VIP Program

[Miss SeaBee]

I believe we will. I don't believe Celebrity really gives a rip.

 

Happy Cruiser, does this mean you are done with Celebrity? If so, what line will you be moving to, do you think? Just curious. Hal?

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Happy Cruiser, does this mean you are done with Celebrity? If so, what line will you be moving to, do you think? Just curious. Hal?

 

I don't believe I said I was done with Celebrity. I actually have another cruise booked with them. Tried HAL once, wasn't impressed.

[Honeybearhollow]

I don't disagree. I have used the relaxation area on the one port day I am able to get in free due to Elite perks, and it was so crowded it was anything but relaxing. The other "perks" mean little to me. We are sailing in our first AQ next month, and what I am looking forward to is Blu. We even chanced one of the rooms under the pool for that privilege - hopefully not a mistake! We enjoyed the breakfasts there on our one and only SS sailing, so hope the dinners are equally impressive (couldn't try them that cruise as we were sailing with another person not in a SS or AQ)

 

 

It looks like we will be on the same ship and both in AQ. I've been under the pool deck and it wasn't bad. I think you will like Blu and you already know how good the breakfasts are. It should be a lovely trip.:)

[HappyTvlr]

If all goes to plan, I'll be elite after my Oct cruise. I booked CC at a low price difference just to get the extra point to put me at ten, but in reality I don't see that I will get much benefit from the extra perks. I saw very little difference when I made it to select, and the perks of drinks or breakfast don't appeal to me as I always get the bev pkg and love the eggs benedict at the buffet. I have only cruised Celebrity because I have never been disappointed so I will keep sailing with them unless something goes wrong. As for perks and changes, I would love to see discounts on cruise price that can be combined w/specials such as 123 and I would LOVE a dedicated phone line. Internet service would certainly be a nice perk as well.

[Project_gal]

The MDR is hardly like eating at the high school cafeteria:D. If it makes you feel any better, the suite passengers tend to get the tables in the best places in the dining room. I can't prove the point, but I suspect they also get the better waiters. As I mentioned earlier (was it on this thread or another, I'm losing track), the AQ category was developed specifically as a particular, spa-like experience. it was not developed per se as a level in-between CC and SS. As such, the perks designed for it were in keeping with the destination spa concept. Suites are higher priced, yes, but they also come with a whole lot of other perks not available to lower levels. Your vacation, your choice which room to pick. Based on your comments, it is clear that you value the Blu atmosphere. So Celebrity definitely pleased you with their AQ concept I guess:)

 

Sorry, this is definitely NOT true and is why we gave up eating in the MDR. We were in a Celebrity Suite and had been our previous cruise as well.

 

Sue

[TommyD3]

I don't know if this was at all related, but on our Millie cruise, March 2012, we were in a Royal Suite. When we checked in and got our sea pass , it had a little post it note stuck to it that said VIP.

 

So this "new" VIP thing that Celebrity has announced is not really new at all.

 

They have been giving high level suites Elite+ benefits for a LONG time.

 

The only new part is using the Michaels Club during the day.

[uktog]

Sorry, this is definitely NOT true and is why we gave up eating in the MDR. We were in a Celebrity Suite and had been our previous cruise as well.

 

Sue

 

Totally agree and why we will if possible cruise in a well situated Aqua room over a suite these days. Out last trip to the MDR in a suite we had a dreadfully placed table for 8 (we had asked for that size) the worst wait staff ever and the food was only so so. We much rather prefer Blu interspersed with visits to the other pay for venues

[C 2 C]

Could the transition from Michael's Club to a Concierge/VIP lounge be an admission that despite several transformations, from a Cigar lounge, to a piano lounge, to an elite social area, to a craft beer/pub, that Celebrity has not found the ideal solution?

If HAL has a lounge for suite guests, if RCL has a lounge for their VIPs, perhaps Celebrity wants to offer the same experience to people who have enjoyed the pampering elsewhere?

[phoenix_dream]

Not in my experience. While sailing in a royal suite on the Infinity, we had a poor location in the MDR and probably the second worst waiter I've ever had on Celebrity. Luckily we could retreat to Blu or the specialty restaurants.

Wow - that is disappointing to hear. I would think in a RS you would get royal treatment, including in the MDR. I have only sailed once in a suite so didn't really know for sure. As we usually get offered pretty bad locations (next to stairs, next to the double service area, in the back corner) I was just presuming it was because we only booked outside, balcony or at most CC. Guess I figured wrong:)

[phoenix_dream]

It looks like we will be on the same ship and both in AQ. I've been under the pool deck and it wasn't bad. I think you will like Blu and you already know how good the breakfasts are. It should be a lovely trip.:)

Glad to hear it about the location. I wasn't too worried about it as DH and I are early risers so early morning set-up noise shouldn't affect us much. I am less interested in hearing all the pool party band music from our balcony but as the cruise is very port intensive that is not a biggie either.

 

We have a very active Roll Call for our cruise if you are interested in participating. See you onboard:)

[excitedofharpenden]

Could the transition from Michael's Club to a Concierge/VIP lounge be an admission that despite several transformations, from a Cigar lounge, to a piano lounge, to an elite social area, to a craft beer/pub, that Celebrity has not found the ideal solution?

As far as the craft beer/pub idea goes I think it could be a good one if Celebrity sat down and thought about it properly. To have the bar at this venue only open in the evening hours and closed during the day just seems mad to me, especially on sea days.

 

Phil

[phoenix_dream]

There was mention earlier in this thread about Michaels Club being open for suite and Elite guests upon embarkation while waiting for the rooms to be available. Is this always the case on every ship (asking specifically for Elite) or perhaps only suite guests on cruises where there are hundreds of Elite status guests? We have been Elite for years and honestly, this was a perk I was never aware of. It would be nice to hang out there instead of the crowded buffet or the like. I knew about the disembarkation lounge thing, but didn't realize it might apply to the first day as well.

[ghstudio]

We asked at the door if the lounge was for cc elites and we were told no...only for VIPs. That was jan of this year on the millenium. This is apparently not an elite benefit.

[CruisingChick]

There was mention earlier in this thread about Michaels Club being open for suite and Elite guests upon embarkation while waiting for the rooms to be available. Is this always the case on every ship (asking specifically for Elite) or perhaps only suite guests on cruises where there are hundreds of Elite status guests? We have been Elite for years and honestly, this was a perk I was never aware of. It would be nice to hang out there instead of the crowded buffet or the like. I knew about the disembarkation lounge thing, but didn't realize it might apply to the first day as well.

 

We have also been Elite since 2007, first cruised as Elites in 2008. In any event we have never been told Michael's Club is open on embarkation day for us to wait in. I thought that was strictly for VIP guest - Highest Cruisers, high end suites, etc.

[phoenix_dream]

I mentioned it because another poster said they were able to get in as Elite. I wonder if with this new VIP program wherever that may have existed now no longer does?

[Orator]

We asked at the door if the lounge was for cc elites and we were told no...only for VIPs. That was jan of this year on the millenium. This is apparently not an elite benefit.

 

I have been a top cruiser a few times. Here's what happened the first day: We went through the normal Elite line for our check in. We were directed to the Pier Coordinators Offices where we waited for a short time to be escorted to the ship. Once onboard we were directed to Michael's Club. They had light snacks and drinks. Several Officers were present to greet us and offered their cards. Very few passengers were there. We left some bags and went for lunch. We returned to Michaels Club for our bags and in a few cases were escorted to our cabin. Really not a big deal after the first time. Unless we see someone in the room we'd like to greet, we just take a pass on the invitation. I think they do this just to make the most frequent cruisers on the cruise and top Suite passengers feel special. There are some differences in the process from ship to ship and cruise to cruise, but the basic process appears to be the same. I know that Arno can add more details about the process and perks. On Reflection and Silhouette I remember a special reception hosted by the Hotel Director for VIPs. This doesn't happen all the time. Hope this helps.

[Murray's Pop]

Our last trip to the MDR in a suite we had a dreadfully placed table for 8 (we had asked for that size) the worst wait staff ever....

 

That is very disappointing to hear. We are in a suite on our upcoming (first) Celebrity cruise, and have an 8 top requested. I'm hoping we have a good table and efficient, attentive wait staff.

 

In our experience on HAL if you are in a suite, especially if you request a large table, you will have one of the large round tables near the back of the MDR, and very good staff.

 

I guess we will have to wait and see.

[jazzmanfive]

After reading through this thread it astonishes me that so many people believe that recieving a couple of cocktails and a keyring etc. and a 'private' lounge to talk to other likeminded 'elitists' is something to aspire to. Are they really a dealbreaker rather than just enjoying the change of scenery and varied destinations?

 

 

 

I cannot of anything worse than some body boring me about their last 25 cruises. I have been on many cruises and am diamond/elite on rccl (by the way i hate that 'elite' phrase celebrity if you are listening, whoever thought of that should be shipped to Iran and explain how elite he is.

 

On reflection I suppose the free drinks can be useful in the attempt a fellow elitist approaches you for a cruise chat.:eek:

[Xport]

I have been a top cruiser a few times. Here's what happened the first day: We went through the normal Elite line for our check in. We were directed to the Pier Coordinators Offices where we waited for a short time to be escorted to the ship. Once onboard we were directed to Michael's Club. They had light snacks and drinks. Several Officers were present to greet us and offered their cards. Very few passengers were there. We left some bags and went for lunch. We returned to Michaels Club for our bags and in a few cases were escorted to our cabin. Really not a big deal after the first time.

 

I was Top Cruiser for the first time last month... Perhaps it's because I checked in at about the same time as cabins were ready, but nothing happened--and I was unaware--until Housekeeping knocked at the door while I was unpacking... A very nice stewardess--arms full with iced champagne, flowers, and fruit--announced that she had some gifts for their VIP Cruiser... Initially, I told her that she had the wrong cabin!

[TommyD3]

I have been a top cruiser a few times. Here's what happened the first day: We went through the normal Elite line for our check in. We were directed to the Pier Coordinators Offices where we waited for a short time to be escorted to the ship. Once onboard we were directed to Michael's Club. They had light snacks and drinks. Several Officers were present to greet us and offered their cards. Very few passengers were there. We left some bags and went for lunch. We returned to Michaels Club for our bags and in a few cases were escorted to our cabin. Really not a big deal after the first time. Unless we see someone in the room we'd like to greet, we just take a pass on the invitation. I think they do this just to make the most frequent cruisers on the cruise and top Suite passengers feel special. There are some differences in the process from ship to ship and cruise to cruise, but the basic process appears to be the same. I know that Arno can add more details about the process and perks. On Reflection and Silhouette I remember a special reception hosted by the Hotel Director for VIPs. This doesn't happen all the time. Hope this helps.

 

That is what is supposed to happen, but most often it does not.

 

We have been the high cruiser many times with the rose at embarkation.

 

One time the shore side people in Miami put is in line with the inside cabins - even though we had the rose. We told them we were Elite and they did not even put us with Elite. We went over to the Elite area ourselves and when they were announcing how embarkation was supposed to happen we confronted them (with the rose) and they finally showed us to the Pier Coordinators office. This is the same Celebrity Eclipse cruise where the shore side manager asked if there were any Pinnacle members waiting in line before check-in began:mad: The shore side people in Miami REALLY don't know what is going on - they don't realize the difference between RCL & Celebrity.

 

Almost every time we get on the ship (with the rose showing) in Miami no one escorts us to Michaels Club. We go there ourselves since we know the drill.

It is supposed to be reserved for Royal & Penthouse guests plus the high cruisers. They do seem to do a better job with this in other parts of the world.

[phyllisrf]

Quite frankly, I am tired of all the "games" travel agents and Celebrity are playing.

[NLH Arizona]

Celebrity can announce all the new programs they want, but if all the ships are not consistent in how they implement them, it can turn a postive into a negative real fast.

[Moeve]

Quite frankly, I am tired of all the "games" travel agents and Celebrity are playing.

 

Why the travel agents? They have nothing to do with this.

[phyllisrf]

We cancelled our 11/30 cruise. This cruise was booked on board and then transferred to a travel agent. We received an OBC from Celebrity and on OBC from our travel agent. We had Select Dining, thus pre-paying our gratuities. Then 1-2-3 promotion was announced. The OBC from our travel agent was "exchanged" for "free pre-paid gratuities". So it seems to me that we get either an OBC from our travel agent OR "free pre-paid gratuities from Celebrity. We have cruised approximately 15 times with Celebrity (Elite passengers) and have used the same TA for most of these cruises.

Enough with the games- give us a fair price up front and stop playing games.

[C 2 C]

Celebrity can announce all the new programs they want, but if all the ships are not consistent in how they implement them, it can turn a positive into a negative real fast.

 

There are many who would agree.

Being treated as a prince on one cruise and a pauper (relatively speaking) on another does not instill loyalty to a brand.