Celebrity Blue Chip Changes

[arealcheapskate]

Got this email today: 

 

Dear Guest,

Yesterday we announced some changes to the Celebrity Blue Chip Club program. The feedback we received from you in the last 24 hours made it clear that we did not roll out these changes the way we should have. We are very sorry for the stress this may have caused you and would like to share how we are addressing this.

On August 1, 2024, you will retain your current Tier Status for the next 12 months until July 31, 2025. You will continue to receive the same FreePlay benefits, beverage package benefits, and prepaid gratuity benefits of the previous program based on your tier for bookings fully paid and confirmed prior to August 1, 2024, with a sail-by date on or before July 31, 2025 (sailings must be 4 nights or longer).

And we are further extending these dates for our top tier Captain’s Club members:

Elite: Book by October 30, 2024 and sail on or before July 31, 2025
Elite Plus: Book by January 31, 2025 and sail on or before July 31, 2025
Zenith: Book by and sail on or before July 31, 2025

You will also be able to take advantage of new benefits on all bookings after August 1, 2024, including a new Effy credit, new spa discounts and new photo benefits based on your tier. We are also introducing a new way to earn FreePlay on all new sailings.

Also on August 1, 2024, your Tier Credits will reset to zero to begin tracking toward your tier for the next 12 months. Tier credits earned during this period will determine your new tier status for the program year between August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026. On August 1, 2025, the new tier benefits will take effect for all sailings.

For more information, please visit celebrity.com/blue-chip-club.

Thank you as always for your loyalty and feedback. We hope to see you onboard very soon.

Thank you,

Your Blue Chip Club Team

 

 

Curiously did not get the email where they initially discussed the changes. The new benefits look pretty lackluster. 

[Cruising Mike B]

I think the freeplay benefits are great, however, to retain the same tier when they’ve lowered the points is a slap in the face. I have 21,000 points which is Onyx today, but starting August 1, you only need to obtain 500 points for this tier. With the new program I would be Sapphire if their tiers worked like most casinos do.  

[SplashOfWater]

It seems Celebrity is making their casino program more like Royal Caribbean's. To earn 1 point you need to play $5 in slots or $10 in video poker. Points earned on table games are less obvious.

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/experience/cruise-casinos/rewards

[lazydayz]

I got both emails but haven’t sailed Celebrity in a decade.  Not sure why I received them.