Changes Announced for Captain's Club Member Benefits

[pumpkin 11]

4 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

I’ve said in the past that AI def works for me, I will get my $ worth for sure.  That said it clearly is not a one fits all solution.  They should seriously consider offering a cruise fare menu of sorts.

Well yes, but I think the pick 3 stuff got confusing for people and celebrity wanted to streamline their pricing strategy. So I doubt they will go back. But with the introduction of cruise only it seems they are having second thoughts. The problem with such large ships is it is really hard to do all inclusive pricing like this - but i'm sure they know this LOL

[upwarduk]

2 hours ago, the penguins said:

and finally since our return Celebrity has inadvertantly sent me a breakdown which shows cost of including the drinks and wifi under the AI system has added £140 per cabin per day to the average cost. Now for some passengers £70  a day for drinks and wifi will be a good deal. For Elite+ and above who don't drink alcohol and don't need unlimited wifi it is just an extra cost with no benefit. If you are in the former group fantastic. If you are in the latter then now is the time to inform Celebrity of your concerns.

I would added gratuities to their breakdown, as they are included in AI.

We used to think we did well if our fare worked out to £100 per day. On that premise, I think we did very well on our recent cruise 8 day cruise, but by booking 

 via Simply Sail, we could still get our drinks at Happy hour and have our 90 free minutes of internet. We would just then have to pay our gratuities at $15 per day.

[LGW59]

52 minutes ago, verizon said:

Why should I put MONEY in their pocket?

Only you can answer that question.

[the penguins]

2 hours ago, upwarduk said:

I would added gratuities to their breakdown, as they are included in AI.

We used to think we did well if our fare worked out to £100 per day. On that premise, I think we did very well on our recent cruise 8 day cruise, but by booking 

 via Simply Sail, we could still get our drinks at Happy hour and have our 90 free minutes of internet. We would just then have to pay our gratuities at $15 per day.

I left the grats in the basic cruise price as you have to pay it. The allowance Celebrity is using  for tips when calculating the AI prices is £23.56 per cabin per day. The Simply Sail operation is now only available for Guarantee Cabins and on a very limited number of cruises. When you factor in the tips the reduction is as little as £10 per person per day a fraction of the £70 a day that they increased the price by.

[the penguins]

2 hours ago, patty1955 said:

I let them know directly that I like the AI. I've always believed that basic drinks, wifi and gratuities should be included in our fare. 

With our Elite+ we enjoy the laundry, CC breakfast and debarkation lounge.

Breakfast, debarkation lounge and 1 bag of laundry are all Elite benefits. Your only extra benefit for Elite+ is now 1 bag of laundry. It was 240 minutes internet, free speciality teas/coffees and juices all of which you now pay for.

[patty1955]

6 minutes ago, the penguins said:

Breakfast, debarkation lounge and 1 bag of laundry are all Elite benefits. Your only extra benefit for Elite+ is now 1 bag of laundry. It was 240 minutes internet, free speciality teas/coffees and juices all of which you now pay for.

My point was that Captain's Club benefits are still relevant. 

[tfred]

5 hours ago, the penguins said:

and finally since our return Celebrity has inadvertantly sent me a breakdown which shows cost of including the drinks and wifi under the AI system has added £140 per cabin per day to the average cost. Now for some passengers £70  a day for drinks and wifi will be a good deal. For Elite+ and above who don't drink alcohol and don't need unlimited wifi it is just an extra cost with no benefit. If you are in the former group fantastic. If you are in the latter then now is the time to inform Celebrity of your concerns.

along the way X figured out that pax who don't use wifi or drink also don't use the spa, gamble or go to specialty restaurants in whole or in part.  In other words they are low profit margin customers and no one really wants them as part of a business model going forward - especially when ships cost a billion dollars 

 

X knows all the numbers.  They are trying to get people onboard (mostly new to cruising) that are spending that money now in Orlando, Las Vegas and land based Caribbean resorts 

[davekathy]

50 minutes ago, the penguins said:

Breakfast, debarkation lounge and 1 bag of laundry are all Elite benefits. Your only extra benefit for Elite+ is now 1 bag of laundry. It was 240 minutes internet, free speciality teas/coffees and juices all of which you now pay for.

Two bags of laundry. Unless you meant 1 extra bag of laundry making two. 

[the penguins]

58 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Two bags of laundry. Unless you meant 1 extra bag of laundry making two. 

Yes 1 extra. You can reach Elite without having spent $1 with Celebrity. To reach Elite + you have had to have done a lot of nights with the company. Before the implementation of the AI pricing that loyalty was rewarded with a number of very useful benefits over and above Elite level. Since AI that loyalty is rewarded with 1 extra bag of laundry. Zenith passenger's fare even worse as they have lost a completly free drinks package. Celebrity are increasingly aware of the problem ( I had an hours phone call from a CC representative in Wichita last week) but so far their attempts to remedy the situation - discount on dry cleaning, discount on various upgrades etc - have been nothing short of derisory. I have nothing against drink packages, Internet or any other packages. Like many other passengers we don't drink alcohol for medical reasons and the introduction of AI pricing has increased our costs by upto 80% for no benefit. Yes we could just stop cruising with Celebrity or we, and others like us , can continue a dialogue with the company in the belief that this pricing system will be reverersed. We do spend money in the Casino and in the shops and have introduced a number of our friends to the company. Celebrity has reversed course before most recently when they withdrew the in cabin movies/ sports only to reinstate them with an enhanced package due to the torrent of complaints. CC welcome everyone's views so for or against just make your views known to them.

[goofysmom99]

I know this isn't exactly a benefit, but I boarded Equinox today and for the first time ever, as a solo, I can use two devices.  As recently as Aug 1st, I was limited to the usual one.  I pay double so it's about time I got two wifi's.  Perhaps some of our kvetching IS being heard.  BTW, I still pay for double beverage and gratuities, but at least it's a start.

Edited August 27, 2021 by goofysmom99

[jg51]

4 hours ago, patty1955 said:

My point was that Captain's Club benefits are still relevant. 

.

Hello, "patty1955."

It is not really accurate to say that "Captain's Club benefits are still relevant," because the average person takes that phrase to mean that ALL such "benefits are still relevant."  Unfortunately, the fact is that VERY few Elite/Elite+ benefits remain relevant.

 

The limited Internet benefit is gone -- poof! -- because of the so-called "always included."  (Unlimited Internet is forcibly pre-paid.)  No longer "relevant."

 

The Cocktail Hour benefit is gone -- poof! -- for the same reason.  (Classic Package is forcibly pre-paid, even by non-drinkers.)  No longer "relevant."

 

Even the Elite Breakfast benefit has lost some of its relevance, because anyone can get most of the available beverages (cappuccino, Bloody Mary, Bellini) at any open bar -- and even much earlier in the morning.  

 

Writing the above just made us recall that we went daily to the "Breakfast," but never "broke our fast" there, because it was too darned late in the morning to eat breakfast.  It started at 8:00 AM, but we get up at 5:00 AM and eat real (solid) breakfast as soon afterwards as possible.  Although we enjoyed beverages at the Elite Breakfasts, we never even ate a morsel of anything, because eating so late (8:30 / 9:00) would have ruined our appetite for lunch!  [Sorry!  That was going off on a tangent.]

 

Anyway, we have to say it again:

due to AI, some of the key Elite/Elite+ benefits have been shredded (except for the few poor souls that pay for a "Simply Sail" fare).

.

Edited August 27, 2021 by jg51

[davekathy]

4 hours ago, the penguins said:

Yes 1 extra. You can reach Elite without having spent $1 with Celebrity. To reach Elite + you have had to have done a lot of nights with the company. Before the implementation of the AI pricing that loyalty was rewarded with a number of very useful benefits over and above Elite level. Since AI that loyalty is rewarded with 1 extra bag of laundry. Zenith passenger's fare even worse as they have lost a completly free drinks package. Celebrity are increasingly aware of the problem ( I had an hours phone call from a CC representative in Wichita last week) but so far their attempts to remedy the situation - discount on dry cleaning, discount on various upgrades etc - have been nothing short of derisory. I have nothing against drink packages, Internet or any other packages. Like many other passengers we don't drink alcohol for medical reasons and the introduction of AI pricing has increased our costs by upto 80% for no benefit. Yes we could just stop cruising with Celebrity or we, and others like us , can continue a dialogue with the company in the belief that this pricing system will be reverersed. We do spend money in the Casino and in the shops and have introduced a number of our friends to the company. Celebrity has reversed course before most recently when they withdrew the in cabin movies/ sports only to reinstate them with an enhanced package due to the torrent of complaints. CC welcome everyone's views so for or against just make your views known to them.

Agree and know exactly what you mean. I can't speak for anyone else, but I've spent a lot of money to reach Elite. Well aware of everything you've posted. I don't agree with all. IMO, AI isn't going to be around long. Have you voiced your concerns/complaints with the CC? The only component of the AI I don't like is the Wi-Fi. I only use maybe 15 minutes of our CC internet minutes and that's on the last day to print off our airline boarding passes. Before AI we always took the CBP when it was one of the four choice bundled perks. I like the AI CBP and gratuities.  

Edited August 28, 2021 by davekathy

[davekathy]

2 hours ago, goofysmom99 said:

I know this isn't exactly a benefit, but I boarded Equinox today and for the first time ever, as a solo, I can use two devices.  As recently as Aug 1st, I was limited to the usual one.  I pay double so it's about time I got two wifi's.  Perhaps some of our kvetching IS being heard.  BTW, I still pay for double beverage and gratuities, but at least it's a start.

I like your attitude and enjoy your cruise. Bon Voyage. 🥂

[the penguins]

4 hours ago, davekathy said:

Agree and know exactly what you mean. I can't speak for anyone else, but I've spent a lot of money to reach Elite. Well aware of everything you've posted. I don't agree with all. IMO, AI isn't going to be around long. Have you voiced your concerns/complaints with the CC? The only component of the AI I don't like is the Wi-Fi. I only use maybe 15 minutes of our CC internet minutes and that's on the last day to print off our airline boarding passes. Before AI we always took the CBP when it was one of the four choice bundled perks. I like the AI CBP and gratuities.  

I sent the CC a detailed breakdown of the rises /reduced benefits before our cruise on 6 August and the Captains Club host sent them another copy from the ship. Within 2 hours the host received a reply saying the CC would call me when I got home. The CC called me and we discussed every point I had raised for over an hour. The call was followed by a detailed response from the CC by email to which I have responded. The matter is now with senior managers/directors 

 

As goofysmom99 has pointed out today whilst she is happy to have 2 Internet packages I don't see how Celebrity can justify charging her for 2 drinks packages.

My solution/ suggestions are:

Always leave the tips in the basic price

Either

Continue with AI pricing but give everyone the right at the time of booking to have the drinks element changed to an OBC of the same value - this would help everyone who doesn't drink, and still give Celebrity the increased revenue

Or

Revert to the old system where you bought whatever package you want.

The debate will continue and in the meantime we will continue to cruise but, unless things change (one cancelled already) not with Celebrity.

 

 

 

 

[4774Papa]

16 hours ago, patty1955 said:

My point was that Captain's Club benefits are still relevant. 

Hardly

[gold1953]

12 hours ago, jg51 said:

 

 

Anyway, we have to say it again:

due to AI, some of the key Elite/Elite+ benefits have been shredded (except for the few poor souls that pay for a "Simply Sail" fare).

.

Your last statement  calling Simply sail folks poor souls is insulting! We personally can pay for an inclusive cabin but neither of us will pay for something we don't use. We are almost Elite + and got more than what we needed from the Elite package. The benefits are all relevant to us and others

[davekathy]

8 hours ago, the penguins said:

I sent the CC a detailed breakdown of the rises /reduced benefits before our cruise on 6 August and the Captains Club host sent them another copy from the ship. Within 2 hours the host received a reply saying the CC would call me when I got home. The CC called me and we discussed every point I had raised for over an hour. The call was followed by a detailed response from the CC by email to which I have responded. The matter is now with senior managers/directors 

 

As goofysmom99 has pointed out today whilst she is happy to have 2 Internet packages I don't see how Celebrity can justify charging her for 2 drinks packages.

My solution/ suggestions are:

Always leave the tips in the basic price

Either

Continue with AI pricing but give everyone the right at the time of booking to have the drinks element changed to an OBC of the same value - this would help everyone who doesn't drink, and still give Celebrity the increased revenue

Or

Revert to the old system where you bought whatever package you want.

The debate will continue and in the meantime we will continue to cruise but, unless things change (one cancelled already) not with Celebrity.

 

 

Glad to hear you contacted the CC. I did also over the phone when AI was first introduced. 

 

Agree with the gratuities. Disagree with the CBP element recommendation. I would like the Wi-Fi component of AI change to OBC. Wi-Fi is useless to us. Gratuities, CBP and OBC would be the AI package we would have no issues with.  

 

I agree 100% with reverting back to the old pick and choose bundled perks. 

Edited August 28, 2021 by davekathy

[the penguins]

5 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Glad to hear you contacted the CC. I did also over the phone when AI was first introduced. 

 

Agree with the gratuities. Disagree with the CBP element recommendation. I would like the Wi-Fi component of AI change to OBC. Wi-Fi is useless to us. Gratuities, CBP and OBC would be the AI package we would have no issues with.  

ok you are including drinks and removing wifi - so for you the best is the old system - a basic price but including tips and buy the packages you want - that works for me as well .

[patty1955]

3 minutes ago, the penguins said:

ok you are including drinks and removing wifi - so for you the best is the old system - a basic price but including tips and buy the packages you want - that works for me as well .

And while you're at it, get rid of the shows. We never watch them and shouldn't have to pay for them

[TeeRick]

13 hours ago, davekathy said:

Agree and know exactly what you mean. I can't speak for anyone else, but I've spent a lot of money to reach Elite. 

Actually I spent a lot of money with Celebrity on cruises which I enjoyed and as an added benefit reached Elite+.  I do not chase loyalty benefits by spending money to get to another level.  How can that ever be worth it?  You will always be disappointed.  I just cruise on the lines that I enjoy in the cabins and style I enjoy.  Honestly if I pay more for suites for example there is no benefit to me to worry about points and level.  Should I be upset and demand more because I get everything anyway for sailing in a suite?  No.  All my choice and my money.  People pay thousands for a cruise pp and then stress over a few hundred for internet as a benefit now instead going to everybody in AI. 

[ORV]

24 minutes ago, patty1955 said:

And while you're at it, get rid of the shows. We never watch them and shouldn't have to pay for them

I'm with Patty. While we're at it let's get rid of the pools and hot tubs. I hate paying for that stuff I never use. 

 

There seems to be a lot of self serving attitudes on this thread. There is a ton of stuff that the cruise lines offer that many of us never use.

 

It's real simple, if you like their product spend money with them, if not find something that suits you more. As has been stated many times already the perks of the program were never guaranteed. They have always been subject to change. They never promised you a rose garden. 

[davekathy]

20 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

Actually I spent a lot of money with Celebrity on cruises which I enjoyed and as an added benefit reached Elite+.  I do not chase loyalty benefits by spending money to get to another level.  How can that ever be worth it?  You will always be disappointed.  I just cruise on the lines that I enjoy in the cabins and style I enjoy.  Honestly if I pay more for suites for example there is no benefit to me to worry about points and level.  Should I be upset and demand more because I get everything anyway for sailing in a suite?  No.  All my choice and my money.  People pay thousands for a cruise pp and then stress over a few hundred for internet as a benefit now instead going to everybody in AI. 

I agree. We don't chase the tier levels either. Just along for the ride and enjoyment. When it happens it happens. We aren't loyal to anyone cruise line either. Even though Celebrity is one of our favorites. 

[davekathy]

1 hour ago, the penguins said:

ok you are including drinks and removing wifi - so for you the best is the old system - a basic price but including tips and buy the packages you want - that works for me as well .

Exactly. Bring back the choice of selecting bundled perks I want. But we will adjust accordingly to AI. 

Edited August 28, 2021 by davekathy

[C-Dragons]

28 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

Actually I spent a lot of money with Celebrity on cruises which I enjoyed and as an added benefit reached Elite+.  I do not chase loyalty benefits by spending money to get to another level.  How can that ever be worth it?  You will always be disappointed.  I just cruise on the lines that I enjoy in the cabins and style I enjoy.  Honestly if I pay more for suites for example there is no benefit to me to worry about points and level.  Should I be upset and demand more because I get everything anyway for sailing in a suite?  No.  All my choice and my money.  People pay thousands for a cruise pp and then stress over a few hundred for internet as a benefit now instead going to everybody in AI. 

 

4 minutes ago, davekathy said:

I agree. We don't chase the tier levels either. Just along for the ride and enjoyment. When it happens it happens. We aren't loyal to anyone cruise line either. Even though Celebrity is one of our favorites. 

Agree with both of you.

Edited August 28, 2021 by C-Dragons

[LGW59]

53 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Exactly. Bring back the choice of selecting bundled perks I want. But we will adjust accordingly to AI. 

It is like cable TV, to get the 8 channels or so that we watch regularly, we need the upgraded "bundle" package, $164/month v $84/mo for the basic.  Time for these big corporations to offer a "menu" of choices, that their customers actually want, need and will use.