These boards are scaring me. Has Celebrity dropped THAT much in quality???

[greatam]

I have a Panama Canal/repo cruise booked for November on Infinity. I also have the Panama Canal segment of the World Cruise on hold on the QE2 in January.

 

I would rather cruise on Infinity. I want to see the Panama Canal. I have one of the corner FV cabins booked. Everything I want. All these reports about filthy cabins, run down ships, snarly wait staff, etc. are really starting to worry me.

 

I want an upscale ship, I want a clean ship, I want pax to appreciate formal night and show their appreciation by dressing accordingly. I don't care about the shows. I do like good food, but am not a foodie. And I really appreciate the waiters carrying trays in the buffet. Everything X has always been (haven't sailed X in two years).

 

Are these reports from disgruntled cruisers, first timers, non dress code people, etc., or are they from regular Celebrity cruisers?

 

I am looking for honesty from regular Celebrity cruisers. I am not looking for "X is Perfect". If the line has really gone downhill or there are things that have slipped appreciably, please let me know. I have until Friday to firm up the reservation on the QE2.

[tbelian]

I am looking for honesty from regular Celebrity cruisers. I am not looking for "X is Perfect". If the line has really gone downhill or there are things that have slipped appreciably, please let me know. I have until Friday to firm up the reservation on the QE2.

 

Without sounding like a 'loyalist' I would simply say that I would not base my decision on what line to cruise on based only on what I read here. I certainly wouldn't panic over plans that are already in place.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[mii]

I also would not base on what is said on this forum about taking the Infinity. i was on her last year and throughly enjoyed the ship, had no high expectations and had a fabulous time. Sure things happen and it seems like lately that there has been alot of bashing of Celebrity but believe me that happens on all lines. I also cruise Princess and they have had their share of problems. If you took every single review at face value of every single problem out there you would never cruise. So go and enjoy the Infinity.

 

Marilyn

[greeneg]

I think the problem that we are seeing here on the boards is that the posts seem to be all over the map. When you read a review of the same cruise by two different posters, you may well have trouble believing that they were on the same ship at the same time. The spectrum is truly broad and recently has almost reach the unfathomable....

 

People post for different reasons; most to be helpful, some because they like to either appear to be ( or in some cases actually are) experts, some because they like to create controversy, and others because they are out to "avenge themselves" for some slight, insult , or problem which was not handled the way that they thought that it should be -- right or wrong.

 

I would recommend taking ALL posts in context and with some salt; if you see a post that really makes a particular ship, cruise, or line look bad, try and cross-reference the post. Look at some of the particular poster's other posts and see if bias appears. Personally, I tend to dismiss posters who have few posts, particularly if all are strongly negative. It is, IMHO, a rare cruise where nothing good can be said about it. I like to avoid people whose glass is essentially empty ( and usually stained or dirty.)

 

Remember that most people do enjoy their cruises; this is what the cruise lines ( all of them) strive for and that usually that's what's achieved.

 

Hope that's helpful.

[Maggie 3]

I was on the Mercury 5/8/06 to Alaska I was also WORRIED I was the one who picked the ship and everything for 3 couples (they trust me) but after I read all the negative things on Celebrith and the Mercury I was sure I had made a mistake. We had a great time and the ship was just fine. My husband and I had been on the Infinity in Jan of this year and 2 other times and I think our May trip was just as nice (I do like the Infinity a little more) I think sometimes people think they have to say something bad, I also think some had a bad cruise in March but some probably had a great time.Go with a OPEN mind and have fun.

[suzeyQ]

Here's my 2 cents, having not yet sailed on Celebrity but planning to do so in the spring. My parents sailed Celebrity recently (not sure which ship it was) and they absolutely raved about the entire trip. They thought everything was wonderful. To put that in context, most of their cruises lately have been on HAL or Radission, so they've come to expect quite a high level of service. I tend to value the reports from people whose opinions I trust, not a bunch of anonymous people on a message board, most of whom I know nothing about. Yes, these boards are invaluable for learning about the various lines and ships but you shouldn't let the opinions you see here decide you either for or against a vacation. JMO

[Radiomark]

I have an uncle who has sailed Celebrity several times and just raves about it. We sailed on RCCL the last time. If you go to RCCL, you'll also find the negative posts. I generally take what looks like flaming posts and disregard them. I only give real credence to posts that have an "objective" tone, positive or negative.

 

Mark

[cechase]

greatam, you asked a very relevant question, and the people who have responded have given you some great advice [particularly from greeneg, who seems always to be overflowing with balance and common sense].

 

We were sort of in the same boat as you in late 2004. We booked Century for a February 2005 cruise. There was one poster who absolutely ripped poor old Century with multiple all negative posts on this forum and said that she would never cruise Celebrity again [although she still posts negativity on these forum from time to time]. We continued on with the cruise, but waryily approached Century - and found out that the poster was full of it. It was our very best cruise, great food, great excursions, great crew and staff.

 

Late last year, the same thing happened with respect to Mercury - we were booked for her 11 night cruise out of San Diego on 1/2/2006. We did not let the negative comments affect our cruise decision, and again found the vessel to be clean and gleaming, and despite being on the lookout, could not verify the posters' negative complaints. The only negative that we ran into was a wait staff problem in the dining room and a feeling that the food was a step down from what we experienced on Century - for which we have a distinct bias.

 

Go ahead and have a wonderful cruise. Oh, on every cruise you will occasionally run into a complainer or two, and our advice to you is just ignore them and don't let their negativity ruin your cruise. Bon Voyage!

[chessbriar]

I have yet to be on a ship in the kind of condition you read on these boards.

 

Happy people go about their lives, unhappy people write scathing posts.

 

The Infinity was just in drydock. She will be fine.

 

The only ship in the fleet in need of drydock is Galaxy. Even so, we had a great cruise on her.

[Ma Bell]

This is good advice. We've sailed with Celebrity many times and have more booked. We've also sailed with many others. It's possible to have a bad experience anywhere, regardless of the product. I can assure you that chances are you will have an enjoyable cruise with Celebrity.

 

We have always found that if a problem arises it can usually be resolved with a polite request. Don't worry.

[caviargal]

The only ship in the fleet in need of drydock is Galaxy.

 

I respectfully disagree.

 

This is perhaps your opinion but does not negate the experiences of others on this board, whether you agree with them or not.

 

I was on Mercury in October and she is need of upgrading in several areas to come up to what IME is the Celebrity standard.

 

If others have different expectations and standards for their cruises, so be it. There are posters on this board whose opinions I respect and those which I disregard, usually the extremists on either end of the spectrum.

 

Will I stop cruising with X? No, I am booked on Century this year. But I will most definitely not cruise Mercury again until she is fixed.

[magmagee]

I have a Panama Canal/repo cruise booked for November on Infinity. I also have the Panama Canal segment of the World Cruise on hold on the QE2 in January.

 

I would rather cruise on Infinity. I want to see the Panama Canal. I have one of the corner FV cabins booked. Everything I want. All these reports about filthy cabins, run down ships, snarly wait staff, etc. are really starting to worry me.

 

I want an upscale ship, I want a clean ship, I want pax to appreciate formal night and show their appreciation by dressing accordingly. I don't care about the shows. I do like good food, but am not a foodie. And I really appreciate the waiters carrying trays in the buffet. Everything X has always been (haven't sailed X in two years).

 

Are these reports from disgruntled cruisers, first timers, non dress code people, etc., or are they from regular Celebrity cruisers?

 

I am looking for honesty from regular Celebrity cruisers. I am not looking for "X is Perfect". If the line has really gone downhill or there are things that have slipped appreciably, please let me know. I have until Friday to firm up the reservation on the QE2.

 

I have sailed with Celebrity 3 times

 

Infinity to Alaska 2004

Infinity to Alaska 2005

Summit to Alaska 2006

 

I am not on a band wagon to promote Celebrity in anyway. I just happen to be a very happy customer. I think the rest of what seems like promoters of Celebrity feel the same way. Nothing more nothing less. We enjoy cruising with this company because we find the service to be what we are looking for.

This last trip we just took in May was just as good as the one we took in 2004. Yes, the waiters were there to take our trays at the buffet and they do it with a smile. That has not changed. Our room was clean. There was a wear spot on the sofa that caught my eye but I did not let that bother me. It is a ship that gets a lot of use. I can not image that upkeep it must take just to keep the balconeys rust free due to the salt. Some people say they have seen rust. Yeah, you might see some small spots here and there not much but overall it is painted and the balconeys are clean.

I happen to like Infinity better than Summit . They are exactly the same ship but I felt that Inifinity was in great shape.

I find that everyone does not follow the dress code in the dining area. I did not see jeans but some of the outfits were not formal but they were nice clothes. I guess not everyone wants to dress formal I don't know but guests did look nice.

Our cabins were cleaned everyday. We did not have dirty or painted toilets like some one reported. The room service was always completed before we came back from a meal or from wandering around.

I am trying to think what I did not like on my Celebrity cruises but I am having a hard time coming up with something. No ship is going to be perfect and of course some of the older ships are going to show a bit more wear .

I would give the service and the food in the dining area two thumbs up and that would go for all 3 of my cruises.

I know there are other cruise lines that give good service but I just feel comfortable with this company and I know what I am getting. When I go on my next cruise with Celebrity and it is not great like it had been in the past I would consider changing but for now I will book my next cruise with Celebrity.

Have a great cruise

[kitty9]

I have sailed Celebrity 4 times, with three more booked for this year and next. Have I seen changes? Yes, especially with the food. The new menu items that I experienced on Summit on my last X cruise weren't nearly as good as they were on my previous cruises. I've seen things like "roasted potatoes" and when the plate is presented, there's one tiny lonely potato. Fresh vegetables that accompany the entree were maybe three small pieces carrot or broccoli. And the salads, always the one thing I love at dinner, have been cut in half, portion-wise. The beef, which previously was always very good, was very disappointing in terms of taste and tenderness. And finally the desserts----I'm a dessert person and on the 14 day Panama cruise, I can count on one hand the number of nights I found anything that appealed to me---and that's very unusual. I found the desserts uninspired and quite tasteless. Then of course you have the absolutely perfect alternate restaurants. They are spectacular, and totally on par with the wonderful food served on Seabourn and Crystal.

 

BUT, and it's a pretty big BUT, the service still is fantastic, especially when you realize that I find X's service in many areas quite comparable to the likes of Silversea and Crystal. The Summit, Mille and Infinity are in great shape and don't look like they need major rennovation. I love all the activities on board and the support staff, like the entertainment staff and assistant cruise directors, are some of the best in the business.

 

I agree that Mercury needs some major work. She's beginning to look tired and the upkeep of many areas, including the cabins, is not up to par with either the Galaxy Class or Millennium Class ships. To be honest, I was very surprised to hear that Mercury is the ship they chose to do the Australian cruises. With all the money they poured into Century, it's a shame that they are doing 4 and 5 day cruises on her this winter and putting the tired Mercury on the fantastic exotic itineraries. It's one of the reasons I'm not booking any of those future cruises.

[numbersix]

I agree that Mercury needs some major work. She's beginning to look tired and the upkeep of many areas, including the cabins, is not up to par with either the Galaxy Class or Millennium Class ships. To be honest, I was very surprised to hear that Mercury is the ship they chose to do the Australian cruises. With all the money they poured into Century, it's a shame that they are doing 4 and 5 day cruises on her this winter and putting the tired Mercury on the fantastic exotic itineraries. It's one of the reasons I'm not booking any of those future cruises.

 

 

Mercury is, perhaps, starting to look tired, but does she not go into drydock in April 2007? Then, she'll be all spruced up and ready to go Down Under.

[cruzin4us]

An aft cabin going thru the Panama Canal is a dream come true.....do not let these people discourage you. As you know, for every one making a fuss, there are hundreds of others booking their next cruise.

A cruise or life in general is what you make it. It will either be all roses, or dead daisies.

In fact, you can worry about what could/might/will happen and drive yourself batty. You can worry about this kind of thing when you are pushing up daisies.

Have a great trip...........we went on Galaxy thru the Panama and it was my favorite trip and I didn't have an aft :(

You will love it! It's the best place to sit on your balcony and enjoy the ride. Let us know what you think when you get back.........I'll bet you have worried for nothing.

Laurie

 

P.S. I'll take your cabin if you don't want to go :)

[caviargal]

A cruise or life in general is what you make it. It will either be all roses, or dead daisies.

 

Actually, there are many, many variations in between.:rolleyes:

[PugTug1]

I have a Panama Canal/repo cruise booked for November on Infinity. I also have the Panama Canal segment of the World Cruise on hold on the QE2 in January.

 

I would rather cruise on Infinity. I want to see the Panama Canal. I have one of the corner FV cabins booked. Everything I want. All these reports about filthy cabins, run down ships, snarly wait staff, etc. are really starting to worry me.

 

I want an upscale ship, I want a clean ship, I want pax to appreciate formal night and show their appreciation by dressing accordingly. I don't care about the shows. I do like good food, but am not a foodie. And I really appreciate the waiters carrying trays in the buffet. Everything X has always been (haven't sailed X in two years).

 

Are these reports from disgruntled cruisers, first timers, non dress code people, etc., or are they from regular Celebrity cruisers?

 

I am looking for honesty from regular Celebrity cruisers. I am not looking for "X is Perfect". If the line has really gone downhill or there are things that have slipped appreciably, please let me know. I have until Friday to firm up the reservation on the QE2.

 

Although new to these boards, I am not new to cruising (first cruise in '73 on Song of Norway). I have been stunned at how negative some of the comments have been on Celebrity. I feel strongly that those who have chosen to reply to your queary ALL have offered valuable insight with realistic observations. My compliments to all of you.

 

I've sailed Infinity, Summit and Millenium and will be on the Constellation this November. I find these ships to be in fine shape, the staff attentive, the food very good. And the Panama Canal is a life altering experience. Bring along David McCoulloughs "A Path Between the Seas" as an excellent book companion which will lend increadible insight to your passage.

 

Enjoy.

[greatam]

I guess I didnt' make myself very clear. Sorry. I will try again.

 

Yes, there is always bashing of every cruise line. Most bashes should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

On the Celebrity boards, it appears that the "total quality" has gone down. Is this true???

 

Example: We flew Concorde June 2003, just before BA was shutting down Concorde service. In 2001, my best friend flew Concorde. TOTALLY different experiences. And definitely a reduction in "total quality".

She returned with all kinds of Concorde "goodies" (leather bound folder, menus, etc.). She was picked up at her NYC hotel, escorted through the airport to the Concorde lounge. Concorde had 11 different champagnes on board in 2001. Only 5 varieties in 2003. She felt very special. Other than the thrill of flying supersonic, I can't say that the Concorde experience was really "special". In fact, DH insists BA FC home was MUCH better than Concorde.

 

Will the X experience I had in 2004 (Infinity-Hawaii) and the Mercury in 2002 and 2003 match (or come very close to) the experience I am anticipating in November 2006? Or has there been a reduction in "total quality" on Celebrity in general?

[Leela]

The only ship in the fleet in need of drydock is Galaxy. Even so, we had a great cruise on her.

And possibly Zenith...lovely, but sadly neglected in parts. Even so, we had a very good cruise on her. Maybe she doesn't specifically need a drydock -- that is really for when they have to get the parts of the ship below the waterline out of the water, but she could use some redecoration.

 

Anyway, I've found that things differ from ship to ship, cabin to cabin, table to table, and so on.

 

On my first two X cruises, Century and Horizon, we had the absolutely most fabulous waiters. Just fantastic -- the kind you read about here who notice something small one night and then make it happen magically every night without you asking. On my next two X cruises, Mercury and Zenith, we had good waiters but they were not anything special. I would not take this as an indication that service had gone downhill -- it's more of a luck of the draw thing. Not everyone is going to be in the 5% of all the staff.

 

On my first X cruise, on Century, we never saw our cabin steward. And, after we got back from the trip and I started reading this boards, I found out that there were several Concierge Class amenities that he was supposed to provide us with, that we never saw. So I'd say that steward was not 100% on the ball with the CC service, although he apparantly did a good job because everything was always clean and neat. On our next two cruises, we had great butlers. On our most recent one, we had one who was only good. There's a sort of spoil factor...if you have a waiter or steward or butler who is in the top percentage of all Celebrity employees, and next time you get someone who is average, then it's going to seem like a step down even though it's quite possible that nothing is actually declining over all.

 

All of this has been spread out over a two-plus-year period, on four different ships. As far as physical appearance goes, I thought Century was beautiful in 2004, and now she's even more so (I really must book a trip!). Horizon was fraying at the edges, but I sailed her but a few short months before she left the fleet, so I wasn't expecting much anyway. I was on Mecury eight months ago, and also thought she was grand. Really, the only ship I have been truly disappointed with is Zenith. Partly that might be a result of mistaken expectations...I had read here on Cruise Critic that she was getting old and run-down, but then I heard that she was getting new soft goods last fall. So, when I went on board, I expected to see new things in our suite. I was disappointed when the only new thing I saw was a bedspread...the drapes, sofa, mattress, and even sheets and towels were all old (bleach stains on the towels, a small hole or two in the sheets, a small rip in the drapes, and the decor overall was very poor in that none of the carpet, sofa, bedspread, or drapes actually coordinated with each other). It was a let down, but not the kind that ruins an entire trip.

 

Also, I think that location comes into play. I happened to see into a suite on the opposite side Zenith from us, and it was decorated totally differently and was much better looking than ours. I think it's this kind of inconsistency that leads to the complaints you read about here. It's a shame, and I don't quite get it, because I'd think that consistency of quality and experience would be important in the hospitality industry. Like, I'd never think to ask "when was the last time this particular cabin was decorated" when booking on a cruise, but now I kind of wonder. And I also wonder if anyone even has that exact bit of information. For all I know, maybe the things I heard last year about Zenith getting some new soft goods were true...if you were staying in the cabins that happened to have received them.

 

It's all kind of confusing.

 

As far as the QM2 goes, all I have is one bit of anecodtal evidence: my mom sailed her last year and is still complaining about it. She'd rather sail Zenith again, warts and all, then go back on the QM2. Apparantly she had a rather poor waiter/assistant waiter team. She did go speak to the Maitre d'Hotel about them, and the service was much better after that, but she wasn't happy with the fact that she even had to make a complaint. She also preferred the beds in concierge class on Century to what she had on the QM2.

[PugTug1]

I guess I didnt' make myself very clear. Sorry. I will try again.

 

Yes, there is always bashing of every cruise line. Most bashes should be taken with a grain of salt.

 

On the Celebrity boards, it appears that the "total quality" has gone down. Is this true???

 

Example: We flew Concorde June 2003, just before BA was shutting down Concorde service. In 2001, my best friend flew Concorde. TOTALLY different experiences. And definitely a reduction in "total quality".

She returned with all kinds of Concorde "goodies" (leather bound folder, menus, etc.). She was picked up at her NYC hotel, escorted through the airport to the Concorde lounge. Concorde had 11 different champagnes on board in 2001. Only 5 varieties in 2003. She felt very special. Other than the thrill of flying supersonic, I can't say that the Concorde experience was really "special". In fact, DH insists BA FC home was MUCH better than Concorde.

 

Will the X experience I had in 2004 (Infinity-Hawaii) and the Mercury in 2002 and 2003 match (or come very close to) the experience I am anticipating in November 2006? Or has there been a reduction in "total quality" on Celebrity in general?

 

I have not experienced any reduction in "total quality" in the past 4 years on Celebrity.

[Faygelah]

We were on Millennium last November, immediately following drydock. Quite a few people on our cruise complained about foul smells and what we considered minor glitches. I have always hated the nickel and diming on X, for example, selling high priced bottled water at the exit when leaving on shore excursions. We noticed several corner-cutting measures, the dailies were on poorer quality paper and the little cards they placed on the pillows each night were empty instead of having a card inside with tomorrow's weather. The food in the dining room has always reminded me of the food at a nice wedding or bar mitzvah, and it was somewhat poorer quality, but not a lot. But what has always made X for us is the staff, and they continue to be wonderful. I agree with those who say you can make your vacation what you want by where you choose to focus. If the quality of service is important to you, I think you will have a great time. If you're the kind of person who is very particular about each detail, you might find a lot to complain about.

[Longboysfan]

I would recommend taking ALL posts in context and with some salt; if you see a post that really makes a particular ship, cruise, or line look bad, try and cross-reference the post. Look at some of the particular poster's other posts and see if bias appears. Personally, I tend to dismiss posters who have few posts, particularly if all are strongly negative. It is, IMHO, a rare cruise where nothing good can be said about it. I like to avoid people whose glass is essentially empty ( and usually stained or dirty.)

 

Ed I thought you said you had to go for Shots the last time you read my posts.

 

But on the realistic side - Ed stated this very well.

 

You have to see who is posting and why.

I have never had a cruise, Celebrity or any other, that I have not enjoyed myself on.

[jaybird from SC]

I have a Panama Canal/repo cruise booked for November on Infinity. I also have the Panama Canal segment of the World Cruise on hold on the QE2 in January.

 

I would rather cruise on Infinity. I want to see the Panama Canal. I have one of the corner FV cabins booked. Everything I want. All these reports about filthy cabins, run down ships, snarly wait staff, etc. are really starting to worry me.

 

I want an upscale ship, I want a clean ship, I want pax to appreciate formal night and show their appreciation by dressing accordingly. I don't care about the shows. I do like good food, but am not a foodie. And I really appreciate the waiters carrying trays in the buffet. Everything X has always been (haven't sailed X in two years).

 

Are these reports from disgruntled cruisers, first timers, non dress code people, etc., or are they from regular Celebrity cruisers?

 

I am looking for honesty from regular Celebrity cruisers. I am not looking for "X is Perfect". If the line has really gone downhill or there are things that have slipped appreciably, please let me know. I have until Friday to firm up the reservation on the QE2.

We were on Summit in March and had a wonderful time. The crew and staff went out of their way to cater to our every wish. They got us drink refills, they brought coffee & breakfast items to our tables, they carried our trays, they happily greeted us everywhere we went, they opened doors for us, our cabin was clean, the beds were comfortable, we never lacked for anything. Couldn't have asked for better treatment BUT then again it goes back to the individual passenger. While we had an excellent trip, the person in the next cabin might think it was terrible. Its kind of like the clip often seen on some of the kids TV programs when they say "It's all how you look at it." Even on all our cruises, we've never had a problem getting deck chairs. We don't go expecting perfection because that isn't going to happen. All cruise lines, not just Celebrity, have problems at some point in time but they are not going to risk losing millions of dollars in profits, so we're confident that any problems they have will be corrected. Hope this helps. Enjoy your cruise.

[Leela]

the little cards they placed on the pillows each night were empty instead of having a card inside with tomorrow's weather

I noticed that too on my recent trip on Zenith, and wondered where the weather cards went. I figured since we were just docked in Hamilton for four nights that's maybe why they didn't bother. If this is a cost-cutting measure then it's a shame. It's these little touches that add up to the special Celebrity experience. If a couple go missing, it's no big deal, but if more and more disappear then I'll wonder ????

[masterbaker]

 

I want an upscale ship, I want a clean ship, I want pax to appreciate formal night and show their appreciation by dressing accordingly. I don't care about the shows. I do like good food, but am not a foodie. And I really appreciate the waiters carrying trays in the buffet. Everything X has always been (haven't sailed X in two years).

 

In the past couple of years I have sailed three X cruises for a total of 27 nights (Millennium, Infinity, and Zenith). I have much the same expectations as you do in a cruise vacation. I was satisfied with all three of those cruises with one exception that you have asked about. Not one time did anyone offer to carry my tray at the buffet. I have a benign tremor that causes my hands to shake and it is worse when I'm hungry or trying to carry things. Many times I have watched buffet staff stand by and watch me struggle to get a tray to a table without even offering to help. Most of the time I have to set a tray down along the way or risk spilling it. Sometimes my husband has had to assist me while carrying his own tray. I have seen trays carried for elderly people but in my experience It seems that since I am younger I am being left alone to carry my own tray without regard to my disability. I am uncomfortable asking for help all the time so I just deal with it by avoiding the buffet as much as possible.