With high prices and bad reviews why sail celebrity?

[Andy]

Boogs, there was an article in the NY TIMES and it is still available

on line. Not sure what is secret?...or why? but everything is on line

and anyone in the public genre can read it. It is in the Travel Section

about keeping "Entertainment Fresh".

 

Andy, I don't want anyone to lose their job:eek:....but the article

has names on it...the "New Entertainment Director"...she gives

an interview and allows the paper to post her name.

 

I also am not sure why something "possible" is such an issue......

 

Just my opinion......

 

Hi Lois,

 

You are correct in that the NY times article mentions the entertainment directors name. As Arno mentioned, I was referring to onboard comments, and thought that was clear. Unfortunately, as posts get quoted and re-quoted... at times, comments take on a life of their own :). I was not referring to the NY Times article. Hope that helps clarify.

[boogs]

So you would appreciate someone giving you information that may be true but could also have changed by the time it is implemented? I think we've all made it clear that we are Celebrity fans but have some concerns lately. I certainly am taking the wait and see approach because many times their "plans" change before they are even implemented. I for one am not providing any information that I'm not completely sure of and that I haven't experienced myself.

 

When it is someone as informed as Host Andy, my answer is yes. True, not all things that are rumored end up happening. But some do. What harm does it do to have a discussion about a topic that has now been published in the New York Times and has been told to Andy by "an onboard member who should be in the know". It isn't idle chatter. I prefer a different tactic than you. I prefer to be informed on what may be developing rather than stick my head in the sand and ignore what might be evolving around me. I would rather know BEFORE I take a cruise, not after, that things are changing so much that I will no longer enjoy it.

Edited May 20, 2014 by boogs

[gofish]

We did 17 days in SS Dec 2013 for $8500.

Looking for same room for 14 days Jul 2015 and it is $13500.

 

Dont like the loss of public spaces on the Millennium and it looks like more are going to go.

 

We had a great cruise but the future prices are approaching Crystal's and keeping us from booking now.

[SFL]

Hi Lois,

 

You are correct in that the NY times article mentions the entertainment directors name. As Arno mentioned, I was referring to onboard comments, and thought that was clear. Unfortunately, as posts get quoted and re-quoted... at times, comments take on a life of their own :). I was not referring to the NY Times article. Hope that helps clarify.

 

Dear All

Here is the link to the NY Times article

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/travel/cruise-quest-keeping-the-entertainment-fresh.html

Andy, apologies in advance if this link breaches Cruise critic protocol.

Everyone can read the article and draw their own conclusions.

We have done alot of cruises with Celebrity Rccl and Azamara and this summer a Norwegian cruise with Celebrity is on tap. As we have cruised and "aged", we have come to treat the ship as a floating Hotel. On Celebrity we book acqua class. We like BLU although as it has been mass marketed, the quality has slipped somewhat. Although the onboard experience is not as important to us as it once was, the changes as proposed in the article regarding Celebrity seem more "downscale" and Carnival in nature. This was great when we were younger but not so much anymore. But everyone needs to decide fo themselves what they like and are looking for. I have learned that there are always some negatives on every cruise. when we have had issues, I am vocal in my complaints and when things were great I vocalized that to the responsible officers also. So, I am keeping an open mind on these changes, If they are not to my liking, i can find other vacation outlets to spend my hard earned dollars on and so can everyone else. . Most people on here feel the need to "defend" their choice of cruiseline, because somehow they view a contrary opinion as a slap at their perferred choice in travel. If you are happy/comfortable with the line, you will cruise again with them. If not, there are a bunch of other choices to try. One size does not fit all. As to the changes in perks and other benefits and package deals, that changes with the need for the line to make $$. It's a sad reality.. that money talks and BS walks .. The honcho's jobs are on the block to produce bottomline results in the cruise industry as in other industries. I have learned thru experience that most complaints arise when the Cruise line hype does not live up to the onboard experience. If that's what you feel, you can try another line to find one that you feel meets your expectations. So keep an open mind, enjoy the moment and if you're not happy next time try somethingelse.

Bon Voyage:D

[Chicago Boy]

I have 2 open booking for celebrity, I cruised on the summit in 2007 for a 14 night to Hawaii and it was incredible, we stayed in concierge class for both of us it was under 3600. But after joining CC and reading all the complaints, and the very high prices, I might give up the open booking and take the loss. Why would anyone risk their cruise and money on celebrity again?

 

 

Cruising is wicked awesome

 

 

We have sailed on Celebrity for several years and while there have been some changes those changes are not enough for us not to continue sailing on Celebrity a couple of times a year. Lots of people are looking for something for nothing. Keep in mind all of these perks and promotions are going to be paid for one way or another. There are no free rides. We are sailing again on Celebrity's Trans Atlantic from Rome to Fort Lauderdale. We are happy and figure we are getting a great deal at a reasonable price. Enjoy your cruise we are going to.

[20pluscruises]

Dear All

Here is the link to the NY Times article

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/travel/cruise-quest-keeping-the-entertainment-fresh.html

Andy, apologies in advance if this link breaches Cruise critic protocol.

Everyone can read the article and draw their own conclusions.

We have done alot of cruises with Celebrity Rccl and Azamara and this summer a Norwegian cruise with Celebrity is on tap. As we have cruised and "aged", we have come to treat the ship as a floating Hotel. On Celebrity we book acqua class. We like BLU although as it has been mass marketed, the quality has slipped somewhat. Although the onboard experience is not as important to us as it once was, the changes as proposed in the article regarding Celebrity seem more "downscale" and Carnival in nature. This was great when we were younger but not so much anymore. But everyone needs to decide fo themselves what they like and are looking for. I have learned that there are always some negatives on every cruise. when we have had issues, I am vocal in my complaints and when things were great I vocalized that to the responsible officers also. So, I am keeping an open mind on these changes, If they are not to my liking, i can find other vacation outlets to spend my hard earned dollars on and so can everyone else. . Most people on here feel the need to "defend" their choice of cruiseline, because somehow they view a contrary opinion as a slap at their perferred choice in travel. If you are happy/comfortable with the line, you will cruise again with them. If not, there are a bunch of other choices to try. One size does not fit all. As to the changes in perks and other benefits and package deals, that changes with the need for the line to make $$. It's a sad reality.. that money talks and BS walks .. The honcho's jobs are on the block to produce bottomline results in the cruise industry as in other industries. I have learned thru experience that most complaints arise when the Cruise line hype does not live up to the onboard experience. If that's what you feel, you can try another line to find one that you feel meets your expectations. So keep an open mind, enjoy the moment and if you're not happy next time try somethingelse.

Bon Voyage:D

 

I can't even figure out where they are going / trying to say what the new entertainment is? Artsy? Can't be with a DJ. What am i missing?

Edited May 20, 2014 by 20pluscruises

[MisterBill99]

Just to give you an example. One very bitter review was based on two factors: there was no 'food station' at the Captain's Club party, and the string quartet and a cappella groups were nowhere to be found. Obviously if those things are critically important to you, their lack would be very noticeable. Hence, very bad reviews of the cruise. :rolleyes:

And one person was posting recently about being very upset about trivia being cancelled.

Just off the Summit. No complaints. Will take the same cruise next year if the price is right.

That's funny because I've read a few complaints about the buffet on Summit. There's even a whole thread about it.

 

I think if the OP looks at other cruise lines they'll see people complaining about them as well. But if he still feels that way, I'll be happy to take one of the open booking certificates off their hands.

[MisterBill99]

We did 17 days in SS Dec 2013 for $8500.

Looking for same room for 14 days Jul 2015 and it is $13500..

Without more information like when you booked the December cruise and whether it was before the holidays, there's really no way to make a realistic comparison between the two cruises. I have noticed that there seems to be less discounting of cruise fares that are further out, they seem to be trying to get higher prices from those who book early. However, there are a lot of booking bonuses.

 

I think prices are lower than they used to be if you're not booking far ahead, but I don't book suites.

[NauticalMiss]

I have 2 open booking for celebrity, I cruised on the summit in 2007 for a 14 night to Hawaii and it was incredible, we stayed in concierge class for both of us it was under 3600. But after joining CC and reading all the complaints, and the very high prices, I might give up the open booking and take the loss. Why would anyone risk their cruise and money on celebrity again?

 

 

I shan't. Very disappointed with Celebrity when we cruised on the Solstice in 2012.

[need2bespoiled]

I'll certainly give the new entertainment executive a chance...and I'll be honest in my opinions on the survey at the end of the cruise and here on CC. I'm sure his mission is measured on customer satisfaction...he's already had his budget cut. That exec has a tough job...but it will be easy to measure.

 

I know this has been noted, but it's "her" mission.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Oville]

Regarding the entertainment, when we were on the Reflection in March we participated in two interactive shows with the Celebrity Dancers, party band and passengers. We weren't expecting either but had a blast at both events which just happened unexpectedly (or maybe we didn't read Celebrity Today carefully). Both shows were in the atrium and the surrounding upper floors. It was something totally different, a bit Flash Mob, and drew large crowds of all ages.

 

Also, there was a dancing competition one evening that again packed the atrium and upper floors.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Oville

[cle-guy]

I can't even figure out where they are going / trying to say what the new entertainment is? Artsy? Can't be with a DJ. What am i missing?

 

Someone's never been to a good old fashioned RAVE! :D

[teecee60]

 

I cruised on the summit in 2007 for a 14 night to Hawaii and it was incredible,

we stayed in concierge class for both of us it was under 3600.

 

Why would anyone risk their cruise and money on celebrity again?

 

 

We did 17 days in SS Dec 2013 for $8500.

Looking for same room for 14 days Jul 2015 and it is $13500.

 

We had a great cruise but the future prices are keeping us from booking now.

 

 

Different strokes for different folks... (and so on and so on)

 

 

Did last November's, 15 night Reflection T/A for $449pp with $250 OBC. :D

 

Two weeks ago, got off the April, 15 night Silhouette T/A... $630pp with $250 OBC. :)

 

Just TODAY, I booked the October, 15 night Reflection T/A... for $649pp with $350 OBC. :confused:

 

 

YUPP...these hyper-inflationary, SKY ROCKETING PRICES are just killing me! :eek: :p :rolleyes:

 

In ADDITION, I now have to put up with free drinks every night! I have JUST ABOUT HAD *E*N*O*U*G*H* of this treatment!

Edited May 21, 2014 by teecee60

[SeagoingMom]

Thanks Curt for showing people that some of us want a more updated cruising experience, with newer activities and music. How often do we see things from the past swing back around and become popular again, like the golf simulator, etc. I don't want to stay in the past, I want to move to the future and I think Celebrity is doing a great job getting us to Modern (being the operative word) Luxury.

Ahh, but the very words "updating," "newer" and "move to the future" are what scares seasoned pax when used in reference to their favorite lines. People like what they like, and therefore, in general, don't want change. If pax had not liked what first attracted them to Celebrity, they would have moved on, and thus Celebrity would not have become their favorite line! It's the old "if it ain't broke..." principle. Attempts to "fix what ain't broke" on Celebrity (or any cruise line) must be a major source of negative reviews (even if those reviews are in the minority.)

[NLH Arizona]

Ahh, but the very words "updating," "newer" and "move to the future" are what scares seasoned pax when used in reference to their favorite lines. People like what they like, and therefore, in general, don't want change. If pax had not liked what first attracted them to Celebrity, they would have moved on, and thus Celebrity would not have become their favorite line! It's the old "if it ain't broke..." principle. Attempts to "fix what ain't broke" on Celebrity (or any cruise line) must be a major source of negative reviews (even if those reviews are in the minority.)

I don't think anyone likes change, but changes happen to us everyday and we learn to live with them. Same should go for cruises. I've been cruising with Celebrity for some time and really like the product, but I must admit I'm really looking for them to do some new things to keep the cruising experience exciting. I'm not saying everything should change, but update things like the activities and music, add the new suite perks, etc. I personally get bored listening to the oldies all the time and want to hear more of todays music, others might not like the updated music, but variety is the spice of life for me (play some Frank Sinatra, but also play some Katy Perry and Pitbull). Do some new updated activities, not everyone likes trivia, etc. I've read reviews from new customers to Celebrity and they seem to like the new updates, which leads me to the assumption that Celebrity must be doing something right in their recent changes to their ships. You are correct, if you look at the reviews, the minority of them want things to stay the same, so if you were a company, what do you do, go with the minority or the majority. I'd go with the majority, even thought I know that some of the loyal customers would not be happy, but as a company they have to think of the future and the loyal customers might not be around that long due to attrition. I don't know any company that I frequent that hasn't changed and updated over the years and I would expect the same from Celebrity.

[SeagoingMom]

What is quoted in the article and its application on board might not sit well with some, from staff to passengers. Andy was referring to an onboard source not the article.

 

Remember the fresh, up-to-date implementation of Cirque? What a disaster that change was.

A suggestion of an innovative toast in the atrium rather than the "stodgy" theatre.. Princess was doing that 20 years ago.. How is that innovative. I know we always prefer to be sitting with a drink in hand rather than standing shoulder to shoulder in the foyer.

 

The trick is attracting new trend setters and the larger number of veteran cruisers and getting those diverse demographics to like the changes.

 

 

 

Jus witness the posts loving louder and louder DJ's and the veterans preferring the opposite. You can't please both in the same venue nor having the same "new" stuff in every venue. "One size fits all" is an impossibility to achieve when satisfying tastes in food or entertainment.

 

Trying to recommend a cruise ship or cruise line is like trying to convince others that your favourite colour is the same as their preference.

 

The problem does not lie in recommending a cruise line based on personal preferences. Pretty much everyone recommends what they like to others, whether others ask for that recommendation or not. The problem lies in posters attempting to convince everyone that they should agree with the poster's opinion, and badgering, belittling and insulting those who do not. This seems to be the hallmark of CC when it comes to brand loyalty. This particular thread is remarkable in its temperance and affability -- it is very refreshing!

[Minoushka]

Experienced cruisers notice changes of once free options and miss them ....so complaints are numerous,..gone are elaborate buffets,midnight buffets,dessert buffets ,open all the time buffets ,longer elaborate shows presented twice per night,captains free drink party ,repeat cruisers free drinks party ....lots of freebies ...gone ...poof .....replaced by paying fenues so the complaints dept has expanded .Take it all with a grain of salt

I have noticed that food quality has gone down significantly on all lines ...no more real steak or lamb chops except in specialty restaurants ....bummer but Im still cruising because I love the sea

 

Michele

[NLH Arizona]

Experienced cruisers notice changes of once free options and miss them ....so complaints are numerous,..gone are elaborate buffets,midnight buffets,dessert buffets ,open all the time buffets ,longer elaborate shows presented twice per night,captains free drink party ,repeat cruisers free drinks party ....lots of freebies ...gone ...poof .....replaced by paying fenues so the complaints dept has expanded .Take it all with a grain of salt

I have noticed that food quality has gone down significantly on all lines ...no more real steak or lamb chops except in specialty restaurants ....bummer but Im still cruising because I love the sea

 

Michele

That is what I was talking about, changes happen all the time, but we either learn to live with them or we leave them. I remember on my first cruises in the early 90's being escorted to my cabin by a crew member who carried my carry-on, held the elevator for me and I didn't have to wait for your cabin to be ready, it was ready when I boarded. Now I schlep my carry-on myself, stand in line for an elevator and wait for my cabin to be ready. Do these changes impact me to the point that I won't cruise anymore, no. Do I miss them, sure it was a great experience. Changes are not always bad if we embrance them and give them a chance. Think about it, if we went back to the good old days and there were no changes, there would still be smoking everywhere on the ships and the cost of our cruises would be exponentially more than what we are paying today.

[royalcruz]

Cruise prices seem pretty stable to me; it's the add-on food and beverage prices that have gone up. We love Celebrity and it was still very good as of our last cruise in December.

[woodyren]

Different strokes for different folks... (and so on and so on)

 

 

Did last November's, 15 night Reflection T/A for $449pp with $250 OBC. :D

 

Two weeks ago, got off the April, 15 night Silhouette T/A... $630pp with $250 OBC. :)

 

Just TODAY, I booked the October, 15 night Reflection T/A... for $649pp with $350 OBC. :confused:

 

 

YUPP...these hyper-inflationary, SKY ROCKETING PRICES are just killing me! :eek: :p :rolleyes:

 

In ADDITION, I now have to put up with free drinks every night! I have JUST ABOUT HAD *E*N*O*U*G*H* of this treatment!

 

I agree with you the cruise prices for some Celebrity T/A's are great.

 

I would like to know how you secured the beverage package though as I believe that they were unavailable on T/A's ether during pick your perk, 123 go or on board booking.

[iancal]

I am not certain why anyone has to sail on Celebrity, or any other cruise line for that matter. It is not like you are thinking of marrying the cruise line.

 

There are lots of great ships/cruise lines out there. If you do not fancy one, then simply pick another ship, or another cruise line.

 

We would never limit ourselves to only one cruise line. Last three have been Celebrity, NCL, and Carnival. Next one, unless we snag one before next Feb, is Princess.

 

Choice is great. No one holds a gun to your head.

[TxnAquarian]

I am not certain why anyone has to sail on Celebrity, or any other cruise line for that matter. It is not like you are thinking of marrying the cruise line.

 

There are lots of great ships/cruise lines out there. If you do not fancy one, then simply pick another ship, or another cruise line.

 

We would never limit ourselves to only one cruise line. Last three have been Celebrity, NCL, and Carnival. Next one, unless we snag one before next Feb, is Princess.

 

Choice is great. No one holds a gun to your head.

 

 

 

 

You said exactly what I have been thinking while reading these posts. People seem so obsessed with sailing one cruise line over and over again. While I LOVE Celebrity, I couldn't imagine sailing with them everytime. There are so many great ships and ports out there....sailing only with one cruise line is so limiting. If people aren't happy with the direction of Celebrity, it's probably time to try something new.

 

 

 

Michael

[Ma Bell]

The problem with that attitude is that if nothing is significant enough to care about the day will come when all the cruise lines are the same and there won't really be much of a choice. Personally, I find that sad. I don't think trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for success. The businesses that endure are the ones that find their niche and do it well.

[Oville]

The problem with that attitude is that if nothing is significant enough to care about the day will come when all the cruise lines are the same and there won't really be much of a choice. Personally, I find that sad. I don't think trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for success. The businesses that endure are the ones that find their niche and do it well.

 

So what is Celebrity's niche? This is not a wise guy question, but people age. What a 60 year old wanted on Celebrity 10 years ago isn't the same thing a 60 year old wants today (I could've used any age, but I hope you get my point).

 

I personally love Celebrity and have not been rocked by the changes in the last few years. I'm sorry the line no longer has the string trios or quartets. Other than that minor disappointment, nothing they have done is going to drive me away. Maybe in 10 years I'll feel differently, but right now I'll happily sail with Celebrity.

[teecee60]

I don't think trying to be all things to all people is a recipe for success. The businesses that endure are the ones that find their niche and do it well.

 

You have MY vote for your new position as CEO of Celebrity! ;)

 

I agree with you the cruise prices for some Celebrity T/A's are great.

 

I would like to know how you secured the beverage package though as I believe that they were unavailable on T/A's ether during pick your perk, 123 go or on board booking.

 

It's not just transatlantic cruises. Flexible timing and shrewd shopping, based on knowing remaining cabin inventory, can put a LOT if not MOST cruises in the "good deal" category. "Short supply" cruises... to the Black Sea, around the Horn, and the Galapagos, will ALWAYS command high prices.

 

The free drinks are from elite happy hour, not the 1-2-3 pkg.