Poll for Celebrity Loyalists

[Ommadawn]

On 7/12/2024 at 4:16 PM, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Really want to do a Nile River cruise 

 

The one that my wife and I did was wonderful. And the Egyptian Pound was so weak that everything there was incredibly cheap for us. 🙂

[Ommadawn]

On 7/12/2024 at 5:38 PM, George C said:

We like suites and there perks have done it first on Hal which was definitely the worst perks. Done suites the most on rccl which is better than Hal . Celebrity is way better than Hal and rccl on all ships, on E class they are really a step above the other two lines. On did msc yacht club once and that was far superior to celebrity, loved there ship within a ship design, love there huge lounge with live music most of the night, uncrowned both outdoor pool area plus lounge .

 

 

I have been reading and watching videos a lot lately about MSC and the conclusion that I draw is that it is Yacht Club or don't sail with them.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

6 hours ago, Ommadawn said:

 

The one that my wife and I did was wonderful. And the Egyptian Pound was so weak that everything there was incredibly cheap for us. 🙂

Which company did you use ? 

[billc23]

7 hours ago, Ommadawn said:

 

I have been reading and watching videos a lot lately about MSC and the conclusion that I draw is that it is Yacht Club or don't sail with them.

I sailed on MSC (Seascape) last week in the Yacht Club and also found it superior to Celebrity Retreat. The physical layout of the lounge, restaurant and pool deck was great. No crowding, easy to find a comfortable seat in the lounge or by the pool. A quality restaurant with properly prepared food that is open on port days except when at the MSC island. On the MSC island, Yacht Club guests have a private area with a sit down restaurant for lunch. I had a lobster roll - picture below. Service was outstanding - we never waited for anything!!! There seemed to be many more servers per passengers than Celebrity. They did not seem stressed and overworked. It was sort of like sailing on a Celebrity ship coming out of Covid where the ships were at less than half capacity. 

 

We sailed as a group of six. My wife and I mostly stayed in the YC areas while the 40 year olds and the teenage grandkids spent most of their time outside of the YC. They enjoyed a wide variety of activities and activities and commented that the only place that was more crowded than Celebrity or Royal was the main buffet - yet they still and a dinner there and a few lunches.  I said main buffet because the YC pool deck has a decent sized buffet open for breakfast and lunch with a cook to order grill. Even the lounge had a rotating variety of food throughout the day. In the morning the selection was similar to the elite breakfast items on Celebrity. While we all stayed in the YC, my extended family would have been fine on MSC in non YC accommodations.

 

Here is an interesting thing about MSC's setup that is very different than Celebrity. The YC has different cabins available that include inside cabins, balcony cabins, and a few larger 2 room suites. The non YC area has a variety of cabins including similarly large 2 room suites with a private hot tub on the large balcony with a dining table for six. So it is possible to book a larger room without paying for the YC amenities or one can book an inside cabin and have all the YC benefits!

 

The inside YC cabin receive a stocked and restocked mini bar and a bottle of wine or liquor. The inside cabin has a dedicated butler who will bring cocktails and snacks to your room. Room service meals without charge. Coffee maker in the room. Many of these amenities are only available in upper suites on Celebrity. Pretty sweet deal if one does not care about a larger room or a balcony. 

 

The ship I sailed on was the Seascape and my data point is from this one sailing. I did book two more MSC Cruises over the next year with family.

 

Full size yoga mat to show room size (this is not a 2 room suite):

 

 

 

 

Normal size lobster roll:

 

 

 

[chisoxfan]

A fan of YC also and thanks for the comments. An intagible that I felt with YC was being treated at a high level in every aspect of the cruise. Unlike Retreat you have unlimited use of the spa areas which are much nicer than on X.  So you can pop down and spend an hour or two and not have to justify the expense. Also the Private Island treats YC passengers to a special area.

This may sound like a strange comment but YC to me is very 'democratic' ie. you have balconies, some insides, and some larger but generally similar cabins.  I alway feel with Retreat I have entered another status world with Iconic, Royal Edge, Iconic, etc etc. suites. The sky suite seems like a starting point . Each suite type seems to have its own list of perks.

Having everything in a central YC area is very nice also- no need to travel down hallways and up a non dedicated elevator to grab a few beers or see what food may be out.

We all know the price point and value are superior to Retreat. JMHO

 

 

[RichYak]

52 minutes ago, billc23 said:

The ship I sailed on was the Seascape and my data point is from this one sailing.

Your experience matches my one YC sailing on Meraviglia.

[billc23]

1 hour ago, chisoxfan said:

This may sound like a strange comment but YC to me is very 'democratic' ie. you have balconies, some insides, and some larger but generally similar cabins.  I alway feel with Retreat I have entered another status world

I agree. I usually stay in the Retreat PH and the service in the YC was superior. I liked the pool deck, lounge, and restaurant more than the Ascent.and way more than the M and S class ships. I feel that the Edge class offer a better selection of specialty dining. My wife did one ship sponsored excursion and when I looked over the pricing it was a bit less expensive than Celebrity.

 

Don't forget the pillow chocolates...

 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Interesting email from Celebrity today 

Edited July 16 by Ex-Airbalancer

[mahdnc]

6 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Interesting email from Celebrity today 

I think Celebrity is trying to tell you something....

[billc23]

4 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Interesting email from Celebrity today 

 

I have been sailing on Silversea for a few years now and, like Celebrity, they alway have a sale. What I have found is that the sailings are usually the lowest cost when first released almost always going up over time regardless of the sale of the month. Of course, there are exceptions. The best deal for Celebrity CC members is the easy path to a 5% discount and free laundry.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

52 minutes ago, mahdnc said:

I think Celebrity is trying to tell you something....

🤔

 Do you think they will have a cabin for $100 CAD pp pn on Silverseas 🤣

all our cruising friends are in balconies so it would be pretty boring to be in the retreat area for a cruise on Celebrity 😁

Edited July 16 by Ex-Airbalancer

[mahdnc]

3 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

🤔

 Do you think they will have a cabin for $100 CAD pp pn on Silverseas 🤣

all our cruising friends are in balconies so it would be pretty boring to be in the retreat area for a cruise on Celebrity 😁

 

Maybe if the Loonie appreciates a lot you can get that price.

[Dave JS]

2 hours ago, billc23 said:

I have been sailing on Silversea for a few years now and, like Celebrity, they alway have a sale. What I have found is that the sailings are usually the lowest cost when first released almost always going up over time regardless of the sale of the month. Of course, there are exceptions. The best deal for Celebrity CC members is the easy path to a 5% discount and free laundry.

Can you clarify "Celebrity CC members is the easy path to a 5% discount and free laundry"

[RichYak]

21 minutes ago, Dave JS said:

Can you clarify "Celebrity CC members is the easy path to a 5% discount and free laundry"

Celebrity Select and above can status match to Silversea 100 VS Days and get 5% discount and free laundry.

[goofysmom99]

35 minutes ago, Dave JS said:

Can you clarify "Celebrity CC members is the easy path to a 5% discount and free laundry"

And if you're Elite or above, you get 10% off.

[billc23]

1 hour ago, Dave JS said:

Can you clarify "Celebrity CC members is the easy path to a 5% discount and free laundry"

I see your question was answered already. The easy path is that Celebrity Select benefits require 150 points that can be earned in a few sailings and power up points. The status match to 100 days of sailing on Silversea is easier and less costly than actually sailing for 100 days on Silversea. The way I see it, the status match program favors Royal over Celebrity and Celebrity over Silversea. 

[hobgoblin]

I've only ever cruised Celebrity (maybe 10 cruises and reached Elite now )and Im trying Holland America this autumn in the Med for a comparison .

Im getting a bit fed up of the decline in the food onboard and find the menus a bit boring now ,didn't like the new pretend balconies on Beyond and am disillusioned with the whole paying gratuities and then expected to be paying more at the end too .

Also the perks for staying are not good enough and they need to address this if they want to keep our loyalty .

[billc23]

3 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

🤔

 Do you think they will have a cabin for $100 CAD pp pn on Silverseas 🤣

all our cruising friends are in balconies so it would be pretty boring to be in the retreat area for a cruise on Celebrity 😁

No... about $400 pp pn on Silversea with included excursions, gratuities, wide variety of dining, butler service...  often less expensive than the Retreat. 

 

I agree with your other comment regarding the Retreat. The reason I dislike the class system on Celebrity is it separates friends, including those you meet on an excursion, from enjoying time together in the areas paid for. Why pay for the Retreat or even aqua and have to give up the places paid for like the sundeck, lounge, and restaurant?  I would rather pay a similar price as the Retreat and sail on a true luxury line where everyone is treated the same once you leave your cabin. The entire ship is open to all rather than segregated like Celebrity.  I think that part of the appeal of the Retreat is feeling special with priority this and that. Being escorted to the front of the line for example. That doesn't happen on Regent or Silversea, even for those in the most expensive suite, you are escorted, if desired, to the end of the line and wait like everyone else. More pleasant experience to me with less entitlement than Celebrity fosters. I find it amusing when Royal and Celebrity cruisers ask about what special consideration (like reserved seating, priority tender...)  they will receive in addition to a discount and free laundry because of their VS status match. The answer is none and in my experience none is needed.

[Dave JS]

On 7/15/2024 at 4:04 PM, chisoxfan said:

We have CO with the Have it all package. I think aft balcony is generally best cabin but none available. The spa cabin has a higher price (not sure I understand why) but as you know is priced at obstructed view balcony price with CO. We like the forward high cabins which are usually quiet with little floor traffic. Mostly like the dedicated dining room but after paying for CO and saving on cabin it really free.

Do you mean the Sunset Veranda for Aft Cabin? 

[Dave JS]

On 7/15/2024 at 4:04 PM, chisoxfan said:

We have CO with the Have it all package. I think aft balcony is generally best cabin but none available. The spa cabin has a higher price (not sure I understand why) but as you know is priced at obstructed view balcony price with CO. We like the forward high cabins which are usually quiet with little floor traffic. Mostly like the dedicated dining room but after paying for CO and saving on cabin it really free.

Regarding cabins, the Spa Verandas have a very small balcony I assume you know. And the Pinnacle ships is indicated by some folks to have a vibration that is noticeable.

Edited July 19 by Dave JS

[cruiseerf]

Historically we are 100% Celebrity, multiple Zenith etc.  After Covid, Celebrity's food went down the tubes and everything changed.  We felt that our loyalty was no longer warranted or appreciated.  In 2023 We broke out and sailed MSC Yacht club, (Fabulous), And Explora Journey's which was Beyond Fabulous....one of the finest cruising experiences we have had....Real Luxury!  We have one more cruise this year on X and 6 cruises on Explora Journeys for over 7 weeks through February booked  We Also booked two Seabourn cruises for end of 2025.   We are now "Open" to other lines and have adjusted our booking patterns $$$ to where we find the best product and appreciation.  Wishing everyone safe and wonderful cruises! We are glad we have stepped out of our comfort zones, there are many great lines out there! 

[Liao]

14 minutes ago, cruiseerf said:

Historically we are 100% Celebrity, multiple Zenith etc.  After Covid, Celebrity's food went down the tubes and everything changed.  We felt that our loyalty was no longer warranted or appreciated.  In 2023 We broke out and sailed MSC Yacht club, (Fabulous), And Explora Journey's which was Beyond Fabulous....one of the finest cruising experiences we have had....Real Luxury!  We have one more cruise this year on X and 6 cruises on Explora Journeys for over 7 weeks through February booked  We Also booked two Seabourn cruises for end of 2025.   We are now "Open" to other lines and have adjusted our booking patterns $$$ to where we find the best product and appreciation.  Wishing everyone safe and wonderful cruises! We are glad we have stepped out of our comfort zones, there are many great lines out there! 

I am curious, with your vast and now varying cruise experiences, would you consider Virgin Voyages?  I am and have found it very interesting following over on that board and the converts, especially people of my age bracket i.e. 60+ and then some.

[upwarduk]

On 7/13/2024 at 2:11 PM, swjumbo said:

Tried Sky Princess a few months ago. Hated it.

Why?
You have got me panicking, as we are going on Sky in September.

[swjumbo]

8 hours ago, upwarduk said:

Why?
You have got me panicking, as we are going on Sky in September.

Don’t panic!

it’s just not what we were expecting or hoping for.

Whilst the staff are lovely they seem to be overworked. One of the bar staff saw our deck of Celebrity playing cards, chatted to us about Celebrity and said how much he missed it. 
Apparently, if they need a day off on Princess they’ve got to see the doctor. On Celebrity they merely ask their manager.

Likewise, time ashore has to be earned on Princess. On Celebrity the management try their best to let as many staff off as possible.
The ship is too big and confusing.

There’s always an officer presence on Celebrity but on Sky there was hardly a stripe to be seen apart from Gala Night.

It’s a small point but we love a crystal wine glass. On Sky they’re just normal wine glasses with a rim around the top which you can pop in the dishwasher.

So whilst I’m sure, and sincerely hope, you’ll have a lovely time it’s just the little extras which make Celebrity feel that bit more special.

If you can get on board early enough head straight for The Sanctuary at the front. 
It’s a lovely ‘adults only’ area with a hot tub and away from the masses. Its first come first served and is $20 each for morning or afternoon. 

I’m sure you’ll  have a great time and it’s probably me just being picky. I look forward to seeing your comments about your trip!

Edited July 23 by swjumbo
Grammar

[upwarduk]

We are Elite Plus on Celebrity and have only changed because I don’t fancy the E class ships. They have moved Silhouette away from Southampton!🙈