What would make X better? My Ideas

[world~citizen]

IMHO, Celebrity needs only to remember those things that initially set it apart from the mainstream lines and made it a premium line, and once again direct its efforts toward providing a traditional cruise experience emphasizing excellence in food and service.

Of course beyond that, an upgrade in television programming would certainly be appreciated. After 29 X cruises and after just spending 17 days on Century's tranatlantic sailing, those old episodes of Beverly Hillbillies, Red Skelton, Burns and Allen and Bonanza just don't cut it any more!!! LOL!

 

I think this hits the mark. X simply has to return to the line that made it everyone's favourite.

 

When you telephone X it is just as likely the person answers as RCCL. X seems to be in some sort of transition and it needs to be loved a little more by the honchos an RCCL. Operating X out of the RCCL boardroom does not bode well for those of us that want X to thrive.

 

Maybe X should be allowed the same independence as HAL seems to have.

 

I have not lost faith...yet.

[Brucen]

That is a very perceptive and accurate analysis, Bruce. You'd be an extremely valuable asset at any cruiseline's board meeting....

 

 

Rick,

 

Thanks so much for the nice compliment. If that was an offer an not just a compliment, I would love to hear the details :-)

 

Best,

Bruce

[BrendaJ]

I must say, I agree with the most of the original poster's wish list.

Of course, the majority of the passengers need to be pleased, and offering a perk that only a few will enjoy and bumping up the cost for everyone is not going to help. However, judging by the number of people I see drinking coffee, I have to assume that a large number of people would greatly enjoy having good coffee. I'm not asking for Starbucks, or even free espresso or cappucino; just a simple cup of decent brewed coffee. I've gotten to the point, I won't even drink the stuff in the buffet and the dining room anymore unless I"m really desperate, and I don't like the idea of having to pull out my card each time I want a plain old cup of coffee (although I would pay for it, I don't think simple brewed coffee is even for sale on Celebrity). I can't imagine that offering decent regular coffee would cost so much. It's hardly a luxury - it is something I would just expect to get on a "premium" cruise line. I wonder if the luxury lines have good coffee?

 

Judging by the number of people who enjoy the boarding "champagne", I'm guessing many would enjoy an included glass of wine with dinner. I know I certainly would, although I'm not a wine expert and am happy with the cheapest bottle Celebrity sells. However, I can also understand that non-drinkers would not want to subsidize it. I would also like to see all non-alcoholic drinks included, or at least soda, which costs just pennies a glass. However, the profit margin on these items is probably just too high for Celebrity to consider including any of it.

 

I personally would love to see more ethnic and spicy foods available on the menus, something which really shouldn't cost more. If they offered me Pad Thai or beef tenderloin, I'd pick the Pad Thai, which could actually save Celebrity some money. :rolleyes:

 

As for their internet prices, I use it very rarely and visit internet cafes on land when possible. If they made the price reasonable, I'd probably spend more money on the internet on board, especially on a transatlantic cruise with lots of time on my hands.

 

I think the cruise line must think long and hard about where they can cut corners, and at what point the passenger is going to switch to Oceania or a luxury line, hoping to get what the Celebrity brochures seem to imply but fall a bit short on.

 

If I owned Celebrity (and therefore owned RCCL), I would do more to differentiate the two lines. I would make Royal Caribbean a fun, casual, family line, and make Celebrity a more upscale, reserved line with few children's facilities. I would enforce a more formal dress code on Celebrity, and make RCCL casual (perhaps freestyle) all the time, with a few dressy specialty restaurants for those who want it. I have noticed that, at least for some European itineraries, there really isn't much price difference between Celebrity and RCCL. Why not charge a bit extra for Celebrity, keep the great service and good food, and add a few little things to make it extra special?

 

By the way, I love Celebrity, and, although sometimes I'd just about jump overboard for a good cup of coffee, if they stay the way they are, I'll be happy. We're trying Azamara in a few weeks, and maybe it will become our new favourite.

[Drew B]

Of course, the majority of the passengers need to be pleased, and offering a perk that only a few will enjoy and bumping up the cost for everyone is not going to help. However, judging by the number of people I see drinking coffee, I have to assume that a large number of people would greatly enjoy having good coffee. I'm not asking for Starbucks, or even free espresso or cappucino; just a simple cup of decent brewed coffee. I've gotten to the point, I won't even drink the stuff in the buffet and the dining room anymore unless I"m really desperate, and I don't like the idea of having to pull out my card each time I want a plain old cup of coffee (although I would pay for it, I don't think simple brewed coffee is even for sale on Celebrity). I can't imagine that offering decent regular coffee would cost so much. It's hardly a luxury - it is something I would just expect to get on a "premium" cruise line. I wonder if the luxury lines have good coffee?

 

I may be in the vast minority, but I prefer the coffee X serves to the regular drip coffee in Starbucks and similar coffee houses. If they were to switch to coffee like that, I'd like it LESS than what they currently serve...

[BrendaJ]

I may be in the vast minority, but I prefer the coffee X serves to the regular drip coffee in Starbucks and similar coffee houses. If they were to switch to coffee like that, I'd like it LESS than what they currently serve...

 

Drew - I'm quite sure many people agree with you - Starbucks is definitely not for the faint of heart. However, if Celebrity even offered a "bold" brew and a regular brew, that would make my day.

[Coreopsis]

Here are my ideas for improvements:

 

1. Coffee - couldn't agree more about coffee. I bring my own unbreakable french press and coffee and just order hot water & steamed milk each morn. Would love not to have to mess with cleaning it.

 

2. Add more fresh vegetables in dining room. I bought tomatoes in port and shared with our wait staff who were thrilled to have a "real" tomato.

 

3. An alarm clock radio that includes a charger and plays an iPod would be nice touch. Many hotels doing this.

 

4. Get little packets of salt/pepper for buffet. They've sterilized the salt and pepper shakers so much they don't work.

 

5. Put the sink OUTSIDE of bathroom, so two can be getting ready at same time.

 

6. Here were some suggestions from our Med review a few months back:

 

Suggestions for Celebrity:

 

I do wish our entire cruise experience reflected the ports we were visiting. British Pub night while in Florence made no sense to me. Also wish the evening menu reflected the ports of call. Maybe one drink of the day could also reflect the port of call/country.

 

Put sliders on the chairs on deck 10 to reduce noise.

 

Implement non-smoking staterooms – maybe one side of ship? More non-smoking areas or nights in casino too. Don't allow smokers in areas that are just above guest balconies - all that ash is going somewhere.

 

Improve the newsletter – way too much paper. A lot of it was glossy and not recycled - what about mother nature? Front page should include: dress for eve, weather forecast. Each page should have date . . . we had so much paper – mostly sales stuff selling other cruises, spa treatments or something in the store. Show videos on other ports of call instead! Expand the section for common phrases in the language of port of call. Movie rentals might be nice - with plenty of choices that reflect the ports of call.

 

What would you do if you miss the ship? Is there a phone number for any of the ports?? Something I thought about a few times . . . but thankfully didn’t need. Tired the “port agent” once, phone just rang and rang.

 

Show National Geo videos or travel channel stuff for each port of call – and only for the next upcoming port of call.

 

Implement something so that vacant pool chairs for a certain period are cleared for new guests. Seeing all chairs “taken” yet 1/3 empty is annoying.

 

Get rid of party band by pool each eve – use local musicians instead, again reflecting the port of call.

[jt1120]

Bravo, Giblert, on a fantastic thread. You point out some very valid ideas. My opinions and suggestions:

 

> Start brewing coffee. What they serve right now is a pretty sad attempt at it.

 

I won't necessarily fault their coffee, but I like a good brew as well. Better coffee than your competitors is a must. On the bigger RC ships, they have the coffee houses that serve Seattle's Best, and it is a fine brew... FOR FREE!

 

> Give us a small carafe of wine with dinner (per couple).

 

We have wine with our dinner every night, and usually can split a bottle into two nights. Having said that, I like the carafe idea PROVIDED it is a good wine. Franzia is not my idea of a carafe-able wine! Maybe a glass matched with the entree choice. This could be obtained at a considerable savings if you "proudly serve Blah Blah Brand on Celebrity cruises" was posted. Can you tell I am in marketing? I could sell that myself.

 

> Increase the money spent on food slightly, not a lot, and add some WOW to the meals.

 

All in all, I am ok with their food.

 

I'm amazed that there really isn't a cruise line positioned between say Celebrity and Crystal. Are we the only ones willing to pay a premium over X's fares, but not at the stage of paying Crystal fares? I really can't imagine we are.

I think that is what Azamara is supposed to be, though it might lean more towards the upper end lines than a premium line like X.

 

> Poolside ice cream. The waiter with his tray of little sample ice creams every afternoon (made onboard I understand too!)

 

I don't care for ice cream, but a great idea.

 

> Top notch service and respect. Staff were exceptionally polite and nice onboard.

I've never had a complaint about the service.

 

 

Now, my additions:

 

1. Greek captain, Greek staff, but no Greek food? Something isn't right with that.

 

2. I need a 7-day Mexican Riviera on X! Don't make me choose RC or NCL, please!

 

3. How about having one ship be a 3/4 ship like the Majesty OTS. I live in Southern Florida, and would love to jump on a X ship to the Bahamas Friday afternoon and get back Monday instead of the Majesty all the time. To some that might diminish the brand, but it would also give people the chance to try X that have never cruised them before.

 

4. Better TV choices. I know I'm not on a cruise to watch television, but I do.

 

And with my suggestions, there should be no additional charge to the passenger!

[caviargal]

 

> Start brewing coffee. What they serve right now is a pretty sad attempt at it.

 

I won't necessarily fault their coffee, but I like a good brew as well. Better coffee than your competitors is a must. On the bigger RC ships, they have the coffee houses that serve Seattle's Best, and it is a fine brew... FOR FREE!

 

 

 

RCI has charged at the SBC outlet for several years. Not sure what you mean by this comment as I pay for a regular - not foo foo - cup of coffee every day on RCI ships.

[junglejane]

We've only been on Celebrity once so far. We've been on two Princess cruises and have two more booked. Princess has better repeat cruiser benefits, that's for sure. But what has us coming back to Celebrity for our Mediterranean cruise is the fact that we felt our cruise on the Infinity was a step up in terms of food and service from our Princess cruises. We felt that the ambiance on the Infinity was somewhat more "upscale" than on Princess, and the food and service in the dining room and SS United States were noticeably better.

 

Some of the posts I've been reading on these boards have got me worried that Celebrity is losing its edge in these areas, presumably due to cost cutting. I hope that's not true and will keep an open mind. But I for one would gladly pay another $30-$40 pp per day IF it would mean that Celebrity wouldn't cut corners on food or service.

 

On the other hand, I don't mind paying separately for things like wine and specialty coffees. But my basic cruise fare should be priced appropriately to enable Celebrity to deliver the "premium" cruise experience Celebrity has been noted for.

 

--Junglejane

[LadyDivot]

I just got off the Millie with a Greek captain and a Greek senior staff. Twice in 14 days (I checked every day) there was baklava in the buffet dessert section. YUM!! I didn't see too many other Greek choices, but I'll give it to the pastry chef and his baklava! They should have had it every day!

 

Pam

[SusieV]

We certainly haven't taken as many cruises as many of you out there, but here's a few suggestions, and hopefully X is listening;

 

Raise the fare $20-30/guest/day. $140-210 on a 7 day, $280-350 on a 14 day. Wow, I know that's not going to be popular, but ....

 

Now, use that money to stop nickel and diming me everywhere;

> Start brewing coffee. What they serve right now is a pretty sad attempt at it.

> Give us a small carafe of wine with dinner (per couple). We dont need a full bottle, who knows, maybe we'll want more, and lord knows how cheap wine really is (duty free). I'm not talking full-on open bar on the ship, I'd just like some wine with dinner w/o having to pull out the ol' charge card every night.

> Offer me an espresso / cappuccino after dinner, make my dinner special, not another excuse to pull out the shipboard charge card.

> Increase the money spent on food slightly, not a lot, and add some WOW to the meals. Offer one or two dishes/night with some stronger flavours, as sadly everything is very bland to appeal to the masses. A punchy curry for instance. We took to getting the waiter to sneak sambal out of the crew quarters.

> How about converting all the restaurant space into 5 or 6 separate restaurants (included), and a much much smaller generic dining room. Pick and choose your own cuisine every night.

> buy somewhat nicer bed linens, make your cabin a real retreat.

 

What I'm suggesting really shouldn't cost the 20-30/day I'm suggesting, but it's a sample figure.

 

I'm amazed that there really isn't a cruise line positioned between say Celebrity and Crystal. Are we the only ones willing to pay a premium over X's fares, but not at the stage of paying Crystal fares? I really can't imagine we are.

 

OK; I'm on a rant, and there are some things that I just love on X. Little things, things that don't cost much and are bringing me back to X after cruising on a couple of other lines

> Poolside icecream. The waiter with his tray of little sample ice creams every afternoon (made onboard I understand too!)

> Salad dressing. Every night the waiter had a great selection of unusual salad dressings.

> Good bread (did I mention how simple these things are)

> Top notch service and respect. Staff were exceptionally polite and nice onboard.

 

 

 

 

anyone else have things to add?

 

I would definitely NOT be in favour of this!

 

We don't drink coffees, including the fancy ones. We certainly won't drink whatever lighter fluid they'd serve as complimentary house wine. And we happen to enjoy eating in the main dining room.

 

The only thing I really agree with you on is increasing the food budget and choosing higher quality ingredients. We had no trouble with the beds or linens, either.

[barbarah33]

This is a very interesting thread. I love Celebrity and have since the first time I sailed with them back on the old Meridian years ago. I'm not a coffee or wine drinker so offering a higher quality of java or a glass of wine with dinner doesn't make any difference to me at all. (And somehow I believe I get free espresso or cappuccino in the dining room anyway but maybe that's a perk to either sailing in suites or being an elite member of the Captain's Club.)

I wouldn't mind Celebrity raising their prices by a few dollars a day at all if it meant we were in for some improvements. I like the idea of including the tips in with your cruise - that does make life easier, and free soda; even if only in the dining room would be great. Royal Caribbean used to offer free sodas with your meals. Then again I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who don't drink soda so they wouldn't want that. I do agree that they could have food available, other than room service, at all hours. Princess has a 24-hour buffet going and both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer longer hours for their pizzerias. And if they would do what Carnival does by offering freshly made salads and warm freshly baked bread in the pizzeria I think people would really be happy.

I'm sure there are other things that I'm not thinking of right now. For me I would also be delighted if Celebrity would simply go back to the way it was before Royal Caribbean took over: focus on the customer and making them happy. Food is our forte.

They used to exceed my expectations constantly!

[Gonzo70]

I would like to see half the bars/lounges be 100% smoke free rather than the current policy with all/most bars allowing smoking on one side. I also would like to see verandas smoke free on one side of the ship and the casino to have a smoke free night per every 4-5 nights of cruising.

[Coreopsis]

Not only did we have Greek Capt and senior staff - but we were in Greece and still nothing Greek on the menu! Or a Greek wine.

 

Maybe one selection on the dining room menu should reflect the port of call. Just one. One happy little ethnic item. Local produce. Maybe start with a crazy appetizer and see what the reaction is like. I know there are some that don't like anything to change . . . but wouldn't it be fun to have a surprise on the menu? Let the chef have some fun!

 

In fairness, they may have had something in the buffet and I think the night we were in Santorini they did some big poolside buffet, but I managed to eat two Greek salads, do some wine tasting and loads of olives that day. For some crazy reason, I wasn't hungry.

 

And honestly, I usually avoid the buffet scene. For a variety of reasons . . .

 

I think the wine carafe idea is cute. I wouldn't mind paying extra for it. We were in Florence and they had a lovely house wine that was in a carafe on the table.

 

Coffee is a staple for many. Even the airlines all have "partnerships" for coffee providers. Can't celebrity make friends with Peets?

 

I will volunteer to make some winery partnerships for the carafe idea. I'll even conduct the tastings to make sure the quality is high. I'll start right now, in fact. Gotta run!

 

I think the problem with increasing pricing . . . consumer demand is requiring low prices on all mass market lines. The cruise lines are forced to give competitive pricing - but they need to offset increases in doing business by either reducing their costs (which usually means services to us) and/or adding more pay-as-you-go options. Which, from reading these boards - is also hated. But we can't have it both ways.

 

Gonzo, love your thoughts on smoking. Duck and cover, however. Especially since it is day #2 of some folks diets and habit quitting and by now I suspect some are in a real fine mood!

 

Off to do some wine tasting . . .

[Drew B]

Gonzo, love your thoughts on smoking. Duck and cover, however. Especially since it is day #2 of some folks diets and habit quitting and by now I suspect some are in a real fine mood!

 

Smokers should be FINE with Gonzo's suggestion. It is very fair and rational, and it allows smokers to continue to cruise and smoke in many areas, including cabins/balconies on one side of the ship.

[Jimsgirl]

Immediately bring in "secret cruisers" whose comments on all aspects will go to the CEO (and only the CEO ) so that he will immediately become aware of "problem" areas BEFORE they are "concealed" by staff on board or "shredded" minions at HO

 

Celebrity needs to be in another building in another city with different staff than RCC. More cost yes, but no employee can serve two masters. At present "J.Doe" works for both lines and really does not care a " tinkers cuss" about either line.

 

Customer satisfaction is a thing of the past with MOST CRUISE LINES not just Celebrity, and not just on land

There are too many staffers on the ship whose knowledge of "English" is so limited the only thing they really know is how to hold out their hands for their tip.

 

It is my opinion that staff are recruited by Personal phoning XYZ agency asking for " 2 front desk types, 3 waiters, 4 cabin attendants, and 2 kitchen staff with some idea of how to cook," XYZ look in their computer and "bingo" a week later 11 bodies report to the ship, and we ,the paying passengers get the resulting poor service.

[bobbyleduck]

I've enjoyed reading a lot of threads of this type, but I think that most people are going about the business of trying to affect change in the wrong manner.

 

Understand, when I say what I'm going to say, that I am not picking on Celebrity, any other cruiseline, the airlines, hotels, or any other specific aspect of the travel industry. This is based entirely on my observations on this and many other threads. With that in mind:

 

The next time you plan your vacation, and if you're remembering your last "BAD" travel experience then do what I would do.

 

STAY HOME! That's right, just stay home. More than that, stay home and buy something really special with the money you saved by not going somewhere. If you really enjoy the place that you live, you might spend some of the money enjoying a vacation in your "home" town.

 

Here are some of the benefits of staying home:

 

1. You get to sleep in your own home and bed. You've already paid for them, so it doesn't cost anything extra.

2. Eat at home. Splurge on some of those special items you usually only eat when you're away. Go out to dinner at some of those restaurants you've been meaning to try.

3. Go to the movies, plays, the opera, or the symphony. See some of the attractions that make where you live special.

If you do all of the above, you'll save yourself the aggrevation of traveling (traffic, airports, airlines, baggage handlers, cabs, etc), and you'll be supporting your local economy. That alone may get the attention of the travel industry, but if you want to be sure, then send the president of each company you would have used on vacation a letter.

 

"Dear John Doe: It was my intention to vacation this year on your cruise ship, use your airline, stay at your hotel, etc., but then I remembered how much trouble it was last year; how you nickel & dimed me to death with your various surcharges, 911 security fees, resort fees, for sodas and sandwiches, etc., and decided it wasn't worth the effort. Not only that, but I remembered all of the damage your staff did to my luggage and its contents, and the hassle of taking off my shoes, belt, and trousers because your machines can't tell the difference between a bomb and my belt buckle or the rivets in my jeans. In addition, I wasn't pleased with the debarkation procedure, and the lack of effort your employees put into making my cruise, flight, or stay something enjoyable that I'll remember for a lifetime. No, I think I'll stay home, and support my local economy. But, while I'm at it, I don't plan to buy any new clothes, shoes or luggage for the trip I'm not going to take, and I'll drop a note to the stores where I regularly shop for those items and let them know who is responsible for my decision, and why I'm not buying their products. Sincerely, A prior customer."

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

[Coreopsis]

duck, Don't see how your suggestion would make Celebrity better.

 

But, tell you what - give us your mailing address and the rest of us will send you postcards from all our fabulous travels :D

 

Sorry you won't be doing any more happy cruising :(

[cruise kitty]

considering the large amount of passengers per cruise I don't think $30 in upgrade fees would be necessary- say $10 a day and upgrade the bedding, put ipod compatible alarm/radios in rooms, and serve a little wine with dinner, there are flavorful, cheap wines out there that would enhance the meals and just make dinner a little more special, X needs to check what the most luxurious hotels are doing and just pick up on a few well chosen tips!, I don't need crystal cruises ( or their prices) but let's stay special and " a cut above" which is what I expect from the X brand.

[bobbyleduck]

duck, Don't see how your suggestion would make Celebrity better.

 

But, tell you what - give us your mailing address and the rest of us will send you postcards from all our fabulous travels :D

 

Sorry you won't be doing any more happy cruising :(

 

I'm sorry that you missed my point. Way too many of these threads turn into complaint sessions. Please reread my second paragraph. If I were as unhappy as a lot of the people claim to be, which I am not, what I suggested is what I would do. How would it make Celebrity better? People would quit traveling, because their experience was so bad and if the place they found fault with was Celebrity, then they would write the president of the company and tell him/her why they weren't cruising, flying, or staying at the hotel that caused them such grief. If everyone who experienced such negative events did the same...Well, I think you get the idea.

 

Check out my reviews of my two cruises in 2007:

 

Infinity 3/25/07

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=28065

 

Millennium 12/2/07

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=36053

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

[FinelyCruising]

The next time you plan your vacation, do what I would do.

 

STAY HOME! That's right, just stay home, but if you want then send the president a letter.

 

It was my intention to vacation this year on your cruise ship,but then I remembered how much trouble it was last year; I remembered all of the damage your staff did to my shoes, belt, and trousers because your machines can't tell the difference between a bomb and my belt buckle or the rivets in my jeans. No, I think I'll stay home, and I don't plan to buy any new clothes, shoes or luggage. I'll drop a note to the stores where I regularly shop for those items and let them know who is responsible for my decision. Sincerely, A prior customer."

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

 

Oh, Bobby-le we have had some recent squabbles, but I hope you enjoy this tongue-in-check version of the alteration of your post as I poke fun at a cruise guest trying to gain entrance into the dining room of the future on X ship newly equipped with 'fashion-ista detectors' at the dining room entry doors.:D

[bobbyleduck]

Oh, Bobby-le we have had some recent squabbles, but I hope you enjoy this tongue-in-check version of the alteration of your post as I poke fun at a cruise guest trying to gain entrance into the dining room of the future on X ship newly equipped with 'fashion-ista detectors' at the dining room entry doors.:D

 

I appreciate humor in most of its forms, especially when it's aimed at me.

 

Happy cruising to all!

 

Bob

[Coreopsis]

Oh good, then it is OK to tell you that I was having a little fun with you as well in my post.

 

Couldn't help drawing attention to the irony: someone complaining about complainers.

 

All in good fun and well intentioned, of course.

 

Happy sailing yourself.

[FinelyCruising]

Observations are good, as are evaluations...New Year, New Rules...complaints are out, :D

[psblin99]

Interesting post! I have not yet found my comfort zone. Just got off a Costa cruise. While nice it is part of Carnival and is at that level. My 1st Celebrity is in 4-08 and I hope it works because it is at the top of my budget. OH some good rolls at dinner and an expresso afterwards!