An insult or just a new policy?

[Orator]

I'm confused. Why did you wear the VIP pass? Do you know your way around Celebrity ships?

Free drinks? To meet other Very Important People? Conversation ?

Claire

 

Very simple answer: They gave it to me at check in and ASKED me to wear it. It was removed once I boarded the ship. The remainder of your question appears to be in the Host Walt warning category, so I'll just ignore it.

[CI66774]

Celebrity is like any other company. Yes, it wants to reward repeat business but also wants to encourage newbies to become repeat business. I don't believe anyone should take it as an "insult." It's business plain and simple. If the Captain (or Hotel Director) wants some good-looking (fill in the blank) at the table - so be it. For example, I have Comcast for my phone, internet, cable. I've given them my business for several years. On occasion, I receive a free On Demand movie coupon, etc. However, I cannot partake in the new subscriber deals advertised given I'm not a new customer. (I received a good deal when I initially subscribed, too) I suppose I could switch companies but I like the underlying service enough that those things don't bother me. Don't take it personally. Celebrity is in the business of recruiting new business (and maintaining current business) and operates accordingly. Some it has to place new in front of current and visa versa.:o

[ClairetoCruise]

Very simple answer: They gave it to me at check in and ASKED me to wear it. It was removed once I boarded the ship. The remainder of your question appears to be in the Host Walt warning category, so I'll just ignore it.

 

 

I apologize for my post.:o

Here's an idea, Celebrity can give new cruisers a VIP badge and loyal repeat passengers an Escort pass to provide escort to a special lounge.:)

Claire

[SusieV]

Celebrity is like any other company. Yes, it wants to reward repeat business but also wants to encourage newbies to become repeat business. I don't believe anyone should take it as an "insult." It's business plain and simple. If the Captain (or Hotel Director) wants some good-looking (fill in the blank) at the table - so be it. For example, I have Comcast for my phone, internet, cable. I've given them my business for several years. On occasion, I receive a free On Demand movie coupon, etc. However, I cannot partake in the new subscriber deals advertised given I'm not a new customer. (I received a good deal when I initially subscribed, too) I suppose I could switch companies but I like the underlying service enough that those things don't bother me. Don't take it personally. Celebrity is in the business of recruiting new business (and maintaining current business) and operates accordingly. Some it has to place new in front of current and visa versa.:o

 

You'd be surprised how many companies that deal with home technology services will give you those good deals if you call and ask them to. I call Rogers once a year and tell them what Bell is offering me to switch, and Rogers will generally match it or come pretty close.

 

I really don't think a company can survive long term without making its customers feel valued. The people to take perks away from should not be the ones who come back to your product again and again. Rewarding them for their loyalty only shows the new cruisers what they have to look forward to! I don't understand the negativity on this thread, because I am sure that many of the people who posted negative remarks would be thrilled to receive some of the perks that the 100+ club receive.

 

One day, I'd love to be invited to the Captain's Table, but until then I'll just enjoy the rest of my cruise (and perhaps spring for a bottle of blond hair colour?).

[boogs]

You'd be surprised how many companies that deal with home technology services will give you those good deals if you call and ask them to. I call Rogers once a year and tell them what Bell is offering me to switch, and Rogers will generally match it or come pretty close.

 

I really don't think a company can survive long term without making its customers feel valued. The people to take perks away from should not be the ones who come back to your product again and again. Rewarding them for their loyalty only shows the new cruisers what they have to look forward to! I don't understand the negativity on this thread, because I am sure that many of the people who posted negative remarks would be thrilled to receive some of the perks that the 100+ club receive.

 

One day, I'd love to be invited to the Captain's Table, but until then I'll just enjoy the rest of my cruise (and perhaps spring for a bottle of blond hair colour?).

 

I have found that asking to be included in special activities at the customer service desk often results in success. On my first three cruises, on three different cruise lines, I asked if it would be possible to be included on a bridge tour, typically offered to "loyal" customers. Each time I was invited to a perk that I as a first time customer enjoyed simply because I asked. I never considered asking about being seated at the captain's table - frankly, this doesn't interest me - but I suspect that if I bothered to, occasionally I would be successful.

 

Ask! The worst that can happen is you don't get invited, which is exactly what you will get if you don't ask in the first place.

[Orator]

I apologize for my post.:o

Here's an idea, Celebrity can give new cruisers a VIP badge and loyal repeat passengers an Escort pass to provide escort to a special lounge.:)

Claire

 

I most certanily accept your apology. I belong to an organization that does give a special tag to first time conference attendees. It gives more experienced members an opportunity to reach out to them. Think that the idea is worth exploring. While on the cruise discussing the situation, Arno came up with a good idea. He thought that it would be helpful to have a special "loyalty" table. An officer could serve as host and invite according to cruise points. Highest total first and then you keep going down the list until the table is filled. One added benefit of this idea is that you might make seats at a "Captain's Table " available to more people. I think that most experienced cruisers would agree that we really don't feel like we need or want to be invited to a Captain's table all the time, but we would like some recognition for our loyalty. Arno's idea should receive serious consideration.

 

EDIT: To me this is what Cruise Critic should be about. We share and evaluate ideas that are designed to improve the cruising experience and provide answers and advice to those who request it.

[NLH Arizona]

I most certanily accept your apology. I belong to an organization that does give a special tag to first time conference attendees. It gives more experienced members an opportunity to reach out to them. Think that the idea is worth exploring. While on the cruise discussing the situation, Arno came up with a good idea. He thought that it would be helpful to have a special "loyalty" table. An officer could serve as host and invite according to cruise points. Highest total first and then you keep going down the list until the table is filled. One added benefit of this idea is that you might make seats at a "Captain's Table " available to more people. I think that most experienced cruisers would agree that we really don't feel like we need or want to be invited to a Captain's table all the time, but we would like some recognition for our loyalty. Arno's idea should receive serious consideration.

 

EDIT: To me this is what Cruise Critic should be about. We share and evaluate ideas that are designed to improve the cruising experience and provide answers and advice to those who request it.

Is it just me...I guess I don't understand why it is so important to have a table in the dining room, whether it be the "Captain's Table" or a "Loyality Table" to show loyality to Celebrity cruisers. Why is it important that Celebrity shows you their loyality in a public manner. Why not a great bottle of wine at dinner, a free shore excursion or two, etc., there are so many other things people would like to have than a special table. I would personally add another tier to the Captian's Club with additional perks added. Your thoughts?

[Orator]

Is it just me...I guess I don't understand why it is so important to have a table in the dining room, whether it be the "Captain's Table" or a "Loyality Table" to show loyality to Celebrity cruisers. Why is it important that Celebrity shows you their loyality in a public manner. Why not a great bottle of wine at dinner, a free shore excursion or two, etc., there are so many other things people would like to have than a special table. I would personally add another tier to the Captian's Club with additional perks added. Your thoughts?

 

Agree,we absolutely need another tier. A table is one idea. A bottle of wine is another. These are all ideas that could be explored. The more ideas the better. My thoughts are not set in stone. I need more to hear more discussion and receive more information before I can become convinced that one approach is the best for all concerned.

[lysolqn]

I think that most experienced cruisers would agree that we really don't feel like we need or want to be invited to a Captain's table all the time, but we would like some recognition for our loyalty.

 

I guess everyone's idea of "some recognition for our loyalty" is different because those of us who are loyal to X do receive recognition for that loyalty - in the form of Captain's Club perks and the genuinely warm smiles and "Welcome back" so generously extended by staff and crew who recognize us from past cruises. Ostensibly, loyal X cruisers should be returning time and again because they like the product - the ships, service, onboard ambiance, food - not because of some misplaced loyalty recognition/entitlement mindset or needing to have their egos stroked with special invites or exclusive gatherings. With all due respect, it appears some folks are taking their loyalty status way too seriously. JMHO.

[Orator]

I guess everyone's idea of "some recognition for our loyalty" is different because those of us who are loyal to X do receive recognition for that loyalty - in the form of Captain's Club perks and the genuinely warm smiles and "Welcome back" so generously extended by staff and crew who recognize us from past cruises. Ostensibly, loyal X cruisers should be returning time and again because they like the product - the ships, service, onboard ambiance, food - not because of some misplaced loyalty recognition/entitlement mindset or needing to have their egos stroked with special invites or exclusive gatherings. With all due respect, it appears some folks are taking their loyalty status way too seriously. JMHO.

 

Nothing to disagree with in your post. Recently there has been, at least in my view,a reduction in the number of top tier cruisers recognized by Celebrity. Anro gave an excellent description of the trend. Do we need to do something additional for that top tier? Perhaps "yes", perhaps "no". Personally,I've never met any cruiser who merely cruised for the perks. I know some who try to enhance their credits by taking short cruises,especially when they jsut need one or two more points to make Elite. Not a one size fits all world indeed.

[Kellie Poodle]

I don't cruise for the perks, but they are certainly appreciated when they save me cash.

 

The free pre-dinner cocktail, free laundry coupons, free internet minutes, free upgrade within a category, etc. are certainly very nice rewards for my loyalty.

 

Having that extra cash in my pocket means more to me than having my behind in a chair at a special table. I'd probably decline the invitation if invited, though I doubt I ever will as we are rather ordinary folks who don't have hundreds of past cruises nor do we have only one or two behind us.

 

One of the things Celebrity is noted for is the visibility of its officers and their constant interaction with the guests. On our 13 day Infinity cruise, for instance, there had to have been 3 or 4 instances where the Captain was greeting guests at some sort of gathering or another. There were officers present all the time. They even had a volley ball game against the guests in the pool.

 

I do comprehend individuals believing that their loyalty should give them extra attention and I have no problem with this, but it's not my thing. The cash-value perks mean more to me. Perhaps I would feel differently if I had a couple of hundred cruises behind me, too.

 

Orator, I'm sorry you got so much heat for your post. I understand the point you were making very well and you didn't deserve the flames.

 

JMTCW

[Orator]

I don't cruise for the perks, but they are certainly appreciated when they save me cash.

 

The free pre-dinner cocktail, free laundry coupons, free internet minutes, free upgrade within a category, etc. are certainly very nice rewards for my loyalty.

 

Having that extra cash in my pocket means more to me than having my behind in a chair at a special table. I'd probably decline the invitation if invited, though I doubt I ever will as we are rather ordinary folks who don't have hundreds of past cruises nor do we have only one or two behind us.

 

One of the things Celebrity is noted for is the visibility of its officers and their constant interaction with the guests. On our 13 day Infinity cruise, for instance, there had to have been 3 or 4 instances where the Captain was greeting guests at some sort of gathering or another. There were officers present all the time. They even had a volley ball game against the guests in the pool.

 

I do comprehend individuals believing that their loyalty should give them extra attention and I have no problem with this, but it's not my thing. The cash-value perks mean more to me. Perhaps I would feel differently if I had a couple of hundred cruises behind me, too.

 

Orator, I'm sorry you got so much heat for your post. I understand the point you were making very well and you didn't deserve the flames.

 

JMTCW

 

Wasn't it Truman who said: "If you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen"? I don'tplan to leave the kitchen. Thanks for your statement.

[Crazy Cruzer]

If my prior post was considered by anyone to be hostile, then I apologize.

 

I guess it is hard for some of us to relate to expectations of those that are among the cruise line's most frequent cruisers with hundreds of cruise points. Since very few here even knew that there were unpublished benefits of being in a VIP club that was also unpublished, we've taken the complaints out of context. Instead of viewing the issue from the standpoint of one of these VIPs, we've considered them form our own perspective as "ordinary cruisers" who are dreaming of the day we'll make "Elite", or relishing the fact that we've achieved that level where the benefits are better documented.

[TexCruise371]

I don't cruise for the perks, but they are certainly appreciated when they save me cash.

 

The free pre-dinner cocktail, free laundry coupons, free internet minutes, free upgrade within a category, etc. are certainly very nice rewards for my loyalty.

 

Having that extra cash in my pocket means more to me than having my behind in a chair at a special table. I'd probably decline the invitation if invited, though I doubt I ever will as we are rather ordinary folks who don't have hundreds of past cruises nor do we have only one or two behind us.

 

One of the things Celebrity is noted for is the visibility of its officers and their constant interaction with the guests. On our 13 day Infinity cruise, for instance, there had to have been 3 or 4 instances where the Captain was greeting guests at some sort of gathering or another. There were officers present all the time. They even had a volley ball game against the guests in the pool.

 

I do comprehend individuals believing that their loyalty should give them extra attention and I have no problem with this, but it's not my thing. The cash-value perks mean more to me. Perhaps I would feel differently if I had a couple of hundred cruises behind me, too.

 

Orator, I'm sorry you got so much heat for your post. I understand the point you were making very well and you didn't deserve the flames.

 

JMTCW

 

We think a lot alike ;)

[Suzieanna]

Orator, I think you have been unfairly flamed too. I personally have no loyalty to anything and I can't even be bothered getting a supermarket points card but I very much defend the rights of people who have a history of sticking with one line to be recognised in the way they traditionally have, and if this is sitting at the captains table then fair enough. I dont even bother going to the photo with the capt thing. He knows where I am if he wants to speak to me!

[Cruise Arizona]

I know I'm jumping into this thread a little late, but I'll start with my initial thoughts when I read the original post.

 

My opinion is that this is neither a new policy or insult. I know there have been several who have posted a different opinion, but I'll share with you why I don't think it is necessarily a new policy.

 

On our very first cruise we made friends with another young couple about our age. She was a knock out blonde bombshell who was a successful real estate developer with her husband. On one of the formal evenings they were invited to the captain's table and I even seem to remember them parading in to orchestra music. They were a nice couple and we asked them how the swung the invitation, you know in a "giving them a hard time" kind of light way. They simply said that the they didn't know because it was their first cruise with Celebrity and they weren't in an upgraded cabin or anything. My thinking was it was because they were simply a young attractive pleasant successful couple. The Captains Club hostess had told them that a lot of different criteria go into selecting the table guests but declined to give specifics.

 

We took our next next 5 Celebrity cruises with our kids so we are pretty sure that is why we never got an invitation.

 

On one of our TA's we met a delightful fun and friendly couple from England and they were newly Elite. They were invited to the captains table. We took a picture of them from upstairs that was really cute. They again were told that many different factors go into inviting the guests but not given specifics.

 

On our last cruise, (no kids), we were lucky enough to be invited to dine at the officer's table, and I'd like to think that it was because I am blonde bombshell knock out :D like our friends from our very first Celebrity cruise, but I don't think that was the reason.

 

We dined with Nina, the hotel director. She was really delightful, and the table seemed to be a mix of couples. One other couple had about the same number of cruises we had. We had some lively conversation with them at a few of the Elite events, so perhaps that is why we both were invited. There were two other couples who were long time loyal Celebrity customers with many many cruises.

 

So based on my experience, the Captains Club hostesses have a variety of criteria for extending the invitations to the captains table which include - Number of Previous Celebrity Cruises, Number of Previous Cruises on Other Lines, Personality, Appearance, and perhaps even other factors like the field of career at home or common interests with the officer. Maybe we got the invite because I used to be a figure skater and Nina was from Scandinavia??? :DJK.

 

Perhaps one of the reasons that guests who are frequent cruises from other lines get an invite is that the officers may want input as to how their first Celebrity experience compares to their previous cruises.

 

Certainly their are many cruises who are wonderful dinner companions so I would never think that not being invited means that their is something wrong with me. While being charming certainly helps, I think that many people on cruise ships are lovely charming people.

 

So since a ship may have hundreds elite or higher guests, with only about 64 spots available per cruise, maybe even less, there are bound to be some who do not get invited. There are more and more repeat and highly loyal customers so it becomes every increasingly hard to invite them all.

 

I have to admit that Arno has much more experience with Celebrity than I have. His opion is that this is a shift, but my thought they seem to have the same policy over at least the last 9 years since I've been cruising Celebrity.

 

To Orator, I don't think that this was in anyway an insult, just a different criteria than what may be obvious.

 

I hope that you continue to cruise with Celebrity and enjoy your experience. I too have gotten more than my share of nasty comments directed at me here on CC so I feel for you when people do not choose their words carefully.

 

The aim of my words to to ease your concerns and not make you feel insulted, so I hope that I accomplished that.

[h20cruzer]

Well I have been on more that 60 cruises and have never been invited to anyones table on any line. I am really not interested in making small take with strangers who want to be on their best behavior trying to impress the capitan. So I dont feel bad about no invitation.

One one cruise a woman bragged her mother had been invited to dine with the capitan and declined. They asked her why not and she said I don't eat with the hired help.

Oh well it takes all kinds.

I am happy with my assigned seating and getting to know the folks I am sitting with.

Norma

[Orator]

I know I'm jumping into this thread a little late, but I'll start with my initial thoughts when I read the original post.

 

My opinion is that this is neither a new policy or insult. I know there have been several who have posted a different opinion, but I'll share with you why I don't think it is necessarily a new policy.

 

On our very first cruise we made friends with another young couple about our age. She was a knock out blonde bombshell who was a successful real estate developer with her husband. On one of the formal evenings they were invited to the captain's table and I even seem to remember them parading in to orchestra music. They were a nice couple and we asked them how the swung the invitation, you know in a "giving them a hard time" kind of light way. They simply said that the they didn't know because it was their first cruise with Celebrity and they weren't in an upgraded cabin or anything. My thinking was it was because they were simply a young attractive pleasant successful couple. The Captains Club hostess had told them that a lot of different criteria go into selecting the table guests but declined to give specifics.

 

We took our next next 5 Celebrity cruises with our kids so we are pretty sure that is why we never got an invitation.

 

On one of our TA's we met a delightful fun and friendly couple from England and they were newly Elite. They were invited to the captains table. We took a picture of them from upstairs that was really cute. They again were told that many different factors go into inviting the guests but not given specifics.

 

On our last cruise, (no kids), we were lucky enough to be invited to dine at the officer's table, and I'd like to think that it was because I am blonde bombshell knock out :D like our friends from our very first Celebrity cruise, but I don't think that was the reason.

 

We dined with Nina, the hotel director. She was really delightful, and the table seemed to be a mix of couples. One other couple had about the same number of cruises we had. We had some lively conversation with them at a few of the Elite events, so perhaps that is why we both were invited. There were two other couples who were long time loyal Celebrity customers with many many cruises.

 

So based on my experience, the Captains Club hostesses have a variety of criteria for extending the invitations to the captains table which include - Number of Previous Celebrity Cruises, Number of Previous Cruises on Other Lines, Personality, Appearance, and perhaps even other factors like the field of career at home or common interests with the officer. Maybe we got the invite because I used to be a figure skater and Nina was from Scandinavia??? :DJK.

 

Perhaps one of the reasons that guests who are frequent cruises from other lines get an invite is that the officers may want input as to how their first Celebrity experience compares to their previous cruises.

 

Certainly their are many cruises who are wonderful dinner companions so I would never think that not being invited means that their is something wrong with me. While being charming certainly helps, I think that many people on cruise ships are lovely charming people.

 

So since a ship may have hundreds elite or higher guests, with only about 64 spots available per cruise, maybe even less, there are bound to be some who do not get invited. There are more and more repeat and highly loyal customers so it becomes every increasingly hard to invite them all.

 

I have to admit that Arno has much more experience with Celebrity than I have. His opion is that this is a shift, but my thought they seem to have the same policy over at least the last 9 years since I've been cruising Celebrity.

 

To Orator, I don't think that this was in anyway an insult, just a different criteria than what may be obvious.

 

I hope that you continue to cruise with Celebrity and enjoy your experience. I too have gotten more than my share of nasty comments directed at me here on CC so I feel for you when people do not choose their words carefully.

 

The aim of my words to to ease your concerns and not make you feel insulted, so I hope that I accomplished that.

 

Thank you so much for your insight. In 12 days will be doing a B2B on Eclipse and on the day it ends I'll be boarding Millie. Nine days later I'll be boarding Equinox for 24 days. Now watch the posters who say that I'm bragging. Perhaps, but my intent is simply to reinforce what I've said over and over: I really enjoy the Celebrity experience.

[cruiseacecat]

Thank you so much for your insight. In 12 days will be doing a B2B on Eclipse and on the day it ends I'll be boarding Millie. Nine days later I'll be boarding Equinox for 24 days. Now watch the posters who say that I'm bragging. Perhaps, but my intent is simply to reinforce what I've said over and over: I really enjoy the Celebrity experience.

 

I wish you all the best on your upcoming cruises. I do not cruise again until the Eclipse ta in April. Have no idea how I am going to survive that long between cruises. :)

 

Anne

[lysolqn]

Nothing to disagree with in your post. Recently there has been, at least in my view,a reduction in the number of top tier cruisers recognized by Celebrity. Anro gave an excellent description of the trend. Do we need to do something additional for that top tier? Perhaps "yes", perhaps "no". Personally,I've never met any cruiser who merely cruised for the perks. I know some who try to enhance their credits by taking short cruises,especially when they jsut need one or two more points to make Elite. Not a one size fits all world indeed.

 

Likewise, nothing to disagree with in your post. Just curious as to what distinguishes someone as a "top tier" cruiser. Is it earning a specific number of cruise points (50, 75, 100?) or is it pax with the highest number of cruise points on any given cruise? What would you consider appropriate recognition of those who qualify?

[Kan't Wait]

In 12 days will be doing a B2B on Eclipse and on the day it ends I'll be boarding Millie. Nine days later I'll be boarding Equinox for 24 days. Now watch the posters who say that I'm bragging. Perhaps, but my intent is simply to reinforce what I've said over and over: I really enjoy the Celebrity experience.

 

Good thing you're Elite so you can get your laundry done on the cheap :D

[Orator]

Likewise, nothing to disagree with in your post. Just curious as to what distinguishes someone as a "top tier" cruiser. Is it earning a specific number of cruise points (50, 75, 100?) or is it pax with the highest number of cruise points on any given cruise? What would you consider appropriate recognition of those who qualify?

 

My focus, not shared by some others, has been on the top cruisers for each cruise. There are cruises where 100 points doesn't place you in the top three. There are others were 34 points can make you the top cruiser. Please read Arno's post (he's the top cruiser whatever the cruise). He details what past practice has been and what it is today. I honestly don't care what is done. My concern is more directed toward the message that's being sent, namely that loyality is just as not as important to Celebrity as it was just a few years ago. I'm concerned that that philosophy might make it more difficult to get new benefits and additional tiers for all cruisers. Celebrity can determine what is appropriate and it should be consistent throught the fleet. I really like Arno's special table idea. Really no extra cost involved. A picture of the table would be a nice touch,but that would cost a little.

[If only]

I most certanily accept your apology. I belong to an organization that does give a special tag to first time conference attendees. It gives more experienced members an opportunity to reach out to them. Think that the idea is worth exploring. While on the cruise discussing the situation, Arno came up with a good idea. He thought that it would be helpful to have a special "loyalty" table. An officer could serve as host and invite according to cruise points. Highest total first and then you keep going down the list until the table is filled. One added benefit of this idea is that you might make seats at a "Captain's Table " available to more people. I think that most experienced cruisers would agree that we really don't feel like we need or want to be invited to a Captain's table all the time, but we would like some recognition for our loyalty. Arno's idea should receive serious consideration.

 

EDIT: To me this is what Cruise Critic should be about. We share and evaluate ideas that are designed to improve the cruising experience and provide answers and advice to those who request it.

 

Actually way back when you had to pay to join the Captain's club they did have an officer come to your table if the Captain had other guests at his table. It was a very enjoyable experience.

[anniegb]

Aside from the smoking threads, this has been one of the most entertaining threads I have read in a long time.

 

I just can't get serious about any of the issues raised by anybody - guess that doesn't make me a 'true' cruiser.

 

Orator - you should have not been flamed; I do understand where you are coming from but I have to say as I have met,in my working life, more than 200 Masters of various vessel types - I consider most of the Ships Captains that I have met very boring - JMHO,

 

Very entertaining and very revealing.

 

Annie

[TRadle]

As a shareholder I like the idea that the cruise line is showing off what it type of perks you get when you reach as certain status for those that take those things into consideration. Since Celebrity recently started doing the cocktail hour to match Royal’s Diamond perks it seems that they have been inviting new cruise and suite guests to these events. I think that is a good business practice to increase the chances of that cruisers becoming Elite because of the great experience. It is just business. I don’t think the company intention is to offend loyal guests.