Lost revenue?

[killaypirate]

For us AI has always been for convenience as much as anything and not necessarily cost effective. Removing one item from the list may make some people qustion whether to buy it in the first place. If we book another X cruise, ans was seriously considering one in November, then that will be OK since it will be booked before Oct 4th but after that any future X cruise, if any at all, will exclude AI and save money which will give X less revenue.

[Charles4515]

I always book without AI if possible. Resident rates and Senior Rates are a better deal. I don’t need a drink package as I am a moderate drinker and I get some complementary drinks from 5-7. I don’t believe in booking for convenience. I run the numbers. 

[phoenix_dream]

My issue is that the skeptic in me says that while AI benefits will be changed, the prices will not be lowered to reflect that.  I sincerely hope I am wrong.  As a Zenith CC member who already gets free premium beverage and Wi-Fi (for now at least) I would be very happy to see a complete menu option where people could pick their level of perks - like in the good old days.  Lots of people don't drink enough to warrant a package, and not everyone (although admittedly most) will need or want wi-fi.  It was frustrating to see it all included in Aqua Class, and Suites.  Unfortunately it still exists for the Suites, other than the gratuities.

[NMTraveller]

1 hour ago, killaypirate said:

For us AI has always been for convenience as much as anything and not necessarily cost effective. Removing one item from the list may make some people question whether to buy it in the first place. If we book another X cruise, ans was seriously considering one in November, then that will be OK since it will be booked before Oct 4th but after that any future X cruise, if any at all, will exclude AI and save money which will give X less revenue.

If you book a group rate and get AI with grats and OBC included for the same price as booking with Celebrity,  why would you not want the free grats and OBC.  I figure that this change will add about $1k to the price of a cruise with group rates and more for higher level rooms.

 

Celebrity is quickly pricing themselves out of the market for my cruising needs.

Edited August 29, 2023 by NMTraveller

[Charles4515]

21 minutes ago, the penguins said:

 

Your bargain at only $500 extra is a very poor deal for us.

As always no right or wrong, do the maths (sorry math) and pick what's right for you.

Same here. That is why I always run the numbers. I think the most I ever spent on alcohol was $40. I never liked any of the AI from the beginning when they offered the different AI perks. I had to take it once as part of a group I was in but I try to avoid the AI fares. It is different for everyone. 

 

[PTC DAWG]

Things change...they almost always have.  

 

I much prefer AI...but can see why others may not.  

[D. B.]

39 minutes ago, the penguins said:

Also depends on your CC Status. As Elite+ all our speciality teas/coffees/ chocolate are free. Water free from 5 to 7 - get sealed cans to last all of next day. 240 minutes each of premium WiFi is more than enough to last a whole cruise. We don't drink alcohol. Any odd extras can be met from our Shareholder/Travel Agents OBC - any surplus being converted to cash in the casino.

Your bargain at only $500 extra is a very poor deal for us.

As always no right or wrong, do the maths (sorry math) and pick what's right for you.

I don’t think that it is sill possible to convert OBC’s to cash in the casino.

They figured out that trick and it no longer works.

Edited August 29, 2023 by D. B.
Content

[Charles4515]

14 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

Things change...they almost always have.  

 

I much prefer AI...but can see why others may not.  

Even though I don't prefer AI I  think them removing gratuities from the AI is a big negative. If I wanted AI I would want it to be all included. 

[bikerunner]

Ill see how it plays out on pricing, the AI always worked better for me, but I can live without Internet, work will now pay for it overall if I need it.  The drinks always worked in my favor overall with all the teas/coffees and wine I drank.  So will be more a numbers game now.  I still figure it out with PP per day totals, which includes all air and pre hotel stays.  Not sure when I will be booking another celebrity cruise as I have plans on oceana and azamara next year already.  2025 main vacation will be a christmas markets cruise and probably an all inclusive resort for my 2 main trips.  Have not talked to my TA as of yet and get his thoughts on it as I know he is busy with other people.  My 2 celebrity cruises are all set, Nov and April 24 and have the AI in already, so not concerned with them.  

[Jim_Iain]

2 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

My issue is that the skeptic in me says that while AI benefits will be changed, the prices will not be lowered to reflect that.  I sincerely hope I am wrong.  As a Zenith CC member who already gets free premium beverage and Wi-Fi (for now at least) I would be very happy to see a complete menu option where people could pick their level of perks - like in the good old days.  Lots of people don't drink enough to warrant a package, and not everyone (although admittedly most) will need or want wi-fi.  It was frustrating to see it all included in Aqua Class, and Suites.  Unfortunately it still exists for the Suites, other than the gratuities.

 

Me too.... Me too.....

[the penguins]

1 hour ago, D. B. said:

I don’t think that it is sill possible to convert OBC’s to cash in the casino.

They figured out that trick and it no longer works.

Sorry when I said "covert" we play Roulette using a system (recommended by Casino Staff) that basically gives us an even bet. We have successfully "converted" all our OBC's to cash and had fun doing it, on every cruise.