VIP Program

[Orator]

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.

 

Being a pauper is sometimes an advantage.

[C 2 C]

Being a pauper is sometimes an advantage.

 

Something that we have both witnessed.

[Project_gal]

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?

 

May I suggest, then, that Celebrity follow the example of NCL. We really did not like the overall NCL experience but they knew how to make their suite guests and other "VIPs". They turned one of their specialty restaurant venues over as a VIP lounge during the morning and afternoon. They served an excellent full breakfast and lunch in the lounge which could also be used for the rest of the time as a lounge. The lounge was even open on embarkation day and we were welcome to take our whole party with us.

 

The NCL concierge was probably the hardest working person on board and appeared dedicated to looking after the "VIPs". As an example, we were attempting to make late excursion reservations for the whole family [6 people only 2 in a suite] because of some problem. The concierge made herself aware of this [we did not try to book through her], sorted it out and then tracked us down at the specialty restaurant we were eating in that evening [again reservation not made through her]. She visited during dinner just to let us know that it had all been sorted out.

 

We have always had a great time on Celebrity but have never experienced such outstanding service as on our one NCL cruise.

 

By the way, we always found the "VIP" tag embarrasing but truely appreciated the attention to detail.

 

Sue

[CruisingChick]

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.

 

My biggest pet peeve with Celebrity - consistency, in everything not just loyalty program or VIP treatment. The service, food, ambiance should be consistent on every ship on all sailings. Yes, nothing is perfect and you can get a bad waiter, room steward, etc. but it seems there is too much inconsistency across the brand.

[warmwinds]

I can see a rush on buying red roses near the ports...

[Orator]

I can see a rush on buying red roses near the ports...

 

DW never experienced the rose treatment. We've received VIP stickers. Need to do some scouting to discover the way they designate VIPs for your particular cruise. Guess this is part of the "consistent inconsistency" that Celebrity is noted for.

[Project_gal]

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?

 

I think that it is my post to which you are referring. My husband said he was told that the lounge was for "Elites and PH suite guests" when he asked on our Eclipse NY cruise. However, as we were in the PH on that cruise I am not sure if that was accurate. I was not with him and, in view of what others have said, he has a slight hearing problem so he may have misuderstood. All I know it that there was only one other couple in Michael's club with us. We had a beverage whilst speaking to the Captain's Club hostess and the concierge. Then our butler came down to escort us to our suite. No one was speaking to the other couple the whole time we were there but it can have been no more than 30 minutes.

 

As there were a large number of Elites on the cruise [around 500, I think] we just assumed that they did not widely advertise Michael's Club at embarkation because they could have been swapped. However, as I said, my husband could have misheard. I was not with him at the time. The sign outside just said "Private Function".

 

Sue

 

Sue

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

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.

 

Yup. I was very disappointed in how we were treated on the Infinity. Good thing it wasn't my first cruise--I likely wouldn't have come back.

[sginva]

Yup. I was very disappointed in how we were treated on the Infinity. Good thing it wasn't my first cruise--I likely wouldn't have come back.

We were on three B2B cruises on Infinity in May 2013 and I must echo this cruisers comments. From cruise one to cruise two we needed to change cabins and the ship lost our reservation. We had all of our documentation of course but the process of dealing with the staff on the Infinity was not easy. They seems to all be in training and the Guest Relations group was clearly a works in progress. The issue was obviously cleared up but the onus was mostly on us to work it out. It was our first time on Infinity and a disappointment. We are Celebrity loyalists and in the end Celebrity was helpful and we appreciated the effort however it was a wake up call for us .

[phoenix_dream]

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:

Come on now. Few are saying these things are deal breakers (although a few are). Most are saying it would be frustrating in the least to have a number of benefits you have earned and then lose them. They truly are more than just a couple of drinks. When I travel with my DH and DS I expect we save $300-$400 per cruise by making use of the Elite benefits. To me that is not chump change, although I would certainly weigh all appropriate factors before deciding which line on which to cruise.

 

I have to also challenge the comment about people boring you with tales of their 25 cruises. Is this really how you envision conversations go at the cocktail parties?? I have never found that to be the case. Perhaps your comments were tongue in cheek or exaggerating to make a point. I certainly hope so.

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

We were on three B2B cruises on Infinity in May 2013 and I must echo this cruisers comments. From cruise one to cruise two we needed to change cabins and the ship lost our reservation. We had all of our documentation of course but the process of dealing with the staff on the Infinity was not easy. They seems to all be in training and the Guest Relations group was clearly a works in progress. The issue was obviously cleared up but the onus was mostly on us to work it out. It was our first time on Infinity and a disappointment. We are Celebrity loyalists and in the end Celebrity was helpful and we appreciated the effort however it was a wake up call for us .

 

You were probably on the same B2B2B we were. There was just something off about that ship and some of the crew. To me it's always a sign that things won't be great when you show up at the Connections party and there are no nametags and the senior officers aren't there. Top management just didn't seem to care. Running ONE tender at Guernsey and expecting us to stand in line for over an hour to catch it? Really? How idiotic was that? Expecting us to show up at the crack of dawn on the only day we had to sleep late after a very port-intensive cruise to stand in line yet again to pick up our package for the next cruise when it could have easily been delivered to our cabins. My take was that the cruise was being run for the convenience of the GRM and not for the convenience of the passengers.

 

I actually had a total stranger come up to me in the buffet and say, "Is it just me, or is there something off about this ship?"

 

There were some wonderful crew members and some awful ones. The majority seemed as if they were just phoning it in and would really rather be doing something else. Too bad because service has always been what Celebrity is all about to me.

[Honeybearhollow]

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:)

 

 

Sorry, just realized we are on the cruise to Hawaii on this ship directly after you.:o LOL I was wondering why I had not seen you on the roll call. My mistake. We'll wave from the buses. :)

[wallie5446]

Most are saying it would be frustrating in the least to have a number of benefits you have earned and then lose them~~ although I would certainly weigh all appropriate factors before deciding which line on which to cruise.

 

quote]

 

benefits you have earned and then lose them, Yes, a bummer, but if I did not have a similar repeat cruiser level on the 'other' line, most line's, in the same price point dont come close to the 'cruise' product Celebrity gives us, well, except "on the Infinity":D

[richsea]

I used to think that those who remarked about "Elites" being snobbish were over-reacting, but after reading posts from some "Elites" on this thread.....???:eek:

 

It is apparent to me that no matter WHAT Celebrity does to enhance, improve, or add benefits to the Captain's Club, that there will be those who are going to feel slighted, or disrespected (in their minds) & most of those will be the "Elites" who have a holier than thou attitude.:(

[cruiseacecat]

You were probably on the same B2B2B we were. There was just something off about that ship and some of the crew. To me it's always a sign that things won't be great when you show up at the Connections party and there are no nametags and the senior officers aren't there. Top management just didn't seem to care. Running ONE tender at Guernsey and expecting us to stand in line for over an hour to catch it? Really? How idiotic was that? Expecting us to show up at the crack of dawn on the only day we had to sleep late after a very port-intensive cruise to stand in line yet again to pick up our package for the next cruise when it could have easily been delivered to our cabins. My take was that the cruise was being run for the convenience of the GRM and not for the convenience of the passengers.

 

I actually had a total stranger come up to me in the buffet and say, "Is it just me, or is there something off about this ship?"

 

There were some wonderful crew members and some awful ones. The majority seemed as if they were just phoning it in and would really rather be doing something else. Too bad because service has always been what Celebrity is all about to me.

Hi Linda,

Really sorry to hear all of your problems with the Infinity. Way too many problems for one ship.

Would you mind telling me who the Guest relations manager, hotel director and chief housekeeper (assume you met him/her due to your cabin problem) were? Just wonder if they are new to the jobs.

[Orator]

I used to think that those who remarked about "Elites" being snobbish were over-reacting, but after reading posts from some "Elites" on this thread.....???:eek:

 

It is apparent to me that no matter WHAT Celebrity does to enhance, improve, or add benefits to the Captain's Club, that there will be those who are going to feel slighted, or disrespected (in their minds) & most of those will be the "Elites" who have a holier than thou attitude.:(

 

Human nature is human nature. Some people, whatever their label might be, are grateful for whatever they receive. Some people are never satisfied. This is not exclusive to cruising. Some people who are at the "Elite" level are in fact demanding. Some at the "Elite" level are happy to just be cruising. Some people on their first cruise try to game the system (why else would they buy Elite coupons on eBay?) Some people just relax and enjoy new experiences. Most people whether Elite, Select , or newbies probably fall somewhere in the middle.

[Dave85]

I used to think that those who remarked about "Elites" being snobbish were over-reacting, but after reading posts from some "Elites" on this thread.....???:eek:

 

It is apparent to me that no matter WHAT Celebrity does to enhance, improve, or add benefits to the Captain's Club, that there will be those who are going to feel slighted, or disrespected (in their minds) & most of those will be the "Elites" who have a holier than thou attitude.:(

 

I don't know, I'm not really reading that in this thread. Lets face it, we're stuck with the word "Elite" because that's the term X gave us... not sure how everyone is supposed to get around that :p My take away from this thread is that most people just don't want to lose what they already have and some are anxious about the upcoming changes. Sure, there will always be some who are never satisfied, but at the end of the day I think most people at the top tiers of the program genuinely appreciate feeling appreciated by the line.

[Pstcrik]

I used to think that those who remarked about "Elites" being snobbish were over-reacting, but after reading posts from some "Elites" on this thread.....???:eek:

 

It is apparent to me that no matter WHAT Celebrity does to enhance, improve, or add benefits to the Captain's Club, that there will be those who are going to feel slighted, or disrespected (in their minds) & most of those will be the "Elites" who have a holier than thou attitude.:(

 

Could not agree with you more and what I find even more interesting is that those who believe they are saving 300 to 400 dollars more for being Elite makes me smile. Celebrity along with every other cruise line do not give without taking and the taking comes from those who think they are getting huge benefits. They believe and so Celebrity wants them to believe they are special.

[Dave85]

Celebrity along with every other cruise line do not give without taking and the taking comes from those who think they are getting huge benefits.

 

Care to elaborate? I have no idea what you're talking about. :confused:

 

Who's taking what?

 

For example, if someone's gone on 10 Celebrity cruises because they thoroughly enjoy going on Celebrity cruises, then winds up with "Elite" status, what exactly is being "taken?" The cruiser is getting additional benefits that don't cost them anything incidental to taking another Celebrity cruise, which is something they enjoy doing and thus would likely do anyway. If that person would otherwise pay to use the internet then there's tangible cost savings right there on the Elite coupon sheet (as just one example)...?

[wallie5446]

Could not agree with you more and what I find even more interesting is that those who believe they are saving 300 to 400 dollars more for being Elite makes me smile. Celebrity along with every other cruise line do not give without taking and the taking comes from those who think they are getting huge benefits. They believe and so Celebrity wants them to believe they are special.

 

IMHO, when a sailing on 2 different line is within a few dollars of the same, if there are repeat benefits that is the deal maker hands down. (Our bar tab reflects that $3-400 savings at the end of the cruise :D) BUT, when no 'extras' are involved, it comes down to the quality of the product, and I have a hard time believing a Captials Club Elite level member would pay for a lesser product on another line. Why, because last yr we tried, the quality was no longer there 'for us' on Princess, so we are back to X.

[richsea]

I don't know, I'm not really reading that in this thread. Lets face it, we're stuck with the word "Elite" because that's the term X gave us... not sure how everyone is supposed to get around that :p My take away from this thread is that most people just don't want to lose what they already have and some are anxious about the upcoming changes. Sure, there will always be some who are never satisfied, but at the end of the day I think most people at the top tiers of the program genuinely appreciate feeling appreciated by the line.

 

Perhaps I'm being too cynical, maybe I've been on the boards too long, & although I've never "quit" them out of frustration as some have, I do find myself reading between the lines of some posters, & what I see in some of the "Elites", is a sense of entitlement that frankly, they should not expect. Community guidelines stop me from elaborating.

 

I understand & agree that most people do not want to lose what they already have, neither do I. I also hope that MOST at the top levels of the Captain's Club appreciate what they have, however, after reading some posts, I have my doubts.

[Dave85]

Perhaps I'm being too cynical, maybe I've been on the boards too long, & although I've never "quit" them out of frustration as some have, I do find myself reading between the lines of some posters, & what I see in some of the "Elites", is a sense of entitlement that frankly, they should not expect. Community guidelines stop me from elaborating.

 

LOL fair enough :D

 

I suppose I can be faulted for being a little too generous giving CC posters the benefit of the doubt at times...

[Pstcrik]

Care to elaborate? I have no idea what you're talking about. :confused:

 

Who's taking what?

 

For example, if someone's gone on 10 Celebrity cruises because they thoroughly enjoy going on Celebrity cruises, then winds up with "Elite" status, what exactly is being "taken?" The cruiser is getting additional benefits that don't cost them anything incidental to taking another Celebrity cruise, which is something they enjoy doing and thus would likely do anyway. If that person would otherwise pay to use the internet then there's tangible cost savings right there on the Elite coupon sheet (as just one example)...?

 

Without offending anyone, every major cruise line is out to make a profit for the shareholder. Take any cruise line and the longer they are in business providing that they give their customer what their customer believes to be a good deal then that customer continues to support that cruise line. As the Elites grow and they start to out number say first or second or third timers who do not qualify for the benefits of the Elite then the cruise line will not produce the expected dollars and they still want to encourage new cruisers so they have to keep the initial dollars low to attract the new cruiser, so with that knowledge they must rely on the many time cruisers to make up for the less than expected dollars so those that cruise more pay more up front for their benefits and it is quite well hidden. For those Elites that do not want to believe just think about the growing number of Elites that are getting "free benefits" versa some years ago and the profit cruise lines are making today. You really may not be so special but you have to understand how they attract both seasoned and new cruisers to their lines and make more money for the shareholder.

[KikisDad]

Has Celebrity actually said that they were removing Elite benefits? If not, perhaps they will add others for the removed ones. For example, money off a booking like RCCL does.

[DiamondSuiteCruiser]

I was worried when RCCL changed there structure, and I was worried we would lose out. In fact is wasn't bad at all even with them adding in the new levels. We are still diamond plus, but I know we will never reach the Pinnacle status. Let's hope most of us are worrying for nothing. It will be what it will be, and as I said before when RCCL changed, I don't feel like starting at square one again on another line, so I'll keep coming back either way.