Maybe Celebrity is right to run us off.

[4774Papa]

Bob ~ I agree with everything you said! I'm too tired to write a long post tonight but the bottom line for me is that Celebrity doesn't have a clue as to who they want to be. They keep trying different things (fine to a point) but nothing really seems to work for them. Remember....we didn't ask for the free drink packages, the pick your perks, etc. I was perfectly happy paying for those things. But I'm guessing it's tough filling inventory if with new folks unless they are giving lots of things away free (or what appears to be free). Something's got to give somewhere.

 

I feel your pain ;)

I don't feel any, pain, especially during elite happy hour with a glass of Cabernet in my hand.

 

No, seriously, Celebrity is not perfect. We certainly don't appreciate ear spiting loud offensive music in the Martini Bar, when we want a martini, but we have yet to encounter more than a couple of rare instances of that.

Perhaps it is because we don't do the 5 day Connie cruises that appeal to a younger set.

 

I do agree about the drinks packages. It amazes me that so many people like these packages, when you have to drink an incredible amount to make them worthwhile. Also, it makes no sense for elites with the free happy hour.

 

I prefer pricing that is more straightforward rather than glossing it over with specials. Still, I do plan our own trips and cruises and think that I can muddle through the specials.

 

Sorry, but when I read statements like Celebrity doesn't have a clue as to who they want to be, I must sigh. Celebrity seems to be testing other waters (from what others have pointed out), but in my opinion, the train is not off the rails. The Celebrity business will try to appeal to a larger cross section of the population, but most likely still have to rely on the retired boomers, who have both the time and money to take long and somewhat pricey vacations. This does not mean the Celebrity World is coming to an end.

[NLH Arizona]

I can repeat this question:

 

WHAT CHANGES are people talking about? What, specifically, does the OP and people who agree with him think is a change initiated by X, that is designed to drive him off?

I guess no one wants to answer the question. From the posts, I see that the changes some don't like are:

 

1. Loud music
   
2. Type of music played
   
3. Drink packages
   
4. Pick your perks promotion
   
5. Drink vouchers for Elites
   

Nothing seems like a deal breaker for me or a change that would run anyone off. For 1 and 2, just move to another location if you don't like the music or how loud it is being played. For 3, don't purchase it or don't request it as your 123 promotion offer. I'm sure that when not offered as a promotion, Celebrity makes revenue off these packages because, not everyone will drink as much as the package costs. For 4, Celebrity is enticing customers to book, if you don't like the promotion, tell them you don't want any of the three offers. For 5, if you don't like them, don't use them and pay for your own drinks.

 

Things don't stay the same; every company changes and evolves. Why do some insist that Celebrity stay the same as it was years ago. Granted some might not like all the changes, but what they have to realize is that some really enjoy the changes. I for one wouldn't buy a drink package (wouldn't be worthwhile for me, because I wouldn't drink enough to pay for it), but have no problem with others using the package, because it in no way affects my vacation. I would prefer the drink vouchers over the Elite cocktail party, since I wouldn't attend the cocktail hour. I love the new more modern music that they play (was getting really tired of the oldies but goodies all the time) and have no problem with the loudness. So, what it also boils down to, is taste. There are things I don't like on Celebrity, but none of them add up to enough to make it a reason for me not to cruise with Celebrity. If I don't like something, I just do something else on the ship.

[cpj]

I guess no one wants to answer the question. From the posts, I see that the changes some don't like are:

 

1. Loud music
   
2. Type of music played
   
3. Drink packages
   
4. Pick your perks promotion
   
5. Drink vouchers for Elites
   

Nothing seems like a deal breaker for me or a change that would run anyone off. For 1 and 2, just move to another location if you don't like the music or how loud it is being played. For 3, don't purchase it or don't request it as your 123 promotion offer. I'm sure that when not offered as a promotion, Celebrity makes revenue off these packages because, not everyone will drink as much as the package costs. For 4, Celebrity is enticing customers to book, if you don't like the promotion, tell them you don't want any of the three offers. For 5, if you don't like them, don't use them and pay for your own drinks.

 

Things don't stay the same; every company changes and evolves. Why do some insist that Celebrity stay the same as it was years ago. Granted some might not like all the changes, but what they have to realize is that some really enjoy the changes. I for one wouldn't buy a drink package (wouldn't be worthwhile for me, because I wouldn't drink enough to pay for it), but have no problem with others using the package, because it in no way affects my vacation. I would prefer the drink vouchers over the Elite cocktail party, since I wouldn't attend the cocktail hour. I love the new more modern music that they play (was getting really tired of the oldies but goodies all the time) and have no problem with the loudness. So, what it also boils down to, is taste. There are things I don't like on Celebrity, but none of them add up to enough to make it a reason for me not to cruise with Celebrity. If I don't like something, I just do something else on the ship.

 

Wow your the perfect customer

[fb0075]

Not to be rude but, quite frankly, a customer who books the lowest margin cabin categories, transfer to a TA (and the commission cost that comes with that) and has zero on-board spend is a customer I wouldn't want either, regardless of loyalty.

 

If X thinks they can replace customers like yourself with, say, customers like myself, middle-aged dual-income earners with no kids who only go on vacation once a year and, as a result, are much looser with the purse strings when it comes to suite upgrades, speciality dining, casino spend and shore excursions, which we absolutely are, why wouldn't they?

 

I am like the OP---so I guess Celebrity would rather have your 1 cruise a year as opposed to my 7-10 in C1's and up!

YA THINK?????

frank

[NLH Arizona]

Wow your the perfect customer

By no way am I the perfect customer. I just understand that a company is never going to be 100% the way I would like it to be nor are they going to change their policies because I threaten to leave or complain, so I just work around the things I don't like, that is if I like the product. If it gets to where I dislike the majority of the things about a product and/or company, I'll just walk away and find another place to spend my $'s...no fan fair, no threats, no complaints, no crying...just walk away.

Edited March 25, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[blueboro]

I don't feel any, pain, especially during elite happy hour with a glass of Cabernet in my hand.

 

No, seriously, Celebrity is not perfect. We certainly don't appreciate ear spiting loud offensive music in the Martini Bar, when we want a martini, but we have yet to encounter more than a couple of rare instances of that.

Perhaps it is because we don't do the 5 day Connie cruises that appeal to a younger set.

 

I do agree about the drinks packages. It amazes me that so many people like these packages, when you have to drink an incredible amount to make them worthwhile. Also, it makes no sense for elites with the free happy hour.

 

I prefer pricing that is more straightforward rather than glossing it over with specials. Still, I do plan our own trips and cruises and think that I can muddle through the specials.

 

Sorry, but when I read statements like Celebrity doesn't have a clue as to who they want to be, I must sigh. Celebrity seems to be testing other waters (from what others have pointed out), but in my opinion, the train is not off the rails. The Celebrity business will try to appeal to a larger cross section of the population, but most likely still have to rely on the retired boomers, who have both the time and money to take long and somewhat pricey vacations. This does not mean the Celebrity World is coming to an end.

 

Actually many, like myself, did not pay extra for the drink package which made it well worthwhile. I know, everyone says it is built in but I had priced the Reflection for March WITHOUT the drink package. When we decided to book two weeks later the drink package was now an option and the pricing was exactly the same as it was two weeks prior with no drink package.

[wpgcycler]

by no way am i the perfect customer. I just understand that a company is never going to be 100% the way i would like it to be nor are they going to change their policies because i threaten to leave or complain, so i just work around the things i don't like, that is if i like the product. If it gets to where i dislike the majority of the things about a product and/or company, i'll just walk away and find another place to spend my $'s...no fan fair, no threats, no complaints, no crying...just walk away.

 

+1.

[lovemylab]

By no way am I the perfect customer. I just understand that a company is never going to be 100% the way I would like it to be nor are they going to change their policies because I threaten to leave or complain, so I just work around the things I don't like, that is if I like the product. If it gets to where I dislike the majority of the things about a product and/or company, I'll just walk away and find another place to spend my $'s...no fan fair, no threats, no complaints, no crying...just walk away.

 

 

Thank you!!

 

There are some things I love about Celebrity and other things I could live without; however, the positives outweigh the negatives so that is why they continue to be my cruise line of choice. Likewise, Royal Caribbean made several changes that resulted in their product no longer appealing to us so that is why we no longer sail with them.

[The Rowdys]

wvufan,

my husband and I couldn't agree more with your initial comments!

we are loyal to a fault... Celebrity has been our line of choice since 2005 (still cruising babies compared to you ;) )

our last two cruises have been disappointing... kinda like a boyfriend that is trying to distance himself in preparation for breaking up....

unless we are pleasantly surprised, our next cruise with Celebrity will be our last...

since we aren't able to cruise that often, I would be interested to know if you find a line that picks up where X left off...

good luck to you!

[jagoffee]

Do not forget. The Pick Your Perk/123 Promo is not a free drink package program. It is a program that offers three options. Take you pick. Although on paper the classic drink package appears to be the best value that is not always true. I would guess that it is not even the option selected,the most often. Look around when you cruise. Are more people signing a receipt or using coupons when offered than not. That was certainly the case on my January Eclipse cruise. I choice the drink package and upgraded.

 

We will see if that changes.

[Host Anne]

I don't feel any, pain, especially during elite happy hour with a glass of Cabernet in my hand.

 

No, seriously, Celebrity is not perfect. We certainly don't appreciate ear spiting loud offensive music in the Martini Bar, when we want a martini, but we have yet to encounter more than a couple of rare instances of that.

Perhaps it is because we don't do the 5 day Connie cruises that appeal to a younger set.

 

I do agree about the drinks packages. It amazes me that so many people like these packages, when you have to drink an incredible amount to make them worthwhile. Also, it makes no sense for elites with the free happy hour.

 

I prefer pricing that is more straightforward rather than glossing it over with specials. Still, I do plan our own trips and cruises and think that I can muddle through the specials.

 

Sorry, but when I read statements like Celebrity doesn't have a clue as to who they want to be, I must sigh. Celebrity seems to be testing other waters (from what others have pointed out), but in my opinion, the train is not off the rails. The Celebrity business will try to appeal to a larger cross section of the population, but most likely still have to rely on the retired boomers, who have both the time and money to take long and somewhat pricey vacations. This does not mean the Celebrity World is coming to an end.

 

The "I feel your pain" comment was directed specifically to the OP! :)

 

I have been sailing Celebrity ships for more than 16 years. Since the S-class has been introduced in 2008, Celebrity has been "testing" the waters. They simply can't find a happy medium, in my opinion, so they continuously change things up. I'm actually in favor of change but when it's constant and you don't know what kind of experience to expect from your next cruise (and I'm well aware they can differ based upon passenger/crew make-up - I'm talking "in general") that tells me they really don't know who they want to be or who they want to attract.

 

I can honestly say that on all of our Celebrity cruises on S-class ships (8 times), the music in the martini bar is at an upper level of thump, thump, thump the majority of the time. I'm perfectly fine with that. I don't like that trend making its way to all the other places around the ship. Two of our last three S-class ships have been that way. And it's not even the same from ship to ship. Who really knows what you're going to get on your next Celebrity cruise? Hence, my comment.

 

And always remember, these are just my thoughts and experiences!

Edited March 25, 2014 by Host Anne

[wallie5446]

Nothing seems like a deal breaker for me...

 

Things don't stay the same; every company changes and evolves. Why do some insist that Celebrity stay the same as it was years ago...

 

Spot on.

[richstowe]

Celebrity doesn't have a clue as to who they want to be. They keep trying different things (fine to a point) but nothing really seems to work for them. Remember....we didn't ask for the free drink packages, the pick your perks, etc. I was perfectly happy paying for those things. But I'm guessing it's tough filling inventory if with new folks unless they are giving lots of things away free (or what appears to be free). Something's got to give somewhere.

I think Celebrity does have a strategy in trying to attract a "W Hotel" kind of crowd.

The group who are fashion forward and wouldn't consider themselves to be typical cruisers.

The problem is that this group is resistant to cruising and even when they cruise , they don't do it often enough.

Finally there are not enough of them.

My friends who fit in this group hate the whole image of cruising and only go on special itineraries such as a Med. cruise or the Galapagos .

They are also resistant to today's large ships. If they can afford it they will splurge for the smaller premium ships.

The whole idea of waiting in a buffet line could send them to a yoga detox therapy session for a week.

 

So Celebrity may have a strategy but it's a flawed one. Meanwhile I'll be happy to help fill their ship's if the price is right.

The ships are beautiful and there is a lot to like about the product. Perhaps they should spend less on marketing plans and senior VP's ?

[wallie5446]

I think Celebrity does have a strategy in trying to attract a "W Hotel" kind of crowd.

The group who are fashion forward and wouldn't consider themselves to be typical cruisers.

The problem is that this group is resistant to cruising and even when they cruise , they don't do it often enough.

Finally there are not enough of them.

My friends who fit in this group hate the whole image of cruising and only go on special itineraries such as a Med. cruise or the Galapagos .

They are also resistant to today's large ships. If they can afford it they will splurge for the smaller premium ships.

The whole idea of waiting in a buffet line could send them to a yoga detox therapy session for a week.

 

So Celebrity may have a strategy but it's a flawed one. Meanwhile I'll be happy to help fill their ship's if the price is right.

The ships are beautiful and there is a lot to like about the product. Perhaps they should spend less on marketing plans and senior VP's ?

 

I wish I had taken some pic's of the people that came to the invite only Celebrity party in Dallas last week, this description would fit 2 or 3 out of the 400+ that were there! At 60 we fit right in, tho most were older than us.

I asked the Dist Mgr at the party how the invites were picked out?

She said, 40-60 yr old, D+ with RCCL with 1-3 cruises with X, and Select Capt Club 1-3 cruises needed to reach the Elite level.

On our last sailing on the Reflection we looked to be in the average age bracket. On our Roll Call for our up coming 11 night most of us are closing in on retirement if not already there.

Your description is not one we have experienced on our cruises.

[liverpoollad]

Very good & interesting thread, I have read the lot & think the best post was NLH Arizona, things do change for better or worse.

I do hope that Celebrity will continue to try appeal to all, especially the younger crowd.

 

I am now into my 70@s I hope the Martini Bar has loud & modern music, as when I am drinking my "drinks package" I need something to keep me awake;)

My wife & I were recently,on Azamara Quest everything brilliant except the ship was dead by 10.30pm, I hope on our forthcoming Celebrity cruise it will be a lot more livelier.

[wallie5446]

Very good & interesting thread, I hope on our forthcoming Celebrity cruise it will be a lot more livelier.

 

One can hope we have the chance to sit by you while sipping a cold one on ship one day.

[ORV]

I wish I had taken some pic's of the people that came to the invite only Celebrity party in Dallas last week, this description would fit 2 or 3 out of the 400+ that were there! At 60 we fit right in, tho most were older than us.

I asked the Dist Mgr at the party how the invites were picked out?

She said, 40-60 yr old, D+ with RCCL with 1-3 cruises with X, and Select Capt Club 1-3 cruises needed to reach the Elite level.

On our last sailing on the Reflection we looked to be in the average age bracket. On our Roll Call for our up coming 11 night most of us are closing in on retirement if not already there.

Your description is not one we have experienced on our cruises.

 

I think you're right, but the W crowd is what they are trying to attract, not what they have.

[wallie5446]

I think you're right, but the W crowd is what they are trying to attract, not what they have.

 

And if you are correct there is a whole lotta changin that will have to happen on Celebrity ships to reach that target. Aint gonna get em with the product sailing the oceans right now.

[wvufan]

Thank you Anne :)

 

Although I started this thread, I am not going to post further as it has in effect been hijacked and turned into another of many similar debates and the poor horse has long passed away.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I think Celebrity does have a strategy in trying to attract a "W Hotel" kind of crowd.

 

The whole idea of waiting in a buffet line could send them to a yoga detox therapy session for a week.

 

So Celebrity may have a strategy but it's a flawed one.

 

Love your description of the W crowd! Spot on. I'm sure most of them wouldn't be caught dead on any mainstream cruiseline. So, keep strategizing, Celebrity. Maybe one of these days you'll get it right.

[richstowe]

I think you're right, but the W crowd is what they are trying to attract, not what they have.

That was exactly my point. :)

Time will tell whether or not it is successful, but Wallie I agree it sure ain't there now.

[k9x8]

Thank you Anne :)

 

Although I started this thread, I am not going to post further as it has in effect been hijacked and turned into another of many similar debates and the poor horse has long passed away.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

Well, I don't get it (whether you return or not). I failed to see anything concrete in your assertion that Celebrity doesn't value you The only thing I see that displeases you, perhaps, is the loud music.

 

Exactly what is Celebrity doing that makes you feel unwanted? What are they doing that makes you feel like running? Have they tolds you, You don't spend enough. Be gone."?

 

I also fail to see how your thread was hijacked. Others have discussed the changes they don't like. I commented that the public statements, such as wanting to attract the affluent, doesn't exactly make me feel all warm and fuzzy. I also stated that it's some of the long time cruisers who make new cruisers feel less than worthy of their Celebrity experience from the past.

 

What would make you feel valued by the cruise line? More perks? Personal invitations? A free cruise or two?

 

Seems to me that every comment has been based on your original post. People cruise for different reasons. Celebrity is going to get our business when the ships are pointed in the right direction, and I know that the onboard experience is going to make us feel special, because the crew is paid to do that.

 

No, I don't get it.

[cruisetrail]

I guess no one wants to answer the question. From the posts, I see that the changes some don't like are:

 

1. Loud music
   
2. Type of music played
   
3. Drink packages
   
4. Pick your perks promotion
   
5. Drink vouchers for Elites
   

Nothing seems like a deal breaker for me or a change that would run anyone off. For 1 and 2, just move to another location if you don't like the music or how loud it is being played. For 3, don't purchase it or don't request it as your 123 promotion offer. I'm sure that when not offered as a promotion, Celebrity makes revenue off these packages because, not everyone will drink as much as the package costs. For 4, Celebrity is enticing customers to book, if you don't like the promotion, tell them you don't want any of the three offers. For 5, if you don't like them, don't use them and pay for your own drinks.

 

 

This is an amazing thread I have never seen before.

 

The posters are not able to verbalize what they are discussing!

 

NLH Arizona, thank you for an attempt!

 

The question of this thread is:

WHAT CHANGES are people talking about? What, specifically, does the OP and people who agree with him think is a change initiated by X, that is designed to drive him off?

Yes, you are right. The music "issue" is not serious.

#3-4-5 have nothing to do with the question.

:confused::eek:

[NLH Arizona]

This is an amazing thread I have never seen before.

 

The posters are not able to verbalize what they are discussing!

 

NLH Arizona, thank you for an attempt!

 

The question of this thread is:

WHAT CHANGES are people talking about? What, specifically, does the OP and people who agree with him think is a change initiated by X, that is designed to drive him off?

 

Yes, you are right. The music "issue" is not serious.

#3-4-5 have nothing to do with the question.

:confused::eek:

Beg to differ, but 3, 4 and 5 were changes that posters brought up that they were disappointed about on this thread, so I included them since no one would answer the question as to what is running them off. Edited March 26, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[cruisetrail]

Beg to differ, but 3, 4 and 5 were changes that posters brought up that they were disappointed about on this thread, so I included them since no one would answer the question as to what is running them off.

 

Yes, you have perfectly explained that #3-4-5 are in fact a sort of improvents that technically cannot "drive anyone off". :)

 

So the question remains...