Big announcement from Michael Bayley -- double captains club points for singles!!!

[Shake]

On the flip side some had little sympathy for those of us who got off Celebrity ships last November with half of the points that we thought we were earning due to Celebrity's no warning over night change to the CC program. I see that they learned a little from that fiasco by at least back dating this change by one month.

 

In our case we are primarily Princess cruisers but had decided to move more in the direction of splitting our cruises between Princess and Celebrity. It was the worst possible timing and method of implementing the CC change for us. We have booked and completed five cruises with Princess since the Celebrity CC change last November and have three more booked with Princess. Poorly handled changes to loyalty programs can definitely drive customers away.

 

Terry

 

My feeling is that Celebrity did a very good job in the new CC points conversion program. Everyone but apparently you knew the program change was coming and it wasn't a surprise for the informed.

[wallie5446]

On the flip side some had little sympathy for those of us who got off Celebrity ships last November with half of the points that we thought we were earning due to Celebrity's no warning over night change to the CC program. I see that they learned a little from that fiasco by at least back dating this change by one month.

 

In our case we are primarily Princess cruisers but had decided to move more in the direction of splitting our cruises between Princess and Celebrity. It was the worst possible timing and method of implementing the CC change for us. We have booked and completed five cruises with Princess since the Celebrity CC change last November and have three more booked with Princess. Poorly handled changes to loyalty programs can definitely drive customers away.

 

Terry

 

When we sailed Reflection last Nov just before the change over, it gave us our 9th point under the old system. When the conversion was done we had 286 points in the new system. One 7 day cruise, or a cabin that is worth 2 points per day, qualifys us for the Elite level. It can not get much fairer than that.

[NLH Arizona]

On the flip side some had little sympathy for those of us who got off Celebrity ships last November with half of the points that we thought we were earning due to Celebrity's no warning over night change to the CC program. I see that they learned a little from that fiasco by at least back dating this change by one month.

 

In our case we are primarily Princess cruisers but had decided to move more in the direction of splitting our cruises between Princess and Celebrity. It was the worst possible timing and method of implementing the CC change for us. We have booked and completed five cruises with Princess since the Celebrity CC change last November and have three more booked with Princess. Poorly handled changes to loyalty programs can definitely drive customers away.

 

Terry

Terry, glad you are enjoying your cruises.

[NLH Arizona]

With this new "double points" for 200% single supplement, I am afraid the days of 150/175% single supplement are over......even for Exciting Deals. Oh well, it is what it is. :( Can't please everyone.

I think they still might offer those deals as an incentive to sell empty cabins, plus they won't have to give the passenger double points.

[bjbear]

I've always seen ship cabins like hotel rooms. They have a fare to them, I can stick 1 person in the room or 2, the cabin (room) cost is the same. This is how I avoid getting ticked off at the solo supplement.

 

They budget for 2 x number of cabins - revenue I get that. The single to full canons ratios can vary dramataicall cruise to cruise, so fully appreciate the pricing model.

 

If I share the room with someone, my part of the bill is half. I don't look it as paying double at all.

 

However with the way I look at it, the room comes with a particular number of possible reward points, and in the past single travelers the cabin were only being award half the points even through I paid the full amount for the room. This new policy corrects that. I further think as a solo paying full supplement if in Aqua Class for example, I should be entitled to bring a guest with me, that 2nd seat in BLU was paid for with my full cabin fare. If I have a promotional drink package as a solo, I should be able to gift a drink to another passenger if I want, I should get benefit of 2 beverage packages. If I'm in a suite as a solo, I should be able to poring a guest into Michael's I paid for that privilege for 2 persons and should get that benefit for 2.

 

If however I got a discount for traveling solo, then I should not get the full array of perks that 2 people in the cabin would get.

 

This is absolutely the very best explanation. I too, don't look at it as "paying double" since I'm paying for the room, just like a hotel. If I choose to have a roommate I'm paying half. :) I don't choose to have a roommate and know upfront that I'll have to pay the full cost, my personal choice.

 

So, I'm thrilled to receive the total points for the cabin, but agree with you that it would be nice to be able to use the other benefits, i.e., drink package, Blu, specialty restaurant to gift someone just as 2 people would get.

 

Thanks for this nice perception,

Sue

[cle-guy]

[quote name='gimletgal']With this new "double points" for 200% single supplement, I am afraid the days of 150/175% single supplement are over......even for Exciting Deals. Oh well, it is what it is. :( Can't please everyone.[/QUOTE]

Not true, there are currently several X cruses selling with lower solo supplements, Century TPAC for example.

[cle-guy]

[quote name='Redtravel']Hotels run promotions awarding extra points for a limited time or as a bonus for staying multiple times. I can see Celebrity offering bonus points for cruises that sell slowly. Do you think they would offer extra points as a promotion?[/QUOTE]

They are giving extra points now for Captains Club members booking 9 months in advance of sailing. And double bonus points for Suites.

Sure they are going to experiment with several methods of bonus schemes. over time as they se what drives revenue and early bookings.

[ptrpanpens]

[quote name='cle-guy']They are giving extra points now for Captains Club members booking 9 months in advance of sailing. And double bonus points for Suites.

Sure they are going to experiment with several methods of bonus schemes. over time as they se what drives revenue and early bookings.[/QUOTE]

Could you let us know where you saw this information about bonus points? thanks..

[cruisestitch]

try here:

[url]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2059095&highlight=bonus+points+9+months[/url]

but this has nothing to do with the double points for solo travelers announcement

[Ma Bell]

[quote name='cle-guy']I've always seen ship cabins like hotel rooms. They have a fare to them, I can stick 1 person in the room or 2, the cabin (room) cost is the same. This is how I avoid getting ticked off at the solo supplement.

They budget for 2 x number of cabins - revenue I get that. The single to full canons ratios can vary dramataicall cruise to cruise, so fully appreciate the pricing model.

If I share the room with someone, my part of the bill is half. I don't look it as paying double at all.

However with the way I look at it, the room comes with a particular number of possible reward points, and in the past single travelers the cabin were only being award half the points even through I paid the full amount for the room. This new policy corrects that. I further think as a solo paying full supplement if in Aqua Class for example, I should be entitled to bring a guest with me, that 2nd seat in BLU was paid for with my full cabin fare. If I have a promotional drink package as a solo, I should be able to gift a drink to another passenger if I want, I should get benefit of 2 beverage packages. If I'm in a suite as a solo, I should be able to poring a guest into Michael's I paid for that privilege for 2 persons and should get that benefit for 2.

If however I got a discount for traveling solo, then I should not get the full array of perks that 2 people in the cabin would get.[/QUOTE]

I guess this could all be carried to the extreme. We've paid for at least 50 cruises for family and friends. I guess we should get the points for those too.:eek: Also, people make a choice to sail solo, I prefer to bring someone with me when my husband doesn't come, even if I have to pay their way. I hate to see a good cruise that someone would enjoy go unused. Edited August 3, 2014 by Ma Bell

[Orator]

[quote name='Ma Bell']I guess this could all be carried to the extreme. We've paid for at least 50 cruises for family and friends. I guess we should get the points for those too.:eek: Also, people make a choice to sail solo, I prefer to bring someone with me when my husband doesn't come, even if I have to pay their way. I hate to see a good cruise that someone would enjoy go unused.[/QUOTE]

You do what you do because that's your preference. Others have different preferences. No right or wrong, just different wants and needs, desires and choices. Perhaps the one who pays should receive the points. Guess that Celebrity might feel that there is a long term advantage in given points to a one year old :) I once met a 20 year old who would now be an Elite+ since her parents took her and her sister on multiple cruises a year.

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='Orator']You do what you do because that's your preference. Others have different preferences. No right or wrong, just different wants and needs, desires and choices. Perhaps the one who pays should receive the points. Guess that Celebrity might feel that there is a long term advantage in given points to a one year old :) I once met a 20 year old who would now be an Elite+ since her parents took her and her sister on multiple cruises a year.[/quote]You are correct, it is a personal preference if someone wants to cruise solo or with a roommate. What is disheartening to me is those that have an issue with the solos getting double points, when it has no impact on them. When the new Captain's Club was presented, I think almost everyone was excited for those that became Elite+ or Zenith (some might have complained that they thought they should have been one or given bonus points, but overall everyone was very happy for them and their new perks) and now with this announcement, there isn't the same joy for your fellow cruisers, by some on here. Oh well! Edited August 3, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[Ma Bell]

[quote name='Orator']You do what you do because that's your preference. Others have different preferences. No right or wrong, just different wants and needs, desires and choices. Perhaps the one who pays should receive the points. Guess that Celebrity might feel that there is a long term advantage in given points to a one year old :) I once met a 20 year old who would now be an Elite+ since her parents took her and her sister on multiple cruises a year.[/QUOTE]

I think that' what I said. It's a choice people make. I have no problem with solos getting the points.

[Ma Bell]

[quote name='NLH Arizona']You are correct, it is a personal preference if someone wants to cruise solo or with a roommate. What is disheartening to me is those that have an issue with the solos getting double points, when it has no impact on them. When the new Captain's Club was presented, I think almost everyone was excited for those that became Elite+ or Zenith (some might have complained that they thought they should have been one or given bonus points, but overall everyone was very happy for them and their new perks) and now with this announcement, there isn't the same joy for your fellow cruisers, by some on here. Oh well![/QUOTE]

Some of my best friends cruise solo and I'm delighted for them. My comment was regarding someone wanting to give benefits away to someone not even sailing with them and how things could really get out of hand. What is really disheartening is someone always trying to misinterpret what someone says. Edited August 3, 2014 by Ma Bell

[etz555]

I do appreciate getting double points. I do travel solo and have paid 200% for a lot of cruises. I have three future cruise booked; one transatlantic in Nov 2014; a ten day Caribbean cruise in Feb. 2015 and another transatlantic in Nov. 2015. I generally do take an inside cabin because of cost. I am currently Elite.

I would enjoy getting two coupon books if I am paying double for the cabin. Most of the coupons but I would probably use two of but the free laundry and the internet minutes would be helpful especially on a longer cruise like the transatlantic. My friends who I travel with are married and get two coupon books, but if we book the same category I end up paying the same fare as them.

If Celebrity is not going to lower the single supplement, please give us double all of these perks that we pay for as our fellow passengers sharing a cabin.

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='etz555']I do appreciate getting double points. I do travel solo and have paid 200% for a lot of cruises. I have three future cruise booked; one transatlantic in Nov 2014; a ten day Caribbean cruise in Feb. 2015 and another transatlantic in Nov. 2015. I generally do take an inside cabin because of cost. I am currently Elite.

I would enjoy getting two coupon books if I am paying double for the cabin. Most of the coupons but I would probably use two of but the free laundry and the internet minutes would be helpful especially on a longer cruise like the transatlantic. My friends who I travel with are married and get two coupon books, but if we book the same category I end up paying the same fare as them.

If Celebrity is not going to lower the single supplement, please give us double all of these perks that we pay for as our fellow passengers sharing a cabin.[/quote]That's a very good idea. It wouldn't really cost them much.

[judyfssw]

Lois,
Since you're the only person that I know that sails all by herself, I'm so very happy for you.

[dodger1964]

If I traveled solo I would appreciate the extra points. I'm sure in a perfect world for X nobody would travel solo. They make less revenue from a single paying 200% than a double paying 100%.

I hope people don't complain about the point system too much. I don't want it changed to a revenue based program like airlines are switching to.

And I think the X poster made it crystal clear that 200% gets the extra points...nothing less.

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='dodger1964']If I traveled solo I would appreciate the extra points. I'm sure in a perfect world for X nobody would travel solo. They make less revenue from a single paying 200% than a double paying 100%.

I hope people don't complain about the point system too much. I don't want it changed to a revenue based program like airlines are switching to.

And I think the X poster made it crystal clear that 200% gets the extra points...nothing less.[/quote]Not to sure that they always make less revenue from singles. First, they are saving on the services a second person would use and some of us do spend a lot while onboard the ship. I do Celebrity excursions, except in the Caribbean, I use the spa, I gamble, purchase drinks, go to specialty restaurants, etc. I've read some posts where the posters, sailing as a couple, say they spend very little while on the ship.

[Lois R]

[quote name='judyfssw']Lois,
Since you're the only person that I know that sails all by herself, I'm so very happy for you.[/quote]

Hi Judy,:) thank you.

[gimletgal]

[quote name='NLH Arizona']Not to sure that they always make less revenue from singles. First, they are saving on the services a second person would use and some of us do spend a lot while onboard the ship. I do Celebrity excursions, except in the Caribbean, I use the spa, I gamble, purchase drinks, go to specialty restaurants, etc. I've read some posts where the posters, sailing as a couple, say they spend very little while on the ship.[/QUOTE]

Totally agree! I sometimes travel with couples who spend NOTHING on a cruise other than their fare + gratuities. I purchase drinks (when not on a package), go to specialty restaurants, gamble in the casino, make purchases in the shops, take Celebrity excursions and leave healthy tips in addition to the mandatory gratuities. So for those saying Celebrity makes more money from couples sharing a room, I say rubbish. In some cases perhaps, yes. But as a rule, no.

[cle-guy]

[quote name='Ma Bell']I guess this could all be carried to the extreme. We've paid for at least 50 cruises for family and friends. I guess we should get the points for those too.:eek: Also, people make a choice to sail solo, I prefer to bring someone with me when my husband doesn't come, even if I have to pay their way. I hate to see a good cruise that someone would enjoy go unused.[/QUOTE]

I limit it to the cabin that the named traveler is sailing in, just like airlines do, you can't get points just because you paid for something. You have to occupy the cabin you get points for. Each can bib yes a minimum of 2 sets of points awarded in them, most times 2 people split them, in my case I travel solo, so now get both sets of points.

In your case you choose to bring a second and split the cabin points, I don't I choose to sail solo and keep them all for myself, when paying full fare.

So as some people "make a choice to sail solo" some people also "make a choice" to sail with a second person or more.

Just like you can't get points even when canceling after final paymet and losing your full payment, you must actually sail in the cabin (or fly on the plane).

Frankly, I'd have no issue if you share a cabin with someone and the 2nd person does not accept the points and instead gives them to you, but it isn't appropriate to get points for the whole family on one account, unless of course the rules are modified, as they have just done for Solo's to keep up with royal Caribbean.

And I'd limit to the 1st 2 travelers in a cabin, not 3rd and 4th, since the minimum cabin payment amount is for 2 people regardeless if there is only 1, with 3 and 4 pay extra and the guarantee of payment for 3rd and 4th are not required to book a cabin if only 1 person is in it. Edited August 4, 2014 by cle-guy

[NLH Arizona]

[quote name='cle-guy']I limit it to the cabin that the named traveler is sailing in, just like airlines do, you can't get points just because you paid for something. You have to occupy the cabin you get points for. Each can bib yes a minimum of 2 sets of points awarded in them, most times 2 people split them, in my case I travel solo, so now get both sets of points.

In your case you choose to bring a second and split the cabin points, I don't I choose to sail solo and keep them all for myself, when paying full fare.

So as some people "make a choice to sail solo" some people also "make a choice" to sail with a second person or more.

Just like you can't get points even when canceling after final paymet and losing your full payment, you must actually sail in the cabin (or fly on the plane).

Frankly, I'd have no issue if you share a cabin with someone and the 2nd person does not accept the points and instead gives them to you, but it isn't appropriate to get points for the whole family on one account, unless of course the rules are modified, as they have just done for Solo's to keep up with royal Caribbean.

And I'd limit to the 1st 2 travelers in a cabin, not 3rd and 4th, since the minimum cabin payment amount is for 2 people regardeless if there is only 1, with 3 and 4 pay extra and the guarantee of payment for 3rd and 4th are not required to book a cabin if only 1 person is in it.[/quote]Agree that this could be a great idea. The other thing that would have to change, is that only the person getting the points should get a coupon book, not both in the cabin, just like the solo passenger.

[cruis247g]

[quote name='bjbear']This is absolutely the very best explanation. I too, don't look at it as "paying double" since I'm paying for the room, just like a hotel. If I choose to have a roommate I'm paying half. :) I don't choose to have a roommate and know upfront that I'll have to pay the full cost, my personal choice.

So, I'm thrilled to receive the total points for the cabin, but agree with you that it would be nice to be able to use the other benefits, i.e., drink package, Blu, specialty restaurant to gift someone just as 2 people would get.

Thanks for this nice perception,
Sue[/QUOTE]

I absolutely agree! I'm grateful for points, but would appreciate the full benefits of paying double.

[cruisestitch]

As the originator of this post, let me chime in to say that we do not yet know the terms and conditions, as I said. Maybe the points will only be doubled if certain fares or staterooms are involved. Maybe there will be extra coupon sheets. Maybe not. Nobody yet knows. Perhaps we should wait to see the actual press release or announcement come from Captain's Club before jumping to too many conclusions.:p