Has Celebrity gone down hill since the new CEO took over?

[ShawninFL]

Life changes....every aspect of it. The cruise industry is changing as is every cruise line. If they don't change they will eventually be left behind. For most changes that one person believes is a cut, there is someone else that thinks it's an improvement. Someone in their 30s or 40s doesn't necessarily want the same experience as someone in their 60s or 70s. Thus change has to slowly occur to pull in a younger customer base for the future. The trick is striking the right balance as to entice new customers While retaining as many of your existing customers as possible. If you think the changes have diminished your vacation experience then it may be time to get out there and try a different line. You may find there is a better product out there that better fits your vacation needs. Or you may discover that Celebrity gets the closest. Sometimes "bad" change is good in the sense that it motivates us to explore options we may not have considered and thus bring us more future happiness.

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[ghstudio]

[quote name='ShawninFL']Life changes....every aspect of it. The cruise industry is changing as is every cruise line. If they don't change they will eventually be left behind. For most changes that one person believes is a cut, there is someone else that thinks it's an improvement. Someone in their 30s or 40s doesn't necessarily want the same experience as someone in their 60s or 70s. Thus change has to slowly occur to pull in a younger customer base for the future. The trick is striking the right balance as to entice new customers While retaining as many of your existing customers as possible. If you think the changes have diminished your vacation experience then it may be time to get out there and try a different line. You may find there is a better product out there that better fits your vacation needs. Or you may discover that Celebrity gets the closest. Sometimes "bad" change is good in the sense that it motivates us to explore options we may not have considered and thus bring us more future happiness.
[/QUOTE]

While I agree with much that you say, there have to be some plus and some minus changes...they can't all be minus. Take a sheet of paper, draw a line down from the top to the bottom, label the left column "plus changes" and lable the right column "minus changes". Now fill out the page. Does it seem that there is much more writing on one side of the page than the other :)

That's the real problem...change is inevitable... but so far, those changes have been just a tad unbalanced.

[cle-guy]

[quote name='ShawninFL']Sometimes "bad" change is good in the sense that it motivates us to explore options we may not have considered and thus bring us more future happiness.[/QUOTE]

Genius thought....

I lost a job I thought I LOVED I had for 10 years and pretty much thought I was doomed.....

Eventually I pulled myself up and started a business with 2 good friends and its worked wonderfully and now I have way more free time to enjoy my life than when I was working 10 hours 6 days a week and traveling for work over 150 days a year. Although my take home pay is now less than it was, I've adjusted just fine. Now I travel for fun (using the millions of saved Marriott, United and Amex points earned with al that business travel).

Without the bad change to boot me out, I'd have never bothered to start my own business, let alone continue to expand and grow it. Now have 3 stores in 3 counties with plans to grow...

A good old kick in the pants is often more useful than one might expect.

[Cruising89143]

[quote name='ShawninFL']Life changes....every aspect of it. The cruise industry is changing as is every cruise line. If they don't change they will eventually be left behind. For most changes that one person believes is a cut, there is someone else that thinks it's an improvement. Someone in their 30s or 40s doesn't necessarily want the same experience as someone in their 60s or 70s. Thus change has to slowly occur to pull in a younger customer base for the future. The trick is striking the right balance as to entice new customers While retaining as many of your existing customers as possible. If you think the changes have diminished your vacation experience then it may be time to get out there and try a different line. You may find there is a better product out there that better fits your vacation needs. Or you may discover that Celebrity gets the closest. Sometimes "bad" change is good in the sense that it motivates us to explore options we may not have considered and thus bring us more future happiness.

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Forums mobile app[/QUOTE]

Very nice post and spot on. Edited April 9, 2014 by cruisingator2

[PinotBlanc]

[quote name='NLH Arizona']Are you suggesting that Celebrity discontinue the CC meet and greets and Elite cocktail parties, since they are private functions?
The only signs I see to block the public from these meet and greets and cocktail parties are "private function" signs with no description.
Also, why does Celebrity have to tell anyone what the function is, other than it is private.[/QUOTE]

A private function includes set up, actual function, and take down time.
The signs are used not only for Elite cocktail parties, CC meet and greets, and even then the signs could show a block of time the area is closed.

Groups aboard can reserve spaces for private functions.

If you've cruised lately you'd know public spaces like Michael's and Sky Lounge, even the Solarium have been set aside with Private Function signs.

In addition, the Specialty Restaurants have been fully booked on occasion for large groups.

A time on a sign can't be a big deal but getting on the ship and finding how many spaces are off limits is irritating and the best way to deal with the problem is to add the times a space is booked for a private function.

Penny

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='PinotBlanc']A private function includes set up, actual function, and take down time.
The signs are used not only for Elite cocktail parties, CC meet and greets, and even then the signs could show a block of time the area is closed.

Groups aboard can reserve spaces for private functions.

If you've cruised lately you'd know public spaces like Michael's and Sky Lounge, even the Solarium have been set aside with Private Function signs.

In addition, the Specialty Restaurants have been fully booked on occasion for large groups.

A time on a sign can't be a big deal but getting on the ship and finding how many spaces are off limits is irritating and the best way to deal with the problem is to add the times a space is booked for a private function.

Penny[/quote]
Yes, I know that some of the venues are taken by private parties and/or functions. Possibly they could create new signs (hard plastic) that say Private Function and underneath have two slots where they could put another piece of plastic with the times in (not sure if I'm explaining my idea well). That way, the signs could be used over and over again (less cost) and all they have to do is put the time in the slot. Or they can put the times the venue is closed in the dailies.

[cle-guy]

[quote name='PinotBlanc']

A time on a sign can't be a big deal but getting on the ship and finding how many spaces are off limits is irritating and the best way to deal with the problem is to add the times a space is booked for a private function.

Penny[/QUOTE]

I think this is a great option actually. Now that I think of it I'm wondering if the Celebrity Daily that lists the hours venues are open daily note the times particular venues may not be open due to private events and we've all just never bothered to read the information they are giving us every single night delivered right to our beds.

I don't think they can provide a list on boarding of closures since schedules and activities always change throughout the cruise. I know our group had a couple swaps as people got into other activities on board.

But in general, most groups would only overtake a single venue at a time, although I'm sure there may be some that use multiples at the same time. Is it really so hard to walk to the next location on the ship and come back later....assume 2 hours time of no specific time is given, or ask at the door when it's going to be over?

[cle-guy]

[quote name='PinotBlanc']

If you've cruised lately you'd know public spaces like Michael's and Sky Lounge, even the Solarium have been set aside with Private Function signs.

In addition, the Specialty Restaurants have been fully booked on occasion for large groups.
[/QUOTE]

Actually Michaels is now 24/7 VIP lounge on most if not all ships by now.

And blocked venues have been going on since cruising has started I'm sure, not just recently. I know the group I often sail with is in its 20th year of group cruises.

I've tried to book specialties on cruises with NO groups and found them to also be booked up. So group or not, that's something that just happens naturally.

I've tried to get late dinner seating on 3 cruises i was not part of a group with that had no groups, and found it fully booked.

That these venues are "booked" is something that should be thought of as normal on cruises and not special to cruises with groups.

[wallie5446]

[quote name='PinotBlanc']A private function includes set up, actual function, and take down time.
The signs are used not only for Elite cocktail parties, CC meet and greets, and even then the signs could show a block of time the area is closed.

Groups aboard can reserve spaces for private functions.

If you've cruised lately you'd know public spaces like Michael's and Sky Lounge, even the Solarium have been set aside with Private Function signs.

In addition, the Specialty Restaurants have been fully booked on occasion for large groups.

A time on a sign can't be a big deal but getting on the ship and finding how many spaces are off limits is irritating and the best way to deal with the problem is to add the times a space is booked for a private function.

Penny[/QUOTE]
How long are you going to continue to let this fester? It was last what, Dec/Jan? About time to let it go don't ya think? It is not very becoming.

[Oville]

For some a take away is someone else's plus. I never cared for being escorted to the ladies "powder room" when I dined in Ocean Liners on Constellation (or similar restaurants on other ships). The dessert tray in the MDR was never appetizing to me. Flowers on the table in the MDR were always removed do to really bad allergies. A Capella has never been an entertainment necessity for us. Edited April 9, 2014 by Oville

[Oville]

 

If you've cruised lately you'd know public spaces like Michael's and Sky Lounge, even the Solarium have been set aside with Private Function signs.

 

In addition, the Specialty Restaurants have been fully booked on occasion for large groups.

 

 

Penny

 

I've taken 6 Celebrity cruises in the last 4 months and haven't had your experience.

 

Just keep in mind for future cruises Michael's Club is no more, the Sky lounge will now be used for the Elite parties as it has been often in the past, and groups can and will occasionally book a venue. Specialty restaurants can be full with or without a group on board.

Edited April 9, 2014 by Oville

[jkgourmet]

I'm only a new cruiser with an opinion that is worth little, but I'll take the drink package over white gloves and tableside prep any day.

 

And this is the core issue of this entire topic, IMHO.

 

ALL cruise lines want new cruisers. Preferably those that are unfamiliar with cruising as a vacation. But even those that were familiar and loyal to other lines and make a switch are preferable to the loyalists.

 

Why? Because new cruisers spend more than repeat, loyal cruisers. They want and need to try and touch everything at least once.

 

In most businesses, the best client is the repeat client. It's an oxymoron that applies to very few industries, but in the cruise industry, the NEW client is more profitable than the repeat client.

 

And let's not forget that 97% of the population has never cruised. That's a lot of newbies.

 

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[Happy Cruiser 6143]

For some a take away is someone else's plus. ... The dessert tray in the MDR was never appetizing to me.

 

I never thought the tray was very appetizing but I LOVED how Carlos would bring it and say, "SHOWTIME!!!" So, have I left in a snit because they no longer do this? Nope. I still manage to pick a dessert. :D

[Oville]

I never thought the tray was very appetizing but I LOVED how Carlos would bring it and say, "SHOWTIME!!!" So, have I left in a snit because they no longer do this? Nope. I still manage to pick a dessert. :D

 

Linda, very funny.

 

It was so nice to meet you on the Century. When does the next Louise Perry book come out?

[LMaxwell]

So how do you suggest x covers the cost of these items, as well as the extra fuel and food costs? Are you willing to now pay $4600 for the cabin you now pay $2000 for? Thats just how inflation has hit the cruise lines, yet they still provide the cabin for $2000.

 

So a ship uses 28,000 gallons of fuel an hour when underway (based on 1100 foot Freedom of the seas)

Source: http://cruises.lovetoknow.com/wiki/How_Much_Fuel_Does_a_Cruise_Ship_Use

 

So in 1985 that fuel cost $1.20 * 28000 = $33,600 per hour in fuel

Today that fuel cost is $4 * 28000 = 112,000, or $78,400 more per hour, assume 2000 passengers, that's $39.20 per passenger per hour additional in fuel cost.

 

.

 

Large cruise ships burn 1700-2000 gallons per hour, not 28k per hour. Your source is not accurate.

 

But not only is fuel more expensive, emissions and waste must be significantly cleaner and scrubbed, adding huge infrastructure costs to new ships to consider. So your comparisons are interesting but flawed

 

 

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[Cruising89143]

And this is the core issue of this entire topic, IMHO.

 

ALL cruise lines want new cruisers. Preferably those that are unfamiliar with cruising as a vacation. But even those that were familiar and loyal to other lines and make a switch are preferable to the loyalists.

 

Why? Because new cruisers spend more than repeat, loyal cruisers. They want and need to try and touch everything at least once.

 

In most businesses, the best client is the repeat client. It's an oxymoron that applies to very few industries, but in the cruise industry, the NEW client is more profitable than the repeat client.

 

And let's not forget that 97% of the population has never cruised. That's a lot of newbies.

 

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Another post that is spot on.

[gagirl7143]

Yes to the main topic!

[stanjj111]

New forum on people concerned with condition of the Infinity.

[jgreenwo17]

You might want to reconsider Princess, as they go overboard for the suite guests as well. Here are a few of their amenities:

 

• Priority embarkation and disembarkation at tender ports as well as private lounge at the conclusion of the cruise
  
• Priority onboard shore excursion reservations
  
• Complimentary laundry and professional cleaning and shoe polishing services
  
• Private portrait sitting with onboard photographer
  
• Dedicated priority line at the Passenger Services Desk
  
• Use of the Lotus Spa Thermal Suite
  
• Priority reservations for the Chef's Table, the Ultimate Ship Tour and Princess Cays Bungalow
  
• Exclusive Suite Breakfast served in Sabatini's with a complimentary Good Morning Mimosa each morning
  
• Exclusive Elite Lounge with complimentary hors d'oeuvres
  
• Extended room service menu with full breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings
  
• Nightly delivery of deluxe canapes
  
• Afternoon Tea service in suite
  
• Complimentary cover charge for one of the specialty restaurants on embarkation evening
  
• Chef's Welcome Goodies on embarkation day
  
• Complimentary flower corsage and boutonniere for your first formal night
  
• Enhanced turndown service with six decadent chocolate dipped strawberries or wrapped chocolates presented on a silver tray
  

Are these available for mini suite guests, too?

 

(Thanks)

[dinosaurdem]

Celebrity hasn't gone downhill. It has gone sideways. Bayley's background is finance, not customer service; thus, a little more focus on the stockholder and a little less on the consumer.

[Karynanne]

Celebrity hasn't gone downhill. It has gone sideways. Bayley's background is finance, not customer service; thus, a little more focus on the stockholder and a little less on the consumer.

 

RCL stock has doubled in the last two years. Mr. Bayley apparently is doing something right to appease the stockholders.

[dkjretired]

Are these available for mini suite guests, too?

 

(Thanks)

 

Celebrity doesn't have mini suites....

Edited April 10, 2014 by dkjretired

[wallie5446]

RCL stock has doubled in the last two years. Mr. Bayley apparently is doing something right to appease the stockholders.

 

This is all well and good, but very rarley does the CEO of any major Corp have much of an impact on the share price. It is the team under them working in the trenches that gets very little credit that has the true impact.

Edited April 10, 2014 by wallie5446

[C 2 C]

Celebrity doesn't have mini suites....

 

The post was in reference to Princess suite perks.. ;)

[NLH Arizona]

Are these available for mini suite guests, too?

 

(Thanks)

Sorry, I have no idea, I just pulled it from Princess' web site to show the poster that Princess, like Celebrity, does give their suite passengers extra benefits.

Edited April 10, 2014 by NLH Arizona