What is Celebrity Cruises Long Term Plan?

[DaKahuna]

I would really like to know what exactly is the long term plan for Celebrity? 

 

There has been a lot of discussion by those transitioning from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity about wanting to change Celebrity's Elite Happy Hour to match that of Royal Caribbeans.  My wife and I would like to ask that you do not do this.  We came to Celebrity from Royal Caribbean and have really enjoyed the uniqueness that we found at Celebrity.  This is just one of the current trends, especially when combined with the new status match change, seems to indicate that Celebrity and Royal Caribbean is blending more and more.  More evidence is the inclusion of Royal Caribbean's Coco Cay as a destination now for Celebrity Caribbean sailings.  All of these changes have us leaning more and more toward taking our vacation dollars and moving away from Celebrity because the uniqueness and the quality of the onboard experience has been eroding more and more.  If we wanted the Royal Caribbean experience we would sail on Royal Caribbean and not Celebrity. 

 

[Laura Hodges Bethge]

The beauty of the Royal Caribbean Group is that we have very distinct brands within the family. Royal Caribbean delivers thrilling vacations for the contemporary and family market. Silversea offers the finest ultra-luxury and expedition experiences, and Celebrity elevates premium travel by delivering the intimate and thoughtful service of smaller ships and the variety and excitement of bigger ones. We will continue to distinguish ourselves within the family of brands by focusing on what you all consistently tell us you want: elevated hospitality, premium food and drink options, beautiful destinations, and unique experiences.
 

I started my career with the Group almost 25 years ago working for both the Royal and Celebrity brands, and while I have spent a significant amount of time on the Royal brand, I also spent many years working in corporate and shared services roles as well. These past few decades have taught me a lot about the cruise business, and what makes a brand successful. I truly believe the only way Celebrity will continue to be successful is to listen and develop products and experiences our guests LOVE! Full stop. So, no matter what brand I am working for, I am going to listen to those customers and ensure we are delivering the best vacation experiences for them. 

We launched the loyalty status match program to reward our guests for staying within our family of brands for all their vacation needs. The program enables members to receive equivalent tier status when sailing across the family of brands, it’s also something our guests asked for – and we listened.
 

[DaKahuna]

Thank you for your response.  I was hoping that you wouls share what Celebrity would be doing going forward to distinguish itself with Royal Carribbean especially given the move to shorter vs longer cruises, like the 14 day cruises that were available pre-COVID, and the inclusion of Royal Caribbean's Coco Cay.  Both of these are seen by many of Celebrity's loyal cruises as targeting younger cruisers and families, which you say is the focus of Royal Caribbean. Many long time Celebrity cruisers have commented on the distinct difference they see, and not in a good way, of their experience on these shorter cruises.  

 

[Liao]

On 7/18/2024 at 10:13 AM, DaKahuna said:

Thank you for your response.  I was hoping that you wouls share what Celebrity would be doing going forward to distinguish itself with Royal Carribbean especially given the move to shorter vs longer cruises, like the 14 day cruises that were available pre-COVID, and the inclusion of Royal Caribbean's Coco Cay.  Both of these are seen by many of Celebrity's loyal cruises as targeting younger cruisers and families, which you say is the focus of Royal Caribbean. Many long time Celebrity cruisers have commented on the distinct difference they see, and not in a good way, of their experience on these shorter cruises.  

 

Seems as though rather than to answer your question(s), she responded with a non answer?  

[DaKahuna]

4 hours ago, Liao said:

Seems as though rather than to answer your question(s), she responded with a non answer?  

 

 I agree.  Pure marketing fluff. 

 

[Liao]

7 minutes ago, DaKahuna said:

 

 I agree.  Pure marketing fluff. 

 

As were most of the responses but good on CC for the effort.

[abbydancer2003]

Pretty much how her "conversation with Celebrity" panel discussion went on the President's cruise.  About 40 or so "Pinnacle" Zeniths on that one.  They were not invited to the retreat lounge.