Celebrity denies any Upper Elite.

[Waterlily777]

I think the easiest way to handle the crowding problem is to sever the reciprocity between Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.

[BMT]

We don't drink - still go for the social aspect. Hotels have Executive Floors etc. Similar thing. Nice that they recognise good customers.

 

Their mistake was creating another 'phoney' level on this ship. Should have just done it alphabetically. Just as easy to organise.

 

The transatlantics always have large numbers of loyal cruisers - most cruises have no problem.

[Christine Frances]

It seems that the Sky Lounge is only closed to non-elites during 5-7pm is when there is large numbers involved. On our 29 night Infinity cruise they roped off the starboard side for Elites but anyone else was allowed in to sit/drink in the rest of the lounge.

[tserface]

If this is the case I think it would suck to be stuck in the Michael's club (dark and can't see out easily) rather than being in the terrific Sky Lounge. Seems more like a punishment for people who had cruised more often. I think the Sky Lounge benefit is wonderful.

 

And, I don't drink soda much, but isn't it like under $2 for a Coke?

 

I'd gladly pay for my own Coke in Sky Lounge just for the view.

 

Tom

 

A few days I started an innocent little thread with the question " How many points do you need to be " Upper Elite ? " .

It evocted some strong opinions and reactions, as this sort of topic always does.

Several people said they had used the Upper Elite facilities in Michaels Club, and I myself was told by a Celebrity Staff member that even though I was Elite , that facility at that time was for UPPER ELITE only, and could not get the coke I wanted to .

I mentioned in my first post that I had emailed Captains Club a while before asking on Cruise Critic , but started the thread because I had recieved no reply.

 

I was a little dumfounded to recieve this email this morning. !

 

RE: Tier Levels

 

Dear Ms. Davies:

 

Thank you for your e-mail. We apologize for any delay in our response. At this time we do not offer an Upper Elite status. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our office directly at 800- ..........

 

Ms. Davies, we look forward to seeing you, our valued Elite Captain's Club member, onboard soon.

 

Sincerely,

....................[ I removed this persons name ]

Captains Club

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Now I am really confused. ...and a bit miffed. If it does not exist why were we turned away. ? :rolleyes:

[Bridge Maven]

I think the easiest way to handle the crowding problem is to sever the reciprocity between Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.

 

Since Royal Caribbean owns both cruise lines, it wouldn't be a good business move for them to do that.

 

Now that three generation cruises are very popular, many Celebrity cruisers prefer a more family oriented cruise line when sailing with their children and grandchildren. The reciprocity gives some an incentive to choose Royal Caribbean for these cruises

instead of a competitor's cruise line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[sealover155]

Isn't it really another pesky communications issue? Had the greeter at Michael's Club simply explained that the group was so large they had to split the group into two separate groups, who would have been offended? Also, they could have invited the OP in for just that evening since they were already there. Employees need to be empowered to make such decisions.

 

To even casually mention the fantasy "Upper Elite" category is a mistake because it could insult the Elite member. Sure, they could have divided the group in a myriad of ways but perhaps they felt that the super experienced cruisers would like to socialize together.

[C 2 C]

It seems that the Sky Lounge is only closed to non-elites during 5-7pm is when there is large numbers involved. On our 29 night Infinity cruise they roped off the starboard side for Elites but anyone else was allowed in to sit/drink in the rest of the lounge.

 

The same split took place on our April Constellation cruise.

 

On our Solstice Transatlantic last fall, those with the largest number of points were given the option of getting their drinks in Michael's. The upside was not having to line up for your favorite seats and better service since we did not have to compete with 700 other thirsty and hungry elites. ;) The down side was the loss of interaction with fellow cruisers who did not make the cut and the opportunity to stare at the sea.

[FLACRUISER99]

I think the easiest way to handle the crowding problem is to sever the reciprocity between Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.

 

Since Royal Caribbean owns both cruise lines, it wouldn't be a good business move for them to do that.

 

Now that three generation cruises are very popular, many Celebrity cruisers prefer a more family oriented cruise line when sailing with their children and grandchildren. The reciprocity gives some an incentive to choose Royal Caribbean for these cruises

instead of a competitor's cruise line.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Or combining both programs(Same loyalty program for Azamara, Celebrity & Royal Caribbean using total days an all 3 lines).

[jerseygirl3]

Jennie, I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill here. As was mentioned in the other thread you started there were so many Elites on our TA that logistically they had to split the group and did this by offering another venue to those with more than 25 credits to have more control over numbers. In terms of allowing you a coke there they do have to draw the line at some point and that makes sense to me.

 

There is no official Celebrity Upper Elite level, just it seems this division of the group for Cocktail time when the numbers are so large. I think that makes perfect sense also. We were all together again in the Sky Obs Lounge for the following cruise. Michael's has been used for this purpose on other cruises I have been on when the numbers are smaller.

 

Phil

 

Personally, I think it's wrong for Celebrity to handle it that way. Elite is Elite...period. For someone to be denied a coke because it's "upper elite" is ridiculous.

 

If the venue is too small, pick a larger venue. I was on a TA in October on RCI and we had over 500 Diamond/Diamond Plus. We all fit into the lounge they selected.

 

If there is no lounge large enough, then rather than split up the group by tier level, once it reaches capacity, simply escort the overflow to another venue. That way there's no delineation between the two classes.

 

Jo-Ann

[excitedofharpenden]

Personally, I think it's wrong for Celebrity to handle it that way. Elite is Elite...period. For someone to be denied a coke because it's "upper elite" is ridiculous.

 

If the venue is too small, pick a larger venue. I was on a TA in October on RCI and we had over 500 Diamond/Diamond Plus. We all fit into the lounge they selected.

 

If there is no lounge large enough, then rather than split up the group by tier level, once it reaches capacity, simply escort the overflow to another venue. That way there's no delineation between the two classes.

 

Jo-Ann

You let one person into the "Top Elite" event, they go on to tell some of their friends and then a lot more try to do the same and overcrowd Michael's or put the employees in a difficult position by being turned away. "Jennie you said you got into Michael's. We couldn't:mad:". BTW, Jennie the OP is a good friend of mine and I have no reason to suspect this would happen, but the staff wouldn't know that.

 

Your idea of filling up one venue and then escorting the overflow to another venue isn't workable. How do you measure capacity? Elite's turning up at the Sky Lounge only to be told they need to go somewhere else would lead to anger and frustration.

 

As I said I think all of this is a storm in a teacup. Management on the ships have adopted a policy to control numbers in the easiest way possible for a small percentage of cruises. That's all it is.

 

Phil

[smoosh21]

There is no upper elite category. On some cruises, there are so many elites that the captain's club representative on board breaks the group up into two venues....based on points. It's not a formal program and it doesn't happen very often.

 

 

But do both groups get the same benefits? If I am at the evening reception, I really don't care if I get my cocktail in Michaels Club or up in the Sky Lounge.

[Jade13]

Royal Caribbean does count days sailed as the criteria for their Crown and Anchor loyality progam levels.

 

I am not aware that Celebrity offers a standard/repeating 3 day cruise to allow someone to take 10 3-day cruises to reach Elite. I have heard that Constellation will be on a 4/5 day (I am not exact about this) itinerary out of Miami or Fort Lauderdale next year as Eclipse will take over Constellation's current Southern Caribbean itinerary in 2013.

 

There is a 2 night cruise every January.

[Jade13]

Or combining both programs(Same loyalty program for Azamara, Celebrity & Royal Caribbean using total days an all 3 lines).

 

Azamara only has two small ships. It won't affect the loyalty program on Celebrity.

[Andy]

But do both groups get the same benefits? If I am at the evening reception, I really don't care if I get my cocktail in Michaels Club or up in the Sky Lounge.

 

Hi Smoosh21,

 

When the ship opts to split the 2 venues, both groups still receive the same benefits. That's never been an issue. I hope this helps !

[C 2 C]

But do both groups get the same benefits? If I am at the evening reception, I really don't care if I get my cocktail in Michaels Club or up in the Sky Lounge.

 

When we were on Solstice transatlantic the benefits were the same but dedicated waiters for 60 people provided much better service than for the 500-600 attending the Sky lounge.

[Bridge Maven]

Agreed. we use the venue to meet new people, and it is set up so people mingle much better. You can walk over and say 'hi' to a complete stranger in this venue, which may not work well in the general common areas.....but I do like a freebe, so I won't pretend that isn't a nice thing.

 

Don't want to turn Celebrity into a class-based experience, not matter what criteria is used to define it. But it does take some type of definition to set up a smaller more meet-new-people atmosphere to engender this.

 

Den

 

Denny - One way is to have ships designed with more small intimate spaces instead of very large public areas. That is one of the things I like about Holland America ships. When people are in a small public area, they are more likely to talk to complete strangers.

[richsea]

Personally, If there is no lounge large enough, then rather than split up the group by tier level, once it reaches capacity, simply escort the overflow to another venue. That way there's no delineation between the two classes.

 

Jo-Ann

 

And as a result, I am sure that there woud be those that complain "but our friends are in there!!"

There are always going to be bi#chers; Celebrity cannot possibly please everyone.

[ghstudio]

But do both groups get the same benefits? If I am at the evening reception, I really don't care if I get my cocktail in Michaels Club or up in the Sky Lounge.

 

The elite + group gets stoli elit vodka, Chivas Regal and single malt scotch and equivalent other liquors served in Ridel glasses by waiters in Tuxedos. Canapes include Beluga Caviar, goose liver as well as sushi and sashimi made to order.

 

However, I will now surely be banned from ever going to an elite + event since we are asked not to tell anyone of the benefits.

[Bridge Maven]

And as a result, I am sure that there woud be those that complain "but our friends are in there!!"

There are always going to be bi#chers; Celebrity cannot possibly please everyone.

 

richsea - I agree with you. That is why I think Celebrity should focus more on the overall cruise experience it provides for all of its passengers, instead of its Captain Club.

 

Even though I am elite on Celebrity, when I am researching a future cruise I consider all cruise lines and make my choice based on the ship itself and the itinerary.

[C 2 C]

That is why I think Celebrity should focus more on the overall cruise experience it provides for all of its passengers, instead of its Captain Club.

 

Even though I am elite on Celebrity, when I am researching a future cruise I consider all cruise lines and make my choice based on the ship itself and the itinerary.

 

While you are considering other companies in your plans, a Captain's Club program (or its equivalent on other lines) is designed to make a member consider it above all other competitors. Many studies have proven that it is cheaper to give incentives to repeat customers than to attract new ones.

We have found that there are so many good cruise opportunities among many lines that a "carrot" is often provided. Frequent cruisers on the same line can look forward to the same food (no matter how good), the same entertainment, (no matter how good) that they will be tempted to look elsewhere for variety.

Many posters comment on the feeling of entitlement among frequent cruisers. The problem in reality is that the people who do not show loyalty to one brand or cruisers who see the incentives given to those who book repeatedly with the same line, feel entitled to the same benefits without having passed their dollars, either in level of accommodation or number of bookings, to whichever company they choose.

[Bridge Maven]

While you are considering other companies in your plans, a Captain's Club program (or its equivalent on other lines) is designed to make a member consider it above all other competitors. Many studies have proven that it is cheaper to give incentives to repeat customers than to attract new ones.

We have found that there are so many good cruise opportunities among many lines that a "carrot" is often provided. Frequent cruisers on the same line can look forward to the same food (no matter how good), the same entertainment, (no matter how good) that they will be tempted to look elsewhere for variety.

Many posters comment on the feeling of entitlement among frequent cruisers. The problem in reality is that the people who do not show loyalty to one brand or cruisers who see the incentives given to those who book repeatedly with the same line, feel entitled to the same benefits without having passed their dollars, either in level of accommodation or number of bookings, to whichever company they choose.

 

Nereus - I think the problem is how to define loyalty. There are many people who take ten or more Celebrity cruises a year but book cruises with low per diems, while staying in an inside cabin. Are they more "loyal" than people who only take a few Celebrity cruises a year, but book suites on cruises with expensive itineraries?

 

Granted it is easier for any business to keep existing customers than to find new ones. However, most of the people who cruise Celebrity exclusively do so for reasons other than its Captain's club.

[dodger1964]

i thought i read on cc that they sometimes close michaels club for b2b elites (or maybe highest couple of elites on embarkation day until rooms are ready??).

 

is that what op might have seen?

[Orator]

i thought i read on cc that they sometimes close michaels club for b2b elites (or maybe highest couple of elites on embarkation day until rooms are ready??).

 

is that what op might have seen?

 

They often use Michael's Club as the VIP lounge on embarkation day. VIPs include Penthouse Guests, highest point cruisers and perhaps a corporate guest or two. Several Senior Officers are there to meet and greet. Light snacks are served and someone usually takes you to your cabin. Personally I prefer going to the buffet.

[johhnnyt]

They often use Michael's Club as the VIP lounge on embarkation day. VIPs include Penthouse Guests, highest point cruisers and perhaps a corporate guest or two. Several Senior Officers are there to meet and greet. Light snacks are served and someone usually takes you to your cabin. Personally I prefer going to the buffet.

 

I know a few of the corporate people, they have been so generous, they usually have guest relations manager or above meet you, bring you onboard, even have your cabin made up before the rest, and then tell you about the Michaels club get together

[WELSH WIZARDS]

[quote name=tserface;33761000And' date=' I don't drink soda much, but isn't it like under $2 for a Coke?

I'd gladly pay for my own Coke in Sky Lounge just for the view.

Tom[/quote]

=====================================================================================

 

 

I did not attempt to go into Michael's club for a free coke, as I don't think they will give you free coke, I know you can't get a coffee , I intended to go in just to get a soda on my soda card while passing .