All inclusive. Not really. Expensive, YES!

[davekathy]

We will continue to Cruise with Celerity even with AI. We also hope AI is short lived (like paying for Kobe/Wagyu 'burgers at the mast/pool grill 🙄) and goes away and Celebrity goes back to offering the OBC, CBP, Gratuities and WiFi as bundled options. We use to always select at least two of the 4  in the past. We don't mind paying a little more when we get to choose the ala carte way. IMO, the AI is more of a bummer to us that are in upper three tier levels in the CC. 

 

We also wish RC had the OBC, CBP, Gratuities and WiFi as a bundle option like Celebrity use to have as we also cruise with RC.  

[Denny01]

I agree with the ‘I don’t want to pay for what I don’t use’, especially when the increase is not minor, but no one is telling those that are complaining to go away. The posters are saying there are other choices and to use those other options if you don’t want to pay for those extras; that isn’t attacking them, its just an obvious statement. 

 

But to be clear, we all pay for various options on any cruise, including the Non-inclusive cruise lines, that individuals don’t use. I’ll not go through some list, but just remind us that many of us are getting benefits being Elite/E+ and similar bene’s on other Lines that they are paid by all. And by the way, I don’t use any of the colorful (colourful for our UK friends!) options on many of the RCL ships that all pay for. 

 

So if you don’t drink alcohol, specialty coffees, soft drinks, use wi-fi and don’t see the covered gratuities as a plus, then this isn’t a good program. For us who use all or some of them, or those that understand the increase is ‘business’ and see Celebrity still worth it, we can still continue to choose this Line. 

 

This has been discussed on a few other threads with the same, exact comments by the same posters, including me! 

 

Den

[LGW59]

1 minute ago, Denny01 said:

I agree with the ‘I don’t want to pay for what I don’t use’, especially when the increase is not minor, but no one is telling those that are complaining to go away. The posters are saying there are other choices and to use those other options if you don’t want to pay for those extras; that isn’t attacking them, its just an obvious statement. 

 

But to be clear, we all pay for various options on any cruise, including the Non-inclusive cruise lines, that individuals don’t use. I’ll not go through some list, but just remind us that many of us are getting benefits being Elite/E+ and similar bene’s on other Lines that they are paid by all. And by the way, I don’t use any of the colorful (colourful for our UK friends!) options on many of the RCL ships that all pay for. 

 

So if you don’t drink alcohol, specialty coffees, soft drinks, use wi-fi and don’t see the covered gratuities as a plus, then this isn’t a good program. For us who use all or some of them, or those that understand the increase is ‘business’ and see Celebrity still worth it, we can still continue to choose this Line. 

 

This has been discussed on a few other threads with the same, exact comments by the same posters, including me! 

 

Den

So well stated, Den!  And when we say "bye", it is in jest...get a sense of humor, though it is not included in the AI package.

[Denny01]

9 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

So well stated, Den!  And when we say "bye", it is in jest...get a sense of humor, though it is not included in the AI package.

Thanks LGW59. I learned early on when to step away from those with no ‘humorous bone’, especially on a cruise! On my first cruise, I stepped into a hot tub and exclaimed how wonderful it all was. Some guy sitting there said how bored he was and was only there because his wife insisted on cruising. I nodded to him, got out and jumped into another tub and made the same exclamation followed by all agreeing, and I sat and boiled away!

 

A habit I keep up with, even ‘ashore’!

 

Den  

[Nicole&Pete]

All,

 

We are quite disappointed by the always inclusive and I only found out about this yesterday when looking for next year. We really enjoy celebrity but we are not massive drinkers and don't use the wifi (we like to get away from it all). I know this is really old school but we do like handing tips in the envelopes as well, and it means if someone has been really good to us we can give a little bit more! 

 

We are elite with celebrity and it would always be our first choice, but we have just recently booked our first princess cruise just because it's an itinerary that celebrity don't do. They have an offer called princess plus where for around £30 ($42) a night you could get a drinks package, wifi and tips included but you can book without this. I know a lot of people will find this excellent value and I imagine a good number will go for it, but it is really good you can opt out of it. We personally have booked without the princess plus and instead bought a soda package which just suits us better. I really liked the flexibility because for those that do get the value from the drinks package and the wifi they are able to get a good all inclusive deal but for those that don't, they have an option to  pay separately for the things they will actually use. It's a good compromise I'd say between the two options. 

 

Nicole

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

1 hour ago, LGW59 said:

So well stated, Den!  And when we say "bye", it is in jest...get a sense of humor, though it is not included in the AI package.

There was no need to say it. I have a super sense of humor but that was not funny. I will and we do enjoy other cruise lines as well.

[marieps]

4 hours ago, Ride-The-Waves said:

Don't care for the "...thank you for your service" dig at those of us who have served in uniform.  

 

Unnecessary and uncalled for.  These cruisers are finding out, as we have, that trying new lines (Princess, Oceania, Azamara, etc) with a variety of ships has a lot to offer over an above what Celebrity is now pushing with AI and other so-called perks.  Variety can be great!

 

FYI - I served in uniform for 30 years in various theaters in various conflicts.  Your use of the "thank you for your service" is extremely demeaning as applied to adherence to one cruise line.  

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.

Edited April 26, 2021 by marieps

[TrulyBlonde]

34 minutes 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.

I always thank our current and former service members. Same with our Police officers. We are grateful to have them and expressing our gratitude is the least we can do. 

[goofysmom99]

As a solo, I took a 15 night TA on Silhouette in Oct 2019 in a C2 for total of ~$2700 ($1350 pp).  This year's 15 night Reflection TA, for that same C2, would cost $7030 ($3515 pp).  I don't think drinks, wifi, and gratuities are worth $4330 ($2165 pp).  But that's just my take.

Edited April 26, 2021 by goofysmom99

[FlyerTalker]

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.

[FlyerTalker]

3 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

As a solo, I took a 15 night TA on Silhouette in Oct 2019 in a C2 for total of ~$2700 ($1350 pp).  This year's 15 night Reflection TA, for that same C2, would cost $7030 ($3515 pp).  I don't think drinks, wifi, and gratuities are worth $4330.  But that's just my take.

 

No one is holding a gun to your head to buy that ticket.

 

If this is a massively stupid move by Celebrity, the invisible hand of the market will slap them silly.  Or it will reward their decision.  Econ 101.

[goofysmom99]

1 minute ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

No one is holding a gun to your head to buy that ticket.

 

I didn't.  My example was strictly to compare an apple to an apple.  An increase of over $2K pp for AI over the original cruise fare of $1350 seems a teeny bit excessive.

[Orator]

I heard a story about a newlywed couple that never left their hotel room during their honeymoon. When the groom went to checkout he was surprised to see all sorts of extra charges like a a drink package, an internet package and a pool charge on his bill. He requested to speak to the Manager. The manager explained that these services were available to him and it was his decision not to use them. He thought for a second and presented the manager with a bill for "escort" services explaining that his bride was available and that it was the manager's decision not to take advantages of the services.

[LGW59]

33 minutes ago, TrulyBlonde said:

I always thank our current and former service members. Same with our Police officers. We are grateful to have them and expressing our gratitude is the least we can do. 

Agree and do the same.  Especially since his avatar specifically referenced his military service, when I saw the posters response, my first thought was, gee how nice!

[tfred]

23 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

As a solo, I took a 15 night TA on Silhouette in Oct 2019 in a C2 for total of ~$2700 ($1350 pp).  This year's 15 night Reflection TA, for that same C2, would cost $7030 ($3515 pp).  I don't think drinks, wifi, and gratuities are worth $4330 ($2165 pp).  But that's just my take.

You are also solo and part of the price increase is X not making those prices at all attractive. There really isn’t upside to solo pax for any cruise line   Given those present numbers you would be better off looking at Regent. 

[PTC DAWG]

24 minutes ago, Orator said:

I heard a story about a newlywed couple that never left their hotel room during their honeymoon. When the groom went to checkout he was surprised to see all sorts of extra charges like a a drink package, an internet package and a pool charge on his bill. He requested to speak to the Manager. The manager explained that these services were available to him and it was his decision not to use them. He thought for a second and presented the manager with a bill for "escort" services explaining that his bride was available and that it was the manager's decision not to take advantages of the services.

I feel a little dumber reading that.  

[LGW59]

50 minutes 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.

I totally get that long time cruisers (elite and whatever status) with Celebrity do not like the changes.  But times change, it is what it is, a loaf of bread used to cost 79 cents.  Just because you have taken xxxxxx number of cruises and you know what's what because of it, you need to accept that Celebrity is also marketing to folks who may only cruise 1 or 2x per year.  I'll not get into the if you don't like the prices, because they are what they are, just understand and accept, they do not and cannot run their business model on only us over 60 folks.  

[TrulyBlonde]

31 minutes ago, tfred said:

You are also solo and part of the price increase is X not making those prices at all attractive. There really isn’t upside to solo pax for any cruise line   Given those present numbers you would be better off looking at Regent. 

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.

[ipeeinthepool]

4 hours ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Included / inclusive. Picking on words. Sorry to get you riled up on my choice of words. Saying BYE is insulting. As my parents always told me. If you cannot say anything nice, don't say anything at all. They DO NOT offer sailing cruise only. I checked with my TA and was informed they no longer offer that. The least included is paid gratuities and a drink package. Others include a lot more and make no mistake YOU are paying dearly for it. They do have short cruises that are reasonable. However we enjoy 7 day or a little longer. yes they took a hit so did all the others. We have cruised on many cruise lines over the years. As I said in the beginning. Celebrity was our nicest cruises except for the Sky Princess which blew our mind. A beautiful ship and a fantastic cruise. Now they have increased a cruise on that ship to where we will not book it again unless they offer a lower cost. Yes the prices have increased for all lines except Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines. Palm Beach Florida. They sold one ship for junk. The other is now BOGO any cabin, plus 5 free drinks of any kind for 2021 and 2022. One ship and a great deal but only a two day to Grand Bahama island. So we all move on ad cruise as we wish. We have 3 for this year four for 2022 and so far one for 2023. Carnival, Princess, PBCL and we are now getting a price for an RCCL in 2022. Maybe in 2023 the prices might get somewhat back to where they were. At 75 I would like to see that happen soon.

 

Sorry that you feel that telling someone "Bye" is insulting.  When someone tells me they have enjoyed sailing with Celebrity but don't like the current direction, I don't know what else to say.  I hope you enjoy your future non-Celebrity cruises and they are a better value for you.  If you decide to come back to Celebrity, I'll be glad to welcome you back.  But for now...

 

Bye

 

 

[grandgeezer]

42 minutes 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.

This is beyond dumb. The swimming pool is a permeant addition to the ship to attract customers. Maybe they should add that to the AI program and start doing so. I think the health department would have a say about not having public washrooms. Or they could try to do like some of the airports tried years ago, make them pay washrooms where you had to insert coins to open the door.

The drinks and internet are a different story. I guess in a pinch, you could always use the ocean or a private corner somewhere. In the past, the ones that wanted them were able to pay and get them, and the ones that didn't, didn't have to pay. It might be hard to believe but there are people out there who don't have to have a drink in their hand to have a good time. What about the ones that aren't hold enough to drink liquor? Save the energy of mentioning soft drinks, bottled water, or specialty coffees. The cost of these are far less than the liquor. So far as the internet, is it fair to force people who don't know how or want to use it. The only reason we use it is we get minutes free because of loyalty status, and we never use all of them anyway.

[grandgeezer]

3 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

I totally get that long time cruisers (elite and whatever status) with Celebrity do not like the changes.  But times change, it is what it is, a loaf of bread used to cost 79 cents.  Just because you have taken xxxxxx number of cruises and you know what's what because of it, you need to accept that Celebrity is also marketing to folks who may only cruise 1 or 2x per year.  I'll not get into the if you don't like the prices, because they are what they are, just understand and accept, they do not and cannot run their business model on only us over 60 folks.  

I agree with your last statement but I think they shouldn't do things to chase us away. Next time you are on a ship and look around and see how many of us they are. We, generally, are the ones that cruise a lot and contribute money that keeps them afloat.

The jist of this topic is that they are adding things to the base cost that people don't want or need.

[LGW59]

4 minutes ago, grandgeezer said:

I agree with your last statement but I think they shouldn't do things to chase us away. Next time you are on a ship and look around and see how many of us they are. We, generally, are the ones that cruise a lot and contribute money that keeps them afloat.

The jist of this topic is that they are adding things to the base cost that people don't want or need.

I can definitely appreciate your thoughts on this.  

[ipeeinthepool]

7 minutes ago, grandgeezer said:

I agree with your last statement but I think they shouldn't do things to chase us away. Next time you are on a ship and look around and see how many of us they are. We, generally, are the ones that cruise a lot and contribute money that keeps them afloat.

The jist of this topic is that they are adding things to the base cost that people don't want or need.

Unless you are looking around in the Retreat Area, you are not looking at the people making Celebrity profitable.  It's the Suites that make the money for Celebrity not Elite members sailing in oceanview cabins.  But to your original point if they get rid of the swimming pool, I'll find another cruise line.

[LGW59]

2 minutes ago, ipeeinthepool said:

Unless you are looking around in the Retreat Area, you are not looking at the people making Celebrity profitable.  It's the Suites that make the money for Celebrity not Elite members sailing in oceanview cabins.  But to your original point if they get rid of the swimming pool, I'll find another cruise line.

so understandable, a man does need a place to pee, with his gratis AI beverage provided by LGW59. 😂

 

Edited April 26, 2021 by LGW59

[excitedofharpenden]

18 hours ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

Well we did love cruising with Celebrity. Great cruises and at a nominal cost. We have no use for all inclusive. Paying for things we never do or use. I wish them well. It was nice when you could choose if you wanted all the perks they were offering for your cruise or just the basic cruise and you purchase only the extras you wanted. Always get the a soda package and the steak house. Happy sailing!

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