Want your opinion...do you like the changes Celebrity is making?

[NEFoodies]

Thanks again for everyone's input. This has generated more discussion than I actually thought it would. Apex Cruiser, you summed up what DH and I were thinking. There is room for everyone (especially on a Solstice class ship) to enjoy the kind of entertainment Celebrity had in the past and is currently offering. It is just a matter of finding the right venue. (Several of you have actually articulated this). We might choose to go dancing one night but after a lovely romantic dinner at Murano we might prefer to sip an after dinner drink in Cafe al Baccio listening to some piano music (which BTW was not offered anywhere despite 2 beautiful baby grands being available.)

 

We are not ready to give up on Celebrity yet, but it is validating to hear others echo our sentiment of moderate disappointment (nice to know we struck a chord "Take me with you".) Thanks again for the thoughtful posts.

 

AND to those new to cruising let me echo Oville...Celebrity is NOT Carnival. The disappointment I speak of is due to the fact that Celebrity has simply set the bar for itself so very high. :)

[Cruising89143]

We loved our experience including all that supposed loud music that we hear so much about when we cruised on the Reflection. I even commented how great it was on my comment card. I think Celebrity is going towards a little younger passenger and it shows with the product that we experienced on the Reflection. I guess we will have to take ear plugs next year on the Eclipse since that "techno" music is so loud.:rolleyes: i really have no big complaints as none of the cruise lines are perfect but X is good in our book.

[C 2 C]

I guess we will have to take ear plugs next year on the Eclipse since that "techno" music is so loud.:rolleyes: i really have no big complaints as none of the cruise lines are perfect but X is good in our book.

 

The problem with attracting the younger people that like the new louder techno is that the people who are being turned off cruise frequently. Celebrity might attract the person who cruises once or twice a year but at the same time alienate the retired Celebrity fans like us who cruise for 20 weeks a year. We will vote with our feet and protect our hearing which till now has survived the higher decibels preferred by the younger crowd. We tried to escape to a quiet area in the sky lounge only to find it occupied by the art auctioneer and his mike.

[islandgirlejfan]

There are plenty of places on X ships for a quiet drink and conversation, with and without music. Please don't worry or let this conversation make you anxious. Many of us like the livelier Celebrity experience that is creeping in, regardless of age. The issue seems to be that some long-time cruisers liked things the way they were (at least regarding the music volume; some of the same people seem to be critical of the food as well) in the Martini Bar and have yet to settle into another venue on board that better suits them.

 

But I can tell you that a large number of people seem to love it, crowding the Martini Bar and Bacio to enjoy the music and dancing while having a drink or two.

 

The food in the MDR and speciality restaurants varies from sailing to sailing, but is always acceptable, it just varies like at our favorite land-based eateries. On Reflection last month it ws really good.

 

With 5 cruises in the last 3 years and two more booked, all on Celebrity, I find it very interesting that people are so critical sometimes, and wonder if they are as attentive to every detail about their local restaurants and bars or if it is something about the cruise experience.

 

I happen to like the livelier vibe in the evenings, but I sympathize with those who feel disaffected by the direction Celebrity is going in. I think change, especially changes in something we love and support, can be difficult.

 

I agree with you....I really love the vibe going on with Celebrity. We REALLY enjoyed the Martini Bar this time around...I'm 51 and I love to have fun dancing, singing and talking with friends. The Martini Bar was the happening place for sure! I don't think I will ever figure out the food things people have issues with! Honestly, I'm not cooking it and there are always selections I can deal with so I'm good with that.

 

I know most of the places we dine that are chains restaurants seems to be louder these days as well (the first one that comes to my mind is Cheeseburger in Paradise!) Our local restaurants with the exception of our favorite Mexican hang out, not so much. They are all smaller venues, so naturally I wouldn't expect that sort of noise. We went to a comedy club in Baltimore on Friday and afterwards one of the local watering holes and I thought the music was much louder there then it was on the Silhouette. Walking through the ship though, I thought there were ample places to get away from it if one didn't want to listen.

 

The burning question for me is for cruisers that were sailing Celebrity 20 odd years ago, were they directly marketing to you back then? I'm not saying that maybe they shouldn't be trying to cater to both groups in some way, but as time wears on, they need to change the market they are trying to attract. I think of it like the morning you get into your car all ready to listen to your favorite deejays on your morning drive and all of the sudden they've been replaced by a different format because you aren't the target market any longer....and the truth of the matter is time is marching on. It hurts, but it's fact. I think it's safe to say that they are trying to entice the next group of future cruisers that in time will be the new frequent cruisers so that the company future stays bright. JMHO.

[BugsyCruiser]

The problem with attracting the younger people that like the new louder techno is that the people who are being turned off cruise frequently. Celebrity might attract the person who cruises once or twice a year but at the same time alienate the retired Celebrity fans like us who cruise for 20 weeks a year. We will vote with our feet and protect our hearing which till now has survived the higher decibels preferred by the younger crowd. We tried to escape to a quiet area in the sky lounge only to find it occupied by the art auctioneer and his mike.

 

I'm not sure if at age 42 I would be considered the younger crowd but some of us can only afford to sail once or twice a year. The music didn't bother me or anyone else it seemed at the Martini or Molecular bar. Would it bother me at the pools? Probably. But the positives on Celebrity means I wouldn't just walk away from them over the music. JMHO.

[BugsyCruiser]

I agree with you....I really love the vibe going on with Celebrity. We REALLY enjoyed the Martini Bar this time around...I'm 51 and I love to have fun dancing, singing and talking with friends. The Martini Bar was the happening place for sure! I don't think I will ever figure out the food things people have issues with! Honestly, I'm not cooking it and there are always selections I can deal with so I'm good with that.

 

I know most of the places we dine that are chains restaurants seems to be louder these days as well (the first one that comes to my mind is Cheeseburger in Paradise!) Our local restaurants with the exception of our favorite Mexican hang out, not so much. They are all smaller venues, so naturally I wouldn't expect that sort of noise. We went to a comedy club in Baltimore on Friday and afterwards one of the local watering holes and I thought the music was much louder there then it was on the Silhouette. Walking through the ship though, I thought there were ample places to get away from it if one didn't want to listen.

 

The burning question for me is for cruisers that were sailing Celebrity 20 odd years ago, were they directly marketing to you back then? I'm not saying that maybe they shouldn't be trying to cater to both groups in some way, but as time wears on, they need to change the market they are trying to attract. I think of it like the morning you get into your car all ready to listen to your favorite deejays on your morning drive and all of the sudden they've been replaced by a different format because you aren't the target market any longer....and the truth of the matter is time is marching on. It hurts, but it's fact. I think it's safe to say that they are trying to entice the next group of future cruisers that in time will be the new frequent cruisers so that the company future stays bright. JMHO.

 

LIKE!!! Great post :)

[hughdm]

Now you have me worried. We will be first time cruisers on Celebrity to Alaska (Solstice) then a few months later to the Greek Islands (Constellation). Prior to arranging the cruises I was enthused to try another cruise line that would provide a welcome change to the "bang/flash" of many of my Carnival experiences. Carnival has always been a good value for the money but I figured that Celebrity would be worth the additional expense due to its past reputation.

 

Now I am not so sure but I suppose we will find out soon enough. Since I already made arrangements for both cruises we are looking forward to visiting the ports but the on board experience will determine whether we continue with Celebrity. Loud music is great for discos but there needs to be some areas where you can have a drink and quiet conversation with pleasant background music as well as venues for music entertainment and areas devoid of music (library). I am also concerned that so many people are disappointed with the food service other than specialty restaurants.

 

I also checked the price of the cruises we are taking with the same cruises in 2014 and was surprised that the cost went up almost 60%.

 

If Celebrity is changing to a party atmosphere with a lower quality dining experience at a much higher cost I might as well save some money and go back to Carnival.

 

I hope that won't be the case.

 

Cheers!

I REALLY don't think you'll be disappointed,

[Oville]

Things change. We took or first Celebrity cruise in late 2009 on the Solstice and loved it. In January 2010 we took our second X cruise on the Constellation and had dinner one evening in Oceanliners. Sometime during our meal I got up to use the ladies room and suddenly there was a man at my side to escort me. I declined the offer and was a bit miffed that a man needed to help me to the rest room. Shortly thereafter the escort service was discontinued and if I recall correctly some long time X cruisers were unhappy with this.

 

To those who are taking their first Celebrity cruise and have been disenchanted by some of the posts here, it is a great cruise line and they are making an attempt to be more current. We loved our first cruise in 2009 and equally loved our last cruise in March. Sometimes change is for the better.

[ChazR]

Great post. Have to agree with everything you have said.

 

 

We also agree. If we wanted the Carnival atmosphere we would sail them...it seems that the new management at X wishes to be the "New" Carnival......not interested!

Charles

[Oville]

We also agree. If we wanted the Carnival atmosphere we would sail them...it seems that the new management at X wishes to be the "New" Carnival......not interested!

Charles

 

Good grief, red and bold.:mad: Have you ever cruised Carnival or for that matter Celebrity?:confused: The cruiselines are light years away from one another.

[Cruising89143]

I agree with you....I really love the vibe going on with Celebrity. We REALLY enjoyed the Martini Bar this time around...I'm 51 and I love to have fun dancing, singing and talking with friends. The Martini Bar was the happening place for sure! I don't think I will ever figure out the food things people have issues with! Honestly, I'm not cooking it and there are always selections I can deal with so I'm good with that.

 

I know most of the places we dine that are chains restaurants seems to be louder these days as well (the first one that comes to my mind is Cheeseburger in Paradise!) Our local restaurants with the exception of our favorite Mexican hang out, not so much. They are all smaller venues, so naturally I wouldn't expect that sort of noise. We went to a comedy club in Baltimore on Friday and afterwards one of the local watering holes and I thought the music was much louder there then it was on the Silhouette. Walking through the ship though, I thought there were ample places to get away from it if one didn't want to listen.

 

The burning question for me is for cruisers that were sailing Celebrity 20 odd years ago, were they directly marketing to you back then? I'm not saying that maybe they shouldn't be trying to cater to both groups in some way, but as time wears on, they need to change the market they are trying to attract. I think of it like the morning you get into your car all ready to listen to your favorite deejays on your morning drive and all of the sudden they've been replaced by a different format because you aren't the target market any longer....and the truth of the matter is time is marching on. It hurts, but it's fact. I think it's safe to say that they are trying to entice the next group of future cruisers that in time will be the new frequent cruisers so that the company future stays bright. JMHO.

 

 

Great post. I am 52 and loved the atmosphere aboard the Reflection including all of the music that I heard around the ship. I think that this has more to do with some not liking the type music than it does the volume.

[royalcruz]

We love the direction that Celebrity is going in entertainment. We are 48 and 63 y.o.

[Ratpack]

The problem with attracting the younger people that like the new louder techno is that the people who are being turned off cruise frequently. Celebrity might attract the person who cruises once or twice a year but at the same time alienate the retired Celebrity fans like us who cruise for 20 weeks a year. We will vote with our feet and protect our hearing which till now has survived the higher decibels preferred by the younger crowd. We tried to escape to a quiet area in the sky lounge only to find it occupied by the art auctioneer and his mike.

 

I think this is what Celebrity is trying to figure out. Who do they want to market to? While it is easier (cheaper) to keep loyal cruisers, is that the most profitable way to go? Would they rather have one loyal cruiser for 20 weeks a year....or 20 first or second time cruisers for 1 week a year?

 

It seems to me they want both...which is what is causing the conflict I would guess that infrequent cruisers are more likely to spend more money. Also, younger cruisers aren't on a fixed income and have more discrectionary income. But....it is more expensive to attract and retain these cruisers.

 

How does the cruise line make money...I don't know the percentages...but I would guess that the cost of the cruise itself is only a small part. They make money on booze, pictures, excursions, casino, specialty dining and suites.

 

I would be willing to bet that a retired frequent cruiser probably isn't booking suites, may drink (but takes advantage of the Elite lounge every night), doesn't gamble that much (because the odds at the local casinos are better than the ship), doesn't buy pictures (been there, done that), doesn't utilize specialty dining (because it's not traditional...server knows what I like in MDR...like to get to know tablemates...besides the food is perfectly fine there...why would I pay extra?), doesn't do excursions (been there, done that...great ship day....why pay for food on shore?).

 

I will be honest...right now I am fortunate enough to be active in the workforce and when I cruise I tend to indulge. When I retire, I already know that I will approach these cruises differently. I want to cruise more often, but that is going to mean smaller cabins...and less money spent on board. Will Celebrity be the right cruise for me then? I don't know...but right now I appreciate Celebrity's active atmosphere. It feels to me like Modern Luxury and that includes the "techno" music ;)

[cynalan]

As I understand it the Connie is still in service, though sadly without Perry Grant - one of the most unique entertainers on the seven seas. The Connie was our favourite of the mid-size, major cruise line ships. Sadly the Century was the worst. I hope service and maintenance has been improved. Our experience on the Century did not turn us off Celebrity, just their Galaxy class ships.

[texkan]

As I understand it the Connie is still in service, though sadly without Perry Grant - one of the most unique entertainers on the seven seas. The Connie was our favourite of the mid-size, major cruise line ships. Sadly the Century was the worst. I hope service and maintenance has been improved. Our experience on the Century did not turn us off Celebrity, just their Galaxy class ships.

 

Constellation is still in service with Celebrity. Perry Grant is still entertaining on the Celebrity Eclipse :)

[Caribbean Amphibean]

I enjoy hearing different kinds of music, and I'm OK with occasional loud music. But it would be nice to find a quiet bar with a piano playing light jazz, with the sounds of people talking and laughing. Same thing on the pool deck. Fun to hear a loud band, but how about some time with steel drums playing caribbean music (NOT covering some pop song).

 

What I can't stand is the wrong volume at the wrong time. On one cruise, there was blaring music on the pool deck at 7 am. I asked an officer,"Do you think there is one person here who wants to hear this?" He turned it down.

 

But at some times, it's nice to get loud and crazy.

[erin_cruisers]

I love 70' & 80's Classic rock. I listen to it for 2 hours each day on my commute to and from work. Not usually blasting, but sometimes loud.

At least it doesn't bother anyone else when I do. ;)

 

And at home, there are times when I want soft background music.

 

The point is, its hard to please everyone, but cruise ships are big enough that there should be enough venues to support different musical styles, and even volumes.

So, I like ships that have areas where the music can be pounding, yet not adversely impact others who wish it to be quiet.

 

From what the OP has said, perhaps the Atrium is not the place to have LOUD music, since it impacts other "quiet" areas.

 

We really enjoyed our cruise on Summit a few years back. Not one complaint.

We are going on the Silhouette next April, and if the Atrium is too loud, then we will make our feelings known on our comment cards. If we have to change lines, we will - there are certainly lots of choices out there. :)

[The_Big_M]

Things change. We took or first Celebrity cruise in late 2009 on the Solstice and loved it. In January 2010 we took our second X cruise on the Constellation and had dinner one evening in Oceanliners. Sometime during our meal I got up to use the ladies room and suddenly there was a man at my side to escort me. I declined the offer and was a bit miffed that a man needed to help me to the rest room. Shortly thereafter the escort service was discontinued and if I recall correctly some long time X cruisers were unhappy with this.

 

Has that really changed? I even did a search and found posts from 2010 and 2011 talking about it happening, but nothing saying it had stopped.

[Oville]

Has that really changed? I even did a search and found posts from 2010 and 2011 talking about it happening, but nothing saying it had stopped.

 

I've had many a dinner in this venue (or the various names it is called on other ships) and never again have been offered an escort. Perhaps others have but I haven't see it. Also, why was it ever offered?

[spav01]

When music of any sort is so loud that conversation is impossible, that is when I object. On Constellation back in February, one night they had a live percussion performance at the martini bar (around 7 in the evening) that was so loud I had to leave. Nothing against the music, just the volume. The next night they had recorded music at a volume where I could hear myself think. A group of us told the staff we far preferred that volume. So we'll see what we get on Connie in October.

My ears should not ring because of the musical performances.

[dangergirl99]

We should not have to shout to be heard over the music level of the band playing at the pool. We are there to relax and converse, maybe nap due to a late night dancing and drinking... If music is so loud in the Atrium that you can hear it throughout the ship, that is too loud as well.

 

I do like going to a bar and dancing to somewhat loud music, but they need to have a specific area for that, not an area used for reading or swimming or conversing.

[hcat]

Sad to say....Celebrity is not interested in what its traditional cruiser base prefers... & has been that way for awhile..so I hope their new demo brings them lots of revenue & loyal repeat customers...,

 

we still enjoy our cruises but have to find creative ways & strategies to escape the vibe they now try to project which is trashy & not classy at times! As we entered on board Silho this March..they had loud awful rap music reverberating throughout the atrium....and frequently some awful drummer banging along with the DJ...

 

They did not hand out the bubbly til the sailawayparty but maybe should have given us hootch in a brown paper bag to Welcome us....! I am willing to forego the harpist & classical quartet upon boarding but we felt we got on the wrong ship....

 

we are limiting it to one nice cruise per yr now in AQ/BLU--instead of two or three, & are also branching out to nice all -inclusive resorts where they have loud & quiet areas & times....and never nickel & dime you to death all day long...

 

our recent all inclusive experience was very upscale. and the vibe was more relaxed & casual. You can do the party scene or elect to do a dressy night out.. more options...

[ohiorob63]

When Celebrity first launched, their target demographic was 35-55 year olds making $75,000 per year or more ( straight from their business plan ).

The economic crisis that started around 2006 forced them to change their marketing to fill ships and target other demos ( retirees with savings to spend). As the economic situation improves, you will continue to see Celebrity make changes and market to it's original target. Personally, I hope they continue their changes returning Celebrity to a more luxury line and less a mass market line.

Anyone else remeber when David Bowie music was used for comercials and they advertised packages like " a massage a day"? Those commercials weren't geared toward retirees.

[ghstudio]

When Celebrity first launched, their target demographic was 35-55 year olds making $75,000 per year or more ( straight from their business plan ).

The economic crisis that started around 2006 forced them to change their marketing to fill ships and target other demos ( retirees with savings to spend). As the economic situation improves, you will continue to see Celebrity make changes and market to it's original target. Personally, I hope they continue their changes returning Celebrity to a more luxury line and less a mass market line.

Anyone else remeber when David Bowie music was used for comercials and they advertised packages like " a massage a day"? Those commercials weren't geared toward retirees.

 

it was a good target, at that time, but their target market couldn't fill their ships, so they focused on a different target market. They were successful, so successful that they built new ships with greater capacity....and that's now their problem if they want to refocus on their original target market which couldn't fill the ships when there was less capacity. I have no doubt they can do well with that original market.....but if that's all the focus on they may find that they have too much capacity today.

 

However today's financial release may indicate that the new thrust is working...at least when you roll up all the RCL brands. One thing to question in those financials is how to they record revenue...do they record it when tickets are sold or when you actually complete a trip. If it's the former, then raising prices would raise revenue and if you book expenses when incurred, well, the 1-2-3 package costs aren't factored in.....a bit of a shell game. But I don't know their accounting and I bet it would be almost impossible to find out. Time will tell....

[alexspepa]

My wife and I took our first Celebrity cruise on the Silhouette 3-31...I am 56 and she is 64, and we loved the vibe! I did not think the music was too loud in the Atrium at all - people were always dancing before and after dinner, the martini bar was rocking, it was a heck of a good time!( could have been the premium beverage package of course).