Changes On Celebrity

[richsea]

Thanks for the info Darcie, interesting points to ponder. I would imagine that if one would speak to the "higher ups" on each Celebrity ship, they would get different "facts" from each "informed" crew member.

It's great because it keeps us interested, & it's fun to share our ideas.

I find it strange that so many seem to want to keep Bistro on Five, myself included. However, on our last 2 weeks on Summit, we ate dinner there 3 or 4 nights, & each night it was empty. One night, we were the only table being served at 8PM. Similar crowds for lunch, except on embarkation days. It was the same on our last 4 cruises on ships that have Bistro. Where are all these people who love it so much?

I think the idea of Celebrity tweaking features of their ships that do not resonate with passengers, or finding additional areas to increase on board revenue is, in the end, good for everyone, even if some may miss some features. As someone said, they cannot hope to please everyone.

 

Love to see more M sized ships!

Edited February 24, 2014 by richsea

[Maligator]

No more hot glass shows? My wife will be devastated. It's pretty popular (much more than the lawn, which is nice and unique, but I've never seen it get much use) and I think losing it would be a mistake. Lots of things don't necessarily generate revenue, so I fail to see the issue. Besides, how much will it take with the existing infrastructure to renovate? I sincerely hope Celebrity doesn't go through with this part.

 

Won't miss Cellar Masters. I think the pub idea is a winner. Never tried Bistro, so that's not a loss in my book. Michael's was always comfortable, but I never saw it get much use. I guess Perry Grant will need a new venue on Eclipse, though.

 

Sent from my SCH-I915 using Tapatalk

Edited February 24, 2014 by HickoryShampoo

[gcorgain]

I like the idea of the new restaurants, but I'd like to see a venue that can spotlight some live entertainment. The shape and location of cellar masters would be far more conducive to that function then Michael's Club. It seems like X is removing the Hot Glass Show and Michaels where there was entertainment (at least used to be). Quasar was also a reduction in entertainment space.

 

I am for updating and changing venues. I like what I am hearing about dining concepts, and frankly changing restaurant concepts every few years is an easy way to keep the brand fresh. I also think changing entertainment venues and their mix can be a good idea. However, just removing either dining or entertainment venues is, IMHO, not a formula for long term success.

[pattyj 1204]

We just got off the Solstice and can echo some of the thoughts expressed above.

Everytime we walked by the Bistro there were less than 10 couples in there dining. We did dine there one time and were very disappointed. My husbands' crepe was overly spicy and my bacon/egg/cheese omelet was dry and tasteless. it was nice to eat someplace besides the MDR or the buffet, but the food needed to be improved. The other place that was noticeably empty was the Qsaar (spelling?) area. It was a neat area with a nice dance floor, but seldom used. As for the glass blowing area it was always well attended with more than 50 people the usual crowd. Definitely not a money-maker.

Hearing that they will be going to the M-class sized ships is a good idea and I'm all for it. Bigger isn't always better.

[hulamoon]

When the food is served properly bistro is excellent. I love the place. If these rumors persist that it will be converted then please Celebrity save some of those menu items and put them somewhere other than the Buffett.

 

When is summit getting all of these changes?

[tunaman2011]

Greetings

 

Well if they add Lawn Club/Porch combination to the other S-Class ships then this gives the Bistro fans a similar venue. The menus for The Porch and Bistro are very similar. Not saying that losing Bistro to an all-suites restaurant will be welcome news but that Celebrity may believe that it is redundant to The Porch.

 

As with all things Celebrity, best not to get too excited until we see actual changes on the ships.

 

Good Sailing

Tom

Edited February 24, 2014 by tunaman2011

[jkgourmet]

While I have no idea what the changes with X (or any cruise line) will be, I can assure you that the goal of ALL OF THEM is to obtain NEW guests. Either those that have cruised other lines and are considering a change or (better yet) a guest that is new to cruising.

 

Why? Because they spend more. They book excursions (a huge profit point for cruise lines). They buy the photos, the T shirts, don't realize the casino odds are terrible. They want to try the specialty restaurants at least once. Its their first exposure to cruising, and they want to try it all out

 

And that's what the cruise lines want their customers to do - spend money. Sorry to say this is one industry where repeat customers are NOT the *best* customers. And the board of directors knows that.

 

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Edited February 24, 2014 by jkgourmet

[Andy]

Hi Darcie,

 

Thank you for your update. Always appreciate your insights, and what's heard onboard, though I'm sure we can all agree that most of it never comes to reality. Funny how I heard VERY different things on Century. The Bistro on Five rumor is definitely flying high, but a few officers mentioned it might be changed to a gourmet Burger venue. Others mentioned it remaining as Bistro, but the menu may be massively overhauled. As for the Pub idea, I suppose it can work, but it's so overdone on many cruise lines, that I see that option as a big yawn. If Celebrity does change Bistro on Five, I hope they opt for another concept, hopefully allowing some of Bistro's items to remain on the menu. I realize we may be in the minority, but we like Bistro very much, and hope it remains in some form.

 

As for Celebrity building smaller ships ? I cant ever see that happening with their current management team. They are totally focused on profits, and there is far more profits to be had in a 125-150,000 ton ship, than a 70-90,000 ton ship. That's one of the reasons they are saying bye-bye to Century.

 

As for the ports being unhappy with larger ships ? They probably should consider adapting to the future. If they don't like it, the cruise lines will go to where larger ships will be welcome.

 

As for Michaels wall being broken down for Murano ? Cant see that either - especially after the Feb 12th Suite announcement, and Celebrity's commitment to Michael's for Zenith & Suites. Celebrity has an individual (Lucy is delightful and a GEM), going from ship to ship, rolling out the new Michael's. They seem very committed to the future of Michael's - though it's a very different Michael's than what we've loved over the years. IMO, this change is not going to happen, unless they can somehow move Michael's or Murano on the S-Class, and I do not see that happening either.

 

Just my .02 cents.

Edited February 24, 2014 by Host Andy

[TobyKnits]

The concept of a sizable company like Celebrity, changing their product in an attempt to better please their current customers, and/or appeal to NEW customers is FANTASTIC. "Adapt or die" applies to business as well as biology. ;)

 

Unfortunately there are always going to be SOME folks unhappy with ANY changes while lamenting "The Good Ol' Days" and "The Way We Were." (a perfect example is clinging to the nearly extinct tradition of formal night dining)

 

Very well said.

 

Personally, I look forward to changes. Even though I've only sailed Millie once and Equinox once so I shouldn't be bored with the current venues, I wouldn't be disappointed to things mixed up a bit.

 

In terms of restaurants - after eating off the Murano menu 3 times total I could care less if I ever see it again. *yawn* As much as I used to love crepes, I can no longer tolerate dairy or eggs in my diet so for my own selfish reasons I would like to see something different in this space. Maybe there is enough space/kitchen here to support a change to a pub style venue.

 

Silk Harvest seems like the perfect place for the new suites restaurant. It would have the kitchen and space, whereas all the other venues that have been mentioned (Michael's Club, Bistro on 5, and Cellar Masters) do not appear to have enough of a kitchen to be able to support a restaurant with a complete menu.

 

Being from Seattle, I don't find glass blowing all that interesting and would welcome something different in that space.

 

The Lawn Club seems like a terrible waste of space/resources. I told my husband when we were on board last month that, if nothing else, they should replace it with the best quality fake turf, put loungers on it and stop investing so much to maintain it.

 

Change is interesting! Thanks to the original poster for sharing what you heard; I think it's fun to speculate on what may be different the next time we are on board.

[kimlovesfl]

Honestly, I don't know how you could convert the Cellar Masters space into a pub with a kitchen in 11 days. Eleven weeks, maybe, but not 11 days. That is a major retrofit.

[Ex-Airbalancer]

Honestly, I don't know how you could convert the Cellar Masters space into a pub with a kitchen in 11 days. Eleven weeks, maybe, but not 11 days. That is a major retrofit.

 

If the plumbing is there , no problem, I work on a lot of restaurant renos , if everything is in place it does not take long.

they could start the demo on the crossing

[Andy]

Honestly, I don't know how you could convert the Cellar Masters space into a pub with a kitchen in 11 days. Eleven weeks, maybe, but not 11 days. That is a major retrofit.

 

I agree. Cant see it happening in 11 days - but we'll see what happens, if anything.

[plutoface]

Celobrity, just do away with all does alternative resutaurants and serve really good food in the main dining room like you used to. What a concept!.

[kitty9]

Hi Darcie,

 

Thank you for your update. Always appreciate your insights, and what's heard onboard, though I'm sure we can all agree that most of it never comes to reality. Funny how I heard VERY different things on Century. The Bistro on Five rumor is definitely flying high, but a few officers mentioned it might be changed to a gourmet Burger venue. Others mentioned it remaining as Bistro, but the menu may be massively overhauled. As for the Pub idea, I suppose it can work, but it's so overdone on many cruise lines, that I see that option as a big yawn. If Celebrity does change Bistro on Five, I hope they opt for another concept, hopefully allowing some of Bistro's items to remain on the menu. I realize we may be in the minority, but we like Bistro very much, and hope it remains in some form.

 

As for Celebrity building smaller ships ? I cant ever see that happening with their current management team. They are totally focused on profits, and there is far more profits to be had in a 125-150,000 ton ship, than a 70-90,000 ton ship. That's one of the reasons they are saying bye-bye to Century.

 

As for the ports being unhappy with larger ships ? They probably should consider adapting to the future. If they don't like it, the cruise lines will go to where larger ships will be welcome.

 

As for Michaels wall being broken down for Murano ? Cant see that either - especially after the Feb 12th Suite announcement, and Celebrity's commitment to Michael's for Zenith & Suites. Celebrity has an individual (Lucy is delightful and a GEM), going from ship to ship, rolling out the new Michael's. They seem very committed to the future of Michael's - though it's a very different Michael's than what we've loved over the years. IMO, this change is not going to happen, unless they can somehow move Michael's or Murano on the S-Class, and I do not see that happening either.

 

Just my .02 cents.[/quote

 

You're right Andy. Everyone seems to have some sort of idea as to what will be happening on the ships, but until it's done, it can't be totally believed. I do think Cellar Masters is an underused venue, but I don't see how a pub of any kind will improve that. Perhaps that's where they can put the new suite restaurant? And I've never cared for the Asian restaurant as I found their food to be quite bad. Anything new there would be a plus. Again, maybe the new suite restaurant, because it does have a kitchen.

[vedettes1]

Being from Seattle, I don't find glass blowing all that interesting and would welcome something different in that space.

 

 

Yeah, in our area it seems that Chihuly glass is almost as common as rain! :)

[fridaythe13th]

We Loved Henry's Pub on NCL Spirit. It was a fun place that had a popcorn machine and also a soft pretzel machine (both free). They had some music each evening (guitar) and draft beer as well as bottles. It was a great place to hang out and always crowded. The lawn can go, waste of space and it wasn't pretty (hard to keep nice). A good idea that didn't work. And to pay big $$ for an alcove? Bistro seemed empty most of the time we walked by but we never have tried it. Cellar Masters was never full, maybe just a downsize??

[Pushka]

Given that Equinox is in the Med for many months of the year I can understand concerns that these ancient cities may have of damage caused by larger ships. Venice being the classic case. It isn't simply a matter of them adapting because many of those ports might just not care too much if they lose the large ships.

[LuAnn]

in the land at the bottom of the earth!! 1) I saw only a few people in "Michael's" the entire time I was on board...and that was during "happy hour"....what a waste of a great space IMO! I don't like the idea that this space should be limited to the "few who are Zenith/VIP's and or Suite people."..sorry...but this is a "class system" I don't think should be applied!!!! 2) The area called "Cellar Masters"...was empty most of the time. I paid $$ to go to the " South America Wine Tasting"...and it was a disaster!!! Some of the wines on the menu provided us were NOT available...and no changes to that menu had been made...the poor guys trying to pour were just over-whelmed with those of us who were trying to figure out what was what on that menu!!! They had numerous wine "stations"...and no clue what they had...or the "order" that they should be served...eg...white first then reds!!!

3) Well...I tried Bistro on 5 and it was ...IMO...just awful!! I was so taken aback...and so sorry I had told my friends on board to join us there...for a dinner...The food was dry, old and they served us totally separately...as in we each got our food...one at a time!!!! I had read on CC how great this venue is...I guess I just got a REALLY bad night...as I would never eat there again!!!

 

I am objective...I think...as I am a long time lover of X...and have sailed on them many, many times!! On the GOOD side...we loved Blu this time...and will try and always sail with that type of cabin in the future!!! And the "new" cabins on deck 11 ...in the aft sections...were great!!! on Infinity!!!

 

Our last experience on X was not as good...Century from SD round trip ...the food was not that great in the MDR...but we are going on Century again in Sept. of this year....SF to Sydney...and so...you know...we still love you X!!!! LuAnn

[shoelover536]

I like the idea posted in previous rumor threads that the wine machines are being removed from Cellar Masters to make room for beer selections after Michaels goes to a suite/ elite lounge. This is the best of both worlds IMO since us wine lovers still get to order by the glass (included in drink packages!) or bottles AND we get to socialize with the beer people! :D I think those machines were silly anyway given so many ppl take a drink package and the machines aren't included. I hope this is the case and celebrity doesn't do away with CM entirely. It was one of my favorite places - great selection of wines by glass.

Edited February 24, 2014 by shoelover536

[Germancruiser]

Well changes happen all the time. Cellar Masters - well gone, Glas show- well gone. I really don´t like the new Michaels Club idea- I really like Michaels Club on the Millenium Class ships- such elegant rooms!

As for getting back to the size of the Millenium Class ships- well done! All Millenium Class ships will follow Century in about 5 or so years- since X never kept their ships longer then 20 years- Millenium Class ships are now almost 15 years in service. I just hope, when they get rid of them- they deinstall their wonderfull panelling of their Specialty Restaurants, such as Olympic, Normandie, Untited States or even Ocean Liners ( the last with some decor of the old Ile de France)

The other changes - well I was curious about the lawn, since there were very different opinions when that idea debuted with intro of Solstice! I rather love to sit there while sail away. So we will see and find out when Equinox is comeing out of make up!

Edited February 25, 2014 by Germancruiser

[c-legs]

Hi, do you know when Solstice is scheduled for drydock?

 

We just booked my parents on the Solstice for Alaska in Sept. & I'm trying to get them a list of must do's on the ship... hot glass show is my favorite, & we sure missed it on Silhouette. I don't want to put it on the list if it might be gone by then.

 

Thanks!

She was in drydock late '12 or early '13 if I recall correctly. I don't think her next ''regular'' one is imminent.

Cheers

[c-legs]

Agree with you except for the red. :)

thanks for your corrections.

Re; Tuscan Grill....oooops...I meant ''Qsine''

C

[midwestchick]

I also think it's sad Bistro on Five will be gone, if all this is true. We did enjoy lunch there...much better than the buffet restaurant.

I'm really just catching up on all the proposed changes for X. Change is always imminent but I hope their changes are for the better of their pax, but it's probably more like the changes are for the bottom line...their pocketbook. Sad, actually. :( :(

[need2bespoiled]

Sounds interesting. We'll be on the Equinox in November. Didn't even realize she was scheduled for a drydock.

We've been on her twice before so looking forward to a fresh look.

 

I'd be amazed if they put the Porch where the glass blowing is as opposed to the Lawn Club Grill. That area is too big for the Porch and they already have most of the infrastructure for the Lawn Club Grill; i.e. high temp flues/hoods and gas for the grilling. The Glass Blowing was interesting but has certainly worn out it's welcome for us, at least.

 

Cellar Masters was a cool novel idea that never caught on. Time for a re do.

 

Actually, the equipment they use for glass blowing is electric, as is almost all of the cooking euiqpment onboard. It's really high powered, and the ships have plenty of electricity, so no issue there. Same thing though, most of what they need is there, IF there is appropriate pluming.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[emcee207]

Actually, the equipment they use for glass blowing is electric, as is almost all of the cooking euiqpment onboard. It's really high powered, and the ships have plenty of electricity, so no issue there. Same thing though, most of what they need is there, IF there is appropriate pluming.

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

 

 

Sounds right, not sure what I was thinking with the "gas" comment. I was mostly referring to the ventilation, hoods etc. Tough to add that stuff in after the fact due to the sizes and high temp insulation. For what it's worth, I'm a retired HVAC/Plumbing contractor.

Edited February 25, 2014 by emcee207