Are you happier with the new overnight on the cruise you had booked?

[swigso]

Baltic cruises traditionally have an overnight in St Petersburg. The Casino and shops are closed...........no-one seems to find it unusual !

Hi Paul

I think the reason for the unrest is that there is a huge difference

in overnighting in St. Petersburg, Istanbul or Rome, indeed many

of the European cities where overnights are arranged have lots of

must sees. For instance Azamara arrange special cultural events

or special entertainment.

Did an overnight in Istanbul and it was really special, however

what is upsetting folks is that the Carribean offers little

of interest after dark, we were already scheduled to leave

Curacao at 11pm, we will probably not venture ashore after

We return from the beach.

[LF2C]

Hi Paul

I think the reason for the unrest is that there is a huge difference

in overnighting in St. Petersburg, Istanbul or Rome, indeed many

of the European cities where overnights are arranged have lots of

must sees. For instance Azamara arrange special cultural events

or special entertainment.

Did an overnight in Istanbul and it was really special, however

what is upsetting folks is that the Carribean offers little

of interest after dark, we were already scheduled to leave

Curacao at 11pm, we will probably not venture ashore after

We return from the beach.

 

Couldn't agree more about the overnights in Europe. I think I already said that European cities and the Caribbean are world apart. Whilst the loss of one port is a shame, for us it's certainly not a deal breaker! I would also I like to comment on the information our lack of it from Celebrity. We booked our Caribbean cruise direct with them not a TA and whilst I had already found out about the change to the itinerary from our U.S. Cruise friends, it wasn't long before I got an email from them with the revised itinerary. So no complaint from me!

[Fouremco]

We are booked on the Eclipse for a March Southern Caribbean cruise that originally included a stop in Grenada. We've only visited once previously and were looking forward to exploring more of the lovely spice island.

 

Now we are stuck with an overnight in Barbados, arriving on Easter Sunday and departing Easter Monday. While Barbados is a pleasant enough destination, and we've enjoyed past visits, we certainly don't need two more days there, especially at Easter with so many things closed. If this was a one-week cruise, we would probably cancel and book a different itinerary, but being 14 days, we will put up with it.

 

I heartily agree with comments made by others about Celebrity not being able to differentiate between an overnight stop in a major European city and small Caribbean island port. :rolleyes:

[janewe]

Couldn't agree more about the overnights in Europe. I think I already said that European cities and the Caribbean are world apart. Whilst the loss of one port is a shame, for us it's certainly not a deal breaker! I would also I like to comment on the information our lack of it from Celebrity. We booked our Caribbean cruise direct with them not a TA and whilst I had already found out about the change to the itinerary from our U.S. Cruise friends, it wasn't long before I got an email from them with the revised itinerary. So no complaint from me!

Correct me if I am wrong Paul but is it not a 2017 Cruise you are on?

 

The problem for many on this thread is the very short lead time in being told Ports were dropped for over nights. Many, like us, have booked Air because when Cruising in peak periods from the frozen north, one has to do it early.

[janewe]

We are booked on the Eclipse for a March Southern Caribbean cruise that originally included a stop in Grenada. We've only visited once previously and were looking forward to exploring more of the lovely spice island.

 

Now we are stuck with an overnight in Barbados, arriving on Easter Sunday and departing Easter Monday. While Barbados is a pleasant enough destination, and we've enjoyed past visits, we certainly don't need two more days there, especially at Easter with so many things closed. If this was a one-week cruise, we would probably cancel and book a different itinerary, but being 14 days, we will put up with it.

 

I heartily agree with comments made by others about Celebrity not being able to differentiate between an overnight stop in a major European city and small Caribbean island port. :rolleyes:

I hope you remembered to vote in the Poll. It's moving in the direction of 4 to 1 for those who would prefer not to lose a Port for an over night.

 

It would be nice to get to that ratio as I am sure Celebrity could not ignore that overwhelming response.

[Soca Queen]

Correct me if I am wrong Paul but is it not a 2017 Cruise you are on?

 

The problem for many on this thread is the very short lead time in being told Ports were dropped for over nights. Many, like us, have booked Air because when Cruising in peak periods from the frozen north, one has to do it early.

 

 

We are also on a cruise 2017 booked March onboard, to be told a month later....

[LF2C]

Correct me if I am wrong Paul but is it not a 2017 Cruise you are on?

 

The problem for many on this thread is the very short lead time in being told Ports were dropped for over nights. Many, like us, have booked Air because when Cruising in peak periods from the frozen north, one has to do it early.

 

You are right as far as the Caribbean is concerned. I suppose I'd feel like others if they suddenly changed the itinerary for the Canaries in October. Does anyone actually know why Celebrity are changing itineraries? I read a lot of speculation and personal thoughts but have not seen anything official.

[Altamira]

Just got back from a dive trip in the Western Caribbean only to find a message from our Celebrity Vacation Planner advising Celebrity is dropping the stop at Bonaire in favor of an overnight in Curacao. Bonaire is the reason we booked this cruise .

We find it outrageous that Celebrity would change the itinerary without at least asking those of us affected if we wanted to stay overnight in Curacao if it meant dropping Bonaire. To add insult to injury, Celebrity explains their action with the ridiculous excuse of "that is what people want" which does not withstand close scrutiny. Curacao is a great port, but does not warrant an overnight stay in lieu of a day at Bonaire. An overnight stay in ports such as Venice, Rome, Florence, Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon, Istanbul, and many others is a great idea, but an overnight in the Caribbean is not reasonable or desireable if the polling above is even close to being valid.

All Celebrity has done by their action is to drive us to Holland America or Princess for itineraries that include Bonaire.

[ghstudio]

You are right as far as the Caribbean is concerned. I suppose I'd feel like others if they suddenly changed the itinerary for the Canaries in October. Does anyone actually know why Celebrity are changing itineraries? I read a lot of speculation and personal thoughts but have not seen anything official.

 

Do you really expect Celebrity to say that they changed the itineraries to save on fuel costs and improve their bottom line....(if that's the real reason). They stated the (marketing) reason....we asked for the overnights (not sure based on this poll who we actually is)

[Oville]

I hope you remembered to vote in the Poll. It's moving in the direction of 4 to 1 for those who would prefer not to lose a Port for an over night.

 

It would be nice to get to that ratio as I am sure Celebrity could not ignore that overwhelming response.

 

I can't see the poll. How many people have voted?

[janewe]

You are right as far as the Caribbean is concerned. I suppose I'd feel like others if they suddenly changed the itinerary for the Canaries in October. Does anyone actually know why Celebrity are changing itineraries? I read a lot of speculation and personal thoughts but have not seen anything official.

This response is for you Paul. There has been a lot of discussion pro and con, mostly against over nights and most folks have made their position clear. This is not intended to resume that debate but rather provide you with some input as per your request.

 

Celebrity claim that seen as it was a success in the European Ports they are going to introduce it to the Caribbean.

 

They sent a survey out and it seemed some wanted it. I don't know how they couched the questions or what were the actual results of their survey but they came out and said people wanted it.

 

That of course runs counter to what posters on here want with it running close to 4 to 1 against. Some say the Poll has no credence because the sample is too small. My opinion differs from that and is supported by statistics on Polls.

 

There are some on here that think there is a hidden agenda. A cost savings in fuel, port charges, pilot fees for example. I agree with that position.

 

I think the over riding concern is what is there to do after dark in these Islands other than to go out to Bars and Restaurants? Many say you can't compare European Ports for things to do, historical places to see and Caribbean Ports at night in the dark.

 

Many also having "paid" for dinner and drinks on board don't want to go out and pay for another meal.

 

Other than doing that, the question remains unanswered, what is there to do in Caribbean Ports over nights?

 

I think the resounding answer is nothing and we await Celebrity cancelling this proposed policy for the Caribbean.

[ghstudio]

I think there is little chance of Celebrity changing again. They must have known they would antagonize some folks with the changes...that's a business risk. They must assume that they will be able to fill the ships with at least the same avg $'s per cabin with the new itineraries. The cost savings have probably already been folded into the financial projections.

 

I personally doubt that celebrity really thought they could increase their revenue with this change...that they could charge more because of the new stopover itineraries....and they took a business risk that assumes that there are lots of fish in the sea, so it doesn't matter if they ruffle a few feathers and lose some customers.

 

Many of us don't like the changes, almost no one likes the way they made the changes...in fact, I think it may have been done in "financial projection panic mode". It just doesn't appear to have been well thought out with any sort of implementation plan. But they aren't going to change those cruises back....the die is cast.

[Oville]

I think there is little chance of Celebrity changing again. They must have known they would antagonize some folks with the changes...that's a business risk. They must assume that they will be able to fill the ships with at least the same avg $'s per cabin with the new itineraries. The cost savings have probably already been folded into the financial projections.

 

I personally doubt that celebrity really thought they could increase their revenue with this change...that they could charge more because of the new stopover itineraries....and they took a business risk that assumes that there are lots of fish in the sea, so it doesn't matter if they ruffle a few feathers and lose some customers.

 

Many of us don't like the changes, almost no one likes the way they made the changes...in fact, I think it may have been done in "financial projection panic mode". It just doesn't appear to have been well thought out with any sort of implementation plan. But they aren't going to change those cruises back....the die is cast.

 

Could another factor be how well the Infinity cruises were selling with an overnight in Aruba. Also, the Mardi Gras cruise has been very popular.

[janewe]

I can't see the poll. How many people have voted?

The Poll is at the top of the thread but in case you have a glitch the up to date results are:

 

Asked for preference 9

 

Did not ask 210

 

Prefer over night 53

 

No, prefer to visit another Port 174.

[Oville]

The Poll is at the top of the thread but in case you have a glitch the up to date results are:

 

Asked for preference 9

 

Did not ask 210

 

Prefer over night 53

 

No, prefer to visit another Port 174.

 

Thanks, I haven't been able to open or vote on a poll since I upgraded to IOS-8.

 

Regarding the poll, keep in mind people voted who do not have these cruises booked. It's impossible to know how many of the votes came from these folks. The OP pointed this out (or called people out) early on.

 

By the way, we have two 2016 with the itineraries changed.

[janewe]

I think there is little chance of Celebrity changing again. They must have known they would antagonize some folks with the changes...that's a business risk. They must assume that they will be able to fill the ships with at least the same avg $'s per cabin with the new itineraries. The cost savings have probably already been folded into the financial projections.

 

I personally doubt that celebrity really thought they could increase their revenue with this change...that they could charge more because of the new stopover itineraries....and they took a business risk that assumes that there are lots of fish in the sea, so it doesn't matter if they ruffle a few feathers and lose some customers.

 

Many of us don't like the changes, almost no one likes the way they made the changes...in fact, I think it may have been done in "financial projection panic mode". It just doesn't appear to have been well thought out with any sort of implementation plan. But they aren't going to change those cruises back....the die is cast.

You are entitled to your opinion regarding your comment "I personally doubt Celebrity really thought they could increase their revenue with this change".

 

Given that it's very clear there is nothing to do in Caribbean Ports in the late evening other than the minority, younger demographic on two week southern cruises being able to to go to the Disco. Why then do you think they did it?

[LF2C]

This response is for you Paul.

 

Thank you for taking the time and trouble to reply.

I get the impression that whilst feelings are running high, there's not a lot customers can do other than vote with their feet if they feel the itineraries offered by X no longer meet their expectations. Then, perhaps X will get the message. In the meantime, I think (for me at least) this thread has been "done to death", so I'll maybe see you all on another one, or maybe on a cruise ship one day. :)

[ghstudio]

You are entitled to your opinion regarding your comment "I personally doubt Celebrity really thought they could increase their revenue with this change".

 

Given that it's very clear there is nothing to do in Caribbean Ports in the late evening other than the minority, younger demographic on two week southern cruises being able to to go to the Disco. Why then do you think they did it?

 

To save fuel $. On many, if not most overnights the casino will have to remain closed...that's lost revenue. As far as the rest of the ship, it doesn't matter all that much if the ship is sitting in port or not...most folks will stay on-board, party on-board and so on. The only way revenue (not profit) increases would be if the overnights allowed Celebrity to raise their prices...and I doubt many will pay a premium to stay overnight in the Caribbean ports chosen.

[Gabby415]

I just logged on to check a possible excursion for Dominica and realized it was no longer a stop. I had no idea the change had occurred for either cruise. Equinox lost Dominica in favor of an overnight in St. Maarten and our 2017 Eclipse cruise no longer stops in Grenada and will overnight in Aruba.

 

We love St. Maarten and Aruba but would much prefer the additional port and to spend the evening "cruising" rather than docked. We are very disappointed at the changes and are not certain at this point what, if any, changes we will make.

Edited June 19, 2015 by Gabby415

[Christine Frances]

I will be very interested to see what my guide in Cartegena comes up with for night touring - I know she is working them up now as she was fully aware of X offering the overnights. I can just imagine something really special in the beautiful old town:)

 

Also I keep checking to see what X will be offering for their night tours. Hopefully they can take advantage of the relationship with Azamara to come up with something really different. I have friends who are on one of the affected sailings with lots of OBC and they are waiting impatiently for X to upload their Shorex lol They don't really care as they are newbie's so it's all good:D

[GordonJasmine]

We are booked on Eclipse Southern Caribean next April and would only know about the change from reading about it on Cruise Critic. Neither Celebrity nor our TA has said a word to us. We were so looking forward to Bonaire and are very, very disappointed!!

[rjrpar]

We are happy with the overnight

[daydreamer16]

We are sad to miss Grenada on our Eclipse cruise (2/16), but happy to spend two days in Curacao, since we've never been. We received an email from Celebrity with the new itinerary a couple of weeks ago and got a phone call from Celebrity this week.

[janewe]

We are booked on Eclipse Southern Caribean next April and would only know about the change from reading about it on Cruise Critic. Neither Celebrity nor our TA has said a word to us. We were so looking forward to Bonaire and are very, very disappointed!!

Close to four to one share your disappointment.

 

I see, as a comparison, from Carnival's earnings out yesterday that their fuel costs decreased 37% and their earnings doubled over the comparable 2nd quarter last year.

 

It beats me why Celebrity would need to exclude Bonaire as the fuel savings would be minimal. It could be because they got a deal on the Port fees, got a licence to operate the Casino and are will be able to offer more in house excursions. It's all about the money, for them, not the customer experience.

 

It's all okay if this is what we were contracted to do but to exclude a Port on short notice, actually no notice, still have not heard from them directly or through my T.A. is not customer friendly.

[Oville]

Close to four to one share your disappointment.

 

It's all okay if this is what we were contracted to do but to exclude a Port on short notice, actually no notice, still have not heard from them directly or through my T.A. is not customer friendly.

 

You keep relying on the poll which is anything but scientific. Anyone, including those who are not booked on a cruise with the changed itinerary can vote. Also trolls who have never booked a Celebrity cruise can also vote.

 

We too have never received any notifications about our 2 altered cruises but I am long over being disappointed and have been doing research for our overnights.

 

If you are so unhappy about the change to your "contracted" cruise, cancel and get your money back. I really don't want to sound mean about this but it's been many weeks since the changes were announced and it's time to move on.

Edited June 24, 2015 by Oville