End of Elite cocktail party?

[navyrotorhead]

Life is pretty damn good aboard Celebrity

 

I don't buy the "I just like it for the social aspect" argument either. What is there 12 lounges onboard, and only the one that provides free drinks is the one to be social in

 

The argument about not being notified doesn't fly either, your not paying for a Captains Club benefit, its a perk and its clearly stated that terms are subject to change

 

HEY, HEY, *H*E*Y*!!! Just WHAT makes YOU think you can rain common sense, logic, and reasonable thought processes on this group pity party??? :rolleyes: :D

[neverbeenhere]

I'll drink to that. (as long as it's "free");)

[Cruising89143]

And so true. Life is pretty damn good aboard Celebrity if this is one of a major complaint issue with some

 

I don't buy the "I just like it for the social aspect" argument either. What is there 12 lounges onboard, and only the one that provides free drinks is the one to be social in

 

The argument about not being notified doesn't fly either, your not paying for a Captains Club benefit, its a perk and its clearly stated that terms are subject to change

 

No fair. You're not allowed to inject common sense into this thread. :). And you're correct, this thread is about more than the "supposed" social setting.

[dana77kc]

"Shut up you spoiled brat, there are starving children in China!!!!" Or as my father would scream while chasing us, foaming at the mouth and swinging his belt over his head, ""Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus!"

[Dizney]

"Shut up you spoiled brat, there are starving children in China!!!!" Or as my father would scream while chasing us, foaming at the mouth and swinging his belt over his head, ""Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus!"

 

I've heard that too. :p

[UB & AS]

"Shut up you spoiled brat, there are starving children in China!!!!" Or as my father would scream while chasing us, foaming at the mouth and swinging his belt over his head, ""Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus!"

My mother told us to clean up our plates but Chinese dining etiquette demands that you leave food on your plate. Eating everything indicates that the host has not provided sufficient food and that guests are still hungry. This is not observed in the elite lounges where all the food that is offered is eaten.

 

On our last four cruises on Millie, Michael's Club was never crowded. Generally there were only a handful of people there in the morning for specialty coffees or wake-up drinks and there was seating for all in the early evening. My wife is sailing on Century in three weeks and I would not expect Michael's Club to be at all crowded on her Hawaiian cruise. :cool::cool:

 

We avoid the large ships and choose port intensive itineraries. It seems that only the mega-ships on cheap TAs attract the hordes of thirsty elites. We have been pleased with Celebrity service but would not sail on a large ship TA. :eek::eek: Cheers, Bill

[bbappel]

We really enjoy the Elite benefits including the nightly Elite event. However, because we have shared our wonderful experiences with friends when we return home, they have started joining us on cruises. This causes a dilemma for us, because we have to excuse ourselves from predinner drinks with them in order to take advantage of the elite event. Usually we just stay with our new cruising buddies, pay for our drinks and forego the elite event. Now, we get the benefits AND enjoy the company of our friends. So, in this regard, I see this as a helpful change in this situation.

Just another point of view...

We are looking forward to our first cruise as Elite members and we have friends who have joined us who are not Elite. I much prefer the idea of chits or vouchers or tickets or whatever you call them so we may socialize with these dear friends that we see rarely because we are a continent apart. I hope X is reading these comments and taking note of the positive ones. I don't see how this has a negative impact on anyone.

[Ahhh]

My wife is sailing on Century in three weeks and I would not expect Michael's Club to be at all crowded on her Hawaiian cruise. :cool::cool:

 

Michael's Club will not be crowded at all :eek:! The reason being that those Hawaii sailings, with lots of sea days, attract a good many Elite members. On our 10/5/12 sailing there were approximately 250 Elite, and the evening party was held in the Crystal Room. Longer voyages, especially those with many sea days, attract many repeat guests. She'll be meeting lots of new friends, and perhaps seeing some old ones as well :)!

[harz99]

Chinese dining etiquette demands that you leave food on your plate.

 

This is not observed in the elite lounges where all the food that is offered is eaten.

 

 

An "X" ship is not China; so why would Chinese etiquette even be considered let alone observed?

 

I much prefer the idea of chits or vouchers or tickets or whatever you call them so we may socialize with these dear friends that we see rarely because we are a continent apart.

 

I don't see how this has a negative impact on anyone.

 

Okay so you prefer the voucher sysytem - your choice. Either system doesn't stop you socialising with your dear friends, you just don't enjoy complimentary drinks with them.

 

However, it's a shame that you can't see that other people whose views differ from yours may see this change as a big negative.

[Kathy & George]

Hate this voucher system! Unless you can snag seats in Micheals Lounge the days activities interfere with your chance of conversation. We feel this is a slap in the face to the loyal passengers.

[Despegue]

Give me the vouchers any day...it is a much better method and will not IN ANY WAY hamper socialising for those who which to do so. Only the " we can enter and you not hahahaha" factor is gone, which is out of place in modern society anyway. On these boards, all too often, change is looked at with trepidation, outspoken negativism and even ostility, even before details have been supplied and experiences shared. Does this have to do with a certain age group on these boards? i do not know, but change is often good. We have seen the same hostility towards change when Select dining was unveiled, when the Lawn club was unveiled, when s-class had no more T- pool ( it is just a huge bath, far too warm for me and I applaud the change into a lap pool) etcetera...Some people hate change, some embrace it. i know what I prefer:rolleyes:

[MortgageChick]

Did the TA crossing on Eclipse in April this year. I think we had 700 Elite, we used the Reflections ( think that was the name) lounge and it was overflowing between 5 and 7.

Just got off Summit, and although had to be hospitalized after day 2, we did get to the Elite cocktail party in the Revelations Lounge twice last week. Way fewer people than on the TA crossing, but still enough that we had to have a bigger venue.

 

I am unclear from reading the above, if this is a permanent change or just something that happened on one sailing. As for the snacks they serve, I could live without those. As far as the cost, staffing costs are not much of an additional cost for service workers, not like they pay OT or anything. As for the drinks, while there are some that drink their faces off, most do not. Lets be honest, Celebrity buys liquor for next to nothing, far less than we can buy it.

 

I dont think the costs are crazy for an event that thanks loyal clients. Could most of us live with 3 parties on a 7 night, and 6 on a 14 night. I think I could

 

After 38 cruises, I have a preference for Celebrity and HAL, however in past 12 months have sailed NCL, HAL , Carnivial and RCL, my next 8 cruises include HAL, Celebrity, Carnival, Azamara and NCL.

Although after my last experience on Carnival ( Conquest in Sept) I may not set foot on a Carnival ship again, which is too bad, as in the past I have had some VG experiences with them.

 

All the lines are cutting back, and there will be little for no additional cost in the future. I can deal with that as long as basic food quality in DR is maintained, ships are maintained and service levels are maintained .

 

I can tell you that the food at the buffet on Summit was preferable to the 2 meals I ate in the DR. However on Eclipse in APril the food in the DR was very good.

[harz99]

Give me the vouchers any day...it is a much better method your opinion, not mine and will not IN ANY WAY hamper socialising for those who which to do so except of course that many of the lounges will have other activities going on which WILL detract from simple conversation. Only the " we can enter and you not hahahaha" factor is gone never seen any of that, which is out of place in modern society anyway. On these boards, all too often, change is looked at with trepidation, outspoken negativism and even ostility, even before details have been supplied precisely, it is the very fact that "X" have chosen to do this without any prior notice, and apart from a very brief statement with little detail, have not explained in clear, plain english things like exactly how big the numbers have to go before vouchers are implemented, how many vouchers, exactly which other venues will be available to use the vouchers, what is to happen to the Senior Officer gathering which has an even bigger problem as both Elite and Select are eligible etc. etc. that have caused these feelings and experiences shared. Does this have to do with a certain age group on these boards? Most, not all, of "X" cruisers fall into a "certain" age group if by that you mean the over 50s i do no not know, but change is often good change CAN be good, but I doubt many would agree that it is "often good". We have seen the same hostility towards change when Select dining was unveiled, when the Lawn club was unveiled, when s-class had no more T- pool ( it is just a huge bath, far too warm for me and I applaud the change into a lap pool) etcetera...Some people hate change, some embrace it. i know what I prefer:rolleyes:

 

I'm guessing you prefer change then;).

[Despegue]

All of you please do be aware that Celebrity has officialy stated, both on these boards as on Facebook that there is NO change for now regarding the elite happy hour. the vouchers on the TA are a solution to counteract the enormous amount of Elite passengers onboard Celebrity Eclipse on that sailing. No lounge would be large enough. Be aware that every lounge has a MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY number. this is for obvious safety reasons. So although I prefer to receive vouchers, there is NO CHANGE in the general policy.

So everybody just take a deep breath, chill and don't get worked up on this, some of you seem to be near a cardiac arrest:eek:

Oh, and by the way, Celebrity nowadays wants to focus more and more on the 30 to 45 age group, not only on the seniors:rolleyes: and I am positive that the younger age group does prefer vouchers...:cool:

[Xcruiser]

There is no doubt that the large number of Elites on TA's poses some issues with Elite cocktail lounge. Our last TA there was over 700 which necessitated the use of both Michaels Club and the Sky Lounge for this event. However we had even more of a problem with crowding for the morning Elite breakfast held in the Tuscan Grill, the Captains Club Celebration and Senior Officers Party events.

 

So if Celebrity's reason for the use of the vouchers is to address the crowding issue by offering more venues to use for this cocktail event, what will they be doing for the other events that pose even more of a problem at times?

 

Moreover why even use vouchers? The Seapass's already have your Captains Club tier level printed on them and ether way the limited menu of drinks would need to be distributed to the venues. Why not just make this option available at other venues to Elite members between the hours of 5-7pm as it is now?

 

And for me this is maybe the real deal breaker, any company that can promote there product one way in advance of the sale and feels they can change the promotions and/or conditions anytime they feel like it once the sale is completed, via onboard notice is by far the most troubling to me. The practice of "Baiting" comes to mind and something that possibly violates State laws.

 

Will I cancel my booked TA based on this possible change alone, no but it reinforces the reasons I was considering transferring the booking. This combined with a disappointing experience on the last TA on Celebrity Solstice last fall, rising prices and a diminishing onboard program will make it happen. If I can't count on all or parts of the Loyalty program being there after I book, then that opens up my options to other lines so time will tell if Xcruiser will be Ex-cruiser!

 

I don't like the idea of vouchers for anything, period.

[UB & AS]

Michael's Club will not be crowded at all :eek:! The reason being that those Hawaii sailings, with lots of sea days, attract a good many Elite members. On our 10/5/12 sailing there were approximately 250 Elite, and the evening party was held in the Crystal Room. Longer voyages, especially those with many sea days, attract many repeat guests. She'll be meeting lots of new friends, and perhaps seeing some old ones as well :)!

I have been wrong before, maybe a couple times. :eek: Perhaps there will be a lot of elites, but it seems like a younger crowd of cruisers. Her Hawaii cruise with her sister will be a hoot, The CC group has been active for over a year designing special shirts, buttons and planning activities for all those sea days and in ports. She is sailing among new friends who are a large, friendly enthusiastic group. There has not been a negative comment about anything on that thread. It may be the perfect cruise. I tend to be quite optimistic about X.

 

My wife would like to take her sister (first time on Celebrity) to some of the elite events and convert her from NCL to X. That should not be very difficult. :D

[gflo]

We're currently on the Eclipse and are Elite. The coupon/voucher is not going over really well with most of the guests.

 

We were told by Captain's Club staff that they learned of the change to vouchers just the day before we sailed out of Southhampton.

 

We had vouchers waiting in our stateroom for the next evening & figured it was just because most shore excursions for that day didn't come back to the ship until after 7 pm.

 

It's really disappointing:( for us. It's our 6th TA & since there's so much time on the ship, the Happy Hours are a great time to visit with other guests. Like lots of Captain's Club members, we had to earn the points and were sooo looking forward to the extra perks.

 

The word is that there are over 800 Elite members onboard & that's too many to cater to for a Happy Hour. That's really not valid as we were on this ship (Eclipse) for the April '12 crossing with about the same number of Elite members. Yes, there was a crush in the Sky Lounge but it was fun & we REALLY miss the HH.

 

We've registered our opinion with CC & hope they'll listen.

[tserface]

Yeah, I feel the same every time I try to book a flight with Delta and I can't get a pre-assigned seat because my job doesn't have me travel enough to become one of the "Preferred" class people. So, every trip I have to wait until the day before and hope I don't get stuck in the middle somewhere because they hold all the seats just in case one of the "Preferred" guests decides they need a trip last minute. It used to be that you could pay $15 extra and get the seat ahead of time, but that doesn't work any more.

 

I am Elite on Celebrity and really enjoy the perks, but I know how it feels to watch someone else walk the red carpet and feel the stress of not knowing where you are going to sit. Fortunately, on a cruise ship there are plenty of other bars and the stress factor isn't there since you book your room ahead of time (and pick it out). When they implement the feature where they save all the rooms for Elite until the last minute then open them up to the others ... then that will be going too far IMO. Fortunately, the Elite benefits on Celebrity don't keep even the first time guest from getting what they signed up for on their cruise. It might exclude them from a bar for a couple of hours, but, like I said, there are tons of bars so it doesn't exclude anyone from having a good time.

 

I could take the voucher program or leave it. I see benefits to both ways. I do really appreciate the elegance of the cocktail party. I don't get a lot of elegance in my typical life and it feels kind of special while on vacation.

 

Tom

 

Give me the vouchers any day...it is a much better method and will not IN ANY WAY hamper socialising for those who which to do so. Only the " we can enter and you not hahahaha" factor is gone, which is out of place in modern society anyway. On these boards, all too often, change is looked at with trepidation, outspoken negativism and even ostility, even before details have been supplied and experiences shared. Does this have to do with a certain age group on these boards? i do not know, but change is often good. We have seen the same hostility towards change when Select dining was unveiled, when the Lawn club was unveiled, when s-class had no more T- pool ( it is just a huge bath, far too warm for me and I applaud the change into a lap pool) etcetera...Some people hate change, some embrace it. i know what I prefer:rolleyes:

[tserface]

But... wait? You mean you don't ever use the free laundry or internet coupons or others that we get now? I know you are speaking for yourself, but we, and I'm guessing other people, love those benefits.

 

That said, the idea of just opening up the same drinks at any bar between 5-7 would save a lot of $$$ on the coupon printing, but it would also mean they couldn't limit the number of drinks to one or two like it sounds like they are doing. Maybe part of the strategy is to reduce consumption as well?

 

Tom

 

I don't like the idea of vouchers for anything, period.

[rervousneck]

I have been wrong before, maybe a couple times. :eek: Perhaps there will be a lot of elites, but it seems like a younger crowd of cruisers. Her Hawaii cruise with her sister will be a hoot, The CC group has been active for over a year designing special shirts, buttons and planning activities for all those sea days and in ports. She is sailing among new friends who are a large, friendly enthusiastic group. There has not been a negative comment about anything on that thread. It may be the perfect cruise. I tend to be quite optimistic about X.

 

My wife would like to take her sister (first time on Celebrity) to some of the elite events and convert her from NCL to X. That should not be very difficult. :D

 

How will your sister-in-law qualify to attend the Elite events.:confused: Is she staying in the cabin with you/ or diamond on RCCL?

[harz99]

How will your sister-in-law qualify to attend the Elite events.:confused: Is she staying in the cabin with you/ or diamond on RCCL?

 

Looks like just two ladies going from the post "Her Hawaii cruise with her sister", but is that really our business?

[Gonzo70]

Oh, and by the way, Celebrity nowadays wants to focus more and more on the 30 to 45 age group, not only on the seniors:rolleyes: and I am positive that the younger age group does prefer vouchers...:cool:

 

Not me, my wife and I are in the 30 to 45 age group and much prefer the lounge over the vouchers (the exception would be if they made vouchers good for the martini bar and/or molecular bar - then I would take the vouchers, but if they are for the same beverage options we love the ambiance of the lounge and enjoy the social aspect of the event). It seems like people are more friendly and open to mingling at the Elite happy hour than if you simply head to a lounge and order a drink. Not sure why you think such an event is out of place "in modern society" - loyalty programs and rewarding those who pay big bucks with extra perks are hallmarks of modern society.

[JetCruister]

Since you are not elite you have no way of knowing about the happy hour and why we all enjoy it,the many friends we have made, the fun of socializing with the same people each evening.Very few of us do it just to get a free drink and a voucher does not take the place of this.:(

 

We have made many friends in the regular bars, and have fun socializing with the same people each evening without being part of the happy hour. You don't need the Happy Hour to meet friends and socialize with them every night for the rest of the cruise. We just all meet at the same place, same time each night before dinner....Martini Bar...730pm..that is where you will find us every night! Whether we are Elite or not...! We love the Martini Bar, and plus we purchase the beverage package, so free drinks to us don't mean anything. The people we meet at the Martini bar is what we really like...! Happy Cruising...!:)

[ghstudio]

we are on the TA now. We received the following letter in our staterooms last night:

 

Dear Elite Member,

 

We hope you are enjoying your transatlantic cruise.

 

The changes to the Captain's Club Lounge on this sailing are not permanent rather an alternative to best deliver the Celebrity experiene when we have unusually high Elite member counts. With the large elite group we have onboard, offering you the flexibility to choose your venue allows us to continue delivering a high quality of service to you on this sailing.

 

In the past we have moved the Captain's Club Lounge to the Sky Lounge when we have more members than we an properly service in Michaels Club; on rare occastions such as this we have implemented this alternative when Sky Lounge cannot meet our high service standards.

 

In order to continue providing you with a high quality of service, we would appreciate your feedback at captainsclub@celebrity.com

 

The Celebrity Eclipse team hopes the rest of your cruise continues to be an enjoyable one.

 

Celebrity Loyalty Team

 

 

Here is what has happened on board as folks like us adapted. Michaels club seems to be the number one choice and every seat is filled every night. The large bar outside michaels has now effectively become the captain's club crowded venue. Few if any go to the sky lounge because on days 1/2 they scheduled trivial pursuit and name that tune during the 5-7 hours. Now they have ballroom dancing scheduled in that period. None of that is quiet and it's hard to talk over.

 

There is always someone (other elite member) to offer an extra coupon if needed. The bar staff do not ask for your room card or even your room number...if you have a coupon, you get a drink. Obviously, with this set up it's easy to take a glass of wine with you to dinner or treat your non elite friend to a free drink, both of which seem to be happening....

 

One comment on the wine....I've discovered that they use a smaller wine glass for the free elite drinks then if you order the wine yourself. It's not something that celebrity wants you to know, but somewhere along the line, someone figured out a way to try to reduce consumption. The other drinks appear to be the same size.

 

There are no canape's anywhere that I've found which to some might be a plus, but I miss them.

 

Effectively, I think they have just moved the crowd from the sky lounge to the bars on 5 so I'm not sure if there is really any gain with the vouchers other than not serving canapes. Perhaps there is more seating on 5, but I'm not sure....it's still hard to find a seat in either of the bars aft on 5. Once the weather warms, the vouchers will probably work better, but no one seems to enjoy drinking outdoors in 50 degree weather.

 

GH

[JetCruister]

Very nice post. I cruise Celebrity for huge number of reasons, not just one... And certainly not one centered around free drinks.

 

Whatever bar we are in we meet people... That is cruising!

 

Also, don't you think it would be cool to be talking to some new cruisers at a bar and they notice the coupons that you are using for drinks and ask about how to get them and you explain what they are? That would be good for the cruise line I would think!

 

Amen...! Happy hour limits you to one place and the same people...! How are you meeting new people each night if you are going to one place that only allows a certain status...! Love this idea...! :):):)