Bababooey Land

I just got a survey from Celebrity regarding a new dining option they are considering for suite guests...Sounds like they are thinking about rolling out one of these two concepts below. I will try to copy and paste what I think are the important parts of the survey. so this might be a long read!!

Celebrity Cruises is exploring new restaurant dining choices for Suite guests. To help us with this task, we are inviting a select group of previous Celebrity Suite guests like you to participate in a brief survey. Your feedback will help Celebrity make your onboard experience as enjoyable as possible.

New Suites Dining Experience

Enjoy private dining in your own restaurant—reserved exclusively for Suite guests.

Introducing a new dining experience for suite guests. We’ve added even more luxury to the suite life on board by providing suite guests with a dedicated restaurant to enjoy morning, noon, and night. All three meals will feature unique menus that offer sumptuous dishes not available anywhere else on the ship.

Of course, suite guests have the flexibility to dine anywhere they like. A European-style butler is available for in-suite dining service for times when guests want a more intimate dining experience. Suite guests can choose to dine in the main restaurant whenever they like. And, for a nominal fee, any of our specialty restaurants—including Qsine®, Tuscan Grille, Silk Harvest, Lawn Club Grill, and more—are available for even more varied dining experience.

Providing our suite guests their own dedicated dining experience is just one more way we’re making living the suite life on board even sweeter.

How APPEALING are the following elements of this restaurant dining concept from Celebrity?

- A European-style butler for in-suite dining

- A dedicated restaurant for suite guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner

- Dining in the main restaurant

- Entrance to any specialty restaurant for a nominal fee

-----On the following page, you will see a description of a second new restaurant dining concept that Celebrity Cruises is considering offering guests who stay in a Suite.

Please review the description thoroughly since you will be asked to compare it with the concept you saw earlier.

New Suites Dining Experience

Dining in your own restaurant during the day—reserved exclusively for Suite guests—and complimentary dining in any restaurant at night.

Introducing a new dining experience for suite guests. We’ve added even more luxury to the suite life on board by providing suite guests a dedicated restaurant to enjoy for breakfast and lunch. These meals will feature unique menus that offer sumptuous dishes not available anywhere else on the ship.

Then at night, suite guests will enjoy the flexibility to dine anywhere they choose. They’ll enjoy complimentary entrance to any of our specialty restaurants—including Qsine®, Tuscan Grille, Silk Harvest, Lawn Club Grill, and more. A European-style butler is available for in-suite dining service for evenings when guests want a more intimate experience. And of course, whenever they choose, suite guests can choose to dine in the main restaurant, which offers a new set of delicious menu options every evening.

Providing our suite guests their own dedicated dining experience during the day and complete dining flexibility in the evening is just one more way we’re making living the suite life on board even sweeter.

Celebrity hasn't announced when the transition will take place yet. I would think march is a coin flip as to which spa is on board.

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we have sailed a few times on celebrity with kids. its nice to have a butler to help out with the needs of a 3 year old. you get alot of perks in a suite that will make the cruise more enjoyable. my vote is go for the suite!

Are all three slated for Royal for sure? Could one be possibly be deck-out for celebrity? :confused:

 

Just asking.

this is from the press release..they way i read it, no new additional builds for RCL or Celebrity. based on CAPEX ###, they have one ship in 2014, one in 2015 and one in 2016. with zero in 2017.

could they announce something for delivery in early 2018?? its possible..but that announcement is far away. the RCL brand (primarily megaships) seems to be doing better than Celebrity, so the company is focusing on the megaships. the megaships wont work on the Celebrity Brand, IMO.

"

Based upon current ship orders, projected capital expenditures for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are $1.3 billion, $1.3 billion, $2.1 billion and $0.3 billion, respectively.

"We remain committed to improving our shareholder returns, returning to an investment grade credit and maintaining moderate growth," said Fain. "We think that the ships we have on order for our wholly-owned brands will serve us well and we do not anticipate an additional newbuild for delivery in 2017."

Capacity increases for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 are expected to be 1.7%, 6.9%, 6.7% and 4.1%, respectively. These figures do not include potential ship sales or additions. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Royal Caribbean International brand takes delivery of the first of three Quantum class vessels. This is the first new ship delivery for the brand since 2010.

"

I'm presently booked on the Millenium cruise on May 10th from Japan. It is about 2/3 full. I know this isn't a very popular itinerary but they can't even give this cruise away. The prices are already really reasonable.

 

My understanding is that the cruise lines are just keeping their heads above water and that they are riding the waves. The economy is not predicted to improve in the near future. If Celebrity isn't filling up their ships at these low prices- that means there isn't a demand for more ships to fill.

 

I am happy with the Millenium Class ships- although I would like to see movies at night by the pool (but not during the day). This would be a nice addition IMO to the Celebrity vessels.

interesting..because RCL Corp has a different tone about Asian Cruises. your sailing could just be a one off.

"Load Factors and pricing are up significantly for sailings in Europe and Asia"

I know they had pricing and load problems last year when the China/Japan feud made RCL change itins.

Unfortunately, as we are all awaiting some news on a potential new Celebrity ship class, it doesnt seem like it will happen anytime soon. In RCL's earnings Press Release this morning, they announced the following:

"we do not anticipate an additional newbuild delivery in 2017"

Capacity increases were announced for 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. they all consist of the new Quantum ships (3 are expected to be built).

So if a new Celebrity ship is to be announced, the delivery date will be at least 2018.

Conference call is at 10am. If anything else is announced regarding the Celebrity brand, i will post it.

Rome to Toronto may 5

British air website $3680

Same flights with choice air $504

With choice air price I can do the the cruise

this is exactly the reason choice air exists. they need to sell the cruise!!!

I used Choice Air for our trip to europe in July. I paid $18 p/p MORE using choice air vs website, because they were refundable tickets (with a small cancellation penalty). I dropped alot on the tickets 9 months out (5 people), i liked the comfort in knowing i could cash out if i needed to. I did read that my ff miles earned on Delta will be only about 25% of actual miles flown because this is a discounted ticket. (not something the choice air agent told me, i read the fine print)

this is my first time using choice air, so i dont have any feedback. having said that, i always prefer to book directly with the airline, hotel or cruise company. I have found going thru 3rd party (travel agents) sometimes can be a hassle. as some posters have mentioned above about missing a flight, etc. i know some people love booking through travel agents. its just a personal preference.

my opinion, if you are saving alot of money thru Choice Air , i would use them. if the price is the same, book directly with the airline.

good luck!

Just off the Reflection and if you ask spa employees they will deny any knowledge of a change or timing. However, had a long chat with an X officer, and current information indicates that the change to Canyon Ranch will take place on all ships before sailing to their summer locations. This has been a complicated transition with three companies involved and information to the ships about the process and timing has changed often. Since there is still no official X announcement, it may change yet again but he was hoping for April. This has been hard for the spa employees, some of whom are married to X staff. No word about their future options on employment or contracts and little cooperation from Steiner. The spa however was running as usual, same services and packages, with some daily specials. The Persian garden was never full and I was there often and at different times during the day. We agreed Canyon Ranch will be a positive change and fits well with X's modern luxury marketing; it can't come soon enough but the delays are understandable.

thanks for the update. everything you said makes perfect sense. the transition is not an easy one and will take some time. Start of the summer cruising season would make perfect sense to me. I would think a few weeks before the ships head over to Europe and Alaska, etc. the transition will take place.

My husband and I are trying to decide what to do on spring break this year and Reflection seems to have some great deals. I was wondering since Celebrity tends to be a more mature crowd, if it's appropriate to bring a 22 month old. Also, do you know if they have a splash pool for kids that are not potty trained (like RC does)?

we have taken celebrity several times with young kids. perfectly ok. there is no splash pool. they do have toddler time at least 1x per day and will also let you check out toys. babysitting is not guaranteed and by request only once you get on the ship.

good luck and enjoy!

We are on the summit in March and we have 3 RS and the Penthouse - wondering what the last day breakfast process is? Can we have the same or similar breakfast that we have DELIVEReD by the butler all the other mornings, on the last day, just before we leave? Thanks for your advice.

i think officially, there is no breakfast service. but the last couple times we stayed in a RS, we were very friendly with the butler and tipped nicely. We did have full breakfast service the morning of departure.

of course, it depends on what food is being made in the kitchen that morning, full breakfast may not be available.

Can anyone give us an update on the spa? Are the same services offered? Who is giving them? Thanks

There still hasnt been a press release from Celebrity and no update from Steiner. I would assume it is business as usual on the ships for now until we hear something different. meaning Steiner should still be running the spas.

Ouch!!!!:eek:

 

Although it boggles my mind why you would want to bring a small child on a cruise....here comes the wrath of all the new mothers out there....:D

Hope not

How about the wrath of a FATHER!!! :)

It boggles MY mind...that some people seem to think that parents with babies should stay home.

Furthermore, and iv said this before...If you want an ADULT ONLY CRUISE...THERE ARE CRUISE COMPANIES THAT OFFER THAT. Please go on one of those as I wouldnt want you sourpusses ruining my family vacation.

Of yea and enjoy your cruise on the Oasis...there wont be any kids on that cruise....

When I'm on vacation, we'll often splurge on a spa treatment of some sort. I know I will pay more than a local place. But if it is of high quality and very relaxing (no annoying hard-sell or rude staff) and adds to the vacation experience, then to me, it is worth it.

i agree too..i would pay MORE money in a spa to get no sales pressure. I would not expect pricing to go down with Canyon Ranch..but i would expect the sales pressure to go down.

Over the last few years I personally thought the sales aspect of the Spa on Celebrity Ships were out of control. it was a turn off to even step foot in the spa. so i welcome this change. the spa should be making money on SERVICES (massages, facials, etc) that spas offer...not all this hokey sales stuff they were try to sell.

Hate to grumble on Christmas Day, but a teensy bit disappointed that Celebrity didn't have their press release about the change, new spa managers, transition times, etc. ready Monday. Such a material change in revenue for a publically traded company had to be announced; the date would not have been a surprise to either party, nor that rumors would fly about the new contract until X's press release is out. Reminds one of flashing up new Captains Club points on the website before any announcement to its members or press was made. Happy that it is Canyon Ranch, definitely a step up, but did I have to hear about it from notes in an analyst report rumored from a poster on a message board? Sure it will be fine but wishing for a new year of better communication.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL

good morning,

I know some people are disappointed Celebrity hasnt announced anything yet. but, this news (contract change) is NOT material to RCL corp, who owns Celebrity. But the contract IS MATERIAL to Steiner, hence their press release. Since the contract was due to end year end, Steiner had to put the release out quickly.

It sounds like to me Celebrity is still working out the final transition details with Steiner and Canyon Ranch. once that is done, they will most likely issue a press release with more details, as this news is a marketing positive for Celebrity, not necessarily material to RCL corp's earnings. hope this helps.

Understood. That makes sense.

 

From what I understand this would be a HUGE improvement (have never experienced Steiner on Celebrity but I have on HAL and a couple other lines).

 

Look forward to experiencing it in May for my Alaska cruise.

I agree with you. Celebrity needed to differentiate itself better..this is the way to go. I was never impressed with the spa myself.

Have you seen an announcement on this? Can you provide a source? I would love to read a more formal announcement!

Unfortunately there has not been a formal announcement on this news. I found this in a research report from an Analyst that follows Steiner. I assume he either got this info from Steiner or RCL directly.

Excellent question! Hope somebody can come back with answers for us -- preferably before our Century b2b. Having long ago been turned off by Steiner's tactics, I now totally avoid the Spa. The only exception is our free port-day Elite pass to the Persian Gardens. And, if you think those ladies are rude and snarky when you're purchasing something -- just wait until you ask for something (like a key to the PG) that's FREE! :eek::rolleyes:

so this is what the release says from Steiner.

1) contract ends Dec 31, 2013.

2) steiner is negotiating a transition plan as to the turnover of the ships to the new vendor (which i can confirm is Canyon Ranch).

It sounds like steiner will still be running the spas at least through early new year. I am not sure how long it will take canyon ranch to roll out their spa. It might be a ship by ship basis?

I'm surprised they say it's only worth 24c/share of earnings. It's not like they were earning a lot of money out of it. Too many discounts?

The contract was worth about $3.52m to Steiner in profits or about 6% of their annual earnings. the question will be going forward can Steiner keep their current contracts with RCL and NCL. NCL is set to expire end of 2014 and RCL 2017. i would assume neither of those lines would sign with Canyon Ranch.

Celebrity's contract went to CANYON RANCH SPA. I think should be a step up in service..and im sure in price as well!

Another amazing announcement by Celebrity. This is a press release....for more information the press is going to click on those links in the announcement and you have to be a captain's club member with a userid/password to even get beyond that screen. If you do have a userid/password, there is no new information there...in fact it still shows the old credit chart.

 

Way to go Celebrity....

They dropped the ball AGAIN on this one...years in the making and they cant even have the website working when making the announcement ..sheesh!!

For real or is this another fake one !

ha...no, this one is for real : )

Let's hope they are fixing the web-site. They put out a Press Release with links to a web-site that doesn't even work.

 

Good thing the ships are not run like this or no one would even care about a Loyalty Program.

In typical Celebrity fashion, they issue the Press Release 10:24am..and the Captains Club Section on the website with the details does not work!!!! Id like to know where the management is in this process??? very embarrassing Celebrity and RCL!

Celebrity Cruises Launches New 'Captain's Club' Program

Enhanced loyalty program features two new tiers, with greater recognition and rewards

MIAMI, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Cruises is excited to announce improvements to its Captain's Club loyalty program.

Guest feedback helped define the new program features, which include two new, additional levels of status and rewards beyond the existing "Elite" level, which is the highest level of membership in the brand's current four-tiered program.

Effective on sailings commencing after November 25, 2013, the new Captain's Club will offer a six-tier program. The Club's current levels of "Preview," "Classic," "Select" and "Elite" will remain, with two new tiers -- "Elite Plus" and "Zenith" -- each with their own unique set of benefits and privileges.

Members who achieve the new Elite Plus status will receive an even higher level of recognition and broader benefits, including additional beverage and specialty dining discounts, complimentary 200-minute Internet packages, complimentary cappuccinos, lattes and more.

Members who achieve Zenith status will receive benefits and perks befitting this ultimate level of membership, such as access to Michael's Club Lounge (available fleetwide in 2014), a complimentary premium alcoholic beverage package, complimentary laundry, a 1,600-minute Internet package, and other benefits.

Celebrity's guests now can accelerate their progression through the loyalty tiers with a new Club Points system which recognizes the stateroom category as well as the days spent onboard. Members' previous cruise credits will be automatically converted into Club Points, and members will retain all of the benefits they earned in the program to-date – with no expiration. In many cases, guests may automatically become charter members of Celebrity's new Elite Plus or Zenith tier. It is important to note that no current members will lose any of the benefits they have come to expect and enjoy today. Full program details are available at http://www.celebritycruises.com/captainsclub.

Another new enhancement is the ability to quickly access special pricing exclusively for Captain's Club members through the Captain's Club portal on the Celebrity Cruises website, http://www.celebritycruises.com. By simply entering their name and Captain's Club member number on the site, they can instantly see available loyalty pricing.

"At a time when many loyalty programs are cutting back on benefits or making it more difficult to redeem rewards, we're thrilled to do just the opposite," said Celebrity's Director of Loyalty Lee Moreau. "Guest loyalty is the cornerstone to any successful business, and that's why, at Celebrity Cruises, we make our guests the center of our attention. We hope this reinvigorated program will even more vividly show our guests how much we appreciate their loyalty, and allow us to welcome them back onboard even more frequently."

About Celebrity Cruises:

Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit http://www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises

Elizabeth Jakeway, (305) 539-6127, ejakeway@celebritycruises.com

We booked the El Palace for our cruise in July. great location and reviews. the price, although not inexpensive, was less than other hotels in the same category.