CharismaCruiser727

The recent Bistro on 5 posts regarding poor service and crowds (or rather lack thereof) means it's time for a change...News and Sports Bar/Pub. Even with the new theme they could still offer crepes, pancakes, etc, and maybe even get some guests to show up there.

1) Bistro, I've seen waiting lines at dinner time to get in. as with many venues, participation varies cruise to cruise and itinerary to itinerary and as to time of day. This said, I have not yet eaten there, but likely will on my upcoming TA as I will have unlimited specialty dining as part of my RS perks.

 

4) Website often (if not always) prohibits this, but phone calls or a TA can get you into whatever cabin you want, most report, and I have experienced. I sail solo almost always, and have been able to book every suite category as a solo, an AQ cabin as a solo, and an inside as a solo. Booked Concierge for a colleague as a solo.

 

I personally have no issue withe the 100% solo supplement, it sucks, yes, but I see it as the cabin has a fare, sometimes I split that fare with a friend, but I have to pay for the room, just like a hotel. I don't book an all inclusive room package at Marriott that includes breakfast and dinner and valet parking and internet, then show up and say I'm just one tonight, so I'll only be paying half of the room rate.

Curt, I have no problem with the 100% single supplement. However, recently it's actually been a bit more than 'doubled' because the 'doubling' was NOT based upon the discounts that I'm eligible for or using; i.e., senior, FL res, past pass, and last-and-least likely, interline. There was a time when the single supplement was usually marginal. But now I guess it's all about max pax load and potential 'back end' revenue.

For example $549 x 2= $1098. But as a solo this turned into $1198. One agent even urged me to book a 'pseudo' 2nd passenger and they just 'no show'. Celebrity would have to credit back the 2nd person port charges and would result in a savings. If I weren't so close to Elite Plus and CC points I would do this.

....nothing some extra time at the martino bar can't fix...:)

Chris

1) Transformation the usually 'empty' Bistro on Five into a Sports Bar type with big screen TVs and reasonable upcharge food items appropriate for such. When I've checked it out I've never seen more guests than 'on Five' tables occupied.

2) Get rid of the Miami Noise Rap or whatever it's called and restore some 'demographically appropriate' music and entertainment.

3) Somehow bring competence, knowledge and customer service to their 'Certified Vacation Planners'. Maybe they need to get rid of some of them and/or the 'suits' in charge of this mess!

4) Offer fair $ingle-$upplement pricing/cabin availability policies to those traveling solo. As was the case with my most recent booking, certain categories were simply not-available because I'm traveling solo.

The clan chowder was very good served in a fresh bread bowl. Except for the embarkation day, it was empty every time we ate there (three times total).

Celebrity should transform these spaces into a News and Sports Bar venue with large screen TVs and modest 'upcharge' bar food.

During NFL season fans are jammed into the Casino bar trying to catch the games. Current News, Soccer, and other sports would also be a draw and Celebrity would increase back end revenue! I mention this on each post cruise survey.

What after 35 times carries the same "wow" affect?

....some blondes and redheads that come to mind!

Celebrity cannot please everyone all the time. It seems to me that Celebrity passengers are the most talkative people ever. Bands are part of the cruising tradition. There is an expectation that there will be bands at the pool and by in large most people enjoy them. I wonder if the same people who have issues with the band would not protest if other traditional activities were cut.

 

I love the demographics discussion in the forum. Everyone speaks with such certainty. My guess, and its only a guess, that Celebrity is marketing to everyone and just not the Millennials. Also how does one know if a passenger is affluent? Is someone taking a census?

It's not about who is or isn't 'affluent'. It's more of a generational/age thing. X should offer different music programs based on the actual data specific to each sailing.

For example, noisy 'techno c-rap' will only inspire few in a crowd of mostly 50-60somethings.

We just called and upgraded from the classic we got on the 123 to the premium. Only saves us $6 for our ten night cruise. But a kids meal at Bimini boatyard costs $5.95. Not much, but it's a free meal.

I remember 20+ years ago when the Bimini Boatyard was not a place for kids. But back then it sure was a 'playground'!

As for the tipping, giving some extra cash is king and you'll be treated like one!

Over the years, I've see some really rude and condescending passengers. Such passengers who 'demand' the most, are often the ones who tip the least. Cruise ship employees work hard and long hours and deserve some dignity and tips!

CC

Are you saying that the total price paid by a solo traveller for a particular cabin is greater than the total price paid by a couple? Could you please give an example of that?

On Celebrity I've sometimes seen 'special' pricing for guarantee 'X' category. Then when I submit for such as a solo passenger, it's not available! I confirmed this to be true with several in house and outside agents. The way around it is to book a 'phantom' 2nd passenger. Then when they no-show, the port charges/taxes will be credited back.

There were times when the Single Supp. was often very low on Celebrity. I haven't seen it recently. The only plus is that if you pay double, you get double Capt Club points and when using a TA, the credits are usually greater.

On my most recent Constellation Cruise, I proceeded to snag a prime lounger at about 730 am (on a sea day). They were already all 'reserved' with 'pool stuff' on them!

There are usually extra chairs to be found. Although if you arrive later in the day, you may have to settle for a more obscure location and/or move chairs around.

One thing that does bother me is that sometimes people have no regard for the jogging/walking track and block it with chairs. Unfortunately, the track on the Connie was shortened and this makes is worse.

The chair availability and track issue should be less of a problem on the Solstice Class Ships.

I recently returned from a 12 day Celebrity Constellation cruise and was very disappointed with how I was treated as a Solo guest. Their only nod to being a Solo was a small sign at the Guest Relations Desk advertising a nightly gathering of Solos, Singles, Gay & Lesbian "Others" meeting at one of the bars on the Ship. I stopped by one evening and could not find where I would have belonged. It just looked like a bunch of people in a bar. That was it. On other cruise lines I've taken, (specifically) RCCL & NCL Solo activities have been listed daily in the Ships Newsletter and there have been luncheons, game team & religious services offered to Solos. It like the Ship didn't want us to find each other. If anything keeps me from booking Celebrity again, that would be it! I don't travel Solo all the time, but when I do I still like to meet people. I like meeting couples but also would like to find others traveling alone and Celebrity pretty much acted like we weren't there. Even at dinner I was seated with 3 other couples. How hard would it have been to put a few single tables together? Anyone else notice this kind of neglect by the cruiseline or am I just sensitive?

I continue to book with X Celebrity and often travel solo.

However, I'm inclined to agree as they don't seem to consider the dining location of solo/single passengers.

As I have at least 3 more upcoming X cruises booked, we'll see how they are handled.