Laura Hodges Bethage responses to Questions are an insult !!!!

[Iamcruzin]

On 7/29/2024 at 11:43 AM, The_Big_M said:

 

I think in the cruise industry repeat passengers are seen as a fallback. They're good to have if needed, but they also know prices better, and also buy less or at better prices onboard. So the yield on them is not as good. 

 

So the lines' priority is new passengers with enticements as getting them means better revenue both booking, and onboard.

As an experienced cruiser I agree with this. I spend nothing on board any more. there was a time when my on board spending cost more than the cruise. If they started giving loyalty points on purchases I know that there are people who would jump for that opportunity.  Everything they sell on board is less money at home and I can return it if there is a problem. My wife tells me even the cosmetics aren't a big savings. Of course if you forgot something from home at least you can buy it on the ship.

Edited August 12 by Iamcruzin

[doghog]

T

1 hour ago, Iamcruzin said:

As an experienced cruiser I agree with this. I spend nothing on board any more. there was a time when my on board spending cost more than the cruise. If they started giving loyalty points on purchases I know that there are people who would jump for that opportunity.  Everything they sell on board is less money at home and I can return it if there is a problem. My wife tells me even the cosmetics aren't a big savings. Of course if you forgot something from home at least you can buy it on the ship.

The only time my wife buys anything onboard is with nonrefundable OBC. Refundable OBC usually(but not always) she doesn't spend. 

[Iamcruzin]

1 minute ago, doghog said:

T

The only time my wife buys anything onboard is with nonrefundable OBC. Refundable OBC usually(but not always) she doesn't spend. 

We actually have $300 OBC to spend from the Celebrity credit card rewards. I upgraded to the Premium drink package for $8.99 each. I wish I didn't pre pay the gratuities but maybe we will go to a specialty restaurant. I think this is refundable OBC. We certainly don't need any cruise line logo crap. We tossed so much out when we recently moved. What a waste of money. We were young and stupid. 

[doghog]

11 minutes ago, Iamcruzin said:

We actually have $300 OBC to spend from the Celebrity credit card rewards. I upgraded to the Premium drink package for $8.99 each. I wish I didn't pre pay the gratuities but maybe we will go to a specialty restaurant. I think this is refundable OBC. We certainly don't need any cruise line logo crap. We tossed so much out when we recently moved. What a waste of money. We were young and stupid. 

I don't shop. The only time I step foot in a ship store is if my wife wants me to check something out. 🤣

[MamaFej]

14 hours ago, nednrom said:

 ( we were hushed once in the hot tub while in the solarium because some passengers were unable to sleep).

 

In my experience, the people sleeping in the solarium are usually the loudest. Also in my experience, the people sleeping in the Persian Garden are always the loudest. 

 

It's as if these folks don't realize there are beds in the cabins which are appropriate places for naps. Either that, or they honestly believe that other people actually want to hear them snore instead of relaxing themselves. 

[zitsky]

45 minutes ago, MamaFej said:

In my experience, the people sleeping in the solarium are usually the loudest. Also in my experience, the people sleeping in the Persian Garden are always the loudest. 

 

It's as if these folks don't realize there are beds in the cabins which are appropriate places for naps. Either that, or they honestly believe that other people actually want to hear them snore instead of relaxing themselves. 

I have a great idea for the next Celebrity Q&A.  Make beds an extra charge except, of course, in the Retreat.

 

There should be a limit of 30 minutes on those Persian Garden loungers.

[the penguins]

On 8/12/2024 at 3:49 PM, Iamcruzin said:

We actually have $300 OBC to spend from the Celebrity credit card rewards. I upgraded to the Premium drink package for $8.99 each. I wish I didn't pre pay the gratuities but maybe we will go to a specialty restaurant. I think this is refundable OBC. We certainly don't need any cruise line logo crap. We tossed so much out when we recently moved. What a waste of money. We were young and stupid. 

investing it wisely in the casino is our preferred method of. If  all else fails go to GR and get a form to give it to a crew member(s) of your choice

[MisterBill99]

On 7/24/2024 at 11:08 AM, BlueKernal said:

I feel her answers to the questions are disgusting corporate spin. It is obviously apparent that she believes words will cover up the actions that they have recently embarked on with the Celebrity brand and product. The more responses she posts the more insulting it is!!!

 

I'm sorry that I haven't read all nine pages of replies, but given her video response to complaints about food downgrades months ago, why would you expect anything else?

[MisterBill99]

On 8/12/2024 at 10:49 AM, Iamcruzin said:

We actually have $300 OBC to spend from the Celebrity credit card rewards. I upgraded to the Premium drink package for $8.99 each. I wish I didn't pre pay the gratuities but maybe we will go to a specialty restaurant. I think this is refundable OBC. We certainly don't need any cruise line logo crap. We tossed so much out when we recently moved. What a waste of money. We were young and stupid. 

 

That $300 is almost definitely refundable. Just get the remaining cash the last night of the cruise of give them a non-rebate credit card or debit card to put the refund on at the end of the cruise.

[NMTraveller]

Well we did get some information from the questions, but not much.

 

1.  The IVs on the next class of ship will be market-based ratios.

2.  They are going to rework the by the glass wine package.

 

That is all that I gleaned from the numerous questions.

[zitsky]

7 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

Well we did get some information from the questions, but not much.

 

1.  The IVs on the next class of ship will be market-based ratios.

2.  They are going to rework the by the glass wine package.

 

That is all that I gleaned from the numerous questions.

You forgot,

 

3.  We get more Park West auctions.  Yippee!

[PTC DAWG]

A rehash is always good..

[NMTraveller]

1 hour ago, zitsky said:

You forgot,

 

3.  We get more Park West auctions.  Yippee!

Was that on the Q&A?

[zitsky]

6 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

Was that on the Q&A?

No!

If it were we would learn what a good thing it is to lose access to a lounge for an entire cruise.

[NMTraveller]

8 minutes ago, zitsky said:

No!

If it were we would learn what a good thing it is to lose access to a lounge for an entire cruise.

I think that these Q&A questions should be quarterly where we vote on the top 3 questions.  

 

If only we could understand why Celebrity keeps on trying to downgrade the experience 😁

 

I think that I know the answer.  More and more profits.

Edited September 7 by NMTraveller

[C4HCG]

On 8/12/2024 at 4:02 PM, doghog said:

I don't shop. The only time I step foot in a ship store is if my wife wants me to check something out. 🤣

Exactly me too. Sit outside with a cold beer and enjoy the atmosphere.

[C4HCG]

1 hour ago, NMTraveller said:

I think that these Q&A questions should be quarterly where we vote on the top 3 questions.  

 

If only we could understand why Celebrity keeps on trying to downgrade the experience 😁

 

I think that I know the answer.  More and more profits.

Of course it’s for more profit, name me a company not the same? And if the experience downgrades that much stop using the product and move on. 

[NMTraveller]

21 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

Of course it’s for more profit, name me a company not the same? And if the experience downgrades that much stop using the product and move on. 

I would say that Apple is different.  Every version of their product is better.  They have a loyal fan base.

Edited September 7 by NMTraveller

[C4HCG]

31 minutes ago, NMTraveller said:

I would say that Apple is different.  Every version of their product is better.  They have a loyal fan base.

They’re a new cruise line to me!  Are they a real luxury / premium line?

[NMTraveller]

30 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

They’re a new cruise line to me!  Are they a real luxury / premium line?

If you want a cruise line I would say AMA Waterways.  The cruise that you purchase is the cruise that you get.  No closing venues down for cheesy art auctions.  No trying to nickel and dime during the cruise.  Always a consistently good product.

Edited September 7 by NMTraveller

[C4HCG]

1 hour ago, NMTraveller said:

If you want a cruise line I would say AMA Waterways.  The cruise that you purchase is the cruise that you get.  No closing venues down for cheesy art auctions.  No trying to nickel and dime during the cruise.  Always a consistently good product.

We have no intention of leaving Celebrity as they have not let us down yet, loved all of our cruises with them, consistently good. Two more booked with them and if the time comes we do doubt their value we will quietly move on.

[NMTraveller]

9 hours ago, C4HCG said:

and if the time comes we do doubt their value we will quietly move on.