Does "X the rules" sound crude?

[Dena]

I don't want to get this post zapped by being crude myself, but this just sounds wrong to my ear, and I think it is fair to ask if others feel this way too.

 

I guess "X" is being used as a shorthand for a verb. I don't know of many other letters that are used as shorthand for verbs. If this was intentionally done to evoke a vulgarity, I am offended and I think the existing Celebrity demographic would be as well. Not sure I want to sail with those who think this sounds nice.

 

On the other hand, maybe I am wrong and just don't get it.

[Jim Duffer]

Dena , I agree. Should have been Y The Rules; to insure that our patrons enjoy a delightful vacation.

[Karynanne]

Dena , I agree. Should have been Y The Rules; to insure that our patrons enjoy a delightful vacation.

 

Now THAT is a positive slogan.

[PartyAllDaTyme]

When the "X the Rules" campaign first started, I made the comment that I was glad Celebrity's symbol wasn't an F.:eek:

[nordski]

Before this discussion goes too far, this "X" and "Y" business is reminding me of biology class.

 

I had never thought of it, but perhaps Celebrity reflects an unfortunate male bias;)

[seasearider]

OP, only if you think so. Sounds like a good slogan for working folks to get away from it all, and it will also attract a younger crowd to fill the wonderful Solstice Class ships.

 

Love it, maybe a big draw for the cruise line!

[2SeaWithMe]

That was my first reaction, that's it being used in the new popular vernacular of trying to insert certain words into everyday conversation, news media, and television.

[kimanjo]

I dont know how many people have seen one, but there are those "F" the President, in reference to the other bumper stickers "W" the President. So, it's common enough to be printed on a sticker, we are not alone in noticing the similarity. "X" the rules could easily be misinterpreted as "F" the rules.

[2SeaWithMe]

Here's the agency behind it:

 

http://www.underhead.com/

[Bridge Maven]

I dont know how many people have seen one, but there are those "F" the President, in reference to the other bumper stickers "W" the President. So, it's common enough to be printed on a sticker, we are not alone in noticing the similarity. "X" the rules could easily be misinterpreted as "F" the rules.

 

I had the same reaction.

[PartyAllDaTyme]

OP, only if you think so. Sounds like a good slogan for working folks to get away from it all, and it will also attract a younger crowd to fill the wonderful Solstice Class ships.

 

Love it, maybe a big draw for the cruise line!

 

My concern is that many of those new, younger cruisers will make the same mistake as many veteran Celebrity cruisers did and come away remembering only the tagline, and bring that attitude on board. The first time I talk to one of them smoking on the balcony next to mine and they say, "X the rules, man!" I'm going ballistic.

[heidik]

I don't want to get this post zapped by being crude myself, but this just sounds wrong to my ear, and I think it is fair to ask if others feel this way too.

 

I guess "X" is being used as a shorthand for a verb. I don't know of many other letters that are used as shorthand for verbs. If this was intentionally done to evoke a vulgarity, I am offended and I think the existing Celebrity demographic would be as well. Not sure I want to sail with those who think this sounds nice.

 

On the other hand, maybe I am wrong and just don't get it.

 

It certainly does not bring to mind a picture of sophistication and quality -- the first thing that came to my mind was spring break and a bunch of drunken, out-of-control college kids.

 

I have my first Celebrity cruise booked for May 2nd and I had a moment of regret that maybe I made a mistake in spending the money I have put up for what I have been led to believe is a "top of the premium line" cruise experience.

[TMLAalum]

Agree with you, Dena.

 

I'm looking forward to Dan Hanrahan's responses to our comments and questions, so please be sure to post your concerns to that forum.

[Orlandocruiser]

This puts me in mind of the ad campaign that featured a woman walking down the staircase in the MDR thanking her agent etc a la the Oscars and the guy in the white dinner jacket sitting in the casino acting like James Bond. That ad campaign put me off considering Celebrity for quite a while because it made me think "If that is the kind of jerks that cruise Celebrity I want no part of it"

 

Seems like the ad agencies are so anxious to go for cute they don't really consider the effect some of those ads have. After all judging by the threads that show up from time to time here a lot of people don't understand what the "X" means on Celebrity ships.

[Oceangoer2]

It certainly does not bring to mind a picture of sophistication and quality -- the first thing that came to my mind was spring break and a bunch of drunken, out-of-control college kids.

 

I have my first Celebrity cruise booked for May 2nd and I had a moment of regret that maybe I made a mistake in spending the money I have put up for what I have been led to believe is a "top of the premium line" cruise experience.

This is a good point to post on DH's forum!

[2SeaWithMe]

This puts me in mind of the ad campaign that featured a woman walking down the staircase in the MDR thanking her agent etc a la the Oscars and the guy in the white dinner jacket sitting in the casino acting like James Bond. That ad campaign put me off considering Celebrity for quite a while because it made me think "If that is the kind of jerks that cruise Celebrity I want no part of it"

 

Seems like the ad agencies are so anxious to go for cute they don't really consider the effect some of those ads have. After all judging by the threads that show up from time to time here a lot of people don't understand what the "X" means on Celebrity ships.

 

Heh, I liked that commercial. But, alas, I am a dork. ;)