Eliminating Butlers - Spoke to Celebrity. Here is conversation.

[JDPCruisers]

17 hours ago, billc23 said:

The butlers on Silversea are not dedicated to one cabin. 

Thanks for the information. We are considering a future Silversea cruise but not too sure about the size and experience. 

[gmbhardy]

On 1/3/2024 at 3:24 PM, LXA350 said:

The ones making the biggest fuss about this are probably the ones staying in Sky Suites which are Junior Suites and should be excluded from the Retreat and also with limited access to Luminae. A full dedicated personal buttler only makes sense from Edge Villa and above and even for Celebrity suites there should be a buttler service team and not an individual peron in charge. This would also require X to market the different suite products differently and not give people the feeling as soon as you are in the "Retreat" you are surrounded by buttlers that to everything for you, which we all know is not the case.

Congratulations, you’ve made my top ten list of the most condescending posts on CC.

[alexandria]

Seabourn doesn't have "butlers", instead they have what they call a "Personal Suite Host, which their website describes:

 

One of your suite’s most gracious, charming amenities is your Personal Suite Host and Suite Attendant. They perfectly personify Seabourn’s attentive, yet unobtrusive service, dedicated to ensuring that everything is always exactly as you wish. You’ll find they possess a cheerful, genie-like intuition about what might delight you. After they welcome you with a warm smile and glass of Champagne, they may suggest drawing you a Pure Pampering℠ bubble bath, or help you arrange an in-suite cocktail party. Their skilled, thoughtful care may well prove to be one of your fondest memories of your voyage.

What you may appreciate most is your Personal Suite Hosts and Suite Attendants, whose thoughtful, unobtrusive service is delivered with care. Experience Seabourn’s luxury with our Personal Suite Host and Suite Attendant.

 

Your Personal Suite Hosts and Suite Attendants Will

• Welcome you with Champagne and canapés
• Personalize your nightly turndown service
• Assist you with any special requests
• Manage your laundry service needs
• Replenish your ice and bar setup
• Draw you a Pure Pampering℠  bath

 

In searching for future cruises, I have found that for similar itineraries, both Silversea and Seabourn generally offer better pricing than equivalent size cabins on Celebrity and include much more in the base cruise fare.  Of course, Celebrity ships carry between two to five times as many passengers so if you prefer the larger ships and their amenities, the smaller ships of these luxury lines may not be for you.

[riredsox]

2 hours ago, JDPCruisers said:

Thanks for the information. We are considering a future Silversea cruise but not too sure about the size and experience. 

When I try a new line other than Celebrity (because of how low they have fallen) it won’t be on a Royal Caribbean group ship.  That would defeat the purpose of spending my money elsewhere.  

[billc23]

2 hours ago, JDPCruisers said:

Thanks for the information. We are considering a future Silversea cruise but not too sure about the size and experience. 

Here is my story on trying Silversea:  (long winded but may be of value to those upset about the Celebrity pricing and cutbacks - cheerleaders need not read)

 

A few years ago I started to put together a trip starting in Mumbai and continuing to North America. I was going to book the Millennium "spice route" from Mumbai to Singapore. Then book the Solstice from Honk Kong to Vancouver, CA as a B4B. I would have time on land to divide between Singapore and Hong Kong before embarking the Solstice or I could embark the Solstice in Singapore to Hong Kong and repeat part of the trip. As part of my exploration of cruises from Mumbai I came across a Silversea sailing. Mumbai to HK on the Silver Moon, 32 days total for a lower cost than 24 days divided between the Millennium and Solstice. The price was lower for a longer sailing and included excursion and transportation! I booked it. 

 

Then I started reading the Silversea board on CC and had some concerns re: smaller ship, dress code, etc. So I booked a 7 day Silversea sailing for October of 2022 in the Adriatic, that would proceed my already booked Celebrity Edge (Med) and Reflection (TA) sailings, to try out Silversea. We (my spouse and I) loved the Silversea experience and now have 100 days booked on Silversea - gets us free laundry and a 5% discount on future sailings! This past summer we went on a Silversea sailing around Iceland, 10 days with 9 ports and included excursions. That trip was cheaper than our 7 day Millennium sailing last winter in the Caribbean and in confirmed what we enjoyed about Silversea.

 

What to like about Silversea? No hierarchal  system, all staterooms receive multiple bottles of liquor if desired, at least 3 sit-down restaurants open for lunch including port days, no art sales, longer stays in ports, no lines to speak of, great staff, more public space per passenger so no crowed areas, and I could go on...

 

It really depends what one enjoys about travel and cruising. The dress code on Silversea is more formal by far but is easy to work around - however one must bring at least a sport coat and tie to fit in. The larger ships do have much more grand style entertainment, a larger casino, and more stuff happening all the time. We have sailed quite a bit on Celebrity and really do not go to the nightly shows anymore. The smaller casino is fine for me. We enjoy venues with small scale musical performers and both companies supply that. Food is subjective but the basic proteins are higher quality on Silversea and they will prepare special dishes if requested as will Celebrity. The included alcohol is higher end and more variety on Silversea. French Champaign delivered to your cabin every day - no problem, can I have caviar with the Champaign? - how much would you like?... All things we enjoy with exceptional service yet I do still have concerns with booking a trip with many sea days on the smaller ship. I did book a transpacific for 2025 so I guess I'll find out.

 

The included excursions are described in much more detail than Celebrity gives. They are of smaller size also, the bus that can hold 48 passengers typically will have 20 or so. The excursions with Silversea, that I have been on, do not spend time at a remote location to go shopping at a cruise company owned store. A step up from the Celebrity paid excursions but not as nice as a customized one. 

 

Did I cancel any of my Celebrity bookings after sailing Silversea?? No. I have always enjoyed my Celebrity cruises, but because of their pricing I tried another line and had my eyes opened to see what is currently available for the same cost as Celebrity. I will be booking Regent and Seabourn in the future - and Celebrity as desired.

 

 

 

[billc23]

4 hours ago, alexandria said:

 

In searching for future cruises, I have found that for similar itineraries, both Silversea and Seabourn generally offer better pricing than equivalent size cabins on Celebrity and include much more in the base cruise fare.  Of course, Celebrity ships carry between two to five times as many passengers so if you prefer the larger ships and their amenities, the smaller ships of these luxury lines may not be for you.

Full agreement from me. When I first sailed the larger Royal ships with their amenities I had concerns about trying the small Celebrity ships. One of those things you don't know unless you try it. 

[billc23]

1 hour ago, riredsox said:

When I try a new line other than Celebrity (because of how low they have fallen) it won’t be on a Royal Caribbean group ship.  That would defeat the purpose of spending my money elsewhere.  

I kinda feel the same way but some of the other lux lines that are in Celebrities Retreat price range are owned by large parent companies. I have booked MSC YC to try also.

[tfred]

57 minutes ago, billc23 said:

Full agreement from me. When I first sailed the larger Royal ships with their amenities I had concerns about trying the small Celebrity ships. One of those things you don't know unless you try it. 

Yep. 

 

We booked a 12 night Rome to Venice cruise on SSea for 2024. It was actually cheaper than the Celebrity 12 nighter in a suite.   Smaller ship that can go into smaller ports AND included excursions

 

These are easier to decide than the standard Caribbean 7 night.  Those are in and out of south Florida   Even though we live in FLL area in winter trying Seabourne or SSea generally requires, flying to the port (probably not direct) and then another day or two in a hotel.  Traveled for business my whole life so I know ho to do it. Just something about driving 30 minutes to Port Everglades that makes it easy.

 

If I was still working the X model makes it very easy - fly to FLL on Friday, embark on Saturday and the fly home the following Saturday 

[riredsox]

2 hours ago, billc23 said:

I kinda feel the same way but some of the other lux lines that are in Celebrities Retreat price range are owned by large parent companies. I have booked MSC YC to try also.

We love MSC YC!  We have done 5 and have 3 more booked. 

[PTC DAWG]

18 minutes ago, riredsox said:

We love MSC YC!  We have done 5 and have 3 more booked. 

I like it too, as long as I’m inside the YC enclave. 

[CHEZMARYLOU]

On 1/3/2024 at 5:47 PM, terrydtx said:

Good thing you aren't running Celebriity what you are suggesting would run off even more loyal customers. 

Took the words out of my mouth. 

[riredsox]

16 hours ago, PTC DAWG said:

I like it too, as long as I’m inside the YC enclave. 

I leave the YC for the jazz bands they usually have on board.  I find a seat, sip and listen. My husband goes to bed early but I don’t.   Also leave it in the afternoon when I do the slides!  My husband holds my towel while I slide the slides!  I’m 67 yrs old but my inner self is much younger.  

[PTC DAWG]

10 minutes ago, riredsox said:

I leave the YC for the jazz bands they usually have on board.  I find a seat, sip and listen. My husband goes to bed early but I don’t.   Also leave it in the afternoon when I do the slides!  My husband holds my towel while I slide the slides!  I’m 67 yrs old but my inner self is much younger.  

Oh I get out a bit myself..it is nice when you return for sure.  They do have some nice slides.  60 here and I still like them.  The Wife, not so much. 🙂

[MagPie60]

On 1/3/2024 at 1:24 PM, LXA350 said:

The ones making the biggest fuss about this are probably the ones staying in Sky Suites which are Junior Suites and should be excluded from the Retreat and also with limited access to Luminae.

Might just be one of the most pompous things I have ever read. 🙄

[terrydtx]

9 minutes ago, MagPie60 said:

Might just be one of the most pompous things I have ever read. 🙄

took the words right out of my mouth.

[Frenchkona]

7 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

took the words right out of my mouth.

 

7 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

took the words right out of my mouth.

Oh yes, but it is probably true. 

[paulh84]

16 minutes ago, MagPie60 said:

Might just be one of the most pompous things I have ever read. 🙄

To go back to the golden olden days of the past, isn’t that how it was? Sky Suites were excluded from Michael’s Club or whatever it was called then. Not sure if a suite restaurant existed at that time. 

[STLCRUISIN]

29 minutes ago, paulh84 said:

To go back to the golden olden days of the past, isn’t that how it was? Sky Suites were excluded from Michael’s Club or whatever it was called then. Not sure if a suite restaurant existed at that time. 

We were on a B2B in a Sky Suite and remember not having access to Michaels Club (which it was still called back then). Luminae existed and we did have access to it for meals. Seemed weird meeting up others in Luminae that were in higher suites but couldn't meet them in Michaels before dinner or go with them for a nightcap afterwards. 

[terrydtx]

10 minutes ago, STLCRUISIN said:

We were on a B2B in a Sky Suite and remember not having access to Michaels Club (which it was still called back then). Luminae existed and we did have access to it for meals. Seemed weird meeting up others in Luminae that were in higher suites but couldn't meet them in Michaels before dinner or go with them for a nightcap afterwards. 

No way anyone would pay the sky high Sky Suite fares today without the lounge access. We booked an RCL cruise last year and when we found out their "Junior" suites had no lounge and very limited suite dining at Sky Suites prices, we canceled and booked on the Equinox for the same itinerary.

Edited January 6 by terrydtx

[C-Dragons]

4 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

No way anyone would pay the sky high Sky Suite fares today without the lounge access….

I agree, you are absolutely correct.

[STLCRUISIN]

6 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

No way anyone would pay the sky high Sky Suite fares today without the lounge access. We booked an RCL cruise last year and when we found out their "Junior" suites had no lounge and very limited suite dining at Sky Suites prices, we canceled and booked on the Equinox for the same itinerary.

I agree that most Sky Suites would remain empty and only filled with Move-Up bids. I won't pay the sky high prices today even with access to the lounge. Would book only if prices were more reasonable.

[abbydancer2003]

12 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

No way anyone would pay the sky high Sky Suite fares today without the lounge access. We booked an RCL cruise last year and when we found out their "Junior" suites had no lounge and very limited suite dining at Sky Suites prices, we canceled and booked on the Equinox for the same itinerary.

I booked one of the lower ended suites, because I wanted access to everything.  I think, pricing it out, It was a little more expensive per day than the next week in a Sky Suite on the Apex.  No butler, limited perks, but 2 room stewards, and I really wanted to try RC.

[terrydtx]

Just now, STLCRUISIN said:

I agree that most Sky Suites would remain empty and only filled with Move-Up bids. I won't pay the sky high prices today even with access to the lounge. Would book only if prices were more reasonable.

After our two Retreat cruises this month on the Edge, which when we booked, were 40% less than now, we are stepping away from Celebrity and taking our business and $$ elsewhere. When I can book a real premium cruise line like Oceania for the same or less per day than a Sky Suite, I am jumping ship. 🚢

[terrydtx]

1 minute ago, abbydancer said:

I booked one of the lower ended suites, because I wanted access to everything.  I think, pricing it out, It was a little more expensive per day than the next week in a Sky Suite on the Apex.  No butler, limited perks, but 2 room stewards, and I really wanted to try RC.

We booked the RC cruise because we wanted to try something different too and then decided it wasn't going to be better. At the time not having a butler on RC was a big deal that now is no longer with a SS.,

[PTC DAWG]

1 hour ago, Frenchkona said:

 

Oh yes, but it is probably true. 

I have a SS booked on Ascent in two weeks, no complaints from me…