What ship are you jumping to?

[goofysmom99]

7 hours ago, billc23 said:

The  Superior Veranda you may book is far nicer than a Sky Suite, so that should be the comparison price wise! The veranda rooms have better storage, a nicer bathroom, a table to have meals in your cabin or on the balcony, comfortable furniture, and a heavy curtain between the sleeping area/living space. You mentioned all the other inclusions and I will add that the alcohol brands are higher quality, the food has much more variety with higher quality proteins, the public space to passenger ratio is much higher as is the crew to passenger ratio, no segregation/hierarchal system... no crowds, no lines.  

 

You're absolutely right.  My $9800 Superior Veranda cabin (video) is waaay nicer than a $16,000 sky suite or my $8000 C1 on Summit, and it's 2 nights longer.  And there will be no nickel and dime upcharges for a decent glass of wine (of all the boneheaded management moves X has made over the past year, that one's a real prize-winner).  Anyway, I've been looking at lots of Silver Moon videos on youtube today.  That's one classy ship with a new-to-me layout.  They maximize aft views for everyone with the locations of the lounges and restaurants.  I'll be taking a deeper dive into itineraries this weekend, too.  Yup, very impressive.

[Dolebludger]

I am with those who won’t say goodbye to Celebrity forever, but will not book it the way things are now. However, I will follow the evolution (or de-evolution) of it. I’ll hold out the hope that X will realize that they just aren’t competitive with other cruise lines at many levels, and will chose to shape up rather than ship out. X reps have stated that they feel land resorts are their competition. That is wrong for too many reasons to post here. Other cruise lines are their competition, and, at some booking levels, X is getting beat badly. 
 

What would it take for us to book in the Retreat again? Here’s a list of some factors. All tips included in fare. Included use of mini fridge plus complementary wine in suite. No room service fees. All drinks included without surcharge. Full service to the suite — not just cleaning. At least some included laundry service. And fares at least 15% lower than Silversea, Regent, et al. I have the feeling we won’t be back very soon.

[C4HCG]

1 hour ago, goofysmom99 said:

You're absolutely right.  My $9800 Superior Veranda cabin (video) is waaay nicer than a $16,000 sky suite or my $8000 C1 on Summit, and it's 2 nights longer.  And there will be no nickel and dime upcharges for a decent glass of wine (of all the boneheaded management moves X has made over the past year, that one's a real prize-winner).  Anyway, I've been looking at lots of Silver Moon videos on youtube today.  That's one classy ship with a new-to-me layout.  They maximize aft views for everyone with the locations of the lounges and restaurants.  I'll be taking a deeper dive into itineraries this weekend, too.  Yup, very impressive.

Wow. Who are you trying to convince?

[Cybercsp]

For background:  We are Elite Plus on Celebrity.  Our last cruise with them was on the Edge, and we disembarked into COVID (2/20).  We decided to give Celebrity another try and just disembarked from Silhouette.  Disappointed hardly covers what I am feeling.  It is laughable that they use the word "luxury" in their marketing.  I suspect that it is those of us who remember how special Celebrity used to be who are the ones (literally) jumping ship.  Breakfast was the most solid meal of the day. The MDR has devolved into generally mediocre quality food (inexpensive meats, small portions, overcooked) with poor sides. Over nine days, I had one delicious starter and one entree that was very good. Do not even start me on the premium drink package wine offerings.  The ship felt very crowded, especially in the Oceanview Cafe.

The positives:  Our cabin was comfortable (veranda), if you sat at the bars, you could have a good cocktail, especially in the World Class Bar and there was decent evening entertainment.

Our best advice:  Keep track of what you have spent after being nickel and dimed on Celebrity and look for good deals on other cruise lines.   For example, we took a 7N Crystal Caribbean cruise in early December for $1895 PP (Oceanview) that was an absolute delight...all inclusive, amazing service, two nights in included specialty restaurants and delicious meals in the MDR, a very solid list of included wines, comfortable cabin, plenty of loungers at the pool...I could go on and on.  

I never say never, but am finding it difficult to imagine doing another Celebrity cruise, especially since the people we talked to in the Retreat had little better to say about their experience there or in the specialty restaurants.

[Stem to Stern]

We can't quit you Celebrity!  Not yet anyway.  We have three more booked into 2025 at acceptable pricing.  We have strayed a few times in the recent and distant past, so we will definitely have a sniff at the competition.  We sailed Crystal once and loved it.  We just completed our first go in the MSC Yacht Club and would certainly give that another spin.  

But as we look to more port-intensive itineraries, other lines are providing more interesting offerings.  We have not yet sailed Holland America, but we will likely end up booking during their $1.00 deposit promotion.  I loath Celebrity's non-refundable deposits.  But HAL is only one of several lines I have been exploring.  

Goofysmom's post featuring the video of the very appealing suite on board Silver Moon at very competitive pricing caught my attention.  I previously took note of certain Silversea sailings that I found to be within a swallowable price range.

[C4HCG]

9 minutes ago, Cybercsp said:

For background:  We are Elite Plus on Celebrity.  Our last cruise with them was on the Edge, and we disembarked into COVID (2/20).  We decided to give Celebrity another try and just disembarked from Silhouette.  Disappointed hardly covers what I am feeling.  It is laughable that they use the word "luxury" in their marketing.  I suspect that it is those of us who remember how special Celebrity used to be who are the ones (literally) jumping ship.  Breakfast was the most solid meal of the day. The MDR has devolved into generally mediocre quality food (inexpensive meats, small portions, overcooked) with poor sides. Over nine days, I had one delicious starter and one entree that was very good. Do not even start me on the premium drink package wine offerings.  The ship felt very crowded, especially in the Oceanview Cafe.

The positives:  Our cabin was comfortable (veranda), if you sat at the bars, you could have a good cocktail, especially in the World Class Bar and there was decent evening entertainment.

Our best advice:  Keep track of what you have spent after being nickel and dimed on Celebrity and look for good deals on other cruise lines.   For example, we took a 7N Crystal Caribbean cruise in early December for $1895 PP (Oceanview) that was an absolute delight...all inclusive, amazing service, two nights in included specialty restaurants and delicious meals in the MDR, a very solid list of included wines, comfortable cabin, plenty of loungers at the pool...I could go on and on.  

I never say never, but am finding it difficult to imagine doing another Celebrity cruise, especially since the people we talked to in the Retreat had little better to say about their experience there or in the specialty restaurants.

Go on, tell us about the premium wine offerings.

[Mrs_Tiki]

After saying we were one and done on MSC Yacht Club, we find ourselves considering adding a 4-night on the MSC Seashore to our upcoming cruise on X Ascent. 

 

The price of 4 nights in a Yacht Club Suite was less than half of the fare to continue our Ascent cruise for 7 more days in Aqua. (Retreat is sold out.)

 

[NMTraveller]

21 minutes ago, Cybercsp said:

  The ship felt very crowded, especially in the Oceanview Cafe.

Even on the most chill Celebrity ship the Millenium, the Oceanview Cafe is overcrowded.  I avoid it either by ordering room service or MDR or Blu.

[dreamer321]

I'm sailing the Apex transatlantic in the fall then nothing booked after that.  I am seriously considering a Norwegian coastal cruise with Havila Voyages for a completely different cruise experience.  I'm also looking at Windstar Cruises and Holland America Line.  I'm a solo sailor and Celebrity's pricing for solos is appalling.  Windstar has a huge list of cruises with little or no solo supplement.  HAL is charging less than 100% supplement.  I just looked at my Apex transatlantic and if I were to book it today they would charge me ($2872) $974 more than the total a couple would pay ($949 per person) for the same cabin. 

[Cybercsp]

C4HCG: I can only speak to the white wines, because I do not drink red.  The Savignon Blancs included Canyon Ranch, Villa Maria, and two Chilean offerings that i sampled but do not recall the names.  The $17 glass Vermentino was unavailable.  The sommelier did not recommend the Pinot Grigio.  He characterized the Chardonnay as “oakey” which is not to my liking.  The main sticking point for me is that an upgraded premium alcohol package could offer some solid choices.  I am not expecting $40 bottle wines (I know they need to make a profit), but Total Wine sells Canyon Ranch and Villa Maria for $12.99 a bottle.  

[deliver42]

We're both Elite, but we just booked the MSC Seascape Yacht Club for Nov, 2026 out of Galveston.

[NMTraveller]

17 hours ago, C4HCG said:

Go on, tell us about the premium wine offerings.

There are multiple threads on this issue.  Feel free to offer your opinion.  Here is one that is on page 27.  The issue extends to everyone,  even those in suites...

 

 

[Pinboy]

17 hours ago, NMTraveller said:

Even on the most chill Celebrity ship the Millenium, the Oceanview Cafe is overcrowded.  I avoid it either by ordering room service or MDR or Blu.

Don't forget your 2nd breakfast at the Tuscan Grill--

Ya gotta be ELITE ( like us )--- It must be the top Loyalty Points level of Celebrity ---It cost us about $50K ( $US ) to get to that level. To be escorted in don't forget to show your cabin card -- 

Two of my favorite Perks were:

" Dinner with an Officer "-- Guess how many times she commented: " It must be really cold up there " ? 

And, 10% off of a $300 photo package--- more photos for the " junk " drawer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mjfship]

We haven't exactly abandoned ship from X, but following our November transatlantic voyage in a PH on the APEX, we're considering other cruise lines.  Like many others, we have remained loyal to Celebrity for the past 23 years. We have always enjoyed sailing on a new ship and typically embark on two transatlantic cruises and one or two others with port-intensive itineraries annually.

 

This year, there are plenty of options, with Silversea Nova, Oceania Vista, Seabourn Pursuit, and Regent Grandeur taking the lead with their impressive new ships. After enjoying The Retreat on the E-Class ships since the launch of Edge in December 2018, we decided it was time to explore the new offerings from other top premium cruise lines without the ‘small ship within a ship’ concept.  Currently, we have 15 nights booked on Oceania Vista and an Alaskan cruise booked on Silversea Nova for 2024.  X was fortunate to have new ships released in close succession, while other lines did not have the same advantage.  Now, there are many choices for all types of cruisers.  With X's ridiculous current suite pricing compared to the smaller premium brands, it is a no-brainer.

Edited January 14 by mjfship

[NMTraveller]

On 1/12/2024 at 1:42 PM, C4HCG said:

Such a shame, as we are new to Celebrity cruisers relatively who still enjoy the product and find it value for money, our paths will never cross 😢.

 

I think that you have defined the differences.

 

Cruisers who remember the pre-covid Celebrity and were wowed or impressed by their service and offerings are disappointed with the new Celebrity.

 

I remember in one of your posts you mentioned the food as being "perfectly adequate".  I asked my DW about the latest cruise and she mentioned the food as being adequate.  Our favorite places on our last cruise were the pre-cruise and post-cruise hotels.  The food was exceptional.  We were eating Chilean sea bass that was cooked to perfection and local Asian dishes.  Coconut drinks right out of the coconut.

 

There are choices out there.  It is where one perceives that they can find the most value for their dollar.

For many it used to be Celebrity.

Edited January 14 by NMTraveller

[mac66]

We were last on X in August of 2022. It was an 9 day cruise on the Summit. While we had a good time, the food and service were mediocre.  

 

Leaving on an 11 day Beyond in a couple weeks because A...we wanted to try and Edge class ship and B....we got a pretty good deal since we booked it early last year. I don't think we would go at current prices and C...it's an itinerary we've not done before.  We'll try the Beyond and see what happens but we have no further cruise plans. When we decide to cruise again we will consider our other options.

 

Frankly our 8 day cruise on RCL in early December the previous year was a better cruise in terms of both service and food.

Edited January 14 by mac66

[C4HCG]

1 hour ago, NMTraveller said:

I think that you have defined the differences.

 

Cruisers who remember the pre-covid Celebrity and were wowed or impressed by their service and offerings are disappointed with the new Celebrity.

 

I remember in one of your posts you mentioned the food as being "perfectly adequate".  I asked my DW about the latest cruise and she mentioned the food as being adequate.  Our favorite places on our last cruise were the pre-cruise and post-cruise hotels.  The food was exceptional.  We were eating Chilean sea bass that was cooked to perfection and local Asian dishes.  Coconut drinks right out of the coconut.

 

There are choices out there.  It is where one perceives that they can find the most value for their dollar.

For many it used to be Celebrity.

We sailed pre covid and are not disappointed by the post covid cruises, far from it. As you say, all about perspective and I think attitude. we are thankful we have the means to leave dreary England to the USA and Caribbean, many others don’t have that option. 

[doghog]

18 minutes ago, C4HCG said:

We sailed pre covid and are not disappointed by the post covid cruises, far from it. As you say, all about perspective and I think attitude. we are thankful we have the means to leave dreary England to the USA and Caribbean, many others don’t have that option. 

There are a few here on CC that offer good advice on a few selected subjects. That's where I draw the line. Everything else I consider right to their opinions and not making a decision for us  based on them.  

[C4HCG]

43 minutes ago, doghog said:

There are a few here on CC that offer good advice on a few selected subjects. That's where I draw the line. Everything else I consider right to their opinions and not making a decision for us  based on them.  

Agree entirely, we have benefitted from good advice offered here.

[mahasamatman]

As noted in my signature, we currently have cruises booked on MSC, AmaWaterways, Princess, Cunard, and P&O in addition to a couple on Celebrity. In my mind, Celebrity has priced itself out of the market. They now charge like a high-end line, but deliver like a mid-range line.

[NMTraveller]

6 hours ago, C4HCG said:

 As you say, all about perspective and I think attitude. we are thankful we have the means to leave dreary England to the USA and Caribbean, many others don’t have that option. 

We will be going to dreary England (London) in 2025.  Cheers.

[NMTraveller]

On 1/13/2024 at 12:22 PM, Dolebludger said:

I am with those who won’t say goodbye to Celebrity forever, but will not book it the way things are now. However, I will follow the evolution (or de-evolution) of it. I’ll hold out the hope that X will realize that they just aren’t competitive with other cruise lines at many levels, and will chose to shape up rather than ship out. X reps have stated that they feel land resorts are their competition. That is wrong for too many reasons to post here. Other cruise lines are their competition, and, at some booking levels, X is getting beat badly. 

Even at land resorts they are getting beat.  I can go to a 5 star resort and get better service.  It did not used to be that way.  On my last cruise the highlights were the pre cruise and post cruise resorts.

[kirtihk]

On 1/11/2024 at 11:25 AM, Pinboy said:

Over the " years " we never had a bad cruise with Celebrity ( 2 cruises booked this winter )--

( Gotta get out of this cold )!!!!

Some thoughts from our prospective, respecting that everyone has their own opinions:

1- These three things are extremely important to us as well---

So, in the overall cruise " experience "-- Why take a chance in changing Cruise Lines because a ship is not as " refreshed " as the new ships ? 

We were on the Edge -- agree completely about the IV --- not a balcony at all.

2- If the Gratuities were included in the package , it's pretty certain they are built into the price.

We are not suite passengers ( non-drinkers, don't need much wifi, and wouldn't need the services of a Butler).

From the above, it appears that several suite passengers are not as satisfied with the Butler/Suite Host service as in the past. I can see some folks switching to Aqua/Concierge/Verandah cabins, but, not necessarily to another Line.

 

 

 

 

Logically, i should be true.  However, when gratuities were recently removed from a package, the package price was not reduced by a price of gratuities (actually, it was not reduced at all).  Also, a cruise price (varsus a price right before gratuities removal) was not reduced either.

[JahHaus]

We've been loyal to Celebrity for years (20+ cruises Elite+) and just completed five days in AQ on Summit while readying for 11 days in a SS on Beyond next month...an itinerary we booked while on board last year when tips and OBC were still included.  We usually book The Retreat, so, I'm most eager to see for myself how changes affect my experience before I totally jump ship.  That said, I have booked a ten-day Caribbean cruise on Silversea's Silver Moon for February 2025...about $10k for both of us in a "superior veranda" with pretty much EVERYTHING included.  Bottom line...I have to wait a year before I can formulae an opinion.  Can you wait that long?