Celebrity's mistake with the new overnights

[hcat]

Caution.

Anyone considering changing their booking should call and be cautious in relying on what you see on the website.. not quite right just yet.

 

we called and made the change (hoping for overnight in Cartagena on Equinox) only to learn that what we had looked at on line was not what the rep came up with on her end.. .she had pretty much completed the change when it was discovered.

 

.Luckily, we were able to get our orig date and cabin / price back with same perks BUT even with same booking #, we have to wait for the grats and bev package to be added to the res again....

 

also waiting for same to be added after we switched the date for our ABC Island cruise due to 10/17 remianing in limbo...

 

once done hope we will be set without any more surprises from X. Looking into a nice W Indies itin on Azamara..with.no overnights

Edited May 27, 2015 by hcat

[QE2_Fan]

 

 

 

My one fear is how warm will it be in my cabin overnight while in port

 

 

Was reading your post with interest but not sure what your concern is above, about how warm your cabin will be. Are they planning to shutoff the aircon when doing an overnighter? [emoji53]

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jagoffee]

Again I wonder?

 

We are not half way thru 2015, many here have sailings booked all thru 2016, and a few into 2017 already. When is 'THE TIME' to make a change?

 

Very few business can wait well over 2 1/2 years to do so.

 

Good point. The implementation of changes is almost always a challenge and seldom is everyone happy.

 

If I was in charge I would have allowed anyon that has a non refundable deposit to cancel and be allowed to move to another cruise without penalty. I actually do not think that too many people would necessarily take advantage of the opportunity, but at least everyone would feel that they made the choice.

I am sure that some people might cancel, but I bet it is not too many people and many more people like the late night in Barbados and the overnight stay. As I have said previously I think it is a great idea and I think it will turn out to be a great change for the longer cruises.

[Northernmags]

As we are CCL affectionados, we booked the 11 day Caribbean cruise for April 4,2016 almost two years ahead. Although it is not the end of the world that Celebrity removed Belize for an over-night in Columbia, it is very disappointing. Cruises are booked for the ports that are offered. It seems to display an amount of bad customer relations for what is likely a money saving act. For those who wrote that they lost Bonaire in this manner I have to say that if they are snorkellers, they have lost a fantastic opportunity. On a trip to see the ABC islands with HAL we enjoyed an incredible snorkelling day with a wonderful company on that island. The best to date. Celebrity you have disappointed us greatly along with friends who accompany us.

[Snit13]

I agree with cruisestitch that what the 'upset/angry' group are upset and angry about is not about overnights or missing this or that island. It is about publishing an itinerary and then swapping for a reason that is not based on safety/unsuitability.

 

For example, I have booked a Singapore to Abu Dhabi cruise 2017. All ports of call are important to me. I chose Celebrity because I love the brand. If nearer the time Sri Lanka was removed and an overnight in Goa was to replace it because Sri Lanka posed a genuine concern then I would not mind. If it was replaced simply to introduce the concept of overnight I would be very upset.

 

For many Europeans 'to visit as many islands as possible' during a Caribbean cruise may have driven their choice of itinerary and cruise company.

 

I am all for new itineraries, I have no issue with overnights unless moored in a container port. I just don't think changes should be made after release unless there is a very good reason.

 

 

Our Equinox 2017 is one of the cruises with a cancelled port "Dominica" the main reason I choose the cruise. Now we get to watch the containers and old dock in St. Maarten. I have been to that port numberous times and no longer get off the ship. I have been out of town and plan to research other options before I decide to cancel. I canceled another cruise to book this one. Guess I was not meant to cruise in spring of 2017.

[TxnAquarian]

Azamara has also revised several itineraries for 2016, completely changing ports. Ours was one that was affected. It was changed from a Greek Isles to an Amalfi Coast cruise and we rebooked for another cruise for another time of year. There is also a lot of complaining about one of the drydock dates for an Azamara ship completely changing, canceling a couple of cruises next year. So Celebrity isn't the only brand making big changes at the last minute.

 

Having said that, I think adding additional overnights at ports is a big plus, and I think this will do well for Celebrity. I don't have any interest in a cruise to the Caribbean, but hopefully X will offer some interesting evening tour options. If missing a port of call is such a huge deal to some people, there are plenty of other cruise lines that offer day long visits to all these same ports. It's really not that big a deal.

 

 

Michael

[C 2 C]

I just posted a poll asking cruisers who were actually affected if Celebrity did contact them prior to the change as they advertise and if they actually prefer the overnight to the cancelled port.

 

Posters who vote are recognizable by clicking on the number of the vote count.

 

My issue is not the overnight but the way Celebrity is telling us that we asked for the change even though we booked because of the itinerary.

[Little Floater]

Was reading your post with interest but not sure what your concern is above, about how warm your cabin will be. Are they planning to shutoff the aircon when doing an overnighter? [emoji53]

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Maybe it's our imagination but the wife and I have noticed that when our vessel isn't underway at full power our verandah cabins feel warmer and clammier, especially pierside on embarkation day. I don't think the cabins will be hotboxes but my hunch is ac will be under performing. Hopefully my "fear" is unfounded!

[luv2cruisecats]

We had a second night in Cartagena substituted for Belize. If you have ever been to Belize you probably understand why this suited us fine.

[TxnAquarian]

I just posted a poll asking cruisers who were actually affected if Celebrity did contact them prior to the change as they advertise and if they actually prefer the overnight to the cancelled port.

 

Posters who vote are recognizable by clicking on the number of the vote count.

 

My issue is not the overnight but the way Celebrity is telling us that we asked for the change even though we booked because of the itinerary.

 

 

I don't think Celebrity is saying that you asked for overnights on your cruise. I think they are saying based on the strong bookings for cruises with overnights, people obviously want that. And they decided to add additional overnights to other regions due to the demand they've seen. Makes sense to me. I really have very little desire to do a Caribbean cruise, but would look more closely at them now.

 

I do agree that it's poor business sense not to contact booked customers, but these same people would be mad regardless. It wouldn't change anything.

 

Michael

[villauk]

We had a second night in Cartagena substituted for Belize. If you have ever been to Belize you probably understand why this suited us fine.

 

We absolutely loved our day in Belize, one of the highlights of our recent Equinox sailing. The wildlife viewing was fabulous, wouldn't have missed it for the world ;). Horses for courses, it depends what you want to see and do.

[luv2cruisecats]

We absolutely loved our day in Belize, one of the highlights of our recent Equinox sailing. The wildlife viewing was fabulous, wouldn't have missed it for the world ;). Horses for courses, it depends what you want to see and do.

 

My wife and I absolutely love wildlife tours but have only been on "Belize City" tours which only illustrated how poor this country is. Did you do a ships tour to see wildlife?

[villauk]

My wife and I absolutely love wildlife tours but have only been on "Belize City" tours which only illustrated how poor this country is. Did you do a ships tour to see wildlife?

 

Yes. We went by coach to Altun Ha Mayan ruins first, and then did a 2 hour boat trip back to the ship. We saw: howler monkeys, crocs, sloths, bats, dolphin, manatees, butterflies, various birds and many other species. A truly wonderful day.

 

I'll be honest, I thought our itinerary was one of the best we've experienced in the Caribbean, especially for my DH as he was able to reminisce being previously stationed in Belize. A wonderful combination of wonders and wildlife, from the Panama Canal to the glorious beaches in Grand Cayman. Cozumel is probably the only place where I'd say we could take it or leave it, but of course, that's only my opinion ;).

 

I would like to do the ABC islands as we enjoy experiencing new places and sights (as you can probably tell from my signature :)), which is why I can understand why some people are disappointed with the itineraries changing after they have decided on particular places of interest they wish to visit ;). It is a totally different scenario from missing a port due to weather, sea conditions, safety etc.

[constantcruiser]

I agree that replacing an additional port with an overnight stop is certainly a cost-saving measure for the cruise lines. But really, how many "new and improved" ideas haven't been just that?

 

Since many passengers buy a beverage package and/or redeem elite vouchers, the ship probably doesn't make that much additional money on drinks while sailing between ports. You've already paid for your meals on the ship; but if you're eating in town, they don't have to prepare or serve the food. Kickbacks from their "recommended" stores in port are likely more profitable than the shops on board. And they provide minimal on-board activities while in port, which means fewer crew are necessary. All that, combined with reduced fuel charges and port fees, probably does makes Caribbean itineraries "new and improved"--for the cruise lines!

[WpgCruise]

I agree that replacing an additional port with an overnight stop is certainly a cost-saving measure for the cruise lines.

 

I just don't see it as a cost saving measure, and here's why.

 

Port Fees: Yes, if one port is removed for an overnight, the first port fees won't be paid, but I doubt that the overnight port will allow the ship to stay for free. What they don't pay to the eliminated port will probably be more than offset for additional fees to the overnight port. Port fees are usually calculated by size of ship and time tied to the dock.

 

Fuel: I doubt there is much if any savings here either. Engines will be run whether at sea or in port. While tied to the dock the engines are running to provide hotel services, power, water et al.

 

Food: I would expect that Celebrity with a passenger load of 2,800 on an "S" Class ship is projecting food supplies based on experience. A few hundred perhaps having dinner ashore won't make any significant difference.

 

Personnel Costs: The only potential for savings I can see here is if they reduce some entertainment. Ships crew will be on a normal rotation and just because the ship is overnighting I wouldn't expect waiters, stewards, chefs, support personnel to have the night off. In addition Staff are not paid an hourly rate, rather a monthly fee, so any time off wouldn't be a cost to the cruise line.

 

What about Costs to Celebrity ? I don't know but would expect that while the ship is tied to the pier, the Casino, and Shops will be closed. These are significant sources of revenue to the cruise line, revenue that would be made if the ship didn't overnight.

 

I instead think for the reasons above the change is not a cost savings measure, but rather a response from the customer base to "Change up" their Caribbean offerings.

 

Only time will tell how popular the decision will be.

Edited May 28, 2015 by WpgCruise

[TxnAquarian]

I just don't see it as a cost saving measure, and here's why.

 

 

What about Costs to Celebrity ? I don't know but would expect that while the ship is tied to the pier, the Casino, and Shops will be closed. These are significant sources of revenue to the cruise line, revenue that would be made if the ship didn't overnight.

 

I instead think for the reasons above the change is not a cost savings measure, but rather a response from the customer base to "Change up" their Caribbean offerings.

 

Only time will tell how popular the decision will be.

 

 

 

Exactly! I was thinking the exact same things as you wrote. Too many people on here have this dark cloud hanging over their heads that Celebrity corporate is trying to find as many ways to cut costs as possible. I think that by offering something a little different in the Caribbean, as opposed to their competitors, they know they can gain new bookings. Azamara has found its very successful niche in offering overnights and late night stays in all of its destinations, including the Caribbean. And there is no way that Celebrity isn't considering the revenue they will lose by closing up the casino and shops for these overnights.

 

Having said that, I am sorry to everyone who has lost a port that they were interested in seeing. But look around and I know you can find a cruise line offering the port you wanted, plus maybe a different port or two. We were really excited for a cruise on Azamara next June that called at Mykonos (a port we really wanted to return to and was a must for us). And then after booking, they completely changed the itinerary to focus on Italy (because of customer demand) and we lost Mykonos....but we rebooked on a different cruise over a different date and not only got Mykonos, but an overnight there =)

 

 

 

Michael

[phoenix_dream]

Maybe it's our imagination but the wife and I have noticed that when our vessel isn't underway at full power our verandah cabins feel warmer and clammier, especially pierside on embarkation day. I don't think the cabins will be hotboxes but my hunch is ac will be under performing. Hopefully my "fear" is unfounded!

I totally agree with you. We always find the cabins much warmer when in port than when sailing. In the Caribbean that can make a big difference. Hopefully just the setting of the sun will help somewhat, but this is a concern. It does not apply to the cruise I am taking (and maybe M class ships have no overnights yet, not sure) but the 'new' AQ cabins on Deck 11 are generally much warmer than most other cabins we have been in. I would be very concerned about overnighting in one of those.

[RDC1]

I just don't see it as a cost saving measure, and here's why.

 

Port Fees: Yes, if one port is removed for an overnight, the first port fees won't be paid, but I doubt that the overnight port will allow the ship to stay for free. What they don't pay to the eliminated port will probably be more than offset for additional fees to the overnight port. Port fees are usually calculated by size of ship and time tied to the dock.

 

Fuel: I doubt there is much if any savings here either. Engines will be run whether at sea or in port. While tied to the dock the engines are running to provide hotel services, power, water et al.

 

Food: I would expect that Celebrity with a passenger load of 2,800 on an "S" Class ship is projecting food supplies based on experience. A few hundred perhaps having dinner ashore won't make any significant difference.

 

Personnel Costs: The only potential for savings I can see here is if they reduce some entertainment. Ships crew will be on a normal rotation and just because the ship is overnighting I wouldn't expect waiters, stewards, chefs, support personnel to have the night off. In addition Staff are not paid an hourly rate, rather a monthly fee, so any time off wouldn't be a cost to the cruise line.

 

What about Costs to Celebrity ? I don't know but would expect that while the ship is tied to the pier, the Casino, and Shops will be closed. These are significant sources of revenue to the cruise line, revenue that would be made if the ship didn't overnight.

 

I instead think for the reasons above the change is not a cost savings measure, but rather a response from the customer base to "Change up" their Caribbean offerings.

 

Only time will tell how popular the decision will be.

 

If the overnights shortened the distanced cruise during the itinerary then it would save substantially on the amount of fuel. Fuel consumption rate is directly related to cruise speed and time. Very little fuel is consumed in port. The amount of load required by hotel services is relatively low compared to the amount of the ship moving at cruising speed. Even the difference between a ship running at normal speed and having to run a high speed due to some type of delay can be in the thousands of dollars.

[cruiseJMO]

 

Flying directly to your destination removes MOST, but not all, of that risk. :D

 

Ewe!!! Fly??? Instead of cruise? Gotta be a lot of perks involved to make me do that.

[cruiseJMO]

I'm probably getting distracted by all the side notes, so I probably missed it.

 

Why is Bonaire the one that seems to be most commonly taken off the itineraries?

[vulcan1971]

We are actually happy with the itinerary change on the Equinox cruise we have booked. Overnight stops are good for us.

Dont really understand how others can get so worked up , but each to their own I guess.

And if you havnt booked yet I really think having a go at Celebrity for telling you of changes BEFORE you book should not be a criticism!

 

Perhaps they should do a 'Mystery Cruise' where all you know is your start port and date along with the final port and date. All other stops can be a surprise...yeah that would be fun

 

 

I would do that itinerary on principle! :D

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

[WpgCruise]

If the overnights shortened the distanced cruise during the itinerary then it would save substantially on the amount of fuel. Fuel consumption rate is directly related to cruise speed and time. Very little fuel is consumed in port. The amount of load required by hotel services is relatively low compared to the amount of the ship moving at cruising speed. Even the difference between a ship running at normal speed and having to run a high speed due to some type of delay can be in the thousands of dollars.

 

On our cruise Feb 1 Equinox sailing, which cancelled Costa Maya for an overnight in Cartagena, the Cozumel stop remains on the itinerary. While we don't stop now in Costs Maya, it's right on the way from Cozumel to Puerto Limon.

 

I would suspect any fuel savings from not stopping in Costs Maya, given we sail right past it on the way to Puerto Limon would be negligible.

 

Now for example if it was Grand Cayman that was cancelled I could buy into the fuel savings argument, but it too remains on the itinerary.

 

The actual miles covered when looking at a map hasn't changed significantly, hence my reasoning that fuel savings as a reason for the change is not significant.

 

E.T.A. And one more thing while I'm thinking about it. What's wrong with Celebrity making money? I understand them to be a entity that has to make money, for if they don't we'll not have them to kick around and moan about.

No money, no ships.

 

Good Grief, some of us here call them cheap miserly bad names when they won't make changes. Then they make a change and we call them cheap miserly and pontificate they only made the change to save money. They just can't win.

Edited May 29, 2015 by WpgCruise

[jagoffee]

I'm probably getting distracted by all the side notes, so I probably missed it.

 

Why is Bonaire the one that seems to be most commonly taken off the itineraries?

 

Those of us that like to either snorkel or dive I think it is a great port stop. I have read numerous comments from others that there is not a whole lot to do in Bonaire otherwise. It is very easy to do private tours there and the number of ships in port at the same time is limited. Perhaps only one or two?

If you do not snorkel or dive I would not think you would vacation on the island.

[wdblake]

I was looking forward to Bonaire and now we are scheduled for an overnight in crappy Curacao. I guess I better start looking into Princess. Way to drop the ball Celebrity!

[TMLAalum]

Cannot believe Celebrity will overnight in Cozumel! It seems to me that just about all western Caribbean cruises visit this port- we've been there twice and that's plenty. Senor Frog's anyone?

 

I do understand disappointment over the changes in itineraries. Not a good move by Celebrity for those who booked based on ports-of-call.