Celebrity Suites the Step Children of the Fleet

[uktog]

But you were going to pay the money anyway, before the change, no? Or, was Michael's Club really worth a worse bathroom, worse location, and $2000+ ? You seem to have decided it was before, I am not sure what has changed.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

We had a choice to make, the CS was a compromise we made, was I happy, the word is compromise So no not entirely but I was accepting of what had to be which is a different thing.

 

What has changed is I did not have to make that compromise. And what frustrates as ever, the Ts and Cs we have to book under others can cancel, not so for us without a much higher penalty.

 

There is absolutely nothing that now justifies the surcharge on the CS in what matters to us.

 

For us as we have to take a penalty to move to a sky we may well take the same penalty and cancel. Ok we are only one fish in the pond so no big deal as far as the cruise line is concerned

[uktog]

Actually i was not happy 3 days ago with what i have but that is a different thread. I didn't get everything i paid for as i paid for Luminae 3 times per day and that was gone on our last cruise, i paid for access to MC for a limited number of people and that is gone and i paid for access to the MC concierge for a limited number of people and that is gone so no I am not getting what i paid for.

 

I don't actually need a lecture on how satisfied i should be with what i got. I guess unless you are happy with how Celebrity screws you don't bother to post on the Celebrity board as your opinion is not valid.

 

Well said, we are in exactly your situation. I have read your previous posts on this and said yes, yes, yes.

 

Bottom line I am not impressed at all,but I may have a get out. I've just discovered our cruise is closed to further bookings sold out a year ahead.....maybe I might have a solution, it might be a charter......

 

And Cle Guy, we ,now you are a paid advocate anyway, we Brits don't need a remark that infers it's our problem our Ts and CS and we should have booked through a US agent. Why should we, if this is a genuine international line, they should be fair to all.

 

However, whilst I rolled with the punches on the dumbing down of Luminae, when I add in paying a premium for access to Michaels, a premium I now did not need to pay.......I may just check the legality under UK consumer legislation in due course.

[scifimonkey]

Well said, we are in exactly your situation. I have read your previous posts on this and said yes, yes, yes.

 

Bottom line I am not impressed at all,but I may have a get out. I've just discovered our cruise is closed to further bookings sold out a year ahead.....maybe I might have a solution, it might be a charter......

 

And Cle Guy, we ,now you are a paid advocate anyway, we Brits don't need a remark that infers it's our problem our Ts and CS and we should have booked through a US agent. Why should we, if this is a genuine international line, they should be fair to all.

 

However, whilst I rolled with the punches on the dumbing down of Luminae, when I add in paying a premium for access to Michaels, a premium I now did not need to pay.......I may just check the legality under UK consumer legislation in due course.

We are in the same boat too and just as livid.

Those who have not experienced the current Micheals provision are probably underestimating how different it actually was and therefore what it was worth to experience a luxury yacht ambiance service and shared experience with a small group of people and yet have a huge ship of facilities to call on when required on the same cruise. Thats what made it worth a lot of money to book a CS rather than a sky. Unfortunately now it is not necessary to have paid that much and those that are locked in by deposits and are unable to respond by switching are quite rightly hacked off.

For those rubbing their hands with glee at their good fortune, sorry to say that on a full cruise you will have gained nothing but another bar to drink in where the drinks will be free but it will almost certainly be rammed and unpleasant in the pre dinner period because of it. If they choose to hold an event I predict that there will be queues outside the door and many angry entitlement discussions.

I feel very sorry for the michaels club hosts who almost without exception have recieved huge praise for their quality of service and their personal approach accross the fleet. They will now probably spend most of their time dealing with complaints and have little time to get to know the guests and anticipate their needs which is what the ones we have had did so well.

[The_Big_M]

In the scheme of things, this is far more minor than other changes they have made, including the captains club revamp a couple of years back.

 

No losers, just some people who see a better value in an option that wasn't available before. Things change, so if that better value is worth it to you now, you could change as much as anything else that appealed more arose. Not anything to really get upset about.

[BartonX]

I also booked CS for our 14 night Jan cruise. Also, my motto: the more the merrier. Yes, it might get crowded and service slow at MC but on the other hand we might make connections we would never have!

 

Maybe they increase the service personnel at MC. Also, does anyone know if they will increase the amount of "European Style Butlers" across the ship for all the SkySuites? Not sure if SS had a Euro Style Butler before this change.

 

Finally, the European Celebrity Websites still state that all suites have the 1 or 2 speciality dining restaurants depending on the length of your cruise.

 

Also, Luminae is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to all websites. Not sure if this is true or wrong. We shall see.

 

Can't wait for our cruise in CS!

[cle-guy]

We had a choice to make, the CS was a compromise we made, was I happy, the word is compromise So no not entirely but I was accepting of what had to be which is a different thing.

 

What has changed is I did not have to make that compromise. And what frustrates as ever, the Ts and Cs we have to book under others can cancel, not so for us without a much higher penalty.

 

There is absolutely nothing that now justifies the surcharge on the CS in what matters to us.

 

For us as we have to take a penalty to move to a sky we may well take the same penalty and cancel. Ok we are only one fish in the pond so no big deal as far as the cruise line is concerned

 

Find a US Based travel agent for future bookings. Problem solved.

[uktog]

Find a US Based travel agent for future bookings. Problem solved.

 

Why should I - time differences, exchange rate risks, costs of calls etc etc

 

If Celebrity is the international brand they claim to be they need to realise America is not the only country to do business through

[chemmo]

As all those who booked Celebrity Suites to access Michael's swap to SS (if they can) and Celebrity find they have CS suites left on their hands they will hopefully realise a simple solution is to up the perks of the CS.

 

As rooms I really do not like Celebrity Suites. The S class CS (closed in and boxed, tried once, never again) and I find the M class bathroom awful (fortunately saw it before booking next cruise).

 

If I could not secure a PH/RS and had compromised and booked one of these rooms rather than miss out on Michael's I think I would be pretty upset too. Yes, the additional price is a factor but I honestly think I would prefer a SS to these rooms. I know these rooms do suit some people and the M class one would be OK if they sorted out the bathroom. I do think what has kept them selling, however, has been the perks they have had above SS.

[crazycatlady82]

Wow. I'm glad I'm not a person that is thinking of booking a celebrity cruise....because between this thread, the thread about the loud music, the thread about evening chic...all I read is unhappiness.

 

Vacation isn't about whether or not the concierge knows your name. It's about taking a breather from our regular lives, going to interesting ports of call, and reconnecting with our friends and family-or meeting new people if we're solo. I don't need to go to an expensive restaurant to be able to enjoy friends and family...we can go to mcdonalds and have a great time. (Or cruise Carnival and have a great time!)

 

I hope each and everyone of you find what you're looking for and find happiness and joy. You'll find me smiling with my husband, because we're not working and it's not snowing, wherever the ship goes [emoji3]

 

I hope this post makes you stop and think of things you're grateful for. Life is too short and too full of heartbreak and evil in the world...stop and smell the ocean air!

[need2bespoiled]

Wow. I'm glad I'm not a person that is thinking of booking a celebrity cruise....because between this thread, the thread about the loud music, the thread about evening chic...all I read is unhappiness.

 

Vacation isn't about whether or not the concierge knows your name. It's about taking a breather from our regular lives, going to interesting ports of call, and reconnecting with our friends and family-or meeting new people if we're solo. I don't need to go to an expensive restaurant to be able to enjoy friends and family...we can go to mcdonalds and have a great time. (Or cruise Carnival and have a great time!)

 

I hope each and everyone of you find what you're looking for and find happiness and joy. You'll find me smiling with my husband, because we're not working and it's not snowing, wherever the ship goes [emoji3]

 

I hope this post makes you stop and think of things you're grateful for. Life is too short and too full of heartbreak and evil in the world...stop and smell the ocean air!

 

Hear, Hear.

 

You'll be happy to know, except for the rare rabble rouser (or complainer), you'll see none of this onboard. If you do, just shake your head and walk away.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[maggie.1008]

There are a lot of moaner`s on this site. Yes, I have been one myself. Michael`s use to be for Elite only. Very few at private happy hour. Once they changed the rules and let RCCL guest reciprocate there were many more. Also more and more X guests were becoming Elite. Then they moved it to the sky lounge. It was not near as fun and intimate as it was before. I would rather have it back to the way it was but things change and people will have to get use to it. I still am a big fan of X and will not let the small things bother me.

[BosoxI]

 

Totally sucks, the OP is right, particularly for those who have booked already believing they needed to pay extra for Michaels this is a very raw deal indeed. Modern luxury...no is modern Dick Turpin robbery

 

Stand and deliver! :(

[BosoxI]

 

You are still ahead of the game here. I also say it's suspect that anyone would say $2200 is the value they place on Michaels club access. For extra space, especially when traveling with more than 1 person, yes. for someone who likes to host gatherings, in suite, yes.

 

 

And this, of course, is the key. No one in his right mind would pay $1100 or more merely for access to MC.

 

Heck, if there is a mad rush to book SSs, Celebrity might have to lessen the cost of CSs. I can't wait:p

[need2bespoiled]

And this, of course, is the key. No one in his right mind would pay $1100 or more merely for access to MC.

 

Heck, if there is a mad rush to book SSs, Celebrity might have to lessen the cost of CSs. I can't wait:p

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=48285017&postcount=49

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[uktog]

And this, of course, is the key. No one in his right mind would pay $1100 or more merely for access to MC.

 

Heck, if there is a mad rush to book SSs, Celebrity might have to lessen the cost of CSs. I can't wait:p

 

I am equating the cost we are to pay for a 14 night CS vs the cost of an SS now (which has had a price drop). The RS is +$5000 over the CS. I am glad in your view I was not in my right mind......we paid the +$800 as it was at the time of booking for access to Michaels a sum we now find we need not have paid.

[Jane2357]

Yes there has been a lot of complaining on CC lately but then again many things have been changing at Celebrity and as we are all different people with different views - some complaining would be expected.

 

Recently there have been cruises with canceled ports, cruises chartered, formal night died and the suite classes had changes. Not all of these matter to all of us but it would be nice for everyone to try to have at least a little empathy for the person who feels put out.

 

As I have said we booked an Infinity - P.C., 15 night cruise in 12/14 for 3/17 :eek: and sprung for what to us is a splurge - our 1st Celebrity suite BECAUSE we wanted and felt like the additional funds were worth the exclusive feel of Michael's club. We didn't book for extra space - we thought the extra $1,600. was worth the EXPERIENCE & AMBIANCE of the club. Now for the same experience & ambiance which is not as exclusive and may or may not be of the same quality we could have saved $1,600 by booking a Sky Suite. :(

 

Not possible to downgrade - suites are sold out over 6 months ago. Who would be happy to pay $1,600 needlessly? I believe many people that have had Sky's in the past decided to upgrade for access. So I will wait to hear how the experience has changed or not - from the more experienced suite cruisers. It is not a deal breaker but I will not book a Celebrity Suite again.

 

Nothing stays the same - change is inevitable but when you find yourself on the short end of it - you don't have to like it. :cool:

 

[Jane2357]

And this, of course, is the key. No one in his right mind would pay $1100 or more merely for access to MC.

 

We aren't in our right minds either. :p For 2 people for 15 night we felt it was worth $1,600. extra over a Sky Suite for Michael's or basically $53. per person per day.

 

We originally also booked a Celebrity suite for Alaska in May '16 but the additional cost was almost $100. per person per day - so glad we decided that was too much and we downgraded to Aqua 1.

 

So to each his own, right? What may make it worth it to you, may not make it worth it me - but I wouldn't be so rude as to say your were out of your right mind.

[need2bespoiled]

We aren't in our right minds either. :p For 2 people for 15 night we felt it was worth $1,600. extra over a Sky Suite for Michael's or basically $53. per person per day.

 

We originally also booked a Celebrity suite for Alaska in May '16 but the additional cost was almost $100. per person per day - so glad we decided that was too much and we downgraded to Aqua 1.

 

So to each his own, right? What may make it worth it to you, may not make it worth it me - but I wouldn't be so rude as to say your were out of your right mind.

 

We'd probably have made the same choice, but the space is also very important to us. We're in the same boat (pun intended) on three cruises next year, but we're happy with the CS for lots of reasons and we could downgrade and save a LOT of $$.

 

I'll go back to a sentiment I made previously. Without another suite available, there isn't much you can do besides move on or cancel. If you can move on and be happy you're in an AWESOME midship cabin (we love the M-Class CS) where you'll be able to touch the walls of the canal, maybe pretend you had an unexpected expense and "forgettaboutit" or you can fret and let it eat at you ruining all that fun anticipation of a vacation.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Jane2357]

We'd probably have made the same choice, but the space is also very important to us. We're in the same boat (pun intended) on three cruises next year, but we're happy with the CS for lots of reasons and we could downgrade and save a LOT of $$.

 

I'll go back to a sentiment I made previously. Without another suite available, there isn't much you can do besides move on or cancel. If you can move on and be happy you're in an AWESOME midship cabin (we love the M-Class CS) where you'll be able to touch the walls of the canal, maybe pretend you had an unexpected expense and "forgettaboutit" or you can fret and let it eat at you ruining all that fun anticipation of a vacation.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Jenna - like I said - not a deal breaker but right now it stings just a bit - I could have donated that $1,600 to the casino - lol.

 

Of course I'll enjoy the heck out of the actual cabin - who wouldn't. I'm only sad that we didn't get to experience Michaels while it was still CS and above. There is no way realistically that the experience can remain what it was. I think that they should give the CS some perk over a Sky - because the space alone doesn't justify the higher price over the Sky. Have to wait and see.

Edited November 15, 2015 by Jane2357

[1982CruzStart]

Jenna - like I said - not a deal breaker but right now it stings just a bit - I could have donated that $1,600 to the casino - lol.

 

Of course I'll enjoy the heck out of the actual cabin - who wouldn't. I'm only sad that we didn't get to experience Michaels while it was still CS and above. There is no way realistically that the experience can remain what it was. I think that they should give the CS some perk over a Sky - because the space alone doesn't justify the higher price over the Sky. Have to wait and see.

 

Thank you for all your comments. We looked forward to the extra space on our last cruise as we considered it a bonus to the services we wanted. The suite was a disappointment - it was old and worn out with a moldy bathroom so yes we did pay the extra amount for access to MC and just as importantly the MC concierge. Both were worth the extra money. We probably got most of the extra cost in the expensive beverages we consumed in MC that would have cost a substantial amount each day. The service we received from the Concierge and the MC bartender were worth every penny.

 

So maybe we were out of our minds for paying the extra but honestly who are those making this comment to say so. You have no idea our circumstances or our priorities so it would be very nice if people would stop passing judgement on others who are unhappy with having paid much more than necessary for the services they wanted.

[need2bespoiled]

Jenna - like I said - not a deal breaker but right now it stings just a bit - I could have donated that $1,600 to the casino - lol.

 

Of course I'll enjoy the heck out of the actual cabin - who wouldn't. I'm only sad that we didn't get to experience Michaels while it was still CS and above. There is no way realistically that the experience can remain what it was. I think that they should give the CS some perk over a Sky - because the space alone doesn't justify the higher price over the Sky. Have to wait and see.

 

Here is the thing that no one is bring up. Maybe they expeirence will be BETTER with more people. Sure, sometimes it is busier, but often it is dead and we just walk away. They are putting all of the Michael's Club concierges through a new international training program. Maybe that training program believes there the ratio of staff to concierge is not enough to make it an effective program.

 

I am sure there will be some challenges to start, but I am not overly worried our experience will be downgraded.

 

Without removing the sting some feel, there are two sides to everything and you can look at the brighter side. You'll have the opportunity to meet many more people in Michael's Club than you did before.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[scifimonkey]

Here is the thing that no one is bring up. Maybe they expeirence will be BETTER with more people. Sure, sometimes it is busier, but often it is dead and we just walk away. They are putting all of the Michael's Club concierges through a new international training program. Maybe that training program believes there the ratio of staff to concierge is not enough to make it an effective program.

 

I am sure there will be some challenges to start, but I am not overly worried our experience will be downgraded.

 

Without removing the sting some feel, there are two sides to everything and you can look at the brighter side. You'll have the opportunity to meet many more people in Michael's Club than you did before.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

Yes of course, in the same way I have the chance to meet and connect with people on the london underground during rush hour................ we shall see once it is up and running and I truly hope my cynicism is unfounded. Otherwise something of real quality will have been lost.

[need2bespoiled]

Yes of course, in the same way I have the chance to meet and connect with people on the london underground during rush hour................ we shall see once it is up and running and I truly hope my cynicism is unfounded. Otherwise something of real quality will have been lost.

 

Seriously? To compare the underground (Subway) to Michael's Club? :rolleyes:There are people richer than you sailing in cabins "beneath you" (quotes mine). It will still be an intimate venue, where people are approachable, and I am happy to meet all kinds of people, well, some people

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[Gordoncruickshank]

We aren't in our right minds either. :p For 2 people for 15 night we felt it was worth $1,600. extra over a Sky Suite for Michael's or basically $53. per person per day.

 

We originally also booked a Celebrity suite for Alaska in May '16 but the additional cost was almost $100. per person per day - so glad we decided that was too much and we downgraded to Aqua 1.

 

So to each his own, right? What may make it worth it to you, may not make it worth it me - but I wouldn't be so rude as to say your were out of your right mind.

You are not alone. We have spent around €2250 extra where we upgraded existing cruises just to get Mchaels Club, but the extra space is what you pay for, not the extras.

[DebbieMacG]

In fact CSs have now apparently lost the free speciality dinning perk of ......

 

One complimentary dinner for two (cruise of 6N or 7N) or two complimentary dinners for two (cruise of 8N or more) in a specialty restaurant

 

So those booked in a CS now will not recieve the perks that where offered when they booked:mad:

 

where is this info please?