VIP Program

[C 2 C]

I'd rather be free to meet more of my fellow cruisers and vouchers appeal to me.

 

I'm not a fan of vouchers primarily because one has to be a bar patron if you wish to be served in a timely fashion when competing with inclusive beverage packages.

 

Several years ago, the Sky Lounge was so busy that top cruisers were moved to Michael's Club. Unless one's friends were also in that group, the exclusive lounge was not appreciated by many.

[C 2 C]

What about priority embarkation and tendering that were mentioned in the article? Not that those are deal breakers but if you have been use to receiving these perks you notice when they are taken away.

 

We were on one Mediterranean cruise where 27 buses were required to satisfy priority disembarkation. There is no priority when nearly the whole ship could be potentially elite or in suites entitled to have priority.

[CruisingChick]

Here's any idea. Totally due away with the entire loyalty program. Put the money back into the MDR and buffet and the food quality.

[C 2 C]

Sorry to say, but I think Celebrity already caters to those who spend the big bucks - not to those who cruise the most often.

 

 

We know... :(

 

"Whether you have cruised with us once or a hundred times..."

is the opening letter from the HD upon boarding..

and we know that a first time cruiser in a top suite will have superior "handling" compared to many frequent cruisers on the same sailing.

[C 2 C]

Sorry to say, but I think Celebrity already caters to those who spend the big bucks - not to those who cruise the most often.

 

 

We know... :(

 

"Whether you have cruised with us once or a hundred times..."

is the opening letter from the HD upon boarding..

and we know that a first time cruiser in a top suite will have superior "handling" compared to many frequent cruisers on the same sailing.

 

Here's any idea. Totally do away with the entire loyalty program. Put the money back into the MDR and buffet and the food quality.

 

An army may march on its stomach but we march to a different drummer..

 

I'm not saying it's right - I personally think Celebrity should cater to those who are loyal to them. But the reality of the situation is they cater to those who spend the money -- I know that first hand. Funny, when I'm in a RS or a PH they can't do enough for me. But when I travel in a regular cabin (which I do quite a bit) they don't even know who I am!

 

We must be travelling with the same hotel director..

[jcpc]

We know... :(

 

"Whether you have cruised with us once or a hundred times..."

is the opening letter from the HD upon boarding..

and we know that a first time cruiser in a top suite will have superior "handling" compared to many frequent cruisers on the same sailing.

 

I'm not saying it's right - I personally think Celebrity should cater to those who are loyal to them. But the reality of the situation is they cater to those who spend the money -- I know that first hand. Funny, when I'm in a RS or a PH they can't do enough for me. But when I travel in a regular cabin (which I do quite a bit) they don't even know who I am!

[Lsimon]

There are two items in this release that seem like a joke to me:

 

First: "exclusive use of Michael's Club through 7PM" It seems like a couple years ago Celebrity was making a big deal out of turning the Michael's clubs into pubs with premium beers and a pub like atmosphere. On recent cruises we've seen this bar nearly deserted and not even open until later in the evening as opposed to earlier in the day when more people would be interested in beers. Plus they've never followed through with the type of entertainment, nor fostered the type of atmosphere, mentioned in the press releases. So it seems to us that right now pretty much anyone on the ship can have something close to exclusive access to Michael's club since there is seldom anyone there. I think they've been searching for a way to better utilize Michael's club but it seems to me that things have gone downhill there since they stopped putting decent piano bar entertainers in them nightly - and that change was made several years ago.

 

...Across the Celebrity fleet, Michael's Club offers an impressive selection of rare malts, whiskies and scotches. Building on that tradition, the "new" Michael's Club on Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection will add an equally impressive selection of more than 50 beers, including flavorful craft beers, and will allow guests to participate in engaging experiences such as ideal food and beer pairings, how to pour the perfect draft, or how to select the proper beer glass, all while snacking on homemade, gourmet potato chips and bread sticks, and fresh, lightly-spiced caramel popcorn, amidst a vibe of live music and cool playlists, or major international sporting events airing on the venue's large, 46" TV screens. [emphasis added]...

 

Priority dining: I love the line in the article that reports: "but the ship was still figuring out how to offer priority dining." Priority dining has been a listed perk for various classes of passengers or stateroom categories over the years but it seems like neither the on-board staff nor any passengers really knows what that means. It seems all too often Celebrity's marketing department comes up with concepts that those on the ships just can't figure out.

[Orator]

We know... :(

 

"Whether you have cruised with us once or a hundred times..."

is the opening letter from the HD upon boarding..

and we know that a first time cruiser in a top suite will have superior "handling" compared to many frequent cruisers on the same sailing.

 

Arno:

May have told this one before. DW and I were top cruisers on a Reflection cruise last year and so invited to dine with the Captain. We met a couple at the table who were on their first Celebrity cruise. Long story short: They were friends of the President of RCCL and they received a VIP Card (Yes, a Seapass card that was stamped VIP). I can tell you first hand that they received much more attention and perks than we received. All people may be "created equal", but some are created "more equal".

[dkjretired]

Here's any idea. Totally due away with the entire loyalty program. Put the money back into the MDR and buffet and the food quality.

 

I would tend to agree with you on the food, I'm easy to please but it would be nice to have the food and service back to the way it was in the early 90s. In order to get that now you have to go to a specialty restaurant.

 

Just think their testing various things to be rolled into the new CC program to get reactions.

[Chunky2219]

Just to confirm what a previous poster said, We've done 2 cruises in the last year in a high end suite and got the full set of Elite benefits - laundry, vouchers, invites, breakfast, reserved theatre seats, etc. Even some free gambling money for the casino.

 

I don't think folks should worry too much about space required versus number of people eligible. Only a small proportion of those who could take advantage of the perk will do so at any time and only those with a grossly inflated sense of entitlement will stick their snouts in the trough at every possible opportunity.

 

If you compare it with the Cunard Grills system, the Grills Lounge is way, way too small to accomodate everyone in the two Grills restaurants but the only time you ever see it full is on the final morning, when it is used as a staging post for priority disembarkation.

 

As for Michael's, we wandered in there during the day when on Solstice in March. The only time it wasn't completely empty was when there was a small group of people who looked like they were having a seance. Trust me, It'll be fine.

.

..

[cruisestitch]

Regarding "exclusive use of Michael's Club" I think that the suits in Miami have never been on board a ship to see how much use that room gets -- as a wedding venue, as a private party site, as a meeting room for the Veteran's get together, for the Cruise Critic Connections party, for trivia and name that tune, for travel agency sponsored parties -- now all of those things are going to go, where?

 

Have been on cruises where we tried to find a place for a small celebration and was told that Michael's Club was nearly fully booked. On others, there's virtually no one there for hours and it's the only quiet, music-free place for reading. I just don't think that the suits have any idea what really goes on most of the time on board, and that the marketing department comes up with ideas that just don't make much sense in real life.

 

But then, I remember when the marketing department was running a contest to give away a free Aqua Suite cabin on a ship that didn't have Aqua Suites!

[Andy]

Many have been saying that any new program would be bottom line driven. Someone should have thought about the potential consequences (on the bottom line) when the Loyalty Program was developed. Perhaps the folks in command at that time never thought that so many would reach the Elite level so quickly. They perhaps underappreciated the quality of their product.

 

Hi Orator,

 

That's exactly what I mentioned to X, when the last set of Captains Club upgrades was launched. However, they didnt listen to my insights. At the time, I commented they'd never have a venue large enough to handle the amount of anticipated Guests, especially in the future... when the amount of Elites was certain to grow. I also commented that with the current amount of current & future Elites, the complimentary drinks would cost them a fortune. I suggested they should consider saving this perk as a 4th level benefit, if & when the new level were to be added. If they had listened, Celebrity would have saved a fortune, and wouldn't have a dilemma on their hands. At any rate, the person responsible for the decision is no longer with Celebrity, so I'm fairly certain they know the current structure is unsustainable. To be clear, I have no insights on what Celebrity is planning.

 

As I've said all along, I believe the most logical solution/compromise, is to offer 1 or 2 daily drink coupons to Elite members, and offer a dedicated lounge for Elite Plus, if & when it happens. I realize this may likely upset current Elite members, but *IF* Celebrity is looking to reduce costs, this is a reasonable solution. IMO, a reduced benefit is better than nothing.

 

IMO, any thoughts about elimimating the Elite Happy Hour, would be ill-advised, and ultimately create many unhappy Guests. Let's hope it does not happen.

[Kokomo91165]

Perhaps RCL & X are going to combine their programs and this lounge will be for the equivalent of Diamond Plus and Pinnacle on Celebrity??

[Orator]

Hi Orator,

 

That's exactly what I mentioned to X, when the last set of Captains Club upgrades was launched. However, they didnt listen to my insights. At the time, I commented they'd never have a venue large enough to handle the amount of anticipated Guests, especially in the future... when the amount of Elites was certain to grow. I also commented that with the current amount of current & future Elites, the complimentary drinks would cost them a fortune. I suggested they should consider saving this perk as a 4th level benefit, if & when the new level were to be added. If they had listened, Celebrity would have saved a fortune, and wouldn't have a dilemma on their hands. At any rate, the person responsible for the decision is no longer with Celebrity, so I'm fairly certain they know the current structure is unsustainable. To be clear, I have no insights on what Celebrity is planning.

 

As I've said all along, I believe the most logical solution/compromise, is to offer 1 or 2 daily drink coupons to Elite members, and offer a dedicated lounge for Elite Plus, if & when it happens. I realize this may likely upset current Elite members, but *IF* Celebrity is looking to reduce costs, this is a reasonable solution. IMO, a reduced benefit is better than nothing.

 

IMO, any thoughts about elimimating the Elite Happy Hour, would be ill-advised, and ultimately create many unhappy Guests. Let's hope it does not happen.

 

I believe that we will be having some very interesting discussions on the February15th Century cruise. Might be good for Celebrity to send someone from the Miami Office to join us to share ideas and reactions.

[NLH Arizona]

One more thought and question to the masses - interesting they are calling it (so far anyway) VIP. I say this due to the uproar (and confusion) the name 'Elite' can bring on these boards, with those of us who have reached that level often getting flamed when we even mention it on these boards, and accused of being snobs, etc.. I think VIP is just as potential divisive. What do you think?

I think VIP sounds much worse than Elite. Can you see it now "I'm a Celebrity Very Important Person/passenger and ......"

 

BTW, I've never understood why someone has to say I'm an: Elite, Diamond Plus, Platinum, etc., other than for their own ego, because it really doesn't matter to anyone else.

[Andy]

First: "exclusive use of Michael's Club through 7PM" It seems like a couple years ago Celebrity was making a big deal out of turning the Michael's clubs into pubs with premium beers and a pub like atmosphere. On recent cruises we've seen this bar nearly deserted and not even open until later in the evening as opposed to earlier in the day when more people would be interested in beers. Plus they've never followed through with the type of entertainment, nor fostered the type of atmosphere, mentioned in the press releases. So it seems to us that right now pretty much anyone on the ship can have something close to exclusive access to Michael's club since there is seldom anyone there. I think they've been searching for a way to better utilize Michael's club but it seems to me that things have gone downhill there since they stopped putting decent piano bar entertainers in them nightly - and that change was made several years ago.

 

Hi Larry,

 

This is an excellent observation. We sailed on Eclipse in April, and I visited Michael's Club nearly every night, In most cases, you could count the number of Guests on one hand. I think it's pretty safe to say the Craft beer concept is not working, and Celebrity should truly consider adding more Piano perfomers in the S-Class Michael's lounges, and offer what has worked reasonably well in the past.

 

I'd say the single largest item on my S-Class reviltalization wish list, is for Celebrity to reconfigure (or relocate) Michaels into something more like Michael's on the M-Class (but larger), as it's incredibly missed on the S-Class. Personally, I'd look to relocate Michael's to where Cellar Masters is, as that's a more active and festive area. Celebrity could relocate Cellar Masters to where Michael's currently resides. Michael's L-shaped design was a mistake from the get-go - especially for performers. I give Celebrity a pass for Solstice, but how on Earth they never rectified this on the other 4 S-Class ships, is beyond any comprehension.

[Orator]

Hi Larry,

 

This is an excellent observation. We sailed on Eclipse in April, and I visited Michael's Club nearly every night, In most cases, you could count the number of Guests on one hand. I think it's pretty safe to say the Craft beer concept is not working, and Celebrity should truly consider adding more Piano perfomers in the S-Class Michael's lounges, and offer what has worked reasonably well in the past.

 

I'd say the single largest item on my S-Class reviltalization wish list, is for Celebrity to reconfigure (or relocate) Michaels into something more like Michael's on the M-Class (but larger), as it's incredibly missed on the S-Class. Personally, I'd look to relocate Michael's to where Cellar Masters is, as that's a more active and festive area. Celebrity could relocate Cellar Masters to where Michael's currently resides. Michael's L-shaped design was a mistake from the get-go - especially for performers. I give Celebrity a pass for Solstice, but how on Earth they never rectified this on the other 4 S-Class ships, is beyond any comprehension.

 

I agree; however, I believe that the first thing they'll do when they renovate is split the Sky Lounge in half and add Suites a la Reflection. That's money for them!

[CruisingChick]

I agree; however, I believe that the first thing they'll do when they renovate is split the Sky Lounge in half and add Suites a la Reflection. That's money for them!

 

Celebrity is going to the dogs. Wait sorry don't want to insult dogs. They just have really ruined the great reputation that they had with the M Class ships and the open space ratio to passengers. They keep taking away more public space and cramming in more passengers on the ship. So sad:(

[Andy]

I agree; however, I believe that the first thing they'll do when they renovate is split the Sky Lounge in half and add Suites a la Reflection. That's money for them!

 

You're probably right Orator. My guess is, the extra Suites are entirely possible. Then again, if Michael's & Cellar Masters were performing better, that's money for them too :)

[jsmeeker]

One more thought and question to the masses - interesting they are calling it (so far anyway) VIP. I say this due to the uproar (and confusion) the name 'Elite' can bring on these boards, with those of us who have reached that level often getting flamed when we even mention it on these boards, and accused of being snobs, etc.. I think VIP is just as potential divisive. What do you think?

 

VIP? Elite?

 

Six and one half dozen of the other

[phoenix_dream]

I think VIP sounds much worse than Elite. Can you see it now "I'm a Celebrity Very Important Person/passenger and ......"

 

BTW, I've never understood why someone has to say I'm an: Elite, Diamond Plus, Platinum, etc., other than for their own ego, because it really doesn't matter to anyone else.

I would like to respond to your second point. I think there are two times (at least) when people refer to their 'status' for reasonable reasons. The first is when they are trying to convey that they likely have cruised on Celebrity quite a few times so they are quite familiar with the topic on which they are commenting. This is a lot easier and quicker than saying something like "I have cruised on Celebrity 23 times so I have experienced this on multiple cruises". Much easier to say I am Elite where that level of exposure is implied. The second of course is when the topic itself is related to benefits. I have mentioned my status in each of these occasions during posting, and I can safely say it has absolutely nothing to do with my ego. I would venture a guess that in 95% of the cases, the mention is for reasons I've stated and nothing more. I think the written word is much more easily misinterpreted than if you were to meet someone and talk to them about this face to face. Of course there are always a few, but those types are egotistical about everything, not just cruise loyalty.:D

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Celebrity currently gives "special" status to PH and RS guests already. I have 76 cruise credits with Celebrity. When I cruise in a RS or a PH I get "priority embarkation" (and I mean priority - met in the terminal by concierge or captains club hostess and bypass the lines), lunch in Bistro on 5, invitations to dine at officers tables, invitations to bridge for sailaway, etc. However, when I choose to cruise in a balcony or concierge cabin, I still have my 76 cruise credits but I get no "special treatment" whatsoever.

 

Sorry to say, but I think Celebrity already caters to those who spend the big bucks - not to those who cruise the most often.

 

Not in my experience. We had a Royal Suite on the Infinity recently. We were not met in the terminal. We did not get invited to dine at the captain's table. What we did get was a royal stink of sewage on our veranda rendering it uninhabitable which the guest relations manager didn't seem to think was a big deal. I've never been treated so poorly in my life. I won't be in any hurry to book a royal suite in the near future.

[Amerie]

Hi Larry,

 

This is an excellent observation. We sailed on Eclipse in April, and I visited Michael's Club nearly every night, In most cases, you could count the number of Guests on one hand. I think it's pretty safe to say the Craft beer concept is not working, and Celebrity should truly consider adding more Piano perfomers in the S-Class Michael's lounges, and offer what has worked reasonably well in the past.

 

I'd say the single largest item on my S-Class reviltalization wish list, is for Celebrity to reconfigure (or relocate) Michaels into something more like Michael's on the M-Class (but larger), as it's incredibly missed on the S-Class. Personally, I'd look to relocate Michael's to where Cellar Masters is, as that's a more active and festive area. Celebrity could relocate Cellar Masters to where Michael's currently resides. Michael's L-shaped design was a mistake from the get-go - especially for performers. I give Celebrity a pass for Solstice, but how on Earth they never rectified this on the other 4 S-Class ships, is beyond any comprehension.

 

Everything that you say here Andy is correct. I back you observations up 1000%.

 

As to the trial run on the Infinity: what is being offered here is very much like the original Concierge Lounges on RCCL ships, before their restructuring, but with less generous hours (5:00 pm to 8:30 pm) for the complimentary alcoholic beverages. The one thing that is not mentioned in this press release, that WAS in the RCCL Concierge Lounges, was the 24hr self-serve cappuccinos and hot chocolates. That is something I would love to see added. I never saw this being taken advantage of.

 

Who gets to be a VIP is a bit murky. On Infinity, it's a mix of passengers in the top suites and other cruisers that Celebrity has deemed VIPs (top cruisers, big spenders, journalists, special guests, etc.). The decision is at the discretion of the head office.

 

The VIP lounges have existed on Celebrity for some time, and are handled in a very low-key way as far as publicity is concerned. We have been met at check-in and brought to the VIP lounge to await our suite. We also received separate VIP cards, that said "VIP".

 

The RCCL Concierge Lounges (CL) were a far superior experience to what is offered on Celebrity, and if this is what they are trying to trial-run for a new tier of the Celebrity loyalty program, then that would be worth working toward.

 

One thing that was very helpful in the RCCL Concierge Lounges is that the MDR menus for the duration of the cruise were always available here for passengers' perusal. Helpful then, if you wanted to skip the MDR on one night or plan when to go to a specialty restaurant. No cost to Celebrity for this welcome addition.

 

The CL on RCCL also featured very nice hot hors doeuvres that were self-serve and constantly replenished. Very civilized to have a couple of good quality, hot hors doeuvres with a drink or two.

 

The CL lounges often had very nice views, which made them very nice to sit in during the day, have a cappuccino and read quietly.

 

If they go to the voucher system for the current level of ELITES, that would be fine for me, but I think 2 drink vouchers per person, per night, is sufficient. We see a lot of sharing of vouchers, and this would cut that right down. Plus, if anyone needs more than two vouchers, they can buy another drink. That third drink often becomes the first beverage in the dining room, and I think this is amplifying the cost of the program.

 

Given the sheer numbers of ELITES now, I think something has to be done, and I am happy to take a slight step backward and work toward the next tier.

 

Perks include (but may change as Celebrity refines the program):

 

*exclusive use of Michael's Club every day until 7 p.m.

 

*a dedicated concierge

 

*happy hour with free drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. every night

 

*priority embarkation, tendering, dining reservations, possibly shore excursions

 

The VIP program is meant to offer a concierge lounge experience on a cruise line that does not offer exclusive areas for top passengers. On a recent Infinity cruise, Michael's Club was pretty empty during the day, with the exception of embark and debark mornings, but happy hour was well attended. The concierge was very useful, but the ship was still figuring out how to offer priority dining.

 

If Celebrity was listening AT ALL to how unwelcome the term "ELITE" is, they would not be using the term "VIP" for the "new" lounges. The roll-out of a new or substantially-altered program is the perfect time to replace the objectionable, baggage-laden labels. I'm sure Cruise Critic members could make some helpful, and more acceptable, suggestions.

 

Celebrity would not offer further details on the program.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I believe that we will be having some very interesting discussions on the February15th Century cruise. Might be good for Celebrity to send someone from the Miami Office to join us to share ideas and reactions.

 

I believe we will. I don't believe Celebrity really gives a rip.

[Christine Frances]

Hi Larry,

 

This is an excellent observation. We sailed on Eclipse in April, and I visited Michael's Club nearly every night, In most cases, you could count the number of Guests on one hand. I think it's pretty safe to say the Craft beer concept is not working, and Celebrity should truly consider adding more Piano perfomers in the S-Class Michael's lounges, and offer what has worked reasonably well in the past.

 

I'd say the single largest item on my S-Class reviltalization wish list, is for Celebrity to reconfigure (or relocate) Michaels into something more like Michael's on the M-Class (but larger), as it's incredibly missed on the S-Class. Personally, I'd look to relocate Michael's to where Cellar Masters is, as that's a more active and festive area. Celebrity could relocate Cellar Masters to where Michael's currently resides. Michael's L-shaped design was a mistake from the get-go - especially for performers. I give Celebrity a pass for Solstice, but how on Earth they never rectified this on the other 4 S-Class ships, is beyond any comprehension.

 

Andy

We were on the Silhouette June 3rd sailing and then the Eclipse to the Baltic's. We enjoy beer but Michael's was never open except in the evening. We would have gladly gone there during the afternoon for a few drinks but had to settle for other bars. Since they weren't holding the Elite function there do you know why they opened so late?