Dear Celebrity, you really don't want us in our staterooms, do you?

[Bo1953]

2 hours ago, Ma Bell said:

If people follow your advice there won't be anywhere to "move on". There are plenty of others places to go with complaints but there's also nothing wrong with speaking up here.

 

I've been a loyal customer for many years but that doesn't mean I won't provide what I think is constructive criticism when necessary. I have personally been responsible for bringing many others to the Celebrity product as well but just sitting back and watching the product lose it's appeal doesn't help anyone. Good grief man, you can't just blindly defend everything they do.

 

Bon Voyage to you too.

Thanks for your input and I did go back to the OP's comments in which they indicated that they 'may have to move' to another cruise line...

 

My comments were in support of their thoughts if the service declines beyond which they will not further tolerate as they have written "...we'll just find another room on another cruise line to hang out in. "

 

They too, are loyal X passengers.

 

Because I Am supporting the OP's comments and thoughts means that I Am defending X????

 

Point out where I went afoul in your mind, as I did not criticize the OP's thoughts in any manner or form at all?

 

In fact, I do believe, for some, service and amenities will either decline or be reduced to a level at which they will not tolerate it any further and I do support their leaving at that juncture.

 

As you, rightfully, believe that providing 'creative' criticism is healthy, as do I, I do also believe in following the whole text thought as well... sometimes I do get it mixed up and wrong and I do apologize when I do, without hesitation or remorse.

 

bon voyage

[Pennstatedj]

This subject caught my eye. 22 years ago I was a loyal Princess elite. They messed up a cruise for us and our TA suggested X. We thought it was great and the tie breaker for me was the availability of on demand movies. 87 cruises later on x, we still love movies in the afternoon while my spouse naps. I guess we have have a choice, to download or find another line. It is too bad we are only a few cruise from Zenith. 

[Ma Bell]

46 minutes ago, Bo1953 said:

Thanks for your input and I did go back to the OP's comments in which they indicated that they 'may have to move' to another cruise line...

 

My comments were in support of their thoughts if the service declines beyond which they will not further tolerate as they have written "...we'll just find another room on another cruise line to hang out in. "

 

They too, are loyal X passengers.

 

Because I Am supporting the OP's comments and thoughts means that I Am defending X????

 

Point out where I went afoul in your mind, as I did not criticize the OP's thoughts in any manner or form at all?

 

In fact, I do believe, for some, service and amenities will either decline or be reduced to a level at which they will not tolerate it any further and I do support their leaving at that juncture.

 

As you, rightfully, believe that providing 'creative' criticism is healthy, as do I, I do also believe in following the whole text thought as well... sometimes I do get it mixed up and wrong and I do apologize when I do, without hesitation or remorse.

 

bon voyage

My apologies. I have just noticed that you always seem to suggest that people find another cruise line and if you point me to a post that you have made that is critical of Celebrity I'd love to see it.

[vtcruising]

1 hour ago, Cruise Junky said:

And this is my outside area of my Villa for November that is A LOT cheaper than a suite on Celebrity... and Yes, that's a private pool on the left.

Looks lovely!

[hulamoon]

That is a deeply disappointing table for suites on Edge. I assumed they fixed that by now. But no? Sometimes we bring food items from the Buffett, that little table won’t work. 

 

As for the movies, we have all the premium channels and Netflix etc. Celebrity always had a few movies that had not made it yet. We do watch and what’s the point of a nice TV without good movies? 

 

We often board the cruise on the edge of burnout. Some days are just for chilling and repair. It will be annoying to buy movies. 

 

Fix this please.

[hulamoon]

1 hour ago, Cruise Junky said:

And this is my outside area of my Villa for November that is A LOT cheaper than a suite on Celebrity... and Yes, that's a private pool on the left.

 

Is this a rented villa? Would really be interested in more info.

 

 

 

 

[Cruise Junky]

55 minutes ago, hulamoon said:

 

Yes, it’s in Port Douglas, Australia.  We went through Airbnb, but here’s the link to the overall complex.  Friends stayed there last year and just raved. We absolutely LOVE Port Douglas and if you want access to the Reef, this is the spot. 

 

https://www.niramaya.com.au/

 

 

[hulamoon]

2 hours ago, Cruise Junky said:

Yes, it’s in Port Douglas, Australia.  We went through Airbnb, but here’s the link to the overall complex.  Friends stayed there last year and just raved. We absolutely LOVE Port Douglas and if you want access to the Reef, this is the spot. 

 

https://www.niramaya.com.au/

 

 

Thank you!

[Miaminice]

8 hours ago, the_dylaness said:

 

I don't disagree with you- but I'd like to point out that I am in my 30s and have two young children... not a "cruise oldie" 🙂

 

Haha... I am “only” 46 myself... 

“Cruise oldies” was referring more to number of cruises than age.

 

In terms of age you (and probably I) can probably consider yourself the next generation of cruisers when considering the average age of Celebrity customers. 

 

And I am not talking about the Caribbean cruises here where everything is a bit younger and a different ambiance on board in general. 

[kathynorth]

6 hours ago, hcat said:

Now that is Modern Luxury!   

Very nice photos,,,maybe send them to LLP along with the downgraded  balc photos.  What would LLP prefer on her cruise???

 

Great idea!

[Shaco]

11 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

We are Elite, and have never once wanted any of those items.  We do spend time in our cabin, relaxing, watching the ocean, reading a book.  We will be boarding again on Friday, and don't anticipate being any less comfortable with the furniture and amenities we have.

I am delighted that you enjoy your cruises without the recently departed footstools. And you don’t care if there’s a table on the balcony or in your cabin. You never order room service anyway. As for free in room movies, they’re a waste when you can enjoy looking at the gorgeous ocean. But, guess what? This is not about footstools or free movies or tables. It’s about things that used to be there, but are not there anymore. By the way, congratulations on soon becoming Elite!

You’ll enjoy the free cocktails in the evening, unless Celebrity decides to change

that, too. And the complementary laundry service... Do enjoy your cruise!

Sharon

Edited September 12, 2019 by Shaco
Forgot to sign my name

[Miaminice]

2 hours ago, Shaco said:

...footstools.... table on the balcony ... room service anyway. ...free in room movies, 

...

You’ll enjoy the free cocktails in the evening, unless Celebrity decides to change

that, too. And the complementary laundry service...

 

😂 We are Elite plus and also never used or cared for all the things above. Incl. the laundry service although we only do long cruises. On the contrary, we avoid the social hours. 

Believe it or not, some people are actually just happy with the travel experience alone.

[hcat]

8 hours ago, Cruise Junky said:

Yes, it’s in Port Douglas, Australia.  We went through Airbnb, but here’s the link to the overall complex.  Friends stayed there last year and just raved. We absolutely LOVE Port Douglas and if you want access to the Reef, this is the spot. 

 

https://www.niramaya.com.au/

 

 

Very beautiful and lush. Hope you enjoy  your stay. Sadly, it is too far away for us to consider.   Long and  expensive air travel.,,.

 

We have a Villa in Florida,  located  on a nature preserve not far from the Gulf of Mexico,  with full amenites. We have enjoyed All Inclusive resorts as well, etc.

BUT  it's  just not the same as cruising.

 

We'll continue with X until it becomes too "no frills" overall.  We were able to book  a Sky Suite on the re routed Connie out of Tampa. It will be   our first suite after many cruises and many yrs in Aquaclass. Sure hope our balcony looks better than the ones being shown  Looks like hand me down furniture;  and  seems not very useful for relaxing,  breakfast overlooking the sea, reading , enjoying wine and cheese, etc

[Pushka]

Comfort means different things to different people. The footstools always get in my way. After a long haul (25+ hours) on a plane then the last thing I want to do on a cruise is watch a movie. I like watching the sea, the sunsets, enjoying good wine and enjoyable but not necessarily gourmet food. A comfortable bed and quiet room to sleep in. To chill or be active as I wish. Room service - rarely use it. Celebrity does all of those things I want. The only thing I’d like is a self service laundry option. But I can manage that I guess. 

Edited September 12, 2019 by Pushka

[hcat]

10 hours ago, hulamoon said:

That is a deeply disappointing table for suites on Edge. I assumed they fixed that by now. But no? Sometimes we bring food items from the Buffett, that little table won’t work. 

 

As for the movies, we have all the premium channels and Netflix etc. Celebrity always had a few movies that had not made it yet. We do watch and what’s the point of a nice TV without good movies? 

 

We often board the cruise on the edge of burnout. Some days are just for chilling and repair. It will be annoying to buy movies. 

 

Fix this please.

Hulamoon

TVs are loaded with  ads of things to buy or spend money on....or very old TV shows...or other junk TV.  We won't pay for movies but will download a few to watch on our laptop...less than ideal.  We will bring back snacks from the buffet and improvise for a suitable table.   We enjoy being out and about in the ship and in ports but as you stated so well some days or nights are just for chilling! 

 

Pushka...

After 25 hrs in a plane,  elevating feet on a nice foot stool is good for curculatiin and  overall health. We'll take yours if you get any!  Comfy balc furniture enhances  our enjoyment of watching the sea, sunsets, etc,  The veranda  stuff we had on EDGE was not comfy at all.  

 

Hoping we have nice loungers on our Sunset Veranda when we  are back in EDGE in a few weeks...

Edited September 12, 2019 by hcat

[boscobeans]

19 hours ago, Fouremco said:

The Kobe burger blunder on Celebrity and the 2nd main course surcharge on HAL are two examples of cruise lines reversing direction when faced with sufficient opposition. 

 

Don't forget LLP's Dynamic Dining at Royal Caribbean.  Two ships now with separate restaurants serving the same menu?? ...

[boscobeans]

3 hours ago, Miaminice said:

 

Believe it or not, some people are actually just happy with the travel experience alone.

 

I love the travel experience, however to me it includes a few, shall we say creature comforts.

A comfortable chair with a footstool or a lounge chair on my veramda where I can kick back with a drink or two after an active day port hopping or donating in the casino.

 

Maybe a late night snack without having to run out in pajamas for a few cookies and a pot of coffee.

 

I don't know how many times my wife and I have enjoyed a full breakfast on a decent sized table while docked in the Caribbean as we watch the beauty around us or the early birds leaving for their excursions, from our veranda, while still in our bathrobes.

 

I guess some would consider being towed behind a cruise ship in a dinghy a travel experience... LOL

Enjoy your cruises .

Edited September 12, 2019 by boscobeans

[bobndee]

13 hours ago, Straughn said:

No, Celebrity does not want you in your stateroom. If you are in your cabin, you are not spending money at the bar (if you don’t have a drink pkg), in the spa, in one of the specialty restaurants, at the art auction, in the shops, etc.

 

I was going to make this same post, but Straughn got there before me, so all I can say is "Right on!".

[Oceangoer2]

11 hours ago, hulamoon said:

That is a deeply disappointing table for suites on Edge. I assumed they fixed that by now. But no? Sometimes we bring food items from the Buffett, that little table won’t work. 

 

As for the movies, we have all the premium channels and Netflix etc. Celebrity always had a few movies that had not made it yet. We do watch and what’s the point of a nice TV without good movies? 

 

We often board the cruise on the edge of burnout. Some days are just for chilling and repair. It will be annoying to buy movies. 

 

Fix this please.

that is a deeply disappointing table/chair setup for non-suites as well.  Any class on this line should have at least semi comfortable seating and a table which would accommodate a light meal.  What was WRONG with what they had on the balcony prior to the Edgificatiion!!  If they push us to the decks to relax, the sun cots were  absolutely full before this change.  We're on the Silhouette in March, Elite Plus and considering a change to another line.  This has pushed us over the Edge...so to speak!

[Miaminice]

4 minutes ago, boscobeans said:

I guess some would consider being towed behind a cruise ship in a dinghy a travel experience... LOL

 

Nope - that I would call an adventure 😉

 

[DiamondDiva]

We are just off a trip on the refurbed Millenium in a Sky Suite.   Loved our Luminae experience, our room steward Kadek, and our Suite Concierge.  Could not get  up to the new Suite Retreat, as the elevator is not working to that deck, which I need.  Seems it has not been working for a while and is “ not fixable”. Redone “Michael’s Club” was very uncomfortable, and other than the “Evening with the Officers”,  rarely had anyone in it for drinks/ snacks, or relaxation/ conversation.  

 

We got used to the new room layout and did find plenty of storage, tho some in weird places, and little in the bathroom.  Stray items took up needed space or moved with ship, like a mostly dead cactus, a huge coral, a large empty vase, and way too many hard decor pillows!  Tho I did need one of those big pillows to sit on the quite hard couch, as it is too deep for shorter people. Desk chair won’t fit under the desk because of the high arms, which are already scratching up the front of the desk, as it juts out into the narrow walking area. But even without the arms, you would have trouble sitting on it, as the seat height makes it hard to get legs under the drawer area!  S class Sky does have more physical area, but similar issues. 

 

Will we return again? Yes, tho probably not as often as we have been.  In general, the ship is less comfortable than it used to be in both private and public spaces.  But the service, while changing a bit, is still a plus for Celebrity, so we booked again.  But we are also trying new options as well, and only booked one rather than the 2 or 3 we did in the past while onboard. 

 

[Mike981]

I get conflicted with threads like this.

I truly hate to hear someones experience being hurt by cutbacks/changes. I get it, we all have different items and services that are important to us and when they are taken away it effects our experience. After years of doing other things, my DW and I went back to Celebrity this past January. We knew that the MDR was not the same, but WOW. We were ready for the food changes, but man the proximity of the tables and the lack of staff... it honestly reminded us of our experience on Carnival with our kids.

On the other hand, I am spending less for my next cruise (basic balcony) than I did 20 years ago on Celebrity. I toy with the idea of trying a more refined/upscale line, but I just can't justify the extra money. And yes I honestly try to compare apples to apples with the included air and such. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but when I do the research it doubles my expense.

As for the increase in prices, it seems to me that travel in general has just gotten a lot more expensive currently. Times are good for the travel industry, it won't last. Like everything in life, it ebbs and flows.

[hulamoon]

12 hours ago, Cruise Junky said:

Yes, it’s in Port Douglas, Australia.  We went through Airbnb, but here’s the link to the overall complex.  Friends stayed there last year and just raved. We absolutely LOVE Port Douglas and if you want access to the Reef, this is the spot. 

 

https://www.niramaya.com.au/

 

 

Thank you!

[hulamoon]

DiamondDiva, I am still in shock you paid for a suite and were not able to get to it because there was no working elevator to it. 

 

Mike981 the best deal to get the most for less, is a lower category with enough specialty restaurants to remind you of cruising a long time ago. We like the square footage of suites and miss being able to get it without so many bells

and whistles, sometimes. A fun Michaels Club, added value but I am a bit shocked to hear no one is there and it’s uncomfortable. 

 

Our first OV on Celebrity was on a three day preview. With the new larger bathrooms for a short cruise, it was surprisingly satisfying and lovely. We were headed to the silhouette SS so the loss of balcony for three days was just fine. I am going to miss the table. From the sound of it a few less decorative items would have rounded out the cost for tables.

[boscobeans]

Just a few months ago we sailed on the  Anthem of the seas

 

Large ocean view balcony stateroom 4-C

12 night Southern Caribbean 

We had a Real veranda

Two  recliners with foot stools

Small table for drinks

The combination table/desk was easy to move out and use as a large coffee table in the stateroom or on the veranda for a full room service meal.

And after 20+ years on both X and RC the MDR and Specialty meals as well as buffet are now just about equal in every way. 

(We have independently earned both Elite as well as Diamond)

 TOTAL COST= $3,044.00

 

WHY would we even consider a cruise on the EDGE?

9 Night Southern Caribbean in an IV (ocean view with a window)
TOTAL COST= $4,130.94

Even a 9 night comparable cruise on the Silhouette (We sailed on her first cruise out of Cape Liberty) is
TOTAL COST= $4,139.40 The Silhouette does have recliners as well as a decent sized table on the veranda, but NO footstools??

 

We would gladly pay MORE to cruise on Celebrity BUT NOT FOR LESS of a cruise experience...

We also have 2 RC cruises lined up and booked for 2020.

 

Edited September 12, 2019 by boscobeans