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4 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

On another site we can't mention, it has been reported more than once by current Equinox passengers that that sign is in place and they are indeed charging for the cookies.  What other proof do you need?

They posted a picture of the sign.  I know the source and view him as highly reliable and honest! He has been a valuable source of helpful information for many years.

The new cruiser sees this as normal. The experienced cruiser sees this as a downgrade. They must be trying to save lots of money by having new cruisers replace experienced cruisers. so that they can save on benefits.The cutbacks in the Zenith level and the general downgrade in the loyalty program only showed what was coming.

Celebrity has charged for specialty items before. Remember hamburgers in the Mast Grill or aged steaks in the Tuscan Grilled? How did that work out?

The cost raising efforts are a two edged sword in my view. On the one hand they enhance the bottomline. On the other side they may send the unintended message to potential cruisers that Celebrity as a brand is in deep trouble. I went through the Crystal bankruptcy and that was painful to my wallet and I no longer will put my money at risk. 

It was never a "luxury" line, X was a premium line. Their prices have reached a point where it might pay to try a real luxury line, if you like the smaller ships. You need to add in the cost of cookies in the pricing structure. 

It's a shame that "Celebrity Cruisers" is not around to affirm or deny the claims.

3 minutes ago, goofysmom99 said:

I no longer book suites (SS or CS) because of their bathtubs.  Even though I receive free beverage, wifi, room service, and laundry, those things won't make up for terrible MDR food.  So, along with some other folks here, for the most part, I'll be paying more for more somewhere else.  One nice benefit I've discovered researching other lines is most  of the premium lines have fair solo supplements (not X's 100%). I know X won't miss me, nor I them in their present state.  I will miss what they used to be, though (2022 and earlier).

You paid dearly for the "free" internet and drinks!

21 hours ago, hrmkr said:

Does it really matter who is the captain?  Hopefully any of them will avoid hitting an iceberg in the Caribbean.  ☺️

Yes, it can make a huge difference! If you know the Captain it might mean special perks to you. Did they serve iceberg lettuce on the Titanic?

14 minutes ago, basenji56 said:

I am booked on Crystal too. But after their recent bankruptcy and seeing how many clients lost money, many of us are wary of their financial situation. 

I lost lots of money due to the Crystal bankruptcy, but the reviews of the new Crystal have been very strong. I wouldn't hesitate booking them again. Their current financial situation under the new owners I believe is strong. 

The first reports on the new Crystal are very encouraging so I would book a future cruise with them. It costs more, but to me the quality is worth it. I have also booked Oceania and Viking as well as Celebrity. I am doing a short cruise on Celebrity Equinox in October as a test.

34 minutes ago, TeaBag said:

We have usually booked AQ, but lately it is getting too expensive.  I have looked at cruises where it is twice the price of a balcony cabin.  What is going on?

If you book AQ you must get the Classic beverage and internet packages even you you are entitled to them as a loyalty benefit. That's why the difference. They should consider offering a discount for those who have them as a part of the loyalty program. I no longer would book a AQ or higher for that reason.

Prices would go down if ample people wouldn't book cruises.  Celebrity cares only if someone pay the prices, simply supply-demand.  It's business not loyalty!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the wonderful people of Lahaina.

The bother Captains are Dimitrios and Tasos Kafetzis. 

Celebrity BOTTOMLINE.

4 minutes ago, RichYak said:

That rules out just about everyone except your stateroom attendant.

So be it! They, not I write the rules.

I have always doubled the recommended tips, but with the recently raise in tips I have reevaluated. my practice. I will reward those directly who have provided other than standard service and will not reward people who must pool tips. 

Where does shareholder credit show?

17 minutes ago, History&Wine said:

I'm on that cruise.  Should be popular.  Looking forward to Crystal Enhanced...I think you will enjoy the change from Celebrity if that is your experience.  Celebrity used to be my cruise line of choice, but Crystal ruined me for sailing on Celebrity again.  try

I've done the Panama Canal 3 times on Celebrity. I need to find out how much Crystal will give for my $25000 in lost bankruptcy claims. I believe it's 20%.

Thanks. Thinking about Miami to SD in January.

What is included in the new Crystal fares? Do they include gratuities? Does the base fare listed include port charges and taxes?

12 hours ago, SoloAlaska said:

They are finally targeting my demographic. Cruisers in their 30s who want a more luxurious travel experience without the stuffiness of the high end lines. 
 

Maybe Celebrity is realizing their clients are starting to no longer be able to travel due to age etc and they need a new generation. I just hope it continues to target towards adults and not a line filled with children.

One older generation replaces the past older generation. Celebrity might be wise to follow the advice that "if it ain't not broke, don't fix it".

9 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

As frustrated and angry as I am at Celebrity right now (and that is a lot), I really don't believe they will take away access to Luminae.   There just literally is not enough space in their other restaurants to accommodate the number of suite guests.  If they were to try to do that, I think there would be an uprising across the board, rather than just suite guests, as other restaurants became packed well beyond capacity.  As to the Retreat Deck and the lounge - I do sincerely fear that is at risk.  Considering that Sky Suites are a large portion of all suites, I personally feel that would be a huge mistake - but then they are not consulting me.

When Celebrity eliminated the MC/Retreat benefit from the Zenith benefits they said it was because Covid. Later Celebrity decided to sell space to upper suite passengers. I suspect that they would monetize in this case as well. Once they decided to change their demographic change was in the air. Some posters tried to warn of the changes. Some posters simply labelled those who warned as "complainers".

29 minutes ago, Sabbycat said:

Just wait, they will take away those benefits too. But keep increasing the cost. Apparently they think their customers are idiots

They've eliminated loyalty benefits, added higher prices, reduced the quality of food and still people book. What do you think? 

21 minutes ago, horseymike said:

His appearance on CNBC was used to try and lure investors, so naturally he is going to beat the drum about how much money the company is going to make.

Did he say anything about reinstating the dividend ?

You can spin it as you wan

21 minutes ago, horseymike said:

His appearance on CNBC was used to try and lure investors, so naturally he is going to beat the drum about how much money the company is going to make.

Did he say anything about reinstating the dividend ?

. You can spin it any way you want, but his message was to me  that you will pay more for less.There was no mention of a dividend. I suspect that paying the debt incurred in the Covid period is a wiser use of profits.

Agree. Bookings are strong and unless there is a major "buyer's strike" they will continue to go higher. RCL, as most businesses are concerned about growing the bottom line as they should. They are concerned about profits, not whether you or I cruise with them.