Never again Aqua!

[Bridge Maven]

Since Celebrity has been offering rock bottom prices to fill their berths, due to the additional capacity created by their new ships, why are they exacerbating the problem by adding additional cabins to their existing ships?

[Rick-cruiser]

Since Celebrity has been offering rock bottom prices to fill their berths, due to the additional capacity created by their new ships, why are they exacerbating the problem by adding additional cabins to their existing ships?

 

To cram even more people onto the ship, thus generating more money for them.. That was the dealbraker for us, getting rid of the movie theater and cramming the loungers so close together.

[Bridge Maven]

To cram even more people onto the ship, thus generating more money for them.. That was the dealbraker for us, getting rid of the movie theater and cramming the loungers so close together.

 

It appears that no matter how little Celebrity charges for a cabin, they make up the difference with the additional revenue from booze and gambling.

 

A few years ago I did a family reunion cruise on Carnival and was very pleasantly surprised to discover how good their food and entertainment was. Our ocean suite was even nicer than a sky suite on Celebrity. My only objection was that the ship had too many passengers for its public spaces. It appears that Celebrity is now trying to follow that business model. In addition to losing public spaces formerly used for the cinema and a significant portion of the sky lounge, the creation of additional specialty restaurants is further reducing public spaces.

[ISABELLA]

The price of $195.00p.p. per day for AQ is not a bargain in MHO - that is what on Eclipse 11/17/12 sailing and there are only few cabinds left.

[ghstudio]

The price of $195.00p.p. per day for AQ is not a bargain in MHO - that is what on Eclipse 11/17/12 sailing and there are only few cabinds left.

 

An aqua class cabin is almost $300 pp a day on some sailings on the eclipse (Iceland).....and we were just in aqua on the equinox for $95 pp a day (transatlantic).

 

Had you booked that cruise a few months ago, the least expensive unobstructed veranda was $137 pp and an A2 cabin was $160 pp per day. Personally, I think that Blu and the other aqua perks (expedited tendering,....) are worth $23 a day more. Others might differ...but you can't just catagorically say Aqua isn't worth $195 a day.....I'd love to book aqua on the Eclipse Iceland trip for $195 a day.....I think that's less than an inside cabin.

[gymjudge55]

It appears that no matter how little Celebrity charges for a cabin, they make up the difference with the additional revenue from booze and gambling.

 

Well I guess they are going to love me ;). You will find me in the casino drinking most nights.

 

Our AQ cabin was $14 per person more than a concierge cabin and actually less than the veranda. Hard to figure out the pricing.

[Bridge Maven]

To provide a frame a reference - when we took a seven night cruise to Alaska on Infinity during the summer of 2001, the cost for a balcony cabin was $2,100 per person ($300 per day). A few months ago, a balcony cabin on Silhouette cost $1,400 per person ($117 per night) for a 12 night cruise. Both were new ships at the time.

[Hawaiidan]

Infinity has taken the worst balcony cabins and added two perks and charge more.

Our cabin on deck 9 was terrible.Constant noise day and night above us.It sounded like a herd of cattle at times and scraping chairs other times.

The two perks were the Persian Gardens which was always packed and Blu which was a very squished tiny restaurant.No private area.Your table is 12 inches from another table.The food presentation was nice but was not worth the inconvenience of never knowing who was going to be sitting so very close.Usually very nice cruisers but sometimes not so nice cruisers.Too chancy for me.Prefer more space for an enjoyable dinning experience.

I would not choose Aqua even if it was cheaper than a regular balcony.

The movie theatre has also been changed into more cabins.Crowded ship now.

This is only my perspective.

Will have to choose our next cruise carefully.Not the Infinity.

 

It didnt take me long to figure there was more hype than substance in the "aqua" cabins. You cant eat faux elite.:o

[ghstudio]

I think it's a bit insulting that you call aqua "faux elite".

 

I don't view it as elite at all...not real, not fake...it's a level of service, a restaurant and a few other perks which don't matter all that much to me. I'm willing to pay a price to eat in a much quieter restaurant that serves well prepared food with a somewhat healthier approach...e.g. it's hard to find potatoes in Blu. If you don't want those things....don't book in Aqua...but don't suggest that the folks who do are buying into some "faux elite" image.

[spkinva]

I agree ghstudio! You are so right!! I enjoy aqua class (especially blu) and hope everyone finds what they want and enjoys the true spirit of cruising in whatever way makes them happy. To each his own. Just enjoy!

[boogs]

To provide a frame a reference - when we took a seven night cruise to Alaska on Infinity during the summer of 2001, the cost for a balcony cabin was $2,100 per person ($300 per day). A few months ago, a balcony cabin on Silhouette cost $1,400 per person ($117 per night) for a 12 night cruise. Both were new ships at the time.

 

Factoring inflation, that $2,100 in 2001 would now cost $2,728.28 ($389 per day). This has to be the most blatant example of "nickel and diming" by a cruise line that I have ever seen! And then they have the nerve to ask us to spend a few extra dollars for the new, additional, optional specialty restaurants. Where will the non-stop gouging ever end!!!!! :eek: :D

[Ricky Chan]

I think it's a bit insulting that you call aqua "faux elite".

 

I don't view it as elite at all...not real, not fake...it's a level of service, a restaurant and a few other perks which don't matter all that much to me. I'm willing to pay a price to eat in a much quieter restaurant that serves well prepared food with a somewhat healthier approach...e.g. it's hard to find potatoes in Blu. If you don't want those things....don't book in Aqua...but don't suggest that the folks who do are buying into some "faux elite" image.

 

 

Well said, I have booked an AQ1 cabin for our Feb, 2014 Antarctica cruise. it is a matter of personal reference and choice, not for the purpose of buying "faux elite" image.

[uktog]

Thank goodness not everyone sees value in Aqua,that leaves room for us. As sq ft did not seem an issue for us, we have traded down for suites to aqua this last year - allows us to afford one more cruise a year plus much quieter dining experience with better service, free water I have to pay for in a suite and a much nicer shower.

 

But each to their own, this world would be an awful place if we all liked the same

[Redtravel]

Important feature for me is location. On my first Zenith cruise, I paid extra to be on the highest deck. It was under the pool area. Noise was horrible. Those late night pool parties are very noisy. I never have booked that type of deck again. For quiet ride , pick a deck between 2 decks of cabins...or check carefully what is above/below your cabin. A cabin over a shop, card room,spa,library, ice cream bar will also be very quiet. Avoid nightclubs, kitchen areas,pool deck, and lounges with music.

[cruisetrail]

Infinity has taken the worst balcony cabins and added two perks and charge more.

Our cabin on deck 9 was terrible.Constant noise day and night above us.It sounded like a herd of cattle at times and scraping chairs other times.

The two perks were the Persian Gardens which was always packed and Blu which was a very squished tiny restaurant.No private area.Your table is 12 inches from another table.The food presentation was nice but was not worth the inconvenience of never knowing who was going to be sitting so very close.Usually very nice cruisers but sometimes not so nice cruisers.Too chancy for me.Prefer more space for an enjoyable dinning experience.

I would not choose Aqua even if it was cheaper than a regular balcony.

The movie theatre has also been changed into more cabins.Crowded ship now.

This is only my perspective.

Will have to choose our next cruise carefully.Not the Infinity.

 

It's not only your prospective.

It's quite well known that it's better to choose a cabin you prefer (and then add an extra charge restaurant if and when you want so) and... enjoy your cruise!

Do not waste your money on "Aqua class" or other "classes" on Celebrity.

This is where they make easy money on so-called "perks".

[ghstudio]

It's not only your prospective.

It's quite well known that it's better to choose a cabin you prefer (and then add an extra charge restaurant if and when you want so) and... enjoy your cruise!

Do not waste your money on "Aqua class" or other "classes" on Celebrity.

This is where they make easy money on so-called "perks".

 

you are, of course, correct...except if you want priority tender tickets which you can't buy or prefer blu to the main dining room for breakfast and dinner which you can't buy.

 

For example, we arrived in Santorini at 2PM, we had priority tender tickets so we were on the dock by 2:30. Some of those without priority tender tickets finally made it to the dock by 5:30. You're right, that wasn't worth anything???

 

For example 2...if you do want priority tender tickets then you will have at least a concierge cabin. The specialty restaurants cost at least $30 a night but call it $24 because you'll get a 20% discount. On a 7 night cruise, that would be $168....which is in some cases more than you'll pay for an aqua cabin.

 

for example 3..the free sparkling wine is worth $28 if you exchange it towards another bottle of wine in the MDR or Blu. the shower is arguably better than a standard veranda shower, fresh fruit every day and bottled water, pillow choice and much better towels/robes have a value to some folks...and although obstructed isn't that obstructed on solstice class ships, that has a value as well, lest you want to book guaranteed balcony.

 

The perks aren't "so-called". I agree that there are better cabin locations, but it's a tradeoff. If you don't like Blu for whatever reason, then I certainly would not book aqua....but if Blu and the other "perks" appeal, then aqua can make sense, especially since it is at times equal or less price than a C2 cabin (equinox TA a few weeks ago).

 

If you are tight on funds, then you have to decide if aqua is right for you....after allm not everyone drives a Lexus 350 instead of a toyota camry (they are almost the same car with just some "faux elite perks" on the Lexus:rolleyes: Many frequent cruisers actually book inside cabins and eat in the specialty restaurants.....that's another choice....heck, maybe everyone who books anything but an inside cabin is overspending on "so called perks" to join the faux elite.....

[Christine Frances]

you are, of course, correct...except if you want priority tender tickets which you can't buy or prefer blu to the main dining room for breakfast and dinner which you can't buy.

 

For example, we arrived in Santorini at 2PM, we had priority tender tickets so we were on the dock by 2:30. Some of those without priority tender tickets finally made it to the dock by 5:30. You're right, that wasn't worth anything???

 

For example 2...if you do want priority tender tickets then you will have at least a concierge cabin. The specialty restaurants cost at least . On a 7 night cruise, that would be $168....which is in some cases more than you'll pay for an aqua cabin.

 

for example 3..the free sparkling wine is worth $28 if you exchange it towards another bottle of wine in the MDR or Blu. the shower is arguably better than a standard veranda shower, fresh fruit every day and bottled water, pillow choice and much better towels/robes have a value to some folks...and although obstructed isn't that obstructed on solstice class ships, that has a value as well, lest you want to book guaranteed balcony.

 

The perks aren't "so-called". I agree that there are better cabin locations, but it's a tradeoff. If you don't like Blu for whatever reason, then I certainly would not book aqua....but if Blu and the other "perks" appeal, then aqua can make sense, especially since it is at times equal or less price than a C2 cabin (equinox TA a few weeks ago).

 

If you are tight on funds, then you have to decide if aqua is right for you....after allm not everyone drives a Lexus 350 instead of a toyota camry (they are almost the same car with just some "faux elite perks" on the Lexus:rolleyes: Many frequent cruisers actually book inside cabins and eat in the specialty restaurants.....that's another choice....heck, maybe everyone who books anything but an inside cabin is overspending on "so called perks" to join the faux elite.....

 

If you are Elite you will recieve Priority Tender tickets even if you are in an inside cabin. We like the perks as well but to us location is more important. So are happy to book CC. if within our price point. and still get the robes, wine, fruit (we never drink/buy bottled water). As for Blu, we may try it one day, but always travel with friends (DH and I have only cruised once by ourselves) who book cabins all over the ship depending on their budget. We would not like to give up our large happy table in the MDR where we all catch up at the end of the day. Especially with the great new menus. Its wonderful how there are options for everyone:D

[Bridge Maven]

Regarding priority tender tickets - There are so many different ways to get them (suite, elite, etc) that the tendering process is a disaster for people that don't have that status. Even though I benefit because I have been elite for years and usually book suites, I think Celebrity needs to focus on improving the tendering process for everyone on the ship.

[The Big Booper]

Earlier in this thread there was talk about the AQ restaurant. Here are some pictures of this on Silhouette.

 

 

 

We only book standard balcony cabins so I can't comment on the actual food or service.

[Rick-cruiser]

This certainly shows how close together the tables are in Blu, and why couples need to prepare to converse with the couple sitting next to them during dinner. Thanks.

[grayjay]

This certainly shows how close together the tables are in Blu, and why couples need to prepare to converse with the couple sitting next to them during dinner. Thanks.

Compared to Select Dining, where the waiters sometimes can't even squeeze through the minimal space between the tables I found Blu to be quite comfortable regarding the space between the tables. The best thing was that sometimes really lively conversations started between tables, but it was no problem to have a quiet meal either.

So for me personally there is now a wide range of possibilities to choose from - I'd go for AQ again if the price is right but I would also be happy enough with a regular balcony cabin , even a guarantee - again if the price fell into my current budget and I could buy myself my own few perks with the money saved....

[Bridge Maven]

A few years ago when Celebrity changed its target demographic and tried to be all things to all people, I thought they were making a mistake. However, after reading this thread it appears that they knew what they were doing because with this strategy it appears that they gained more passengers than they lost. The only segment of the market they lost are those are who willing to pay higher cruise fares for a better overall cruise experience, without booking a suite.

[ghstudio]

This certainly shows how close together the tables are in Blu, and why couples need to prepare to converse with the couple sitting next to them during dinner. Thanks.

 

Personally, I find it nice to be able to talk to the folks next to us, if we want....in a normal voice. We like to be social on a cruise...most people are interesting to talk with....and unlike the MDR where you have the same 8 people every night, in blu (or select) you get to meet new people.

 

Others want a private table for two and that's actually hard to get on any Celebrity ship other than in the specialty restaurants....so complaints about how close the 2's are really apply to the MDR, select dining and blu...and you effectively don't like the way celebrity sets up their two top tables. The answer to that is simple...book on a different (and more expensive) cruiseline.

[cruisetrail]

A few years ago when Celebrity changed its target demographic and tried to be all things to all people, I thought they were making a mistake.

 

How is it possible if they continue to build the same ships?

The last two are even more sedating, less flexible, slower pace environment.

Their recipe now is more extra charge features, more expensive suites. I just wonder what kind of demografic this is for.

[ghstudio]

How is it possible if they continue to build the same ships?

The last two are even more sedating, less flexible, slower pace environment.

Their recipie now is more extra charge features, more expensive suites. I just wonder what kind of demografic this is for.

 

it's a recipe to appeal to both those on with a smaller budget who will get an excellent cruise without paying for all the extras.....and it appeals to older folks (or folks with more time) who can afford to and are willing to spend more to get more spacious cabins.

 

Never forget that Celebrity is a business and their goal is not to provide you with the absolute lowest cost vacation. They do not (and as a business, should not) run their ships to "break even".