the information, only they can tell you. I have direct contact with my individual TA and only get him when I call and get very clear information, on what is/is not included in anything I sign up for.

This was changed before she became the head of Celebrity.

You wish you can get some of the Travel Agent rates offered to the TA's. Like mentioned very deeply discounted and only available to employees of high volume Travel Agencies many times, you would gladly give up your points for these special rates. The rates the Travel Agencies offer mostly are ones that are discounted group rates, ie block of rooms that they have contracted to sell. These are usually really good deals with pricing much lower than the Celebrity's standard rates from there website.

Do not see that coming as the room is barely big enough for the aqua class rooms. This would be the same thinking that guests can pay an extra fee and it at luminae. Or guests paying for access to Retreat lounge etc. That I dont think they will ever try,

This is the first time I have ever seen this, not that I drink any sodas besides sparkling water types. Is this a change or its pretty much just usual Celebrity misinformation

I would stay, the main thing you would get is access to Luminae and the Retreat lounge, if this was an E class ship would be a different story since you would also gain access to Retreat pool area. If your happy with location you have now I would stay, Blu is great dining and you already have access to the Persian Gardens being in Aqua. Think of it this way, the money not spent on the upgrade can do some specialty dinners if wanted, even the chefs table etc.

Agree, mostly try to do this with my cruises overall. Much better deals smaller groups etc overall.

Basic drinks Manhattan martini all are available within the classic, the main thing to understand classic vs premium it usually relates to what brand is used that s all. The double order is really depending on the server and bartender how they want to charge, it should count as an extra charge but many times its not. Depends on how much they are cracking down on this on board. I have had it with no issues at times, but others would be charged. You can order any drink you want from the dining rooms, how fast you get it is a whole different story. But if you make contact with the Sommelier and beverage waiter the first night, it usually is very smooth I have discovered

I’m guessing elevated menus are things with a cost for blu. Why they partnered with whiskey pig is interesting. It’s pure rye, the distillery stupidly is not open to the public, I pass it once a month. There is a whistle pig tasting room nearby and it’s good but I think much better choices out there. But it’s personal thought on that.

This is what I have heard from a couple people who have done both lines also.

Its all things have gone up and being cut in many industries. Supply chain is still messed up, inflation overall, fuel prices, employees etc. Its not just debt driving this. Many more people are wanting to travel so higher demand, which is I think reaching its breaking point since more and more people I think are just running things on their CC and this is just going to create a huge fiasco soon

I been on a bunch of cruises since start up late 21. I have completely enjoyed them with Celebrity but my main problem with them is their communication of what is changing and their lack of clarity and explanation of the change, and that is one of the main reasons I am done after my next cpl cruises with them, I have azamara and Oceana booked already. The Beyond repositioning for next year was handled as badly as can be, along with these other changes that are happening there is absolutely no communication from the cruise line. The retreat change might not be a bad thing and might actually be more expedient in overall service, yes the one on one with a single butler might be lost but the service might be better. Cant tell until it plays out. Food I have to see on my own, as its completely subjective overall. Service has always been a main draw for me and Celebrity offers it better than the other mass cruise lines I think. Pricing is what it is right now, everything is outrageous, and deals can be found but are not as readily available I do All Inclusives, and other land based travels, and have seen their prices go crazy also, but I do enjoy cruising as its a moving hotel in the end. I have talked to other friends who have travelled on compteting cruise lines, Royal, NCL and they have seen the same types of things happening with those cruise lines,

I would take the Concierge, The room is just that to me, sleep and store clothes, Im fine with either a balcony or the infinity verandah, I actually like how it makes the room bigger. The availability to go to a speciality each night is intriguing, tho I know one or more nights probably would be Buffett depending on the day I had out and about. The suite is nice, has lots of extra special touches but Im fine with out it. I think it's just my mindset from running many hotels and resorts that I dont need it overall. Great analysis.

Yep very similar in rates I been quoted when looking at different cruises.

Been following and lurking on this thread for a while. Not a suite user as I don't need it overall for my travel style at this point in my life as I tend to be very active and always out and about and room is not super important besides not obstructed balcony/verandah. The reasons other get them are all personal to each single person. I am done with Celebrity after my next 2 maybe one cruises with them more because of the business/corporate decisions they are overall doing. I have my Thanksgiving cruise, which I'm keeping but still thinking about options on my April TA on the Silhouette as I can move to Virgin and or a Royal ship if desired, my plans are very date specific as meeting friends in Italy after the cruise for a 2 week land adventure. The main thing is corporate is just not communicating this information to its customers and leaving to much hearsay overall. I see the concept they are trying to do with the "team" approach but with no communication on how this will be achieved it is leaving way too much angst among many customers and once loyal passengers. I do agree this is for many who already booked not what you paid for. I have talked to Celebrity a couple times since the fiasco of moving the Beyond to fulltime Caribbean next year on how it was handled. Same BS/KoolAid each time. With the continue changes and degrading of things that made Celebrity unique, not even going to start with the Vaping issue, I have already booked future cruises with Azamara and Oceana.

Talk to maitre de the first day, they will work with you on menus.

WCB is only on the Beyond and the soon to be Ascent. Eden has interesting drinks to try tho

Call celebrity, I had the same issue, resolved in 10 minutes