Idea for those unhappy with "loud" Celebrity ships

[LEtue]

A bit hard to do when the DJ's venue is the main atrium, as it was on Connie last week.

 

So right! I haven't sailed on Celebrity recently but this was also the case on the Star Princess in August. And unfortunately my cabin was right down the hall :mad: These cabins aren't the lowest inside cabins either and we actually received an upgrade????

 

So my issue is why are cruise lines moving entertainment out of the venues designed for it? It seems they thought everyone wanted entertainment all over the ship. :confused:

[CanadianDee]

I'll admit that I roll my eyes a bit when I hear people complain about the noise on the ships. I personally haven't experienced it and it reminds me of the time when I was eating with my grandparents and my grandfather got VERY upset at how "loud" the music was in the restaurant, where I didn't really notice it. Loud can mean many things to many people and can also depend on whether you like the music playing or not (music that you dislike may feel more "loud" than music you enjoy, even though both are at the same volume level).

 

Then I read a review by someone my age and a frequent Celebrity cruiser who echoed the "loud" complaint and I realized that maybe I was being dismissive. And maybe Celebrity is, too. And a big part of the problem is that "loud" means so many things to so many people and can be hard to quantify.

 

But not impossible.

 

Many, if not most, of us have smartphones. There are now apps that you can download that will give decibel readings for noise. I've used Decibel-O-Meter in the past. If people download the app prior to their trip, they can use that if they experience what they feel to be excessively loud noise. Then they have a data point that they can use when giving feedback to Celebrity that's harder to ignore. Maybe the ships are misinterpreting how loud they should play their music.

 

And if you do it, maybe post a comment in this thread as to what you found. (When/where you took the reading, what was happening, and what the decibel was.) I know Celebrity sometimes watches threads here and if we get enough data points it may show them that there actually IS a problem and it's not just a bunch of older passengers being grumpy. Or it could turn out that it is a bunch of passengers being grumpy. ;)

 

The only way to really know is to collect the data. It's hard to ignore data - and to also ignore the consequences of exposure to certain decibels, where "loud" can mean too many things to too many people.

 

More information on decibels here:

http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/education/information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/

 

Fabulous idea, Scarlett! I love the notion of evidence-based complaints/suggestions as opposed to some of the over-the-top complaints so often posted in forums.

 

Thanks Scarlett.

[tangerinebunny]

Think revenue.

 

Noisy, action packed bars must sell more drinks and attract more of those who drink at a faster pace.

 

Quiet, cozy, intimate bars probably have a slower drinking rate/turn over.

 

Isn't it alwas about the bottom line?

[cle-guy]

I'll admit that I roll my eyes a bit when I hear people complain about the noise on the ships. I personally haven't experienced it and it reminds me of the time when I was eating with my grandparents and my grandfather got VERY upset at how "loud" the music was in the restaurant, where I didn't really notice it. Loud can mean many things to many people and can also depend on whether you like the music playing or not (music that you dislike may feel more "loud" than music you enjoy, even though both are at the same volume level).

 

I did just this last year when the first loud complaints started happening about Martini Bar.

 

I downloaded DB Pro to my iPhone, and at Martini Bar, took a few readings during the busy period there. Most were in the 54-67 range, when I held closer to the speakers in ceiling I could get up to 74. This was on Summit, and the soundtrack playing was a modern DJ/electronic type music, but not the live DJ's.

[faymuiheng]

Hi Scarlett,

 

great ideal...I'm on board with this. Will download the app for my next cruise with Celebrity.

[flyingv4me]

Sound volumes haven't bothered me, but the choice of music certainly has. I'll simply choose another bar/venue if that is an issue. As someone else mentioned, I think that sensitivity to sound varies with the individual, just like temperature sensitivity. My wife freezes where I'm comfortable and is comfortable where I'm hot. My mom was on my Alaska cruise and thought the sound levels were way too high. The other seven of us couldn't understand why until she figured out she needed to adjust her hearing aid. Problem solved, for her anyway! YMMV.

[soraya]

Our first trip on Celebrity was on the Connie and we'd been really looking forward to the Martini Bar before dinner, but we never used it. They were playing house music that was loud. As loud as being in a club - in fact the people in the atrium on the floor below were having to shout to hear each other. Didn't seem a good match to the passengers that were onboard.

 

We found somewhere else to drink, but we'd been looking forward to it and it was of the things that meant Celebrity wasn't a good match for us.

[Mango Mike]

Having never been on a Celebrity ship (first one next January), is the "noise/volume" level typically the same on all the ships or are some worse than others?

 

We'll be on the Equinox and to be honest we will be hoping for at least a little peace and quiet on our 4 days at sea.

[Big_G]

Having never been on a Celebrity ship (first one next January), is the "noise/volume" level typically the same on all the ships or are some worse than others?

 

We'll be on the Equinox and to be honest we will be hoping for at least a little peace and quiet on our 4 days at sea.

 

I wouldn't worry about it Mike. I've never had a complaint about Celebrity's music especially on the the pool deck.

[cruisestitch]

I have actually done what the Aop suggested. I was up at the pool one day and the music was ear splitting. The app showed it to be loud enough to be in the range where hearing damage was a possibility. I showed the meter reading to a passing officer. His eyes got wide, he hightailed it over to where the band was playing and told them to tone it down. It stayed acceptable for a couple of days and then crept back up. The cruise director told me "it's the brand" and "Miami wants it that way":eek:

[LEtue]

Our first trip on Celebrity was on the Connie and we'd been really looking forward to the Martini Bar before dinner, but we never used it. They were playing house music that was loud. As loud as being in a club - in fact the people in the atrium on the floor below were having to shout to hear each other. Didn't seem a good match to the passengers that were onboard.

 

We found somewhere else to drink, but we'd been looking forward to it and it was of the things that meant Celebrity wasn't a good match for us.

 

That must have been disappointing - especially since you were sailing the Med and not the Caribbean where you might have expected it. :(

 

A martini bar and soft music would be a better atmosphere!

[Beach Nut]

Think revenue.

 

Noisy, action packed bars must sell more drinks and attract more of those who drink at a faster pace.

 

Quiet, cozy, intimate bars probably have a slower drinking rate/turn over.

 

Isn't it alwas about the bottom line?

 

I agree with tangerinebunny.

 

We've cut back on our cruising and are doing more land vacations over the past few years because of the much louder music all over the ships. We'd been pretty dedicated to Celebrity, but now I'm wondering if I'm missing another cruise line possibility for us that would give a more calm experience for a comparable price. Any suggestions? Oceania is too expensive, as I really need the fresh air of a balcony these days. I don't go to shows, discos or do casinos or shopping. Just like to be on the sea, relaxing and gazing at the ocean, in peace and quiet. And meet lots of nice people and see the sights from great ports.

 

I've done a lot of digging, but I can't find a line that's comparable price wise that's also quiet. I get sea sick on small ships, often even in a harbor.:(

 

I have been able to mostly create a quiet experience for myself, and ignore the noise when I have to, but old memories of having a quiet drink in an onboard bar, or relaxing in peace in my cabin are pretty much distant memories, if 3 of the past 4 cruises are the wave of the future.

 

Thanks.

[chicagopaul]

OP - I really like your idea. While I do agree with some of the others that music level can "sound" and feel different depending on your mood and even dependent on the style of music, Celebrity does need data and I think this is a great start. We will be on the Reflection for two weeks Nov. 28th. I'll take a record every night and will post it in my live blog.

 

Now personally, I never have had a big problem with the noise level. There have been some nights where it has been unusually loud, but typically it hasn't lasted the entire evening. We are regulars at the martini bar before and after dinner. While we are young by Celebrity standards (28 and 33), we are not your typical club goers. I much prefer a relaxing lounge or nice hotel bar to a night out at the clubs.

 

At the end of the day there is no pleasing everyone. One of the things we love about cruises is that depending on your mood there are different venues. If we are in a very relaxed mood we will hit up Ensemble. If we want a drink outside in the evening then you'll find us at Sunset. If we are in our normal mood before dinner you'll find us at the Martini Bar.

 

Cheers and Happy Cruising!

[xmarksx]

Having never been on a Celebrity ship (first one next January), is the "noise/volume" level typically the same on all the ships or are some worse than others?

 

We'll be on the Equinox and to be honest we will be hoping for at least a little peace and quiet on our 4 days at sea.

 

Mike, as a multitude of others have commented, this is all subjective.

 

Prior to my first X cruise last year on the Silhouette I worried a bit when reading the 2014 "noise level" complaints on this board. My dad and his wife, both late 70's were traveling with us and he wears hearing aids. Loud venues make it impossible to hold a conversation. Some of the then noise angst was being directed at the Molecular bar, same complaints you have read here. We had no trouble holding a conversation with my dad at Molecular, nor was the music ear-splitting or too loud. Was it louder than a doctors waiting room? Yes but it was what I might expect from a bar that touts itself as hip/trendy. Kind of like a martini ice bar...

 

Serious question. If we had the internet 30/40 years ago would the complaints be centered around X not having the 1940's style canteen singers any longer?

Edited October 28, 2015 by xmarksx

[emileg]

On Celebrity and Princess ships, I have complained for years about the excessively high volume levels for the production shows and some individual performers in the main theater. I have also used the decibel app, but no one particularly cares. I have spoken to the cruise directors and the audio engineers. Occasionally they have adjusted the volume at most for one performance. They have told me that volume levels are set by the company that designs the show and the expressed preferences of individual performers. I have also written my complaints on the end of cruise survey. It is a losing battle. Because I could enjoy many of the shows if they weren't so loud, I bring ear plugs along. It is not a perfect solution, because the plugs tend to block some of the mid-range and high frequency sounds that can make the music pleasant. If the music is very unpleasant because of loudness, sometimes, we simply walk out of the theater.

 

As far as other public areas, if we are looking for conversation, we move to other quieter venues.

Edited October 28, 2015 by emileg

[lovemylab]

Having never been on a Celebrity ship (first one next January), is the "noise/volume" level typically the same on all the ships or are some worse than others?

 

We'll be on the Equinox and to be honest we will be hoping for at least a little peace and quiet on our 4 days at sea.

 

When we cruised on the Equinox two years ago they barely played any music by the pool. You also have the Solarium as an option and there are lots of areas outside where the loungers are not near the pool.

 

The loudest music I've experienced on any of my X cruises was in the evening hours in the atrium/martini bar areas when they would have live bands/DJs. We were still able to carry on a conversation.

 

As others have said, music is subjective. After our Equinox cruise I recall seeing a comment on these boards about the "loud techno music" being played in the atrium each afternoon. I was on the same sailing and the only music I recall being played each afternoon was Phil Collins, Elvis Presley and Ben E. King....certainly not music that I would consider to be "techno".

[ShakeDaddy]

It does appear a number of the long time Celebrity cliental are going down kicking by complaining over and over again about music types and volume levels around the ship and during the shows.

 

Looking at the Record Profits of the last 5 years and the All Time High stock levels of RCCL(Celebrity) it's obvious Corporate really doesn't care what the more sedated cruiser wants. Actually it appears they want them to move on to the HAL, Azamaras, Crystal, SevenSeas of the world.

 

Those who are threatening to leave Celebrity IT IS exactly what Celebrity wants you to do, they are just not stating it and are trying to be polite.

 

It's Not the Words, it's the message. :) ;)

Edited October 28, 2015 by ShakeDaddy

[DavietheScot]

I honestly don't get this loud claim. Anyway there are plenty (to be honest for me to many ) quiet bars and areas on the ships if that's what you want. So I for one hope the Martini Bar etc keep the music/fun going, as ths ships are big enough for all tastes to be met without turning back the clock back and for me turning the ships into floating palaces of boardom.

[junetraveler2014]

OP,

Thanks for the post. Very interesting opinions, very interesting reading;)

[bobnjeff]

I agree with tangerinebunny.

 

We've cut back on our cruising and are doing more land vacations over the past few years because of the much louder music all over the ships. We'd been pretty dedicated to Celebrity, but now I'm wondering if I'm missing another cruise line possibility for us that would give a more calm experience for a comparable price. Any suggestions? Oceania is too expensive, as I really need the fresh air of a balcony these days. I don't go to shows, discos or do casinos or shopping. Just like to be on the sea, relaxing and gazing at the ocean, in peace and quiet. And meet lots of nice people and see the sights from great ports.

 

I've done a lot of digging, but I can't find a line that's comparable price wise that's also quiet. I get sea sick on small ships, often even in a harbor.:(

 

I have been able to mostly create a quiet experience for myself, and ignore the noise when I have to, but old memories of having a quiet drink in an onboard bar, or relaxing in peace in my cabin are pretty much distant memories, if 3 of the past 4 cruises are the wave of the future.

 

Thanks.

We are giving P&O UK a try after several disappointing X cruises. Can not stand the noise on X any more. We are trying the Arcadia which is adult only. We have friends from the UK that love them so we are giving it a try. We booked a 21 day cruise for $833. Inside cabin but balcony is only $1400. It can be hard to find good options out there but....this was too good a deal not to try. Cancelled a cruise on the Infinity for this one. We have two more future X bookings but will most likely cancel these too.

 

Sent from my BNTV600 using Tapatalk

[tangerinebunny]

I agree with tangerinebunny.

 

We've cut back on our cruising and are doing more land vacations over the past few years because of the much louder music all over the ships. We'd been pretty dedicated to Celebrity, but now I'm wondering if I'm missing another cruise line possibility for us that would give a more calm experience for a comparable price. Any suggestions? Oceania is too expensive, as I really need the fresh air of a balcony these days. I don't go to shows, discos or do casinos or shopping. Just like to be on the sea, relaxing and gazing at the ocean, in peace and quiet. And meet lots of nice people and see the sights from great ports.

 

I've done a lot of digging, but I can't find a line that's comparable price wise that's also quiet. I get sea sick on small ships, often even in a harbor.:(

 

I have been able to mostly create a quiet experience for myself, and ignore the noise when I have to, but old memories of having a quiet drink in an onboard bar, or relaxing in peace in my cabin are pretty much distant memories, if 3 of the past 4 cruises are the wave of the future.

 

Thanks.

 

Have you looked at Holland America? Their verandahs and cabins are a bit larger, and their bars are usually much quieter. We did five cruises with them, but after a while, it was time to try something new.

 

To be honest, there was always an almost empty bar somewhere on each ship.

[hcat]

I agree with tangerinebunny.

 

We've cut back on our cruising and are doing more land vacations over the past few years because of the much louder music all over the ships. We'd been pretty dedicated to Celebrity, but now I'm wondering if I'm missing another cruise line possibility for us that would give a more calm experience for a comparable price. Any suggestions? Oceania is too expensive, as I really need the fresh air of a balcony these days. I don't go to shows, discos or do casinos or shopping. Just like to be on the sea, relaxing and gazing at the ocean, in peace and quiet. And meet lots of nice people and see the sights from great ports.

 

I've done a lot of digging, but I can't find a line that's comparable price wise that's also quiet. I get sea sick on small ships, often even in a harbor.:(

 

I have been able to mostly create a quiet experience for myself, and ignore the noise when I have to, but old memories of having a quiet drink in an onboard bar, or relaxing in peace in my cabin are pretty much distant memories, if 3 of the past 4 cruises are the wave of the future.

 

Thanks.

 

We've had good luck recently at an all inclusive resort ....they had a quiet pool for reading, sunning etc and a more active party pool with activities and an awesome dj...also more options at night including real bands.... some great dining choices too.....not to mention a large, balcony room with soaking tub, and a great spa....plus excursions....we enjoyed it as a break from cruising ! Price runs a bit higher than a cruise but very few extras to shell out other than the spa. Just a suggestion, if you are seeking a change of pace.

 

Ships are a more enclosed environment so the sound plays differently in the atrium areas....wish they'd put the louder music into the clubs....like the upstairs lounge and Quasar on the S class ships ' entertainment level...that one never caught on...but was a great space with a really nice bar!

 

We love our balcony, aft bar, BLU, spa and solarium so we relax on board fairly well. No need to move on just yet...

[wallie5446]

Having never been on a Celebrity ship (first one next January), is the "noise/volume" level typically the same on all the ships or are some worse than others?

 

We'll be on the Equinox and to be honest we will be hoping for at least a little peace and quiet on our 4 days at sea.

 

Mike we are in our 60 ties, sailed the 11 day on the Equinox last yr,band are returning for the 10 day in 3 weeks. Don't worry, you will like the Equinox and Celebrity.

EW

[Beach Nut]

I really appreciate those who took the time to make suggestions to me for a peaceful alternative.

 

bobnjeff - those are incredible prices on the P&O Arcadia. I will definitely check out P&O. Hope that they have a strictly enforced non-smoking policy on balconies.

 

tangerinebunny - problem for me with HAL is that they seem to have turned into the "smokers' choice" line and allow it on balconies, last I saw.

 

hcat - we've done all inclusive resorts and I was considering one in Barbados for the future. (We'll be doing a self-catering condo vacation to Abaco in the Bahamas soon.)

 

Typically when we travel, it's to see as many interesting things as possible, which is why we cruise: always primarily for the itinerary, within our budget. Our land trips include a rental car and full day trips to various areas. Cruising gives my husband a break from driving.

 

Because we are so itinerary driven, certain cruises just make sense. We don't cruise to relax, even though, after a full day of sightseeing, I want my down time.

 

The reason we've stayed with Celebrity, despite the noise (and we've also had 3 major cabin noise issues in the last 4 cruises), is that the overall experience they give is second to none, for the price, at least for what we look for: dining, itinerary, cleanliness, fewer kids and, most importantly to me, a strictly enforced non-smoking policy on balconies.:)

 

It's been mentioned that Celebrity is trying to drive out its older base of customers, but I can't see that, as we were given a significant credit for a future cruise after taking a couple of hours to sit down with ship management to explain why the noise issue was making me feel that I wouldn't want to take another cruise. We didn't ask for anything. We didn't expect anything. I just wanted them to know how much I loved Celebrity and how depressed I was about the noise. Celebrity wants to attract new, younger cruisers, but they wouldn't have spontaneously given us so much credit, unasked (!), if they were trying to get rid of their elite level cruisers. (My husband thinks that we got the credit more for his suggestion that they move the unauthorized mahjong games from the card room just outside our cabin to the casino, where they could make money at it. Perhaps.)

 

I suppose I just have to work even harder at cabin choice, and realize that, like with weddings, there's always something that'll probably go wrong.

 

I've said it before: It may look and feel like a floating resort, but at the bottom of it all, it's a potentially "Master and Commander" experience. :eek: So, what's a little (or a lot of) noise if you have a safe trip? Overall, I really DO love Celebrity.

 

Thanks again.

 

See you in the Solarium. :D

[Ruthk]

OP it must be a thing only Texans understand! :rolleyes:

 

At 62 we must be too young to 'get it' or already gone deaf. 2013 on the Reflection, then 2014 for 11 days on the Equinox we did not find things too loud. I guess growin up listening to Led Zeplin, the Stones, and Chicago prepared us for Celebrity. :rolleyes:

 

I totally agree. I also am 62 and feel I am young at heart, I wish Celebrity had more music by the pool, in the Caribbean, I love to hear raggae. We love Celebrity and you can't please everyone, but I for one wishes there was more music on the ship. The only place I find the music too loud is the martini bar and I feel they have the wrong music mix. Being a martini bar they should be playing more Sinatra, Dean Martin, type of music.

 

But like I said, you can't please everyone.