Captain's Club Program Changes

[Orator]

Just now, WestLakeGirl said:

Seems very unfair that they went back on their promise😢

They have every right to change the program. We have the right to choose how we spend our money.

[Arizona Wildcat]

29 minutes ago, maggie.1008 said:

So no cruise only rates on Aqua class cabins ?

Correct.  Not on Aqua or above.

[Lastdance]

A couple of new items that interest me at elite+ level, as I will never make Zenith.  No worries on that at all…love cruising regardless!

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

44 minutes ago, Orator said:

Notice that Zenith benefits no longer include access to MC/Retreat. They originally said that this was temporary due to Covid., now it’s officially permanent! Loyalty means nothing! Idea: Should permit Zeniths to use MC/ Retreat on a space available basis on M&S class ships, This might cause Zeniths to book more cruises on M&S class ships.

 

I agree.  Most of the times I've been in the Retreat Lounge, you could shoot a cannon off and not hit anyone.  Only time I've seen much interest is the night the officers show up.  Besides, how many Zeniths are on any given cruise?  I'll wager not many.  Doesn't seem a good idea to piss off your most loyal cruisers, but what do I know?

[jelayne]

18 minutes ago, Happy Cruiser 6143 said:

 

I agree.  Most of the times I've been in the Retreat Lounge, you could shoot a cannon off and not hit anyone.  Only time I've seen much interest is the night the officers show up.  Besides, how many Zeniths are on any given cruise?  I'll wager not many.  Doesn't seem a good idea to piss off your most loyal cruisers, but what do I know?

Your statement above is the reason we spend very little time in the Retreat Lounge, it is dead most of the time.  That is why I don’t understand the change be such a issue, what am I missing?  

[WestLakeGirl]

It isnt just a question of how busy it is, it’s also access to the Retreat/Michael’s concierge which is currently lost

[Redtravel]

Not much difference.  I never bid for an upgrade. I book the cabin category that I want.  When I looked at the list for elite plus, I didn’t see the free 240 minutes of WiFi.  We actually used those minutes on our June cruise even though we had Always Included. The Always Included WiFi didn’t work most of the time. When it did, it was pathetically slow. The elite plus WiFi was somewhat better.  It often connected when the Always included WiFi wouldn’t.  In reality, I paid for Always included WiFi that didn’t work and used my elite plus WiFi.  Find this absolutely crazy.  This is what loyalty means?  Next cruise Oceaniawhere everyone gets free WiFi.

[jelayne]

10 minutes ago, WestLakeGirl said:

It isnt just a question of how busy it is, it’s also access to the Retreat/Michael’s concierge which is currently lost

Could it be that the reason for the change wasn’t so much lack of physical space but rather workload for the Concierge’s.  About the only time we go to the Retreat Lounge is if we need to see a Concierge.  Since the restart we did 3 cruises on E class  & 2 on the Reflection all fully booked suites.  About 80%  of the time there were people lined up waiting to speak to a Concierge.  

[jelayne]

6 minutes ago, Redtravel said:

Not much difference.  I never bid for an upgrade. I book the cabin category that I want.  When I looked at the list for elite plus, I didn’t see the free 240 minutes of WiFi.  We actually used those minutes on our June cruise even though we had Always Included. The Always Included WiFi didn’t work most of the time. When it did, it was pathetically slow. The elite plus WiFi was somewhat better.  It often connected when the Always included WiFi wouldn’t.  In reality, I paid for Always included WiFi that didn’t work and used my elite plus WiFi.  Find this absolutely crazy.  This is what loyalty means?  Next cruise Oceaniawhere everyone gets free WiFi.

The 240 minutes is still there.  Here is a link swipe to page 2 and you will find the detailed list of all benefits.

https://secure.viewer.zmags.com/publication/9ca4feeb#/9ca4feeb/2

[hcat]

We take  whatever they offer....it is what it is

We will never hit ZENITH and nowadays the most  valuable perks go to suite guests  The loyalty program means less as you go up the tiers, & there's less  of an incentIve to get to ZENITH

 

Mostly we still like the laundry  and included internet minutes for Elite + ,  and a free gelato &/or specialty coffee, if still offered. We always  have a drink package so no need of the free  cao Club gathering other than it was a pleasant social event most nights. 

 

Spa has port pricing so discount perk is not really anything

 

Priorty boarding is a joke for anyone not in a suite...and even those with the special, boarding day  lunch go ahead of AQ Class many times.. no longer a valued perk for us

 

We stopped attending the Sr Officers Party b/c they invited all tiers and place was wall to wall...not a nice party at all. The special sailaways are still fun!

 

Would like more discounted pricing based on loyalty but doubt  that  will happen.

Edited July 1, 2022 by hcat

[capsplace]

16 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Thanks...It's a bit ambiguous and I'd bet they'll eventually update the copy.  I believe they'll shoehorn in "(Elite and above") because this will greatly reduce revenue from folks not buying drink packages or drinks a la carte.

This says if you’re Classic level or above and you buy a Classic or Premium drink package, you too can enjoy the Captain’s Club happy hour free drinks.  But these passengers are paying for these same alcoholic drinks anyway with their purchase of Classic or Premium package.  There’s no extra or free benefit for a Classic, non-Elite, passenger. The drinks offered under the free CC happy hour are Classic drink package level to begin with.  This is all marketing to make you think you’re getting something for free.  Not!  But in order to benefit with any free canapés (if they ever start them up again) in the Sky Lounge, you really must be Elite and above…aka Elite Happy Hour.

[Orator]

50 minutes ago, jelayne said:

Your statement above is the reason we spend very little time in the Retreat Lounge, it is dead most of the time.  That is why I don’t understand the change be such a issue, what am I missing?  

The key issue to me is the devaluation of the loyalty program. At one time the loyalty program was the primary focus. It should concern most Captain’s Club members that  loyalty is on a slippery slope and that over time more benefits will be cut or reduced. I really believe that this is not the best strategy in these financially challenging times. 

[C-Dragons]

1 hour ago, WestLakeGirl said:

It isnt just a question of how busy it is, it’s also access to the Retreat/Michael’s concierge which is currently lost

I'm pretty sure X could designate someone on each ship as a “Zenith Concierge”.

Has that ever been proposed ?

[SkystheLimit]

We miss the Elite Happy Hour in the Sky lounge.  We always meet someone interesting and well traveled. On our Equinox cruise a couple of weeks ago, the Sky lounge was virtually empty from 5:00 onward.  

[TrueCruiseaholic]

10 minutes ago, C-Dragons said:

I'm pretty sure X could designate someone on each ship as a “Zenith Concierge”.

Has that ever been proposed ?

The Captain's Club Concierge is the Zenith Concierge (along with the Concierge Class Concierge and the Event Coordinator).

 

The assistance that a Michael's Club or Retreat Lounge Concierge provided is now the responsibility of the Concierge team (making dining reservations, shore excursions, escorting tendering, etc). Celebrity has decreased the workload of the MCC/RLC (if the suites are full) and given more workload to the Concierge team. They are also cross training the members of the Concierge team to be able to work in any of the three positions.

 

Zeniths are still well taken care of, but are explicitly below Suites in the hierarchy. 

[caymancouple]

2 minutes ago, SkystheLimit said:

We miss the Elite Happy Hour in the Sky lounge.  We always meet someone interesting and well traveled. On our Equinox cruise a couple of weeks ago, the Sky lounge was virtually empty from 5:00 onward.  

Us also.  That was our favorite benefit

 

[C-Dragons]

1 hour ago, Orator said:

The key issue to me is the devaluation of the loyalty program. At one time the loyalty program was the primary focus. It should concern most Captain’s Club members that  loyalty is on a slippery slope and that over time more benefits will be cut or reduced. I really believe that this is not the best strategy in these financially challenging times. 

So, it's the principal of the matter..?

 

X has already considered their strategy in “these financially challenging times” as Suite bookings are at an all time high. Personally I don’t think all those people are thinking about how many points they will get for their bookings.

We have never booked a cruise on X, or any other cruise line to get points or benefits. I will agree those are nice, but we cruise because we enjoy it.

 

Edited July 1, 2022 by C-Dragons

[the penguins]

2 hours ago, Redtravel said:

Not much difference.  I never bid for an upgrade. I book the cabin category that I want.  When I looked at the list for elite plus, I didn’t see the free 240 minutes of WiFi.  We actually used those minutes on our June cruise even though we had Always Included. The Always Included WiFi didn’t work most of the time. When it did, it was pathetically slow. The elite plus WiFi was somewhat better.  It often connected when the Always included WiFi wouldn’t.  In reality, I paid for Always included WiFi that didn’t work and used my elite plus WiFi.  Find this absolutely crazy.  This is what loyalty means?  Next cruise Oceaniawhere everyone gets free WiFi.

No on Oceania everyone pays for WiFi. With the new Celebrity pricing we all have choices.

[klflote]

On the vain hope that someone from Celebrity is listening: bring back Elite Elegant Tea!

[SkystheLimit]

31 minutes ago, klflote said:

On the vain hope that someone from Celebrity is listening: bring back Elite Elegant Tea!

Absolutely!  

[phoenix_dream]

On 7/1/2022 at 3:28 PM, Orator said:

The key issue to me is the devaluation of the loyalty program. At one time the loyalty program was the primary focus. It should concern most Captain’s Club members that  loyalty is on a slippery slope and that over time more benefits will be cut or reduced. I really believe that this is not the best strategy in these financially challenging times. 

I agree.  It has become very clear since LLP took over that suites are the focus, with loyalty taking a far back seat.  In some ways I guess it makes financial sense, even though I don't like it.  Those of us who have sailed for years with Celebrity will likely still stay (most of us anyway) because we love the product and while we enjoy the perks it is not our main reason for booking.  We also tend to spend less onboard for pictures, jewelry we don't need, shore excursions we've been there/done that, etc..  So we are less valuable financially.  We are also by and large older than the crowd they hope to attract.  Celebrity talks about inclusiveness in their advertising.  Hmmm. Somehow inclusiveness only applies to those under 40 years old.  When is the last time you saw a senior in one of their ads - that would be never.  But it is what it is.  

[C-Dragons]

21 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

I agree.  It has become very clear since LLP took over that suites are the focus, with loyalty taking a far back seat.  In some ways I guess it makes financial sense, even though I don't like it.  Those of us who have sailed for years with Celebrity will likely still stay (most of us anyway) because we love the product and while we enjoy the perks it is not our main reason for booking.  We also tend to spend less onboard for pictures, jewelry we don't need, shore excursions we've been there/done that, etc..  So we are less valuable financially.  We are also by and large older than the crowd they hope to attract.  Celebrity talks about inclusiveness in their advertising.  Hmmm. Somehow inclusiveness only applies to those under 40 years old.  When is the last time you saw a senior in one of their ads - that would be never.  But it is what it is.  

I agree with everything you said, but…

I disagree with your thought that those of us who are not X's target (under 40's) are less valuable financially. Overall, our age group has more disposable income and more free time available to fill cabins than those who are still working full time jobs.

Do I care that X doesn’t represent us in their advertising? Not one bit. When I watch their ads on TV, I'm not looking at the impeccably dressed Models, I'm looking at their ships and wishing I was back on board. 😉

[jagoffee]

2 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

I agree.  It has become very clear since LLP took over that suites are the focus, with loyalty taking a far back seat.  In some ways I guess it makes financial sense, even though I don't like it.  Those of us who have sailed for years with Celebrity will likely still stay (most of us anyway) because we love the product and while we enjoy the perks it is not our main reason for booking.  We also tend to spend less onboard for pictures, jewelry we don't need, shore excursions we've been there/done that, etc..  So we are less valuable financially.  We are also by and large older than the crowd they hope to attract.  Celebrity talks about inclusiveness in their advertising.  Hmmm. Somehow inclusiveness only applies to those under 40 years old.  When is the last time you saw a senior in one of their ads - that would be never.  But it is what it is.  

A lot of good points.  I am confident that revenue (profit) per passenger is a key business metric.. The Retreat focus contributions to more profit.  
I suspect that a lot of customers that reach the Zenith Loyalty level, still cruise in Retreat cabins.  
I am not convinced that the benefits associated with the Captain Club levels are a significant driver in the cruise company choice. (Nor should they necessarily be ).  It has not been for me as I have always taken advance of the previous 123 or BBB programs.  (Negating the benefits) I have tried other cruise lines, but still enjoy the overall Celebrity experience. (Always Retreat now)..  Celebrity’s decision to eliminate the winter 14 day cruise Caribbean cruise options has forced me to try other cruise lines at times.  Otherwise I would be taking a two week Celebrity cruise every January.  

 

[verizon]

1 hour ago, C-Dragons said:

I agree with everything you said, but…

I disagree with your thought that those of us who are not X's target (under 40's) are less valuable financially. Overall, our age group has more disposable income and more free time available to fill cabins than those who are still working full time jobs.

Do I care that X doesn’t represent us in their advertising? Not one bit. When I watch their ads on TV, I'm not looking at the impeccably dressed Models, I'm looking at their ships and wishing I was back on board. 😉

I totally agree with you most Zeniths have more disposable and more time available to cruise.

Celebrity has nothing to gain by banning Zeniths from the Retreat Lounge.They have a very generous offered by Celebrity. so far.

I do understand if they banned during the Covid pandemic but now after 2 years it seem we are force to live with it.

As a business owner before I strongly believe  business will never succeed with repeated customers.

The recent promotion of Celebrity will prove me right.

Hey I should thanks to the new direction of Celebrity heading.

I used to pay 12000 for a Celebrity suite and now is only half of that.

I still think removing Zeniths from the Retreat is not a good move and its totally base of no reason and will never bring them and gains.

 

 

[phoenix_dream]

1 hour ago, C-Dragons said:

I agree with everything you said, but…

I disagree with your thought that those of us who are not X's target (under 40's) are less valuable financially. Overall, our age group has more disposable income and more free time available to fill cabins than those who are still working full time jobs.

Do I care that X doesn’t represent us in their advertising? Not one bit. When I watch their ads on TV, I'm not looking at the impeccably dressed Models, I'm looking at their ships and wishing I was back on board. 😉

You raise a good point.  While we may or may not spend more $$ onboard we do have more time and disposable income to enable us to cruise more often and help them keep their ships filled.  So if the reason is not financial, then what is it?  I am not challenging you - I just don't understand then why they don't value the loyalty more?  I personally was very much less than impressed with the recent modifications to the Captains Club benefits - at least as it impacts me.  As an Elite Plus, planning to become Zenith later this year (if all goes well, fingers crossed!) I saw little of additional benefit.  The percentage increases for Move-up bids are so minor as to be of little value in my opinion although it's better than nothing - I have yet to win a move-up bid so hope it helps.  I still love Celebrity and will still make her my cruise line of choice but I was hoping for something a bit more impressive.  I have to say, though, that I am thrilled that they have not upped the points needed for Zenith.  Cynical as I can be, I kept fearing that once I got justthisclose to Zenith they would raise the points needed.  Thankfully that was not changed.