A theme for every ship

[Bridge Maven]

While reading the why is Royal Caribbean more expensive than Celebrity thread something occurred to me. Celebrity's biggest problem right now appears to be filling their ships which makes it necessary for them to compete on price. So rather than trying to be all things to all people on every ship, maybe they should have a different theme on each ship to distinguish themselves from other mass market cruise line. These are few ideas that come to mind.

 

* A ship that is a spa resort at sea with only gourmet health food (like Canyon Ranch), lectures on health, exercise classes, some spa services included.

 

* A formal ship to appeal to Celebrity's traditional passenger base.

 

* A ship for bridge cruises

 

* A theme oriented travel cruise with knowledgeable historians and cuisine/entertainment from the itineraries' ports of call

 

* A family oriented ship

 

* A ship for special interest groups

[DivasDare]

:D Interesting. Seems to already be lines specific to those themes... but who knows.

[aquaclass]

Actually I would say that your plan is exactly the OPPOSITE of the Celebrity plan for the past couple of years and the 10+ years into the future.

Like them or not, Celebrity Solstice class ships have won almost universal praise for many of their innovations and concepts: Aqua Class, BLU, Lawn Club, Cellar Masters, Bistro on 5, iLounge, Qsine, and the ice topped martini bar for examples.

Soon there will be 5 Solstice Class ships sailing, and now that the Millennium Class ships are being “solsticized” with nearly all of the same features of the Solstice Class ships Celebrity has bet its future on the fact that nearly all of their ships will have the same “feel”. IMO

The good news is that the “solstice feel” has been successful, the bad news is that nearly all of their ships will basicly “look” or “feel” the same.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Soon there will be 5 Solstice Class ships sailing, and now that the Millennium Class ships are being “solsticized” with nearly all of the same features of the Solstice Class ships Celebrity has bet its future on the fact that nearly all of their ships will have the same “feel”. IMO

The good news is that the “solstice feel” has been successful, the bad news is that nearly all of their ships will basicly “look” or “feel” the same.

 

I disagree. Having sailed both S class and M class, I find them to be distinctly different, regardless of the M class having been solsticized.

 

And regarding having a different theme for each ship, I doubt there would be enough cruisers to fill them. Better they diversify by having more interesting itineraries. They keep doing the same old, same old. For example, their two-week southern Caribbean itinerary which is very popular keeps going to the same islands year after year. Mix it up, Celebrity!

[Sloop-JohnB]

Hi Bridge Maven,

 

You've produced another thought provoking topic !!

 

Although your idea is an interesting one, I have to agree with HAPPY CRUISER 6143, if they were "too specialized" I doubt they'd be able to find close to 10,000 people a month for each ship to fill them.

 

Think their current "Goldilocks Stategy" (almost something for everyone) is a better fit. It does seem to appeal to a broad array of adults in the 30 to 80 demographic (a wider span than what I'd say was their previous 50 to 80 demographic just a year or so ago before they went heavy into the "Modern LuXury" theme)

 

Lol, I may be a NEW Cruiser, but I am also well read (research is my thing) ... and I'd say that I also agree that they need to perhaps look at tweaking their Itineraries at least when it comes to the Caribbean (not being retired yet, we just don't have the time needed to get away and do a decent trip to Europe... say 3 to 6 weeks). So we are going to be looking at sailing the Caribbean for awhile.

 

Many of the ships visit the same islands... particularly so in the Eastern Caribbean... and YET there are many many islands... it would be great if there was more variety on offer... or more flexibility (maybe not go to so many islands, but actually "park" overnight or an extra day in one... would love for example to be able to see Barbados by night)

 

Cheers!

[aquaclass]

"I may be a NEW Cruiser, but I am also well read (research is my thing) ... and I'd say that I also agree that they need to perhaps look at tweaking their Itineraries at least when it comes to the Caribbean"

 

 

Hi John B - I agree, "Port Development" is a HUGE topic in the industry and is certainly a topic at Celebrity.

[TLCOhio]

And regarding having a different theme for each ship, I doubt there would be enough cruisers to fill them. Better they diversify by having more interesting itineraries. They keep doing the same old, same old. For example, their two-week southern Caribbean itinerary which is very popular keeps going to the same islands year after year. Mix it up, Celebrity!

 

Excellent points are noted by Linda above. 2850 people on each ship, each cruise is lots and lots to sell for every different week or cruise. That's lots of capacity to fill 52-weeks-a-year with that many different ships.

 

Also very good point on this: Think their current "Goldilocks Stategy" (almost something for everyone) is a better fit. It does seem to appeal to a broad array of adults in the 30 to 80 demographic.

 

Today's economy is challenging and there are a wide variety of different cruise lines with many, many ships. You've got to have good variety on ports, options, prices, styles in order to compete these days.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 67,562 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[cruise kitty]

interesting idea, but it seems to me that "theme cruises" are already out there in the form of charters. As for the other categories, it seems like there are other lines out there to fill those needs, Royal for families, HAL for the more old fashioned traditional formal type cruises, Voyages to Antiquity for in depth education on ports, & so on.

 

I do think that X has the market cornered for a Spa experience with their AQ.

 

Personally, I really like the direction that X has been headed in the last couple of years, I think they've set themselves apart with their modern, casual elegance. I love the fact that they're adding more Smithsonian speakers, & their other enrichment programs.

 

Of course, part of why I find it so appealing, is that I'm probably firmly in their current target demographic :)

[wvufan]

I think that the number one thing Celebrity could do to fill ships is to expand the port of origin. I am sure there are good reasons for doing what they are doing, but I would like to see them occasionally sail out of Norfolk, Charleston, Jacksonville, etc

 

I would like to see them go to new islands in the Caribbean, but on the other hand revisiting places gives me the opportunity to explore places in more depth and experience things I wouldn't otherwise see.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

[Truffle]

Hi John B - I agree, "Port Development" is a HUGE topic in the industry and is certainly a topic at Celebrity.

 

I think port development is THE issue regarding Caribbean itineraries. Many of the ports already visited by cruise ships can barely accommodate the cruise passengers who visit by the thousands due to the ever-increasing size of the ships.

 

While I realize that all Caribbean ports are NOT the same, one does not expect the variety among them that is available on European itineraries, for example. After cruising the Caribbean more than several times, we do not cruise the Caribbean expecting a diverse experience, but rather a relaxing, beachy/tropical vacation and just enjoy the general ambience of the region, the ship we are sailing and the people we are with.

 

I DO wish more itineraries would provide overnights in ports. There is only so much one can experience in each port when the ship leaves at 5:00 or 6:00. However, this is expensive for the cruise line due to port costs, security AND the loss of revenue aboard the ship in bars, specialty restaurants and the casino, which must remain closed while in port.

 

In short, we don't cruise any itinerary expecting a cultural experience but more for the general "flavor" of the region and actually more for the cruise experience itself.

[Truffle]

I think that the number one thing Celebrity could do to fill ships is to expand the port of origin. I am sure there are good reasons for doing what they are doing, but I would like to see them occasionally sail out of Norfolk, Charleston, Jacksonville, etc

 

I would like to see them go to new islands in the Caribbean, but on the other hand revisiting places gives me the opportunity to explore places in more depth and experience things I wouldn't otherwise see.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

I agree with this as well, especially if they woul include more WEST COAST departures!

[Cafabi]

I think that the number one thing Celebrity could do to fill ships is to expand the port of origin. I am sure there are good reasons for doing what they are doing, but I would like to see them occasionally sail out of Norfolk, Charleston, Jacksonville, etc

 

I would like to see them go to new islands in the Caribbean, but on the other hand revisiting places gives me the opportunity to explore places in more depth and experience things I wouldn't otherwise see.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

And Texas! Judging by the number of Texans on our upcoming Eclipse cruise, they might have a big untapped market.

[boogs]

I agree with this as well, especially if they woul include more WEST COAST departures!

 

I live on the west coast. I would think there would be minimal interest in west coast departures. Where would the ship go? They already go to Alaska in the summer, and occasionally to Mexican Riviera, where fewer and fewer people are wanting to go these days. There aren't that many places to stop along the west coast. So that leaves Hawaii, but it takes four or five sea days to get there - about the same time as a transatlantic repositioning cruise.

 

Yes, I'd like it if I could just hop on a cruise ship nearby with only a short drive to get to it, but in reality I don't think the cruise would be that interesting.

[poolwife]

I live out of LA and I would love them to do some west coast itineraries. A couple years ago, we did one on the Mariner of the Seas when it was supposed to be going to Mexico and they re-routed the ship for about 2 months north because of some outbreak. I can't remember what it was. Of course, the people that thought they were paying to go to Mexico weren't too happy. Anyways, we loved the roundtrip LA cruise. It stopped in Victoria, Seattle, San Fran. It was great going under the Golden Gate Bridge. Another time, we did a re-positioning from Vancouver to LA for 6 nights on the Golden Princess that stopped in Astoria, Oregon which was fun. We rented a car and drove down the very scenic Oregon coast past Ecola State Park enjoying the towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach.

 

What a great way it was to enjoy some of our western coastal towns that we wouldn't otherwise get to.

 

It would be great if they would do a few cruises at least once a year.

 

I know, my thoughts only..............

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I live on the west coast. I would think there would be minimal interest in west coast departures. Where would the ship go? They already go to Alaska in the summer, and occasionally to Mexican Riviera, where fewer and fewer people are wanting to go these days. There aren't that many places to stop along the west coast. So that leaves Hawaii, but it takes four or five sea days to get there - about the same time as a transatlantic repositioning cruise.

 

Yes, I'd like it if I could just hop on a cruise ship nearby with only a short drive to get to it, but in reality I don't think the cruise would be that interesting.

 

Boogs, you've got all sorts of interesting ports on the west coast! San Francisco isn't interesting??? Catalina Island. Astoria, Oregon. Seattle. Vancouver. Victoria. I'm sure I've missed some. But they need to suck it up and spend the night in places like San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. I'd be all over a cruise like that!

[Lady Jane]

While reading the why is Royal Caribbean more expensive than Celebrity thread something occurred to me. Celebrity's biggest problem right now appears to be filling their ships which makes it necessary for them to compete on price. So rather than trying to be all things to all people on every ship, maybe they should have a different theme on each ship to distinguish themselves from other mass market cruise line. These are few ideas that come to mind.

 

* A ship that is a spa resort at sea with only gourmet health food (like Canyon Ranch), lectures on health, exercise classes, some spa services included.

 

* A formal ship to appeal to Celebrity's traditional passenger base.

 

* A ship for bridge cruises

 

* A theme oriented travel cruise with knowledgeable historians and cuisine/entertainment from the itineraries' ports of call

 

* A family oriented ship

 

* A ship for special interest groups

 

We've been on 17Celebrity cruises, and they have always been full and reasonably priced. I don't see a problem!

[Andy]

Boogs, you've got all sorts of interesting ports on the west coast! San Francisco isn't interesting??? Catalina Island. Astoria, Oregon. Seattle. Vancouver. Victoria. I'm sure I've missed some. But they need to suck it up and spend the night in places like San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. I'd be all over a cruise like that!

 

Hi Linda,

 

I'm sure they are beautiful ports, but the California Coastal and Mexican Riviera itineraries have proven to be money losers over recent years. Cruise lines are lessening their West coast deployments for a reason. The profit margins are not there. Until passengers show they are willing to pay higher prices for these itineraries, I wouldn't expect to see much of a capacity increase.

[Andy]

While reading the why is Royal Caribbean more expensive than Celebrity thread something occurred to me. Celebrity's biggest problem right now appears to be filling their ships which makes it necessary for them to compete on price. So rather than trying to be all things to all people on every ship, maybe they should have a different theme on each ship to distinguish themselves from other mass market cruise line. These are few ideas that come to mind.

 

* A ship that is a spa resort at sea with only gourmet health food (like Canyon Ranch), lectures on health, exercise classes, some spa services included.

 

* A formal ship to appeal to Celebrity's traditional passenger base.

 

* A ship for bridge cruises

 

* A theme oriented travel cruise with knowledgeable historians and cuisine/entertainment from the itineraries' ports of call

 

* A family oriented ship

 

* A ship for special interest groups

 

Hi Bridge Maven,

 

Thought provoking idea... but I could never see it coming to reality. It would severerly limit each ship to Guests seeking 1 specific style of cruising. At 2000+ Guests per sailing, it's an impossible method to fill a ship.

[Bridge Maven]

Based on the responses to my post, it appears that this idea would not appeal to the typical Celebrity cruiser

[Kellie Poodle]

And Texas! Judging by the number of Texans on our upcoming Eclipse cruise, they might have a big untapped market.

 

This Texan shares your enthusiasm. Disney and Princess are coming to Galveston. Why can't we have an X ship there (that goes anywhere other than Cozumel):)

[TLCOhio]

Hi Linda, I'm sure they are beautiful ports, but the California Coastal and Mexican Riviera itineraries have proven to be money losers over recent years. Cruise lines are lessening their West coast deployments for a reason. The profit margins are not there. Until passengers show they are willing to pay higher prices for these itineraries, I wouldn't expect to see much of a capacity increase.

 

Good, added info by Host Andy on recent market challenges for the Mexico/California coast cruises. For WHY?, my sense/guess on a couple of reasons would be:

 

1. Lots of people like us have seen certain super greats along the California coast (such as Santa Barbara, San Diego, Hearst's Castle, Carmel, SF, Mendocino, etc.) by car/land trip. Cruise for what we've already seen and loved is not as pressing for our future cruise "to-do" list.

 

2. Mexico has some serious image and crime-worry questions. Maybe the Mexican Riviera can be beautiful, but is it really safe these days? The news reports have not been very positive lately.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 67,562 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[boogs]

Boogs, you've got all sorts of interesting ports on the west coast! San Francisco isn't interesting??? Catalina Island. Astoria, Oregon. Seattle. Vancouver. Victoria. I'm sure I've missed some. But they need to suck it up and spend the night in places like San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. I'd be all over a cruise like that!

 

Perhaps it is because I have lived on the west coast for almost 60 years that drove me to make those comments. They are all 'in my backyard', so to speak. I have visited most of the places you mentioned several times, usually for several days at a time. I must be too familiar with them, not finding them exotic enough, unlike places I have never been to. But after re-reading my post, I agree with you that it was ill advised. The 'grass is greener on the other side' syndrome, I suspect.

 

I live just 45 minutes from San Francisco, and it is indeed a wonderful city. Been there so many times that I take it for granted. I wish I could visit it through the eyes of someone who has never been there. And entering the bay, passing under the Golden Gate bridge on a cruise ship must be the thrill of a lifetime.

 

Catalina Island is where I earned my scuba diving certification almost 40 years ago. I have a fond memory from that weekend of a harbor seal pausing in front of me, his face just inches from my mask, staring at me for what seemed like minutes before darting away like a torpedo. And the harbor at Avalon is where my buddy and I stopped and relaxed for several days during our two month sailing trip down the coast from Morro Bay to Baja Mexico and back in the 70s - my first introduction to 'cruising', although certainly not as luxurious as on a Celebrity ship. :)

 

Seattle is a beautiful city, in many ways very similar to San Francisco. I always enjoy visiting my relatives who live near there (and as of this morning a brand new baby in the family will motivate us to visit again in the near future!). ;)

 

Vancouver somehow feels very cosmopolitan to me, with a nice blend of city life and outdoor activities just minutes away. We spent a week there enjoying the winter Olympics in 2010, and although very crowded, it was fun nonetheless.

 

Victoria is my favorite of the places you mentioned. Quaint and sophisticated at the same time. We have a favorite hotel there that overlooks the inner harbor and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. We enjoy watching the float planes from our room as they come in for a landing, passing right in front of us just before touching down on the water. And Butchart Gardens is not to be missed, regardless of the season.

 

You have made me remember those experiences and have reminded me that there IS much to see here on the left coast. Thank you for making me rethink my opinions about cruising the west coast. ;)

[Mercury]

We cruised on the Mercury for our Honeymoon nearly 12 years ago. (It was a repositioning cruise). We embarked in LA and cruised to Sanfrancisco, Seattle and Victoria before going the Alaskan route (ending in Vancouver). Yes, cruising under the Golden Gate bridge was a wonderful experience and we had a fantastic time in Seattle and Victoria too.

 

Thanks for bringing back such wonderful memories!

 

Perhaps Celebrity could consider some Alaskan cruises (maybe 4 per season) that go down to LA (taking in the West Coast Ports mentioned and Catalina) and then back to Alaska. (Perhaps in two 7 day segments). That way, folk who want to cruise the West Coast can do so and others (like non US residents who have to travel such a long way to do an Alaskan cruise) can opt for the 14 night option and see the west coast of the USA as well as Alaska.

 

It worked fantastically for us!

[EithneMay]

I would love to see Celebrity expand to new Caribbean ports. I think the M-Class ships, now amongst the smaller of mass market cruise ships, could make it to untouched ports instead if the sane itineraries every year. I have a hunch that an S-Class ship may take over the route out of San Juan and would love to see the Summit take on a more Exotic Route from San Juan.

[lysolqn]

Novel idea but if the objective is to fill ships, it strikes me that "theme-ing" would do just the opposite since themed ships would by definition be exclusionary. If the last several years are any indication, it appears X is trying to broaden its appeal to a wider demographic rather than limit it by marketing to specific demos.