CruisingBrian

"If you are playing in Celebrity’s casino do you get free drinks?"

Hi Kat9lives:

you get free drinks in the casino if you have a beverage package. And some tiers of the BCC include a beverage package.

On the first night of the cruise I look for the casino host (there wasn't on on my last cruise - which threw me ...) and ask for a drink sticker to put on my card. I only drink St Pelligrino or Perrier, so they are usually amenable. 

Also, I tip the servers every time they bring me a drink.  After two nights they recognize me and bring me a drink without asking me.

Brian

Hi - 

they stopped issuing certificates. 

Your best bet is to wait for an offer, or call their office and ask about your eligibility for a comp cabin.

Brian

31 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

i signed up through that link the last time you posted.

all i got was junk from regular celebrity.

nothing from blue chip 😞

Sorry - trying to help.

I never get stuff from regular X - 

9 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

 

im sapphire (one level below the highest tier) in blue chip and have never gotten an email offer from them 😞

Hi Fstuff - 

I too am Sapphire and I never received an offer - ever. Then I followed "NutsAboutGolf"s post/link from the other BlueChipClub thread:  "BCC's site says there are some changes coming: https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/casino" and signed up.

I received an offer within a week.

Brian

13 hours ago, Palm Trees said:

I got the comp cruise offer in May.  How do I know what Tier level I am at?  I'd love the Classic Drink Package.

Hi Palm Trees, 

to find out your tier you can call them directly at 866.461.7170 or send them an email: bluechipclub@celebrity.com

Brian

5 hours ago, poffles said:

 

This is what I was emailed in the past when asking about tier time frames.  Considering the below, how do you get 24 months if the new honor is just to the end of 2021? Maybe I am misreading and I am assuming the typo in your date to be Dec 2021 or maybe you are talking about earning date?

 

We do rotating 18 months to earn the points, so the earn will end December 31, 2019 and the next one would be January 1, 2020 thru June 30, 2021

that's a typo sorry.

My tier is being honored until 12/31/2021 instead of 06/30/2021. That's an additional six months.

Hi All - 

I just spoke to Joy Breunig, Casino Business Development Manager, and she confirmed that my Sapphire status will be honored until 21/31/2021. I last earned points toward my current tier on my cruise in Dec 2019. So if my calculation is correct, they've extended 24 months instead of 18. I'll take it!
B

2 hours ago, jmdlv1 said:

I apologize if this has already been discussed but I have a tier level question.

Prior to my March 8 sailing on the Edge , I had not cruised for several years.

I was the lowest level ,pearl ,on that cruise . Gave them some solid play at table games on that cruise.

I could not find my current tier level.

Any idea where I can find it?

Hi - 

you can call them directly to ask: 866.461.7170

Or send them an email: bluechipclub@celebrity.com

Brian

1 hour ago, fstuff1 said:

 

hm... does the Premium include Johnny Walker Blue?

or it's the same booze in the Michael's Lounge?

No idea. There is a liquor/beverage chart available on X's website outlining specific liquors.

And I'm sure this topic has been discussed at length in the beverage package forums.

2 hours ago, fstuff1 said:

 

im sapphire as well but i never get emails from them 😞

 

I never did either - ever.

Then I followed "NutsAboutGolf"s post/link:

42 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

Thanks for sharing!  What’s different?  Looks the exact same

it is, pretty much!!

They've added Sapphire Plus - which offers $1000 in free gaming and a slightly better beverage package.

(There was grumbling that if you made it to Sapphire you'd have to sail/gamble substantially more to achieve Ruby.)

So ... game on! I'm ready!
B

Here is the whole email from BCC:
 

Dear , At Celebrity, we share your passion for travel and the excitement that you enjoy in the most distinguished casino at sea. During these unprecedented times, we wanted to update you on some recent changes made to the Blue Chip Club Casino Loyalty Rewards program. Based on the most recent qualification period of July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019, you have earned SAPPHIRE status in the Blue Chip Club. Visit celebrity.com/bccbenefits to find out all the ways your Blue Chip Club loyalty tier rewards you as a SAPPHIRE member. Because we value your business, we will be extending our earning period from June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021, on any sailing ending within this period. This gives you an additional six months to reach your next tier. Prior to the end of 2021, we will launch special tier point multiplier sailings to get you to new tiers faster. Sign up to receive emails and find out about exclusive offers to book your next cruise. Until we sail again. Sincerely,

Patrick Jacquot Head of Blue Chip Club Loyalty

However - what this doesn't say is how long is this current status valid?

Okay ... sending an email.

B

Nice - BCC is extending the current tier status for a year:

"Because we value your business, we will be extending our earning period from June 30, 2021 to December 31, 2021, on any sailing ending within this period. This gives you an additional six months to reach your next tier. Prior to the end of 2021, we will launch special tier point multiplier sailings to get you to new tiers faster."

New Logo!

Can in the mail today - I haven't even read the email yet!

New Logo - 

arrived via email today:

Question:

I always send a thank you card to the representative that helped me book when my cruise is over.

Twice I've done cruises with extended family and I've sent a photo along with the card to show them what joy they helped bring.

And to my regular representatives in Miami I send flowers on birthdays and a basket of goodies for the holidays.

Wondering if other people do this? Is this standard?

No judgement ... I've just always wondered.

Brian

RE: Comp Cruise Offers

Offers to me have been sporadic. Sometimes I get an email (the last one was in November 2019) and sometimes I get a glossy mailing. Usually I pick a cruise I want and call Miami to see if they can comp it. And usually I am booking too far out (I'm a planner!) so they make the reservation minus the 20%, try to get me an additional perk (I prefer gratuities), and take a deposit.

Then I call back sporadically to see if they've gotten a casino rate for the cruise I'm booked on. That sometimes works since I book + one year in advance.

Finally, before final payment is due I call and ask to apply any applicable comps I have to the reservation. Bam. Complimentary cruise, with a 90% success rate.

But BCC has been very good to me. I always asked for Renata (or emailed her directly) when I called. And if I was looking for something specific, I would contact Macie. Both were always busy (there must be a lot of us!) but in the end it always worked out.

Unfortunately they are both gone now. So we are (pun intended) in unchartered waters.  Sad.

On 5/1/2020 at 12:35 AM, NutsAboutGolf said:

For the next roughly year, I predict big free play offers with a minor shuffle of tiers and benefits

 

 

"Something else" = Four parts, Oversimplified Numbers, Gaming Accrual, Sailing Redemption and Partnership Bonus:

1) Oversimplified Numbers: On a seven night cruise, I can confirm five hours of $100 bets will get you a free cruise

2)  Gaming Accrual: The more boring answer, how it really works is  ADT or theoretical loss (theo).  They generally prefer you gamble for at least a consecutive hour, they then "rate" your average bet.

3) Sailing Redemption: Its still by fare, if your play gives you a $5K comp, its your choice if you want the suite life in the 5 nighter or a OV in a 20+ nighter (for example).

4) The Partnership Bonus, RCL/X, has a partnership with MLife which is nationwide but predominately in Vegas; MLife send there info to X's casino dept quarter and can offer "comped" cruises on a quarterly basis.  If you play enough at MLife, you'll receive RCL/X offers quarterly.

Well said, "Nuts"!

On 4/30/2020 at 5:43 PM, winslow050 said:

Drink packages for Sapphire and above are good on the entire ship for the cruise.

Hi - 

I am Sapphire and eligible for the "Classic" Beverage Package. That's great.

However, I don't drink alcohol.

My preferred bev is bottled Perrier (or San Pelligrino - which has more salt) and three /four lattes every day. Neither are included in the "Classic".

The first thing I do when I get on board is find the host and ask him/her to put a premium beverage sticker on my SeaPass Card.

After the first night, all the servers know that I drink sparkling water and they offer one every time they see me. Or just bring me one.

I also tip them in cash, which is obviously their incentive. 

As Sapphire I can also go into Michael's Club and The Retreat and get all the bottled water I want. I take that back to my stateroom.

I've run into butlers I've had in the past and they will send a couple of six packs to my room, even tho I don't travel in suites anymore - too expensive. And I travel solo - doubly expensive!

Brian

"Couldn't agree more.  BCC's site says there are some changes coming: https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/casino"

Wow! That is a good start!

Thank you for sharing!!
Brian

24 minutes ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

Don't think I dealt with Macie but she must be good if you're saying its better than Reny!  I do understand it's a SALES office who's job is to book you on a sailing and get off the phone but that wasn't Reny.  She told me they do not receive any commission, I have no reason not to believe her, it just I have no idea if X tell them to tell them that.  I hate to the talented people go and wish X could deploy them elsewhere.  Yet with CCL, MLIfe and Caesars Rewards, I can see the dates, room/stateroom types and offers online.  I shouldn't have to email or call a rep to look this up for me.

Macie was Reny's manager. 
 

And I agree - BCC definitely needs to join us in the twenty-first century. They're in need of a thorough overhaul.

As the casino (along with booze) is one of the main sources of revenue for the cruise lines, one would think that more attention would be given to this department.

I love Celebrity, but I've always been flummoxed by the lack of consistency, lack of communication, and general disorganization afforded by the Blue Chip Club. Except for Macie and Reny, of course

On 4/19/2020 at 10:32 PM, NutsAboutGolf said:

Oh man, I absolutely LOVED the talented Renata.  Yet they really need to let us see the offers online; Caesars and MLife present their offers online.  I still have to call, wait on hold, tell the rep my preferred sailing dates to hear the room type offers I'll receive.  Only once we receive the sailing offers, which sailings get suites, which get OV, can my significant other and I "request" the time off. 

Yes - me too!

Reny reached out to me directly on her last day. No word about future plans or if she was furloughed or laid-off.

She was the best. 

Second only to Macie Dominguez, who also wrote me to tell me of her last day. Her position was eliminated so she was laid-off.  It was suggested that she could return when business picks up. I'm not sure she will want too after being summarily let go after so many years of service.

Sad.

It's a different world.

Brian

Bonjour Danielle and Théo -

Welcome aboard!

I have added your names to our roll call - the link is in my signature.

Best -

Brian

Hi everybody

 

My husband (who's don't speak english at all except T-Bone steak and Budweiser) and I, we will be on this cruise.

When we sail with Celebrity or RCCL, there often beaucoup de Quebecois. Is there french speaking people on this cruise ? I'm able to read and to write in english with the help of google translator but I'm not able to discuss, my english is too basic.

We also looking for tours or excursions to do ourself or with a french speaking group.

 

Thanks if you can help me and sorry for my english

 

Danielle and Théo (d.reynaerts@gmail.com)

Hi Janice - I'm boarding Sunday too - cabin 6125, traveling solo.

Interesting developments in the Atlantic right now with Hurricane Irma!

Next week will be an adventure!

David - do you see noticeable upgrades to the suites? I was on last year

(missed Kate then too!) and thought they could use refreshing ... this was before dry dock.

Thanks for your ongoing review - fun read!

Brian

I'll be boarding this Sunday (when you disembark) and will be "next door" in 6148. Your post is making me look forward to getting back on the ship.

Janice