Celebrity Cruises to Debut 'Ship Within a Ship' Concept

[LarissaRose]

I'm a bit confused about the elite cocktail hour (never having sailed celebrity before) is it in a space that is 24/7 only for elite members? (Sorry for my ignorance on this :( ). Or a space that for an hour a day is reserved solely for these members? If the latter then why would people ever care about this? Can't any group of people rent out a space for a certain period of time?

 

I think the main difference between a space set aside for elite members and a space set aside for suite passengers and people referring to it as a "class system" is one thing: MONEY. Anyone can potentially become an elite member, someone can sail a bunch of times only in inside cabins and be an elite member. Not everyone can afford a suite. This seems to be what would be creating a "class system".

 

**For the record I'm not saying I that I believe there will be a class system**

[4cats4me]

I'm a bit confused about the elite cocktail hour (never having sailed celebrity before) is it in a space that is 24/7 only for elite members? (Sorry for my ignorance on this :( ). Or a space that for an hour a day is reserved solely for these members? If the latter then why would people ever care about this? Can't any group of people rent out a space for a certain period of time?

 

I think the main difference between a space set aside for elite members and a space set aside for suite passengers and people referring to it as a "class system" is one thing: MONEY. Anyone can potentially become an elite member, someone can sail a bunch of times only in inside cabins and be an elite member. Not everyone can afford a suite. This seems to be what would be creating a "class system".

 

**For the record I'm not saying I that I believe there will be a class system**

 

 

The elite cocktail hours are between 5-7, so no, no space is dedicated 24/7 for Elites. You are absolutely correct

[Chunky2219]

Oh dear, oh dear. Yet another thread of seriously ill-informed whinging about someone else getting something they are actually paying for. To offer my two penn'orth.......

1. There is no "class" system on any cruise line. Although the class picture in Titanic is historically accurate (unlike most Hollywood fodder), that arrangement disappeared many a year ago.

 

2. No, not even with Cunard, whom many criticise without ever having set foot one of the ships. The only way you would spot most people in a suite is if you saw them entering the restaurant.

 

3. No, suite guests don't get separated from the hoi poloi. They go to the same shows, sit in the same tender and on the same tour bus. Granted, they can have reserved seating in the theatre (most choose not to use it) on Celebrity. That's unlike awful, awful Cunard where they don't have such priviledges but Joe Public can book a theatre box for a few dollars.

 

4. No, we don't want to go on little boats that sail one way and have no entertainment. Thank you.

 

5. Yes, it's disappointing that X doesn't have accesible RS and PS suites. Wheelchair user here - we've always taken an RS, as much for the space as the food and it was perfectly manageable. The bathroom might be a hassle, but I managed.

 

6. Celebrity MDR (evening) food is mediocre and repetitive. Paying top dollar for a suite and going to MDR is like staying in the Four Seasons and getting served KFC. If the dining wasn't improved, suite guests wouldn't come back as much.

 

7. Yes, Blu is better. Not by a country mile, but better. Sadly, it's gym bunny food.

 

8. If Michael's Club is so great, you ought to use it more often. Perry Grant aside, I've never been in or been past when it looked anything different to the bar on the Mary Celeste.

 

9. It tickles me that so many people wouldn't entertain living in a "socialist" society (however you might choose to define it) but bristle when someone has worked or saved enough to enjoy better accomodation/food/service. It's called capitalism people, suck it up.

 

10. No Jomf, there isn't a two tier system on Cunard. There's a three tier system (four tiers on Queen Elizabeth), but the only difference is the dining room and the quality of food. Period. If you were ever to take the adventure to try it, you'd find that the people paying extra for better food are just like you, with a limb at each corner and they put their trousers on one leg at a time.

I trust I've covered everything and offended no-one. If there's anything I've missed, I apologise. If there's anyone I've offended, then I refer you to Blazerboy's post, he said much the same but maybe phrased it better.

 

 

 

.

Edited February 17, 2014 by Chunky2219
typo

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

Not sure I understand the point you are making.

 

Sorry those comments were an addendum to the previous posts I made. Essentially, I am looking to book 2 adjoining cabins for Summer 2015. One cabin will be a Royal Suite and my choice of adjoining cabin is either an Aqua, a Celebrity Suite or another Royal Suite.

 

Prior to the new amenities announcement, if we booked a RS and Aqua, we faced the RS occupants only being able to eat dinner with the Aqua occupants in Blu on a space available basis. This is despite spending at least twice as much on the RS than the Aqua. I do not think is reasonable. We could instead book an adjoining CS or RS but the pre-change amenities simply did not justify the additional spend as we would not get enough bang for our buck. Celebrity offers suite guess less than its sister line, Royal Caribbean. I am pleased with the proposed changes that have been announced and we have decided to book an RS and adjoining CS as soon as the booking season opens. I hope that makes some sense.

[jayoldschool]

Paying top dollar for a suite and going to MDR is like staying in the Four Seasons and getting served KFC.

 

That's more than a bit of a stretch.

[Dunelm]

Sorry those comments were an addendum to the previous posts I made. Essentially, I am looking to book 2 adjoining cabins for Summer 2015. One cabin will be a Royal Suite and my choice of adjoining cabin is either an Aqua, a Celebrity Suite or another Royal Suite.

 

Prior to the new amenities announcement, if we booked a RS and Aqua, we faced the RS occupants only being able to eat dinner with the Aqua occupants in Blu on a space available basis. This is despite spending at least twice as much on the RS than the Aqua. I do not think is reasonable. We could instead book an adjoining CS or RS but the pre-change amenities simply did not justify the additional spend as we would not get enough bang for our buck. Celebrity offers suite guess less than its sister line, Royal Caribbean. I am pleased with the proposed changes that have been announced and we have decided to book an RS and adjoining CS as soon as the booking season opens. I hope that makes some sense.

 

Yup! It does.

[Dunelm]

Reading some of the comments above about the quality (or lack thereof) of MDR food, I figure I must be one easily satisfied person. I have never had a meal that I could not eat in the MDR, and most meals were very enjoyable. Actually, I enjoy all food that I do not have to cook myself. Even suite guests must concede that taking a cruise is much cheaper than flying first class these days, and just think of the food served on airlines.;)

[Cruising89143]

Reading some of the comments above about the quality (or lack thereof) of MDR food, I figure I must be one easily satisfied person. I have never had a meal that I could not eat in the MDR, and most meals were very enjoyable. Actually, I enjoy all food that I do not have to cook myself. Even suite guests must concede that taking a cruise is much cheaper than flying first class these days, and just think of the food served on airlines.;)

 

We ate one meal in the MDR last March on the Reflection. Overall the food ranged from good to very good. The issue that I have with the MDR is the large room, noise and servers rushing to take care of too many guests. Not a nice atmosphere.

[Chitown12562]

7. Yes, Blu is better. Not by a country mile, but better. Sadly, it's gym bunny food.

 

Where are those gym bunnies?!:D

[NLH Arizona]

I'm a bit confused about the elite cocktail hour (never having sailed celebrity before) is it in a space that is 24/7 only for elite members? (Sorry for my ignorance on this :( ). Or a space that for an hour a day is reserved solely for these members? If the latter then why would people ever care about this? Can't any group of people rent out a space for a certain period of time?

 

I think the main difference between a space set aside for elite members and a space set aside for suite passengers and people referring to it as a "class system" is one thing: MONEY. Anyone can potentially become an elite member, someone can sail a bunch of times only in inside cabins and be an elite member. Not everyone can afford a suite. This seems to be what would be creating a "class system".

 

**For the record I'm not saying I that I believe there will be a class system**

Wasn't saying there is anything wrong with the space allocated for the Elite cocktail party, just say that it is the same as what some are complaining about - space only being able to be utilized by a few and not the masses, even if it is only for 2 hours a night. Same goes for Blu which is only accessible to those in AQ class.

 

Just as you say someone can cruise a bunch of times only in inside cabins and become Elite, someone can save up all their cruising dollars over the years and book a suite. Is it a class system on airlines, when some are in coach and some in first class? Is it a class system that during a concert some have front row tickets and some are in the nose bleed section? Is it a class system because some can afford filet while others only hamburger? Is it a class system when some purchase their clothes at Neiman Marcus while others can only buy theirs at Walmart? I don't call it a class system; it is just that people have different tastes, different incomes and different priorities.

 

Celebrity is not creating a class system at all, just offering additional perks to those in suites, just like they give additional perks for those in AQ class, those in Concierge class and those Classic, Select, Elite, Elite+ and Zenith customers.

Edited February 18, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[LarissaRose]

Is it a class system on airlines, when some are in coach and some in first class?

 

just saying.

[LarissaRose]

Wasn't saying there is anything wrong with the space allocated for the Elite cocktail party, just say that it is the same as what some are complaining about - space only being able to be utilized by a few and not the masses, even if it is only for 2 hours a night. Same goes for Blu which is only accessible to those in AQ class.

 

Just as you say someone can cruise a bunch of times only in inside cabins and become Elite, someone can save up all their cruising dollars over the years and book a suite. Is it a class system on airlines, when some are in coach and some in first class? Is it a class system that during a concert some have front row tickets and some are in the nose bleed section? Is it a class system because some can afford filet while others only hamburger? Is it a class system when some purchase their clothes at Neiman Marcus while others can only buy theirs at Walmart? I don't call it a class system; it is just that people have different tastes, different incomes and different priorities.

 

Celebrity is not creating a class system at all, just offering additional perks to those in suites, just like they give additional perks for those in AQ class, those in Concierge class and those Classic, Select, Elite, Elite+ and Zenith customers.

 

Also, I specifically said in my post:

 

**For the record I'm not saying I that I believe there will be a class system**

[ccruisequeen]

Suite guests also get the offers such as 3-2--1. Inside cabins get nothing

 

Codes

 

 

 

[need2bespoiled]

Reading some of the comments above about the quality (or lack thereof) of MDR food, I figure I must be one easily satisfied person. I have never had a meal that I could not eat in the MDR, and most meals were very enjoyable. Actually, I enjoy all food that I do not have to cook myself. Even suite guests must concede that taking a cruise is much cheaper than flying first class these days, and just think of the food served on airlines.;)

 

You're right, it's definitely cheaper. I don't know about it being better.

 

I don't have a lot to compare it to, but if you remove U.S. based carriers, first class airline food is likely better than most MDR food on Celebrity, with pretty nice service as well. Food cooked to order, free alcohol (high quality), quality cuts of meat, etc etc. I don't count domestic front cabin as first class, that doesn't even compare to international business class. Do a quick net search for first class airline reviews and you'll see some pics and get some reviews, and while it varies, just like the Celebrity MDR, Asian, Euro and Middle Eastern Carriers do just fine with food.

 

Of course, these seats regularly sell for $7-$10k per flight, so more than a suite for a week on Celebrity. It's all perspective, if you can afford those seats, you expect certain things.

 

Happy Sailing and Flying

Jenna

Edited February 18, 2014 by need2bespoiled

[cruisetrail]

What the article actually says is not as worrying as it's title.

"Ship within a ship" (enclaves that take up premium public spaces and amenities for some 5% of the passengers - in case of MSC) is an obnoxious model adopted for some "high density" overcrowded ships to provide decent product at least for a limited number of cruisers - a third world model of "luxury" (NCL, MSC).

Seeng how quickly Celebrity is sliding down to commercialization (Reflection) I would not be shocked to find this "concept" on Celebrity ship some time.

IMO this "concept" mostly emphasizes the mediocre level of the rest of the product.

Fortunately, S-class by design is not "ship within a ship".

From what I can tell from the article, (so far) what is going to be is merely an extention of suite perks.

In case of the S-class the "ship within a ship" concept will require to separate Sky lounge, Solstice Deck and Covered pool from the rest of the cruisers. This will never happen.

Edited February 18, 2014 by cruisetrail

[ladyflatlander]

I'm a bit confused about the elite cocktail hour (never having sailed celebrity before) is it in a space that is 24/7 only for elite members? (Sorry for my ignorance on this :( ). Or a space that for an hour a day is reserved solely for these members? If the latter then why would people ever care about this? Can't any group of people rent out a space for a certain period of time?

 

I think the main difference between a space set aside for elite members and a space set aside for suite passengers and people referring to it as a "class system" is one thing: MONEY. Anyone can potentially become an elite member, someone can sail a bunch of times only in inside cabins and be an elite member. Not everyone can afford a suite. This seems to be what would be creating a "class system".

 

**For the record I'm not saying I that I believe there will be a class system**

 

Totally agree. Elite lounge is private for only 2 hours each evening. As you say anyone can become Elite based on number of actual cruise days/nights points earned by being a loyal X cruiser in any stateroom, not just for a special class of cruiser. As for the Elite breakfast is is for a limited time each morning in a specialty restaurant that is not open in the mornings anyway.

 

It seems a shame to close of certain areas of any ship 24/7 for any one class of cruiser IMHO.

[4cats4me]

what the article actually says is not as worrying as it's title.

"ship within a ship" (enclaves that take up premium public spaces and amenities for some 5% of the passengers - in case of msc) is an obnoxious model adopted for some "high density" overcrowded ships to provide decent product at least for a limited number of cruisers - a third world model of "luxury" (ncl, msc).

Seeng how quickly celebrity is sliding down to commercialization (reflection) i would not be shocked to find this "concept" on celebrity ship some time.

Imo this "concept" mostly emphasizes the mediocre level of the rest of the product.

Fortunately, s-class by design is not "ship within a ship".

From what i can tell from the article, (so far) what is going to be is merely an extention of suite perks.

In case of the s-class the "ship within a ship" concept will require to separate sky lounge, solstice deck and covered pool from the rest of the cruisers. This will never happen.

 

 

huh?

[BMT]

This is just a 'band aid' to try and compete for suite customers. (Guests?:confused:)

 

Last year we experienced the Yacht Club on one of MSC's new ships. It was the most amazing product. Really no need to mix with guests in other parts of the ship. That really was 'a ship within a ship'. 7* experience.

 

The only problem was that it was on the 16th deck and boy, did you sway when it got a bit rough!!!

 

Still enjoy our balcony cabin on Celebrity though!!:D

[emcee207]

What the article actually says is not as worrying as it's title.

"Ship within a ship" (enclaves that take up premium public spaces and amenities for some 5% of the passengers - in case of MSC) is an obnoxious model adopted for some "high density" overcrowded ships to provide decent product at least for a limited number of cruisers - a third world model of "luxury" (NCL, MSC).

Seeng how quickly Celebrity is sliding down to commercialization (Reflection) I would not be shocked to find this "concept" on Celebrity ship some time.

IMO this "concept" mostly emphasizes the mediocre level of the rest of the product.

Fortunately, S-class by design is not "ship within a ship".

From what I can tell from the article, (so far) what is going to be is merely an extention of suite perks.

In case of the S-class the "ship within a ship" concept will require to separate Sky lounge, Solstice Deck and Covered pool from the rest of the cruisers. This will never happen.

 

And the Crusade lives on................:rolleyes:

[NLH Arizona]

Also, I specifically said in my post:

I apologize, if I misunderstood, I was responding to this comment on your post: This seems to be what would be creating a "class system".

[DiamondSuiteCruiser]

Actually, we sail both Celebrity and Crystal depending on the itinerary. Crystal doesn't offer Caribbean cruises in April so we are on the Refelection and this summer will be on the Crystal Serenity in Europe. As far as cost, it is still cheaper for the four of us to be in a PS on Celebrity than our adjoining PH and P1 cabins on the Serenity - by 1K a night.

 

As to the new perks; we would and will continue to sail in the PS and RS categories with Celebrity with or without these perks. Hopefully, these changes will not diminish the cruise experience for others onboard.

Ironically, it is looking like the only single class lines are going to be the luxury ships such as Crystal.

 

Also, after reading many opinions in this and other threads I find it interesting that no one has stated the obvious. I can't speak for others but if I can afford PS and RS staterooms do you think free drinks and specialty dinners are that important to me?

 

I agree with you, if I'm willing to pay 1500.00 a night for a PH I think I can shell out the money for my drinks, but then again if I'm paying top dollar and others are paying 200.00 a night, why would one expect to get he exact same cruising experience? I think it is very nice that Celebrity is doing this. I'm not sure if it will work. Frankly I don't attend the Elite cocktail hours now so I don't see myself using Michael's club to socialize with a select few. The dining in specialty restaurants is nice, but I would go whether it was for some or for all. I feel very blessed that I can travel the way I do at this time in my life. I'm sure in a few years when I retire, I will cut back and do maybe Sky suites or Celebrity suites, but that is my personal choice.

[Hockeylovinmom]

We have had penthouse suites on NCL and never felt different from anyone else just because we had a separate dining room for breakfast and lunch.After teaching for many years, I do not like buffets. They remind me of the school cafeteria. It is no different from some people eating at the buffet, some in the MDR and some in specialties. This is not different from some taking ship's excursions and some taking smaller private excursions. Some people pay more on Princess to be in the sanctuary and some are happy with the main pool area. If this change makes more money for Celebrity, it will be better for all who sail Celebrity.

 

 

I agree. I've found out NCL really knows how to "do" suites, although, we sail many different lines and enjoy them. (I'm also an ex-teacher, and really love to be waited on as opposed to a school cafeteria setting). However, I may add, ALL of the cruise lines have MUCH better buffets than do the schools! Lol!

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[kathynorth]

I agree. I've found out NCL really knows how to "do" suites, although, we sail many different lines and enjoy them. (I'm also an ex-teacher, and really love to be waited on as opposed to a school cafeteria setting). However, I may add, ALL of the cruise lines have MUCH better buffets than do the schools! Lol!

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

From a fellow educator who loves to cruise, YES I agree! :D

[Dunelm]

We ate one meal in the MDR last March on the Reflection. Overall the food ranged from good to very good. The issue that I have with the MDR is the large room, noise and servers rushing to take care of too many guests. Not a nice atmosphere.

 

You make a good point. Perhaps Celebrity needs to re-think the dining experience for all cruisers.

[smoosh21]

I tend to agree: since the press releases and information available at this point tend to exclude Sky Suites by mention, this would seem to impact a fairly low number of passengers on any given sailing.

 

I'm unaware of Celebrity having trouble filling the suites (at least on any sailing we've done), so why not give the suite passengers more bang for their buck?

 

The only downside would be if in doing so they take away a spot currently being well-utilized by we plebian passengers.

 

 

CM

 

 

I have yet to sail in a suite on Celebrity, but I have a few times on Royal. I know it pisses people off, but when you pay that much more money, I see nothing wrong with getting a little extra.

 

One thing Royal does on certain class ships is to allow you to eat your breakfast and lunch in Chops. The restaurant is closed so nobody is losing anything. But it was a very nice perk to get some special service. I wasn't required to do this, and I didnt feel I was self segregating when I did.

 

I can't always justify the cost of a suite, but in some cases (Like Transatlantics) it is worth it. I would never pay to fly first class on a plane. All the airlines give perks for first class. Are you guys going to stop flying all airlines that allow first class to board first and give them free drinks?