Not to pile on, but it’s bad…

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

6 minutes ago, Jmoondance said:

Meant  , creating classes system is not right way to go.

My apologies !

Just an alternative perspective (not seeking vitriol or anger), some will pay for distinction, exclusivity, and exceptional. 

 

It isn't just Celebrity doing this. Cunard has long done it. MSC does it. NCL does it. Many do it.

 

Car dealers do it.

 

Much in life is this way. 

 

I for one wouldn't enjoy knowing that I may be paying ten times the cost of a different room, yet my accompaniments are identical.

 

An alternative perspective is all I offer. No intention of inciting grief, rage, or heartache.

[cruisemom42]

7 minutes ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

I for one wouldn't enjoy knowing that I may be paying ten times the cost of a different room, yet my accompaniments are identical.

 

Why wouldn't it make sense to pay ten times more if my room were ten times larger?  That was the cruise lines' pricing model for a long time (after the demise of the previous "caste system" of ocean crossings).....

[RichYak]

10 minutes ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

Just an alternative perspective

I agree with your entire comment. I also appreciate that you acknowledge that your perspective is an “alternative” one, and not representative of the average Celebrity cruiser. 

Edited February 16, 2023 by RichYak

[mayleeman]

From reading dozens of threads and hundreds of comments, I am left with the following:

 

I think the biggest disappointment expressed about 2023 cruises is the difference in food quality and choices in both the MDR and the OVC. These issues have seemed to be not as severe in E-class ships, as a number of posters have quite enjoyed their experiences there.

 

To generalize, it also seems that suite class cruisers have not experienced these issues in Luminae, and a few have sometimes commented that the OVC seemed normal to them. A few admitted they had only been there at b/f or lunch, which seems to reflect other people's views that those buffets are better than dinner.

 

The issue of the new fees is something suite cruisers don't face. But they are paying lots of increased costs that provide them much of the same services. 

 

X is very stupidly alienating numerous non-suite cruisers by stacking those ala carte fees on top of the cruise-fare and have made numerous  beverage options out of reach. The AI for higher tiers is built into the price, but it seems exorbitant when tacked on for the non-AI-inclusive cabins. 

 

The issue of reduced services has been documented by many cruisers who have had trouble getting things for their cabins or getting timely service in restaurants. Again, not an issue in suites.

 

My point is that the problems seem real and people are voicing legitimate complaints. Food cutbacks evoke quite emotional reactions. Responding with "Didn't happen to me" can be helpful if providing alternate info about different ships or perhaps some improvements showing up.  But when you are not the target group, that comment or criticism of people who are discussing things they didn't get is bound to be incendiary (calling people "whiners" or "complainers" is absurd, but the worst is to tell people to do the crew's job and stop griping).

 

X should have increased fares to cover the shortfalls. Trying to disguise what they are doing by adding on fees for what was included has always, in every industry that has tried it, lowered customer satisfaction. It is obviously doing it here.

 

Finally, please liisten to each other and leave out the personal attacks. It just detracts from your point. 

Edited February 16, 2023 by mayleeman

[CU64]

On 2/13/2023 at 9:55 AM, doodlefan said:

Thanks

I think he was probably a good waiter but working without an assistant most of the time and serving 3 larger tables, he was doomed to failure.  There was no way he could do all the running, serving etc and have things hot.  He seemed very experienced and very apologetic when  we brought the cold soup to his attention.  Maybe it came from the kitchen that way, who knows.  He did seem to know his stuff, just was overworked.  But I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt so I could be too lenient as well.  But the food offerings were a big issue too.  Definitely noticeable cutbacks.

I make a habit of taking a cocktail made at the World Class Bar, with me, to the dining room. A better pour, classy service, and I have a drink at the table. We have never experienced your bad luck with service in the MDR. After Covid, I have cruised 4 times…all out of West Coast in ships not full. 3 on Princess & 1 on Celebrity. We are going on Eclipse to New Zealand in March. We are both independent people & not use to be waiting on unless we go out to a restaurant. Therefore, if something is missing, we get it for ourselves. …we have not had anything really inconvenient happen ( like our toilet not working); your towel situation is very unusual….maybe a laundry problem ?

         We are happy to be on the open sea, fresh air, no cooking, no cleaning, gym, meeting new people, hanging out with no requirements….we rarely used RS, enjoy no smoking casino, and will surely manage to adapt to dinner OV if we choose to dine there.

 

 

 

 

[dlh015]

20 minutes ago, mayleeman said:

From reading dozens of threads and hundreds of comments, I am left with the following:

 

I think the biggest disappointment expressed about 2023 cruises is the difference in food quality and choices in both the MDR and the OVC. These issues have seemed to be not as severe in E-class ships, as a number of posters have quite enjoyed their experiences there.

 

To generalize, it also seems that suite class cruisers have not experienced these issues in Luminae, and a few have sometimes commented that the OVC seemed normal to them. A few admitted they had only been there at b/f or lunch, which seems to reflect other people's views that those buffets are better than dinner.

 

The issue of the new fees is something suite cruisers don't face. But they are paying lots of increased costs that provide them much of the same services. 

 

X is very stupidly alienating numerous non-suite cruisers by stacking those ala carte fees on top of the cruise-fare and have made numerous  beverage options out of reach. The AI for higher tiers is built into the price, but it seems exorbitant when tacked on for the non-AI-inclusive cabins. 

 

The issue of reduced services has been documented by many cruisers who have had trouble getting things for their cabins or getting timely service in restaurants. Again, not an issue in suites.

 

My point is that the problems seem real and people are voicing legitimate complaints. Food cutbacks evoke quite emotional reactions. Responding with "Didn't happen to me" can be helpful if providing alternate info about different ships or perhaps some improvements showing up.  But when you are not the target group, that comment or criticism of people who are discussing things they didn't get is bound to be incendiary (calling people "whiners" or "complainers" is absurd, but the worst is to tell people to do the crew's job and stop griping).

 

X should have increased fares to cover the shortfalls. Trying to disguise what they are doing by adding on fees for what was included has always, in every industry that has tried it, lowered customer satisfaction. It is obviously doing it here.

 

Finally, please liisten to each other and leave out the personal attacks. It just detracts from your point. 

Absolutely spot on. A nice summation of at least a couple of dozen recent threads.

 

We can always agree to disagree...

[RichYak]

2 minutes ago, dlh015 said:

We can always agree to disagree...

I disagree 🤣

[WonderMan3]

33 minutes ago, mayleeman said:

From reading dozens of threads and hundreds of comments, I am left with the following:

 

I think the biggest disappointment expressed about 2023 cruises is the difference in food quality and choices in both the MDR and the OVC. These issues have seemed to be not as severe in E-class ships, as a number of posters have quite enjoyed their experiences there.

 

To generalize, it also seems that suite class cruisers have not experienced these issues in Luminae, and a few have sometimes commented that the OVC seemed normal to them. A few admitted they had only been there at b/f or lunch, which seems to reflect other people's views that those buffets are better than dinner.

 

The issue of the new fees is something suite cruisers don't face. But they are paying lots of increased costs that provide them much of the same services. 

 

X is very stupidly alienating numerous non-suite cruisers by stacking those ala carte fees on top of the cruise-fare and have made numerous  beverage options out of reach. The AI for higher tiers is built into the price, but it seems exorbitant when tacked on for the non-AI-inclusive cabins. 

 

The issue of reduced services has been documented by many cruisers who have had trouble getting things for their cabins or getting timely service in restaurants. Again, not an issue in suites.

 

My point is that the problems seem real and people are voicing legitimate complaints. Food cutbacks evoke quite emotional reactions. Responding with "Didn't happen to me" can be helpful if providing alternate info about different ships or perhaps some improvements showing up.  But when you are not the target group, that comment or criticism of people who are discussing things they didn't get is bound to be incendiary (calling people "whiners" or "complainers" is absurd, but the worst is to tell people to do the crew's job and stop griping).

 

X should have increased fares to cover the shortfalls. Trying to disguise what they are doing by adding on fees for what was included has always, in every industry that has tried it, lowered customer satisfaction. It is obviously doing it here.

 

Finally, please liisten to each other and leave out the personal attacks. It just detracts from your point. 

They are also alienating some of us suite cruisers as the price increases are beyond unreasonable with no added amenities for the cost. And suite guests also do feel the impact of things affecting the whole ship like OVC dinner cutbacks/food quality declines, Mast Grill food quality declines, Eden Cafe reduced portion sizes, staffing shortages in pool and bar areas.

[gkbiiii]

3 hours ago, Jmoondance said:

Yes,time will tell!

Also creating classes system on board is right ways  go!

 

Company needs to look at not just immediate gain, but need to come up with long term solutions. 

How about wasting billions with new ships they don't need, while not improving the guest experience on their current fleet!  This is a quick way, to bankruptcy liquidation.

[Gracie115]

9 hours ago, Keys Kathy said:

 X had nothing stimulating for the mind. There used to be speakers, crafts, towel folding, and food demos. NOTHING for the mind except trivia in the Sky Lounge.

 

This was one of my complaints on the November 22 Apex TA.  Lots of trivia, but little else to do during the day.

[Cruise a holic]

Funny how many seem to complain about the food.  Most people I speak to gain weight when they cruise! Perhaps the food is too abundant and good!  lol.  I am still carrying a couple of extra pounds from our Jan cruise and will be cruising again in March!

[Keys Kathy]

11 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

I purchased an open future cruise voucher when I was on the Beyond 1/29 sailing. The reservation is dated 2/5/23, and I received another email from Celebrity on 2/13 showing the terms. Both clearly said I have 1 year to choose my cruise. The pertinent part of the T&C :

 

A Cruise Later reservation does not guarantee stateroom or sailing availability or cruise price until you convert it to a confirmed booking by selecting a ship and sail date and paying all required deposits. It must be converted to a confirmed booking within (1) year after the Booking Date in order to be eligible for the future onboard credit. If not converted within one (1) year from the Booking Date, you will not receive the onboard credit and your deposit will be refunded.
 

 

mac_tlc

They must be using the old form until they run out. Here is mine.

 

[mac_tlc]

1 hour ago, Keys Kathy said:

They must be using the old form until they run out. Here is mine.

 

Interesting. I’ll have to check Beyond again in April. 
 

mac_tlc

[Big_G]

12 hours ago, mpdog42 said:

This is a Legit Question??....."What was so terrible about the food and what was so terrible about service? And was there anything else or was your statement about everything being worse just hyperbole? "

 

 "and I can confirm things are worse than before, in literally every way."

 

Yes, asking what the OP meant by this is 'in every way' a legitimate question.

[cwayne]

3 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Funny how many seem to complain about the food.  Most people I speak to gain weight when they cruise! Perhaps the food is too abundant and good!  lol.  I am still carrying a couple of extra pounds from our Jan cruise and will be cruising again in March!

Oh yes......We just got off Feb 3rd and 3 extra pounds came home with me....😃.  I'm going to return it on our b2b!! 😃

[NevadaCruiser2023]

2 hours ago, Keys Kathy said:

They must be using the old form until they run out. Here is mine.

 

I just was reading the Edocs for my upcoming cruise.  The Book Later now say "90 days". 

 

Edited February 16, 2023 by NevadaCruiser2023

[NutsAboutGolf]

4 hours ago, Cruise a holic said:

Funny how many seem to complain about the food.  Most people I speak to gain weight when they cruise! Perhaps the food is too abundant and good!  lol.  I am still carrying a couple of extra pounds from our Jan cruise and will be cruising again in March!

 

Not difficult to do when your only choices are pizza, pasta and desserts

[cwayne]

I'm sorry that those were your only choices, although all of those were very good, along with all the other choices we had. Why is it that if someone makes a positive comment, it has to be ridiculed. This has gotten to be a "how dare you enjoy cruising when it is SOOO terrible" thread. 

Edited February 16, 2023 by cwayne

[HMR74]

11 hours ago, WonderMan3 said:

They are also alienating some of us suite cruisers as the price increases are beyond unreasonable with no added amenities for the cost. And suite guests also do feel the impact of things affecting the whole ship like OVC dinner cutbacks/food quality declines, Mast Grill food quality declines, Eden Cafe reduced portion sizes, staffing shortages in pool and bar areas.

we just look at the value received in our perception for the price paid.

 

We know everybody is different in that regard.

 

Having said this, X just raised prices substantially, part of which is due to inflation.

Part is due to protocols on health.

Part is supossed to be due to the new strategy of Premium large ship.

 

well right now the  customers are saying the expectation for food has to improve, not to decline. And a lot of those customers are long term customers who recall that food was better 10-20 years ago. Yep, just 4 years ago folks were wishing food standard and service would be upgraded to the old days. (sans midnight buffet repleat with ice scupltures). now 4 years ago looks good. 

 

 

what is going to occur is what naturally occurs in business cycles-high prices lead to lower prices as demand declines. Except when the company raises prices and lowers service levels  and quality of product.

 

We have pushed away from the high prices of suites because the spread between that and other classes is just not worth the price-to us-100 aq feet more and  a private sun deck  and Luminae is just not worth 1500 a night for a highly desired itinerary.

 

The real test is IMO coming soon. A recession is sought by our Fed to fight inflation. If thats a deep and long recession, stocks get hit and if portfolios get hit the wealth effect , especially for boomers,  will  evaporate for many.

 

Similarly;

I have a lot of miles on airlines, but now a 1 way first class or whatever they are calling it to avoid irritaing a few  people  on nomenclature is 400k miles between US and Europe.

2-3 months ago I booked Prem economy and each way was about 80k miles and now its 145k miles.

 

I doubt if we get to a rough economy and markets if people will be so willing to spend so freely. And its that free spending attiitude that is the reason why X increases the cost-size, and amentities  of ships and premium level cabin %'s. Heck, Icon of the seas will be off the charts price wise.

 

Hey X, just do not degrade food and service .

 

 

[jules27556]

37 minutes ago, cwayne said:

I'm sorry that those were your only choices, although all of those were very good, along with all the other choices we had. Why is it that if someone makes a positive comment, it has to be ridiculed. This has gotten to be a "how dare you enjoy cruising when it is SOOO terrible" thread. 

If you are referring to post #330, I read it as a lighthearted, humorous post!  I chuckled as those items can be a great way to boost your lbs.. for most of us.  Perhaps I read it differently, but I prefer to err on the upbeat side of most posts.   😊

[jules27556]

14 minutes ago, HMR74 said:

we just look at the value received in our perception for the price paid.

 

The real test is IMO coming soon. A recession is sought by our Fed to fight inflation. If thats a deep and long recession, stocks get hit and if portfolios get hit the wealth effect , especially for boomers,  will  evaporate for many.

I couldn't agree more HRM74!  

[Cruise a holic]

2 hours ago, cwayne said:

Oh yes......We just got off Feb 3rd and 3 extra pounds came home with me....😃.  I'm going to return it on our b2b!! 😃

Good luck!  lol

[Keys Kathy]

1 hour ago, NevadaCruiser2023 said:

I just was reading the Edocs for my upcoming cruise.  The Book Later now say "90 days". 

 

I guess next it will be 45 days. Then 0 days and they can do away with the onboard booking staff and save that $$$. They can turn the Future Cruise Sales area into a World Bar where none of the drinks are covered by any drink package OR a pay-as-you-go deli with good sandwiches for $12. each. Kinda like Sushi on 5 or the Bistro on the Edge class.

[eaflorida]

Will be going on the Millenium in April, on a 15 night Panama Canal cruise. Have not been on Celebrity for 10 years. I usually cruise on Royal as I am diamond plus with them. I am concerned about the food issues, mostly because I am a very picky eater. With favorites of mine being Prime Rib and Filet gone, I hope the MDR will still have something I like. 

Yes its a shame that the prices and quality of everything on the planet are going parabolic. All that I can do is hope for the best.  All of the cruise lines have tons and tons of debt. So cutting costs and cutting service is going to happen. 

[Cruise Kay]

15 hours ago, dlh015 said:

Absolutely spot on. A nice summation of at least a couple of dozen recent threads.

 

We can always agree to disagree...

Can we, though? Some folks come here determined to argue. I am at the point where I don't see the point in offering advice anymore.