Would Changes in the Captain Club Affect Your Cruising.

[akowilm]

Agree 100% :)

 

Lou

 

I also agree 100%. A dedicated lounge and a few free drinks (and loads of laundry)aren't going to be missed. Its the food, service and atmosphere that keep us coming back. I WILL say it feels a little like they are cleaning some 'cobwebs' out of their corners......

[midwestchick]

Well said. We look at the ships, itineraries, pricing, fellow passengers, and then make a decision. Status is nice but not the determining factor.

 

Fellow passengers?????? How can your "look" at fellow passengers before you cruise? I didn't get past the first page of this thread after I read your post. I'm not certain what you meant by that. :confused: :confused:

[wallie5446]

why can't 2 S class ships switch up ports, say every other year, to vary the itinerary? Because of those two things, we'd be back on Princess (same smoking policy as Celebrity now) for the foreseeable future.

Which cities and places would you have them add?

[TomTN]

We, our group of 6, have actually talked about this. First, we all have 20 cruises with Celebrity, but many with other cruise lines. If they change the Elite benefits, we are gone. We stayed with Celebrity, not because we think they are that much better, but we are all non-smokers. Secondly, we like the 14 night cruise but are tired of the same itinerary every year. It appears that they sign long term dock agreements, but why can't 2 S class ships switch up ports, say every other year, to vary the itinerary? Because of those two things, we'd be back on Princess (same smoking policy as Celebrity now) for the foreseeable future.

 

 

Are you sure?????? I don't think that is correct.

[CRUZBUDS]

Are you sure?????? I don't think that is correct.

 

It's not quite as good, but it's much better than most other competitors.

 

Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

Designated Smoking Areas

Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely.

Electronic Cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes is permitted in all areas onboard with the exception of dining areas and the Princess Theater. However, should a fellow passenger in the vicinity feel inconvenienced and complain, even after being told the difference between electronic cigarettes and real cigarettes, we will ask the passenger to refrain from smoking the electronic cigarette.

[cruzsnooze]

NO NO NO

Reading these boards it seems many (I didn't say all) people are more impressed with status and climbing the ladder of status then enjoying the cruise. I book a cruise for the itinerary, cost, port of debarkation, dates. I never consider the level I'm at on any cruise line and I'm high up, because i cruise a lot. I have my next four cruises booked with 3 different cruise lines because they met my needs.

[warmwinds]

I don't care about the "status" but I sure like the perks that go along with it. I am loyal to my airline (for free baggage, free exit row seats, frequent free First Class upgrades, bonus miles, etc.) and I'm loyal to hotels for free breakfasts, additional points, late check-outs, etc.

 

Why not get rewarded for loyalty?

[tbugstwo]

We have been loyal Celebrity customers for years with Elite status. We love the overall product Celebrity offers. That said, two cruises on HAL were equally enjoyable. If we no longer qualified for the top Celebrity status and whatever that offers, we would probably consider more HAL cruises in our future. On our last Celebrity cruise, in March, we were disappointed by the use of coupons for drinks. Not that it affected us regarding drinks, as we had purchased a Premium drink package, but that there was no longer a designated lounge with appetizers. The Captain's Club host did not want to hear about this issue! He said that 's the way it is due to the number of Elites on board. If that was the case, why not offer drink vouchers, but keep a designated room for Elite to meet if they so desired. We have three b2b cruises on the Millenium coming up soon. If the voucher program is used on these, without a dedicated lounge offering appetizers, we may not continue to be so loyal to Celebrity. It isn't about the vouchers, it is about the loss of the dedicated lounge and appetizer service that went a long way to making us feel appreciated.

 

BTW, we have also taken 2 RCL cruises in the past 2 years and were very disappointed in how their perks compared to Celebrity's Elite perks.

[TomTN]

It's not quite as good, but it's much better than most other competitors.

 

Keeping the comfort of our passengers a priority, and in consideration of consumer studies which show smokers are a small minority of passengers, Princess has implemented the following smoking policy:

Designated Smoking Areas

Clearly marked “Designated Smoking Areas” are available onboard and include a sufficient number of ashtrays that are emptied regularly. Generally, these areas include cigar lounges, a section of the nightclub and casino, as well as a portion of the open decks. As a safety precaution, passengers are reminded to properly dispose of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco, which are never to be thrown overboard as this may be sucked back into the ship and cause fires.

Stateroom Smoking Policy Update

For all voyages departing after January 15th, 2012, Princess Cruises will prohibit smoking in passenger staterooms and balconies. This policy change reflects the preferences of a vast majority of our passengers who value having their primary living space (both stateroom and balcony) smoke-free. As balconies are a hallmark of Princess Cruises, we believe it is important to keep this peaceful space clear of smoke. Violations to this policy will result in a $250 fine for each occurrence, which will be charged to the passenger’s stateroom account. Keeping with the global trend toward more restrictive smoking policies and honoring the wishes of our passengers, we feel this change will enhance our onboard experience and do more to help our passengers escape completely.

Electronic Cigarettes

The use of electronic cigarettes is permitted in all areas onboard with the exception of dining areas and the Princess Theater. However, should a fellow passenger in the vicinity feel inconvenienced and complain, even after being told the difference between electronic cigarettes and real cigarettes, we will ask the passenger to refrain from smoking the electronic cigarette.

 

That seems like a lot of indoor areas to me.

 

I considered Princess for a cruise next year, but after posting on the Princess board and being told that there are many places indoors where smoking is allowed I decided not too.

Smoking on one side of a bar or other public area doesn't do it for me. I dislike trying to avoid smoking areas so that I don't reek of smoke.

 

Hopefully, another cruise line will soon join X and ban indoor smoking.

[Dave85]

NO NO NO

Reading these boards it seems many (I didn't say all) people are more impressed with status and climbing the ladder of status then enjoying the cruise. I book a cruise for the itinerary, cost, port of debarkation, dates. I never consider the level I'm at on any cruise line and I'm high up, because i cruise a lot. I have my next four cruises booked with 3 different cruise lines because they met my needs.

 

Okay...... so why is it wrong for someone to consider loyalty among those factors? Lets say I want to go on a standard 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise out of South Florida, which I often do because I enjoy it. NCL Epic looks fun, RCI Oasis / Allure are great, X is cruising there seasonally... lets say I don't have a huge preference and am not unduly constrained by price. What's the problem with my choosing Oasis or Allure becuase I'm already Diamond on Royal and get some really nice perks?

 

That's great for you that its something that you choose to not consider, but I fail to see why you view it as such a problem when other people consider their past guest benefits. It's basically part of the package that each cruise line is offering you when you're reviewing their options. I get nice perks as part of my package from Royal Caribbean, I get (at least for now) some nice perks as part of my package from X. I get nothing from NCL because I haven't sailed with them before. Etc...

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I don't care about the "status" but I sure like the perks that go along with it. I am loyal to my airline (for free baggage, free exit row seats, frequent free First Class upgrades, bonus miles, etc.) and I'm loyal to hotels for free breakfasts, additional points, late check-outs, etc.

 

Why not get rewarded for loyalty?

 

I'm with you. Don't give a rip about the status. Sure do enjoy the perks. Free baggage, admission to the airline's lounge, free hotel nights, etc. Those perks definitely make a difference to me when I book.

[flyingv4me]

Frequent cruisers:

 

Read the Cruise Critic news:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=5483

 

"Exclusive use of Michael's Club every day until 7 p.m." "Michael's Club was pretty empty during the day."

 

Michael's Club is empty because it is closed until late afternoon. Open it earlier so that guests may enjoy a decent beer and then let's see if it remains empty. I also hope that is doesn't become reserved for Elite Plus guests during the day. Again, many of us would like a quality beer during the day. If this becomes reality, then at least allow access to the beers through other bars on the ship. Actually, I wish they'd do this anyway.

 

I concur that new levels are inevitable and probably needed, but not at the expense of limiting access to existing venues, especially all day.

 

(yes, I admit I'm a beer snob and one of the reasons I chose, and choose, Celebrity is Michael's Club. :D)

[miched]

That seems like a lot of indoor areas to me.

 

I considered Princess for a cruise next year, but after posting on the Princess board and being told that there are many places indoors where smoking is allowed I decided not too.

Smoking on one side of a bar or other public area doesn't do it for me. I dislike trying to avoid smoking areas so that I don't reek of smoke.

 

Hopefully, another cruise line will soon join X and ban indoor smoking.

 

That smoking in one half of the bar is as useless as having a designated peeing area in the swimming pool. A few years back we were on the Silhoutte and they allowed smoking in part of the lounge on the upper deck. As soon as someone lite up the whole area was affected. It also doesn't eliminate the problem of their clothes reeking of that smoke when they get in an elevator of sit next to you in the theater, lounge, and etc.

 

The problem with those electronic cigarettes is someone could be smoking on the balcony and seen from the bridge or reported. The person could then produce one of those E Cigs and say that is what they were smoking.

 

 

.

[TomTN]

That smoking in one half of the bar is as useless as having a designated peeing area in the swimming pool. A few years back we were on the Silhoutte and they allowed smoking in part of the lounge on the upper deck. As soon as someone lite up the whole area was affected. It also doesn't eliminate the problem of their clothes reeking of that smoke when they get in an elevator of sit next to you in the theater, lounge, and etc.

 

The problem with those electronic cigarettes is someone could be smoking on the balcony and seen from the bridge or reported. The person could then produce one of those E Cigs and say that is what they were smoking.

 

 

.

 

Ha Ha, Love the comment about peeing in pool. True

 

We were on the Silhouette in May, and I do not believe there was any smoking allowed indoors.

 

This is from the X website FAQs.

 

 

What is the onboard smoking policy?For your comfort and enjoyment, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests smoke. Therefore, cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the ship. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, casino, theater, lounge, hallway, elevator, or corridor. This policy includes smoking-like products such as electronic cigarettes. Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom, nor on any stateroom veranda. If you are in violation of this policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to your SeaPass® account and you may be subject to further action pursuant to the "Consequences Section" of the Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard. Additionally, there is a non-smoking policy on all components of the land tour portion of all Celebrity Cruises Cruisetour products. We appreciate your understanding and adherence.

[miched]

Ha Ha, Love the comment about peeing in pool. True

 

We were on the Silhouette in May, and I do not believe there was any smoking allowed indoors.

 

This is from the X website FAQs.

 

 

What is the onboard smoking policy?For your comfort and enjoyment, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests smoke. Therefore, cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the ship. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, casino, theater, lounge, hallway, elevator, or corridor. This policy includes smoking-like products such as electronic cigarettes. Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom, nor on any stateroom veranda. If you are in violation of this policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to your SeaPass® account and you may be subject to further action pursuant to the "Consequences Section" of the Guest Conduct Policy. Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard. Additionally, there is a non-smoking policy on all components of the land tour portion of all Celebrity Cruises Cruisetour products. We appreciate your understanding and adherence.

 

This is true now but at that time, Nov 2011 on the Silhouette in Sky Lounge they allowed smoking in one half of the lounge. Since then they have eliminated smoking in all inside areas.

 

.

[SSFrance69]

Probably would. Since they keep doing away with things I like....one more big thing like taking away the lounge I've come to enjoy with the nice little bites, drinks and social aspect and then the morning treats would be the straw that broke it. Take that away on top of no more grilled lean meats in AS cafe, no more lovely Roux food, T pools no longer being put on ships, etc.

Whenever I think about booking on another cruise line, I say "But we would not have our evening social hour that we've come to love on that line". If we were somehow left to feel less appreciated on top of all the other cutbacks, I'd book on another cruise line (and not RCI) in a heartbeat.

Next thing you know, you won't get cold towels coming back from a hot port, because it costs to much to chill all those towels. It's getting a bit ridiculous. All the touches that set X apart from the rest of the mass market lines seem to be going away.

[wallie5446]

Probably would. Since they keep doing away with things I like..., I'd book on another cruise line (and not RCI) in a heartbeat. .

Which one? We cruised he Ruby Princess last year, not even close to the same quality cruise. Will not waste 7 days and our dollars with Princess in the future.

[Onessa]

nope, we don't really seem to use any of the perks

[SSFrance69]

Which one? We cruised he Ruby Princess last year, not even close to the same quality cruise. Will not waste 7 days and our dollars with Princess in the future.

 

Oceana - a bit more $$ but closer to what X used to be.

[TommyD3]

Oceana - a bit more $$ but closer to what X used to be.

 

Everything I have seen about Oceana pricing is they are AT LEAST 2X the price of Celebrity - even when having a "Sale"..

[Redtravel]

I started cruising with Celebrity in 1996 on the Zenith. It was not my first cruise. What impressed me was the level of service. I never carried anything. As I embarked, a steward would place a glass of champagne in my hand and then he would carry my handbags, etc. to my cabin. It was seldom that there was a wait for anything. In the buffet area, the tables were always cleaned quickly. The trays had white linen liners. The choices were fresh, hot, and varied. IF it was on the buffet today, it wasn't repeated on another day. Waiters were at the end of the buffet line to carry trays to tables. White glove service was the norm in all venues. In the cabin, everything sparkled. I never had to request additional towels, shampoo, hangers, etc. There was always enough. I loved the Denney products. Cabin stewards always seemed to know when you were out. My cabin was made up early while I was at breakfast. In the evening, the cabin was turned down while I was at dinner. Invitations to events were delivered in white envelopes. They were placed on your bed or in the holder on the door. I enjoyed the cruise and paid to join the Captains Club. Everyone was treated special. No need for concierge level. I have many credits past elite. I enjoy the perks. I miss the the former level of service. That was my reason for joining the Captains Club. Each time I have cruised on Celebrity there seems to be less service or a cutback. After reading the posts on this topic I hope that the reps from celebrity take them seriously. Do not take away the existing perks from those who have been frequent guests. Perhaps, if you add more levels, consider some exclusive perks......24 hour special lounge for snacks and drinks, an extra discount above and beyond the usual promos, an exclusive excursion or a private concert, a welcome on board with chocolates and good wine, a complimentary special dinner, wine with meals, and a complimentary fully stocked minibar. I have received all of these perks from other frequent guest programs including cruises, airlines, hotels, and tour companies. And as you reach the next tier, a special gift that you would use. One cruise line gave us Frette robes with their logo and our name. Each time I use it, I think cruise. On my most recent trip ( land tour), I received a beautiful hand written letter from my tour guide when I arrived. Lots of wonderful extras were given to us during the 3 week trip. Flowers, chocolates, fruit, wine, etc. were offered in many places. Free unlimited internet access was the norm. Extra excursions without charge. Within a week after the trip, I received a personal letter from the tour company asking for feedback. I returned it in the prepaid envelope. A thank you note arrived a few days later. I booked another tour with that company. I have not booked another cruise.

[teajak]

I started cruising with Celebrity in 1996 on the Zenith. It was not my first cruise. What impressed me was the level of service. I never carried anything. As I embarked, a steward would place a glass of champagne in my hand and then he would carry my handbags, etc. to my cabin. It was seldom that there was a wait for anything. In the buffet area, the tables were always cleaned quickly. The trays had white linen liners. The choices were fresh, hot, and varied. IF it was on the buffet today, it wasn't repeated on another day. Waiters were at the end of the buffet line to carry trays to tables. White glove service was the norm in all venues. In the cabin, everything sparkled. I never had to request additional towels, shampoo, hangers, etc. There was always enough. I loved the Denney products. Cabin stewards always seemed to know when you were out. My cabin was made up early while I was at breakfast. In the evening, the cabin was turned down while I was at dinner. Invitations to events were delivered in white envelopes. They were placed on your bed or in the holder on the door. I enjoyed the cruise and paid to join the Captains Club. Everyone was treated special. No need for concierge level. I have many credits past elite. I enjoy the perks. I miss the the former level of service. That was my reason for joining the Captains Club. Each time I have cruised on Celebrity there seems to be less service or a cutback. After reading the posts on this topic I hope that the reps from celebrity take them seriously. Do not take away the existing perks from those who have been frequent guests. Perhaps, if you add more levels, consider some exclusive perks......24 hour special lounge for snacks and drinks, an extra discount above and beyond the usual promos, an exclusive excursion or a private concert, a welcome on board with chocolates and good wine, a complimentary special dinner, wine with meals, and a complimentary fully stocked minibar. I have received all of these perks from other frequent guest programs including cruises, airlines, hotels, and tour companies. And as you reach the next tier, a special gift that you would use. One cruise line gave us Frette robes with their logo and our name. Each time I use it, I think cruise. On my most recent trip ( land tour), I received a beautiful hand written letter from my tour guide when I arrived. Lots of wonderful extras were given to us during the 3 week trip. Flowers, chocolates, fruit, wine, etc. were offered in many places. Free unlimited internet access was the norm. Extra excursions without charge. Within a week after the trip, I received a personal letter from the tour company asking for feedback. I returned it in the prepaid envelope. A thank you note arrived a few days later. I booked another tour with that company. I have not booked another cruise.

Your letter sounds exactly like us. Couldn't have said it better, thank you.:)

[Karynanne]

I started cruising with Celebrity in 1996 on the Zenith. It was not my first cruise. What impressed me was the level of service. I never carried anything. As I embarked, a steward would place a glass of champagne in my hand and then he would carry my handbags, etc. to my cabin. It was seldom that there was a wait for anything. In the buffet area, the tables were always cleaned quickly. The trays had white linen liners. The choices were fresh, hot, and varied. IF it was on the buffet today, it wasn't repeated on another day. Waiters were at the end of the buffet line to carry trays to tables. White glove service was the norm in all venues. In the cabin, everything sparkled. I never had to request additional towels, shampoo, hangers, etc. There was always enough. I loved the Denney products. Cabin stewards always seemed to know when you were out. My cabin was made up early while I was at breakfast. In the evening, the cabin was turned down while I was at dinner. Invitations to events were delivered in white envelopes. They were placed on your bed or in the holder on the door. I enjoyed the cruise and paid to join the Captains Club. Everyone was treated special. No need for concierge level. I have many credits past elite. I enjoy the perks. I miss the the former level of service. That was my reason for joining the Captains Club. Each time I have cruised on Celebrity there seems to be less service or a cutback. After reading the posts on this topic I hope that the reps from celebrity take them seriously. Do not take away the existing perks from those who have been frequent guests. Perhaps, if you add more levels, consider some exclusive perks......24 hour special lounge for snacks and drinks, an extra discount above and beyond the usual promos, an exclusive excursion or a private concert, a welcome on board with chocolates and good wine, a complimentary special dinner, wine with meals, and a complimentary fully stocked minibar. I have received all of these perks from other frequent guest programs including cruises, airlines, hotels, and tour companies. And as you reach the next tier, a special gift that you would use. One cruise line gave us Frette robes with their logo and our name. Each time I use it, I think cruise. On my most recent trip ( land tour), I received a beautiful hand written letter from my tour guide when I arrived. Lots of wonderful extras were given to us during the 3 week trip. Flowers, chocolates, fruit, wine, etc. were offered in many places. Free unlimited internet access was the norm. Extra excursions without charge. Within a week after the trip, I received a personal letter from the tour company asking for feedback. I returned it in the prepaid envelope. A thank you note arrived a few days later. I booked another tour with that company. I have not booked another cruise.

 

We also first cruised with Celebrity in 1999. I too remember being escorted to our cabin, once onboard. It was a special touch, that set the tone for the cruise. You knew that you were about to embark on a wonderful vacation.

 

Everyone was made to feel like a VIP.

[maggie.1008]

I first cruised with Celebrity in 2000. I remember how wonderful the MDR was. Now we eat in Blu or Specialty Dine as MDR has become too crowded and waiters are overworked.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I started cruising with Celebrity in 1996 on the Zenith. It was not my first cruise. What impressed me was the level of service. I never carried anything. As I embarked, a steward would place a glass of champagne in my hand and then he would carry my handbags, etc. to my cabin. It was seldom that there was a wait for anything. In the buffet area, the tables were always cleaned quickly. The trays had white linen liners. The choices were fresh, hot, and varied. IF it was on the buffet today, it wasn't repeated on another day. Waiters were at the end of the buffet line to carry trays to tables. White glove service was the norm in all venues. In the cabin, everything sparkled. I never had to request additional towels, shampoo, hangers, etc. There was always enough. I loved the Denney products. Cabin stewards always seemed to know when you were out. My cabin was made up early while I was at breakfast. In the evening, the cabin was turned down while I was at dinner. Invitations to events were delivered in white envelopes. They were placed on your bed or in the holder on the door. I enjoyed the cruise and paid to join the Captains Club. Everyone was treated special. No need for concierge level. I have many credits past elite. I enjoy the perks. I miss the the former level of service. That was my reason for joining the Captains Club. Each time I have cruised on Celebrity there seems to be less service or a cutback. After reading the posts on this topic I hope that the reps from celebrity take them seriously. Do not take away the existing perks from those who have been frequent guests. Perhaps, if you add more levels, consider some exclusive perks......24 hour special lounge for snacks and drinks, an extra discount above and beyond the usual promos, an exclusive excursion or a private concert, a welcome on board with chocolates and good wine, a complimentary special dinner, wine with meals, and a complimentary fully stocked minibar. I have received all of these perks from other frequent guest programs including cruises, airlines, hotels, and tour companies. And as you reach the next tier, a special gift that you would use. One cruise line gave us Frette robes with their logo and our name. Each time I use it, I think cruise. On my most recent trip ( land tour), I received a beautiful hand written letter from my tour guide when I arrived. Lots of wonderful extras were given to us during the 3 week trip. Flowers, chocolates, fruit, wine, etc. were offered in many places. Free unlimited internet access was the norm. Extra excursions without charge. Within a week after the trip, I received a personal letter from the tour company asking for feedback. I returned it in the prepaid envelope. A thank you note arrived a few days later. I booked another tour with that company. I have not booked another cruise.

 

I agree. It was the service on that first cruise on Celebrity that hooked me. Lately, not so much. There are other options out there. And other loyalty programs that deliver more--free hotel nights, free business class flights to Europe, etc.