How far has Celebrity fallen??

[Cruzaholic41]

I was on Constellation before she went TA and I must be missing something. I had a fabulous Celebrity cruise as I always have. I noticed some changes, like a much more active Martini Bar and a welcome aboard DJ, but I saw that as an improvement. The cruise was alot of fun.

[NLH Arizona]

New management taking effect - they call it cost cutting but i say it is the skimmping and corner cutting that is having an effect not only on the crew but also on the Overall State of the hardware. This is not the kind of thing we are used to seeing on Celebrity.

I believe Mr. Bayley took over the Celebrity helm in August of 2012, which is, I believe, 20 months ago.

[Moeve]

I believe Mr. Bayley took over the Celebrity helm in August of 2012, which is, I believe, 20 months ago.

 

Yes but this sort of thing generally takes time to trickle down and become noticable. Things like repairs or replacement parts for broken ones that are not happening do not show in substancial quanities right away.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Moeve
D**** autocorrect in different language

[mcrcruiser]

On the April 2014 west coast cruise on Century we noticed that the assistant waiter was now pouring wine & because of the extra work load our meals were coming late:o . This is a change for worse not better:eek:

[Karynanne]

Hopefully the "changes" level out, and become the new normal.

 

I remember when Michel Roux left Celebrity, and there was substantial decline in the MDR meals. The posts on CC were rampant. And most were negative.

 

Change happens. I for one have faith that Celebrity will read the negative critiques, and make some adjustments.

 

Will it deter me from sailing on the cruiseline? Hopefully not. I've been a loyal cruiser, but if there really is a noticeable decline, we may just "jump ship", and see what Oceania has to offer.

 

Karyn

[mcrcruiser]

Hopefully the "changes" level out, and become the new normal.

 

I remember when Michel Roux left Celebrity, and there was substantial decline in the MDR meals. The posts on CC were rampant. And most were negative.

 

Change happens. I for one have faith that Celebrity will read the negative critiques, and make some adjustments.

 

Will it deter me from sailing on the cruiseline? Hopefully not. I've been a loyal cruiser, but if there really is a noticeable decline, we may just "jump ship", and see what Oceania has to offer.

 

Karyn

 

Only if you include the airfare deal that Oceania offers is it a good deal vs Celebrity

[Orator]

An assumption made by the OP, who has not returned, is that Celebrity has fallen. That assumption does not hold in my case. The Celebrity experienced has been enhanced for me since the implementation of the new loyalty program. I now enjoy a free premium beverage package, practically unlimited internet, a private lounge, Suite amenities no matter what cabin I book, free cashing out of NOBC at Casino and more. I prefer my balcony to the pool. Don't do trivia or Zumba. Enjoy discussions with crew and fellow passengers. Not everything is perfect. I don't like cutbacks and loud music. My favorite Rib Eye in Tuscan Grill is not as appealing as it was. However, when I look at the sum total of my experience on my most recent cruises I can only conclude that for me Celebrity has greatly improved.

[PoppyandNana]

A few things to think about. We about to sail, in 3 weeks, on our 27th Celebrity cruise. We have been on them all starting with the Zenith and Horizon. First, and most importantly, the number of Celebrity cruisers weighing in here on Cruise Critic bemoaning the fall of the Roman Empire, I mean Celebrity are probably one tenth of one percent of all Celebrity loyalists who, as I do relish each and every Celebrity cruise.

 

I know that for many the absence of towel animals is most justifiably a reason to dump an old friend. If that is an example of "Fallen" then I have some hobby ideas for those who appear to have way too much time on their hands.

 

For us our most pressing concern is how many undies to bring considering we get two bags of free laundry. Hey, I have an idea lets move this thread to a poll on how much underwear does a guy need on a 12 night cruise.

[caladezi]

An assumption made by the OP, who has not returned, is that Celebrity has fallen. That assumption does not hold in my case. The Celebrity experienced has been enhanced for me since the implementation of the new loyalty program. I now enjoy a free premium beverage package, practically unlimited internet, a private lounge, Suite amenities no matter what cabin I book, free cashing out of NOBC at Casino and more. I prefer my balcony to the pool. Don't do trivia or Zumba. Enjoy discussions with crew and fellow passengers. Not everything is perfect. I don't like cutbacks and loud music. My favorite Rib Eye in Tuscan Grill is not as appealing as it was. However, when I look at the sum total of my experience on my most recent cruises I can only conclude that for me Celebrity has greatly improved.

 

Charles: That's looking at it thru your eyes after many years and many cruises. Try looking at it thru the eyes of someone on their third or fourth Celebrity cruise who knows what it used to be and doesn't get all the perks of Elite,Elite+ or Zenith status. They have lost many things that they had in the past and the quality of their cruise is nowhere near what it was 5 or 10 years ago.

[chamima]

An assumption made by the OP, who has not returned, is that Celebrity has fallen. That assumption does not hold in my case. The Celebrity experienced has been enhanced for me since the implementation of the new loyalty program. I now enjoy a free premium beverage package, practically unlimited internet, a private lounge, Suite amenities no matter what cabin I book, free cashing out of NOBC at Casino and more. I prefer my balcony to the pool. Don't do trivia or Zumba. Enjoy discussions with crew and fellow passengers. Not everything is perfect. I don't like cutbacks and loud music. My favorite Rib Eye in Tuscan Grill is not as appealing as it was. However, when I look at the sum total of my experience on my most recent cruises I can only conclude that for me Celebrity has greatly improved.

 

Charles: That's looking at it thru your eyes after many years and many cruises. Try looking at it thru the eyes of someone on their third or fourth Celebrity cruise who knows what it used to be and doesn't get all the perks of Elite,Elite+ or Zenith status. They have lost many things that they had in the past and the quality of their cruise is nowhere near what it was 5 or 10 years ago.

 

 

Agree!

Celebrity, of late, has done very well by their Zenith and Suite cruisers but it seems to come at the expense of even those of us who are Elite and sail in Aqua! :(

[bayonnejoe]

An assumption made by the OP, who has not returned, is that Celebrity has fallen. That assumption does not hold in my case. The Celebrity experienced has been enhanced for me since the implementation of the new loyalty program. I now enjoy a free premium beverage package, practically unlimited internet, a private lounge, Suite amenities no matter what cabin I book, free cashing out of NOBC at Casino and more. I prefer my balcony to the pool. Don't do trivia or Zumba. Enjoy discussions with crew and fellow passengers. Not everything is perfect. I don't like cutbacks and loud music. My favorite Rib Eye in Tuscan Grill is not as appealing as it was. However, when I look at the sum total of my experience on my most recent cruises I can only conclude that for me Celebrity has greatly improved.

 

My wife and I have been loyal to Celebrity since 1995. 16 cruises in total. I cannot see how you think the Celebrity of today compares to the experience before Michael Bayley took over, let alone of 15 to 20 years ago when Celebrity was head and shoulders above the other mid-priced cruise lines both in service and food. We still cruise Celebrity, but do not expect the Celebrity of old with prices in line with other mass market cruiselines.

[Oville]

Agree!

Celebrity, of late, has done very well by their Zenith and Suite cruisers but it seems to come at the expense of even those of us who are Elite and sail in Aqua! :(

 

I cruise in AQ quite often. What have I lost do to the Z and suite perks? I don't understand your point.

[Christine Frances]

Charles: That's looking at it thru your eyes after many years and many cruises. Try looking at it thru the eyes of someone on their third or fourth Celebrity cruise who knows what it used to be and doesn't get all the perks of Elite,Elite+ or Zenith status. They have lost many things that they had in the past and the quality of their cruise is nowhere near what it was 5 or 10 years ago.

 

I guess we all have our own opinions. We have only been cruising for 8 years and we travel with the same group of friends. We all agree that the food in the MDR has improved every cruise over the last 3-4 yrs and is always between good to excellent. On our last 28 nt sailing on the Millie in Asia we only ate in 1 Specialty Rest and that was because one of our group had a birthday otherwise we were fine in the MDR. Early seating was wonderful with attentive, non rushed waiters. The loss of the brunch is I think a good thing. Lots of wasted food that you can find in the buffet at anytime. We haven't gone to one in 2 years. It might have been a bit of a "wow" factor for first time cruisers but that wears off fast according to my friends.

 

What we didn't miss was the String Quartet and Cappela (?) groups as they were replaced with Charlie on our last cruise, a fantastic Blues and Jazz guitarist. The new addition (found it last summer on the Eclipse for the first time) of the "grill" in the aft of the buffet is wonderful. Steaks, chicken, fish etc grilled to order and dining outside under the stars is always a good option from the MDR (28 meals sometimes gets a little repetative). Zumba to the gym is a postive, can't wait for the Gastrobar and Slush in Oct, (big improvement over the never open Micheal's Club). Also like the new Captain's Club perks. Also like that they have added perks to AQ (embarkation brunch) as that may help to keep my CC cabin pricing lower lol

 

I sometimes feel that i am in a parallel universe when I read some of the posts. We feel we are getting more for our cruising $$$'s than we did 4-5 years ago.

[Oville]

Try looking at it thru the eyes of someone on their third or fourth Celebrity cruise who knows what it used to be and doesn't get all the perks of Elite,Elite+ or Zenith status. They have lost many things that they had in the past and the quality of their cruise is nowhere near what it was 5 or 10 years ago.

 

I don't think the people who are complaining about change are necessarily those who have taken 3 or 4 cruises in the last 10 years.

[Christine Frances]

I cruise in AQ quite often. What have I lost do to the Z and suite perks? I don't understand your point.

 

I agree! Hopefully the new AQ perk of Embarkation Brunch is soon to be Fleet wide.. I don't feel I have lost anything to the suite perks other than a room that was never open lol

[teecee60]

How far has Celebrity fallen ??

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that I just got back from my sixth cruise with them (covering a total of 89 days) in three years. :)

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that nine other couples were with us, enjoying a "reunion cruise" of our Celebrity cruise LAST year.

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that I am ready RIGHT NOW, to book yet another cruise with them for this fall, instead of one of the OTHER three lines I have also cruised with in the last four years. ;)

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that I am now enjoying free drinks on board every night, after having attained "elite" status in only 5 cruises.

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that my average cost, over six cruises is under $42/pp/night. (and that doesn't count a MINIMUM of $250 of OBC on EVERY cruise) :eek:

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that MOST people absolutely REFUSE to believe the incredible deals I get on my cruises, and many have called me a liar.

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that I have had the opportunity to visit over two dozen places (and counting) on three different continents, (and counting) that I could NEVER have afforded to visit otherwise.

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that MANY people absolutely REFUSE to believe the bargain airfares I get through Choice Air, and many have called me a liar. :rolleyes:

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, that I have (tentatively) vowed to spend every single birthday I have left, on a cruise.

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, they CONTINUALLY serve me shrimp cocktails, French Onion Soup, (with ETRA CHEESE no less!!!) Prime Rib, lobster, lamb chops, lamb shanks, ice cream and crème brulee almost ALL THE TIME... DAM THEM!!!

 

Celebrity has fallen SO FAR, they have NEGLIGENTLY contributed to my unhealthy weight gain EVERY cruise!

 

What a pass poor, underperforming, and totally crappy company... :mad:

 

After reviewing this previous post, I have had second thoughts about it, and about just HOW far Celebrity has fallen...

 

I am NO LONGER "READY" to book another Celebrity cruise...

 

I just BOOKED one. Another 15 nighter on Reflection in October.

 

I feel like such a whimp, caving in like this, and SO SOON (two weeks) after my recent Celebrity experience.

 

How will I POSSIBLY endure yet another 15 night Celebrity Cruise... with free drinks every night... for only $649pp... while having to find SOME way to spend the $350 of OBC???

 

Woe, WOE, *W*O*E* is me...:(

Edited May 21, 2014 by teecee60

[Cruising89143]

I cruise in AQ quite often. What have I lost do to the Z and suite perks? I don't understand your point.

 

I'm sure that Michael's club is a start. Again had they made Michael's Club for Elite and Elie+ we would not be having this conversation.

[Oville]

I'm sure that Michael's club is a start. Again had they made Michael's Club for Elite and Elie+ we would not be having this conversation.

 

Of course not,;) but Michael's Club was often too small for the E/E+ event and the Sky Lounge (or whatever it is called on other ships) is quite a nice setting.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Oville

[Cruising89143]

Of course not,;) but Michael's Club was often too small for the E/E+ event and the Sky Lounge (or whatever it is called on other ships) is quite a nice setting.

 

Agree. Of course if X had included those two levels then we would have threads complaining about lack of space in Michael's. :)

[Orator]

I knew that I would be staring a bit of a storm. We do all see things through our own eyes. We have different needs, wants and experiences. We all find different things important. My comments only reflect my views based on my cruising experiences at this time. I most certainly recognize that. Many if not most would have a different opinion. If you like activities like trivia. If Zumba is important to you. If you enjoyed having a beer in Michael's Club, you certainly have a reason to be unhappy. As others have said better than I can, change is inevitable. The nature of the Universe is change. I'm certainly not what I was even 10 years ago. The question is:How do we adjust to adapt to change?For some it will be finding a different vacation choice. For others it might be finding alternative activities. For others it might be embracing change. My first cruise was on Fairwind in 1977. Received free soda and water. Received the menus at the end of the cruise and a list of fellow passengers. Enjoyed a great pizza. But, paid the most I ever paid for a cruise. No specialty restaurants. No loyalty program that provided benefits. Very small cabin, but I was lucky to have a porthole. It was really a great cruise and got me hooked. Sure the new system works for me. Perhaps in time it will work for you as well. At least that's what I hope. Just give it a chance.

Edited May 21, 2014 by Orator

[NLH Arizona]

I knew that I would be staring a bit of a storm. We do all see things through our own eyes. We have different needs, wants and experiences. We all find different things important. My comments only reflect my views based on my cruising experiences at this time. I most certainly recognize that. Many if not most would have a different opinion. If you like activities like trivia. If Zumba is important to you. If you enjoyed having a beer in Michael's Club, you certainly have a reason to be unhappy. As others have said better than I can, change is inevitable. The nature of the Universe is change. I'm certainly not what I was even 10 years ago. The question is:How do we adjust to adapt to change?For some it will be finding a different vacation choice. For others it might be finding alternative activities. For others it might be embracing change. My first cruise was on Fairwind in 1977. Received free soda and water. Received the menus at the end of the cruise and a list of fellow passengers. Enjoyed a great pizza. But, paid the most I ever paid for a cruise. No specialty restaurants. No loyalty program that provided benefits. Very small cabin, but I was lucky to have a porthole. It was really a great cruise and got me hooked. Sure the new system works for me. Perhaps in time it will work for you as well. At least that's what I hope. Just give it a chance.

Orator, we don’t always agree on things, but I have to take my hat (if I were wearing on) off to you for this post. Very elegantly said and I agree with you 100 percent. Well said, thank you!

[cle-guy]

I remember when Michel Roux left Celebrity, and there was substantial decline in the MDR meals. The posts on CC were rampant. And most were negative.

 

Check this other thread out:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2045022

 

As of Today 75% think the MDR food is above average or excellent, and of the 103 votes cast so far, only 4 (as of now) call it less than average.

 

It's quite probable it is not what it was, but seems the general consensus on CC is it's above average based on the simple poll...regardless of the over and over again complaints about how far it's slipped.

 

As I have said I do enjoy the MDR, but admit I'm not a "foodie", but know what I like and don't and I almost always love my meals there.

[woodyren]

 

How will I POSSIBLY endure yet another 15 night Celebrity Cruise... with free drinks every night... for only $649pp... while having to find SOME way to spend the $350 of OBC???

 

Woe, WOE, *W*O*E* is me...:(

 

Please enlighten us on how one gets free drink package on a TA cruise. Because until a few of your posts I did not believe it to be possible.

 

If you don't want to discuss on here my email is.

 

woody3155 (at) gmail (dot) (com)

[NLH Arizona]

Please enlighten us on how one gets free drink package on a TA cruise. Because until a few of your posts I did not believe it to be possible.

 

If you don't want to discuss on here my email is.

 

woody3155 (at) gmail (dot) (com)

He might be talking about the Elite cocktail party, think that because he said free drinks every night.

Edited May 21, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[woodyren]

He might be talking about the Elite cocktail party, think that because he said free drinks every night.

 

Thanks. Makes sense.