Dec 9 Constellation "Private Function" (2 Threads Merged)

[JLSPOOL]

Some of the issues mentioned by the OP might just have been luck of the draw (the excessive # of smokers, the crowded Solarium pool area) - I have on occasion encountered this on other cruises. That said, the closing of so many public areas for such length of time is just unacceptable plain and simple. I would NOT have been happy. I don't care what groups are onboard, or how many groups, or how many people in those groups. It is just not fair to your other passengers to consistently block off public venues. When you book a cruise part of what you are paying for is the use of such public spaces. To block off so many for so long is not right. I am hearing of these types of things more and more on these boards (albeit not overwhelmingly so) and I just think it is wrong - period. A small party for an hour or two? Fine. But no public area should be off limits for significant lengths of time IMHO. And in this case the fact that it was Celebrity itself causing this inconsideration is just wrong!

 

We still look for a message from Celebrity which in some way addresses the way the independent passengers were pushed aside during this cruise.

 

On a ship carrying 2000 passengers the independent passengers were at minimum fringed out of the Solarium on the first day and out of two "Public" lounges during cocktail hours on 4 of 5 days by 300 participants of the Celebrity group - LED BY MR. BAYLEY.

 

Did Mr. Bayley make these decisions? Was he aware of the way his group was fringing the rest of the passengers? Will he permit Celebrity to do this anytime 300 passengers are part of a conference on one of his ships?

 

I'd like to know what he was thinking, I'd like to know if he noticed, I'd like to know if he noticed the smoke, lack of signage and daily information to keep elite passengers from going on a wild goose chase for a place to use the vouchers on each and every day of the cruise.

 

If Celebrity checks this message board, they owe some of us an explanation as there will be future conference groups and I don't like to be fringed out while the group takes the best half out of the middle.

 

jls

[JLSPOOL]

CEO Matters == Where is the Explanation of Dec. 9 "Private Function"

 

We still look for a message from Celebrity which in some way addresses the way the independent passengers were pushed aside during this cruise.

 

On a ship carrying 2000 passengers the independent passengers were at minimum fringed out of the Solarium on the first day and out of two "Public" lounges during cocktail hours on 4 of 5 days by 300 participants of the Celebrity group - LED BY MR. BAYLEY.

 

Did Mr. Bayley make these decisions? Was he aware of the way his group was fringing the rest of the passengers? Will he permit Celebrity to do this anytime 300 passengers are part of a conference on one of his ships?

 

I'd like to know what he was thinking, I'd like to know if he noticed, I'd like to know if he noticed the smoke, lack of signage and daily information to keep elite passengers from going on a wild goose chase for a place to use the vouchers on each and every day of the cruise.

 

If Celebrity checks this message board, they owe some of us an explanation as there will be future conference groups and I don't like to be fringed out while the group takes the best half out of the middle.

 

jls

 

 

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Quote: frm Dec 9 "Private Function" thread"

 

 

Originally Posted by phoenix_dream View Post

Some of the issues mentioned by the OP might just have been luck of the draw (the excessive # of smokers, the crowded Solarium pool area) - I have on occasion encountered this on other cruises. That said, the closing of so many public areas for such length of time is just unacceptable plain and simple. I would NOT have been happy. I don't care what groups are onboard, or how many groups, or how many people in those groups. It is just not fair to your other passengers to consistently block off public venues. When you book a cruise part of what you are paying for is the use of such public spaces. To block off so many for so long is not right. I am hearing of these types of things more and more on these boards (albeit not overwhelmingly so) and I just think it is wrong - period. A small party for an hour or two? Fine. But no public area should be off limits for significant lengths of time IMHO. And in this case the fact that it was Celebrity itself causing this inconsideration is just wrong!

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

[jackdiamond]

On which ship did this occur? Also, were you on this cruise? Lastly, what is the meaning of "fringing"?

[JLSPOOL]

On which ship did this occur? Also, were you on this cruise? Lastly, what is the meaning of "fringing"?

 

Constellation 12/9/2013, yes & "Elite", marginalizing independent passengers.

[Andy]

Hi Jlspool,

 

While I agree it would be nice if Mr Bayley replied... that I'm aware of, he does not post on this forum. Celebrity has a social media representative "Celebrity Cruises" whom occasionally posts here. Whether they will reply or not, is unknown.

 

If you are seeking a response from Mr Bayley, I suggest emailing contactmichael@celebrity.com. I find his team to be very cordial & responsive.

 

Hope this helps. Happy New Year !

[JLSPOOL]

Andy,

Thank you for merging the threads.

IMHO, I don't expect Celebrity to care about inconveniences to their independent customers.

 

jls

[Croooser]

We were on this cruise and became aware of the group when we engaged one of them in a brief conversation. He indicated that it was their annual conference for their global sales organization.

 

We were on a Princess cruise several years ago where we were consistently affected by a large group.

 

That simply was not our experience this time. The private functions did not have any negative effect on us and we were in MDR, ocean view and theater quite often.

 

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[TwoHearts22]

We don't look for an explanation.

We've been to stores and restaurants we didn't like.

We don't go back.

 

We simply need to book a different cruise line.

[tampadee]

I think so many places are closed for "private function" because Celebrity has gotten rid of rooms that used to be used for "private function" to add more cabins to make more money.

[shipgeeks]

Finding various public spaces not available is frustrating and annoying. Plus, it can make passengers feel like second-class citizens.

After reading these posts, I recalled a number of occasions on earlier cruises when I, too, came across "Private Function" signs.

Some, I found out, were for Elites and other advanced repeaters.

Some were marked "Private Function Cruise Critic".

Now I belong to both of those categories. I enjoy the priority boarding and some other perks of being Elite. I have mixed feelings about attending CC functions. I love the online forums, and have gained and shared lots of insights and information. But it just feels selfish to expect Celebrity to provide a room for gatherings that exclude other passengers.

[JLSPOOL]

Finding various public spaces not available is frustrating and annoying. Plus, it can make passengers feel like second-class citizens.

After reading these posts, I recalled a number of occasions on earlier cruises when I, too, came across "Private Function" signs.

Some, I found out, were for Elites and other advanced repeaters.

Some were marked "Private Function Cruise Critic".

Now I belong to both of those categories. I enjoy the priority boarding and some other perks of being Elite. I have mixed feelings about attending CC functions. I love the online forums, and have gained and shared lots of insights and information. But it just feels selfish to expect Celebrity to provide a room for gatherings that exclude other passengers.

 

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you for posting

First, we weren't allowed in lounges because we hadn't cruise enough.

Then, we took this cruise and learned the "Private Function" signs did not apply to us after we had elite status and vouchers to use.

It was irritating to go to one "Private" sign after another and told "No" you aren't allowed here.

We don't understand why brochures and the website advertise spaces that are really off limit to passengers due to status, dress, or others reserving the space.

 

And what is a "loyalty" program than tells the loyals they aren't allowed.

Initially, we figured it was about new tiers of loyalty.

IMO all passengers should be able to use space as advertised, not as "loyals", not as properly dressed, just simply as paying passengers who assumed the advertisements were true.

 

jls

[phoenix_dream]

Finding various public spaces not available is frustrating and annoying. Plus, it can make passengers feel like second-class citizens.

After reading these posts, I recalled a number of occasions on earlier cruises when I, too, came across "Private Function" signs.

Some, I found out, were for Elites and other advanced repeaters.

Some were marked "Private Function Cruise Critic".

Now I belong to both of those categories. I enjoy the priority boarding and some other perks of being Elite. I have mixed feelings about attending CC functions. I love the online forums, and have gained and shared lots of insights and information. But it just feels selfish to expect Celebrity to provide a room for gatherings that exclude other passengers.

 

It's a good point about reserving the rooms for Elite (or higher) levels. I think this is another good argument to go permanently to the use of vouchers. For those who miss the social aspect, you could still announce certain gathering places as spots where you could mingle with your other CC passengers, but don't make them exclusive. An occasional party for a short period of time (like a Cruise Critic gathering, or other private gathering) is one thing. I personally think as long as these are limited in both frequency and length of time it is no big deal. Timing is also a consideration. The Cruise Critic gathering, for example, is always held during the day when there is limited call for bar space anyway. To block off major venues for big blocks of time and/or day after day is just not right.

 

It concerns me that more and more Celebrity is turning into a have and have not cruise line. It used to be that all of the ship's space was available to all of the passengers all of the time (with a few exceptions of course, like paying for spa treatments). Now a lot of the space is taken over by upcharge specialty restaurants, spa areas where you must pay to enter if you are not in certain rooms, exclusive restaurants for certain passengers only (Blu), alcove areas on the lawn for a price, rooms blocked off for special events or 'special' passengers (and I recognize this even as someone who benefits from the Elite events), and on and on. Where will it end? Yes, I still love Celebrity, and yes, I still vastly prefer sailing her ships for so many reasons, but I do not like this trend. One of the great things about cruising 'back in the day' was that you could be in an inside room and still be able to use all of the same facilities and services available to anyone. Those days are long gone.

[USVI-4-me]

Are you suggesting another disruptive company conference on-board a ship?:eek:

 

I will hope they don't have another conference aboard one of their ships.

 

-Marisa

[C 2 C]

But it just feels selfish to expect Celebrity to provide a room for gatherings that exclude other passengers.

 

When Cruise Critic members meet in the Sky Lounge or Reflections lounge, other passengers are not excluded from attending nor are they prevented from sitting by the windows.

On some sailings Park West will takes over the Rendezvous Lounge, Bingo will take over the theatre, or the Sky Lounge. Sometimes trivia lovers will be in a lounge. There are not that many sailings on which a large group will prebook lounges but it does happen. Sometimes a large travel agency with many cruisers on board will book a lounge. We have been onboard when Paula Dean pre booked lounges, where religious groups with a 1,000 members took over dining rooms and lounges and another time when a casino took over an entire lounge for extra gaming tables. It happens. And yes it is about the money. The company exists to make money; if they don't, they won't be around. But if they don't deliver a quality product most of the time, passengers can vote with their bookings.

 

So far we have not suffered too often.

[WpgCruise]

One of the great things about cruising 'back in the day' was that you could be in an inside room and still be able to use all of the same facilities and services available to anyone. Those days are long gone.

 

And I for one am glad those days are gone.

 

If we were still back in the day, we would still be paying yesterdays prices in todays dollars for yesterdays cabins, ships and amenities. I think I prefer todays affordable cruises over back in the day yesteryears exclusive high society only affordability.

Edited December 28, 2013 by WpgCruise

[stormynow]

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly. Thank you for posting

First, we weren't allowed in lounges because we hadn't cruise enough.

Then, we took this cruise and learned the "Private Function" signs did not apply to us after we had elite status and vouchers to use.

It was irritating to go to one "Private" sign after another and told "No" you aren't allowed here.

We don't understand why brochures and the website advertise spaces that are really off limit to passengers due to status, dress, or others reserving the space.

 

And what is a "loyalty" program than tells the loyals they aren't allowed.

Initially, we figured it was about new tiers of loyalty.

IMO all passengers should be able to use space as advertised, not as "loyals", not as properly dressed, just simply as paying passengers who assumed the advertisements were true.

 

jls

 

On this same cruise but see in a completely different perspective. But then again we are not "ELITE".

[phoenix_dream]

And I for one am glad those days are gone.

 

If we were still back in the day, we would still be paying yesterdays prices in todays dollars for yesterdays cabins, ships and amenities. I think I prefer todays affordable cruises over back in the day yesteryears exclusive high society only affordability.

 

Twenty years ago I started cruising with my family and there is no way I would ever be considered "high society". The ship's were smaller but very nice. I loved the Horizon, Zenith, Galaxy etc. Yes, some things are better now but I think the trend towards a class system is going too far, as is all the real estate being available only to those able/willing to pay. Where will it end? Each new ship seems to have more passengers per square foot and more and more payment only options. And yes, it affects everyone as it takes away space that could be used for the entertainment of all, instead of a lucky few.

[JLSPOOL]

On this same cruise but see in a completely different perspective. But then again we are not "ELITE".

 

Were you with the Celebrity Global Marketing 300?

 

It didn't matter if we were elite or not as the only place to purchase before dinner drinks was outdoors, in the buffet, in the very loud Rendezvous Lounge, or standing in the area of the crowded Martini Bar.

 

jls

[JLSPOOL]

Martini bar for few drinks b/4 dinner (select time) then to Michaels after dinner. Never a private function then, had to purchase the premium drink pkg a/c got a last minute low rate. The martini bar very noisey and busy. Service slow but was also on last cruise. Did notice a few Private sighs, but never anyplace we wanted to attend. Come to think about it, more smokers. But not real bothersome and never smoked in 75 yrs so do notice. Met Mr Bayley on the pool deck and he acted just like a quest. Going back Jan 20th. Really nothing to say about the Paula Deen cruise.

 

Stormynow,

Assuming you and your cabin mate got your dollars worth on the Premium Drink package, where did you get your drinks?

 

Michael's and Reflection Lounge were closed every day, except boarding day, for "Private Function". Martini Bar, Michael's, Reflection Lounge don't start drink service until 4pm each day.

 

As stated before Rendezvous Lounge, where trivia was held, was the only lounge where we could get drink service except for outdoors and the buffet, and I'm not talking about water, soft drinks, or coffee.

 

Where did you drink to get your money's worth on that Cruise?

 

jls

[stormynow]

Stormynow,

Assuming you and your cabin mate got your dollars worth on the Premium Drink package, where did you get your drinks?

 

Michael's and Reflection Lounge were closed every day, except boarding day, for "Private Function". Martini Bar, Michael's, Reflection Lounge don't start drink service until 4pm each day.

 

As stated before Rendezvous Lounge, where trivia was held, was the only lounge where we could get drink service except for outdoors and the buffet, and I'm not talking about water, soft drinks, or coffee.

 

Where did you drink to get your money's worth on that Cruise?

 

jls

Not part of the X people on board. Total of 117 drinks on statement. Drank anywhere we ever wanted, Martini bar b/4 dinner and Michael's every nite after dinner. Wine bar, casino bar, etc. Always sat at a table in the Martini bar. Never a problem.

[xrayjng]

Had a couple drinks with stormy!!! Hope to again someday! Jackie from new jersey!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[JLSPOOL]

Not part of the X people on board. Total of 117 drinks on statement. Drank anywhere we ever wanted, Martini bar b/4 dinner and Michael's every nite after dinner. Wine bar, casino bar, etc. Always sat at a table in the Martini bar. Never a problem.

 

Next time, I want to drink with Stormy.

 

I feel like Charlie Brown with the football about missing cocktail service at a TABLE in the Martini Bar. Are other drinks besides martini served there?

The martini bar was always full, we passed and went to the same place every night for lack of an open place to relax.

 

Where is the wine bar? Do you refer to CellarMasters machines?

 

jls

Edited December 31, 2013 by JLSPOOL

[stormynow]

Next time, I want to drink with Stormy.

 

I feel like Charlie Brown with the football about missing cocktail service at a TABLE in the Martini Bar. Are other drinks besides martini served there?

The martini bar was always full, we passed and went to the same place every night for lack of an open place to relax.

 

Where is the wine bar? Do you refer to CellarMasters machines?

 

jls

Wine bar is just b/4 MDR on deck 5. Beautiful little bar if waiting for a table in dining room. Never had to wait but sometime a glass of wine for dessert. The wine dispenser's nearby but don't accept the bev pkg. As for the Martini bar, just about anything u want to drink served. Asked for grey goose and tonic, got scotch & soda, so everything not perfect. Can understand why u feel shutout with the drink voucher system. Michaels did a great job on the happy hour for elites, so we have been told. Will be back on the Constellation 1/20 and also have a res pending for 3/31. Thinking about cancelling that one. Cheers.

[stormynow]

Had a couple drinks with stormy!!! Hope to again someday! Jackie from new jersey!

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

Happy New Year to you all. Let us know when u cruise again.

[phoenix_dream]

So, I'm confused. There have been conflicting posts on this thread about whether or not most public venues were open most of the time, particularly lounges. Can we get some more information from others who were on this cruise?