Celebrity wants new cruisers

[Gracie115]

This is NOT meant to be a slam on Celebrity...just a reflection that the philosophy going forward with Celebrity is to dissuade long term Celebrity cruisers from booking more cruises with X. With the high number of Elite, Elite Plus and even Zenith passengers that occur on so many cruises it is probably not profitable to cater to that group anymore, so I believe we may be witnessing a "culling of the breed" so to speak.

 

I don't think it is about getting younger cruisers anywhere near as much as it is about getting NEW cruisers at any age.

 

It IS disappointing, but it is also a move by the business to increase profitability and the customer base. It used to be that new itineraries would come out and those of us who booked early received wonderful pricing and we scooped up all the prime rooms in doing so....(all the suites on spring Reflection TA 2016 were gone in a matter of days, although a couple have cancelled and now reflect the MUCH higher pricing structure) ... so engaging a new philosophy when opening up the 2017/18 itineraries a new pricing structure is emerging that is not appealing to those same people because the price is SO MUCH higher and therefore they, us included, have decided to "wait and see" or just not bother with X at all for the time being. If X's gamble pays off they wind up with an entirely new clientele who pay the higher price with no issue and eliminate the non profitable "dead weight" of all us Elites and up who have cruised with them for decades. It's not a bad philosophy...IF IT WORKS.....if it doesn't they will be scrambling to have some of us back, with lower fares closer to sail date...

 

It's a waiting game..... I'm not happy about the new fares, or the perceived cut back in perks either and I am looking at other lines. Will keep an eye on X's pricing to see which way it goes.... it's a great product for sure, but I think perhaps we Elites and up have "worn out our welcome" and are being "culled from the X brand..." just a thought...who knows if I'm right or not!!!:)

Edited December 12, 2015 by Gracie115

[Brad1185]

What you said is so true.

 

I think one day they will want us back.

 

Celebrity's plan I think be not work.

[kenevenpar]

I have always believed that Celebrity, and other lines, must have data that shows that long time cruisers spend less money onboard than new cruisers. I have no statistics to back that up, and it is certainly not true in all cases. When final statements were put on or next to the door, it always amazed me how many had virtually no additional charges (no, I never looked at someone's statement, just noted that mine were 2 or 3 pages long, compared to virtually nothing on others).

 

From what I read, it is all about the average onboard spending. Celebrity, and others, have "forced" a higher onboard spend with the new BBB nonsense, by raising prices to "cover" the "free" perks.

 

So yes, it seems to me that Celebrity does indeed like the "new" cruiser.

 

As to jumping ship, or line, I have always, and will continue, to book cruises based on my perceived value of the cruise. I just cancelled a June Bermuda cruise as I could not justify $5,500 for a baby (Sky) suite for 7 days for two pax, even though it includes all 4 "perks". I love the Summit, and our last cruise on her in October was very good, but less than half the price for the same cabin.

[wwcruisers]

Gracie, I have had the same thoughts. My question, is that: even if X manages to lure this new demographic of younger folks with lots of $$ -- will they be able to keep them? Let's face it -- cruises who can afford to book suites (at X's current prices) can also afford more upscale lines, like Oceana or Azamara (if not, the true lux lines). And then, Sir Richard Branson will be launching his Virgin Cruise Line in a couple of years. He's announced that this is the same demographic he'll be marketing to.

[Gracie115]

Gracie, I have had the same thoughts. My question, is that: even if X manages to lure this new demographic of younger folks with lots of $$ -- will they be able to keep them? Let's face it -- cruises who can afford to book suites (at X's current prices) can also afford more upscale lines, like Oceana or Azamara (if not, the true lux lines). And then, Sir Richard Branson will be launching his Virgin Cruise Line in a couple of years. He's announced that this is the same demographic he'll be marketing to.

 

Agreed....AND with Viking now in the ocean cruise business too (if you haven't looked at their ships you should, they are beautiful.....) who knows how long X can keep the discriminating cruiser that is willing AND able to spend lots of $$ for their cruise.... they will have to "up the ante" more than just in prices in order to do so.... but again, just my opinion, we'll see down the road how it all plays out....

[az_tchr]

Is X after a discriminating cruiser looking for luxury? I would say no. They are marketing to the masses and are a midpriced company marketing to everyone. X is NOT marketing to the luxury market or discriminating cruiser. It is not "Modern Luxury". Sorry

 

X has had a large group of loyal cruiser, but again so does every other cruiseline. What does seem to be happening is a change in marketing fueled by what X (and other companies) feel is much increased demand. Cruising is still cheap compared to renting a nice hotel and car when you add in meals and attractions. Time will tell if this plan works or does not.

 

Lots of discussion here about "loyal" X cruisers taking other brands for a try. Why not? We did a Viking Russian cruise - it was truly awful and a total ripoff - along with a river cruise in the US that we spectacular and magic. Have been on other mainstream cruise brands. The most important thing for us is the itinerary. If that is not right the rest does not matter.

[Gracie115]

We did a Viking Russian cruise - it was truly awful and a total ripoff - along with a river cruise in the US that we spectacular and magic. Have been on other mainstream cruise brands. The most important thing for us is the itinerary. If that is not right the rest does not matter.

 

Interesting comment about Viking....I usually read only good things about their river cruises.... Have looked at a couple of US river cruises too....but they seem very pricey....

 

Itinerary is more important to us at this point in our lives too.

[richsea]

Interesting comment about Viking....I usually read only good things about their river cruises.... Have looked at a couple of US river cruises too....but they seem very pricey....

 

Itinerary is more important to us at this point in our lives too.

 

We've been looking at Viking, & it seems that their Russian ships are paltry compared to their new longships that ply the European rivers. I'm finding out here on the river cruise board that the biggest problem with river cruising has been the water levels of the rivers, with many cruisers forced to be bused to different ships mid cruise, or partially subbing the cruise for bus trips. It has given us pause in deciding.

 

Back on topic, your point is an interesting one, but they'll never admit it. We are taking a wait and see approach to booking at these prices, hoping for Them to come down to more reasonable levels, all the while looking at other lines offering better prices.

[Gracie115]

Back on topic, your point is an interesting one, but they'll never admit it. We are taking a wait and see approach to booking at these prices, hoping for Them to come down to more reasonable levels, all the while looking at other lines offering better prices.

 

No, they'll never admit it.....wouldn't be "good business" to do so....especially since if the "new" philosophy fails they may well have to woo those same old customers back at some point.....

 

I don't know if I'm right or not, or even partially so, but I think it makes sense.... I think X is trying more & more to distant themselves from other mass market brands...Royal, Princess, HAL etc..... unfortunately they can't YET compete with Regent, Crystal, Seabourn, etc..... falling somewhere in the middle now in MOST areas ....

 

We'll see what happens.....unfortunately it will take awhile....

[ORV]

What perks have been cut?

[Lois R]

Interesting comment about Viking....I usually read only good things about their river cruises.... Have looked at a couple of US river cruises too....but they seem very pricey....

 

Itinerary is more important to us at this point in our lives too.

 

Hi Gracie, River Cruiselines also have their pros and cons, no different

than Ocean Lines.....I booked AMA and they were highly recommended

to me......way more than Viking. So I guess it depends on who you ask.

[Gracie115]

What perks have been cut?

 

 

Well for one free water for AQUA class guests..... I said in my original post "perceived cut back in perks"

 

Some see the introduction AT A MUCH HIGHER COST of the BIG, BETTER, BEST promo to be a cut to their Elite, Elite+ and Zenith status as the elimination of a perk.....what you got for "free" you now get an "included" beverage package at a substantial increase in cruise fare..... have to agree with that as a cut back in perks....

 

Upper level suite guests that were promised a private lounge now perceiving the admittance of all suites as a cutback....(that one is minimal though).

 

And then there are the other "non" perk cutbacks involving less entertainment, fewer wait staff, fewer sommeliers, poorer food quality in the MDR, higher specialty restaurant charges,...etc...

 

It's all in perception......if a product suddenly increases in price past the "inflation" factor one would think the product had suddenly improved somehow.... X really hasn't made any improvements to its overall fleet...except the high end suites..RS & PH .... all other categories are pretty much the same..yet large price increases.....at least initially on the new itineraries..... seems like they are looking for new people to cruise, since many of the old faithful X cruisers see the difference and don't feel any reason to pay twice as much for a product that is the same OR less than it has been.... thereby making the way for new people who know no better, have no Captain's Club status, therefore no freebies of any kind...internet....alcohol...upgrades.... and have nothing to compare to.... so the satisfaction factor MAY be easier to maintain with new clientele too.... OR it may be harder since the cost is so much more....that remains to be seen...

Edited December 12, 2015 by Gracie115

[Gracie115]

Hi Gracie, River Cruiselines also have their pros and cons, no different

than Ocean Lines.....I booked AMA and they were highly recommended

to me......way more than Viking. So I guess it depends on who you ask.

 

I do have two good friends from Orlando that went on an AMA cruise this past spring and loved it ... I'm sure it will be wonderful for you....

 

I haven't looked into river cruising much so not all that familiar with the product just kind of thought Viking lead the bunch....but maybe not...

 

Will be interested to hear what you think!:)

[OCruisers]

Encouraging people to give X a try is a good thing! :)

[lovemylab]

Cruising is still cheap compared to renting a nice hotel and car when you add in meals and attractions.

 

 

I can do a land trip to Europe for less than the current prices being listed for Med cruises.

 

Last winter, we went to a 5 star AI resort. The cost of that trip was less than had we done a 7 day Caribbean cruise.

 

Personally, I fail to understand Celebrity's marketing department. I understand why they want to market their ships towards more people, but if they think increasing prices and decreasing quality is the way to do it they are wrong. In addition to higher fares, Celebrity charges more for drinks and specialty restaurants compared to other mass market lines.

 

First time cruisers book based on price/itinerary. For most first timers, if they see Celebrity advertising a cabin at a higher price compared to that of another mass market line, they are not going to choose Celebrity. This is the reason why so many first timers go with Carnival, NCL and RCI.

 

Now if someone has cruised before and is trying Celebrity for the first time, it's fair to say they will compare their Celebrity cruise to the other lines they've sailed with. If that person has paid more money to cruise on Celebrity, they are going to expect a better overall experience. On our last few cruises, we've met several people who were trying Celebrity for the first time. While everyone agreed the ships were beautiful, most weren't sure if the overall experience was worth the extra they had paid.

Edited December 12, 2015 by lovemylab

[Baron Barracuda]

A basic rule of business is that it's significantly cheaper to retain an existing customer than to find a new one. And from a competitive standpoint what features does X think it has to offer a newbie younger cruiser that can compete with rock climbing, bumper cars, discos, etc.

 

Second, not sure where newbies are spending all that additional money onboard. Shore excursions I understand. If you've visited San Juan 20 times like me you're probably not taking a tour. Aside from that, most folks get the drink package as "Go Big", so it's not booze. Understand that millenials can't get by without internet, but lately neither can I (do enjoy my Elite discount though). Elites spend as much in the Casino as anyone, so that's not it. The cc boards of full of posts by veterans who only eat in specialty restaurants, so that's not it. That just leaves a couple of tee shirts in the onboard shops and of course those great bargains at the art auction. Guess I have to conclude newbies are big art fans. :)

[richsea]

What perks have been cut?

 

I believe that you are a long time Celebrity cruiser? If so, I really can't believe that you asked.

[richsea]

Well for one free water for AQUA class guests..... I said in my original post "perceived cut back in perks"

 

Some see the introduction AT A MUCH HIGHER COST of the BIG, BETTER, BEST promo to be a cut to their Elite, Elite+ and Zenith status as the elimination of a perk.....what you got for "free" you now get an "included" beverage package at a substantial increase in cruise fare..... have to agree with that as a cut back in perks....

 

Upper level suite guests that were promised a private lounge now perceiving the admittance of all suites as a cutback....(that one is minimal though).

 

And then there are the other "non" perk cutbacks involving less entertainment, fewer wait staff, fewer sommeliers, poorer food quality in the MDR, higher specialty restaurant charges,...etc...

 

It's all in perception......if a product suddenly increases in price past the "inflation" factor one would think the product had suddenly improved somehow.... X really hasn't made any improvements to its overall fleet...except the high end suites..RS & PH .... all other categories are pretty much the same..yet large price increases.....at least initially on the new itineraries..... seems like they are looking for new people to cruise, since many of the old faithful X cruisers see the difference and don't feel any reason to pay twice as much for a product that is the same OR less than it has been.... thereby making the way for new people who know no better, have no Captain's Club status, therefore no freebies of any kind...internet....alcohol...upgrades.... and have nothing to compare to.... so the satisfaction factor MAY be easier to maintain with new clientele too.... OR it may be harder since the cost is so much more....that remains to be seen...

 

Well put.

[2islandhoppers]

Interesting comment about Viking....I usually read only good things about their river cruises.... Have looked at a couple of US river cruises too....but they seem very pricey....

 

Itinerary is more important to us at this point in our lives too.

 

I agree about itinerary. It really is a decisive factor in our travel plans. As river cruises are focused on itinerary, I think we meet more like-minded passengers than on an ocean cruise.

 

I think any cruise line, whether ocean or river, can have a bad cruise or itinerary. Last summer the Rhine cruises were disrupted because the water level was too low. I've heard good things about Viking, and we can't speak highly enough about Ama Waterways which we took in the spring.

[2islandhoppers]

 

Now if someone has cruised before and is trying Celebrity for the first time, it's fair to say they will compare their Celebrity cruise to the other lines they've sailed with. If that person has paid more money to cruise on Celebrity, they are going to expect a better overall experience. On our last few cruises, we've met several people who were trying Celebrity for the first time. While everyone agreed the ships were beautiful, most weren't sure if the overall experience was worth the extra they had paid.

 

Absolutely agree. We just came back from the Exotic Caribbean that we chose based on itinerary. This was our first Celebrity cruise and perhaps our expectations were too high based on the rave reviews and the star rating of the Eclipse. Compared with Princess and Holland America, Celebrity was certainly not worth the extra money. In virtually every area, from drink prices to laundry to specialty restaurants, Celebrity prices were up to 50% higher than the other lines, for no additional quality. Our impression was that Celebrity's focus was to encourage onboard spending. It was like being trapped in a timeshare high pressure sales presentation. We'll have to think long and hard before considering another Celebrity cruise.

[hcat]

On Summit to Bermuda not too long ago...Elites were ignored while hostess and asst hotel dir an others doted in Royal cruisers...trying to cultivate new Cu$tomer$....they had parties, focus groups, dinners with officers...was a bit insulting to loyal patrons..so the posted theory seems to be on the right track..

 

Lucky for us , E+ gets reciprocal level perks on Azamara, so as soon as new X Carib itins and rates come out, we will decide...esp if X itins are same old .....we have already lost some full port days to overnights(after booking) ..our new overnight in Cozumel amounts to 1 1/2 port days while we are losing a full day on Belize

 

or maybe even give Royal C another look...esp Liberty, Independence, Navigator...

 

Or may be be surprised by X!

[wwcruisers]

Well, I don't know if it falls under the heading of perks being cut, but they're taking away all of the upper tier (Murano level) specialty restaurants, on the M-class ships. They are replacing them with Tuscan Grille--at a higher price, of course!

[Beh789149]

I worked in the hospitality industry for a very long time in revenue management. As a general rule, the cost to acquire new customers is much higher than the cost to retain current customers. While you always have to look for new revenue sources and continually optimize your business mix, the intention is to add new business and not displace loyal customers. Just my two cents

[Gracie115]

I worked in the hospitality industry for a very long time in revenue management. As a general rule, the cost to acquire new customers is much higher than the cost to retain current customers. While you always have to look for new revenue sources and continually optimize your business mix, the intention is to add new business and not displace loyal customers. Just my two cents

 

I think that's true, but I think X is accenting more on the "new revenue sources" than being concerned about retaining current customers...especially those that get the "free perks" ie, booze, internet....

[Gracie115]

Well, I don't know if it falls under the heading of perks being cut, but they're taking away all of the upper tier (Murano level) specialty restaurants, on the M-class ships. They are replacing them with Tuscan Grille--at a higher price, of course!

 

I don't know if it's a "perk" or not but it is just another way of reducing the value of the dollars spent.....