gcorgain

I'd like to suggest something a little more radical than some of the folks here: eliminate the theater and main dining room in favor of multiple smaller venues. I love the idea of doing some of these in an indoor outdoor feel like the NCL Breakaway (although I have not sailed her).

I'm thinking for Food:

1. Seafood Restaurant

2. Classic American Food

3. Destination Specific Restaurant that changed theme with the sailing season

4. A different specialty restaurant for each ship. Something within a template that could differentiate each ship

For entertainment:

1. LOVE the dueling pianos idea

2. Jazz/Blues

3. Dance Bar (Classics early, current later)

4. Lecture space early/comedy later

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I like the idea of the new restaurants, but I'd like to see a venue that can spotlight some live entertainment. The shape and location of cellar masters would be far more conducive to that function then Michael's Club. It seems like X is removing the Hot Glass Show and Michaels where there was entertainment (at least used to be). Quasar was also a reduction in entertainment space.

I am for updating and changing venues. I like what I am hearing about dining concepts, and frankly changing restaurant concepts every few years is an easy way to keep the brand fresh. I also think changing entertainment venues and their mix can be a good idea. However, just removing either dining or entertainment venues is, IMHO, not a formula for long term success.

We did Hobiton and Rotorua on a Small group tour with Zealandier Tours. It was a fantastic day. It ended up just being the four of us, and this was probably our favorite port. I would highly recommend both Hobiton and Zealandier.

Greg

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Just a note that the higher prices (with tips included) are also used on at least the Australia/New Zealand cruises as well.

Greg

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I leave on December 10. I made Elite after my last cruise, and I am far from Elite+. I booked an AQ cabin, and that wasn't in any way due to point earning potential. So I am not particularly upset.

HOWEVER, in the past I have booked a Concierge cabin on my way to Elite, with a major factor being the extra point, and had I done something like that this time around I would be quite upset.

Airlines change FF programs all the time. They honor paid tickets and provide notice. So do hotel programs. I think Celebrity could have avoided significant ill-will with the rollout by at least allowing the credit to accumulate at the old rate for those past final payment. In theory those that are farther out then that could change their cabin's to reflect what they would buy under the new rules, including canceling altogether.

It is obvious that the timing is the most controversial aspect of the new program. I consider the program changes mostly positive. Thus having the rollout leave a bad taste in the mouths of many is sad.

I think the craft beer concept never had a real chance, and is a good idea -- even though I don't drink beer. The passport bar has never had a "specialty" and either that or the Sunset bar might be a good location for that and Michael's Club's previous high end scotch drinks. Or the Observation lounge is another possibility.

Isn't this new? I thought the upgrades previously only applied to Inside and Oceanview. This is very nice to get an A2 to A1 or C2 to C1.

One-category upgrade requests must be made at the time of booking and apply only for upgrades within the supercategory, depending on availability. Example of a supercategory upgrade in AquaClass: A2 to A1. Suites are excluded. This offer cannot be used with certain restricted fares including but not limited to Exciting Deals, ChoiceAir® specials, Reduced Air, interline, travel agent, Travelzoo, and employee rates. Upgrades apply for one stateroom per cruise. Stateroom assignments only. Not valid on holiday sailings or Reunion Cruises. Upgrades available from categories 11-A1 on all Celebrity ships except Celebrity Xpedition®. Offer valid for members who are Classic Level or higher at the time of booking.

My suggestions:

(1) Keep/add an acoustic guitar player

(2) Reinstate the piano player in an interactive setting. The challenge here is the venue. Obviously with the right talent this works (ala Perry Grant).

(3) Upgrade the quality of the party bands. While some are good, other have trouble hitting their notes.

(4) Add a little variety. I like the acapella groups, but maybe have two of these rotate with some other groups. This might work really well in the Med/Alaska where they could do a few days on a ship and rotate to another.

(5) The theme night transitions from the theme nights to the DJ are done in such a way that often the room empties completely. Seems like their might be a better way to do that transition.

Just my thoughts...

And I'm getting ready to travel on what hopefully is my first cruise as Elite. I leave on Dec 10th and have been looking forward to some of the bennies. Now I'm crossing fingers that they don't mess with them, at least before then. :cool:

I have A749 booked on a steal of a deal for Alaska next month. Another option is an Emerald deck mini. My concern with the Aloha baalcony room is that it looks like the balcony is very small. Does anyone have any experience with this room?

Thanks,

Greg