Not to pile on, but it’s bad…

[weregoingcruising]

Celebrity changes getting you down. Listen to Bobby Mcferrin sing his song Don't Worry Be Happy. Google it and record it to play and listen to on your next cruise

[CruisinRoxy]

On 2/12/2023 at 6:36 AM, WrittenOnYourHeart said:

 

People cough for all kinds of reasons - it's not exclusive to COVID.

 

Colds. Bronchitis. Other chest/lung issues. Asthma. Allergies. Swallowing their spit wrong. Inhaling something that irritates their throat. Etc.

 

Is COVID still around? Yes. But is every single cough COVID-related? No.

"Swallowing their spit wrong"

Now that's funny.   But very true.

We just got off the Royal Voyager of the Seas.  You could say a lot of these things applied there, too.  Noticeably, the Windjammer not opening after dinner, for snacks and desserts.

Dining not as good as it was, extra surcharges for things, crowds, chair hogs, insufficient staff,  whatever...

I think this is just the New Reality, in this day and age of Post Covid, inflation, climate change, whatever you want to call it.

We just booked Celebrity Apex for next February, I hope things are more back to normal by then.  But I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.  We were on Summit and Equinox and loved them.

I have High Hopes for Apex - but many You Tubers have sung its praises! I prefer to look at the bright side.

[C4HCG]

49 minutes ago, Cruise Kay said:

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.

People have stopped respecting the fact that others are entitled to their opinions. As dlh said, agree to disagree. Snide digs have crept in.

[Keys Kathy]

25 minutes ago, CruisinRoxy said:

"Swallowing their spit wrong"

Now that's funny.   But very true.

We just got off the Royal Voyager of the Seas.  You could say a lot of these things applied there, too.  Noticeably, the Windjammer not opening after dinner, for snacks and desserts.

Dining not as good as it was, extra surcharges for things, crowds, chair hogs, insufficient staff,  whatever...

I think this is just the New Reality, in this day and age of Post Covid, inflation, climate change, whatever you want to call it.

We just booked Celebrity Apex for next February, I hope things are more back to normal by then.  But I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.  We were on Summit and Equinox and loved them.

I have High Hopes for Apex - but many You Tubers have sung its praises! I prefer to look at the bright side.

We loved Apex last year! Eden was our favorite, favorite bar, cafe, and specialty restaurant. If I understand correctly, the Edge ships have not been hit as hard as the others with the cutbacks.

 

I am sure Captain Kate would not appreciate things changing so much that instead of hearing positive comments, she would be hearing complaints about the food. 

 

She is so readily available, people would feel compelled to tell her.

[AstoriaPreppy]

On 2/11/2023 at 8:25 PM, buckeye8810 said:

Since the start of the year, I know there’s been a lot of handwringing about the changes Celebrity has made. We just got back from a 10-night Eastern Caribbean…and I can confirm things are worse than before, in literally every way.

 

TBH, I'm completely perplexed by all of these panic-inducing posts about Celebrity being markedly worse in every way. We just disembarked a few weeks ago, and nothing (nothing) was a deal-breaker in terms of comparing Celebrity's current offerings with other lines.

 

The MDR was fully staffed, food was hot and well-prepared, and there were plenty of options. We ate in both Tuscan and Murano. Murano, specifically, was spectacular... both the food and service were excellent, and not noticeably different from our past experiences there. At breakfast and lunch, the buffet was fully staffed and serving a full range of dishes... there appeared to be almost no cutbacks there. We didn't do the buffet for dinner, but it appeared to have a range of options.I can't speak to the very specific issue of getting a cooked to order steak for dinner in the buffet, which seems to be a deal breaker for the vast majority of people posting here. 

 

The only place I noticed a staffing issue on the ship was in the casino, where they now offer free drinks while playing. There was only one drink server working the room for the entire casino, and he seemed quite busy. 

 

 

 

[catgirl411]

So happy to see some happy campers in this thread and I am happy to have found some Live reports from Celebrity ships which are quite positive. Frankly I hope that the contented passenger outweigh the unhappy ones on our October TA. Some of the unhappy group (certainly not all) make everyone’s experience on board less pleasant. And as someone with three post pandemic experiences in the last year, (1 on Oceania and 2 on Princess), I can say that no cruise is perfect but there is always more good than bad imho.

[Keys Kathy]

9 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

 

TBH, I'm completely perplexed by all of these panic-inducing posts about Celebrity being markedly worse in every way. We just disembarked a few weeks ago, and nothing (nothing) was a deal-breaker in terms of comparing Celebrity's current offerings with other lines.

 

The MDR was fully staffed, food was hot and well-prepared, and there were plenty of options. We ate in both Tuscan and Murano. Murano, specifically, was spectacular... both the food and service were excellent, and not noticeably different from our past experiences there. At breakfast and lunch, the buffet was fully staffed and serving a full range of dishes... there appeared to be almost no cutbacks there. We didn't do the buffet for dinner, but it appeared to have a range of options.I can't speak to the very specific issue of getting a cooked to order steak for dinner in the buffet, which seems to be a deal breaker for the vast majority of people posting here. 

 

The only place I noticed a staffing issue on the ship was in the casino, where they now offer free drinks while playing. There was only one drink server working the room for the entire casino, and he seemed quite busy. 

 

 

 

Was that a 2022 sailing or 2023? It seems the biggest changes started in 2023.

[C4HCG]

2 minutes ago, Keys Kathy said:

Was that a 2022 sailing or 2023? It seems the biggest changes started in 2023.

Says disembarked a few weeks ago so guess 2023.

[jagoffee]

13 minutes ago, Keys Kathy said:

Was that a 2022 sailing or 2023? It seems the biggest changes started in 2023.

 

10 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

Says disembarked a few weeks ago so guess 2023.

They were on a January 28 cruise.

[AstoriaPreppy]

17 minutes ago, Keys Kathy said:

Was that a 2022 sailing or 2023? It seems the biggest changes started in 2023.

 

2023, less than two weeks ago. 

 

We were *fully* expecting a sky-is-falling experience based on the reports on cruise critic.... and were shocked when it didn't happen.

 

The only thing that was tangible as a change from the past was not having the room service scrambled eggs included for breakfast without a charge. Knowing how hit/miss these can be, we decided not to risk it.

 

Otherwise, things were great: bars were fully staffed by competent crew, our room steward was excellent and meticulous (wrapping up usb-c cables on the desk, etc), and the entertainment staff was all over the place making sure people were engaged/not.

 

 

Edited February 16, 2023 by AstoriaPreppy

[morfred]

28 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

 

2023, less than two weeks ago. 

 

We were *fully* expecting a sky-is-falling experience based on the reports on cruise critic.... and were shocked when it didn't happen.

 

The only thing that was tangible as a change from the past was not having the room service scrambled eggs included for breakfast without a charge. Knowing how hit/miss these can be, we decided not to risk it.

 

Otherwise, things were great: bars were fully staffed by competent crew, our room steward was excellent and meticulous (wrapping up usb-c cables on the desk, etc), and the entertainment staff was all over the place making sure people were engaged/not.

 

 

Well I am very happy for you. Unfortunately many (many) others found the opposite to be true. I guess that we have different realities or different standards either of which might be true.

[C4HCG]

1 minute ago, morfred said:

Well I am very happy for you. Unfortunately many (many) others found the opposite to be true. I guess that we have different realities or different standards either of which might be true.

Have you sailed in 2023? If so, what were your experiences? Not good I imagine but please share.

[tserface]

Not saying we won't cruise on Celebrity any longer, but the devaluing of loyalty program benefits, food changes, and service changes make us consider other lines, like Princess, more when we're choosing vacations.  It's more than just the recent changes as well.  Some other lines, I'll use Princess as an example again, have way better prices for specialty restaurants, drinks and drink packages, and Princess will not only do a lot of room service without an up charge, they will also deliver to you almost anywhere on the ship.  And, while Princess's buffet for dinner has never been as good, it is way better than what Celebrity is moving to.

 

We really miss all the special things Celebrity used to do to make it a premium experience.  I understand that they need to make the bottom line, whatever that means, but we also have choices for cruise destinations.  It used to be a no brainer for us, Celebrity or Royal, but now, not so much.

 

It is what it is...

[morfred]

2 hours ago, C4HCG said:

Have you sailed in 2023? If so, what were your experiences? Not good I imagine but please share.

I sailed in Dec 2022, 10 weeks ago. I am Elite+ and only sail in suites.  I was a dedicated Celebrity customer but I was disappointed enough that I will comparison shop in the future. I would never have considered another cruise line a year ago.

[Keys Kathy]

15 minutes ago, morfred said:

I sailed in Dec 2022, 10 weeks ago. I am Elite+ and only sail in suites.  I was a dedicated Celebrity customer but I was disappointed enough that I will comparison shop in the future. I would never have considered another cruise line a year ago.

I am trying not to lose faith, but I just looked at a Panama Canal on Beyond in a Veranda. Nothing included is $1650., AI is $4049. an add-on of $218. PP Per night! Basically twice the fair.

 

They send me an advertisement for AI, but that is not where they send me price-wise. 

 

Do you think there is a chance of a snowball in Florida that they will tell us if they fix the problems? I really don't want to book, even with my FR, if it is not going to be better. 

 

I am sad. I really would like to sail again, but DH was so unhappy with the Millie Feb 3-11 that I don't know if I can get him to agree after the last experience. 

Edited February 17, 2023 by Keys Kathy
add

[cruisin from florida]

14 minutes ago, Keys Kathy said:

 

I am sad. I really would like to sail again, but DH was so unhappy with the Millie Feb 3-11 that I don't know if I can get him to agree after the last experience. 

One alternative is to find a really great, port-intensive itinerary. The ship becomes less important when you're getting off every morning and adventuring all day. 

[goofysmom99]

I'm on Summit right now.  Rendezvous Lounge is great with great bar service and waiters.  Already found one who's a real keeper.  Personality plus.

 

Short ribs at embarkation concierge lunch were terrible.  Just awful.  One had zero meat on it and the other, three modest forkfuls.  Merely fat and gristle and should never have been plated much less served.  Carrots were raw, think carrot sticks in gravy.  Service was very good as was sommelier.  Was invited to join friends in Luminae tonight so didn't check out OVC and MDR, but I will during the next nine days. 

 

Edit:  In Luminae, I ordered seared salmon from MDR menu and it was delicious. 

Edited February 17, 2023 by goofysmom99

[HMR74]

1 hour ago, cruisin from florida said:

One alternative is to find a really great, port-intensive itinerary. The ship becomes less important when you're getting off every morning and adventuring all day. 

another alternative is a land based trip.

breakfast, lunch and dinner locally. Entertainment: Local

Stay at villas or BandB's -real local flavor.

Take a break at a street side cafe-no time limitations.

take an early morning jog on a greek island, priceless.

 

1 or 2 bad meals will not wreck a trip, vs a week or two of potentially unsatisfying meals

if you rent an apartment, stop at local market for food and wine and create your own dinner with a bonus if you have a terrace overlooking a site like Acropolos.

There are alternatives.

 

 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

2 hours ago, morfred said:

I sailed in Dec 2022, 10 weeks ago. I am Elite+ and only sail in suites.  I was a dedicated Celebrity customer but I was disappointed enough that I will comparison shop in the future. I would never have considered another cruise line a year ago.

EV on Beyond in Jan/Feb this year.

 

Lived up to expectation, which was high.

 

We full pay promptly up front when reserving our trips/itineraries for all forms of travel. Always select specific seats, rooms, inclusions.

 

Know (and knew) what to expect well ahead of time. Capable of navigating the "who" and "what" to get what we seek.

 

Celebrity delivered. The Spa shoreside team delivered. The Retreat shoreside delivered. Our stateroom staff delivered, especially the butler, but also cabin steward.

 

Superb all around, though we mostly remained in Retreat areas.

 

Same ship, same room for our 11-night Mediterranean cruise this August.

 

Celebrity, you done good.

[morfred]

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

EV on Beyond in Jan/Feb this year.

 

Lived up to expectation, which was high.

 

We full pay promptly up front when reserving our trips/itineraries for all forms of travel. Always select specific seats, rooms, inclusions.

 

Know (and knew) what to expect well ahead of time. Capable of navigating the "who" and "what" to get what we seek.

 

Celebrity delivered. The Spa shoreside team delivered. The Retreat shoreside delivered. Our stateroom staff delivered, especially the butler, but also cabin steward.

 

Superb all around, though we mostly remained in Retreat areas.

 

Same ship, same room for our 11-night Mediterranean cruise this August.

 

Celebrity, you done good.

Wow! You were in an EV. I did not know that.

[TiredofTheGame]

7 hours ago, tserface said:

Not saying we won't cruise on Celebrity any longer, but the devaluing of loyalty program benefits, food changes, and service changes make us consider other lines, like Princess, more when we're choosing vacations.  It's more than just the recent changes as well.  Some other lines, I'll use Princess as an example again, have way better prices for specialty restaurants, drinks and drink packages, and Princess will not only do a lot of room service without an up charge, they will also deliver to you almost anywhere on the ship.  And, while Princess's buffet for dinner has never been as good, it is way better than what Celebrity is moving to.

 

We really miss all the special things Celebrity used to do to make it a premium experience.  I understand that they need to make the bottom line, whatever that means, but we also have choices for cruise destinations.  It used to be a no brainer for us, Celebrity or Royal, but now, not so much.

 

It is what it is...

I think all of Cruising has changed for the worst..But if people keep sailing Celebrity...They wont change back to being a Great cruise line

Edited February 17, 2023 by TiredofTheGame

[TiredofTheGame]

3 hours ago, HMR74 said:

another alternative is a land based trip.

breakfast, lunch and dinner locally. Entertainment: Local

Stay at villas or BandB's -real local flavor.

Take a break at a street side cafe-no time limitations.

take an early morning jog on a greek island, priceless.

 

1 or 2 bad meals will not wreck a trip, vs a week or two of potentially unsatisfying meals

if you rent an apartment, stop at local market for food and wine and create your own dinner with a bonus if you have a terrace overlooking a site like Acropolos.

There are alternatives.

 

 

100% agree....Keep on cruising and thing will never change back

[HMR74]

1 minute ago, TiredofTheGame said:

100% agree....Keep on cruising and thing will never change back

I was thinking about costs of internet. The premium if i wanted two each would cost nearly 1800 for a 32 day series of cruises and thats with the multi device discount and elite discount making it less  costly than an AI pkg. 

 

land trip its buried in the apt cost. And likely better service.

everything has become so darn expensive now for cruising.

 

i am curious, there are a couple of high rollers here who talk about the upper level suites and discuss the great service. Tell me, what kind of extra grats do you hand out  at end of cruise.

 

[NMTraveller]

9 minutes ago, HMR74 said:

I was thinking about costs of internet. The premium if i wanted two each would cost nearly 1800 for a 32 day series of cruises and thats with the multi device discount and elite discount making it less  costly than an AI pkg. 

 

land trip its buried in the apt cost. And likely better service.

everything has become so darn expensive now for cruising.

 

i am curious, there are a couple of high rollers here who talk about the upper level suites and discuss the great service. Tell me, what kind of extra grats do you hand out  at end of cruise.

 

Your apartment is likely to be much larger than your cabin.  You will have a much much larger choice of food.  The drink prices are now affordable.  You can actually dine in a 4 or 5 star restaurant.  The internet will be better also.  The port days on cruise ships are just too short.

Edited February 17, 2023 by NMTraveller

[HMR74]

27 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

Your apartment is likely to be much larger than your cabin.  You will have a much much larger choice of food.  The drink prices are now affordable.  You can actually dine in a 4 or 5 star restaurant.  The internet will be better also.  The port days on cruise ships are just too short.

Yep. Smallest apt is 356 sq ft but with a huge terrace. Several ocean front. Florence between train station and Duomo. Most are around 500-600 ft. And furnished nicely. Short port days? Thats a reason for land based. Now we immerse ourselves in local culture.

it was an accident I made the change, minor heath issue where Worried about the penalty if i had to cancel after final payment day with pre existing condition. That woke me up to the alternatives we used to do.