Why don't elite get drinks from 5-7 on embarkation. Is something else going on

[kirtihk]

11 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

Sorry it's completely proper.  If businesses are not consistently pushed to the limit, they are too fat.  The cruise lines need to adopt the "failure is not an option" approach to business.  Lots of companies made significant adjustments during the pandemic.  For example, auto companies made medical ventilators.  They used their sourcing and manufacturing expertise to build a completely different product in a matter of months.  If hiring is still a problem, then the cruise lines need to identify the true choke points and put more resources in these areas.

Again, it's not their fault to begin with.  As to cars manufacturing, they are still struggling on so many levels for exact the same reason.  Also, for example, my cruise agent (he is an owner of his agency) has built the very strong business within last 24 years, lost all but 1 of his employees within a few months after March 2020, and now was able to afford to hire just 1 more.  Do I have to blame him for all issues I've been dealing with cruise lines for my last 5 bookings with him?  No way!  He still pushes himself to limits (as you described it) by working 15 hours every day including weekends.  I have no idea how he survives mentally and physically.  Unbelievable!

 

Voyage, Voyage!!!

Edited December 5, 2022 by kirtihk

[Ipeeinthepools]

9 minutes ago, kirtihk said:

Again, it's not their fault to begin with.  As to cars manufacturing, they are still struggling on so many levels for exact the same reason.  Also, for example, my cruise agent (he is an owner of his agency) has built the very strong business within last 24 years, lost all but 1 of his employees within a few months after March 2020, and now was able to afford to hire just 1 more.  Do I have to blame him for all issues I've been dealing with cruise lines for my last 5 bookings with him?  No way!  He still pushes himself to limits (as you described it) by working 15 hours every day including weekends.  I have no idea how he survives mentally and physically.  Unbelievable!

 

Voyage, Voyage!!!

 

No one said it was the fault of the cruise lines.  It is their fault that they have not solved the issue.

 

As far as your TA is concerned, if he is working 15 hours a day then maybe he needs to hire some more help.  If he doesn't hire more help his customer service will likely begin to suffer, much like the situation with Celebrity.

[kirtihk]

30 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

No one said it was the fault of the cruise lines.  It is their fault that they have not solved the issue.

 

As far as your TA is concerned, if he is working 15 hours a day then maybe he needs to hire some more help.  If he doesn't hire more help his customer service will likely begin to suffer, much like the situation with Celebrity.

It's easy to write and say.  He did not get any income for almost 2 years.  I wonder how many people may survive while still trying not to get any assistance and stay decent.

 

Meanwhile (watch to the very end),

 

https://youtu.be/sM2ZhByFcDk

 

Cчастливого плавания, everyone!

Edited December 5, 2022 by kirtihk

[Ipeeinthepools]

7 minutes ago, kirtihk said:

It's easy to write and say.  He did not get any income for almost 2 years.  I wonder how many people may survive while still trying not to get any assistance and stay decent.

 

Meanwhile (watch to the very end),

 

https://youtu.be/sM2ZhByFcDk

 

Cчастливого плавания, everyone

 

I'm not sure that I want to click on that link.  Thanks anyhow 

[kirtihk]

2 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

 

I'm not sure that I want to click on that link.  Thanks anyhow 

It's a very funny video of a famous French song with 3 poor people desired for voyage - 2 of them a voyage was granted, and the last guy ended voyaging in his own closet (it's much better to watch than being described, of course) pretty, pretty, pretty much as all of us for a while lately.

 

Last sentence was "Happy Sailing!" in a Slavic language.

[drakes2]

On 12/1/2022 at 10:49 AM, Pinboy said:

There always is a " Welcome aboard gathering " on the first night where:

-- The Cruise Director "bounces"(?) out on stage and :

" Welcomes us as Guests, and, by the end of the cruise will leave as Cargo ( the crowd goes wild with laughter)

-- The CD shouts " Do we have anyone  who came all the way from ( Canada as an example ), and those that are scream and cheer like they won a key chain or a water bottle.

-- The CD again shouts-- " Everybody--Put Your Hands Together " for our 43 Sr Staff members representing 152 countries and 19 departments on board -- including ( Canada as an example ) and, again the Canadians " go wild "-- ( Ya see that ?? All the way from Canada ) !!

Lastly--the CD introduces the Captain --- Welcome toast--etc etc.

And the finale---the CD---"Before I let you go"----I gotta tell you about the " fabulous " entertainment we have for you on this cruise and don't forget to watch the daily shopping video of the Islands we are going to--- Great deals await-- Exclusive(?) to Celebrity.

( Nothing is mentioned about " kick-backs " from the stores they send us to).

On our way out of the theater we are "greeted" by 23 Staff selling drink packages and specialty restaurant packages.  

 

 

 

 

 

Oh don't get me started. I remember when they almost begged you to book a specialty restaurant.  A few years ago I was at Tuscan they offered me at half price.  I declined as was sailing solo.  Silly me.  Now the best they'll offer is 10% off. No thanks.  

[drakes2]

48 minutes ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

As far as your TA is concerned, if he is working 15 hours a day then maybe he needs to hire some more help.  If he doesn't hire more help his customer service will likely begin to suffer, much like the situation with Celebrity.

I think this is the case with my CVP.  He's working long hours including his days off.  He forgot to add my OBC sent my sister's invoice to me instead of her and did not inform me her shore excursion would cancel when she changed to a new booking.  She has her own cabin now.  All these are the responsibility of the TA.  I spent 3 hours on the phone on Friday with Celebrity to fix everything.  

[kirtihk]

1 hour ago, drakes2 said:

I think this is the case with my CVP.  He's working long hours including his days off.  He forgot to add my OBC sent my sister's invoice to me instead of her and did not inform me her shore excursion would cancel when she changed to a new booking.  She has her own cabin now.  All these are the responsibility of the TA.  I spent 3 hours on the phone on Friday with Celebrity to fix everything.  

I agree - it is so tough.  Besides, cruise lines refuse to discuss almost anything without an agent.  However, I still cannot blame my agent after having 22 years of dealing so nicely with him.

Edited December 5, 2022 by kirtihk

[drakes2]

6 minutes ago, kirtihk said:

I agree - it is so tough.  Besides, cruise lines refuse to discuss almost anything without an agent.  However, I still cannot blame my agent after having 22 years of dealing so nicely with him.

For sure its a tough job and these poor people get blamed for everything that goes wrong even if it's out of their control.  My CVP in general has given me excellent service but at the end of the day I still have to go where I save the most money and not talking a few bucks sometimes the savings is hundreds.  

[Domino23]

Just wanted to add that I thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone’s perspectives.  Wife and I sailed primarily Celebrity prior to having kids. Then switched to Royal. Royal’s food and service/staffing levels have gone waaay downhill since the post-Covid restart so we have booked Apex for Thanksgiving to get a look at the new class of X ships.  
 

We earned Elite status via Celebrity before cabin class was a factor so we did it cheaply with inside cabins and longer cruises.  We love the benefits and they make X or RCL are first choices when deciding to cruise.  We are low margin cruisers usually choosing inside cabins.  Never buy drinks nor do ship shore excursions.  
 

We do now buy the unlimited specialty dining on Royal but again mainly because their menu and food quality have drastically been reduced.  Very sad used to be above average.  
 

Last year we had 2 free cruise offers via casino status matches.  MSC on a new ship was decent to good.   Carnival’s new Mardi Gras has very good pizza, quick service burgers and chicken.  Better than anything quick service on Celebrity or Royal.  Buffet just ok.  Main dining absolutely awful.  And fellow passengers….well you know…..the lower price points attract the party crowd.  However my Royal cruise last week reeked of marijuana too so there’s that.  

[librarylady19]

On 12/1/2022 at 10:29 AM, Ex-Airbalancer said:

I guess the best thing is to book Always included if you can , or just buy a drinks when you fill like it 😁

i just did a week on Harmony as Diamond and another week on reflection as Elite, so have experience recently with its systems. On all other celebrity cruises I’ve had drinks included but since it was just me (DH had to go back to work) I opted  to go the budget route and manage with Elite drinks only. Let me say, I much preferred the Diamond perk which allowed me to choose any drinks, when I felt like having them. oI also liked the Diamond breakfast & nibbles in DL. The elite perk on Celebrity was much more restrictive, not just in timeframe but the drinks that were on the included list. 
Overall, Celebrity is by far my favorite cruise line but I did give Royal the edge in this category. Not. Deal breaker but just preferable. 

Edited February 25, 2023 by librarylady19

[shay1]

On 12/1/2022 at 10:36 AM, Alakegirl said:

Its pretty clear here

Can you explain where the Complimentary Cappuccino, latte, tea, expresso are? I know you can get this at the Elite Breakfast but this reads like it is another perk besides at the Breakfast. Thanks

Edited March 9, 2023 by shay1

[cruisestitch]

7 minutes ago, shay1 said:

Can you explain where the Complimentary Cappuccino, latte, tea, expresso are? I know you can get this at the Elite Breakfast but this reads like it is another perk besides at the Breakfast. Thanks

Elite Plus can get cappuccino, caffe latte, etc at Cafe Al Bacio as an included perk

[NutsAboutGolf]

8 minutes ago, shay1 said:

Can you explain where the Complimentary Cappuccino, latte, tea, expresso are? I know you can get this at the Elite Breakfast but this reads like it is another perk besides at the Breakfast. Thanks

 

For Elite Plus

[odyssyus]

On 12/1/2022 at 12:57 AM, cruisestitch said:

“Something else”? Like what?

 

the Elite drinks have never been offered on night one.

 

why should you expect something different?

because.. they're Elite!!    (sarcasm intended)

[NutsAboutGolf]

I get that when they were doing the sky lounge event with apps, you don't want to hold it on the first night as it's a very busy times.  Once they changed it to most bars seems like they just "rolled over" without anyone thinking.  They could throw their loyal customers a bone by offering it on the first night; conspiracy theorists may believe without day 1 drinks, they trying to funnel you into the casino for the free drinks 

[DaKahuna]

24 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

I get that when they were doing the sky lounge event with apps, you don't want to hold it on the first night as it's a very busy times.  Once they changed it to most bars seems like they just "rolled over" without anyone thinking.  They could throw their loyal customers a bone by offering it on the first night; conspiracy theorists may believe without day 1 drinks, they trying to funnel you into the casino for the free drinks 

 

Yes, they could but they have not done so.   

 

[cruisestitch]

27 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

I get that when they were doing the sky lounge event with apps, you don't want to hold it on the first night as it's a very busy times.  Once they changed it to most bars seems like they just "rolled over" without anyone thinking.  They could throw their loyal customers a bone by offering it on the first night; conspiracy theorists may believe without day 1 drinks, they trying to funnel you into the casino for the free drinks 

Or to the Friends of Bill meeting to consider whether you should be drinking at all.

 

I mean if we want to come up with a conspiracy theories, there are lots.

 

here’s another one—

 

maybe they want people without drinks packages to see how much it costs to pay-as-you-go so they will be packages after all.

 

 

[Arizona Wildcat]

On 12/1/2022 at 3:13 AM, Mark_T said:

I would imagine it is the same reason that no other events happen on embarkation day, they give everyone the time to get their luggage delivered, unpacked and complete the 'lifeboat drill' etc.

 

Ships officers all have a lot to do on that day as they prepare to depart and so it doesn't make sense to hold any events that would potentially require their attendance or attention until day 2...

 

I know the 'event' is now merely a free drink period, unlike it used to be, but the history is still there and giving the bar staff a little space to deal with those who are looking to arrange drink packages onboard does make sense on the first day.

Your explanation is very logical.  As far back as 1998 there were no "free" drinks to Elites on boarding day.

[Arizona Wildcat]

On 12/1/2022 at 8:36 AM, Alakegirl said:

Its pretty clear here

Absolutely clear - 5-7 "excluding embarkation day".

[nslatin]

If I recall correctly, when you have AI and the ship is in port don't you have to pay sales tax on the included drinks?  If so, then wouldn't Celebrity have to charge you tax on the Elite HH drinks while in port?

[davekathy]

1 minute ago, nslatin said:

If I recall correctly, when you have AI and the ship is in port don't you have to pay sales tax on the included drinks?  If so, then wouldn't Celebrity have to charge you tax on the Elite HH drinks while in port?

We've never been charged sales tax on any of our drinks while docked in port.

[drakes2]

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

We've never been charged sales tax on any of our drinks while docked in port.

I just got off the Sky Princess and was charged tax and gratuities on a glass of wine I ordered while at the buffet on embarkation day.  I assumed it was because the ship had not sailed as it was in Florida.  The buffet area does not have a bar so servers have to use the one by the pool.  Also the basic wines on Princess are listed as white red or rose.  I was looking for a sauvignon blanc from NZ and none were offered. 

[davekathy]

6 minutes ago, drakes2 said:

I just got off the Sky Princess and was charged tax and gratuities on a glass of wine I ordered while at the buffet on embarkation day.  I assumed it was because the ship had not sailed as it was in Florida.  The buffet area does not have a bar so servers have to use the one by the pool.  Also the basic wines on Princess are listed as white red or rose.  I was looking for a sauvignon blanc from NZ and none were offered. 

Appears Princess does it differently.  Sounds like you were purchasing the drinks and not thru a drink package. My reply was only based on my Celebrity experiences using AI and or CC HH drinks. 

Edited March 10, 2023 by davekathy