What is happening with Celebrity?

[Oxo]

23 minutes ago, Bill Miller said:

Yikes!

?

[llawrence]

3 hours ago, hcat said:

glad you have a  new  attendant..

 

hope missing laundry will turn up...paranoid part of me says incompetence or payback?  

lol….

[coloradocruizn]

15 hours ago, Honolulu Blue said:

Two weeks ago, I was on the charter music cruise watching these guys (among many others). 

 

 

I assume we were on the same cruise?  I'm sorry I didn't say hello.  I guess I'll do it now.

 

My cabin in steerage on the Summit was handled well, but I have low expectations for such things.

Hello!  It looks like you were on RnR. We were on FPC. I hope you had as much fun as we did. 
 

Our attendant was new and overwhelmed. By the end of the week, she had an assistant working with her. Like someone else said on here, this was a first world problem for us.  I *need* my balcony so no steerage for me. 

[RichYak]

My last Celebrity cruise was on Summit. We went through 3 different stateroom attendants. Issues finally subsided when we got to #3.

[Honolulu Blue]

1 hour ago, coloradocruizn said:

Hello!  It looks like you were on RnR. We were on FPC. I hope you had as much fun as we did. 

I was! And I'm sure I did.

 

I forgot about Flower Power. I apologize.

[the penguins]

15 hours ago, horseymike said:

one of the places my wife and I enjoy on any cruise is the forward facing lounge area usually on a higher deck at the very front of the ship where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean and or port. These areas no longer exist for us ( steerage passengers ) on the e class celebrity ships.

You can hardly use the term steerage on E class as only around 5% of passengers have the forward view you love. One reason we will never cruise E class.

[Hawkstar33]

The crew of the newest ships get picked from all the other ships...They take the cream of the crop...Seeing the room attendant or not, would not bother me, unless there was an issue..Towels are not an issue, just an oversight that is easily solved by looking for any crew out and about, near your room. 2 or 3 times same problem might be.   Almost always is there an attendant or crew member of some sort, walking around.  Water from your wine cooler dripping without a tray underneath, is something I would've wiped up myself, if it was flooding the area..Unclean is an issue for sure, and head of housekeeping would hear about that, if unable to address with attendant. It seems like there is not enough time for the attendants to clean the rooms from 9-11, as passengers are getting off and new ones coming on.  The key at the door system lets you go to your room sooner, which we all love, but staff might not be caught up and finished.  Yet we all run to dump our stuff off before we start to enjoy. Just not enough time for these workers. I have to add that folks are expecting to get every little thing that they ask for, no matter what it is, or what room class they are in. Not saying you in particular, but many have complained about some rather silly things...Things are truly not the same, as we have all noticed. I don't see it, or hear it being better on a different cruise line..  Lotta people, lotta cabins, less staff to get everyone a never melting ice bucket twice a day, and not enough time in the day.  There is still a sense of recovery from covid, believe it or not...Crew left, and were off so long, that they got other jobs and never came back.  Hope it gets better for you

[oatbagg1]

On 4/8/2024 at 9:22 AM, llawrence said:

We are currently on the Summit for a short get away….After 20 + years cruising with Celebrity, we are wondering what is going on.  We normally do suites but when they aren’t available we go with Aqua class. No cruise is ever totally bad, but this is getting close…

We are in an aqua class mid ship….our Room attendant did not greet us for 10 hours and them only after I found out that we only had one towel, washcloth, hand towel, robe, and slippers for my husband and myself.  Our mini bar was missing a number of the expensive items.  Could be charged to our sea pass if not reported…The floor was not clean and the tables were not cleaned after the last guests.I really do not like going to guest services but after he cleaned the room and left all the used glassware and did not leave clean glasses, and our wine cooler was left on a table with out a tray and the water from the ice melting leaked on the table, floor, and some items I had purchased.  I felt I had to say something…the assistant supervisor for housekeeping came up…said he would take care of it. No problem.   This morning when I returned from breakfast…again we have one washcloth….four towels…no hand towels..for two people.. Its hard for us to look at leaving the Celebrity Brand…..New ships or the older ships we have always received excellent service. It looks like the brand is changing.

Blu is excellent

Casino is so crowded with large slot machines, game tables, and very large chairs…you are literally touching the person in back of you and next to you.

Entertainment (first two shows) were just ok…

 

 

we were on the week before. Total disaster. I thought we had bad service on deck 2. No washcloths or handtowels or kleenex until day 2. The last night steward took away the handwowels and washcloths leaving only 2 used towels for us at 8pm.  We're off Celebrity for life. And this was our 21 cruise.

[oatbagg1]

On 4/8/2024 at 1:40 PM, Oxo said:

Shouldn't there be a set of towels for each guest? I would assume so, since you pay the same price.

yes there should . Always has been. We never got robes either after asking our attendent twice. See my review of our Summit cruise last week. posted under reviews.

[llawrence]

The purpose of this post was not to bash our room steward but to say the level of care Celebrity is known for is sliding…yes, we do cruise suites when we can….and I in no way expected that type of service in Aqua class….but…basic service is basic service….I did clean up the water….Celebrity never offered to replace the items that were destroyed by getting wet….A few years ago they would have offered…we never expect or ask for cruise credit or any thing extra….we have always loved this brand…and of course still sail with them….I am sorry if some of you think this is unreasonable….we always try to be fair and understand staffing issues.

[llawrence]

3 hours ago, Hawkstar33 said:

The crew of the newest ships get picked from all the other ships...They take the cream of the crop...Seeing the room attendant or not, would not bother me, unless there was an issue..Towels are not an issue, just an oversight that is easily solved by looking for any crew out and about, near your room. 2 or 3 times same problem might be.   Almost always is there an attendant or crew member of some sort, walking around.  Water from your wine cooler dripping without a tray underneath, is something I would've wiped up myself, if it was flooding the area..Unclean is an issue for sure, and head of housekeeping would hear about that, if unable to address with attendant. It seems like there is not enough time for the attendants to clean the rooms from 9-11, as passengers are getting off and new ones coming on.  The key at the door system lets you go to your room sooner, which we all love, but staff might not be caught up and finished.  Yet we all run to dump our stuff off before we start to enjoy. Just not enough time for these workers. I have to add that folks are expecting to get every little thing that they ask for, no matter what it is, or what room class they are in. Not saying you in particular, but many have complained about some rather silly things...Things are truly not the same, as we have all noticed. I don't see it, or hear it being better on a different cruise line..  Lotta people, lotta cabins, less staff to get everyone a never melting ice bucket twice a day, and not enough time in the day.  There is still a sense of recovery from covid, believe it or not...Crew left, and were off so long, that they got other jobs and never came back.  Hope it gets better for you

 

[the penguins]

3 hours ago, Hawkstar33 said:

The crew of the newest ships get picked from all the other ships...They take the cream of the crop...Seeing the room attendant or not, would not bother me, unless there was an issue..Towels are not an issue, just an oversight that is easily solved by looking for any crew out and about, near your room. 2 or 3 times same problem might be.   Almost always is there an attendant or crew member of some sort, walking around.  Water from your wine cooler dripping without a tray underneath, is something I would've wiped up myself, if it was flooding the area..Unclean is an issue for sure, and head of housekeeping would hear about that, if unable to address with attendant. It seems like there is not enough time for the attendants to clean the rooms from 9-11, as passengers are getting off and new ones coming on.  The key at the door system lets you go to your room sooner, which we all love, but staff might not be caught up and finished.  Yet we all run to dump our stuff off before we start to enjoy. Just not enough time for these workers. I have to add that folks are expecting to get every little thing that they ask for, no matter what it is, or what room class they are in. Not saying you in particular, but many have complained about some rather silly things...Things are truly not the same, as we have all noticed. I don't see it, or hear it being better on a different cruise line..  Lotta people, lotta cabins, less staff to get everyone a never melting ice bucket twice a day, and not enough time in the day.  There is still a sense of recovery from covid, believe it or not...Crew left, and were off so long, that they got other jobs and never came back.  Hope it gets better for you

just to clear up an "urban myth" about new ships and post Covid Staff which were tackled head on during a wide ranging  Q and A session on Silhouette organised by the wonderful Guest Relations Director Julie. with the Hotel Director, Executive Chef and Chief Engineer all taking part 

1) It's simply impossible to move all the experienced staff to the new ships. The crew have "sea mans visas" that are valid for the duration of a contract and are ship specific -  moving them is impossible. Nor can crew be held without pay waiting for a new ship.

2) experienced staff get more choice over which ships they sail on and many choose only to sail in M or S class.

3) Staff in the same Departments have different length contracts - for example a new Cabin Steward could start with 3 months whilst a more experience one be on 6 or more months - this is essential to avoid all the crew having to be replaced at the same time. Pre Covid this occurred naturally but Post Covid it had to be arranged "artificially" as when a ship sailed for the first time all the crew started on the same day.

4) After Covid over 80% of staff returned - at first this meant it was easy to fill the ships  as they restarted but as more of the fleet resumed sailing it became harder. The strict Vaccination/Quarantine regulations also increased the delays - pre covid from offering a contract to boarding a ship could be days post covid it was weeks. 

5) Covid and Russia's invasion of Ukraine also highlighted the risks of recruiting mainly from a fairly small number of countries and X has been stepping up recruitment in new areas including the Caribbean and South America.

We have sailed numerous times since the restart and have found the level of service to be generally of the same high standards and delivered in the same friendly manner as it was pre covid.

 

 

[samofam]

It is not productive for the staff or other passengers if passengers allow problems to slide. I'm not saying be a nitpicker but address problems immediately. That is what helps keep up the standards and not allow the occasional lazy worker to slip by, we are told they share tips so they should be kept accountable. The cabins should be properly cleaned and prepared, it is really gross to find remnants from the previous guests and this includes having the verandah clean also.  It is also a question of hygiene.

I have once needed to ask for a different cabin steward and once for a different butler.

Cabin stewards do not necessarily notice if draperies are coming down or drains are slow or blocked to give a couple of examples.

 

[llawrence]

The purpose of this post was not to bash our room steward but to say the level of care Celebrity is known for is sliding…yes, we do cruise suites when we can….and I in no way expected that type of service in Aqua class….but…basic service is basic service….I did clean up the water….Celebrity never offered to replace the items that were destroyed by getting wet….A few years ago they would have offered…we never expect or ask for cruise credit or any thing extra….we have always loved this brand…and of course still sail with them….I am sorry if some of you think this is unreasonable….we always try to be fair and understand staffing issues.

[llawrence]

I agree with everything said…we have sailed with members of this staff on other cruises..example is the manager of Blu has been on several other ships we have sailed on but loves the “m” class.  He has always run a great restaurant.  We met two of our past Butlers from the Beyond and Solstice….they both said this was their preferred class.  

[Hawkstar33]

14 minutes ago, llawrence said:

The purpose of this post was not to bash our room steward but to say the level of care Celebrity is known for is sliding…yes, we do cruise suites when we can….and I in no way expected that type of service in Aqua class….but…basic service is basic service….I did clean up the water….Celebrity never offered to replace the items that were destroyed by getting wet….A few years ago they would have offered…we never expect or ask for cruise credit or any thing extra….we have always loved this brand…and of course still sail with them….I am sorry if some of you think this is unreasonable….we always try to be fair and understand staffing issues.

I'm actually not too happy about hearing this...Have sailed this ship 8x, and have another booked on her in feb of next yr.  The ship is having some other pretty serious issues according to other posts, sewage, engine power, decay, amongst others.  I'm actually starting to think to look for another trip, as aside from these things, the options on the newer ships, are more appealing for what we like.   Zenith was great, she got old. That was our first cruise .Now this favorite is having elderly issues, and quickly becoming not worth the big dollars to go on her.  The towel thing would drive me nuts too, and cleanliness is most important...The little things we let slide, are adding up for sure...Beyond  BTB in a couple weeks...Hoping for good things, and wish you better days

[Hawkstar33]

1 hour ago, the penguins said:

just to clear up an "urban myth" about new ships and post Covid Staff which were tackled head on during a wide ranging  Q and A session on Silhouette organised by the wonderful Guest Relations Director Julie. with the Hotel Director, Executive Chef and Chief Engineer all taking part 

1) It's simply impossible to move all the experienced staff to the new ships. The crew have "sea mans visas" that are valid for the duration of a contract and are ship specific -  moving them is impossible. Nor can crew be held without pay waiting for a new ship.

2) experienced staff get more choice over which ships they sail on and many choose only to sail in M or S class.

3) Staff in the same Departments have different length contracts - for example a new Cabin Steward could start with 3 months whilst a more experience one be on 6 or more months - this is essential to avoid all the crew having to be replaced at the same time. Pre Covid this occurred naturally but Post Covid it had to be arranged "artificially" as when a ship sailed for the first time all the crew started on the same day.

4) After Covid over 80% of staff returned - at first this meant it was easy to fill the ships  as they restarted but as more of the fleet resumed sailing it became harder. The strict Vaccination/Quarantine regulations also increased the delays - pre covid from offering a contract to boarding a ship could be days post covid it was weeks. 

5) Covid and Russia's invasion of Ukraine also highlighted the risks of recruiting mainly from a fairly small number of countries and X has been stepping up recruitment in new areas including the Caribbean and South America.

We have sailed numerous times since the restart and have found the level of service to be generally of the same high standards and delivered in the same friendly manner as it was pre covid.

 

 

Ok sounds like it was a good session, but I've personally had conversations with several crew over the years about this topic. Several we have sailed with a dozen times, and have a great rapport.. I've been told they are picked in advance, and move accordingly when able.   Not ALL the best people, but many who have shown their workmanship to be above others.  While some take it as almost a promotion, while others do not like going to the new ones, because of superior high expectations.  I'm not always believing all that they say at theses sessions, although interesting to listen....They also say there are no cutbacks....Just a few tweeks, trials, which we all know to be untrue...

[llawrence]

We were on the Zenith years ago…sort of miss her…...I am sure you will have a great trip…The ship is getting old but she still maintains some beauty…we have noticed several staterooms on deck nine out of service…do not know why…seems to be on the port side..there is a slight sewage smell towards the rear of nine….also port side…other then that no apparent problems.   I will say the officers look tired…chalk that up to last week…we have had no ac , water, or electric issues like last week…

[QuestionEverything]

I started sailing on Celebrity in 2001. Decade after decade Celebrity provided CONSISTENT product and service, I booked 3 cruises each year with confidence. The same great product year after year albeit newer ships came along, but still great service and product.

It was the Confidence of the product to book that kept us booking Celebrity.

At that time Celebrity was the premium cruise line - there was no Oceania etc.

Around 2018, I noticed the RCLing of Celebrity and the downgrading and the destroying of the Celebrity product due to class apartheid as well as today, the loss of access to the sea on the E class (no forward lounge).

My last Celebrity cruise was 2019. We cancelled Celebrity thereafter and moved to the premium lines.

___________________

I am not picking on Celebrity, the loss of consistency is seen in all travel venues and restaurants.

I am so very sad at the decline in cruising, hotels, restaurants etc - it was not always this way.

This turns me, a consumer, off from any vacation bookings. 

No cruises booked at this point.

Everyone be well, be careful of your bookings, Put Yourself First.

 

 

 

 

[RK-NC]

1 hour ago, QuestionEverything said:

I am not picking on Celebrity, the loss of consistency is seen in all travel venues and restaurants.

I am so very sad at the decline in cruising, hotels, restaurants etc - it was not always this way.

 

We are on our way to Port Everglades to board Beyond on Friday. In Bluffton/Hilton Head SC last night and tonight. We have had a superb experience at Holiday Inn Express and the 2 restaurants we have dined. Last year we took a month-long driving trip NC to Maine and had excellent service and nice hotel and B&B stays. We are very excited about the cruise but if we have problems with the basics like cleanliness, towels, decent dining service, improperly prepared food,etc it will be one and done for Celebrity and we may even cancel our future cruises (on other cruise lines) and stick with land vacations. Fingers crossed! 

[rinshin]

On 4/8/2024 at 11:48 AM, llawrence said:

OXO….I would think so….now in our room we have 1 dirty wash cloth….4 new towels and no hand towels….our shampoo and conditioner are almost empty…1/2 a roll of toilet paper..no extras… This is not the Celebrity I know and love…

 

On 4/8/2024 at 12:13 PM, llawrence said:

I have already talked to the head of housekeeping….I know I can go higher. I always try to work things at at a lower level….first….this time it’s not working…The purpose of this post was to see if other cruisers are having other issues with Celebrity.  We have at least 26+ cruises with this line, and are noticing a decline in service since covid….These issues are minor.  This cruise lines reputation is built on a step above service…

I think what is happening to you on this cruise is awful.  

[Straughn]

I disembarked Constellation on March 23, the last cruise from Tampa before the TA. It was the best X cruise I have had since the restart after Covid. I was in an A1 cabin. My cabin steward was always visible during normal working hours. The first day, I was lacking Kleenex. That was remedied within 10 minutes. My cabin was spotless, the balcony was one of the cleanest I have had. 
 

The ship was immaculate. In the areas I frequented, I didn’t see stains or wear and tear  in the carpets. Dirty glasses, plates, etc were quickly removed from Cafe Al Bacio and in the OV.

 

The crew seemed very happy, pleasant, and friendly. Cellar Masters is my go to bar. There were times when it was very busy, but I was always  acknowledged and served, in turn, within 5-10 minutes. 
 

The food in Blu was the best I have had since the restart, and that includes Luminae. I generally eat a salad for lunch. The salad bar was full of fresh veggies and protein. The shrimp on the last day were good sized and plentiful. My dinners in Tuscan were great. 
 

My experience may have been ship specific, but it gives me hope that things are starting to improve. I am sure there are others, also on this cruise,  who had different experiences.

[llawrence]

We are on our final  evening of the cruise…….Biu was the bright spot….when we returned to our cabin after dinner,,nothing had been done….last night we do not expect perfection…we usually have drinks on the balcony….no ice ….we asked for some to be brought up….not going to happen..luggage pickup…we noticed that when we went to sit down in the coffee bar there we no clean tables…only a few were taken….this points to a staff shortage…coming up to our room on deck 9. Many of the electrical panels were open….loads of tools in the small cut across halls….we have not experience any problems like they had last week…somehow this all must be connected..

[the penguins]

13 hours ago, samofam said:

It is not productive for the staff or other passengers if passengers allow problems to slide. I'm not saying be a nitpicker but address problems immediately. That is what helps keep up the standards and not allow the occasional lazy worker to slip by, we are told they share tips so they should be kept accountable. The cabins should be properly cleaned and prepared, it is really gross to find remnants from the previous guests and this includes having the verandah clean also.  It is also a question of hygiene.

I have once needed to ask for a different cabin steward and once for a different butler.

Cabin stewards do  not necessarily notice if draperies are coming down or drains are slow or blocked to give a couple of examples.

 

as long as you don't remove auto grats tips paid through that system are not shared. Any extra tips you pay direct are also not shared.

[indy406]

We've taken probably 10 cruises with Celebrity, all Aqua class. Two TransAtlantics, Panama Canal, Alaska, Baltic, couple Meds and have had exactly one negative experience with the condition of the room. That was our first TransAtlantic, on Reflection. We walked in and found a storage drawer on the floor because of a broken slider, fingernail trimmings on the table and — wait for it — a pair of wadded up dirty underwear under the throw pillow on the couch. I had the room steward in there pronto, things were resolved and I didn't say another word about it to him or anybody else. I think today I'd take the hotel director on a tour of the room.