I hate the "Premium" label.

[Drew B]

I find it absolutely useless, at least with regard to Celebrity. I think that the comparison most people make between lines is based on price point. Celebrity prices are comparable, in large part, to the so-called "mainstream" lines. Costs on Celebrity are substantially LESS than on Oceania or Azamara or Disney (lines which may, in fact, require a different designation), but they are largely on par with HAL and Princess and RCCL and even NCL and Carnival.

 

It seems to me that all we get from the premium label is an opportunity for Celebrity proponants to gloat and hold their line above other lines based on nothing concrete. We also get an opportunity for Celebrity bashers to bash, unreasonably expecting more because it is considered a "premium" line. What good does any of this do us? Seriously?

 

I prefer to think of Celebrity as a mainstream line. Like all the lines, they offer some things that are better than the other lines. I'd rather that the discussion be about concrete differences that makes some people prefer X rather than simply some nebulous, useless comment. For example, the space to passenger ratio on X is a really good thing that can be shown empirically. That is worth discussing. That is something that people can make a good decision on. Each of the other lines also has its strengths and those can be discussed, too. That way, people can find the line that excels in the areas that are important to them individually. Artificial distinctions like Premium vs. Mainstream don't help at all. At least not in this case.

 

Thoughts?

[Blazerboy]

It's not that I want the bragging rights, and not that I want to be with pretensious people who want to be a 'step above,' but I do like some basic differentiation "up front" to discourage folks from thinking it's 'just another line.' Maybe premium isn't the word, but I've liked the service better, liked the 'quiet' better, liked the better chance of formality of dress. I like that the kids' programs aren't the focus of their advertizing, and yet it's not marketed entirely to any one group. I suppose there's a way of doing this without trying to use just that one word, yet I wonder if that one word helps.

 

Andrew

[Jade13]

I find it absolutely useless, at least with regard to Celebrity. I think that the comparison most people make between lines is based on price point. Celebrity prices are comparable, in large part, to the so-called "mainstream" lines. Costs on Celebrity are substantially LESS than on Oceania or Azamara or Disney (lines which may, in fact, require a different designation), but they are largely on par with HAL and Princess and RCCL and even NCL and Carnival.

 

It seems to me that all we get from the premium label is an opportunity for Celebrity proponants to gloat and hold their line above other lines based on nothing concrete. We also get an opportunity for Celebrity bashers to bash, unreasonably expecting more because it is considered a "premium" line. What good does any of this do us? Seriously?

 

I prefer to think of Celebrity as a mainstream line. Like all the lines, they offer some things that are better than the other lines. I'd rather that the discussion be about concrete differences that makes some people prefer X rather than simply some nebulous, useless comment. For example, the space to passenger ratio on X is a really good thing that can be shown empirically. That is worth discussing. That is something that people can make a good decision on. Each of the other lines also has its strengths and those can be discussed, too. That way, people can find the line that excels in the areas that are important to them individually. Artificial distinctions like Premium vs. Mainstream don't help at all. At least not in this case.

 

Thoughts?

 

I have never heard Celebrity referred to as a Premium Line. I always thought it was considerd Mass Market (along with HAL, RCCL, Princess, NCL & Carnival) but supposed to be at the upper end of the Mass Market Lines...

[CruisinNewb]

I have never heard Celebrity referred to as a Premium Line. I always thought it was considerd Mass Market (along with HAL, RCCL, Princess, NCL & Carnival) but supposed to be at the upper end of the Mass Market Lines...

 

Yes that what I had remembered reading. Besides who cares who bashes the line because they want to compare it against x, y or z.

 

The only true way to compare the differences between the lines is to experience the ones you want to compare, Then using that comparison it is of course only really valid to one person; yourself.

Of course one experience doesn't really give you a true picture as it could be an anomaly but think of all the fun you'd have trying to figure out which was best.

[jackdiamond]

A classification of an entire line based on one category is not appropriate. Basically, Celebrity's M class ships would probably qualify for a "premium" designation, while most of the others would probably rate a classification of above average. Simply stated, the M class could be equated to a high Marriott, or almost Ritz Carlton, while the others could be suggested as falling within the low Marriott or high Holiday Inn.

[leoandhugh]

We were never aware that "X" referred to itself as a "premium" cruise line; I went back through all the literature we have from previous cruises on Celebrity and never once found the word "premium" Is this possibly a term that some TAs attach to their descriptions to entice the new cruiser, or possibly a snob term used by Celebrity passengers to impress others? "X" is, in my opinion, a cut above so-called "mainstream" but has been of late in a rather rapid free fall right into that "mainstream" And, on a more serious note, they don't seem to care about the slippage - maybe that is where they want to be:) and I am sure that some more thoroughly detective than I am will come back and cite where they found "premium" in "X" ads or literature

[Drew B]

I don't think it IS used in X ads and literature (which is part of why I don't like it). It is a label given to them, I believe, by some travel critics and snapped up by consumers. It's used often on this forum. I find it misleading because, like you, I don't find a big enough difference between X and other mainstream lines in the most important criteria to justify a different category.

[Gonzo70]

I think that HAL and Celebrity both have some extra amenities that Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian and Carnival do not offer. While HAL and Celebrity are certainly much closer to these lines than to the Luxury lines, they are in my opinion slightly higher end. For example on HAL you can be in your stateroom until you disembark, the balcony furniture is wicker, there are lots of fresh flowers, there a cloth towels rather than paper towels in the public bathrooms, all staterooms have robes, the deck chairs are nicer quality, the balcony material is teak, free ice cream (not soft serve), breakfast specials at the buffet that change daily, limited overhead announcements, and I am sure I am leaving some out. With Celebrity there is the welcome champagne and an escort to your cabin, guest lecturers, and some of the amenities I mentioned for HAL. As such I think that "Premium" may not be an inappropriate designation but people should certainly not expect the quality and amenities that true Luxury lines such as Crystal possess.

[Sky Sweet]

I've never heard the term from Celebrity, but some cruise guides use the term to to distinguish Celebrity and HAL from other mass market cruise lines.

 

Since Celebrity has better crew to passenger ratios, as well as space to passenger ratios, I don't mind that some reviewers use that term to describe the overall cruise experience offered by Celebrity.

 

On the other hand, one of my pet peeves is when people claim that Celebrity has more upscale passengers than other mass market cruise lines because, based on my experience, it is not true. While the average age of passengers, as well as number of families, might vary between cruise lines, all of the mass market cruise lines have a very diverse group of passengers from many different socio economic classes.

[Drew B]

I think that HAL and Celebrity both have some extra amenities that Royal Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian and Carnival do not offer. While HAL and Celebrity are certainly much closer to these lines than to the Luxury lines, they are in my opinion slightly higher end. For example on HAL you can be in your stateroom until you disembark, the balcony furniture is wicker, there are lots of fresh flowers, there a cloth towels rather than paper towels in the public bathrooms, all staterooms have robes, the deck chairs are nicer quality, the balcony material is teak, free ice cream (not soft serve), breakfast specials at the buffet that change daily, limited overhead announcements, and I am sure I am leaving some out. With Celebrity there is the welcome champagne and an escort to your cabin, guest lecturers, and some of the amenities I mentioned for HAL. As such I think that "Premium" may not be an inappropriate designation but people should certainly not expect the quality and amenities that true Luxury lines such as Crystal possess.

 

Ah, but Carnival and RCCL and Princess and Norwegian have certain extra amenities that X and HAL don't offer. I'm not sure why one set of extras is considered premium and the other isn't. Based on whose criteria? I understand that the different extras will be attractive to different people, which is why I think that eliminating misleading descriptions and going with specifics is the best way to go.

 

By the way, one extra I never hear talked about I've only seen on Carnival (other lines may have it but I don't know). With their public bathrooms, they have the option of automatic doors that are activated with a touch plate (big button). The touchplate can be pressed with your elbow. That means that after you visit the restroom, you can wash your hands with hot water and soap and exit the room WITHOUT TOUCHING ANYTHING THAT THE PREVIOUS OCCUPANT WHO MAY NOT HAVE WASHED HIS/HER HANDS has touched. To me, that is a truly "premium" amenity. I'd give up welcome champagne and an escort to my cabin (which I've never been offered, anyway) on X any day!

 

My point with that example is simply to say that all of the lines probably have at least one or two things about them that makes them (in a vaccuum without considering anything else) better than the other lines. However, if I went around declaring Carnival the premium line because of this one amenity, it would be ridiculous. I think it's similarly ridiculous to say that about Celebrity, even though I prefer many, many things about their product.

[drrich2]

I'm guessing the term 'Premium' is probably being used as more politically-correct (i.e.: not too snooty) euphemism for 'upscale,' to warn people that there is a different atmosphere/emphasis on a Celebrity ship (as opposed to Carnival's 'We're the Fun Ships' or RCI's 'Get Out There').

 

It's interesting to read threads where prospective X Passengers post asking what it's like vs., say, RCI (seems there's a thread like that every couple of weeks).

 

On the other hand, one of my pet peeves is when people claim that Celebrity has more upscale passengers than other mass market cruise lines because, based on my experience, it is not true. While the average age of passengers, as well as number of families, might vary between cruise lines, all of the mass market cruise lines have a very diverse group of passengers from many different socio economic classes.

 

This forum has set my mind at ease a good deal on that point. My wife & I & a friend of ours are due to cruise on the Constellation later this month, and when I first started reading around about Celebrity, their ships sounded like (when I read 'between the lines') veritable nursing homes of the seas.

 

I like a mix; both young & old, not ship-wide Girls Gone Wild/Spring Break or 'Nursing Home' approaches.;)

 

Richard.

[kyrisong1]

One thing I'd like to point out is that being a nurse I think about washing my hands ALOT, lol. Because of the spread of Norovirus I think having cloth towels in the bathroom is NOT a good thing, and isn't premium to me, but that is not to say that some don't see it as premium. That is not to say that they use the towels over, but still are you SURE the bleach got used? Are you sure the water was hot enough, with paper you use it and throw it away, I am more comfortable with that.

Carnival also has bathrobes in all it's cabins, and they offer cappuccino in the dining room after dinner for no extra charge, this does not make them "premium" it's just different amenities.

I think it's different strokes for different folks.

I really enjoy Celebrity for it's staff to customer ratio, the staff is so very friendly and willing to talk to you about their homeland, which is something I love to hear about.

I really, really , really enjoy the pastries in the Cova, and I HAVE to buy three or four boxes of Cova chocolates onboard, because my family and people at work EXPECT good chocolate when I go on a cruise, lol.

I enjoy cruising with a certain group of people that I go with on Carnival, is the cruise different? yes, do I expect from Carnival what I get from Celebrity? No, however I can honestly say I enjoy my time on either cruise, it is what you make it and each have their pros and cons as Drew points out.

One thing I will say is if you cruise in the fall on carnival you avoid most of the rowdiest party people and the kids:D

Carnival cannot do it like Celebrity does and if the word premium keeps the other things that turn me off about the others at bay, than I'm all for using it.

One nice long Celebrity cruise a year, and one 7 or 8 day Carnival cruise (cheap in the fall) makes me happy, and breaks the monotiny of living in Nebraska, lol

Cheers, Carole

[kyrisong1]

Oh Richard I really hope you enjoy the wheelchair races going on every evening on Lido, it's a very exciting race, it will get the old heart racing, in fact I believe they have the defibrilator right there in case those old hearts race too fast :p

Just kidding, you'll have a ball. Hope you got involved in your roll call, you meet the greatest people on those:D

Cheers, Carole

[Gonzo70]

Oh Richard I really hope you enjoy the wheelchair races going on every evening on Lido, it's a very exciting race, it will get the old heart racing, in fact I believe they have the defibrilator right there in case those old hearts race too fast :p

 

 

Don't leave out the "soft food" that is served in the main dining room and the ever present blender and cane rack conveinantly placed at each table. ;)

[Cruisenouvelle]

"I like a mix; both young & old, not ship-wide Girls Gone Wild/Spring Break or 'Nursing Home' approaches.;) "

 

Thanks for the smile. Passenger mix - it's another selling point for Celebrity, which of course helps the bottom line. Perhaps we'd all like to think that we have a bit better taste than others, thus the 'premium' tag is attractive to many. I know it was for me, but as kyrisong said, different strokes for different folks. Other lines have special touches that =X= doesn't.

 

Having said all that, I look forward to leaving tomorrow on Millie, premium or not!!! :D :p

 

 

 

[stratixman]

Does this sound accurate? Note no usage of the word "premium".

 

"Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. "

 

Source:

http://www.cruising.org/CruiseLines/clprofile.cfm?recordID=11

[First in Class]

We find use of the term "Premium" helpful.

[Schplinky]

Most guidebooks refer to Celebrity and HAL as premium lines, differentiating them from other mass market lines. having sailed them, I think the age focus might mean less children but the basic cruise experience has been the same. As Drew said in his first pst, we expected so much from all of this "step above" chatter that our first Celebrity sailing (on Constellation) was a huge disappointment.

 

We're returning to Celebrity with more reasonable expectations of a mass market line that has a different focus than RCL, its sister or Azamara, it's premium-priced other sister. We won't expect the major productions shows or activities of RCL but will expect a focus on food and service. We will also expect art auctions, bingos, spa hard-sells and all of the rest of the trappings of a typical mass market cruise.

 

I think that what a lot of people confuse for "refined" on these board is an older crowd with fewer children and families and, thus, less noise.

[eroller]

I don't mind the "premium" label so much. I do think it creates false expectations (what isn't called premium these days?) and it's entirely overused, but it does help to place Celebrity in the big scheme of things. I don't really consider Celebrity or HAL is huge step above the mass-market lines, but the style and ambiance is different. It's a bit more refined and I think that is where the term "premium" comes to play.

 

I think most people know what the mass-market lines are, and probably the luxury and so-called premium lines as well, but did you know there is a new category?

 

Ultra-premium, or some in the industry like to call it premium-plus. Basically Oceania Cruises single handedly created this new category. Oceania was a step up from the premium lines, but not luxury either .... hence the new terminology. Azamara can be added to ultra-premium as well.

 

At the end of the day, don't read too much into the categorizations. Just look at them as one of many tools to provide you with a general idea of the overall experience.

 

Ernie

[Schplinky]

Ultra-premium? this reminds me a lot of vacation brochures we looked at for Mexico once. Some of the hotels had 7 stars. now what the heck is that supposed to me? :)

[operafan]

Ultra-premium? this reminds me a lot of vacation brochures we looked at for Mexico once. Some of the hotels had 7 stars. now what the heck is that supposed to me? :)

 

The price of the bottled water in your room is much higher.

[Schplinky]

The price of the bottled water in your room is much higher.

 

That's funny! :)

 

I think that is actually part of the reason I dislike the premium label for X and HAL. Want a nice coffee? A bottle of water? A soda? They'll need your sea pass card. That seems more mass market than premium to me.

[Schplinky]

p.s. to Operafan: We're finally less than a year from our Solstice sailing!!!

[Canuker]

"Premium" is just one of those marketing buzz words that gets overused these days, like "green" and "quality"

Anyone recently bought a "premium beer"?

If so, did it cost more than others? Did you think it was indeed premium?

(Rhetorical questions; no answers required).

[CathyCruises]

We find use of the term "Premium" helpful.

 

Helpful? Or HOPEful?