Modern Luxury = Loud Music???

[NLH Arizona]

There is a huge disconnect with what I am reading on here and what I experienced on Reflection. I do not like going to bars where I have to raise my voice to communicate. The music I experienced on the Reflection NEVER made me raise my voice to have a conversation. That includes martini bar..molecular bar...ensemble bar...mdr....etc..

 

Either the volume was different for other cruises...or some people on here just don't like the music and they are chalking it up to volume as opposed to the type of music.

 

Personally....I thought the volume and type of music was perfect. For those of you who are concerned because of the comments on here, I would take those comments with a grain of salt.

Bingo! Give this poster a cigar!

 

I think that if everyone wouldn't just think about themselves and think about others as well, there could be a compromise. But unfortunately, if you read most of the posts it is all about "what I don't want", not what would be best or the ship and "all passengers". When did the word compromise go out of the English language?

 

For those that want to have conversations, there are many, many places to go, so I really don't understand the problem. As far as the martini bar, it never looked like it was lacking customers on my cruise.

Edited April 11, 2013 by NLH Arizona

[ghstudio]

Did I not say:

 

It is too bad that it seems to be "all or nothing" on celebrity ships...instead of some areas with good, louder music and other quieter areas.

 

There are some cruises where the volume is "hot" all day....a party cruise environment. Obviously, that appeals to some, not to others. I do live sound as a hobby and I had trouble with the volume in the martini bar on the Millennium. I also know that many like much louder volume. I do value my hearing, so I try to avoid places with volume loud enough to medically harm my ears....but that's just me....few have any clue what sound levels damage their ears.

 

There is no right level for everyone....and neither side should either insult or diss the other....some like it loud, hopping, noisy around the pool, in bars...and others would like background music as in, quiet background music.

 

I think many on both sides might agree on the repetitive beat in the martini bar getting on their nerves, but that's independent of volume...that's just poor music selection on the part of whoever created the tracks. (of course maybe few agree with me on that...doesn't matter).

 

So I stick with my original statement....it sure would be nice if Celebrity had spaces for both loud and soft music lovers on their ships rather than the mono level volume they seem to prefer these days.'

 

Ultimately, the folks with the green eyeshades in Royal Caribbean Corporation headquarters will decide what works....

Edited April 11, 2013 by ghstudio

[jimmy2x]

Bingo! Give this poster a cigar!

 

I think that if everyone wouldn't just think about themselves and think about others as well, there could be a compromise. But unfortunately, if you read most of the posts it is all about "what I don't want", not what would be best or the ship and "all passengers". When did the word compromise go out of the English language?

 

For those that want to have conversations, there are many, many places to go, so I really don't understand the problem. As far as the martini bar, it never looked like it was lacking customers on my cruise.

 

Just to be clear, I have no problem with a couple of loud places so long as there are some quiet areas where I can go and meditate upon my sins.:D

[cruisinsuz]

I totally agree with you. I specifically frequent W Hotels on my travels because they are upscale AND trendy. And the Solstice Class ships remind me a lot of W Hotels - especially the music in the Martini Bar. In fact, the whole vibe of the Martini Bar is one of the things that really sold me on Celebrity when I first sailed them. I am in my mid-30s and enjoy the high energy feel the music creates. I can afford luxury cruises, but usually don't choose them because it is way too sedate for my taste. And I appreciate that Celebrity creates a high-end environment that is not loud and rowdy, but not coma-inducing either.

 

This.

[ghstudio]

I totally agree with you. I specifically frequent W Hotels on my travels because they are upscale AND trendy. And the Solstice Class ships remind me a lot of W Hotels - especially the music in the Martini Bar. In fact, the whole vibe of the Martini Bar is one of the things that really sold me on Celebrity when I first sailed them. I am in my mid-30s and enjoy the high energy feel the music creates. I can afford luxury cruises, but usually don't choose them because it is way too sedate for my taste. And I appreciate that Celebrity creates a high-end environment that is not loud and rowdy, but not coma-inducing either.

 

Michael

 

As long as Celebrity can find about 850,000 passengers a year that agree with you then it's a great business model. Given the posts on cruise critic, I think that may be hard to do.....especially as they continue to try to reprice to a higher per day price than other mass market cruise lines. This is business....the bottom line is everyone's vote....

[NLH Arizona]

Just to be clear, I have no problem with a couple of loud places so long as there are some quiet areas where I can go and meditate upon my sins.:D

On the Reflection there are 8 or so bars, so if 1/2 were louder venues and the other have softer venues, that would be okay? Now, the hard part, which bars are which?

[Kevnzworld]

I'm not sure which ship or cruise some are complaining about.

I'm on the Equinox tonight, and the music is fine. It's not even loud in the Martini bar.

I sailed on the Eclipse in January, and felt the same.

I have a feeling that some older people are just too sensitive, and don't like modern music. I don't like the music in some venues, so I just go to a different one.

[NLH Arizona]

I'm not sure which ship or cruise some are complaining about.

I'm on the Equinox tonight, and the music is fine. It's not even loud in the Martini bar.

I sailed on the Eclipse in January, and felt the same.

I have a feeling that some older people are just too sensitive, and don't like modern music. I don't like the music in some venues, so I just go to a different one.

I think you are right about modern music. But the problem lies in the fact that those who are complaining only want really, really low volume music in all venues and everywhere else on the ship, their is no compromise. And to me that is really sad.

 

On my November cruise on the Summit, I didn't notice any overly loud music in any of the venues. There were a ton of places to talk or read in quite.

[neverbeenhere]

Rock 'n Roll ain't no riddle man, To me it makes good good sense. Good sense. Let's go.(cruising):cool:

[Cruising89143]

I'm not sure which ship or cruise some are complaining about.

I'm on the Equinox tonight, and the music is fine. It's not even loud in the Martini bar.

I sailed on the Eclipse in January, and felt the same.

I have a feeling that some older people are just too sensitive, and don't like modern music. I don't like the music in some venues, so I just go to a different one.

 

You are correct. We kept making jokes while we were on the Reflection asking where this loud music was. Never did find it.

[ibxcruiser]

We were on Eclipse on the 3/9 cruise. I was expecting loud music from previous reviews I read, but didn't notice it, even in the MDR. I could hear the people at the next table, and the person across the table from me could hear me, and I him. However-----I did get tired of Norah Jones, although I do like her style. Her music was played on the deck 15 aft bar ALOT.

 

I read with interest many comments about the loud music prior to my Eclipse cruise and made a mental note to see what I thought about it during my cruise.

 

Loud music in the dining room? Not loud to me. Loud music anywhere else in the ship? Not in my opinion. Except for the last cast show: Eclipse, the Show. I found no theme to this performance with the performers singing over and over again: Maya. (Or at least I thought that was what they were singing.) With each chorus, the music became increasingly loud. And for what purpose? Maybe someone can give me a heads-up as to what that show was about.

 

Maybe music is like opinions of a ship's cuisine: it is subjective.

[sandyss]

Did I not say:

 

It is too bad that it seems to be "all or nothing" on celebrity ships...instead of some areas with good, louder music and other quieter areas.

 

There are some cruises where the volume is "hot" all day....a party cruise environment. Obviously, that appeals to some, not to others. I do live sound as a hobby and I had trouble with the volume in the martini bar on the Millennium. I also know that many like much louder volume. I do value my hearing, so I try to avoid places with volume loud enough to medically harm my ears....but that's just me....few have any clue what sound levels damage their ears.

 

There is no right level for everyone....and neither side should either insult or diss the other....some like it loud, hopping, noisy around the pool, in bars...and others would like background music as in, quiet background music.

 

I think many on both sides might agree on the repetitive beat in the martini bar getting on their nerves, but that's independent of volume...that's just poor music selection on the part of whoever created the tracks. (of course maybe few agree with me on that...doesn't matter).

 

So I stick with my original statement....it sure would be nice if Celebrity had spaces for both loud and soft music lovers on their ships rather than the mono level volume they seem to prefer these days.'

 

Ultimately, the folks with the green eyeshades in Royal Caribbean Corporation headquarters will decide what works....

 

We agree completely.

 

On the Reflection there are 8 or so bars, so if 1/2 were louder venues and the other have softer venues, that would be okay? Now, the hard part, which bars are which?

 

This is what many of us are requesting. If we know where to expect loud music that precludes conversation and could possibly damage our ears, we can avoid those venues, and have drinks and conversation elsewhere, where the music is softer, and more to our taste. For those who enjoy loud music, there should be venues where they can spend their time.

[NLH Arizona]

This is what many of us are requesting. If we know where to expect loud music that precludes conversation and could possibly damage our ears, we can avoid those venues, and have drinks and conversation elsewhere, where the music is softer, and more to our taste. For those who enjoy loud music, there should be venues where they can spend their time.

Glad someone else would be willing to compromise. Let's just hope that Celebrity is reading this thread.

[jimmy2x]

On the Reflection there are 8 or so bars, so if 1/2 were louder venues and the other have softer venues, that would be okay? Now, the hard part, which bars are which?

 

Sure - not asking or even wishing for a tomb-like environment. Just want some assurance that there are some places to find some quiet also.

[Murray's Pop]

I have not noticed much of the "all or nothing" attitude here in this thread that some have referenced. for the most part what I see are folks who want to be able to choose what they want to hear - loud or soft.

 

I have no problem with loud music - as long as it is not EVERYWHERE and there are place to go if I don't happen to want to hear a loud techno sound.

[NLH Arizona]

I have not noticed much of the "all or nothing" attitude here in this thread that some have referenced. for the most part what I see are folks who want to be able to choose what they want to hear - loud or soft.

 

I have no problem with loud music - as long as it is not EVERYWHERE and there are place to go if I don't happen to want to hear a loud techno sound.

There have been other threads, where people only want it their way.

 

What I don't understand, is that loud music is not EVERYWHERE and there are venues that don't play techno. Please list all the places on your last cruise where there was always loud techno music? Because for the life of me, I don't understand, because it was that way on my last cruise or some of the cruises others were talking about....it truly seems like we are talking about two different cruise lines.

Edited April 12, 2013 by NLH Arizona

[Ratpack]

We agree completely.

 

 

 

This is what many of us are requesting. If we know where to expect loud music that precludes conversation and could possibly damage our ears, we can avoid those venues, and have drinks and conversation elsewhere, where the music is softer, and more to our taste. For those who enjoy loud music, there should be venues where they can spend their time.

 

Are you seriously saying that you think Celebrity plays music on the ship that is so loud that it could possibly damage your ears? Really?

[sandyss]

Are you seriously saying that you think Celebrity plays music on the ship that is so loud that it could possibly damage your ears? Really?

 

Absolutely.

[Ratpack]

Absolutely.

 

Thanks for your reply. I think that helps us truly understand where you are coming from.

[Oz_Steve]

Modern Luxury = Loud Music???

Seems to be the new edict from Celebrity is that we need more loud music. I just returned from a March 23rd cruise on The Eclipse. LOUD music has replaced quiet background music in the dining areas. From Dawn until dusk and beyond. Elite breakfast in the Tuscan dining room loud Rock and Roll, more in the Ocean view restaurant and bar from breakfast and beyond. But worst of all it is now in the main Moon Light Sonata dining room too. UGH ENOUGH!!! Since when does background music need to drown out everything else. The type and level of music leads to louder and louder levels in these area. The Main dining room is already a noisy room with 1000+ people why add to it with loud music that forces everyone to talk even louder.

 

Modern Luxury to me means a relaxing spa like vacation, an oasis from the stresses of daily life. There is nothing relaxing about having to yell across the dining table at friends when having breakfast, lunch or dinner to be heard above the loud music and other guests trying to be head above it too. One night at dinner the noise was so much we left. I am not sure what Celebrity is trying to do here with this. We were on the Connie in Dec. and did not have this problem. Is it only on Caribbean cruises? Are others finding this on other ships in other locations? Even the waiters were complaining too. They have to live with it all the time plus have to try to hear the guests orders over all the noise.

 

Celebrity, PLEASE give us some quiet BACKGROUND music like in the indoor pool areas in the dining rooms. Thank you

 

Thank you- exactly my opinion and one reason why I stopped sailing with them for the time beeing. I tried Cunard a few years back and it was great- stunning ships , Service compareable to X- just the price was a tinny bit higher! I so loved X and their product. It all started when Solstice Class was introduced or slightly afterwards. Martini Bar is the worst- THAT is not relaxing- and it has nothing to do with age or older people. So many youngsters complained on board Eclipse last New Years Cruise . Such a shame to spoil an otherwise excellent product and their wonderful ships! Don´t pin your hopes on THAT X will listen- useless- I even wrote to Captains Club and never got an answer! So be it! Nothing against soft and quite ( not disturbing) background music! Elite in Tuscany- as you said- LOUD. Lawn Club almost unbearable LOUD! Well one can always use the prommenade deck just outside Bistro on Five or All Baccio on S- Class ships- JUST THERE ISN´T ANY PROPPER PROMMENADE DECK- EXCEPT FOR THE SMOKEING AREA IN THE MIDDLE AND RIGHT AT STERN!!!

 

Let me guess you are now cruising with HAL because they are better. They also have a forum on this very site. Go tell them about it as it is becoming very boring and repetitive hearing it here.

[ghstudio]

Thanks for your reply. I think that helps us truly understand where you are coming from.

 

I don't understand this post. Sound levels over 85db are actually regulated by OSHA because extended exposure to loud sounds can create permanent hearing loss. Of course, OSHA doesn't regulate the world, but it's a good indication of where one should start to worry.

 

Sitting at a rock concert (or in a club) with sounds of 130db can permanently cause hearing loss in less than 10 minutes. Listening to headphones at 100db can permanently cause hearing loss in 2 hours and so on. Celebrity does not measure sound levels (as far as I know), but if the music is very loud and you sit by the pool, perhaps near a loudspeaker for the day, you could be in the danger zone, if the volume is loud enough. The pool butler setting the volume doesn't know what a db is and doesn't care..he just sets it the way he likes it. If he sets it very high, well...then you should be thinking about this post.

 

My db meter showed that the PA system at the tender boarding area was over 95 db and there was a ship employee stationed directly in front of the speaker. Now I don't think Celebrity did that intentionally, but I'm not sure the employee's ears cared if it was intentional or not. It was not loud enough to hurt you or me just passing by, but that employee was standing there for a long period of time.

 

Being part of the "sound reinforcement" industry, I would not (and don't) rely on someone else checking to see if the sound is too loud and/or dangerous...and I have found several venues where folks hearing is being effected.

 

So, yes Celebrity, likely inadvertently, occasionally sets volumes too loud (as do lots of places), and yes, when that happens, it can be dangerous to you and me. Loud is OK...extremely loud is not.

 

For a frame of reference, the loudest sounds in a movie theater are around 85db. You can take it from there.

 

BTW....before someone flames me on this...I am in the camp that says why not have some loud areas and some quieter areas and make everyone happy.

Edited April 12, 2013 by ghstudio

[Mepsie]

My db meter showed ...

 

Really? You travel with a db meter? :confused:

[C 2 C]

 

BTW....before someone flames me on this...I am in the camp that says why not have some loud areas and some quieter areas and make everyone happy.

 

Too simple, too obvious a solution. It will never work.;)

[ghstudio]

Really? You travel with a db meter? :confused:

 

There are some relatively accurate and free sound level programs available for both iphones and android phones....so yes, I do travel with a db meter :)

Edited April 12, 2013 by ghstudio

[shoreham01]

I think the main problem is with the Soltice ships, we travelled on the Eclipse and although we loved the experience and have booked to go again the one thing that we found dreadful was infact the noise levels.

 

For anyone who has not travelled on the Eclipse the atrium area is open all the way up the ship and so any music also travels all the way up the ship. The library is situated above the atrium so of course it is noisy there too.

 

Whoever designed the ship designed a very attractive cruise ship, however, they did not take into consideration how noise travels. If you sit in the cafe Bacio the music from the Martini bar can be clearly heard and when the band played it was impossible to talk to anyone there. If you are trying to sort something out at guest relations again you have the same problem. How can you hear or make yourself heard when there is loud music playing, regardless of what it is.

 

Even the casino is open to the shopping mall so as you walk along the noise of the slots constantly ringing can be heard.

 

It really is a very badly designed although quite lovely ship.

 

We did find some quiet areas, but did feel that we should not really have to 'find' quiet areas. Michaels Bar was very depressing and mostly empty. The other bar next to it, sorry the name escapes me, is a dark and dingy area too.

 

The loud techno music is also played in the Molecular Bar so the open area around there is subjected to speech killing sound too.

 

And there lies the problem, the open areas. If the bars were situated in rooms rather than open areas there would be no problem at all. You would just avoid them if you did not like it. Unfortunately, you cannot avoid it on the Eclipse.

 

All in all we do like the Eclipse but will see how we feel after our next cruise on her before we book another one.