Would you take cruise rate only?

[Algebralovr]

14 hours ago, drakes2 said:

I know this has been discussed several times on these boards but why substitute a wine priced at $9 per glass when a guest has already paid an upcharge? I realize they do have other wines on the premium package so if my favorite cab is not available they can offer something else at the same price point.  If  the guest doesn't care for a white or sauvignon blanc on that particular night thats not their issue. They certainly won't give you a better wine at no additional charge.  They have done this in the past but it appears its no longer the case.  The same applies to any land restaurant. 

Because wine is VERY subjective.  I've been perfectly happy with bottles of 2-buck-chuck over the years even when others commented that "This wine is MUCH better".   Better is subjective. 

They offer what F&B says they can offer, what the revenue manager says they can offer.  Sometimes the Celler Master and F&B decide to offer an "upgraded" bottle and other times they don't. 

Heck, their wines are quite over priced as it is.  The Chateau St. Michelle Risling that I like was sold for $5 locally at the supermarket when Celebrity had it priced for $8 per glass or more.  That was years ago.   

[the penguins]

3 hours ago, abbydancer said:

Probably not, but we usually book sky suites, so kind of moot.

That said, we had to move a booking in Aqua with Go Best (remember that?) out a couple of months due to missing the Covid cutoff, and they wouldn't honor it in spite of changing the port I booked for.  So, to make up for my disappointment (not a total loss, as I'm working the California Primary), we rebooked for July with the preferred port.  We ended up moving to Concierge (price wasn't much different then balcony) with Elevate to get the drink package.

 

So my question - we're Elite,  I'm debating buying the upgrade from surf to stream.  If I'm reading this correctly I can use my Elite minutes first, and then switch to the AI surf package?  

 

On the other hand, we have enough OBC to buy the stream upgrade and still have more than enough.

 

Thoughts?

Use one of free minutes as they are the faster rate. Then use the second lot on the same device. When you have used the second lot you will be part way through the cruise and X might offer a reduced rate for the remaining days. What ever package you then buy you will still get your Elite bonus on it. Of course do all the drafting of emails off line and shut down immediately the messages have been sent.

If you really need 24/7 access or 2 devices you will have to buy a package.

Convert you OBC to cash in the Casino.

[chemmo]

16 hours ago, prmssk said:

It's really just about the math.  

Sometimes one quote answers a full thread…

 

When we were young, touring the world and spending every port day enjoying long excursions then we definitely would not have got value for money from a package…

 

However, now we are older and the ship is more our destination we enjoy having what we want to drink when we want it, do use our WiFi and like not having to consider an end of cruise bill. 
 

Having followed many threads on similar lines I am thrilled that Celebrity is starting to offer choices again so that those who don’t want/need a package don’t have to pay for one.

[SueMo]

I am Elite+, so I get 240 min of internet, free specialty coffees, 5-7 pm happy hour, etc.  If I am on a port intensive cruise I have no need of the AI package as I will be out and about for much of the day.  However, if the cruise involves a lot of days at sea, I am more likely to buy the AI package as I am more likely to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two during the day and use internet a little bit more.

[drakes2]

23 minutes ago, SueMo said:

I am Elite+, so I get 240 min of internet, free specialty coffees, 5-7 pm happy hour, etc.  If I am on a port intensive cruise I have no need of the AI package as I will be out and about for much of the day.  However, if the cruise involves a lot of days at sea, I am more likely to buy the AI package as I am more likely to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or two during the day and use internet a little bit more.

I feel the same way although just Elite I don't need the AI package. Plan on a 10 night Southern itinerary this fall with only 4 sea days.  Most of my excursions are water based with lunch and drinks served so by the time I return to ship I've had my fill of alcohol although I do love my wine with dinner. My 120 minutes of internet combined with free wifi in ports is plenty. 

[Lastdance]

I definitely think that more options for cruisers will be better for Celebrity going forward, especially with all the issues concerning quality of drinks, increase in prices, along with paying for something that you rarely use.  It allows the cruiser to feel more in charge of his/her cruise, providing opportunity cost for everyone. 

[jagoffee]

In rough numbers, how much a day per person is the Cruise Only rate? (Compared to the AI?)

[George C]

We did a charter cruise a few years ago and drink package was not included for sky suites, no elite perks only , but suite perks were there , we were happy just get drinks from Michaels.

[DCPIV]

The last time I ran the numbers, AI made loads of sense over cruise only even being Elite. We both will take full advantage of the drink package. I need the wifi for work, but we both enjoy having it. Once I backed those out of the difference (this was back when you could see cruise only online), the gratuities were essentially free. 

 

We're about to be E+, so that'll change things a bit. However, I bet we still come out ahead or pretty much a wash. We'll see when it comes up. 

 

I would think any Zenith would have no use whatsoever for AI. All you Zeniths really do have a legitimate complaint. X needs to offer cruise only rates across the board to Zeniths. 

 

Does anyone know if cruise only fares include promotional OBC (like with the current sale)? That can make an enormous difference. 

[poffles]

3 hours ago, jagoffee said:

In rough numbers, how much a day per person is the Cruise Only rate? (Compared to the AI?)

 

From a quick look, it appears the cost difference is $50 US per day (per person). 

 

I am one that would not 'save' anything by opting for the Cruise Only rate since $16 would cover Gratuity for balcony which is my typical leaving $34 per day cost for all the Classic beverage package would offer.  No brainer for me and good marketing on Celebrity's part 🙂

 

AI for me if faced with a choice based on this difference as it would cost me more to do Cruise Only 🍹🍻

Edited June 5, 2022 by poffles

[NutsAboutGolf]

On 6/4/2022 at 5:14 AM, TMLAalum said:

If the Cruise Only Fare plus gratuities is less than the all-inclusive rate, we will take it! Elite happy hour and included Wi-Fi will suffice for us along with our one bottle of wine allowed each, even better if as some posts here have indicated it is now two per person!

 

X changed the policy to TWO bottles per person, I believe 99% of the time XRay person didn't care how many bottles you brought you as long there wasn't more than two bottles in the same bag.  For example, if there are ten bags on the xray belt, half have wine and half don't, I don't see the XRay person stopping the belt to ask everyone waiting for their bags trying to determine which person carried on how many bottles.

[Denny01]

@poffles gave a good number. Checked our upcoming Alaska cruise and the difference is $50/day/pp. So after gratuities, if you have one or two drinks and want to use the WiFi even just a bit, then it works out as a good pricing. 

 

My other cruises don’t show an option price yet. 

 

Den

[PinkSandGirl]

I would not.  Well, unless the cost of the cruise without the perks was so much less that when I added everything on, it was still less, but I doubt the price difference would be that much. 

 

1. I need the premium beverage package for all of the evian I drink, cocktails throughout the day/night plus I love the World Class Bar and Martini Bar, my multiple iced teas from Cafe Bacio etc...

 

2. Gratuities need to be paid no matter what.  

 

3. Faster WiFi needed for WiFi Calling and being able to actually use the internet for what I need it for. 

 

I started cruising when beverage packages didn't exist, when gratuities were handed out with little slips in envelopes at the end of the cruise and internet wasn't available while at sea. We've come a long way with the conveniences many of us have become accustomed to and now that we have, I can't imagine going back to that.  However, all of those cruises were wonderful and at the time, you don't know what you're missing when there isn't anything to miss since it wasn't an option.  😉

 

P.S.  I know we pay for it, but I also love included Onboard Credit. 

😅

 

🍹

 

Edited June 5, 2022 by PinkSandGirl

[tallnthensome]

So I booked a 6 day 2024 cruise on the Reflection for my family of four, two teenage daughters. The cruise only rate was $2850 for an ocean view. The AI rate was $4300 or about $1500. When I price the packages separately it's also $1500. I priced out two classic drink packages, tips for four,  and two basic WiFi packages with 2 devices each. Where is the savings? Did I miss something with my kids wifi and kids drink packages they may get? I don't see the huge savings with AI. I can't get a real detail for the family when mock booking AI versus just cruise rate. 

[drakes2]

12 minutes ago, PinkSandGirl said:

I need the premium beverage package for all of the evian I drink, cocktails throughout the day/night plus I love the World Class Bar and Martini Bar, my multiple iced teas from Cafe Bacio etc...

I drink a large bottle of Evian every day on the ship plus a small perrier with dinner. I think that alone covers the upgrade to the PBP. Also love the drinks at World class bar; not fussed on the martini bar as I make my own great martinis at home .  Love Cafe El Bacio's Aspen Coffee and stop by every morning on my way to the MDR for breakfast.  I do believe I got my moneys worth on my last cruise.  

[Staci0615]

7 hours ago, jagoffee said:

In rough numbers, how much a day per person is the Cruise Only rate? (Compared to the AI?)

On the summit it came out 50 per day difference between AI and cruise only

[PinkSandGirl]

4 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

I drink a large bottle of Evian every day on the ship plus a small perrier with dinner. I think that alone covers the upgrade to the PBP. Also love the drinks at World class bar; not fussed on the martini bar as I make my own great martinis at home .  Love Cafe El Bacio's Aspen Coffee and stop by every morning on my way to the MDR for breakfast.  I do believe I got my moneys worth on my last cruise.  

I drink evian constantly (even at home).   During the day and night, I go through so many bottles.  My most recent cruise,  I love the glass, but the little glass bottles  they give around the ship, I drink that in no time.  I always ask for two at a time.  At dinner, the assistant waitress would come open a big bottle of evian and put it in a chilled champagne bucket. 😉

 

I love making cocktails myself but it is still enjoyable being served a great cocktail. 😉

 

I am a tea drinker.  At Cafe Bacio I get a Black Iced (multiple throughout the day).   It's amazing how they know your name the first day and what you want and get it ready when they see you!   When it comes to coffee, I like the smell and only drink it in my beer. 🤣  I love dark beers. Stouts and Porters...I like many different flavor profiles especially coffee beers...which is funny because I don't drink coffee. I prefer craft breweries.  I do like coffee ice cream now and then.  😉  I like Craft Social on the Equinox but their  'craft' beer selection = not good (my opinion).  That's ok though, plenty of cocktails to try. 

 

I did actually have a drink with coffee in it last October from Cafe Bacio.  It had popcorn in it.   I made myself try something one day, as I also had my iced tea and evian sitting there on the table. 😅

 

🍹

[dazey]

WE always in the past had premium drink package and enjoyed it.  However, we have a Blue Chip offer with no perks - just cruise.  To add premium drink package would be approx. $1200. We are going to see how that works for us using our elite drink offer and casino free drinks only. We may very well spend as much but we always wondered about no premium drink package. Now we are going to go with NO drink package.  We like probably 2 or 3 drinks a day(wine or beer) and will forgo specialty water.  We may be surprised with the result.  Whatever it turns out to be will be fine.  Maybe we will drink less!  This is our third cruise in just a few months so figure it is a good time to try this.

[dreamer321]

I would definitely book a Cruise Only fare. I'm only a classic CC member so I don't have many free perks; no free cocktails or WiFi minutes.  As a solo traveler the different comes out to a little over $100 a day. I was thinking of booking an Alaskan cruise for 2023 when I'm aboard Apex for the 2023 NYE cruise. I can live without WiFi in Alaska (I assume 5G or free WiFi is available in port) and I don't drink that much alcohol. The only thing I drink at home is iced tea or juice which I can get for free on ship. Even deducting the $15.50/day prepaid tip I don't think I would average $85/day in cocktails so for me it makes sense.

[the penguins]

7 hours ago, tallnthensome said:

So I booked a 6 day 2024 cruise on the Reflection for my family of four, two teenage daughters. The cruise only rate was $2850 for an ocean view. The AI rate was $4300 or about $1500. When I price the packages separately it's also $1500. I priced out two classic drink packages, tips for four,  and two basic WiFi packages with 2 devices each. Where is the savings? Did I miss something with my kids wifi and kids drink packages they may get? I don't see the huge savings with AI. I can't get a real detail for the family when mock booking AI versus just cruise rate. 

It's about choice. If your combined drink and WiFi spend will be above or at least around 💲1500 go AI if not go Cruise Rate. On a 14 night after paying the tips (would never not do that) we will save around 💲650.

[the penguins]

1 hour ago, the penguins said:

It's about choice. If your combined drink and WiFi spend will be above or at least around 💲1500 go AI if not go Cruise Rate. On a 14 night after paying the tips (would never not do that) we will save around 💲650.

Sorry I should have said if your combined spend on tips, WiFi and drinks exceed not just drinks and WiFi.

[drakes2]

11 hours ago, dreamer321 said:

I would definitely book a Cruise Only fare. I'm only a classic CC member so I don't have many free perks; no free cocktails or WiFi minutes.  As a solo traveler the different comes out to a little over $100 a day. I was thinking of booking an Alaskan cruise for 2023 when I'm aboard Apex for the 2023 NYE cruise. I can live without WiFi in Alaska (I assume 5G or free WiFi is available in port) and I don't drink that much alcohol. The only thing I drink at home is iced tea or juice which I can get for free on ship. Even deducting the $15.50/day prepaid tip I don't think I would average $85/day in cocktails so for me it makes sense.

Same here I've done both cruise only and AI and would only book AI if worked out to less than $100 a day extra. My Elite wifi is sufficient as is HH drinks. Sometimes the wine choices for free drinks are pretty good at least they were on my February Edge cruise as did not take package. Was able to enjoy martinis some nice Australian cabernets and Aperol spritzers from 5 to 7 pm. On my Eclipse April May sailing wine choices were not the best. That cruise had 6 sea days so made the most of my Premium package during the day.

[jagoffee]

17 hours ago, poffles said:

 

From a quick look, it appears the cost difference is $50 US per day (per person). 

 

I am one that would not 'save' anything by opting for the Cruise Only rate since $16 would cover Gratuity for balcony which is my typical leaving $34 per day cost for all the Classic beverage package would offer.  No brainer for me and good marketing on Celebrity's part 🙂

 

AI for me if faced with a choice based on this difference as it would cost me more to do Cruise Only 🍹🍻

 

13 hours ago, Staci0615 said:

On the summit it came out 50 per day difference between AI and cruise only

Looking at it from a different angle, it costs $50 a day pp to add the AI.  No brained for me if the opportunity presents itself.   This is the new rate in Princes to add the Plus package. (Used to be $40 a day pp).

 

I am very pleased that Celebrity  has a Cruise only rate for those that do not value what you get for $50 a day per person.  The irony is that if Celebrity would not have such generous Captain Club benefits, less people would be interested in the Cruise only rate.  I can see where it is a tough call for a zenith member.  (Although it is a very limited number of cruisers per cruise).

 

I wonder if Celebrity will have certain regular cruises without a Cruise Only rate.  

[NutsAboutGolf]

8 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

 

Looking at it from a different angle, it costs $50 a day pp to add the AI.  No brained for me if the opportunity presents itself.   This is the new rate in Princes to add the Plus package. (Used to be $40 a day pp).

 

I am very pleased that Celebrity  has a Cruise only rate for those that do not value what you get for $50 a day per person.  The irony is that if Celebrity would not have such generous Captain Club benefits, less people would be interested in the Cruise only rate.  I can see where it is a tough call for a zenith member.  (Although it is a very limited number of cruisers per cruise).

 

I wonder if Celebrity will have certain regular cruises without a Cruise Only rate.  

 

The general consensus is for many sailings if you take the AI rate and deduct the a la carte pricing for the internet, drink package and tipping, the cruise only rate is a lot higher.

[dazey]

We have a comp cruise and to add standard drink, wifi and tips would be $1866 or for adding standard drink package would be $492/pp.  I cannot make sense of paying $1866 and we never use WIFI.  We will get to see exactly what it will cost us for the week for tips and drinks. Not sure where the $50/pp comes from even if one deducts the $217 gratuity.  Hope I am not surprised.