Modern Luxury needs a refit

[Can'tstopcruising]

You have to wonder how many of the Zeniths are/were budget cruisers from FL taking advantage of all of the last minute specials over the past few years, before Captain's Club went to the point system? Of course if they went on 100 cruises they still spent a lot of money over the years even in an inside.

 

Not that I'm slamming them, just curious. I myself am one of those that made it to Elite in 5 cruises, which some here in the past have mentioned they tend to resent.

 

I think it's becoming apparent, especially in light of some recent announcements that RCL has made that yes, they no longer really want the budget cruisers that stay in the cheapest rooms, bring on their own soda and water, never eat in a specialty restaurant, don't buy anything in the shops, don't gamble, don't take ship's excursions, etc.

 

Now if they would only keep the product to the level to justify that attitude. I have no trouble paying more to get more, it's when we pay more and get less that makes me look elsewhere.

 

The reason we take so many cruises is Budget!

 

Mostly we do it to get away from the cold winter. We like to go south for about 3 weeks. We are very happy with an inside cabin.

 

I agree. The Insider is being penalized. None of the offers are available to us. Even to the extent that on my birthday, I received an email from Celebrity giving me a $50 OBC, then told it was not for inside cabins. Why send it to me in the first place????? I complained on the ship, and they did give it to me in the end.

 

As to your other observation, we have met cruisers who stay aboard for six weeks at a time, all in insides.

[chamima]

I haven't seen designs before on ships this size without insides or OV's. I remember a balcony used to be very expensive, so now I wonder if it is a reasonable design and if it doesn't mean balcony prices will fall.

 

In my family engineering skipped a generation with me, so maybe someone can point out a ship this size without those categories and I will check out the deck plan.

 

 

The new Royal and Regal Princess ships have no OV cabins.

But they DO have insides.

[villauk]

It is my understanding that the new builds will not have Inside or OV cabins. 20% of cabins will be Suites as compared to 4% on current S Class ships. Finally, I found the staff on this cruise to be the best I've experienced. Both the HD and the GRM were very responsive. really one of the best TAs I've experienced.

 

 

Surely that would be a negative for the suite guests? I thought one of the main reasons paying extra for a suite was to have less people in the areas you frequent? Those suite cruisers that say they wanted their own dining room because the MDR is too noisy, crowded and not intimate, would basically be moving from one crowded area to another - especially if the new build suite dining room has to be extended to cater for the additional guests :confused:.

 

Additionally, Michael's Club wouldn't be so exclusive if more pax were allowed access. What about embarkation lunch? It could result in similar situations to the Oceanview: pax all searching for a seat ;). Some posters are already questioning about the 'nibbles' provided in MC, and that's before sharing with five times as many guests.

 

I may be totally off the mark, but I thought that's what the 'high end' cruise line passengers expected: fewer pax and higher staff ratios. It's similar to an aircraft carrying 400 passengers and seating 16 in first class on your outward journey, followed by a return flight holding 80 in first - not so quiet, relaxed and intimate anymore?

[hulamoon]

The new Royal and Regal Princess ships have no OV cabins.

But they DO have insides.

 

I will check and see how they handled OV's in the front, maybe staff get the lower OV's. I do see how Insides would be handy.

 

In many ways this makes no economic sense to exclude categories that no other category can fit in.

 

I imagine MC will not be a problem, I bet the majority will be SS or they will build a giant MC. People used to love dining rooms and the food was outstanding. It's just a way to increase revenue and interest to have all the specialty restaurants. Now the resources are there and unfortunately sometimes the MDR sounds like the cheap seats in reviews.

When I hear a line is great, just do not eat in the MDR I don't like it. But it seems to be more and more common.

[gcgold]

The new Royal and Regal Princess ships have no OV cabins.

 

But they DO have insides.

 

 

and inside balconies [emoji41]

[smtcan]

The new Royal and Regal Princess ships have no OV cabins.

But they DO have insides.

 

We have cruised on Royal Princess and I quite like the concept of balconies and insides. We were in a group of ten, with three balconies and two insides. I can't imagine how they could design a ship without inside cabins unless a lot of space was wasted. Long narrow cabins with just one corridor?

 

Sheila

[kenevenpar]

The new Royal and Regal Princess ships have no OV cabins.

But they DO have insides.

 

And inside balconies

[Orator]

and inside balconies [emoji41]

 

Inside balconies are a possibility.

 

The MDR food was fine. Service in Select superb!

 

ORV:

I can only speak for myself. I started cruising on Celebrity in 2000 when one paid to join the Captain's Club. My first cruise was in a Sky Suite, but I've been in cabins from an Inside to a Celebrity Suite. I typically took an AQ cabin (about 25 cruises). When the new program was announced I booked Suites to get to the Zenith level. I wanted to get there quickly before they changed the rules of the program. (the program has not been changed. I didn't want to risk a change since I was close). My last cruise, SIL TA was in a Concierge. I now look for the best price as I receive Suite benefits; although I like a Sky Suite from time to time. From what I've observed Zeniths for the most part tend to book as they did before reaching Zenith. A few, not many have lowered their cabin category and still receive the Suite benefits. We do not get Lumanae so Suites are still attractive for some who want the dining.

[CruisingChick]

The reason we take so many cruises is Budget!

 

Mostly we do it to get away from the cold winter. We like to go south for about 3 weeks. We are very happy with an inside cabin.

 

I agree. The Insider is being penalized. None of the offers are available to us. Even to the extent that on my birthday' date=' I received an email from Celebrity giving me a $50 OBC, then told it was not for inside cabins. Why send it to me in the first place?????[/quote']

 

We book insides and never get any perks. Thank goodness we bought 100 shares of RCL Stock when it was $5.50. We've gotten OBC on all our cruises because we never have any other perks.

 

I do have to say just because we book insides we still spend money on the ship. Our last cruise we had $850 in OBC and still owed Celebrity over $300 at the end of the cruise. So it's not that we are cheapskates it's just if we want to sail 2-3 times a year we need to book insides.

 

Believe me if DH and I won the MegaMillions tonight we'd be booking a suite for our next cruise.

[teecee60]

 

We have done 6 TA/TPs on 3 different lines.

 

We enjoy TAs but we get on hoping for wonderful weather and knowing that we can sleep late every day, catch up on our reading, meet new people, and not have to be anywhere at a set time.

 

If you get on a TA with a smile, a bit of patience and a sense of humor you can get hooked on them:)

 

But COMPLAINING about WHAT *F*R*E*E* stuff you get, WHERE you get it, WHEN you get it, and HOW you get it, is SSOOO much more rewarding... :eek: :rolleyes: ;)

 

 

Also we have always wanted to take a Transatlantic, but now I think we will pass. Too many Elite, Elite+, etc.

 

 

We just got back from the same Silhouette T/A, and we had an absolutely WONDERFUL vacation.

 

PART of me wants to encourage you (and everyone else :p) to avoid them... so demand...and prices drop, and I can continue to get my inside cabin on them for RIDICULOUSLY low prices.

 

Another part of me wants to encourage you to at least TRY one, by telling you that not ALL Elites, Elite+, etc. are snobbish narcissistic complainers, with an overblown sense of entitlement and self importance. :D

 

We had great food and service in the MDR, along with FANTASTIC drinks, lots of fun and good service in the various bars.

 

We also ate in Q-sine, Tuscan and the Lawn Club, each for 45% off.

 

COULD I complain that the weather was colder than I would have liked, AND that Celebrity FAILED to provide ANY compensation... or even a complimentary jacket??? YUP!

 

COULD I complain that I had to pay more for THIS 14 night TA($699pp), than the $449pp I paid for a 15 night Reflection TA 18 months ago? YUP!

 

COULD I complain that the $450 of FREE OBC was NOT ENOUGH, and I had to kick in $43 of MY OWN money at the end? YUP!

 

Could I complain that the gym FAILED to keep me from gaining 4 pounds? YUP!

 

But I'm thinking I will just book yet ANOTHER Celebrity TA for this fall... maybe even a B2B!

Edited May 8, 2015 by teecee60

[CruisingChick]

 

We just got back from the same Silhouette T/A, and we had an absolutely WONDERFUL vacation.

 

PART of me wants to encourage you (and everyone else :p) to avoid them... so demand and prices drop, and I can continue to get my inside cabin on them for RIDICULOUSLY low prices.

 

Thanks, I guess I will put it back on my list. The list is so long. I need to win the lottery so I can cruise more.

[Can'tstopcruising]

We book insides and never get any perks. Thank goodness we bought 100 shares of RCL Stock when it was $5.50. We've gotten OBC on all our cruises because we never have any other perks.

 

I do have to say just because we book insides we still spend money on the ship. Our last cruise we had $850 in OBC and still owed Celebrity over $300 at the end of the cruise. So it's not that we are cheapskates it's just if we want to sail 2-3 times a year we need to book insides.

 

Believe me if DH and I won the MegaMillions tonight we'd be booking a suite for our next cruise.

 

You made me laugh! Congratulations on your successful stock purchase!!

 

I don't consider myself a cheapskate when I spend less on board!

 

Mostly, we have a little wine and I do get massages and a manicure.

[hulamoon]

We book insides and never get any perks. Thank goodness we bought 100 shares of RCL Stock when it was $5.50. We've gotten OBC on all our cruises because we never have any other perks.

 

I do have to say just because we book insides we still spend money on the ship. Our last cruise we had $850 in OBC and still owed Celebrity over $300 at the end of the cruise. So it's not that we are cheapskates it's just if we want to sail 2-3 times a year we need to book insides.

 

Believe me if DH and I won the MegaMillions tonight we'd be booking a suite for our next cruise.

 

I wish I had the guts to purchase it during the downturn, but I didn't, because your cruising style seems amazing to me. I wondered if X would ever consider points for purchases inboard. Surely someone spending onboard is as beneficial as other real estate.

[CruisingChick]

I wish I had the guts to purchase it during the downturn, but I didn't, because your cruising style seems amazing to me. I wondered if X would ever consider points for purchases inboard. Surely someone spending onboard is as beneficial as other real estate.

 

Our stock purchase was almost a fluke. I put in a buy order months in advance (they are good for 6 months) that if RCL ever went to 5.50 a share to buy 100. I wasn't even watching and I got an e-mail when it hit that we had just purchased the shares. If I had any brains I should have RUN to the bank and withdrew my savings and bought 5,000 shares at 5.50.

 

My DH has said that same thing about points for purchases onboard. Just our martinis alone should rack up the points. :p

[hulamoon]

Our stock purchase was almost a fluke. I put in a buy order months in advance (they are good for 6 months) that if RCL ever went to 5.50 a share to buy 100. I wasn't even watching and I got an e-mail when it hit that we had just purchased the shares. If I had any brains I should have RUN to the bank and withdrew my savings and bought 5,000 shares at 5.50.

 

My DH has said that same thing about points for purchases onboard. Just our martinis alone should rack up the points. :p

 

My instinct in those years was to do it but I let my frightened brain buy other stuff. Well this would have been th better buy.

 

They could begin the points for purchase at the zen level. Lol

[81Zoomie]

Our stock purchase was almost a fluke. I put in a buy order months in advance (they are good for 6 months) that if RCL ever went to 5.50 a share to buy 100. I wasn't even watching and I got an e-mail when it hit that we had just purchased the shares. If I had any brains I should have RUN to the bank and withdrew my savings and bought 5,000 shares at 5.50.

 

My DH has said that same thing about points for purchases onboard. Just our martinis alone should rack up the points. :p

 

Points for purchases..... A good thought. HAL does that.

[GottaKnowWhen]

...My DH has said that same thing about points for purchases onboard. Just our martinis alone should rack up the points. :p

 

 

The Celebrity (Bank of America) credit card earns points for every dollar charged, double for Celebrity purchases. Points translate to OBC or other benefits.

[gold1953]

Just off an eleven day in an aqua class. Could not even use the Persian Garden due to passengers SNORING and other unmentionables. Really? I'm all about relaxing but using the Gardens for your afternoon "coma time" is a real turn off. No post-anesthesia staff on hand to monitor upper and lower airways. (read between the sheets on this one) Jeez...

 

The snoring ruins it for us as well.. so much for relaxation.. more like gag time

[Orator]

The snoring ruins it for us as well.. so much for relaxation.. more like gag time

 

I don't like the snoring as well, but the room can provide a very relaxing feeling and many do intentionally or unintentionally fall asleep. That comes with the territory. What bothers me is when some use the facility as a place for loud talking. That is intentional! The loud sound when the door closes can also interrupt the relaxing mood. Could be easily avoided if people just held the door until it closed and prevent the slamming. Courtesy to others please.

[Seamore Shores]

I cant wait to get enough cruises under my belt to be a cruise snob. Right now I get excited when they give me a free bottle of water!:D

[jagoffee]

and inside balconies [emoji41]

 

Are you sure the Royal Princess has inside balconies? I did not see any. I know the newer RCCl ships have inside balconies.

 

I would be very surprised if the new Celebrity ships did not have any inside cabins. No OV window cabins makes some sense as on the new Princess designs. I wonder if there are any cruise ships that do not have any inside cabins. It would certainly be an interesting design on a larger ship especially on the lower decks.

[Oxo]

I cant wait to get enough cruises under my belt to be a cruise snob. Right now I get excited when they give me a free bottle of water!:D

 

It takes Money or Years. So, don't give up. If you do get a free bottle of water, consider yourself lucky.

[gcgold]

Are you sure the Royal Princess has inside balconies? I did not see any. I know the newer RCCl ships have inside balconies.

 

 

 

I would be very surprised if the new Celebrity ships did not have any inside cabins. No OV window cabins makes some sense as on the new Princess designs. I wonder if there are any cruise ships that do not have any inside cabins. It would certainly be an interesting design on a larger ship especially on the lower decks.

 

 

didnt say princess has inside balconies as never been nor likely to be on a Princess . Knew RCI big boats have them [emoji41]

[yukongold]

We have done 6 TA/TPs on 3 different lines and IMHO they are different than other cruises. When you have 2500-3000 people confined on a ship for 6-8 straight days it is much different.

 

With no port days people stay up later, bars, casino, shows, activities have more people ( crowds). If the weather isn't conducive to being outside the ship interior spaces ( buffet, library, fitness center, atrium, promenade) begin to get very crowded and cabin fever can set in. At that point things that may not be a concern when you are heading to a new port every day or so become irritating.

 

We enjoy TAs but we get on hoping for wonderful weather and knowing that we can sleep late every day, catch up on our reading, meet new people, and not have to be anywhere at a set time. If you get on a TA with a smile, a bit of patience and a sense of humor you can get hooked on them:)

 

You make good points...long spans of sea days changes the dynamics of a cruise as opposed to a port every day or every other day.

[curtdesilets]

 

PART of me wants to encourage you (and everyone else :p) to avoid them... so demand...and prices drop, and I can continue to get my inside cabin on them for RIDICULOUSLY low prices....

 

COULD I complain that I had to pay more for THIS 14 night TA($699pp), than the $449pp I paid for a 15 night Reflection TA 18 months ago? YUP!

 

COULD I complain that the $450 of FREE OBC was NOT ENOUGH, and I had to kick in $43 of MY OWN money at the end? YUP!

 

 

Wow, I need to rethink doing a TA We too are Elite.