Celebrity Website Warning - Spa Appointments

[scili]

Just wanted to post a warning about using the Celebrity website to book spa appointments. Don't do it now!

 

Last night, I spent 1 1/2 hours booking 4 spa appointments for my upcoming Summit sailing. It took that long because the website was acting a little wacky, as it was inconsistent in what it showed in terms of what services and what times were available. I didn't think too much about it because in the past, I've had similar problems. Finally, I was able to book the appointments I wanted and paid for the appointments. I received a confirmation email and thought everything was set.

 

Then today I receive an email saying that all 4 appointments were cancelled. Thinking this was weird, I called Celebrity. The customer service representative told me that due to the vendor change to Canyon Ranch, all spa appointments booked in the last 2-3 weeks are being manually cancelled. I was told to come back in April when the new booking system associated with Canyon Ranch is available in order to book my spa appointments. Ugh!

 

My issue with this approach is that Celebrity's website should have (1) blocked the ability to book spa appointments or (2) had a pop-up warning disclaimer. It's not that hard to add these options. Celebrity obviously knew about the transition to the new vendor and what their plans were with respect to booking spa appointments. Celebrity should have foreseen the issue that I (as well as others) encountered. If it didn't block the ability to book appointments, then Celebrity could map comparable spa appointment times when the new system is available. I'm pretty unhappy with this customer service, so I wanted to warn others.

[cptlapcat]

If you can't make a reservation before the cruise (I am leaving March 3rd) and they are switching to Canyon Ranch in April, is anyone having a problem with the spa when they board? I have an Aqua class room and wonder if it will be worth it. What is the recent view of the spa service?

[cynbar]

We're sailing on Reflection May 23rd. I contacted Canyon Ranch by email (from the Celebrity site) and the replied with a list of their services/prices and the info that they will not take reservations until 60 days from the start of our cruise.

[sweetp09]

We're sailing on Reflection May 23rd. I contacted Canyon Ranch by email (from the Celebrity site) and the replied with a list of their services/prices and the info that they will not take reservations until 60 days from the start of our cruise.

 

I would love it if you would share the service adnd price list! I'm dying to see what the offerings will be.

[4cats4me]

While we won't be planning to do spa treatments, we do leave April 4, so having to wait until April wouldn't be an option for us anyway

[Gonzo70]

While we won't be planning to do spa treatments, we do leave April 4, so having to wait until April wouldn't be an option for us anyway

 

There is zero need to book in advance - you are just giving Celebrity an interest free loan. There is always ample slots for booking on board and frequently various discounts start materializing by mid-cruise to fill the myriad of empty slots.

[4cats4me]

There is zero need to book in advance - you are just giving Celebrity an interest free loan. There is always ample slots for booking on board and frequently various discounts start materializing by mid-cruise to fill the myriad of empty slots.

 

 

I never have booked in advance, now that I think about it. I don't plan on using the spa anyway except the thermal spa since we are AQ

 

I will say, best spa treatment ever WAS on Celebrity, those floating bed things

Can't remember the real name, but I was like a water bed

[vtcruising]

I would love it if you would share the service adnd price list! I'm dying to see what the offerings will be.

 

I emailed them at: Celebrity@canyonranch.com a couple of days ago and received the treatments and price menu within a few hours. I thought the choices looked great.

 

This was their email reply:

Dear ---

 

I have attached our service guide and our menu of prices for you to review. I would be happy to assist you in making your appointments. If you would like to pre-request by phone you may do so by calling us toll free at 844-860-4662 or if you are calling internationally please call 702-414-6270. You may also pre-request via email by filling out the information below. You can begin to make appointments 60 days in advance of your sailing date and no later than 7days before your sailing date.

 

 

If you are interested in our Spa Passports, that can be purchased once you are onboard the ship.

 

 

To pre-request via email please fill out the following information and email it to celebrity@canyonranch.com no later than 7 days before your sailing date:

 

 

Vessel Name:

 

Booking/Stateroom Number:

 

First day of embarkation:

 

The Guest names:

 

Services being Requested:

 

The date of service:

 

The Times the guest want the service:

 

Length of Service:

 

If it is a hair service then I would need to know where the hair falls:

 

Home address:

 

Telephone #:

 

Time Zone:

 

Any Medical Conditions/allergies:

 

Email:

 

Have they been to Canyon Ranch?

 

Are you 16 years or older?

 

If it is a Massage then I would need to know if you prefer a male/ female therapist:

 

 

Kind regards,

 

 

Cassy Serna

 

Canyon Ranch at Sea Coordinator | Reservations

[cynbar]

I would love it if you would share the service adnd price list! I'm dying to see what the offerings will be.

 

Let's see if this works:

Celebrity Menu of services.pdf

[4cats4me]

Guess I'll be bringing my own nail polish , et cet along and doing my own nails ONCE again :D

OMG, those prices! It is laughable.

[sweetp09]

Let's see if this works:

 

Thanks so much! I wonder if they will accept spafinder gift certificates?

[need2bespoiled]

Guess I'll be bringing my own nail polish , et cet along and doing my own nails ONCE again :D

OMG, those prices! It is laughable.

 

Definitely expensive, but I don't think it is outrageous for a spa on a ship. About what my hair place costs at home (cheaper for cut and color actually, more for nails), but I don't get my nails done there and I'm too afraid to leave my hair guy (color) and gal (cut).

 

Happy sailing (and see you onboard),

Jenna

[Chirpbird]

Definitely expensive, but I don't think it is outrageous for a spa on a ship. About what my hair place costs at home (cheaper for cut and color actually, more for nails), but I don't get my nails done there and I'm too afraid to leave my hair guy (color) and gal (cut).

 

Note to self: Do not move to Maine. I'd never be able to afford beauty treatments. I live in Denver where I pay $35 for gel manicure, $40 for haircut and $80 for dye. The gel manicure on board is more than what I pay to get my hair dyed. I have to agree with 4Cats4Me: Likely too rich for my blood.

[xxpinksaltxx]

Just a tad too expensive for me too. I'm currently only paying $95 AUS for a full head of foils (long hair) and a cut, and $50 for acrylics. Really wanted to try the spa out but when prices are almost double (as the US dollar is not in our favour) I can't really justify it. Also didn't realise the price didn't include the 18% tip either (as we don't tip at all in Australia).

Edited February 23, 2014 by xxpinksaltxx
spelling

[Gonzo70]

Wow, those prices are a joke. I foresee lots of major discounting occurring once on board. These prices are well over double what I pay for treatments at an upscale Chicago spa with excellent and well trained therapists.

[need2bespoiled]

Note to self: Do not move to Maine. I'd never be able to afford beauty treatments. I live in Denver where I pay $35 for gel manicure, $40 for haircut and $80 for dye. The gel manicure on board is more than what I pay to get my hair dyed. I have to agree with 4Cats4Me: Likely too rich for my blood.

 

I only pay $33 for a pedi and similar for a fill with gel on top at my regular place, but it's not at a spa. Can you really get a gel mani for $35 at a spa? Not a nail place but spa. I admittedly do indulge on my hair, it's outrageous :eek:

 

I can get a burger at McDonalds for $1, but at Holstein's in Las Vegas it's $18. Compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. On a ship or at a resort, these prices are comparable to what you'd find at a high end spa in a city, at a resort or on a ship. In fact, I Googled "best spas in Denver" and sure enough, it is pretty comparable to the Brown Place Hotel and Spa or the Woodhouse, both in Denver. Sure, it's expensive, but I'm not surprised or think it's outrageous.

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

Edited February 23, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[Gonzo70]

I only pay $33 for a pedi and similar for a fill with gel on top at my regular place, but it's not at a spa. Can you really get a gel mani for $35 at a spa? Not a nail place but spa. I admittedly do indulge on my hair, it's outrageous :eek:

 

I can get a burger at McDonalds for $1, but at Holstein's in Las Vegas it's $18. Compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. On a ship or at a resort, these prices are comparable to what you'd find at a high end spa in a city, at a resort or on a ship. In fact, I Googled "best spas in Denver" and sure enough, it is pretty comparable to the Brown Place Hotel and Spa or the Woodhouse, both in Denver. Sure, it's expensive, but I'm not surprised or think it's outrageous.

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

 

I do not think that Celebrity's spa compares favorably to the best spas on land - not even close IMHO. It would be like if Murano was charging prices akin to a Eleven Madison Park, French Laundry or Alinea - Murano is nowhere near as good as the best restaurants on land and it would be laughable if they charged $270 per/person. My wife and I often book a spa treatment on land during the day before the cruise; typically we pay 40% of the price for a superior ambiance and experience than a cruise ship spa.

Edited February 23, 2014 by Gonzo70

[need2bespoiled]

I do not think that Celebrity's spa compares favorably to the best spas on land - not even close IMHO. It would be like if Murano was charging prices akin to a Eleven Madison Park, French Laundry or Alinea - Murano is nowhere near as good as the best restaurants on land and it would be laughable if they charged $270 per/person. My wife and I often book a spa treatment on land during the day before the cruise; typically we pay 40% of the price for a superior ambiance and experience than a cruise ship spa.

 

Fair enough, but $45 for Murano is not close to what I pay or would pay for a meal at those or similar restaurants. The meal also doesn't compare AND you've already paid for food once. It's an upcharge. Thankfully the wine and drink prices on Celebrity aren't as typically high as other land based resorts and hotels! It's actually pretty reasonable.

 

That being said, this is Canyon Ranch, yet to be judged in the quality or ambiance on Celebrity. They have a pretty good reputation and they are supposed to be making hard product changes, time will tell if it is better or not.

 

I've been to quite a few pretty nice spas in Vegas, Florida, Colorado and resorts elsewhere and while I agree, almost all were nicer than what Celebrity has on most ships in terms of ambiance (Reflection is a bit nicer IMHO, though the service wasn't as good), teatments have been satisfactory when you get past the BS. While I have had great treatments at a number of spas, I don't find my celebrity experienes substantially different than any other spa.

 

I still stand by my comments about the prices being in line with other spas in resorts. Sure, they're a little higher, but you're at sea and captive. I am guessing there will be some discounting too, but again time will tell.

 

Happy Sailing,

Jenna

[4cats4me]

Manipedi is only $30 - $35 at nearly every nail shop. spas maybe $10 more here in San Francisco Bay Area, non gel.

On Celebrity it is now going to cost $24 for a nail repair, one nail.

 

Funny how everything is relative. Some like to purchase booze packages, while others would balk at it. I have to be honest here, we were spending money like drunken sailors on our first cruise together, $1,000 at the spa, and that was

In 2001:eek: And now I am too cheap to pay for a polish. Lol

 

I do not regret my 1,000$ in spa treatments though.

 

But the same thing we got for 1,000 then would cost 2,500 now. Darned inflation :D

[CanWeGoYet?]

Looks like I'll be doing my own nails on board too - make sure I get a regular manicure before I leave instead of a gel so I can redo my nails on my own.

 

I love to get a facial or massage on a cruise, maybe if they run some discounted deals I'll book something. Not at those prices though, not knowing if the service will be great or just ok.

 

I had a massage & facial at an upscale spa here in town last week. The massage was fantastic, the facial so annoying from the technician trying to upsell me that I thought about getting up & walking out. She actually did a good job once she gave up on the sales pitch, but her personality detracted from the spa experience.

[Cruise_me_Crazy]

:eek:

Thanks for posting the price list. I do hope the discount on sea days :D.

However I think that our transatlantic probably won't as everyone will be wanting the service then too :(

Arhhhhhhhhhh well, will have to rub my back on a post if it gets too sore!! :p

[drarill]

Let's see if this works:

 

Thanks!!!:):)

[Moonlitherial]

Thank you, awesome to have the list in advance.

[LilMsFoodie]

Canyon Ranch is a premier high end spa. It seemed a little high end for Celebrity but I think it is a great addition. The prices seem to be about 30 to 40% higher than land prices which would reflect the take for Celebrity. The prices will never compare comparably with a local day spa. I have been to Canyon Ranch a couple of times and thought it absolutely wonderful. I get a weekly massage and monthly facial at home..not sure if I will be using the spa this time. Maybe next cruise....

[cynbar]

Actually, I contacted Celebrity because I was hoping to purchase a massage for my husband as a birthday gift, I thought I'd pay for it and present the certificate to him. To us, a spa visit on a ship is an occasional splurge, a nice thought for a gift which in our family is usually something a little extravagant rather than utilitarian. However, bookings won't be open in time, and payment won't be until the service is provided. Spa prices on ships have always been high, but obviously enough cruisers are booking them or they would have been discontinued long ago. They are not for everybody, but ships give you lots of chances to part from your money. I don't play Bingo or spend much time in the casino, those are a waste for me but others obviously love them. To each his own.