Indulgence

[need2bespoiled]

I was going to quote a few posts above, but in general, I'll make two comments.

 

1. A lot of this is speculation, no one has seen or can comment that any current entertainment has been cut back. Maybe they'll use the added revenue to help keep or improve other entertainment.

 

2. I think of some of this another way. 10+ years ago, the large sums of OBC we now see where mostly unheard of. If you look at the rise in OBC with the rise in pay for venues, maybe you can look at it as you choose where the money you get is spent and what you put it toward. You don't like specialty dining, use your OBC at the spa. If you don't like the spa, use it for drinks, you're a teetotaler, then use it for entertainment. They generally give the OBC, so look at it as another choice and way to enjoy the cruise, have more options.

 

I for one would love entertinament like this, and now have something else to look forward to on our upcomming Summit cruise! Another way to spend my piles of OBC besides the casino :D

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[H2OH!]

Shades of the "Cirque" Show they had once upon a time...

They didn't charge for that, and it didn't last long either. ;)

 

 

Actually, in 2004 on Constellation, they charged for a masquerade ball party that was linked to the cirque show. All the big wigs from Celebrity and Cirque were on this sailing as was the kickoff of the cirque show. they were charging something like $ 80 pp to attend. DH and I skipped it but heard it was a disaster and they had to refund all the guests. A couple we met attended the "party" and shared their experience and the refund story.

 

I am not inclined to pay for party.

 

If they wan to charge, they need Blue Man group type of shows...not recycle the staff. IMHO.

[happy cruzer]

We really like the interactive theme parties. Did this show happen on a night there was a party?

 

As long as the theme parties aren't affected or the main shows, it probably is additional entertainment.

[hcat]

Actually, in 2004 on Constellation, they charged for a masquerade ball party that was linked to the cirque show. All the big wigs from Celebrity and Cirque were on this sailing as was the kickoff of the cirque show. they were charging something like $ 80 pp to attend. DH and I skipped it but heard it was a disaster and they had to refund all the guests. A couple we met attended the "party" and shared their experience and the refund story.

 

I am not inclined to pay for party.

 

If they wan to charge, they need Blue Man group type of shows...not recycle the staff. IMHO.

 

More memories of major flops....Celebrity is apparently competing with Norwegian and Royal these days...Celeb ships are the nicest in our opinion, but they seem to need more to attract new pax..the alcohol offers have brought many folks over but maybe this does not generate revenue...just pax... We would not pay extra for shows and events b/c we enjoy Blu and specialty dining... budget only stretches so far

[bboop51]

I presume the Summit is still doing this. I have not heard anything about this for weeks. I'd love to hear more current reviews and especially see some photos snapped of the show. We are sailing on Aug 31st and are looking forward to enjoying this experience, I think it looks like fun :cool:.

[Kteacher]

We attendee as guests of the concierge on Reflection a few weeks ago. It was held in the Ensemble Lounge, which was a little awkward as there were people walking through to the specialty restaurants. We were given buttons to wear so waitstaff knew who was attending the event. Drinks were champagne, wine, rum punch, and two specialty cocktails ( both yummy). There were heavy hors d' oeuvres passed, which looked like they were from Qsine- sushi, black angus sliders, meatballs, and an interesting dessert display. Entertainment staff were in costumes and mingled with guests. It's a good concept, but needs some tweaking.

[hcat]

Would rather see a good jazz combo, piano player or guitarist in the Ensemble lounge without any extra charge...esp when many folks already have drinks perk...it's a great space for that and usually popular. It does not seem like a good spot for a semi pvt party...as there are not that many lounge type places to enjoy ..not everyone can go to the Martini Bar at the same time!

 

Silhouette had a nice DJ club Quasar on main deck where they could do this or even in the smaller party room within..Reflection has this space as a conf center..

Edited August 15, 2014 by hcat

[groryjm]

This looks just the sort of thing we'd enjoy but as the price includes a number of drinks does any one know if they allow for those with a premium drinks package?

 

How do you persuade an invite out of the concierge?

[need2bespoiled]

This looks just the sort of thing we'd enjoy but as the price includes a number of drinks does any one know if they allow for those with a premium drinks package?

 

How do you persuade an invite out of the concierge?

 

Anyone can go, first come, first serve on who pays first though I doubt it's selling out and as a suite guest, just ask the Michael's Club concierge to book when you get your pre-cruise email.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[shoelover536]

Do they have notice of when this will be when you board? Looking forward to trying this and don't want it to be on the same night I've got a specialty restaurant booked (too much rushing around).

[mason525]

This sounds very fun to me! Does anyone know which night(s) they offer this on Reflection's 7night cruises?

Thanks,

Meg

[Sloop-JohnB]

At first glance it sounds interesting... Especially being a costumed cabaret

 

And although Mr Sloop & I don't mind paying a bit extra for specific food & bevvy experiences while aboard (Wine Tasting, Champagne Tea etc) this one doesn't sound like it would work for us

 

1- Because $ 39 is steep for drinks & appys (more so considering we already have an AI Bevvy pkg)

 

2- The Hour

 

3- We also strongly believe that Entertainment onboard should remain part of the AI experience*. So ya, having entertainers in this venue means there will be less that nigh elsewhere (or overall, cause E Staff are on a rotation schedule for the week)

 

So I agree with, HCAT (Reply # 32) when they say expand the offerings for all Pax in more parts of the ship... Don't make things exclusive (or worse yet eliminate them). We too truly enjoyed the late night jazz at Ensemble Lounge on The Solstice in 2012.

 

* Someone mentioned headliners... Big names cost big bucks. Traditionally the only way a cruise line could afford such offerings was to hold a theme cruise or charter (such as The Legendary Blues Cruise). And I agree with that concept... In so much then everyone aboard knows what they are getting and it is built into their cruise fare price (which can easily be 2 to 3x what a regular cruise fare costs). Charging a cover for one event to "whomever is aboard & interested on a specific night" is not going to generate enough income. Hence using E Staff already aboard... Which waters down the overall cruise experience for everyone else IMO

 

Celebrity wants to offer something extra... Then it truly should be "extra"... And they should hire more / dedicated staff... Not thin out the overall cruise experience for everyone else.

 

Cheers!

Edited August 15, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[cruiseacecat]

Would rather see a good jazz combo, piano player or guitarist in the Ensemble lounge without any extra charge...esp when many folks already have drinks perk...it's a great space for that and usually popular. It does not seem like a good spot for a semi pvt party...as there are not that many lounge type places to enjoy ..not everyone can go to the Martini Bar at the same time!

 

Silhouette had a nice DJ club Quasar on main deck where they could do this or even in the smaller party room within..Reflection has this space as a conf center..

Agree completely!

[bighairtexan]

I'm looking forward to attending this on my 8/31 Summit cruise. Often around 10:30 or 11PM the only places that seem to have much activity are the martini bar and the casino. Since I'd be in the casino for those couple of hours, the $39pp is probably a LOT less than I'd be donating to The Church of the Blessed Blackjack Table.

 

I have the Premium Beverage Package, but from what I've been told by someone who attended, some of the drinks offered are unique. I was also told the food was quite good, but was warned to either skip dinner or eat light. Tom (prim8keeper) had a late-ish dinner and said the food at Indulgence was kind of wasted on them since they were full from their meal.

 

I like that they're offering this option, and if it's poorly attended, I'm guessing they won't keep it up for long and hopefully will move forward with something different. I'll let y'all know about it when I return.

[Sloop-JohnB]

I'm looking forward to attending this on my 8/31 Summit cruise. Often around 10:30 or 11PM the only places that seem to have much activity are the martini bar and the casino. Since I'd be in the casino for those couple of hours, the $39pp is probably a LOT less than I'd be donating to The Church of the Blessed Blackjack Table.

 

I like that they're offering this option, and if it's poorly attended, I'm guessing they won't keep it up for long and hopefully will move forward with something different. I'll let y'all know about it when I return.

 

Lol, thanks for my daily chuckle... :D

 

I always appreciate your Reviews, so I will make a point to watch for this one

 

Cheers!

[need2bespoiled]

It seems to me, they not only provide the schedule at the beginning of the week to plan, there is quite a bit onboard to do that is free with Indulgence being the only extra pay for entertainment based on this, but maybe there is a charge for Liquid?:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/uaghngf86kbnp9b/Entertainment%20-%20Week%20at%20a%20Glance.pdf

 

Based on the daily schedules that have been posted for Summit, there seems to be just as much entertainment onboard in the evening as our cruises before Indulgence so speculating there is less, is just that speculation. I personally never remember seeing entertainment in Cellar Masters on any cruise (have not cruised with the infamous Perry Grant) and I've never seen the rendezvous lounge busy past the time just after the late seating though on M-class it is busier, this doesn't impact M-class.

 

If this works, great, I like options, even at a cost. If it doesn't work, attendance is sure to be low, and it will disappear.

 

I personally am looking forward to it the week after next.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Lsimon]

..., there seems to be just as much entertainment onboard in the evening as our cruises before Indulgence so speculating there is less, is just that speculation. ...

 

I guess there is a presumption that they have not expanded the entertainment staff to include additional people to man Indulgence. Especially since other recent reports are that they've recently reduced, rather than increase, the overall size of the entertainment and activity staff on the ships. If this is indeed the case then adding a paid entertainment would take away from the time and effort these people would otherwise have available to plan and operate "included" events.

Edited August 15, 2014 by Lsimon

[cle-guy]

but maybe there is a charge for Liquid?

 

Liquid on Summit on my May sailing was no charge. They set up temporary bar stations though to get drinks at normal drink pricing (or with package)

 

They set the pool deck area up as a VIP section for suite guests only, the rest of us milled about the outer peripheral watching and dancing as the mood struck us.

 

I enjoyed it for an hour or so, but it's certainly going to be hit and miss cruise to cruise based on the demographic of each cruise.

[cle-guy]

I guess there is a presumption that they have not expanded the entertainment staff to include additional people to man Indulgence. Especially since other recent reports are that they've recently reduced, rather than increase, the overall size of the entertainment and activity staff on the ships. If this is indeed the case then adding a paid entertainment would take away from the time and effort these people would otherwise have available to plan and operate "included" events.

 

Staffing of indulgence really boiled down to 3 or 4 of the stage actors (aerialists and contortionist types) the CD and the Assistant CD, and wait and bar staff.

 

Michael's Concierge manned the VIP ropes for the suite guests.

 

CD and Assistant CD just mixed with the crowd working to get people to dance and be involved, no real other duties or tasks to perform than that.

 

Maintenance staff prepped the space early by removing deck chairs, and hanging the billowy white curtains, and the A/V staff came in late afternoon to install the sound and lighting systems.

 

Assume the F&B folks set up the bars.

 

By the way, the same contortionist performed on the MDR staircase the last night of the cruise as the staff got the traditional thank you applause, they made it a bit more of an event than simply announcing staff. I thought it was a nice way to brighten up the old fashioned stale traditional napkins in the air routine.

Edited August 15, 2014 by cle-guy

[prim8keeper]

I guess there is a presumption that they have not expanded the entertainment staff to include additional people to man Indulgence. Especially since other recent reports are that they've recently reduced, rather than increase, the overall size of the entertainment and activity staff on the ships. If this is indeed the case then adding a paid entertainment would take away from the time and effort these people would otherwise have available to plan and operate "included" events.

 

When we were on Summit they ran this one of the nights where the guest performers were doing their show. It seemed to be that if not for this event the entertainment staff would have been off.

 

This is my take on Indulgence. This was written as part of a larger photo review I did (link in my signature).

Edited August 15, 2014 by prim8keeper

[bboop51]

When we were on Summit they ran this one of the nights where the guest performers were doing their show. It seemed to be that if not for this event the entertainment staff would have been off.

 

This is my take on Indulgence. This was written as part of a larger photo review I did (link in my signature).

 

Tom, I read your (wonderful) review. I did see that you had said you did not take your camera because you did not think they would allow photographs. Did you notice if that were true or not (I did see where you said you did regret your decision not to take the camera.) We intend to go camera/or not but being able to bring the camera would certainly be a big bonus.

[prim8keeper]

Tom, I read your (wonderful) review. I did see that you had said you did not take your camera because you did not think they would allow photographs. Did you notice if that were true or not (I did see where you said you did regret your decision not to take the camera.) We intend to go camera/or not but being able to bring the camera would certainly be a big bonus.

 

There were some people who brought cameras and were taking photos and videos. It was interesting enough I wish I had my camera but at the same time it was very dark in the room so I'm not sure how well things would have turned out when you mixed that with the strong drinks! :D Initially they had the ships photographer there and they came back again towards the end. We went and looked at some of the photos taken by the photographers and were actually kind of amazed that they were up considering what some people were doing in them! :eek: I'm not sure if I mentioned it in my review but the entertainment staff drinks during this event too so things can get interesting towards the end.

[bboop51]

There were some people who brought cameras and were taking photos and videos. It was interesting enough I wish I had my camera but at the same time it was very dark in the room so I'm not sure how well things would have turned out when you mixed that with the strong drinks! :D Initially they had the ships photographer there and they came back again towards the end. We went and looked at some of the photos taken by the photographers and were actually kind of amazed that they were up considering what some people were doing in them! :eek: I'm not sure if I mentioned it in my review but the entertainment staff drinks during this event too so things can get interesting towards the end.

 

Thanks Tom, This is exactly the info I was looking for. It sound very interesting .

[Host Jazzbeau]

We sailed Summit June 15th to Bermuda. I'm not much for writing reviews but after reading a couple from our cruise, I noticed no one mentioned the new party that premiered on that cruise called Indulgence. It was held in a closed off Cellar Masters. The cost was $39 per person which included cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a show...

 

Being the party's inauguration there was one mix-up when the new CD Ken Mills promoted it as open bar. Woops! Not exactly but when they were told that it was promoted as open bar, they let people get the drinks they wanted.

 

I'm confused. What's the difference between the cocktails that were advertised and the open bar they had to offer instead?

Edited August 15, 2014 by Host Jazzbeau

[cle-guy]

I'm confused. What's the difference between the cocktails that were advertised and the open bar they had to offer instead?

 

The cocktails would have been a select limited menu of possibilities, as with the Captain's club elite events. Open Bar means whatever you want that they serve.

 

So instead of cheap vodka on the cocktail menu, premium liquors are now up for grabs for example....