Edge Overpriced???

[nednrom]

11 minutes ago, villauk said:

Interesting comments DaCruiseBug - definitely food for thought. What I’m more shocked about is the amount of reviews that say they have a free cruise (casino comp) and yet the ship is still not sailing full, especially this early into a new ship’s sailings. No wonder X are throwing all the perks to try and entice pax to book. But as you state, ‘if they don’t drop the prices’ how are they going to get their intended demographic (millennials) to bite, as it’s not working presently 🤔?

 

All the recent photos on the various reviews also highlight the age range that are currently sailing on her....I don’t see many under 40s (which I am not, in case anyone thinks, being ageist - far from it as I’m over 40 - just pointing out that it’s not filled with the millennials they have targeted).

 

I'm not sure that the sole demographic target are the millenials.  I think the idea is to renew and refresh the cruising experience by excluding things that have become old and tired - like the 70's party, Newlywed game or Bingo.  Music or the shows for example - I am in my 50s, doesn't mean that I don't enjoy recent music such as Adele, Ed Shereen, Bruno Mars. It doesn't mean I can't have fun with Silent Disco.  The addition of technology reflects today's reality - we use our smart phones for everything nowadays. Celebrity cruisers may need to change their expectations and go with an open mind - there is a whole world out there but change is always hard for everyone.  The celebrity service and food is still superb.

 

[PRH]

Given all the recent Edge promotions, I’d say they are recognizing that people aren’t buying the premium price.  There were LOTS of American 30 and 40 year olds on our recent MSC cruise so it obvious that pricing is key.  Also, MSC does “kids sale free in the same cabin” so there were also many children.  Rather take them on a cruise than pay a sitter!

[nednrom]

3 minutes ago, PRH said:

Given all the recent Edge promotions, I’d say they are recognizing that people aren’t buying the premium price.  There were LOTS of American 30 and 40 year olds on our recent MSC cruise so it obvious that pricing is key.  Also, MSC does “kids sale free in the same cabin” so there were also many children.  Rather take them on a cruise than pay a sitter!

 

We are booked in MSC this year but we are empty nesters and would prefer to pay just a little more for a cruise with fewer kids.  Still not willing the premium price though when there are other options ....

[TeeRick]

The price of sailing Edge will likely come down over time when it is not the new ship on the block.  However when sailing Edge be prepared for the very high end shops on board.  There are not any even moderately expensive shops.  So a lot of shop space on the ship mostly empty of passengers.

[villauk]

2 hours ago, nednrom said:

 

I'm not sure that the sole demographic target are the millenials.  I think the idea is to renew and refresh the cruising experience by excluding things that have become old and tired - like the 70's party, Newlywed game or Bingo.  Music or the shows for example - I am in my 50s, doesn't mean that I don't enjoy recent music such as Adele, Ed Shereen, Bruno Mars. It doesn't mean I can't have fun with Silent Disco.  The addition of technology reflects today's reality - we use our smart phones for everything nowadays. Celebrity cruisers may need to change their expectations and go with an open mind - there is a whole world out there but change is always hard for everyone.  The celebrity service and food is still superb.

 

 

I don’t think the issue is with music likings. I believe it’s the cost, especially when many perceive they aren’t even getting a proper balcony etc. As I stated, there have been several reviews that have commented on the available cabins on their particular sailings, together with the pax who are sailing free on the casino offers (as DaCruiseBug above) and those that have been able to upgrade once onboard. TBH, I can’t recall any X sailing we have cruised on where pax have been able to upgrade to suites etc. once they have boarded so easily . There has always been the sign on GS desk stating don’t bother asking. This is a brand new ship that has been promoted everywhere, so why so many empty cabins and suites?

 

Check the posts over the years where pax state again and again that unless they book as soon as the itineraries are released, they can’t get suites. I could name a few current posters that have stated this, so tell me, why does it appear so easy on Edge?

Edited January 29, 2019 by villauk

[kelmac]

2 hours ago, nednrom said:

 

I'm not sure that the sole demographic target are the millenials.  I think the idea is to renew and refresh the cruising experience by excluding things that have become old and tired - like the 70's party, Newlywed game or Bingo.  Music or the shows for example - I am in my 50s, doesn't mean that I don't enjoy recent music such as Adele, Ed Shereen, Bruno Mars. It doesn't mean I can't have fun with Silent Disco.  The addition of technology reflects today's reality - we use our smart phones for everything nowadays. Celebrity cruisers may need to change their expectations and go with an open mind - there is a whole world out there but change is always hard for everyone.  The celebrity service and food is still superb.

 

Gail,

 

I agree that they aren't specifically going after the Millennials, but are looking for "New Cruisers" that want a fresh take on the whole cruise experience.  We know that these new cruisers don't have the sticker shock that all of us have, and once onboard, they spend like crazy!  They are the ones buying in the stores, purchasing the over-priced art, spending time in the casino, buying the ship's excursions, and collecting every photo they can.  

 

Celebrity is looking for the "trip of a lifetime" couples, that only take a vacation every few years, and go all out on the experience.

They return home and tell all of their friends about their super time they had onboard the Edge.  Give them four or five additional cruises and they are in the pool with the rest of us.  Not jaded, but putting some wisdom in play before booking the next cruise.

 

In 2019 my wife and I will cruise a total of 137 days (my wife just retired and we are doing a "big year") and we are budgeting like crazy in order to make this happen.  We have a seven night cruise on the Edge thrown in, but it's price needs to drop some before getting the final approval.  I can't get over that HAL's Nieuw Statendam is a brand new ship and is priced at 1/2 the cost of the Edge.  I prefer Celebrity, but......,

 

Enjoy!

Kel

[Stateroom_Sailor]

1 hour ago, kelmac said:

Gail,

 

I agree that they aren't specifically going after the Millennials, but are looking for "New Cruisers" that want a fresh take on the whole cruise experience.  We know that these new cruisers don't have the sticker shock that all of us have, and once onboard, they spend like crazy!  They are the ones buying in the stores, purchasing the over-priced art, spending time in the casino, buying the ship's excursions, and collecting every photo they can.  

 

Celebrity is looking for the "trip of a lifetime" couples, that only take a vacation every few years, and go all out on the experience.

They return home and tell all of their friends about their super time they had onboard the Edge.  Give them four or five additional cruises and they are in the pool with the rest of us.  Not jaded, but putting some wisdom in play before booking the next cruise.

 

 

These are the groups we've suspected Edge was built for:

(A)  Millennials

(B)  New Cruisers

(C)  Experienced Cruisers, in their 20's, 30's, and 40's

(D)  Trip of a Lifetime couples.

 

Where are they, and when are they coming?  I'm doubtful that it is all about price, though that would help.  I don't see much in the way of window shopping, not on X's ads, traveling blogs, or even new accounts here.  Sure, I bet a few MSC and RCCL passengers have crossed over to try it, but most of the youthful reviews appear to be coming from the already converted, 20 - 40 year old who've already sailed X before.

 

So let's say I'm 40 (which I am), have never cruised, and am looking for a trip of a lifetime.  I've got it nailed between these two:

 

Celebrity Edge, starting at $900, has 37%  4 & 5 Star Reviews.

 

MSC Seaside, starting at $399, has 54% 4 & 5 Star Reviews.

 

The young may be flocking to MSC, because it already has what they want:

 

 

 

 

[DaCruiseBug]

7 minutes ago, Stateroom_Sailor said:

 

These are the groups we've suspected Edge was built for:

(A)  Millennials

(B)  New Cruisers

(C)  Experienced Cruisers, in their 20's, 30's, and 40's

(D)  Trip of a Lifetime couples.

 

Where are they, and when are they coming?  I'm doubtful that it is all about price, though that would help.  I don't see much in the way of window shopping, not on X's ads, traveling blogs, or even new accounts here.  Sure, I bet a few MSC and RCCL passengers have crossed over to try it, but most of the youthful reviews appear to be coming from the already converted, 20 - 40 year old who've already sailed X before.

 

So let's say I'm 40 (which I am), have never cruised, and am looking for a trip of a lifetime.  I've got it nailed between these two:

 

Celebrity Edge, starting at $900, has 37%  4 & 5 Star Reviews.

 

MSC Seaside, starting at $399, has 54% 4 & 5 Star Reviews.

 

The young may be flocking to MSC, because it already has what they want:

 

 

 

 

 

We sailed Yacht Club on the Seaside in October and just got back from the Edge in an inside room. Believe it or not...there's more things I liked about the Edge then the YC.

 

First issue is with smoking areas...on the Seaside they were in horrible spots and we had to smell smoke way too much. On the Edge you can' even smoke in the casino. It was amazing!

 

The food in the main dining rooms of the Edge was BETTER then the Yacht Club dining room. If that says anything...

 

Obviously there was more attention given in the Yacht Club but...Celebrity has their sh** figured out.

 

Yes, it was more of an older crowd on the Edge but on the Seaside there was a mix of people from other countries and it made it hard to "connect" with other passengers. On the Edge it was just so easy to mingle with everyone. And I say this as someone born and raised in Europe.

 

The Seaside is a bigger ship with close to 5,000 passengers and the Edge has under 3,000. Yes the Seaside is cheaper but you truly do get what you pay for and like I said...we were in an inside room and I loved the service, the food, and the entertainment. The singers on the Seaside when we went were horrible. On the Edge they were WAY better. I also enjoyed the entertainment/activity staff on the Edge more then on the Seaside. Talked to the cruise director a few times and the activities manager knew me by name...never had that happen before.

 

I'm in my 30s and my girlfriend in her 40s. If you're our age range and are looking for quality I suggest you wait until the fall when the Edge comes back from Europe and try her out. It should be a younger crowd and the prices are lower.

[nednrom]

2 hours ago, kelmac said:

Gail,

 

I agree that they aren't specifically going after the Millennials, but are looking for "New Cruisers" that want a fresh take on the whole cruise experience.  We know that these new cruisers don't have the sticker shock that all of us have, and once onboard, they spend like crazy!  They are the ones buying in the stores, purchasing the over-priced art, spending time in the casino, buying the ship's excursions, and collecting every photo they can.  

 

Celebrity is looking for the "trip of a lifetime" couples, that only take a vacation every few years, and go all out on the experience.

They return home and tell all of their friends about their super time they had onboard the Edge.  Give them four or five additional cruises and they are in the pool with the rest of us.  Not jaded, but putting some wisdom in play before booking the next cruise.

 

In 2019 my wife and I will cruise a total of 137 days (my wife just retired and we are doing a "big year") and we are budgeting like crazy in order to make this happen.  We have a seven night cruise on the Edge thrown in, but it's price needs to drop some before getting the final approval.  I can't get over that HAL's Nieuw Statendam is a brand new ship and is priced at 1/2 the cost of the Edge.  I prefer Celebrity, but......,

 

Enjoy!

Kel

 

I totally agree with you - we have 4 cruises booked in 2019 and Edge was one of them.  I am not disputing the current  over pricing of Edge at all.  I was simply responding to Celebrity targeting millenials vs our age group.  Your definition of "trip of a lifetime" is a much better description.  10K - 50K pp for a suite is not a reasonable price for us to pay, it may be for some.  The suites will remain unoccupied as long as the prices are at that level.  They are two separate issues that Celebrity will have to balance out to get the profits they desire.  As I've said before, it's refreshing, different but I would not pay the price for it now. My birthday cruise will be at the Yacht club on MSC Meraviglia.

[tallnthensome]

I'm not sure why Celebrity wants to target Millenials with an overly expensive cruise ..... They are not known to be a wealthy generation. They are generally lazy, broke, make low wages, and live with mom and dad. They'd be better off on the MSC Seaside, which we loved btw. The millennial cruiser could do three week long cruises on the Seaside compared to one week on the Edge and have just as much fun. In all reality Celebrity should have went the other way with more affordable cruises, not more expensive. I doubt any of the sailings are full of young, skinny, beautiful millennials as seen in their promo videos.  

[DaCruiseBug]

20 minutes ago, tallnthensome said:

I'm not sure why Celebrity wants to target Millenials with an overly expensive cruise ..... They are not known to be a wealthy generation. They are generally lazy, broke, make low wages, and live with mom and dad. They'd be better off on the MSC Seaside, which we loved btw. The millennial cruiser could do three week long cruises on the Seaside compared to one week on the Edge and have just as much fun. In all reality Celebrity should have went the other way with more affordable cruises, not more expensive. I doubt any of the sailings are full of young, skinny, beautiful millennials as seen in their promo videos.  

 

Maybe the current sailings but the fall/winter sailings are more reasonable. Plus, the basic rooms on the Seaside basically include nothing other then the "drinks on us" package which is barebones and includes very little. For about $3,000 total you can get an oceanview room, deluxe drink package, internet package, $300 OBC, and prepaid gratuities on the Edge. While still more expenssive...it's only about a $1,000 difference total once it's all said and done.

[kelmac]

1 hour ago, DaCruiseBug said:

 

Maybe the current sailings but the fall/winter sailings are more reasonable. Plus, the basic rooms on the Seaside basically include nothing other then the "drinks on us" package which is barebones and includes very little. For about $3,000 total you can get an oceanview room, deluxe drink package, internet package, $300 OBC, and prepaid gratuities on the Edge. While still more expenssive...it's only about a $1,000 difference total once it's all said and done.

On Nov 10th we are making our second visit to MSC, sailing the Meraviglia in an inside Yacht Club cabin.  On Nov 24th we are sailing the Celebrity Edge in a CAT 10 inside cabin.  Here is the difference:

 

Cost -- Edge = $2,353 for both of us total, including all taxes/fees. 7 night cruise

            Meraviglia = $2,902 for both of us total, including all taxes/fees. 7 night cruise

 

Here is what we get --

            Edge = no perks, no drink package.  We are Elite Plus, so that helps a bit.

            Meraviglia = YC lounge with unlimited drinks/snacks 24 hours a day, YC dining room, YC buffet    open all day long, YC 

                                 pool area w/pool attendants, YC outside decks, YC outside bar area w/free unlimited drinks,

                                 YC inside cabin with free access to the mini-bar, YC butler services including escorted priority on/off 

                                  the ship, printed newspapers (select as many as you want from dozens of options daily), express 

                                  elevators, Black Card status w/free visit to alternative restaurant, free drinks all areas of the ship, free 

                                  items in the chocolate store/ice cream area, free access to certain areas of the Spa, and a YC guest       

                                  concierge services.

 

Neither ship includes gratuities.  One ports in Miami and the other in Port Everglades.

Ship wide, we prefer the uncrowded modern feel of Celebrity.  MSC ships can be crowded and have an international NCL like feel to them.  I'm not sure I would do a non-yacht club cruise on MSC, but their ships are beautiful?

 

Enjoy!

Kel😀

            

PS -- sorry about the final product once it posted.

Edited January 30, 2019 by kelmac

[Wine-O]

Yeah, they did away with the post preview screen, so now you have to proof & post, then edit to format it.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

2 hours ago, DaCruiseBug said:

 

We sailed Yacht Club on the Seaside in October and just got back from the Edge in an inside room. Believe it or not...there's more things I liked about the Edge then the YC.

 

First issue is with smoking areas...on the Seaside they were in horrible spots and we had to smell smoke way too much. On the Edge you can' even smoke in the casino. It was amazing!

 

The food in the main dining rooms of the Edge was BETTER then the Yacht Club dining room. If that says anything...

 

Obviously there was more attention given in the Yacht Club but...Celebrity has their sh** figured out.

 

Yes, it was more of an older crowd on the Edge but on the Seaside there was a mix of people from other countries and it made it hard to "connect" with other passengers. On the Edge it was just so easy to mingle with everyone. And I say this as someone born and raised in Europe.

 

The Seaside is a bigger ship with close to 5,000 passengers and the Edge has under 3,000. Yes the Seaside is cheaper but you truly do get what you pay for and like I said...we were in an inside room and I loved the service, the food, and the entertainment. The singers on the Seaside when we went were horrible. On the Edge they were WAY better. I also enjoyed the entertainment/activity staff on the Edge more then on the Seaside. Talked to the cruise director a few times and the activities manager knew me by name...never had that happen before.

 

I'm in my 30s and my girlfriend in her 40s. If you're our age range and are looking for quality I suggest you wait until the fall when the Edge comes back from Europe and try her out. It should be a younger crowd and the prices are lower.

 

We're pretty young and old at heart, so we do well with different age groups.  I wouldn't rule out Edge if the itinerary and price were right, but it wouldn't get much favor either.  We lean towards cheap reposition cruises and exotic ports.

 

I actually believe Celebrity could be a hidden gem to some Millennials, the ones that are foodies, and lean towards luxury hotels, and first class tickets.  Featuring Eden and the Magic Carpet may not be the best strategy to win them over, especially those who've never cruised.

 

Great info on MSC.  I love the decor, but these are serious negatives for me.  The food does not look appetizing, I hoped the Yacht Club would fix this, but not quite.  Looks exhilarating for kids!

[DaCruiseBug]

1 hour ago, kelmac said:

On Nov 10th we are making our second visit to MSC, sailing the Meraviglia in an inside Yacht Club cabin.  On Nov 24th we are sailing the Celebrity Edge in a CAT 10 inside cabin.  Here is the difference:

 

Cost -- Edge = $2,353 for both of us total, including all taxes/fees. 7 night cruise

            Meraviglia = $2,902 for both of us total, including all taxes/fees. 7 night cruise

 

Here is what we get --

            Edge = no perks, no drink package.  We are Elite Plus, so that helps a bit.

            Meraviglia = YC lounge with unlimited drinks/snacks 24 hours a day, YC dining room, YC buffet    open all day long, YC 

                                 pool area w/pool attendants, YC outside decks, YC outside bar area w/free unlimited drinks,

                                 YC inside cabin with free access to the mini-bar, YC butler services including escorted priority on/off 

                                  the ship, printed newspapers (select as many as you want from dozens of options daily), express 

                                  elevators, Black Card status w/free visit to alternative restaurant, free drinks all areas of the ship, free 

                                  items in the chocolate store/ice cream area, free access to certain areas of the Spa, and a YC guest       

                                  concierge services.

 

Neither ship includes gratuities.  One ports in Miami and the other in Port Everglades.

Ship wide, we prefer the uncrowded modern feel of Celebrity.  MSC ships can be crowded and have an international NCL like feel to them.  I'm not sure I would do a non-yacht club cruise on MSC, but their ships are beautiful?

 

Enjoy!

Kel😀

            

PS -- sorry about the final product once it posted.

 

For what it's worth -

 

The December 8th sailing (same itinerary) on the Edge has an Oceanview available for $3,460 out the door and includes deluxe drink package, paid gratuities, $300 OBC, and unlimited internet. Yes, it's about $1,100 more but you save $203 from the gratuities, get another $300 in OBC, get free internet (a $400 value), and the deluxe drink package (a $1,139 value).

[kearney]

1 hour ago, DaCruiseBug said:

 

For what it's worth -

 

The December 8th sailing (same itinerary) on the Edge has an Oceanview available for $3,460 out the door and includes deluxe drink package, paid gratuities, $300 OBC, and unlimited internet. Yes, it's about $1,100 more but you save $203 from the gratuities, get another $300 in OBC, get free internet (a $400 value), and the deluxe drink package (a $1,139 value).

These other items only have value to someone who is interested in them. We are elite and three or so cocktails are sufficient; drink coffee and iced tea, so beverage package not worth $1000. 90 minutes of internet is more than enough, so as a perk not worth $400. Gratuities yes, that is the perk I am interested in. So value depends upon the individual and your preferences and spending habits.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

2 hours ago, kearney said:

These other items only have value to someone who is interested in them. We are elite and three or so cocktails are sufficient; drink coffee and iced tea, so beverage package not worth $1000. 90 minutes of internet is more than enough, so as a perk not worth $400. Gratuities yes, that is the perk I am interested in. So value depends upon the individual and your preferences and spending habits.

 

I agree, perks are worth no more than what we would be willing to pay for them as an add-on.  We're very light drinkers, so I wouldn't pay more than $15 per person, per day.  OBC, unless it were a very short cruise, we would likely use it, so worth $300.  Someone else who buys nothing onboard, maybe it is only worth $150 to them.

[DaCruiseBug]

52 minutes ago, Stateroom_Sailor said:

 

I agree, perks are worth no more than what we would be willing to pay for them as an add-on.  We're very light drinkers, so I wouldn't pay more than $15 per person, per day.  OBC, unless it were a very short cruise, we would likely use it, so worth $300.  Someone else who buys nothing onboard, maybe it is only worth $150 to them.

 

Not sure if it's on all Celebrity cruises but on the Edge there was 1 night that the Casino offered a 10% bonus for those that got their OBC in casino chips. So $300 OBC equals $330 in casino chips. You can always get those...go get a drink and then go back and get cash for those. Also, each drink with the 18% gratuity ends up being $10+. I'm a light drinker and I find that on a cruise I have at least 4-5 drinks per day...but without a package I would maybe have 1-2. Sometimes you're sitting there listening to music and it's very convenient ordering a glass of wine, a scotch etc and just relaxing.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

1 hour ago, DaCruiseBug said:

 

Not sure if it's on all Celebrity cruises but on the Edge there was 1 night that the Casino offered a 10% bonus for those that got their OBC in casino chips. So $300 OBC equals $330 in casino chips. You can always get those...go get a drink and then go back and get cash for those. Also, each drink with the 18% gratuity ends up being $10+. I'm a light drinker and I find that on a cruise I have at least 4-5 drinks per day...but without a package I would maybe have 1-2. Sometimes you're sitting there listening to music and it's very convenient ordering a glass of wine, a scotch etc and just relaxing.

 

We have a drink package and tips for Hawaii, great combo of perks.  I love red wine, and find X's atmosphere very relaxing.  We purchased $55 in casino credit for each of us at $50, on both upcoming cruises, but didn't realized you could order multiples.  You could litterally play craps all cruise, with a slight advantage over the house!

[TMLAalum]

16 hours ago, kelmac said:

 I can't get over that HAL's Nieuw Statendam is a brand new ship and is priced at 1/2 the cost of the Edge.  I prefer Celebrity, but......,

 

Enjoy!

Kel

 

Yes, HAL's NS (12/23) was half the price of our Edge (12/16) sailing. With $300 OBC + premium beverage package on the Edge vs. prepaid grats on HAL the actual differential was not as great.

 

But the NS, despite being as new as the Edge, felt very old to me. Low ceilings, dark decor on Decks 3 & 4, garish decor and overly bright MDR lighting, and Italian specialty restaurant that more resembled a 60's Chinese venue....I could go on with my opinion of the design and decor choices on the NS, but, except for the Tamarind restuarant, it was not to my taste at all. Perhaps the greatest drawback to HAL is the smoking is still permitted in the casino, though not all the time yet it still permeates to other areas of the ship.

 

The Edge was beautiful in comparison. Despite not being a fan of the infinite veranda, I loved our cabin, the openness and flow of the ship layout with high ceilings in the public areas and the new venues such as Eden, the Grand Plaza and the Rooftop Garden (could use more shade). Loved the 4 restaurant concept on the Edge! I felt service was better on the Edge in the MDRs, too.HAL's waitstaff seemed well-trained to be robotic: ii I heard "My Pleasure" one more time after saying thanks.....

 

Our cruise on the NS was our fist time on HAL and will likely be our only time on HAlL!

 

 

 

 

 

[Cruise a holic]

On ‎11‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 6:44 AM, Mr&MrsBee said:

I have a 9 day cruise in Dec 2019  for the ABC islands on the Silhoutte booked for$4600.  Out of curiosity I looked at the

same itinerary  on the Edge for Nov 2019 and found the price to be $9004.  Same type of cabin CC and GO BEST on both.

The question is what do I get for the extra $4000?  Any answers?  Thank you.

 

On ‎11‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 11:13 PM, jelayne said:

IMHO they may have pushed the envelop a bit too far.  We are book on the Edge in January.  Since early on Suites and AQ were sold out.  It is 67 days until we sail and now there are 54 Suites & 10 AQ cabins available.  The lowest price Suite is $11k+ and AQ is $7k+ for 7 nights😳.  We booked on day 1 and paid $3,700 for AQ with the beverage pkg., prepaid gratuties and $350 OBC.   Glad we will get to see the ship but frankly when looking for future cruises I go right past the Edge, price premium is just too high for us.

 

On ‎11‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 11:13 PM, jelayne said:

IMHO they may have pushed the envelop a bit too far.  We are book on the Edge in January.  Since early on Suites and AQ were sold out.  It is 67 days until we sail and now there are 54 Suites & 10 AQ cabins available.  The lowest price Suite is $11k+ and AQ is $7k+ for 7 nights😳.  We booked on day 1 and paid $3,700 for AQ with the beverage pkg., prepaid gratuties and $350 OBC.   Glad we will get to see the ship but frankly when looking for future cruises I go right past the Edge, price premium is just too high for us.

I was recently on the Edge in a sky suite.  However, while some things about the ship are great- not worth the high price.  Stick with the Silhouette.  If and when the prices for the Edge drop, as they will, I suggest you book an outside cabin.  The infinite verandas gimmick are small cabins with a surcharge.  Stay away from the magic carpet side of the ship. 

 

I hope that Celebrity will fix the problems with the Edge before it produces more ships in its image. 

 

Read the reviews on cruise critic.

[DaCruiseBug]

The infinite veranda concept seems to work best for sailings to Alaska etc but as others have said...not very practical in the Caribbean with the heat and humidity. Sometimes you do wonder "who came up with this???".

 

3 things I would change on the Edge:

 

1. Get rid of Eden - while some appreciate it...it's a total waste of prime space.

2. The "grand plaza" isn't so grand, it's tiny...a ship needs an atrium that draws everyone in. (see Seaside)

3. Get rid of the open deck area in-front of the thermal spa, place the heated loungers all the way in the front and add a large hot tub/pool combo like on the NCL Escape.

[grandgeezer]

4 hours ago, TMLAalum said:

 

Yes, HAL's NS (12/23) was half the price of our Edge (12/16) sailing. With $300 OBC + premium beverage package on the Edge vs. prepaid grats on HAL the actual differential was not as great.

 

But the NS, despite being as new as the Edge, felt very old to me. Low ceilings, dark decor on Decks 3 & 4, garish decor and overly bright MDR lighting, and Italian specialty restaurant that more resembled a 60's Chinese venue....I could go on with my opinion of the design and decor choices on the NS, but, except for the Tamarind restuarant, it was not to my taste at all. Perhaps the greatest drawback to HAL is the smoking is still permitted in the casino, though not all the time yet it still permeates to other areas of the ship.

 

The Edge was beautiful in comparison. Despite not being a fan of the infinite veranda, I loved our cabin, the openness and flow of the ship layout with high ceilings in the public areas and the new venues such as Eden, the Grand Plaza and the Rooftop Garden (could use more shade). Loved the 4 restaurant concept on the Edge! I felt service was better on the Edge in the MDRs, too.HAL's waitstaff seemed well-trained to be robotic: ii I heard "My Pleasure" one more time after saying thanks.....

 

Our cruise on the NS was our fist time on HAL and will likely be our only time on HAlL!

 

 I would expect the base price on HAL to be higher than normal since it is sailing over Christmas. If you would have checked the price of the Edge, for Christmas sailing, and compared it to HAL's I'm sure the price difference would have been outrageous.

 

 

 

 

[grandgeezer]

4 minutes ago, grandgeezer said:

 

 Just for kicks, I just did a quick comparison for Christmas sailings for this year. These are base prices, I didn't go into detail. We always do balconys so these prices are for the entry level balcony.

 

December 23, seven days on the Edge:  $3299 p.p.

December 21, seven days on HAL N.A.:  $1499 p.p.

December 21, fourteen days on HAL N.A.  $2899 p.p.

[Denny01]

20 hours ago, tallnthensome said:

I'm not sure why Celebrity wants to target Millenials with an overly expensive cruise ..... They are not known to be a wealthy generation. They are generally lazy, broke, make low wages, and live with mom and dad. They'd be better off on the MSC Seaside, which we loved btw. The millennial cruiser could do three week long cruises on the Seaside compared to one week on the Edge and have just as much fun. In all reality Celebrity should have went the other way with more affordable cruises, not more expensive. I doubt any of the sailings are full of young, skinny, beautiful millennials as seen in their promo videos.  

My youngest daughter is a Millennial and she is a lawyer who owns her own home as do her friends, and do our Millennial friends we know. Your expereince with Millennials, whether relatives or friends, appears to differ from mine. And they are starting to cruise more and don’t appear to be looking at discount cruises that you think they belong on - our daughter and two couples are booking on a 2-week NE/Canadian Celebrity cruise which isn’t cheap. 

 

When we started to cruise, we weren’t much older than the current Millennials and I got very tired of the music set to the ‘Greatest Generation’ period very quickly. Then they marketed us; then a bit younger and so on. Life as we age. 

 

I can’t believe someone would think a company should ignore upcoming cruisers based on silly cartoon caricatures. 

 

Den