Is Celebrity getting a lot more expensive?

[LGW59]

7 minutes ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Adventure OS Fall 2024 TA for balcony $1050 CAD 

Celebrity price are Almost Double for fall of 2024 

Also with Diamond discount you get $200 off a balcony and 4 drinks anytime during the day 

 

Really makes it a no brainer

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 minute ago, LGW59 said:

Really makes it a no brainer

Yep - because the Silhouette is a lot nicer ship! 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

1 hour ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

Yep - because the Silhouette is a lot nicer ship! 

Not twice as nice ! 
A lot depends the number of friends that book the cruise 😉

[terrydtx]

We have cruised with RCL and Celebrity at twice the price is still  a better deal and experience. 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

4 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

We have cruised with RCL and Celebrity at twice the price is still  a better deal and experience. 

But still, Celebrity has refused to install merry-go-rounds.

[Gracie115]

2 hours ago, Ex-Airbalancer said:

Adventure OS Fall 2024 TA for balcony $1050 CAD 

Celebrity price are Almost Double for fall of 2024 

Also with Diamond discount you get $200 off a balcony and 4 drinks anytime during the day 

 

 

Pretty sure it's 5 drinks a day now, also get a bottle of wine at embarkation.  We've sailed twice with Royal since fall 2021, both TA's and we had a great time on both.  We don't generally like the huge ships, but they do have more live entertainment, which we appreciate. 

 

Their Grand Suite is a very nice accommodation and usually at a reasonable price.  Gets you into the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen, which while not Luminae, still a big step up from the MDR. 

Edited December 17, 2022 by Gracie115

[mac_tlc]

16 hours ago, 4-2-N-8 said:

I booked Harmony for my two young grandchildren. Taking ten people total in RLS and both SLS.

 

They (RCL and my TA) tell me that I will have everything cared for with access to everything, without waiting, and they won't say "no" to every reasonable/possible request. They claim the so-called Genie who will handle all three of my rooms will ensure complete satisfaction. I booked this primarily for the young kids.

 

I just want to dine well and enjoy drinks along the way.

 

But, from the posts here on CC, I'm a little concerned. 

Don’t be at all concerned. We have done Royal Star class three times with three different genies. They all were wonderful. Our latest was on Harmony with a group of 8, ages 63 to 4. The genie will book any restaurant for anyone anytime. With the younger kids, our plans changed early and often. Genie handled it all. Most use Whatapp to communicate. They can bring just about anything to the cabin whenever you want it. We had bourbon and wine every afternoon along with pizza and fries for the kids. Milkshakes for after dinner snack! 
 

You will have reserved seats for every show and, again, the genie can handle last minute changes. 
 

Have a great time!

 

mac_tlc

[mac_tlc]

17 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

 

Pretty sure it's 5 drinks a day now, also get a bottle of wine at embarkation.  We've sailed twice with Royal since fall 2021, both TA's and we had a great time on both.  We don't generally like the huge ships, but they do have more live entertainment, which we appreciate. 

 

Their Grand Suite is a very nice accommodation and usually at a reasonable price.  Gets you into the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen, which while not Luminae, still a big step up from the MDR. 

Diamond gets 4 drinks per day, Diamond Plus 5/day, Pinnacle 6/day.

 

Coastal Kitchen only on Oasis and Quantum class, not on Adventure (Voyager class).

 

On an Oasis or Quantum class. I agree with you on Coastal Kitchen. Although future GS prices on those can be more than an E-class SS. All depends on date.

 

mac_tlc

Edited December 17, 2022 by mac_tlc

[Gracie115]

2 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

Diamond gets 4 drinks per day, Diamond Plus 5/day, Pinnacle 6/day.

 

Coastal Kitchen only on Oasis and Quantum class, not on Adventure (Voyager class).

 

On an Oasis or Quantum class. I agree with you on Coastal Kitchen. Although future GS prices on those can be more than an E-class SS. All depends on date.

 

mac_tlc

 

 

True but also a GS is a far better stateroom than an SS...at least on those 2 classes which are the ones we've done over the last 14 months.

[mac_tlc]

4 minutes ago, Gracie115 said:

 

 

True but also a GS is a far better stateroom than an SS...at least on those 2 classes which are the ones we've done over the last 14 months.

It certainly is bigger. For us, At the GS vs SS comparison,  it’s really a trade off of the extra space vs. included amenities.
 

We have done both on multiple ships. We have grown a little tired of the 6000 people on Oasis ships.

The drawback for us is that a JS, close in size to an SS,  includes nothing . 

mac_tlc
 

 

Edited December 17, 2022 by mac_tlc

[mbtous]

Interesting conversation since I just watched a video on Youtube showing how Celebrity was upping their game & emphasizing the word - luxury - in their advertising.  It spoke about how their pricing is going up to make their cruises a - luxury - experience.  They want the niche right above premium mainstream cruise lines and the small ship luxury lines. Sounds like the video is true.  I know I have looked at the pricing for the Edge series ships and found them to be expensive. I was just looking to see if past cruisers found their experiences worth the big price tag.

[terrydtx]

22 minutes ago, mac_tlc said:

It certainly is bigger. For us, At the GS vs SS comparison,  it’s really a trade off of the extra space vs. included amenities.

I would trade the extra space of a GS for the SS Retreat amenities anytime. We only sleep in the cabin, so size isn't all that important, but the Retreat facilities and amenities make the huge difference. Add in the value of  Luminae, the Retreat Lounge, the Premium drinks package, premium Wi-Fi, all gratuities, the very nice OBC and a SS on Celebrity is a no brainer. All Celebrity ships have Luminae for ALL suite guests, while only the Oasis and Quantum class RCL ships have the Coastal Kitchen with dinning limitations depending on the suites category you are in.

Edited December 17, 2022 by terrydtx

[NutsAboutGolf]

34 minutes ago, mbtous said:

Interesting conversation since I just watched a video on Youtube showing how Celebrity was upping their game & emphasizing the word - luxury - in their advertising.  It spoke about how their pricing is going up to make their cruises a - luxury - experience.  They want the niche right above premium mainstream cruise lines and the small ship luxury lines. Sounds like the video is true.  I know I have looked at the pricing for the Edge series ships and found them to be expensive. I was just looking to see if past cruisers found their experiences worth the big price tag.

After X’s marketing dept poaches 95% of X’s ITs annual budget, they create a new disingenuous ad campaign…Classic Celebrity!  (satire)

[Gracie115]

2 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

It certainly is bigger. For us, At the GS vs SS comparison,  it’s really a trade off of the extra space vs. included amenities.
 

We have done both on multiple ships. We have grown a little tired of the 6000 people on Oasis ships.

The drawback for us is that a JS, close in size to an SS,  includes nothing . 

mac_tlc
 

 

 

We were very lucky when we did the Harmony TA in October 2021.  There were only 1200 people on the ship, so no crowds anywhere.  Suites were full but not much else through the rest of the ship.  Entertainment was very good.  Otherwise, yes, I agree 6000 people not fun for us either.  

 

 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I'm sailing on the Allure in 2024 just for the Park Café roast beef sandwich!

[Ex-Airbalancer]

3 hours ago, Gracie115 said:

 

Pretty sure it's 5 drinks a day now, also get a bottle of wine at embarkation.  We've sailed twice with Royal since fall 2021, both TA's and we had a great time on both.  We don't generally like the huge ships, but they do have more live entertainment, which we appreciate. 

 

Their Grand Suite is a very nice accommodation and usually at a reasonable price.  Gets you into the suite lounge and Coastal Kitchen, which while not Luminae, still a big step up from the MDR. 

5 drinks is for Diamond plus , 4 is Diamond and no bottle wine at embarkation 

Also no or very few kids on a TA 

[Ex-Airbalancer]

3 hours ago, terrydtx said:

We have cruised with RCL and Celebrity at twice the price is still  a better deal and experience. 

Did the Apex April TA , it was ***** show , lack of supplies , lack of staff and Guest Service was screwed up , a so-so ship 

Did the Voyager September TA , it was a ***** show , lack of supplies and lack of staff , a ship in need of a renovation 

RCL was not twice as bad as Celebrity 

[Guest 4-2-N-8]

4 hours ago, mac_tlc said:

Don’t be at all concerned. We have done Royal Star class three times with three different genies. They all were wonderful. Our latest was on Harmony with a group of 8, ages 63 to 4. The genie will book any restaurant for anyone anytime. With the younger kids, our plans changed early and often. Genie handled it all. Most use Whatapp to communicate. They can bring just about anything to the cabin whenever you want it. We had bourbon and wine every afternoon along with pizza and fries for the kids. Milkshakes for after dinner snack! 
 

You will have reserved seats for every show and, again, the genie can handle last minute changes. 
 

Have a great time!

 

mac_tlc

Appreciate the look.

[4774Papa]

22 hours ago, LGW59 said:

which has more affordable rates.  Definitely agree Celebrity rates are high.  I am taking a Med cruise on Oceania in May (other than Rome & Venice/Trieste) they go to ports that Celebrity does not or perhaps cannot.  Either way, the cost difference was substantial for the same class of suite and on a brand new ship.  Even when adding in for Retreat prepaid tips. wifi, prem bev package (we do not drink alcohol) the $$ difference is still several thousand dollars.  A win-win to us as we go to ports we know we will love in Greece & Croatia and save some of that retirement $$.  I have to say though that I LOVE Celebrity and was just on the Edge TA and everything about the cruise was A+++, truly the food, suites, service, entertainment, gorgeous ship, love the layout design etc.  But for our hard earned dollars if we can get a similiar product on Oceania and save $$ = more vacations.  We shall see.

Yes, a few years ago X went to mandatory inclusion of drinks packages which mushroomed their prices.  Later, they did allow bookings without the drinks packages, etc., still, their prices either way have remained non competitive.

 

Interesting that Oceana being cheaper than X.    Royal is still the best deal.   Also, we once did an occasional cruise on NCL, but they still have the price bundling that makes them not as desirable.

 

We only drink 2-3 alcoholic drinks a day and that is covered by being Diamond.  I am always amazed when people tell me they drink 10-12 alcoholic drinks a day.  Fine, but not for us.

[drakes2]

3 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

.  I am always amazed when people tell me they drink 10-12 alcoholic drinks a day.  Fine, but not fo

Equals major kidney damage as you age. 

[rjrpar]

On 12/7/2022 at 3:30 PM, Baron Barracuda said:

Couple of thoughts:

DW & I have been sailing with X for almost 30 years and have never paid over $200pp/pd for verandah or CC.  That pricing is still available if you search, some even with AI.   It's the suites where supply is limited and for some people no price is too high.  Would never consider paying $400pd for X.  For that price Viking and Oceania provide much better value.

 

X has historically offered "low" prices when schedule is released and then raised rates once they achieve a certain level of bookings.  Prices usually slip later as sailing date nears.

 

If demand for X is so high why does Blue Chip keep offering me a free verandah even though I'm not a gambler?  Latest email was good on 70 sailings next spring some 10 - 11 nights.

Great post

[LGW59]

46 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

Yes, a few years ago X went to mandatory inclusion of drinks packages which mushroomed their prices.  Later, they did allow bookings without the drinks packages, etc., still, their prices either way have remained non competitive.

 

Interesting that Oceana being cheaper than X.    Royal is still the best deal.   Also, we once did an occasional cruise on NCL, but they still have the price bundling that makes them not as desirable.

 

We only drink 2-3 alcoholic drinks a day and that is covered by being Diamond.  I am always amazed when people tell me they drink 10-12 alcoholic drinks a day.  Fine, but not for us.

To be fair to Celebrity, Oceania also makes both in the cabin purchase the bev package.  The difference though is that unlike Celebrity, it is not automatically included in a suite (Retreat) so we don't have to buy it/worry about paying for something we never use, Celebrity does not allow people like us that never use it to remove it.  Oceania also includes all non-alacoholic bevs for everyone, wifi is included too.  10-12 drinks/day, well I have to say I do remember those days, but thankfully they are now a distant memory!  I love Celebrity product, esp Edge, we just figured we wanted to try something new and see how it works out for us.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

On 12/17/2022 at 4:37 AM, 4-2-N-8 said:

Understood, and I'm girding my loins going in with knowledge from CCers.

 

I figure the grandkids can run with the Genie to explore the ship while the adults will be together on one or the other of our balconies - very likely, the RLS with the hot tub with that great starboard view of the sea.

 

Will only do Coastal Kitchen for breakfast each day, while all dinners will be specialty restaurants only.

 

Will have three shore excursion days and these are all "kid" driven.

 

Other than that, I plan to avoid the madhouse on lower decks and remain on deck 17 in the suites area, the suite lounge, or suite sundeck/bar, save for dining and any shows where there may be seats set aside for my group.

 

Not sure how my expectations will match reality, but if it weren't for the young kids, I have zero interest in such large ships or anything catering to kids.

 

Good thing I've booked a follow on Mediterranean cruise in an Edge Villa on Beyond. 😄 

 

Hi,

 

I sailed in the RLS on Anthem for 14 nights earlier this year. Happy to assist if you have any questions about the Genie.

[LB_NJ]

On 11/30/2022 at 6:10 PM, slanik said:

We have several Celebrity cruises booked out to spring of 2024.  Every time I see a sale, I check the current prices for my current bookings.  They are always more expensive now.  Sometimes they are almost twice as much now.  When I look beyond spring of 2024, I see lots of cruises very high priced.  Has inflation got to the cruise industry too?  Will I still be able to afford Celebrity in the future?  I hope so.  Anyone else notice this?

I would rather they raised prices a little rather then cut quality.  Royal, their sister company, is slashing quality right and left.

[grandgeezer]

1 hour ago, LB_NJ said:

I would rather they raised prices a little rather then cut quality.  Royal, their sister company, is slashing quality right and left.

And Celebrity isn’t??  We are to the stage that, although we’ve had five offers for the casino cruises, we think just the taxes and port charges, you have to pay, make it overpriced. This was our feeling before the pandemic, and from what I’ve read on these boards, for the most part, it’s only gone down hill.