I'm Stunned by the Price of an Upper Suite on a Three Night Cruise on Ascent...

[dabear]

While we have cruised on Celebrity for many years, we also have cruised on smaller ships in the near luxury or luxury class (Regent, Oceania & Azamara). Not only are those smaller ships service & food better , it's a different experience, whether in regular balcony or suite. Agree, that the shows & glitz are also different. We're often itinerary driven with certain cruise line limitations. One other thing to consider is that smaller ships can sometimes dock in town as opposed to miles out in larger ships with much more costly tours due to transportation. We've experienced this in Stockholm and upcoming cruise with a stop in Bordeaux, (the latter has tours more than triple the cost vs docking in town). 

The increased fares on X are also disappointing. we had a cruise planned for 2023 that we had to cancel. We booked a similar cruise this year at substantially higher fares. If all the cuts we've read about are true, it may be our last X cruise. 

[kywildcatfanone]

6 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

I have that at my house. 🙂

I do too, but I don't always have sunny 85 degree weather.

[PTC DAWG]

2 minutes ago, kywildcatfanone said:

I do too, but I don't always have sunny 85 degree weather.

Fair point. Nor a full time cook or housekeeper for me either. 
 

I guess my point was that I enjoy the entertainment, casinos included..I would be bored stiff on some of the luxury ships.  Choices are good. 

[Dolebludger]

Yes, and if you price a Regent cruise against one in the Retreat, remember that the Regent price includes air (credit if you want to book your own) excursions, mini-fridge use, bottle of spirits, tips, and unlimited laundry service. And for concierge and above, one night pre-cruise hotel is included (credit if you don’t want it). We are the sort that don’t want any extra on-board charges. Celebrity RS used to be close to that — except no excursions. Now I don’t know, except that we can chose Regent for less money. No butler on Regent except for the upper-upper suites, but one isn’t needed. The room steward is tasked with all the services the butler does on X, a staffing is sufficient to allow the job to be done well. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

35 minutes ago, Dolebludger said:

Yes, and if you price a Regent cruise against one in the Retreat, remember that the Regent price includes air (credit if you want to book your own) excursions, mini-fridge use, bottle of spirits, tips, and unlimited laundry service. And for concierge and above, one night pre-cruise hotel is included (credit if you don’t want it). We are the sort that don’t want any extra on-board charges. Celebrity RS used to be close to that — except no excursions. Now I don’t know, except that we can chose Regent for less money. No butler on Regent except for the upper-upper suites, but one isn’t needed. The room steward is tasked with all the services the butler does on X, a staffing is sufficient to allow the job to be done well. 

Good to hear. We have Regent booked for 10 nights in 2025, Italy and Croatia. We took the included business class air but did not book into concierge class. 

[Dolebludger]

7 minutes ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

Good to hear. We have Regent booked for 10 nights in 2025, Italy and Croatia. We took the included business class air but did not book into concierge class. 

Great! And Regent does have a casino. Never used it because if I want to gamble (very rarely do) I go to Vegas where it is regulated. Regent does also have entertainment and lectures. I’ve enjoyed many lectures. Never went to much of the entertainment, but what I’ve attended was good. And finding a good seat is never a problem, with no long lines to get in. What you will find is a true lux experience, without the crowds, lines, and bottlenecks that are typical on many cruise lines. We do not usually book concierge class either, but our recent past and near future cruise had a two category upgrade. Other than the pre-cruise hotel, most who have been on Regent agree that there are really no benefits in it.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

1 hour ago, Dolebludger said:

Great! And Regent does have a casino. Never used it because if I want to gamble (very rarely do) I go to Vegas where it is regulated. Regent does also have entertainment and lectures. I’ve enjoyed many lectures. Never went to much of the entertainment, but what I’ve attended was good. And finding a good seat is never a problem, with no long lines to get in. What you will find is a true lux experience, without the crowds, lines, and bottlenecks that are typical on many cruise lines. We do not usually book concierge class either, but our recent past and near future cruise had a two category upgrade. Other than the pre-cruise hotel, most who have been on Regent agree that there are really no benefits in it.

 

Any chance their casino is smoke-free (or other premium lines)?

[Dolebludger]

Since I don’t smoke and don’t frequent the casino when on a Regent cruise, I can’t guarantee my answer. But yes, I believe it is smoke free. The only indoor place I know of where one can smoke on Regent is the cigar bar. And I think there is an outdoor place. Don’t know where, but it is not on the suite balconies. I don’t know about other lux lines. 

Edited November 29, 2023 by Dolebludger

[Whinenowine]

3 hours ago, Dolebludger said:

Yes, and if you price a Regent cruise against one in the Retreat, remember that the Regent price includes air (credit if you want to book your own) excursions, mini-fridge use, bottle of spirits, tips, and unlimited laundry service. And for concierge and above, one night pre-cruise hotel is included (credit if you don’t want it). We are the sort that don’t want any extra on-board charges. Celebrity RS used to be close to that — except no excursions. Now I don’t know, except that we can chose Regent for less money. 

 

Indeed.   I'm Elite on Celebrity, but I got fed up with the astronomical increase in Retreat cabins over the last year and looked elsewhere a few months ago. I booked a 2024 Caribbean cruise on the RSSC Grandeur (the newest and ostensibly nicest Regent ship) in a Concierge cabin (category D).

 

Stripping out the airfare the price was still better than the cheapest SS on ANY Edge-class ship. Then, last week Regent ran their Black Friday Sale and, unlike Celebrity, provided an additional 10% savings on the cabin...PLUS $1,000 OBC.

 

So for comparison purposes:  I'm getting a 450sqft cabin (including a 110sqft balcony), a pre-cruise night at a 5-star Miami hotel, free shore excursions at every port (no one has mentioned this yet), pre-paid gratuities, free wi-fi for FOUR devices, free specialty dining, and $1,000 OBC.  All for much less than the current X SS rate (which no longer includes gratuities or OBC).  Yes the ship is only 56k tons with 750 passengers and likely inferior shows and casino.  It will be quieter and less exciting....but...for me it's a no brainer (even if the service, food and beverages aren't superior on Regent--which I think they are). 

 

Oh and if that wasn't enough:  AMEX ran a special offering 5x AMEX points for any Regent booking by 12/8/23.  So I've got that slug of points coming my way, too.

 

As Roger Daltrey famously sang:  "I'd call that a bargain, the best I ever had".

 

[Whinenowine]

1 hour ago, Dolebludger said:

Since I don’t smoke and don’t frequent the casino when on a Regent cruise, I can’t guarantee my answer. But yes, I believe it is smoke free. The only indoor place I know of where one can smoke on Regent is the cigar bar. And I think there is an outdoor place. Don’t know where, but it is not on the suite balconies. I don’t know about other lux lines. 

I think there is an outdoor smoking area on Deck 11 on the newer ships--starboard side in front of the pool.  But I don't smoke cigarettes, so I'm not positive.  I am however looking forward to enjoying the Connoisseur Club when next on board.

[Dolebludger]

1 hour ago, Whinenowine said:

I think there is an outdoor smoking area on Deck 11 on the newer ships--starboard side in front of the pool.  But I don't smoke cigarettes, so I'm not positive.  I am however looking forward to enjoying the Connoisseur Club when next on board.

Thanks, I knew it was somewhere. We were on the Explorer (original sister ship of the Splendor and Grandeur) on an Alaska cruise last June in concierge.  Older Regent ships were great on our past cruises, but the Explorer was “WOW”! We are cruising the Splendor in March 2024 in concierge. On the Explorer, we had to wait all of 5 minutes for the bar waiter to get around to us at the pool lounge! Clearly no complaint about that, and it was the slowest service we experienced. Other times, service was there as soon as we showed up in a bar or restaurant, and the ship was full. Clearly no understaffing. And on the newer Regent ships, there are suites at a lesser cost than concierge about the same size with the same perks, except for pre hotel.  And cruises on older Regent ships cost even less than the newer ones, with no fewer perks. 

[markeb]

28 minutes ago, Dolebludger said:

Thanks, I knew it was somewhere. We were on the Explorer (original sister ship of the Splendor and Grandeur) on an Alaska cruise last June in concierge.  Older Regent ships were great on our past cruises, but the Explorer was “WOW”! We are cruising the Splendor in March 2024 in concierge. On the Explorer, we had to wait all of 5 minutes for the bar waiter to get around to us at the pool lounge! Clearly no complaint about that, and it was the slowest service we experienced. Other times, service was there as soon as we showed up in a bar or restaurant, and the ship was full. Clearly no understaffing. And on the newer Regent ships, there are suites at a lesser cost than concierge about the same size with the same perks, except for pre hotel.  And cruises on older Regent ships cost even less than the newer ones, with no fewer perks. 

 

To be clear, we have one more Retreat booking from before prices increased so dramatically. We've enjoyed the Retreat for what it provided coupled with a level of activity that Celebrity provides. We're unlikely to book another at the current price point, and when we eventually decide to book another cruise it won't automatically be with Celebrity or even RCG. Land trips to Tuscany or Portugal or a flight to Iceland would win out. Maybe even returning after thirty years to a much more modern and exciting Korea.

 

I don't know this is right thread, but the question wouldn't stand alone on a Celebrity board. What is life like on Regent? What's the evening dress? What kind of activities? What kind of music? 

 

I know when Celebrity cruisers on this board look at Celebrity's marketing, there's a certain "yeah, right" factor that kicks in. Celebrity is promoting a younger but affluent lifestyle cruiser. The reaction around here is largely "that's not me". Well, at now 61, and looking statistically, not necessarily personal perception, that pretty much is me, albeit on the high end age wise.

 

When I look at Regent's marketing I see a degree of Thurston Howell and a level of old money country club pomposity that I'm not the least bit interested in. I'm not saying that's you, but that's what I'm receiving from what they transmit. The staterooms look amazing, I agree, but I somehow don't see a house band doing Van Halen and The Foo Fighters like we had on Equinox two weeks ago. I don't cruise to listen to lectures; I know some do. I have a doctorate and now three masters; I've been to enough lectures! But I enjoy my music and dancing with my wife, just not well. But my music generally isn't a string quartet or a piano bar.

 

Much of what you describe sounds great, but what they project in their marketing frankly bores me to tears. Maybe in ten more years, but not now. And if Bruce is still touring at 74 and Mick and the boys are still rocking at 80, I'm not sure I'll be ready for that at 71. But some of that is perception created by Regent's own marketing. And that perception is why I'd rather sail Celebrity in Retreat, but only if prices normalize. And if you're comparing Regent's pricing to Celebrity's current Retreat pricing, I'm out either way.

[Dolebludger]

If you are 61, you are right in the demographic of Regent, Silversea, Seaborne, and such. After around 10 - 15 Regent cruises, I’ll tell you about what to wear to “fit in”! In daytime, anything that is decent. Jeans, slacks, shorts depending on location. In the evening, lose the jeans and shorts. Slacks, shirt, shoes. That is it. Formal nights are history, replaced by ‘formal optional nights” when you can (but needn’t) wear coat and tie (men) or nice dress (women). But everybody just continues with the casual dress. Only difference between this and Celebrity is on Regent you can’t wear jeans to dinner. Fellow guests are just like those in the Retreat. The music usually isn’t hard rock. It’s more laid back, usually. The whole atmosphere is calm, casual, and laid back. And there are no lines or crowds. I’m sure it’s not for everybody, but it is really AI.

Edited November 30, 2023 by Dolebludger

[markeb]

5 minutes ago, Dolebludger said:

The whole atmosphere is calm, casual, and laid back. And there are no lines or crowds. I’m sure it’s not for everybody, but it is really AI

Thanks. That is NOT what I get from their web page. We may explore them. But I would like my rock…🤘

[Dolebludger]

I can see how the web page can portray the idea that Regent is much stuffier than it is. But I have no reason to falsify what it really is. Not a lot of hard rock, though. And I wish there were. 

[markeb]

1 minute ago, Dolebludger said:

I can see how the web page can portray the idea that Regent is much stuffier than it is. But I have no reason to falsify what it really is. Not a lot of hard rock, though. And I wish there were. 

Thanks. Not to hijack a Celebrity thread, but this is an issue with marketing across cruise lines. Regent does an amazing job of promoting itself as pompous and boring! From what you’re describing they should at least also promote the affluent adult space! Unfortunately the fares I’m seeing are beyond my comfort zone. But we’ll keep them in mind. 

[Dolebludger]

Don’t want to hijack a thread either. The point of discussion of any other cruise line is all the posts on this thread and forum seeking an alternative  to Celebrity (especially the Retreat) due to pice hikes and content reduction. Just giving one of many answers.

[Whinenowine]

There are many on here who I think are looking at this the right way:  variety is good, choices are good.  And choosing a cruise line is a personal choice, subjective not objective. Period.  We love(d) most of what Celebrity has to offer--all of us, including my teenage kids found lots to occupy our time.  And when pricing allows, we'll continue to sail X (as we did this summer when we found phenomenal Retreat pricing on the Edge).  But in general, their current pricing has 'encouraged' us to look elsewhere--which is good.  No ill will towards X from me and mine.

[tfred]

X isn't completely crazy - the overwhelming bulk of the cruise market is the 7-10 day Caribbean sailing out of Florida. That is where they concentrate most of their efforts. It is easy for most people to fly to Florida and get on a ship the next day and then fly home within the confines of most people's 7 day vacation from work.  

 

For the most part that doesn't work with the next level up lines - Oceania, Regent et al  Leave from St Martin on a Tuesday and arrive somewhere else 10 days later    Yes, they do have some R/T Miami but much of it is leave from here and then arrive at a different port   That generally isn't convenient to many working people or even retired people 

 

We booked a SSea Med cruise next summer for the same price as a X Sky Suite Med cruise.  It was an easy choice - small ship, small ports - and for port intensive cruises we are not interested in big nighttime shows. 

 

X suite pricing has gone up quite a bit and now puts it on par with many coastal resorts (standard room price for the JW Marriott Marco Island Florida in Feb is $1100/night - sold out in much of January )

 

If you have the time, and $10k to burn then the next level up lines are very good .  If you only have one week including travel time than X is still in the running 

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

11 hours ago, markeb said:

Thanks. Not to hijack a Celebrity thread, but this is an issue with marketing across cruise lines. Regent does an amazing job of promoting itself as pompous and boring! From what you’re describing they should at least also promote the affluent adult space! Unfortunately the fares I’m seeing are beyond my comfort zone. But we’ll keep them in mind. 

 

(for the record, I'm 61 also)

 

I'll note that most of the people I see in the marketing from Celebrity don't accurately reflect the guests I typically encounter onboard.

 

I just noticed this image from the Carnival page - I will say, they're not far off the mark here...

 

 

 

 

I've been curious about the "luxury lines" as well - but I also prefer bands that have a bit of edge to them. I was on a sailing earlier this year where the house band (Carnival Liberty) was playing great sets, finishing off with a great rendition of Zombie.

 

Tom

[Dolebludger]

Oh, X is still in the running, except for those who want the accommodations and services of the Retreat (or what they used to be). That is where the price hikes and cuts seem mostly to be. For other accommodations, X seems to remain pretty competitive, and perhaps leads the competition.

Edited November 30, 2023 by Dolebludger

[tfred]

1 hour ago, Dolebludger said:

Oh, X is still in the running, except for those who want the accommodations and services of the Retreat (or what they used to be). That is where the price hikes and cuts seem mostly to be. For other accommodations, X seems to remain pretty competitive, and perhaps leads the competition.

I have stayed in a few Marriott resorts along the way and the X product is pretty comparable especially when price for a X suite ($10k) is equal to the all in price of a Marriott resort with a regular room

 

there are enough newbies on an X cruise that would overcome the "it was better before" crowd    The newbies will not be disappointed compared to a resort land vacation  With resorts, the "nickel and dimming" has been there for a long time. Resort fees of $25-50/day which gets you wifi and two beach chairs. Add in parking ($25) you are looking at $500-750/week. 

 

X TV ad is directly saying that you can have a moveable resort where you can experience new things everyday. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/5MHM/celebrity-cruises-black-friday-event-why-pick-one. The views in the ad would make you think that you are on a land hotel. 

 

 

[Dolebludger]

Celebrity May think it’s competition is with land resorts, but it is not. Its competition comes from other cruise lines. And in this regard, I think Celebrity does well now, except for the Retreat level.  There are cruise lines that offer AI cruises for less, that are better in many respects. Land resorts? Many won’t go there — especially in the US — because they are a rip-off and I don’t know of any that are AI. There are some AI resorts in other countries that don’t charge so much.

[buncosquad]

On 10/22/2023 at 4:16 PM, Georgia_Peaches said:

Just checked to see what suites are left on our upcoming 3 night Ascent pre-maiden voyage cruise in November.  We have a SS1 for this part of the b2b and a few weeks ago I put in a "fair" bid for both a Royal Suite and an Edge Villa Suite.  And because I don't really do the bidding process in favor of just booking what we want outright, I decided to see if any were left for a possible upgrade.  Behold, there is one RS left that can be had for $7300 and there is one Edge Villa that can be had for $9056....for three nights!  Umm, that's a hard no on both.  And I'm guessing my "fair" bid has a less than fair change of being accepted...lol.  

 

I know it's a new ship and there are bills to pay, but are people really paying these prices? 

 

Regardless, we are still very excited for this cruise!

Was the price you note per night (for two people), per night (per person), three nights (for two people), or three nights (per person)?

[Georgia_Peaches]

42 minutes ago, buncosquad said:

Was the price you note per night (for two people), per night (per person), three nights (for two people), or three nights (per person)?

The prices were totals for 2 people for three nights.  So $1216 pp/per night for the RS and and $1500 PP/PN for the Loft Suite.  When we had a RS on S class earlier this year we paid $630 PP/PN for a 7 night cruise in a Royal suite.  Granted the differences between the 2 comparisons are vast.  S class is older and with no Retreat set up like E class...we were on a much older ship, better entertainment on E, and on and on.  

 

When I originally made this post it was before we had any experience on E class.  Now that we are back from Ascent, I completely understand why some folks pay the prices Celebrity are asking...especially for the upper suites.  We didn't experience the superb service that others are reporting from Ascent while in the Retreat so to that end, I'm glad we didn't pay any more than we did for our Sky suite. And perhaps it's due to the fact that it was only for three nights...maybe we need a bigger sample size of cruising nights just to be fair. 

 

What I found during the time we were in the Retreat was that there really wasn't anything to distinguish SS guests from Iconic suite guests...particularly on the sun deck.  Therefore, snail slow drink service for us was the same snail slow drink service for the guests lounging next to us...who were in an upper suite.  Again, I'm not knocking the experience.  We had a lovely time in the Retreat.  Our experience compared to some who have reported something completely different only serves to prove my point that the E class Retreat has increased it's passenger capacity while keeping it's staff capacity relatively the same...someone somewhere is going to suffer.  

 

Anyway, please pardon my very long winded response to your question.