So when we know something more about Project Edge ships?

[kikki21]

Anyone have any knowledge as yet?

I know there was some chat the other week but if the Edge class ship is due to be launching late 2018, we should really be hearing something by now?!

 

I'm eager to get booked on this ship already having just completed our Celebrity Reflection cruise & simply forgot to ask for any snippets of info on board!

 

It looks like STX are going to be one busy shipyard!

[kelmac]

I hope the trend to "Class" the ships has run it's course. Not a fan of Suite Life, Haven, Yacht Club, Grills Class..........., Yes, I could spend a years worth of travel budget and upgrade, but we like 10 weeks of travel, two/three/or four cruises thrown in there.

 

How about these two going totally "Non-Smoking" (Build it and they will come!)

 

By the way, these are my two picks for the names:

 

Celebrity Quasar "emitting exceptional amounts of energy"

 

Celebrity Nebula "bright area in the night sky"

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

Edited April 15, 2016 by kelmac

[dkjretired]

I hope the trend to "Class" the ships has run it's course. Not a fan of Suite Life, Haven, Yacht Club, Grills Class..........., Yes, I could spend a years worth of travel budget and upgrade, but we like 10 weeks of travel, two/three/or four cruises thrown in there.

 

How about these two going totally "Non-Smoking" (Build it and they will come!)

 

By the way, these are my two picks for the names:

 

Celebrity Quasar "emitting exceptional amounts of energy"

 

Celebrity Nebula "bright area in the night sky"

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

 

As much as I may agree with you on both counts, I think you are going to strike out on both. The trend towards Class ships I believe is going to get worse, IMHO Celebrity is going to have a whole section of the ship "keyed off to the steerage passengers" and because the ships do a lot of Europe and Asia cruises don't see a non smoking ship coming soon.

[kikki21]

I think the ship within a ship concept will stay as well.

 

I'd love a proper spa pool in the spa with jets etc as per the NCL Escape.

 

An infinity pool at the back.

 

A proper forward observatory type lounge that's open all of the time!

 

We can all dream! [emoji4]

[cruisestitch]

Don't look for any opportunity to book before November 2018, that is not that the ships will be ready then, only that the window for bookings will open then.

 

That's the latest idea from .future Cruise office on board Eclipse.

[PTMary]

I hope the trend to "Class" the ships has run it's course. Not a fan of Suite Life, Haven, Yacht Club, Grills Class..........., Yes, I could spend a years worth of travel budget and upgrade, but we like 10 weeks of travel, two/three/or four cruises thrown in there.)

 

Actually, the "class" in Edge Class refers to the design family of ships, not the "class" levels of amenities on board. Much like the Solstice Class is the family of five nearly identical ships of that design, and the Infinity Class is the family of four nearly identical ships of that design, the Edge Class will be at least two ships, and perhaps even more, of the same design.

 

But, having said that, I do agree with you about the trend towards providing enhanced areas and venues just for people who will spend more than the typical cruiser. I am fine with having bigger and fancier staterooms with better service in those staterooms for the big spenders, but I don't like the idea of being shut out of certain areas of the ship because I can't afford to spend as much as they can. That is what the expensive luxury cruise lines are there to provide. It makes me feel like they think I am a lower class customer - sort of reminds me of having to use separate drinking fountains or certain seats on a bus.

[offnoncruiser]

Unfortunately I agree that the Edge class of ships for Celebrity will only take the ship within a ship concept to a new level never seen before on a Celebrity ship. It's pretty obvious (IMHO at least) that Celebrity is doing everything they can to maximize the suite experience. Luminae....fine. Michael's Club....no big deal. But if/when they reserve a big chunk of top deck open space for only a small percentage of the passengers, that's when I'll stop sailing them. Just have to stick to the older ships. The open top decks of ships are already overcrowded. But I still think it's pretty much a given that Celebrity will have some open deck space limited to suite passengers only.

 

I also believe the lawn club concept will be gone. Mostly a waste of good open space (again IMHO). Don't get me wrong, I love them, but on our cruises, large portions of the lawns have mostly been roped off for the majority of the cruise. And I'm sure the lawns are very expensive to maintain. Another way for Celebrity to cut costs.

 

I don't think there will be any total non-smoking mega-ships. Eliminating too many potential customers on ships that are already getting hard to fill (without offering last minute lower fares for sure) in an industry with more and more berths every year.

 

But can't wait to hear what the latest is whenever they do release any news!

 

Thanks.

 

Bruce

[cruisestitch]

New already knows he new ships won't be mega ships.

 

I can't see Celebrity ever going back to allowing indoor smoking.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Don't look for any opportunity to book before November 2018, that is not that the ships will be ready then, only that the window for bookings will open then.

 

That's the latest idea from .future Cruise office on board Eclipse.

 

Since the ship is suppose to debut in the fall of 2018, bookings should open November, December 2016 if the current pattern continues, or very early in 2017.

[hcat]

Our main wish list item is that AQ class with BLU (simpler, non -fussy, "cleaner" food ), Persian Garden access, in room spa amenites, Relaxation Rm and two person AQ room limits are continued...Or at least some affordable version of a spa class experience with pvt dining and perhaps a real T pool like they had on Mercury, also on Cunard & other ships,,,

 

Dealbreakers would be MDR only (no Blu) or a dine around concept....we love BLU and could not get used to a bigger dining area with shared tables at a set time, anytime dining in an MDR where they give out beepers, or rotatonal dining..

[cruisestitch]

That's what I thought too, Mary Lou, but they were quite specific that bookings would not be taken this fall. Perhaps they are aware of some delay that hasn't been announced....??

[kikki21]

That's what I thought too, Mary Lou, but they were quite specific that bookings would not be taken this fall. Perhaps they are aware of some delay that hasn't been announced....??

 

That's a shame if there is going to be a delay & didn't they say that these ships would be smaller, 2600 pax?

 

I can see them getting rid of the lawns & grass, the Alcoves weren't really being utilised a lot on the Reflection, not a lot of people eating at the Porch or the LCG either.

Think Celebrity need to have a rethink here.

[kelmac]

Unfortunately I agree that the Edge class of ships for Celebrity will only take the ship within a ship concept to a new level never seen before on a Celebrity ship. It's pretty obvious (IMHO at least) that Celebrity is doing everything they can to maximize the suite experience. Luminae....fine. Michael's Club....no big deal. But if/when they reserve a big chunk of top deck open space for only a small percentage of the passengers, that's when I'll stop sailing them. Just have to stick to the older ships. The open top decks of ships are already overcrowded. But I still think it's pretty much a given that Celebrity will have some open deck space limited to suite passengers only.

 

 

 

 

Bruce

 

Bruce,

 

I agree. We just did a couple of cruises on NCL (the Jewel and the Jade) and I thought the space ratio was pretty good at 39.35, however with the Haven pool area and upper deck area for suites, the minions are really crowded together.

 

We had the UDP and the UBP and upgraded the experience considerably, and I'm sure the Haven experience is nice, but I fail to see the economic benefit to NCL, as their additional income does not balance all the extras given to such a small number of passengers. Compare the Haven, at Oceania prices.

 

Hope Celebrity does not go that way.

 

By the way, I think we've crossed that social line where Celebrity no longer needs smokers to make money. In fact, my guess would be a higher demand for a non-smoking ship. Where the problem lies -- it may be hard to find crew members who are non-smoking.

 

Enjoy!

Kel:)

[FreestyleNovice]

https://www.ttgmedia.com/news/news/celebrity-cruises-gaining-an-edge-in-the-market-2658

 

"Lutoff-Perlo is tight-lipped about the itineraries for Project Edge – the name given to the construction of the line’s two unnamed new ships which are due for delivery in 2018 and 2020 – but she does admit: “I don’t think it’s likely that an Edge-class will be based in the UK. If we build five ships, then maybe,” she adds with a smile, “but not the first”.

 

Lutoff-Perlo insists she can’t reveal “much” about the new ships – “it’s not too much longer until we can start talking about it, I promise” – “but what I can tell you is that they are extraordinary,” she insists.

 

“There will be some of the same [features], and some will be different. The ships will feel both familiar and different – people will say: ‘Wow, Celebrity did it again’.”

 

And;

 

"The ships are also not expected to be positioned to solely serve the Chinese market .. "

 

"“At this point in time we are not considering doing China like Royal,” Lutoff-Perlo says."

[dkjretired]

If past experience means anything, the first news we will get will be when they do the first steel cutting and the name of the ship usually comes out on the date of one of the season changes.

[cpj]

I don't think you will see any more lawns. The biggest mistake they ever made. If something is successful it would be copied by other cruise lines. With all the new ships built in the last five years do you see any lawns.

[luv2cruisecats]

We have always booked AQ on Celebrity to eat in Blu and honestly no other real reason (Persian Gardens is a major non-starter). After seeing the crowds gang up in front of the MDR and patiently wait their turn we simply go into Blu with no issues at all. We also sail NCL and at least there they have smaller branches of their MDR which eliminates most of the congestion; therefore we do not have to wait forever or alternately pay $45 or more per person to eat in a "nicer" dining venue as we would on X if we do not book AQ.

 

We do have a major concern with X however that might spillover onto the new ships: They have boosted their future state AQ rates from "reasonable" to essentially "outrageous". I am very concerned that after the next 2 years of us going through advanced bookings we may be leaving X which is somewhat depressing. Maybe supply and demand will rear it's ugly head and things will level out by X dropping price points in AQ. For now they are simply ridiculous...

[kikki21]

I know what people are saying about prices on X.

I really wanted to book another cruise on X for 2017 but with no promotions even close to 123 go for us in the UK, we had to seek better value elsewhere & found it on MSC who even hands down best what we could have on NCL.

 

I've loved both Celebrity cruises I've been on but the price has to be right!

[Host Jazzbeau]

So when we know something more about Project Edge ships?

 

I think the answer to your question is: when we see a thread without a question mark in the title :D

[kikki21]

So when we know something more about Project Edge ships?

 

I think the answer to your question is: when we see a thread without a question mark in the title :D

 

Lol true & my topic title doesn't make for great English either! Do not start a thread when severely jet lagged! :rolleyes:

[WonderMan3]

I for one am hoping that we see Celebrity fall in line with some of the other cruise lines like NCL and create a separate area for suite guests. Place all the suite cabins in one section of the ship with exclusive access to a pool, sundeck, restaurant, bar, etc. Maybe have a small fitness and spa area too, or small casino. With the prices that we pay for a suite it would be nice for once to have access to a poolside lounge chair on a sea day without having to get up at 7am. If the suites-only amenities are all confined to one area that includes the cabins then that should reduce the feeling that things are being "taken away" from other guests.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I for one am hoping that we see Celebrity fall in line with some of the other cruise lines like NCL and create a separate area for suite guests. Place all the suite cabins in one section of the ship with exclusive access to a pool, sundeck, restaurant, bar, etc. Maybe have a small fitness and spa area too, or small casino. With the prices that we pay for a suite it would be nice for once to have access to a poolside lounge chair on a sea day without having to get up at 7am. If the suites-only amenities are all confined to one area that includes the cabins then that should reduce the feeling that things are being "taken away" from other guests.

 

I suspect this will happen in the design of the EDGE ships, but I for one don't feel it is necessary. I think Celebrity has already found a nice middle ground to provide increasing levels of amenities that match the increasing cost of cabins and suites. Inside-to Ocean View-to Veranda each get more space/views and the Main Dining Room; Concierge gets some amenities [they don't make sense to me, but obviously some people are willing to pay for them]; AquaClass gets to dine in Blu; and suites get Michael's Club and dining in Luminae. [As opposed to Princess, where no matter how much you pay for a suite you still eat in the MDR.] Since suites also have larger balconies, the need for a separate pool area is less [iMHO]. The reason I would not like to see the Haven/Yacht Club concept on Celebrity is that these special pool areas take space away from the rest of the ship, so everybody else is more crowded -- they suffer more than you benefit, which doesn't seem like a fair tradeoff.

Edited April 18, 2016 by Host Jazzbeau

[jabrown40]

Maybe the lawn area could be utilized as a new venue for suite guests. I would never miss that space!

[villauk]

I for one am hoping that we see Celebrity fall in line with some of the other cruise lines like NCL and create a separate area for suite guests. Place all the suite cabins in one section of the ship with exclusive access to a pool, sundeck, restaurant, bar, etc. Maybe have a small fitness and spa area too, or small casino. With the prices that we pay for a suite it would be nice for once to have access to a poolside lounge chair on a sea day without having to get up at 7am. If the suites-only amenities are all confined to one area that includes the cabins then that should reduce the feeling that things are being "taken away" from other guests.

 

Hasn't it already been said that the new ships will contain far more suites than any other previous builds? Seem to recall 20%? Well if that's the case, your idea may hold and a separate area for dining, sunbathing and lounging may happen. Unfortunately though, the added suites will mean more pax in that area, so you'll still be fighting for those seats - if in a more refined environment ;). I do feel X will go this way, along with the Dynamic Dining theme. If large areas are taken by 'suite only' access, X may begin to lose some pax to Princess etc.

 

One question, if you prefer a totally separate area for everything, why not go on a smaller more exclusive ship with less pax and a higher staff ratio? I can understand those that say they still want a larger ship to roam when they book suites, but if you intend to stay in one area for everything, why not book a more exclusive cruiseline instead of a mass line with thousands more pax? Genuine question ;).

 

When the kids are no longer sailing with us, we intend to try Azamara - smaller ships, more access to different ports.

[LabGuy64]

I can understand what you are saying...nobody enjoys exclusions....but does it upset you when flying that you can't use the first class area of the plane...or even the bathroom when flying coach? It is basically the same thing

 

 

Actually, the "class" in Edge Class refers to the design family of ships, not the "class" levels of amenities on board. Much like the Solstice Class is the family of five nearly identical ships of that design, and the Infinity Class is the family of four nearly identical ships of that design, the Edge Class will be at least two ships, and perhaps even more, of the same design.

 

But, having said that, I do agree with you about the trend towards providing enhanced areas and venues just for people who will spend more than the typical cruiser. I am fine with having bigger and fancier staterooms with better service in those staterooms for the big spenders, but I don't like the idea of being shut out of certain areas of the ship because I can't afford to spend as much as they can. That is what the expensive luxury cruise lines are there to provide. It makes me feel like they think I am a lower class customer - sort of reminds me of having to use separate drinking fountains or certain seats on a bus.