Orator

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".

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

You can spin it as you wan . 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.

Their program; their rules. They can and do anything they want!

Asked a question on the difference of pricing on a cruise and land based price. Said that he wanted to narrow the price gap. To me that means higher prices.

You must pay for the Classic drink and internet packages even if they are a part of your benefits. Aqua Class was my favorite class, but not now since the rise in prices.

If you decide to do a Viking ocean cruise don't miss the afternoon tea, it is exceptional. I'm waiting for reviews of the new Crystal. It was my favorite before the bankruptcy and I am interested in what the new owners have done with the food and service.

They offer only a port shuttle from ship to the port entrance. The terminal is an easy walk for most. There are cabs from the entrance to the train station.

I have more than 100 cruises with Celebrity and took a Viking TA from Barcelona this year. This is subjective, but I found food, entertainment, speakers and the quality of fellow passengers superior on Viking. The officers were more friendly on Celebrity. The crew on both lines was exceptional. If you want a large ship experience, try Celebrity. If you want to go smaller ship experience, try Viking. I found Viking superior the Oceania. .

I was in Aqua Class during one of the President's cruises. Someone asked in a Q&A session why they have not included bottled water in Aqua Class. LLP responded that she didn't understand, but the bottled water was restored for that cruise only. I did a B2B in Aqua Class and the bottled water was discontinued in the cruise that followed and it vanished in the cruises that followed. I always have the premium package so stopping at a bar is not a problem.

There are many All Star Captains on Celebrity. Take other lines and you'll draw the same conclusion.

"Pearl" indicates the entry level of the Blue Chip Club.

You can set a wake up call for any time you want.

Food is better in the MDR on Oceania. I found the entertainment better on Celebrity. If you like a smaller ship: Oceania. If you like a larger ship: Celebrity. I found the passengers more to my bias on Oceania. The officers and crew more friendly on Celebrity. These are MY options and some might differ.

You must add SimplyMore if you book after July 1, 2023. This will add considerable costs to a cruise, especially if you don't take ship's excursions. See the threads on Oceania. I have booked the Vista as a cruise only option. That option is now gone.

Do you have SimplyMore or OLife?

All cruise lines use smoke and mirror pricing. Carefully look at every offer to see if it works for you.

Hide the cost in a raise in fares.

I believe they listen to their numbers, not passengers.

They have fallen for their own advertising in that they don't realize they are mass market and appeal to older folks who are Americans and British. They've really taken their eyes off the ball by trying to change the demographics.

Thanks!

I have not read the entire thread so apologize if you answered this question: Who is the current Captain?

Many of the Suites have the premium drink package as part of their amenities. IMO, and I might be wrong, when a corporate culture replaces loyalty with the bottom line it is in trouble. In the long run you will be alienating those who have displayed loyalty and in the long run adversely affecting the bottom line. I can understand the need to reduce debt. I want Celebrity to succeed, I just feel that their approach is incorrect.

Was the changing of AI due to passenger pressure or the need to sell cabins? As you said they did maintain AI for Aqua Class and above where sales were strong.