Open class experience

[DYKWIA]

They had single malt whisky at the Sunset Bar on the Eclipse last summer

[Earthworm Jim]

Seats in the main show room are reserved on formal nights.

 

You have to reserve showroom seats on formal nights? How do you do this?

[vulcan1971]

You have to reserve showroom seats on formal nights? How do you do this?

 

 

That is a perk for guests in suite class accommodations.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

[Earthworm Jim]

If I pay for a regular room I get the MDR, shows, room service, access to specialty restaurants, etc. They aren't taking anything away from me with the suite or Aqua Class amenities.

 

Sure they are taking something away, to a limited degree. When they make a new area for guests that are paying more, it's not like there is a new addition added onto the ship. That space, which used to be available to regular pax, is no longer so you are losing part of the ship. Not a huge deal, but not nothing.

 

With the new dining rooms for higher paying passengers, they are certainly going to have more space per guest and more staff per guest. If they weren't, it wouldn't be an upgrade from the MDR. If they are getting more space per person, someone else is getting less space per person since the ship isn't getting any bigger.

 

Similarly, if they are getting a better staff to guest ratio, someone else must be getting a worse staff to guest ratio unless they are now carrying more staff, which seems unlikely.

 

It's not a huge deal, and were it a new ship implementing these changes you might say "Well, maybe they designed it to have more space and service for the higher paying passengers without decreasing the normal standards of space and service for regular passengers." But since they are doing it on previously existing ships, that extra space and service is coming at someone else's expense, namely the guests in standard cabins.

[rockdoctor]

Thank you for the information.

But, in this case, where can I find premium malts, scoths and cognacs, if I would to have one? Is it possible to order one of them at the Emsemble Lounge (just outside Michaels Club)?

 

About the only thing about Celebrity that disappoints me is the variety of Single Malt Scotch. Laphroaig seemed to be the most commonly available. I've even seen it at the bar by the buffet.

[4774Papa]

Years ago, before Celebrity, I cruised on ships that had class distinctions with different dining rooms depending on your type of cabin. Menus and service varied. Deck areas and chairs were reserved for you. Your name was posted on a deck chair. That was the only chair on the deck that you could use. Less expensive cabins got chairs in poor locations near smoke stacks and in areas without shade. Often there were hundreds of empty chairs that I could not use. Deck stewards told you to leave if you dared to sit on a different chair. Some venues were off limits to people in less expensive cabins. Formal night was every night. White tie for the more expensive cabins and black tie for the others. It was elegant and expensive. The more you spent, the more areas of the ship were open to you. For people who spent less, there were many closed areas.There was no loyalty program. There weren't many cruise lines competing for customers. Cruising was an experience that cost a lot of money. In the 80s, a lot of new cruise lines entered the cruising market. With more ships sailing, cruise fares became more affordable. When Royal Caribbean started sailing with no class restrictions, I jumped at the opportunity to sail. I loved being able to sit down anywhere on a deck chair. The entire ship was open. Everyone enjoyed the same food, shows, towels, etc. If you chose to buy a more expensive cabin, you had more space or a more desirable location. Evening dress code was more relaxed. Only a few nights were formal. The new type of one class cruising attracted a lot of people. Soon, more new cruise lines were sailing with one class including Celebrity. Many of the older cruise lines with class distinctions were out of business. Now, after more than 35 years of no class distinctions, many areas of the ship are now restricted. I cannot go to Michael's Club unless I am Zenith or sail in a suite. I cannot eat in Blu unless I sail in Aqua Class. Seats in the main show room are reserved on formal nights. The new suite dining room will also be another restricted area. When will I be restricted to my one deck chair? Each time I sail on Celebrity, I am reminded of those old cruise lines. There seems to be more class distinctions. I love the open ship concept with unreserved deck chairs. Most of the class system cruise lines are out of business. Bring back the open class experience.

I didn't cruise in the old days, but have done 7 Celebrity and 5 NCL in past five years.

In my opinion, the so called class distinctions on X ships are modest. We cruised in aqua once and didn't feel like eating in BLU and using Persian Gardens turned us into first class passengers.

 

Also, Michael's Club was never a place that we frequented. I think it was smart for X to make some good use out of the place.

 

The only place that I feel a class distinction in traveling is when I get on an airplane. I don't pay the outrageous prices for first class and don't mind being treated as a plebeian, since I got a far better price.

[DirtyDawg]

Years ago, before Celebrity, I cruised on ships that had class distinctions with different dining rooms depending on your type of cabin. Menus and service varied. Deck areas and chairs were reserved for you. Your name was posted on a deck chair. That was the only chair on the deck that you could use. Less expensive cabins got chairs in poor locations near smoke stacks and in areas without shade. Often there were hundreds of empty chairs that I could not use. Deck stewards told you to leave if you dared to sit on a different chair. Some venues were off limits to people in less expensive cabins. Formal night was every night. White tie for the more expensive cabins and black tie for the others. It was elegant and expensive. The more you spent, the more areas of the ship were open to you. For people who spent less, there were many closed areas.There was no loyalty program. There weren't many cruise lines competing for customers. Cruising was an experience that cost a lot of money. In the 80s, a lot of new cruise lines entered the cruising market. With more ships sailing, cruise fares became more affordable. When Royal Caribbean started sailing with no class restrictions, I jumped at the opportunity to sail. I loved being able to sit down anywhere on a deck chair. The entire ship was open. Everyone enjoyed the same food, shows, towels, etc. If you chose to buy a more expensive cabin, you had more space or a more desirable location. Evening dress code was more relaxed. Only a few nights were formal. The new type of one class cruising attracted a lot of people. Soon, more new cruise lines were sailing with one class including Celebrity. Many of the older cruise lines with class distinctions were out of business. Now, after more than 35 years of no class distinctions, many areas of the ship are now restricted. I cannot go to Michael's Club unless I am Zenith or sail in a suite. I cannot eat in Blu unless I sail in Aqua Class. Seats in the main show room are reserved on formal nights. The new suite dining room will also be another restricted area. When will I be restricted to my one deck chair? Each time I sail on Celebrity, I am reminded of those old cruise lines. There seems to be more class distinctions. I love the open ship concept with unreserved deck chairs. Most of the class system cruise lines are out of business. Bring back the open class experience.

 

I'm all for a 'class' system on Celebrity or any other cruise line. If I splurge for a suit I expect more goodies. Just like if I buy a $100K car, I expect more compared to a $25K car. That being said I probably will never pay up to get a suite and those goodies - I'm just too cheap.;) But for those who do - go for it and enjoy your perks. There is a lot of square footage on a ship, reserving some for the suite guests is no big issue. There are a lot of other places to eat and drink! :)

 

I've never seen a non-suite Celebrity cruiser either emaciated or thirsty disembarking a ship. I doubt that fact will change with the new 'class' system.

Edited February 24, 2015 by DirtyDawg

[DaisyFire]

I think you are right about the cultural differences and Celebrity strikes as being very international in their clientele. We Brits are more reserved and sometimes take longer to warm to new people. Husband has a global team and says the differences between countries and cultures can be very marked. He spends most of his professional life meeting new people and a holiday is an opportunity to switch off and ignore everyone. As our DS is away at boarding school which is also very busy (there is always something going on), going on holiday is a time to chill out and do nothing. I appreciate that some none-Brits may interpret our behaviour as stand offish but it is not intended to offend.

 

Hmmm... Perhaps I am a misplaced Brit? :)

[Miss SeaBee]

I think Celebrity has struck the perfect market balance, big ship amenities with premium options for passengers like me, who are willing to pay more for a special experience. I get exactly the experience I want to pay for, which makes me happy as a consumer and a stockholder! Yay, Celebrity!

[vulcan1971]

I think Celebrity has struck the perfect market balance, big ship amenities with premium options for passengers like me, who are willing to pay more for a special experience. I get exactly the experience I want to pay for, which makes me happy as a consumer and a stockholder! Yay, Celebrity!

 

 

Well stated.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

[Miss SeaBee]

Exactly! I am a suite person because I do prefer big ship amenities, but am not social, especially on vacation. I am happy to pay more for a quality personalized experience that combines many public space options as well as a private, quiet retreat.

 

It is this very ability to enjoy this type of quiet holiday you describe but with access to all the facilities of a large ship that makes Suite Class so attractive. Not every cruiser wants to socialise beyond the pleasantries of a general hello. For my family (and extended family if present), a holiday is to regroup and spend time together, catch up on what each has been doing which we do not normally do on a daily or weekly basis. We go on small group or fully private tours, avoid the big coach tours unless unavoidable. Getting off and on a ship without long waits is an absolute bonus.

 

Some commentators suggest that Suite people want to feel special. This could not be further from the truth. We do not want people to notice us and if we remain unseen, all the better. It is that anonymity whilst still being a large crowd that so appeals. Sounds odd, but that is how we like it. Not everyone wants this and you will always get those who want you to know that they are travelling in a suite. Look at me, aren't I successful. However it is not true of everyone.

 

If Celebrity can pull off Suite Class in the way that they suggest and what your comments allude to, I would be happy to give them repeat business. If not, will just go elsewhere. We sailed NCL Epic in the Haven and this was the experience we had and loved it, but we just did not like the rest of the NCL experience.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

It's nice to meet another kindred spirit that gets it .:):)

[NLH Arizona]

It's nice to meet another kindred spirit that gets it .:):)

Many of us non-suite cruisers also get it.

[Orator]

Exactly! I am a suite person because I do prefer big ship amenities, but am not social, especially on vacation. I am happy to pay more for a quality personalized experience that combines many public space options as well as a private, quiet retreat.

 

You a precisely the target passenger that Celebrity is seeking. Their research tells them that there is a signification market for people who want the attention and qualities of a small ship, but the amenities of a large ship. People can argue as much as they like. People can threaten to leave for another line. Unless and until the strategy fails to enhance the bottom line Celebrity will continue to go forward with their business plan and while comments any of us make might make us feel better, they will not alter the new realities.

[Miss SeaBee]

Exactly why Celebrity is a perfect fit for me. Others may be happier elsewhere, but I really do think X has something for everyone, from budget-minded to the top of the line. :)

 

 

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[Project_gal]

You a precisely the target passenger that Celebrity is seeking. Their research tells them that there is a signification market for people who want the attention and qualities of a small ship, but the amenities of a large ship. People can argue as much as they like. People can threaten to leave for another line. Unless and until the strategy fails to enhance the bottom line Celebrity will continue to go forward with their business plan and while comments any of us make might make us feel better, they will not alter the new realities.

 

Whatever an individual's opinion, this post perfectly states the situation.

[cruiseguys2009]

I am an avid Celebrity Fan. My partner of 25 years and I are lovingly addicted to Celebrity. Our April Equinox sailing will be our 42nd cruise. Our adventures are well known and we have over 200 folks sailing with us in just a few short weeks on the "JW and Jerome Adventures". I want to have as much fun as possible and take as many people with me as I can.

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, What disturbs us most, is not the decrease in service and items once accepted as Standards to be Revered on Celebrity, but it is so much so the increase of false premium items that were once the very epitome cruising standards available to all, that are now cast aside and provided solely for the very fortunate entitled few.

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, These cruising standards are now available only to a few ridiculous caricatures of a Kard-ass-ian Mentality, this new "Me First and ONLY Me" enthralled Entitled Class, so bewildered with self aggrandizement, that personalized toilet paper would be a new welcome and spectacular perk, so that they would forgo personal cleansing, just to show off to others their names imprinted on their Celebrity toilet paper and then post pictures of it here.

 

Don't fault Celebrity because they have discovered the secret that The Entitled Class has a "Problem". Their "Problem" is that these folks have money. AND Celebrity effectively relieves them of their "Problem".

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, A cool dose of humility and humbleness always goes a long way.

 

Our November Equinox Sailing was filled with so many incredulous arguing couples, jockeying for position, demanding, yelling, pushing at the buffet "Outta My Way, I am Elite Plus" "I go first" "I am in a Suite so I get service first" One lady shouted daily, having such a false sense of self importance, crating havoc because of a perceived false fairy tale, with an "I am better than you are", status attitude.

 

Hey, News Flash..........IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, ALL OF US ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. Money changes hands daily, one day ya got it, and the next day a person either dies or loses it. Whether someone spends nine dollars or nine hundred dollars, the service should be the exact same. That is what true customer service is.

 

IN HIS HUMBLE OPINION, on Judgement Day, those that were last will be first.

Edited March 4, 2015 by cruiseguys2009

[Project_gal]

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, These cruising standards are now available only to a few ridiculous caricatures of a Kard-ass-ian Mentality, this new "Me First and ONLY Me" enthralled Entitled Class, so bewildered with self aggrandizement, that personalized toilet paper would be a new welcome and spectacular perk, so that they would forgo personal cleansing, just to show off to others their names imprinted on their Celebrity toilet paper and then post pictures of it here.

 

I find your opinion offensive rather than humble but that is just my humble opinion.

[4774Papa]

cruiseguys,

Sorry, but I don't see it your way on this one. I have not experienced the "I am better than you" attitude.

Sue is right.

[DYKWIA]

...

Our November Equinox Sailing was filled with so many incredulous arguing couples, jockeying for position, demanding, yelling, pushing at the buffet "Outta My Way, I am Elite Plus" "I go first" "I am in a Suite so I get service first" .....

 

 

I have less issue with those in Suites who are paying a lot of money, way more than the square footage of their cabin would suggest, getting a few perks.

 

I do, however, wonder about the "Elites" benefits particularly when I hear of cruises with 300+ Elites on board and about people who have never sailed with Celebrity before but are able to claim Elite status, or people who haven't taken a cruise in 7 years yet still retain Elite status - I know of no airline or hotel where this would apply. Free drinks, internet and laundry etc all have costs paid for by other passengers.

 

Also dislike the work "elite" as it implies superiority.

Edited March 4, 2015 by DYKWIA

[phoenix_dream]

What I don't understand is why if so many are unhappy with the direction Celebrity has chosen to take that they don't vote with their wallets? In any other circumstance if a product I purchase is changed in a way I don't like I would go elsewhere especially if it is a big ticket item. Surely if enough people do so maybe Celebrity would be forced to change direction.

 

I want to comment on the continued theme of voting with wallets. I am one who has spoken out on some of these topics. I don't disagree with all, but I do think the 'pay to play' scenarios are getting a bit out of hand. But this post is not about that so I won't elaborate. My point is that even if there are some things I do not like about the current trends, there are a few facts to consider. First, as has been said, most other cruise lines are doing the same thing. So where do I go with my wallet (other than to a luxury line which I cannot afford)? Second, even if there are some things I don't like about Celebrity's trends, I still like their cruise line more than other similarly priced for the service and food and general quality. And last, my only option then, is to not cruise at all. Seems kind of like cutting my nose off to spite my face, doesn't it? That seems foolish to say the least.

 

So instead I use avenues like these boards to convey what I don't like (and often convey what I DO like) about the cruise line in the hopes someone is listening.

[DYKWIA]

Maybe sufficient people have reached saturation point on certain additional cost products - it appears that they will not be installing the Gastrobar onto the Eclipse now. People report that the Gastrobar makeover on the Equinox has not resulated in great results.

[NLH Arizona]

Our November Equinox Sailing was filled with so many incredulous arguing couples, jockeying for position, demanding, yelling, pushing at the buffet "Outta My Way, I am Elite Plus" "I go first" "I am in a Suite so I get service first" One lady shouted daily, having such a false sense of self importance, crating havoc because of a perceived false fairy tale, with an "I am better than you are", status attitude.

 

Wow, you had some horrible cruise with all of these folks. In all my Celebrity cruises, the only thing I've heard is some bragging that they are Elite or bragging about how many cruises they have been on, but never has anyone acted the way you encountered. If I'm ever on that kind of cruise, I'll jump overboard after I tell these folks what I think of them.

 

BTW, I've got no problem with the suite amenities and have never met anyone traveling in them with any kind of "I go first", "I am in a suite, so I get service first", etc., have only met some wonderful down to earth folks. Again, sorry you must have been on a cruise with the worst of the worst. I'd suggest another cruise line for you to try, but since they are all going in the same way with suites, I'm at a loss.

Edited March 4, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[uktog]

I am an avid Celebrity Fan. My partner of 25 years and I are lovingly addicted to Celebrity. Our April Equinox sailing will be our 42nd cruise. Our adventures are well known and we have over 200 folks sailing with us in just a few short weeks on the "JW and Jerome Adventures". I want to have as much fun as possible and take as many people with me as I can.

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, What disturbs us most, is not the decrease in service and items once accepted as Standards to be Revered on Celebrity, but it is so much so the increase of false premium items that were once the very epitome cruising standards available to all, that are now cast aside and provided solely for the very fortunate entitled few.

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, These cruising standards are now available only to a few ridiculous caricatures of a Kard-ass-ian Mentality, this new "Me First and ONLY Me" enthralled Entitled Class, so bewildered with self aggrandizement, that personalized toilet paper would be a new welcome and spectacular perk, so that they would forgo personal cleansing, just to show off to others their names imprinted on their Celebrity toilet paper and then post pictures of it here.

 

Don't fault Celebrity because they have discovered the secret that The Entitled Class has a "Problem". Their "Problem" is that these folks have money. AND Celebrity effectively relieves them of their "Problem".

 

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, A cool dose of humility and humbleness always goes a long way.

 

Our November Equinox Sailing was filled with so many incredulous arguing couples, jockeying for position, demanding, yelling, pushing at the buffet "Outta My Way, I am Elite Plus" "I go first" "I am in a Suite so I get service first" One lady shouted daily, having such a false sense of self importance, crating havoc because of a perceived false fairy tale, with an "I am better than you are", status attitude.

 

Hey, News Flash..........IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, ALL OF US ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT. Money changes hands daily, one day ya got it, and the next day a person either dies or loses it. Whether someone spends nine dollars or nine hundred dollars, the service should be the exact same. That is what true customer service is.

 

IN HIS HUMBLE OPINION, on Judgement Day, those that were last will be first.

 

I do not like being shouted at, in my very humble opinion, your post is way off beam. I do not have a Kardashian personality whatever that is, I have chosen to spend my very hard earned cash in the noise of cities of 20 million plus people on a little peace and quiet on Celebrity - maybe because I want to avoid large groups of people on board I have found the need to pay for that peace

[cruiseguys2009]

I find your opinion offensive rather than humble but that is just my humble opinion.

 

 

I guess you have not watched the new generation of Entitled American Television Shows, if you had, you would see where this new American behaviour is coming from and what it is teaching up and comers.

 

I was not meant to offend, only to shed light on the new standards of "Class" in the American society. Money does not buy class, unfortunately.