All inclusive. Not really. Expensive, YES!

[peacefulOR]

Three pages and almost no positive comments? A long-time cruiser and one who keeps old fare information in each year's planner, I have to speak for "the other side". We missed out on a 15 day TP last year but I kept the quotes from Celebrity and 2 big on-line agencies. Guess what? Going in 2022, same cruise on Celebrity, Same Price, but now includes: gratuities, basic drink package, and wi-fi.....we always pre-pay gratuities and wi-fi. Classic drink package won't be used much, so what?

 

I did find one fare last year that was $50 pp less than the new Celebrity always included. In other words, still not a better deal by gratuities alone. It sounds like there are some significant increases on some cabins and some cruises, but not all of them by any means. It would be more helpful to address a particular sailing that to paint an "all included" picture of negativity. We're delighted to sail again with such a great cruise line and at a great price.

 

Bon Voyage wherever you chose to go; no line has every great itinerary or best price all the time.

Rainey

[Pinboy]

1 hour ago, FlyerTalker said:

I'm surprised that no one has complained about how the ship has a swimming pool, they don't use it, so why should their cruise fare go to subsidize something they don't use.  Or the evening entertainment because they don't go to shows.  Or even the public washrooms, since they only use the one in their cabin.

The air must be pretty thin at 35000 ft.

Total nonsense , and besides you forgot to mention the golf putting " challenge ".

 

[Oceangoer2]

1 minute ago, excitedofharpenden said:

I understand the point you are making and happen to agree with you. However, it's a shame when those that don't are rude and belittle you. There is no need for it, but it seems to be the way here now.  It's the same people over and over. They've been in lockdown too long. They need a cruise. 

 

Phil 

You beat me to it....I've almost responded in kind several times over the past few days..some posters have come across as mean and disrespectful and in some cases, out of what seemed to be their character......I thought maybe it's just me that had that impression.  I agree in part with most of what's said here...each has a point of view which they share with us..not to get flamed for doing so (like I probably will now that I've spoken my mind).  A lot of back and forth and rightism and so many wordy responses the point is lost.  Maybe we also should not be telling someone to adjust their thinking and 'get a sense of humour'...that is a cover for remarks made and then say they're kidding. JMHO.

[Oceangoer2]

17 minutes ago, peacefulOR said:

Three pages and almost no positive comments? A long-time cruiser and one who keeps old fare information in each year's planner, I have to speak for "the other side". We missed out on a 15 day TP last year but I kept the quotes from Celebrity and 2 big on-line agencies. Guess what? Going in 2022, same cruise on Celebrity, Same Price, but now includes: gratuities, basic drink package, and wi-fi.....we always pre-pay gratuities and wi-fi. Classic drink package won't be used much, so what?

 

I did find one fare last year that was $50 pp less than the new Celebrity always included. In other words, still not a better deal by gratuities alone. It sounds like there are some significant increases on some cabins and some cruises, but not all of them by any means. It would be more helpful to address a particular sailing that to paint an "all included" picture of negativity. We're delighted to sail again with such a great cruise line and at a great price.

 

Bon Voyage wherever you chose to go; no line has every great itinerary or best price all the time.

Rainey

A soul brother/sister?  I keep a spreadsheet on cruising back to 2009.  Recently reviewed cruise costs and found 10 night cruises varied up AND down over a 5 year period by no more than $200-$500 Cdn, which included grats and bvg. pkg and pertinent OBC.  Change depended on itinerary and promo offered;  sailed S class C1.  Tried to compare apples with apples.  I can't be upset with the line making a profit.  I do think, however, we had the option to include these perks.  Those who don't avail themselves of alcoholic bvg may have a point and feel over-charged.

Edited April 26, 2021 by Oceangoer2

[PTC DAWG]

Me, I don't like paying for everyone's meal in the MDR....I rarely if ever eat there.  🙂

[NavyCruiser]

After 30+ cruises on mainline cruise lines, mostly with our kids; now that we're cruising without them, we've just booked our very first cruise with Celebrity because of this AI.  

Although more expensive, we sorta added up all the perks & figured it's a good value with most everything included (although not gratuities).  After another day of mulling it over, we even upgraded from interior to aquaclass balcony.  Again, a little more expensive, but a very good value.

So maybe this promo will attract a few of us cruisers who may want upgrade our cruising experience from the mainline cruise lines...

[Pinboy]

4 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

Those who don't avail themselves of alcoholic bvg may have a point and feel over-charged.

Thank you--- That's us.

However, You probably noticed I said sooooo many times--

We really enjoy Celebrity and as long as the price is " reasonable " we will continue.

LOL--- Now that I'm on CC , how can I miss meeting many of you ???

[ipeeinthepool]

1 minute ago, Pinboy said:

LOL--- Now that I'm on CC , how can I miss meeting many of you ???

 

Just to be clear, do you want to meet us or do you want to miss meeting us?  🤔

[ipeeinthepool]

4 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

Me, I don't like paying for everyone's meal in the MDR....I rarely if ever eat there.  🙂

 

I wish you would pay a little more so we could have better meals in the MDR.

[naturelovergirl]

7 minutes ago, NavyCruiser said:

After 30+ cruises on mainline cruise lines, mostly with our kids; now that we're cruising without them, we've just booked our very first cruise with Celebrity because of this AI.  

Although more expensive, we sorta added up all the perks & figured it's a good value with most everything included (although not gratuities).  After another day of mulling it over, we even upgraded from interior to aquaclass balcony.  Again, a little more expensive, but a very good value.

So maybe this promo will attract a few of us cruisers who may want upgrade our cruising experience from the mainline cruise lines...

We also booked Celebrity for the first time because of "Always Included"... it was one of the things that attracted us to booking our cruise with them for summer of 2022. 😀

[PTC DAWG]

4 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

 

I wish you would pay a little more so we could have better meals in the MDR.

Feel free to pony up.  

[TrulyBlonde]

3 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

 

I wish you would pay a little more so we could have better meals in the MDR.

I have never eaten in the main dining room. I do not mind making my contribution. I have cruised on many lines and I find the Suite Class on X to be good value. 

[peacefulOR]

17 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said:

A soul brother/sister?  I keep a spreadsheet on cruising back to 2009.  Recently reviewed cruise costs and found 10 night cruises varied up AND down over a 5 year period by no more than $200-$500 Cdn, which included grats and bvg. pkg and pertinent OBC.  Change depended on itinerary and promo offered;  sailed S class C1.  Tried to compare apples with apples.  I can't be upset with the line making a profit.  I do think, however, we had the option to include these perks.  Those who don't avail themselves of alcoholic bvg may have a point and feel over-charged.

Soul sister here. I too compared S class, 15 day. If the perks cost more than the former up charge for grats and wi-fi, we'd write it up to inflation over 2 yrs. It's part of the memories to read back and compare quotes from different sources.

[Pinboy]

4 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

 

Just to be clear, do you want to meet us or do you want to miss meeting us?  🤔

That's a " Good One "--

LOL--- To be honest ( sometimes I'm not ) -- Most CCers , I would very much like to meet , however, some I would like to miss meeting. 

As for yourself ---- I'd like to meet you --- anywhere--- except in the pool !!!!

[Host Jazzbeau]

2 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

As for yourself ---- I'd like to meet you --- anywhere--- except in the pool !!!!

That's where you want him to 'miss' !!!

[Ride-The-Waves]

2 hours ago, marieps said:

I don't get why you are taking offense.  I thank all veterans for their service, including my son, a former army captain.  I thank police too.  Can you please explain why you believe the poster was mocking the OP.  Also, the poster offering the thanks expressed agreement with the OP.   I'm baffled.

Do not want to hijack this thread since I agree with most of the discussion that AI is mostly over-priced hype.  However, since you specifically requested an answer.  The phrase originated with those who do not want to serve country, do not want to give anything back to their country (which ever country) and who are most comfortable with others serving to protect them from foreign (or domestic) attack.  Those of us in service would never have thought to offer "thanks" to a comrade in uniform.  We serve for different personal reasons, no "thanks" required.  If you really believe in gratitude to those who have or are serving, then do something for them: donate to the USO or similar, stuff packages for those overseas, help service families, lobby your representative to improve benefits for service men and women (many are on food stamps).

 

FYI, I come from a service family:  mother was a Navy nurse in WWII, grandfather served in WWI, uncle in Korea, son career medical in the USAF, BIL career Navy lawyer, FIL career Provost Marshall in the Army.  Father was colorblind and medically restricted from serving, but was in the field as a technical expert during WWII.  None of us needed or welcomed "thanks."

 

Now back to the topic at hand:  Celebrity's effort to squeeze more money out of us for fewer benefits.

[tfred]

1 hour ago, TrulyBlonde said:

Actually, Oceania is al a carte. Many non drinkers choose O for that reason. Just another cruise line for those that do not like Always Included. Smaller ships too.

I have been on O.  Fantastic food.  Like most things about the small ship concept although the activity level is a bit low after dinner.  Ships need an update or maybe just not my style with the black and gold granite look.  I would look at them for route specific itineraries that are better with a small ship

[TrulyBlonde]

2 minutes ago, tfred said:

I have been on O.  Fantastic food.  Like most things about the small ship concept although the activity level is a bit low after dinner.  Ships need an update or maybe just not my style with the black and gold granite look.  I would look at them for route specific itineraries that are better with a small ship

We choose our cruises due to timing and itinerary. No cruises during ski season and Summer.  O and X are my go to lines and I like both for different reasons. X is more fun with lots to do and O is calm and relaxing and can get into smaller ports. Both are great and work for us. 

The O ships vs the R ships on Oceania are 2 different animals. My favorite is Riviera. I also like the S class on X better than the M class.

[Ride-The-Waves]

Sailing Oceania (Marina) for the first time November 2022 on a trans-Atlantic.  Marina is not an "R-class" ship, but we have sailed "Rs" many times on Azamara.  Wonderful ships and with Azamara, the crew really makes the difference.  Azamara's "route specific" itineraries are fantastic.  Azamara was once part of Celebrity and we first sailed on Journey when she was Celebrity.  Well worth the additional expense at the time.  And they are still worth the added cost as an independent compared to "mass market."  Have always said embarking on Azamara is "like coming home" again.

 

Paying for Azamara-level service makes sense on a "small" ship.  Its unlikely Celebrity will be able to achieve that level on a Solstice or Edge class.

[TrulyBlonde]

1 minute ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

Sailing Oceania (Marina) for the first time November 2022 on a trans-Atlantic.  Marina is not an "R-class" ship, but we have sailed "Rs" many times on Azamara.  Wonderful ships and with Azamara, the crew really makes the difference.  Azamara's "route specific" itineraries are fantastic.  Azamara was once part of Celebrity and we first sailed on Journey when she was Celebrity.  Well worth the additional expense at the time.  And they are still worth the added cost as an independent compared to "mass market."  Have always said embarking on Azamara is "like coming home" again.

 

Paying for Azamara-level service makes sense on a "small" ship.  Its unlikely Celebrity will be able to achieve that level on a Solstice or Edge class.

You will love Marina as she is the sister to Riviera. I have had 3 very nice cruises on Azamara too. It was nice to get the points included with both X and Azamara in the Captains Club.

[Oceangoer2]

57 minutes ago, Pinboy said:

Thank you--- That's us.

However, You probably noticed I said sooooo many times--

We really enjoy Celebrity and as long as the price is " reasonable " we will continue.

LOL--- Now that I'm on CC , how can I miss meeting many of you ???

😄  You are trying to MISS meeting us?

[ipeeinthepool]

1 hour ago, peacefulOR said:

Three pages and almost no positive comments? A long-time cruiser and one who keeps old fare information in each year's planner, I have to speak for "the other side". We missed out on a 15 day TP last year but I kept the quotes from Celebrity and 2 big on-line agencies. Guess what? Going in 2022, same cruise on Celebrity, Same Price, but now includes: gratuities, basic drink package, and wi-fi.....we always pre-pay gratuities and wi-fi. Classic drink package won't be used much, so what?

 

I did find one fare last year that was $50 pp less than the new Celebrity always included. In other words, still not a better deal by gratuities alone. It sounds like there are some significant increases on some cabins and some cruises, but not all of them by any means. It would be more helpful to address a particular sailing that to paint an "all included" picture of negativity. We're delighted to sail again with such a great cruise line and at a great price.

 

Bon Voyage wherever you chose to go; no line has every great itinerary or best price all the time.

Rainey

 

I don't know that we can accurately compare AI and non AI prices.  Just out of curiosity is your 2022 TA a recent booking or did you book it when it just was announced?  We haven't ever had an AI cruise leave the dock.  I think all of the FCC floating around out there are inflating the price in the next year or so.  If AI still exists later in 2022 and cruising has returned to normal, prices should return to normal levels.  We also have the new ship effect.  Celebrity has the Edge, Apex and Beyond they are hoping that those ships also raise prices on the other ships sailing similar itineraries.  I'm happy you have a good price on your 2022 TA.  Eventually market forces will require Celebrity's prices to be competitive to other lines.

[Oceangoer2]

33 minutes ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

Do not want to hijack this thread since I agree with most of the discussion that AI is mostly over-priced hype.  However, since you specifically requested an answer.  The phrase originated with those who do not want to serve country, do not want to give anything back to their country (which ever country) and who are most comfortable with others serving to protect them from foreign (or domestic) attack.  Those of us in service would never have thought to offer "thanks" to a comrade in uniform.  We serve for different personal reasons, no "thanks" required.  If you really believe in gratitude to those who have or are serving, then do something for them: donate to the USO or similar, stuff packages for those overseas, help service families, lobby your representative to improve benefits for service men and women (many are on food stamps).

 

FYI, I come from a service family:  mother was a Navy nurse in WWII, grandfather served in WWI, uncle in Korea, son career medical in the USAF, BIL career Navy lawyer, FIL career Provost Marshall in the Army.  Father was colorblind and medically restricted from serving, but was in the field as a technical expert during WWII.  None of us needed or welcomed "thanks."

 

Now back to the topic at hand:  Celebrity's effort to squeeze more money out of us for fewer benefits.

Wow...your family is to be applauded (is that a way of saying 'thanks'?)  My FIL served in the Cdn. Irish WW2...and was killed in Italy Monty Casino when DH was 3.  I thank him in my heart for what he endured there and giving his life to help keep us out of harms way.  I agree with your suggestions BTW...much needed.

[LGW59]

1 hour ago, TrulyBlonde said:

I have never eaten in the main dining room. I do not mind making my contribution. I have cruised on many lines and I find the Suite Class on X to be good value. 

us too, Luminae or specialty

[peacefulOR]

17 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

 

I don't know that we can accurately compare AI and non AI prices.  Just out of curiosity is your 2022 TA a recent booking or did you book it when it just was announced?  We haven't ever had an AI cruise leave the dock.  I think all of the FCC floating around out there are inflating the price in the next year or so.  If AI still exists later in 2022 and cruising has returned to normal, prices should return to normal levels.  We also have the new ship effect.  Celebrity has the Edge, Apex and Beyond they are hoping that those ships also raise prices on the other ships sailing similar itineraries.  I'm happy you have a good price on your 2022 TA.  Eventually market forces will require Celebrity's prices to be competitive to other lines.

Why not? Same TP: leave Vancouver in Sept. Sitka, 3 stops in Japan with an overnight in Yokahama.Same class ship, same class cabin. I booked in March with AI already in. If they drop it before 09/16/22, I expect our price to hold. We did not use any FCC and that may have made a difference. The Solstice is the only Celebrity ship on this itinerary. Like I said, there will be a variety of price changes (or not) but research will tell us what is available. TA's may be different because of competition.