Onboard Eclipse Now. Big cutback in Classic Package Inclusions!

[Oxo]

when you found out that the brands you liked we're not included, why didn't you ask for a refund and purchase what you wanted?

 

Sound advice, however, who knows what is in the Classic Package as of now, tomorrow, next week or a month from now? This is so volatile that it is beyond knowing what to expect.

[NLH Arizona]

Sound advice, however, who knows what is in the Classic Package as of now, tomorrow, next week or a month from now? This is so volatile that it is beyond knowing what to expect.

 

After you purchase your package and the board the ship, go to a bar and ask if what you like is available or not. If yes, great for you. If not, run don't walk to guest services and cancel it.

[ghstudio]

After you purchase your package and the board the ship, go to a bar and ask if what you like is available or not. If yes, great for you. If not, run don't walk to guest services and cancel it.

 

I'm not so sure you can cancel once you are on the ship..Certainly if you received it as a perk, you can't change to the OBC or free gratuities once you are on the ship.

 

Some things sound easy when you type them....just not so easy when you actually try to do them.

[NLH Arizona]

I'm not so sure you can cancel once you are on the ship..Certainly if you received it as a perk, you can't change to the OBC or free gratuities once you are on the ship.

 

Some things sound easy when you type them....just not so easy when you actually try to do them.

If a perk, I would say no, but I would guess if it weren't used, a purchased one could be cancelled the first day. Also, didnt Kevinyork say someone went to guest services to get their money back, I could be wrong, but I thought I read that.

[maximusas]

Very brief due to interent costs. Firstly, still having a great cruise but there is widespread discontent with the changes and manner in which its been done. Many we chat to still have not had a cocktail as no menus show a cocktail within the price limit and they havnt been to Guest Relations to get the sheet of available drinks.

 

A couple of quick answers.......Yes the four smaller martinis are still available within the package at the Martini bar. Rubydoodoo.........there are a couple of extra cocktails available that are not on the list, a BBC and Pina Colada for instance and presumably the ones you mention. Plus Baileys and Sambucca are available but not on the sheet.

 

We spoke to one couple who upgraded to the Premium Package on day 2 as they couldnt find any coctails to drink but when we showed them the sheet of drinks they went to demand a refund since if they had been advised they would not have upgraded. I wonder how many more have done this and is this part of the plan? I bet there have been far more upgrades on this cruise than most previous cruises where the cruise was within the 123 Promo dates.

 

Finally, why is this list so unprofessional? It looks like a schoolboy has drawn it up on an A4 sheet of paper and why is itonly given out on demand?

 

On a better note, my OH who had the Classic alcohol thrown in but doesnt drink was allowed to downgrade to the Premium non alcohol package on day one to access the better waters. However Guest Relations said that they would not allow it after the first day due to having to examine the drinks already consumed to ensure none were outside of the Premium non alcohol package.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Hi Kevin

 

My haven't the tides changed on the forums. Thanks for posting the onboard printouts for the classic drinks package.

 

I would be more interested in what's going on with the premium drinks packages which traditionally included pretty much everything in my experience with exception of some special cocktails or wines in the speciality restaurants.

 

Is there a similar printout for the premium drinks package that you coul post? Based on price increases, areas of concern that I believe are likely to be impacted are:

 

Molecular and martini bar drinks which were always just within premium price range - this was a great package previously in part due to the ability to drink more or less what you wanted without needing to sign for it. This is what would irritate me more than the price hike. I personally believe the premium package should be Truely all inclusive with no need to sign for drinks.

 

I understand Celebrity increasing their prices - especially with the realisation that this "free classic package" is probably costing them more than they anticipated.

 

With that in mind, if premium has lost some of it umph... Hopefully one of 2 things will happen- they will either increase cost of package and also it's inclusive limit or perhaps they are gearing up to introduce a new drinks tier which will actually be all inclusive like the old premium package.

 

Anyway, I realise you're having a great time on the a Eclipse... Will be there all too soon myself on 5th July... But believe during this seemingly testing time for many customers that you will become a true legend on these forums if you managed to dish the dirt on the premium as well. cheers

[Cruising89143]

If a perk, I would say no, but I would guess if it weren't used, a purchased one could be cancelled the first day. Also, didnt Kevinyork say someone went to guest services to get their money back, I could be wrong, but I thought I read that.

 

I think they went for a refund on an upgrade from Classic to Premium.

[tteettimes]

how do you suppose Celebrity will appease those unhappy cruisers whose favorite cocktail is now priced higher than the Premium limit?.......maybe they'll add a Tier to the beverage packages....maybe call it " Premium Plus" ;)

[ghstudio]

how do you suppose Celebrity will appease those unhappy cruisers whose favorite cocktail is now priced higher than the Premium limit?.......maybe they'll add a Tier to the beverage packages....maybe call it " Premium Plus" ;)

 

I seem to remember that they did offer a higher limit package at one point....but it seems to have disappeared. Does anyone else recall that or is this an aging mind moment?

[MicCanberra]

how do you suppose Celebrity will appease those unhappy cruisers whose favorite cocktail is now priced higher than the Premium limit?.......maybe they'll add a Tier to the beverage packages....maybe call it " Premium Plus" ;)

The Zenith drinks package perhaps:p

[kborth]

But haven't most gotten it "free" as part of Pick Your Perks or 1-2-3 Go?

 

As with anything with the cruise lines they can and do change things at a moments notice.

 

The 123 isn't' free. Looked at prices last year at this time and am kicking myself that I didn't book then because balconies were going for a hundred more than inside. Booked this year and settled for inside. Outside cabins were more than 800 above inside and balconies were over 1000 more when I booked. I didn't think that I would drink enough booze to make it worth my while. . Just my opinion and this is first cruise on Celebrity. Drinks on Hal were a good deal and I believe they had premium brands but I am platinum on Royal and wanted to try this line, kind of spooked by all these issues a month before my cruise and I don't blame those who are upset with the switch in their package.

[20pluscruises]

There used to be a hotel chain that promised "no surprises".

There are a few people on these boards that really don't get the cumulative impact of "gotcha" pricing.

 

Cut backs in staffing... doesn't affect me

Cut backs in entertainment.. doesn't affect me

Pay for Zumba now doesn't affect me

Removal of your favourite wine or mixed drinks from the package one "purchased" in good faith.. doesn't affect me

 

We know by now those people who think that it's all about them and not about how others feel about recent changes.

 

OK, one may be satisfied with very little, but there are many who resent the fact that what was offered when we booked is no longer available.

 

There are a few posters who keep on belittling those who are actually experiencing a deterioration of the Celebrity experience. I just wish they would stop pretending that their imagination is the same as an actual recent cruising experience.

 

There is not a single example of an improvement in Celebrity's Modern Luxury experience reported over the last four months but many negative reports by people who actually have a cruising experience to share.

 

"Where's the beef" .. don't you realize you only paid for the bun?

 

This is no longer about a single pebble in my shoe, this is becoming a major issue despite the willful blindness of the people who continue to attack the messengers.

 

Excellent post!!!

[beverly_kaye]

I booked during the 123 offer and I chose the drink package because I asked the cruise specialist if the banana daiquiri was included. He said yes and now it's not on the list. The drink package is basically worthless to me now. Maybe Celebrity could give us a do-over on our selections since the packages have changed since our booking? I would have chosen the OBC if I had known. I apologize for being disappointed.

 

Bev

[wpgcycler]

I booked during the 123 offer and I chose the drink package because I asked the cruise specialist if the banana daiquiri was included. He said yes and now it's not on the list. The drink package is basically worthless to me now. Maybe Celebrity could give us a do-over on our selections since the packages have changed since our booking? I would have chosen the OBC if I had known. I apologize for being disappointed.

 

Bev

 

How do you KNOW it's not included? Because it isn't on "the list"? There are lots of lists and it's already been demonstrated that the bars WILL serve classic package holders drinks that don't appear on these lists. Furthermore, whats's included in the Packages is determined by price, not by lists. There's an awful lot of confusion here somewhat due to misinformation and somewhat to lack of information. I think we need some clarification from Celebrity or some copies of price lists from current passengers before jumping to conclusions.

[ScubesDad]

I seem to remember that they did offer a higher limit package at one point....but it seems to have disappeared. Does anyone else recall that or is this an aging mind moment?

 

Your memory is correct. About 2 or 3 years ago there was a third package.

 

My comments are from a different perspective. We were on the Equinox Apr 4 sailing, and many of the premium and top shelf liquors which were available 12 - 18 months ago were no longer available anywhere on the ship. In addition, when I did find something at one bar it wasn't available anywhere else. When I asked why it wasn't available I was told there wasn't the demand. Granted I prefer Irish Whiskey, which is not a high demand product. On the April 4 cruise I was able to get either Jameson 18 yr or Jameson Gold; however, there was no truly "premium" option above this. Previously I was able to get Midleton Very Rare by paying the difference.

 

Paraphrasing an earlier comment, if I can't have one or two of my preferred drinks, why would I want three or four of an inferior product.

 

Our next sailing is in a few weeks, maybe I will test the waters on their premium scotch and see how I make out:p

 

It does look like they are squeezing from both ends and it does look like a profit squeeze as you can make a wider margin on a lower end product than you can on a higher end product particularly if you can find a way to increase the margin on the low end, move it from the classic to the premium level, and totally drop the lower margin lower production options. (classic (no pun intended :o) cost accounting strategy)

 

If you really want to make the point, do all your drinking in port, and boycott alcohol when on the ship. That will show the bean counters........

[Cruise Junky]

I seem to remember that they did offer a higher limit package at one point....but it seems to have disappeared. Does anyone else recall that or is this an aging mind moment?

 

Yeah wasn't it $199 a day? Didn't seem to last long

Found it...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1603280

Edited May 14, 2014 by Cruise Junky

[harz99]

If you really want to make the point, do all your drinking in port, and boycott alcohol when on the ship. That will show the bean counters........

 

Oh yeah;)

[chamima]

There used to be a hotel chain that promised "no surprises".

There are a few people on these boards that really don't get the cumulative impact of "gotcha" pricing.

 

Cut backs in staffing... doesn't affect me

Cut backs in entertainment.. doesn't affect me

Pay for Zumba now doesn't affect me

Removal of your favourite wine or mixed drinks from the package one "purchased" in good faith.. doesn't affect me

 

We know by now those people who think that it's all about them and not about how others feel about recent changes.

 

OK, one may be satisfied with very little, but there are many who resent the fact that what was offered when we booked is no longer available.

 

There are a few posters who keep on belittling those who are actually experiencing a deterioration of the Celebrity experience. I just wish they would stop pretending that their imagination is the same as an actual recent cruising experience.

 

There is not a single example of an improvement in Celebrity's Modern Luxury experience reported over the last four months but many negative reports by people who actually have a cruising experience to share.

 

"Where's the beef" .. don't you realize you only paid for the bun?

 

This is no longer about a single pebble in my shoe, this is becoming a major issue despite the willful blindness of the people who continue to attack the messengers.

 

This reminds me of an old adage I learned. (And I know there really isn't a comparison between being killed and cruise amenities but I've thought of the comparison every time I've read Cruisenut's post)

 

They came for the Communists and I wasn't a Communist so I didn't protest....

They came for the gypsies and I wasn't a gypsy so I didn't protest.....

They came for the Jews and I wasn't a Jew so I didn't protest.....

Then they came for me and there was no one left to protest.....

 

I think it just illustrates that just because something doesn't affect you personally, if you feel it's wrong or unfair you still need to say something to support those it does affect.

[Jenna109]

This reminds me of an old adage I learned. (And I know there really isn't a comparison between being killed and cruise amenities but I've thought of the comparison every time I've read Cruisenut's post)

 

They came for the Communists and I wasn't a Communist so I didn't protest....

They came for the gypsies and I wasn't a gypsy so I didn't protest.....

They came for the Jews and I wasn't a Jew so I didn't protest.....

Then they came for me and there was no one left to protest.....

 

I think it just illustrates that just because something doesn't affect you personally, if you feel it's wrong or unfair you still need to say something to support those it does affect.

 

Excellent post Karen and it really makes you think.

I have sent an email to Celebrity asking about the price increases / classic drinks on the Eclipse. I requested information and also are the increases fleet wide. Lots of passengers booked on the Eclipse because of the 123 great deal and now I am wondering if the changes are just on the Eclipse.

Our friends are on the Eclipse at the moment - without the drink package. They must be astounded by the price of drinks (P&O normally) unfortunately I persuaded them to try Celebrity:eek:

[MicCanberra]

This reminds me of an old adage I learned. (And I know there really isn't a comparison between being killed and cruise amenities but I've thought of the comparison every time I've read Cruisenut's post)

 

They came for the Communists and I wasn't a Communist so I didn't protest....

They came for the gypsies and I wasn't a gypsy so I didn't protest.....

They came for the Jews and I wasn't a Jew so I didn't protest.....

Then they came for me and there was no one left to protest.....

 

I think it just illustrates that just because something doesn't affect you personally, if you feel it's wrong or unfair you still need to say something to support those it does affect.

 

Yes, very true but it also puts it into perspective as well. Our drinks package problems are so 'First world issues':(

I just think that X would be better served to flag these things ahead of time so people can adjust their plans appropriately.:mad:

[sonnenstrahl]

I just put a message on a German forum, so that we get the info out not only in the English speaking world. I'm not willing to just take it with a smile. I'm very disappointed as a first time Celebrity Cruiser, if I could I would go straight back to Princess but our sailing is next week.

When airlines chance to only one luggage it was always with a booking date.

[The_Big_M]

This reminds me of an old adage I learned. (And I know there really isn't a comparison between being killed and cruise amenities but I've thought of the comparison every time I've read Cruisenut's post)

 

They came for the Communists and I wasn't a Communist so I didn't protest....

They came for the gypsies and I wasn't a gypsy so I didn't protest.....

They came for the Jews and I wasn't a Jew so I didn't protest.....

Then they came for me and there was no one left to protest.....

 

I think it just illustrates that just because something doesn't affect you personally, if you feel it's wrong or unfair you still need to say something to support those it does affect.

 

Some have that view. Others think it makes you a complainer.

[JandKMom]

Personally, I am not really that upset. Honestly, when I first selected the package (as part of 1,2,3) I had assumed it would be "house" brands - the lowest of the low, so I was actually pleasantly surprised that there were any name brands at all. That being said, I was a bit disappointed that some of them were taken away later on, but I can live with it. I will see what is included when I get on board. I may pay for the upgrade, may not (probably will upgrade my kids from the Classic to the Premium non-alcoholic so they can have frozen drinks and Gatorade, etc.). What Celebrity really should have done if they wanted to raise prices would have been to raise the prices of the drinks, then raise the price limit of the Classic to say $9 or $10 a drink and THEN raise the cost of the Classic Beverage Package. That way, people who had ALREADY bought the package would be happy and any new people coming in would be buying it at a higher price.

[revileandy]

We sailed on the Eclipse on the 2nd May. We got a good deal with $200 credit and the classic drinks package.

 

In the past we never went for the drinks package for two reasons - first we liked to explore and find nice bars in the ports of call (more fun & cheaper!) and second because I always thought the price of alcohol on the ship was fairly reasonable.

 

Anyway, it was free this time - so I was happy enough to work with what was available in the classic package but I did find the choice limited.

 

However, my big surprise was the price of alcohol in general on the menu's - my last cruise was a year and a half ago and I remember a normal beer Corona / Red Stripe costing around $4.50 / $5 - now all these standard drinks seem to be $7 or more, quite pricey I thought.

 

Also, as celebrity have given away so many drinks packages the bars are a lot busier, it takes longer to get served and they have issues with not being able to hold enough stock behind the bar resulting in long waits while the staff go to the stock rooms.

 

We've only ever cruised with celebrity and we've loved it everytime but little things like this now have me doing research on other cruise lines!

[Iamcruzin]

I booked during the 123 offer and I chose the drink package because I asked the cruise specialist if the banana daiquiri was included. He said yes and now it's not on the list. The drink package is basically worthless to me now. Maybe Celebrity could give us a do-over on our selections since the packages have changed since our booking? I would have chosen the OBC if I had known. I apologize for being disappointed.

 

Bev

 

Celebrity has a drink menu in each bar that are special to that venue. Those are the listed drinks. Basic drinks like Screw Drivers, daiquiris, Bloody Marys may not be on the list but can all be made with a less expensive brand of alcohol so you should be able to get those under the classic plan. The only problem I see is if you drink something like a classic Martini which is mostly all alcohol the Vodka or Gin selection may have changed in the classic plan. It is also a problem for those who drink Scotch straight up or on the rocks.

 

For the record it seems as if he bartenders don't even have a clue as to what's included in the drink package so I wouldn't even bother to ask a Travel agent or Cruise specialist at this point in time.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[cle-guy]

I booked during the 123 offer and I chose the drink package because I asked the cruise specialist if the banana daiquiri was included. He said yes and now it's not on the list. The drink package is basically worthless to me now. Maybe Celebrity could give us a do-over on our selections since the packages have changed since our booking? I would have chosen the OBC if I had known. I apologize for being disappointed.

 

Bev

 

Call and ask about changing the perk. I was able to swap my Beverage package to free gratuities on a cruise I booked while on board last month. (Rio for Carnival in 2016!)

 

I normally always take beverage when available (only on 3 of my 6 so far have included ability to select a package) so just chose it out of habit. Then a few days later realized at that time the suite I booked would include the premium package, so it was a wast to select the beverage package. They made the change simply and quickly.