Is Celebrity actually trying to run off us its loyal customers?

[waterbug123]

Stopped sailing RCCL when they eliminated my cocktail hour.

 

I assume you're talking about Diamond C&A members not being allowed in the concierge lounge? You should know that they are in the process of adding a diamond lounge to all of their ships that don't already have one (with the exception of Majesty) Same cocktail hour perks. :)

[CruisingChick]

Just a little surprised, since I've never seen a venue, in all my years of cruising with Celebrity, empty. I guess there is a first time for everything.

 

The only time there was anyone in Quasar was during the day when they had video games. Wasn't sure if it was Wii or X-box, but at night every time we walked by there was no one.

[Christine Frances]

Yes, because the DJ wouldn't play anything but that awful music he was playing when even after we made a request. You're not going to keep customers and guests happy that way.

 

What kind of "awful" music was he playing? Latest Hits, Top 20, Country, Rock? I would have thought a night club would play the latest dance music!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

[islandgirlejfan]

We are probably in Celebrity's target demographic (I am early 50's, still working and willing to spend most of my disposable income on vacations). We feel Celebrity's product is perfect for us and brief experiences on other cruise lines confirmed it. Azamara has a great product, and is quieter and more inclusive. They might be a little quiet for my taste on a sea day, but they are terrific for a port-intensive cruise. We actually prefer Celebrity's more formal dress code to Azamara's country club casual.

 

When I look at my peers and the younger people I work with, I know that a traditional cruise would not appeal to them. They enjoy loud, current music, a lively atmosphere, modern decor, and the men certainly have no desire to wear a tie anywhere, let alone on vacation. I know people younger than me who feel they are too young to go on a cruise (my aunt and uncle, who are in their 80's, say they'll try a cruise when they're older.) :D

 

To remain viable, Celebrity should be trying to attract customers who will still be customers 30 years from now. To do that, they have to change.

 

I do admit that on-board revenue generation has certainly been kicked up a notch from when I first started cruising; however, I still feel I can get a good meal in the main dining room or Blu, and I can easily avoid shops and services I'm not interested in. The day that changes, I will consider eating in the speciality restaurants, or if the price difference is justifiable, move to a luxury line.

 

Most people are drawn in by a low advertised price or promises of free perks - the company has to make money somehow. Let's face it, the up front price of cruises is cheap compared to what it was years ago. I went on a Carnival cruise in 1986, shared an inside cabin with 3 other girls, and paid more for that cruise than I would pay today for a balcony on Celebrity with my husband at the same time of year.

 

Other than one unremarkable cruise on HAL, we have sailed exclusively with Celebrity and Azamara for the past few years and have no regrets. We are still at a point in our lives where we don't mind spending money on board for indulgences we enjoy. We love the service we get on Celebrity - their staff is outstanding.

 

I love Celebrity's product the way it is, and if that changes, I will certainly be free to choose another cruise line.

 

I do agree that they have to market their product or they won't be here in a few years, like it or not.

 

With that said, the techno music or loudness in no way bothers me, but I almost think Celebrity skipped a generation with music offerings....I do feel they are trying to appeal to the 40ish to 60 age group as far as offerings on the ship, but not when it comes to the style of music. I'm in agreement with several posters on the genre of music is sort of odd where the ages are concerned. I do believe the techno music does go with vibe of the Martini Bar....it's a very energized area and the music really fits.

 

I also think they would be better served by offering shops where the current watches and jewelry are now that are more price friendly. They don't have to be like the shops that are near the casino, but seriously how many Breitling watch sales do they make on a cruise(?)..JMHO. If Celebrity is trying to generate money, they would do well by getting people in these shops with affordable items....both cruises I have been on I have to say they seem to be a waste of space. I don't think the majority of people are getting on a ship thinking they are going to spend four and five digits on a watch or piece of jewelry.

 

What kind of "awful" music was he playing? Latest Hits, Top 20, Country, Rock? I would have thought a night club would play the latest dance music!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Cruise Critic Forums mobile app

 

LOL, my daughter who is mid-twenties would say that all the music sounds exactly the same today so is there really a such thing as the latest dance music? :rolleyes: Another reason I-pods and MP3 players are so popular!

[Theologator]

Another angle on this topic struck me this morning. Thus far the conversation has been entirely focused on differences in age, tastes in music style, volume & place, etc. And it has been entirely focused by and for US, Canadian, British & Aussie customers. We are, after all, an English speaking forum here.

 

Yet there are quickly emerging luxury markets in China, South Korea, Japan and India. Might Celebrity and other cruise lines be adjusting toward that future? I don't suppose that would have much to do with perks, but may well with music and other changes. I can't imagine an international company ignoring those markets.

 

Cruising gangnam style?

[richstowe]

Another angle on this topic struck me this morning. Thus far the conversation has been entirely focused on differences in age, tastes in music style, volume & place, etc. And it has been entirely focused by and for US, Canadian, British & Aussie customers. We are, after all, an English speaking forum here.

 

Yet there are quickly emerging luxury markets in China, South Korea, Japan and India. Might Celebrity and other cruise lines be adjusting toward that future? I don't suppose that would have much to do with perks, but may well with music and other changes. I can't imagine an international company ignoring those markets.

 

Cruising gangnam style?

OMG yes! If many are unhappy that Celebrity and other lines are making minor changes to appeal to more customers

from Western mostly English speaking countries, BOY OH BOY are then going to be unhappy when they try to appeal to entirely new markets.

Carnival made a few changes to appeal to locals when they sent a ship To Australia.

Lots and lots of complaining here on CC.

 

Frankly this thread is much ado about next to nothing. The changes seem to be relatively minor.

God forbid they ever do away with bacon ! :eek:

[BrendaJ]

With that said, the techno music or loudness in no way bothers me, but I almost think Celebrity skipped a generation with music offerings....I do feel they are trying to appeal to the 40ish to 60 age group as far as offerings on the ship, but not when it comes to the style of music. I'm in agreement with several posters on the genre of music is sort of odd where the ages are concerned. I do believe the techno music does go with vibe of the Martini Bar....it's a very energized area and the music really fits.

 

So true, Sharon. I don't know too many people of any age group who are huge techno fans but it seems right for the Martini bar. I personally am still waiting for the day when 80's music is predominant on the ships (my husband would vote for 70's). I must admit that on the Galaxy a few years ago, they had an 80's dance party at 8:45 in the large lounge, and only four of us showed up. The timeslot was obviously not ideal. It was still kind of fun because the four of us had the dance floor to ourselves and the DJ played all our requests. I do think big band music and ballroom dancing are finding fewer fans on board these days.

 

I have to laugh at myself though - a couple of years ago on a HAL cruise, they were playing a lot of 80's music around the pool and I recall remarking something along the lines of "Hey - they're playing modern music!", never thinking that the 80's were 25 years ago - hardly cutting edge. :)

 

I also think they would be better served by offering shops where the current watches and jewelry are now that are more price friendly. They don't have to be like the shops that are near the casino, but seriously how many Breitling watch sales do they make on a cruise(?)..JMHO. If Celebrity is trying to generate money, they would do well by getting people in these shops with affordable items....both cruises I have been on I have to say they seem to be a waste of space. I don't think the majority of people are getting on a ship thinking they are going to spend four and five digits on a watch or piece of jewelry.

 

I also wonder who could possibly be shopping in the shops on the second level on the S-class ships. Perhaps Celebrity thinks that having high-end shops on the ships conveys a luxury cruise atmosphere, but I suspect the main customers of such high-end goods are likely on actual luxury cruises. Someone who spent under $1,000 for their cruise is unlikely to spend $1,500 on a handbag. I feel sorry for the staff in those shops - they must be bored silly.

[CPT Trips]

OMG yes! If many are unhappy that Celebrity and other lines are making minor changes to appeal to more customers

from Western mostly English speaking countries, BOY OH BOY are then going to be unhappy when they try to appeal to entirely new markets.

Carnival made a few changes to appeal to locals when they sent a ship To Australia.

Lots and lots of complaining here on CC.

 

Frankly this thread is much ado about next to nothing. The changes seem to be relatively minor.

God forbid they ever do away with bacon ! :eek:

 

OMG! First they do away with snails, then an expansion of sushi to the MDR. Then Bento Boxes, then kimchee :eek:

 

I'm never cruising X again.

[ghstudio]

 

I also wonder who could possibly be shopping in the shops on the second level on the S-class ships. Perhaps Celebrity thinks that having high-end shops on the ships conveys a luxury cruise atmosphere, but I suspect the main customers of such high-end goods are likely on actual luxury cruises. Someone who spent under $1,000 for their cruise is unlikely to spend $1,500 on a handbag. I feel sorry for the staff in those shops - they must be bored silly.

 

Celebrity doesn't run those shops...they are franchises. If the companies that own the stores feel it's not worth their while, they will leave and others will lease the space. Celebrity actually doesn't care if you buy anything or not....they only care that the store is happy enough to renew their contract.

[Sandy1975]

Regardless of what changes or what doesn't, people will ALWAYS find something to complain about!

 

I am easy to please I guess. I am a happy camper if I have decent food, great drinks, energized and fun ambiance without it been "sprink break" like and outstanding ports.

[CruisingChick]

Celebrity doesn't run those shops...they are franchises. If the companies that own the stores feel it's not worth their while, they will leave and others will lease the space. Celebrity actually doesn't care if you buy anything or not....they only care that the store is happy enough to renew their contract.

 

Don't they get a percentage of what is sold on board?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

OK.. yes, I skipped all pages between the first and last.

 

Since we only "discovered" Celebrity about 5 years ago, we know little of its past - though even in that time we have seen changes. Some of which were positive, others not so much. On the Century in 2008 it was pleasant to dine in Murano with a harpist helping to set the mood. The wines offered in the wine pairing menu (Château Lafite Rothschild included) were very good. Needless to say the changes in that department are not (in our opinion) for the better. No live music any longer... they've joined most other lines in that regard.

 

On the Constellation that same year we found the music skewed significantly towards the older crowd. We are in our early 50's, but just could not get into Polka music for the main band on the ship... :eek: In not seeing a Polka band on any of our recent Celebrity sailings, I'd have to say the this is an improvement (again, only my opinion).

 

The BIGGEST plus that I have witnessed during our short tenure with Celebrity would have to be the smoking restrictions - particularly the 100% smoke-free casino. When we first entered the casino on the Solstice I was not quite sure if I was in the right place, as that all-too-familiar background stench was missing. BRAVO for their farsightedness, even in the face of opposition by those who would rather switch cruise lines than their "freedoms" limited!

 

Achieving "Elite" status with only five sailings was nice, though I think TOO easy. If they are going to set the bar that low, I feel that they need higher tiers. Elite is no longer "elite" when everyone and their brother are part of that group. They may want to consider coming calling that group something other than elite, as it does carry some negative connotations with some people. Just a thought!

 

Tom

[Sandy1975]

I also wonder who could possibly be shopping in the shops on the second level on the S-class ships. Perhaps Celebrity thinks that having high-end shops on the ships conveys a luxury cruise atmosphere, but I suspect the main customers of such high-end goods are likely on actual luxury cruises. Someone who spent under $1,000 for their cruise is unlikely to spend $1,500 on a handbag. I feel sorry for the staff in those shops - they must be bored silly.

 

I would not look at it that way. It all depends on where people want to spend their money. Many book the cheapest cabins so that they can allocate their dollars to what the like the most. I know people who would spend under $1K but buy the items you are referring too. In most cases they are a tad cheaper than on land and you save in the taxes. As someone said, there is a reason these stores choose to rent the space in the ship.

[Sandy1975]

Don't they get a percentage of what is sold on board?

They might or might not. It depends on the contract between the stores and Celebrity. You will need to look at their financials to see if it is even disclose to get an answer.

[jackdiamond]

OMG! First they do away with snails, then an expansion of sushi to the MDR. Then Bento Boxes, then kimchee :eek:

 

I'm never cruising X again.

Kimchee is very good; and, very good for you.

[Oville]

Celebrity doesn't run those shops...they are franchises. If the companies that own the stores feel it's not worth their while, they will leave and others will lease the space. Celebrity actually doesn't care if you buy anything or not....they only care that the store is happy enough to renew their contract.

 

They might or might not. It depends on the contract between the stores and Celebrity. You will need to look at their financials to see if it is even disclose to get an answer.

 

Cruiselines do not have individual contracts rather with one company which operates the shops.

 

Onboard the Oasis 2 weeks ago we had lunch with the officer in charge of onboard revenues, and the shops are indeed a revenue maker on the ships along with the casino, bars and shorex. Some money is made with Specialty Restaurants, but not to the extent of the other four.

[Johnny Heedless]

Another angle on this topic struck me this morning. Thus far the conversation has been entirely focused on differences in age, tastes in music style, volume & place, etc. And it has been entirely focused by and for US, Canadian, British & Aussie customers. We are, after all, an English speaking forum here.

 

Yet there are quickly emerging luxury markets in China, South Korea, Japan and India. Might Celebrity and other cruise lines be adjusting toward that future? I don't suppose that would have much to do with perks, but may well with music and other changes. I can't imagine an international company ignoring those markets.

 

Cruising gangnam style?

 

Great point.

 

In my travels through Asia, they're even more apt to have the whole techno vibe going in their "modern" hotels than in the U.S.

 

W Hotels biggest expansions have been in Asia. They now have more hotels in Asia than they have in the US. That vibe must be selling well over there as well.

 

I just think a techno vibe is going to sell a lot better to an upscale Asian passenger than playing American-centric, cheesy 80's pop.