Fewer Benefits for Captain's Club Members

[skandls]

I don't need unlimited internet and I think unlimited cleaning could be abused by some. If X was smart they would add some $ amount coupons for both cleaning and internet.

 

We have not been on X for a couple of years. But with the reciprocal 'levels' from RCCL I was looking forward to the elite perks.

 

If you didn't get invited to an officer table did you at least get a bottle of wine from Celebrity? My second RCCL cruise was way back when. We sat at an officers table the whole cruise. It was a 7 night and he showed up for 3 nights.

 

And why is the wine blending seminar now chardonnay??? Did so many of you get tired of blending red wines? I was looking forward to 'making' my own wine.

 

OK - done venting. But the bean counting gets annoying.

[mommykim]

One thing I have to correct about Princess and free internet. It is not gone but it is also no longer completely free. It is now a discount on a lerger package. I am told that on a 7 day voyage you get $75 off a package. You can get a package smaller than $75 supposedly but the best buy is 250 minutes for $100 of which you get $75 off. Not free but still a heck of a deal if you use the internet. The longer the cruise you take the larger the credit toward a package.

That said for me the best benefit I've gotten from a cruise line in a LONG time was when I booked the Mariner of the Seas and got $100pp off my mini suite. I found the best deal I could at the time of booking and was honestly surprised when I then got $200 off that.

[Host Kewlguy]

Hi Everyone !

 

I agree with Tuggers comments, that we might not have lost all that much today. The 10 free minutes have been gone for several months. As for the Invite to the Captains table.... that happened for us 1 time. I always thought that was a perk that many of us assumed was a sure thing, and in most cases, it didnt happen. That may have left many passengers feeling denied, when in fact it was never guaranteed to begin with. The idea probably looked good on paper though :)

 

With that said, it does not excuse Celebrity of doing a very poor job of making their most loyal passengers feel appreciated. The overall benefits are in decline, the Captains Club Magazine coupons are more restrictive than ever, and the booking onboard credits have been greatly reduced. All of these changes sure make me feel less appreciated, and we have been on many Celebrity cruises.

 

As Gail said, all of these events open the door for at least some of us to look at other Cruise options, and Celebrity should never want that to happen. It is easy to make these cavalier decisions when the Cruise industry is in a bull market as it is now, but they may regret it, should the industry take a downturn in the future.

 

In my business, loyalty means everything to me. I personally thank my customers for their loyalty on every phone call. I know if I was running a Cruise line, I would always do everything possible to make sure my passengers never even thought about looking elsewhere.

 

Andy, if you ever decide to start a cruise line you can count on my loyalty to it. :D

[TravelerThom]

A $300.00 balcony discount on our last transatlantic plus free drinks every night between 5 pm and 8:30 pm can hardly be described as a mere pittance. I enjoy Celebrity also but can't overlook the difference in the loyalty programs.

I am X Elite, have never sailed RCCL but am considering one of their trips now, so help please. I know about the Concierge Lounge [on newer ships only], but what's the deal on the "Special Rates on Balcony and Suite Staterooms"? I see it referenced on the C&A web page, but is there any way of finding out what the rate is short of actually calling RCCL? [i tend to do a lot of looking before narrowing down my choices to the point that I'd actually call.]

[Dr. Cocktail]

I think that Tuggers beautifully summed up my feelings towards Celebrity. The current product is a 9th generation photocopy of John Chandris' original vision. Basically, nearly all the "special" little touches that made Celebrity, well, Celebrity are being phased out.

 

I take offense at persons saying that we are whiny and expect too much as frequent cruisers. While I agree that I want some sort of recognition of our loyalty, frankly I want some perks that reward me for my continued patronage. After taking 24 cruises with them, I estimate that my partner and I have spent (conservatively) about $72000. Had I spent that with any single airline or hotel chain. I would be flying or staying for free, not fuming over my bogus benefits.

 

This past year I sailed on NCL and had a great time. I will soon be doing a QM 2 transatlantic but will be on Constellation at New Years. In other words, it's a big world out there. I now make my choices based on itinerary, available cabins and price. The basic premise of all loyalty programs is to "buy" our allegiance. If Celebrity is unwilling to do this, we must make our decision considering many additional factors. Frankly, the current product is really not that different from what else is out there.

 

Of course, idiot that I am, I will book Solstice as soon as it becomes available but old habits die hard!

[DC2OC]

I agree with not being loyal to one cruise line and look at the total package.The balcony credits are nice and so are the free drinks for 10+ on RCL but there are things about X that RCL can't match at times like less families and less crowded ships.We booked a future cruise on RCL in the spring and could get 200 bucks of a longer cruise along with a 250 buck balcony discount add that to the stockholder credit and that would be a nice discount.On X we would only get the onboard credit.I've been looking into Princess,HAL for future cruises also.If X offered the perks of RCL I would not be looking elsewhere but at the same time X offers a cruising experience that RCL can't match at times and for now is worth giving up a few perks.For me X is the best fit,RCL works during non-high season and I would try HAL and Princess and maybe even Carnival (non-family time)...................Frank:)

[Andy]

I think that Tuggers beautifully summed up my feelings towards Celebrity. The current product is a 9th generation photocopy of John Chandris' original vision. Basically, nearly all the "special" little touches that made Celebrity, well, Celebrity are being phased out.

 

I take offense at persons saying that we are whiny and expect too much as frequent cruisers. While I agree that I want some sort of recognition of our loyalty, frankly I want some perks that reward me for my continued patronage. After taking 24 cruises with them, I estimate that my partner and I have spent (conservatively) about $72000. Had I spent that with any single airline or hotel chain. I would be flying or staying for free, not fuming over my bogus benefits.

 

This past year I sailed on NCL and had a great time. I will soon be doing a QM 2 transatlantic but will be on Constellation at New Years. In other words, it's a big world out there. I now make my choices based on itinerary, available cabins and price. The basic premise of all loyalty programs is to "buy" our allegiance. If Celebrity is unwilling to do this, we must make our decision considering many additional factors. Frankly, the current product is really not that different from what else is out there.

 

Of course, idiot that I am, I will book Solstice as soon as it becomes available but old habits die hard!

 

Hi Dr. Cocktail !

 

Well said. I believe most of us feel the same way that you do. I had a very big laugh with your last sentence, as I was thinking the same thing about myself when I began reading your post. We may not be very happy right now, but I know I will probably be one of the first to book Solstice.... whenever Celebrity decides to fill us in on her itineraries that is.

 

Speaking of that issue, IMHO, it is truly amazing how most Cruise lines (INCLUDING Celebrity) have their itineraries out for Winter '08, and Celebrity insists on keeping this huge veil of secrecy for Solstice. I get it Celebrity. You dont want to tell us much about the ship right now ? I accept that. But... why not tell us where she will be sailing to, and open her for bookings.... at least for Winter 2008 ? Another big problem ... there is NO 7 night Caribbean product sailing out of South Florida in Winter 2008 at this moment. While we expect Solstice to be the ship, we have not seen it confirmed by Celebrity. Every day Celebrity waits, is another day that bookings will be lost to other lines, as most passengers like to plan their vacations well in advance. How about it Celebrity ? Please make your plans known.

[uktog]

deleted due to my incompetence

[Captain Jake]

It seems Celebrity' style has a following but their lack of repeat benefits encourages folks to try out the competition.You would think they would at least add a small perk like free dry cleaning for their most loyal cruisers in order to keep them loyal.On a 10 day cruise a passenger would save 100 bucks,It would cost Celebrity 50 and their would be less baggage for everyone.Heck if they raised the fares a bit to cover it no one would notice------------BT

[Dr. Cocktail]

Andy: thank you for your kind comments. I have given up trying to "figure out" how Celebrity makes information available and how their marketing department works. They are sort of like the old Soviet Union but without the transparency and strong business sense!

 

 

(I mean, Azamara, (???). Now I know that the free coctails denied me on board somehow made it to head office.)

 

Perhaps they feel that by maintaining a veil of secrecy, they are somehow making the product more special or exclusive. (It's not as if Carnival probably doesn't already have pirated copies of the plans in Miami).

Oh well, it gives us something to talk about on these chat lines!

 

I think it all boils down to the fact that we all miss what we once had. We have to face the fact that the "old" Celebrity is long gone and we should be appreciative that such a terrific product once existed to enhance our lives. Now, it's time to move on and adapt to our new reality.

[tuggers]

This is just a piddly little thing but I have heard grousing on the last couple of cruises that there is hardly an champagne in the glasses at boarding so I asked a Wine Steward. Seems they are now only allowed to pour 2" to 3" in each glass!

Such a little thing but it does seem to sum up their feelings for passengers. The Bean Counters win again!

[dkjretired]

Andy: thank you for your kind comments. I have given up trying to "figure out" how Celebrity makes information available and how their marketing department works. They are sort of like the old Soviet Union but without the transparency and strong business sense!

 

 

(I mean, Azamara, (???). Now I know that the free coctails denied me on board somehow made it to head office.)

 

Perhaps they feel that by maintaining a veil of secrecy, they are somehow making the product more special or exclusive. (It's not as if Carnival probably doesn't already have pirated copies of the plans in Miami).

Oh well, it gives us something to talk about on these chat lines!

 

I think it all boils down to the fact that we all miss what we once had. We have to face the fact that the "old" Celebrity is long gone and we should be appreciative that such a terrific product once existed to enhance our lives. Now, it's time to move on and adapt to our new reality.

 

Dr. Cocktail:

 

In case you haven't seen it here's the definition from the press release....

 

The name "Azamara" is a coined term, rooted in Romance language references to blue ("aza"), the sea ("mar"), and a lesser-known word, "acamar," which, in Classical times, was the southernmost bright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece. Hanrahan said the company views the new brand as "a bright star on the deep blue sea."

 

 

I have said in the past that the cruise lines could take some serious lessons on repeat customers from the land based casinos. All of the casinos have private clubs for their "better" customers. Wife and I frequent the ones at the Harrahs properties in AC, near our home. Bascially, they have a smaller buffet with quality food available for free and all drinks are free. Just leave a tip when we leave. Some have free internet access and some overlook the boardwalk and ocean. All are in a nice relaxed setting. Wake up Celebrity, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Just look at these boards and the one thing that almost all the frequent Celebrity cruise patrons complain about is their treatment of repeat customers with one of the worst programs in the business...

[DeepWaterMariner]

Captain Jake, I agree. They should offer free laundry and dry cleaning to their loyal customers, especially since they insist on a full schedule of formal and informal nights.

[tuggers]

You know sometimes I am just plain dumb! Don thank you for reminding me that prior to starting to cruise 'full-time' :rolleyes: , I was a great devotee of the casinos. And comps were definately something that enticed me. I stopped staying at one hotel because they only comped me a room while another hotel/casino offered me a suite each time! Of course, since I was getting great suites, I felt an obligation to give them almost all of my gambling. I might walk over to another for a little while, but I always made my way back to the place where my drinks, food and suite were 'free'!

These people treated me great and were always there to meet me when I arrived and get me whatever I needed. They sent me notes to ask when I was returning and sent me small gifts in the mail. Now that I think about it those were fun vacations. Maybe I should try one again.

[Dr. Cocktail]

Dr. Cocktail:

 

In case you haven't seen it here's the definition from the press release....

 

The name "Azamara" is a coined term, rooted in Romance language references to blue ("aza"), the sea ("mar"), and a lesser-known word, "acamar," which, in Classical times, was the southernmost bright star that could be seen from the latitude of Greece. Hanrahan said the company views the new brand as "a bright star on the deep blue sea."

 

Thanks but I actually had seen the press release. They were required to use this name as: "Lipstick on a Pig Cruises" was deemed to be too offensive to pigs!

[phoenix_dream]

I am an Elite Captains Club member and I do feel that the benefits have been decreasing, and the few that are left are of little value (with the exception of priority tender tickets). The one cabin upgrade is of almost laughable value as it applies to so few cabins on the M class ships.

 

Overall I love Celebrity, and I agree that whether or not I get many 'perks' doesn't really matter. The part that does annoy me, however, is that they promote the Captains Club as some big benefit. Frankly, I wish they would either start to give some real benefits worth using or else just eliminate the idea completely - I am fine with that as well. Stop pretending it's something that it isn't.

 

I will also add that I think one reason they are downgrading benefits is that you get credit for both RCCL and X cruises. I agree with those who say they should develop a level above Elite now that the numbers are being combined for level assignment purposes. Then they can give some real benefits to their true die-hard customers.

[Nancyquilts]

[quote=phoenix_dream;

I will also add that I think one reason they are downgrading benefits is that you get credit for both RCCL and X cruises. I agree with those who say they should develop a level above Elite now that the numbers are being combined for level assignment purposes. Then they can give some real benefits to their true die-hard customers.

 

To the best of my knowledge, the numbers are not combined - wish they were, but that's another thread. The numbers are reciprocal only. Nancy

[caliber35]

I was informed by a Captain's Club Hostess on my last cruise that X is considering a new, higher tier with more benefits, perhaps starting at 25 cruise credits. There were over 200 Elite Members on that sailing, and obviously they cannot give that many members truly special treatment.

[lysolqn]

When we first joined Captain's Club (about twelve years ago), Celebrity was the only cruise line to charge ($35) for the privilege of joining a loyalty program. With lots of people baulking at the idea of paying for membership, the number of members on any given cruise was somewhat limited and the benefits, though not stellar even then, had at least some value. Since X eliminated the fee some years ago, everyone and his uncle has joined the program, the benefits have continued to be watered down and it seems like there are more members than non-members on any given cruise. What X has created is a program in which just about everyone onboard is entitled to "special" privileges of one sort or another and that translates into no one onbaord being entitled to anything to which everyone else isn't entitled.

Clearly I'm not suggesting X should go back to charging for Captain's Club membership but the entire program needs an overhaul to reflect positively on passenger loyalty rather than continuing the program as it currently exists, which is really a program in theory only.

[Sandel]

Tuggers - We just returned from the Infiinity Hawaii cruise. When we embarked, I asked if any of the glasses contained a Mimosa. The attendant poured a 1/2 glass of orange juice into a 1/2 glass of champagne and voila!! lol

 

Sandy

[tuggers]

Funny story.

On a recent second half of a b2b I had reboarded the ship, taken my glass of champagne and gone to my cabin. Some time later I was wandering around wondering if my friends who were getting on for one cruise had boarded when the girl handing out the champagne asked me what I was doing. I replied 'oh, I'm just wandering around looking for handsome men' to which she put down her tray, poured two glasses together and said as she handed them to me 'here, drink

this, they'll look better!'. I cracked up!!!

And I would certainly be willing to pay up to say $50 if Captains Club really meant something!

[Mr. Tucker]

It will be interesting to see if Azamara will match Oceania's loyalty program. They have perhaps the best I have ever seen.

 

For example after 10 cruises on Oceania you receive $400 ship board credit and free gratutities which for suites is around $14.00 a day per person. So on a 14 day cruise the net benefit is about $800.00 for a cabin of two. After 15 cruises it gets even better and I believe after 20 cuises your next one is free.

 

From what I have seen about the program on Celebrity the only thing you get is a pin and a pat on the back with good luck wishes on one card to play bingo with.

[excitedofharpenden]

Funny story.

 

On a recent second half of a b2b I had reboarded the ship, taken my glass of champagne and gone to my cabin. Some time later I was wandering around wondering if my friends who were getting on for one cruise had boarded when the girl handing out the champagne asked me what I was doing. I replied 'oh, I'm just wandering around looking for handsome men' to which she put down her tray, poured two glasses together and said as she handed them to me 'here, drink

this, they'll look better!'. I cracked up!!!

 

Love it Gail.:D The leading question of course is, did they?:D

 

Phil

[Moeve]

It used to be the little things that made X special but now it seems all the little things are adding up to a negative picture....

 

X was supposed to be a preminum line it has now been run down to a regular mass market affair. NOW to get those premium passengers back they start Azamara -lets just hope they don't save that part to death either

[tbelian]

Elite Member Benefits

Invitation to Captain's Club or Officer's Table

 

 

Never received this benefit. Nothing to miss. I don't think they were ever successful at pulling that one off (too many elite, and suites, and etc.).

 

At least now they are not promoting something they were never able to really deliver.