Maybe Celebrity is right to run us off.

[Germancruiser]

What a great and long lasting thread, so interessting to read! Thx!

[bar_20]

Richsea, that last Zenith cruise was the best!. I'll never forget the celebration as we sailed out of Bermuda. Unfortunately, I got the noro and was quarantined for 4 days, but ship happens and I still had a great cruise.

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

See you got something from the cruise line you weren't expecting.:D

 

Something that no one has mentioned is the shareholders benefit. By owning a 100 shares of RCL we will be getting a $450 on board credit for a btb cruise we are taking next month.

[cruiseacecat]

Hi Bob,

 

Trust me, the only people who think you do not have fun on a cruise, are those who have never met you. Hope to cruise with you again one of these days. Sorry you did not do Century in Feb. We had a great group.

Happy sails.

[awhfy]

Bob, you have more fun than 3 people combined! Your posts are well thought out & make sense, never a rant.

 

Tom47, I'm not allowed to sing out loud in public either, but I do....

 

That being said, "let me take you on a sea cruise!" We're on Eclipse on 1 Mar 2015. Melody & Les

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[wpgcycler]

I don't think they want to "run anyone off". Every one of their customers fills a niche in their customer mix. All but a VERY small group of luxury brands (Louis Vuiton, Ferrari, Cartier etc.) rely on a mix of customers who shop at varying price points - they're all essential to the company's financial success.

 

A men's shop near me sells suits from $1000 up. Twice annually, they hold an end of season sale where the suits are half price - that's the only time I have bought suits there. Even though I would appear to be a relative cheapskate, I am treated like a king. You see, without the likes of me, the store would cover all operating expenses by selling half it's inventory to the high rollers but would never realize a profit as it would be stuck with inventory that didn't sell. The owners are keenly aware there just aren't enough big spenders to buy everything - and there doesn't need to be. I provide the profit just as Celebrity's bargain hunting cruisers provide their profit after the pool of big spenders has dried up.

[Tom47]

Bob, you have more fun than 3 people combined! Your posts are well thought out & make sense, never a rant.

 

Tom47, I'm not allowed to sing out loud in public either, but I do....

 

That being said, "let me take you on a sea cruise!" We're on Eclipse on 1 Mar 2015. Melody & Les

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi

We would like to cruise with you again. We are also on the Eclipse, May 10. I have been known to sing to my grandchildren and then get them to sing to Grandma. DD Gin says that I am corrupting her children by singing silly songs.

Tom:)

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Hi Bob,

 

Trust me, the only people who think you do not have fun on a cruise, are those who have never met you. Hope to cruise with you again one of these days. Sorry you did not do Century in Feb. We had a great group.

Happy sails.

 

You should have been there. Rob Ondras had us all singing sea cruise out by the pool!

[4774Papa]

I don't think they want to "run anyone off". Every one of their customers fills a niche in their customer mix. All but a VERY small group of luxury brands (Louis Vuiton, Ferrari, Cartier etc.) rely on a mix of customers who shop at varying price points - they're all essential to the company's financial success.

 

A men's shop near me sells suits from $1000 up. Twice annually, they hold an end of season sale where the suits are half price - that's the only time I have bought suits there. Even though I would appear to be a relative cheapskate, I am treated like a king. You see, without the likes of me, the store would cover all operating expenses by selling half it's inventory to the high rollers but would never realize a profit as it would be stuck with inventory that didn't sell. The owners are keenly aware there just aren't enough big spenders to buy everything - and there doesn't need to be. I provide the profit just as Celebrity's bargain hunting cruisers provide their profit after the pool of big spenders has dried up.

well said

[Grumpy100]

A little background. We are Elite Plus, and Celebrity has always been our line of choice. We sailed for 28 nights on Celebrity in the last 6 months. The only other ships we have sailed are RCL and that is mainly due to the proximity of Baltimore. We are in our mid 60s and very active.

 

Well, you would think that Celebrity would love us-but maybe not and maybe they are justified. We consider ourselves savvy and usually take advantage of special pricing or promotions. We always transfer our booking to a TA. Usually prefer ocean view, but are happy with an inside depending on pricing. Occasionally balcony if the price is great. We always research excursions and almost always go independent. Due to our status, we enjoy happy hour each evening and our bar bill otherwise is rarely over $20. Most of that is pop. I might risk $20 in casino-wife none. Never buy more than a few bucks worth at on board shops. Haven't bought photos since our first cruise many years ago. Usually go to specialty once per cruise if there is a "deal." We like my time dining and don't usually do much after dinner. Maybe listen to karaoke or a good entertainer such as Perry. Don't go to clubs and buy drinks often at all. Never use up all our obc.

 

So, although we are loyalists, we may not be making Celebrity happy. I suspect our profile is fairly common. People who love Celebrity but who don't spend a lot. Ironically, it seems that the more that people cruise, the more they learn how to minimize their costs through independent excursions, TAs, etc.

 

It has become obvious that Celebrity is trying to shift to a different demographic. As much as I like traditional Celebrity, I really can't blame them. I don't know if that is an economic necessity or if they are just trying to increase their profits. Many of us have commented that we hope they can attract new customers without radically changing what has drawn us to Celebrity to begin with. I think that is going to be very difficult. One area that has generated a lot of controversy is noise level. Most of us would at least grudgingly go along with loudness at the Martini bar and disco. But, it seems that they have discovered that the Martini bar is their biggest source of revenue and have concluded that they need to spread the party boat all over the ship. That, of course, irritates those who prefer a quiet atmosphere, and we have seen hundreds of posts on that topic alone.

 

It seems to me that they are probably justified in trying to attract new and younger customers and that they hope to do so without alienating the people who have built their business.

 

But, I also think they are really just trying to reinvent themselves and are not quite ready yet to risk losing their loyalists. We're sort of necessary evils.

 

I will still sail Celebrity-at least for now. But I no longer feel as wanted and valued as I once was. Maybe the fact that I have learned how to cruise economically has something to do with that. ;) Maybe we have gotten too smart for our own good.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

My husband and I are alot like you and your husband. We have been on about 25 cruises the last 5 being Celebrity. They are now our favorite.

ONly the last 8 cruises have we ever booked a balcony. It was a splurge and I cannot go back to an inside unless it is going to be a very cold cruise (not counting Alaska). I don't fault you for booking an inside cabin because then you can go on another cruise the same year with the money that you save. We never go to specialty restaurants as we feel we have paid enough for the cruise so we go to My Time Dining also. We book mostly Celebrity excursions or just walk around the port depending on if we have been to that port before or not. We never buy sodas or alcoholic drinks and just drink the punch or tea or coffee. If we have on board credit then we use that for our tips (however we always tip extra for our waiters and room attendant.

We usually spend about a total of $100 per cruise on the casino never any more than that. Mostly use the slot machines. Will splurge once in a while on the last day sale in the gift shops if things are really on sale.

I think Celebrity is glad to have all kinds of passengers on board. Believe me when I say that all the other people that buy the drink packages and go to the Martini Bar spend plenty to make us for you and us not spending alot of time and money in those places. We rarely go to the shows as they all seem to be about the same anymore. I would rather go back to the cabin after dinner and go out on the balcony and then snuggle up and watch the movies that are on the TV. It sounds boring but it works for us so Happy Sailing no matter how much you spend and what kind of person you are.:):):)

[Paulras]

Hopefully this isn't too brutally honest. But technically speaking, as we all get older, our own "demographic" becomes less of a percentage of the growing population. So as we get older, there are more younger people around. And of course, some of us get too old to cruise any more. It's just math.

 

So if there are more 25-50 year olds onboard who like louder music or more of a party atmosphere than 60-80 year olds, Celebrity is going to respond to their feedback more and cater to a younger demographic. I remember 10 years ago comments on here were that Celebrity's entertainment and music was too boring. Now the people who like quiet are complaining that it's too loud.

 

Personally, I'm in my mid-40s and enjoy having a mix of quiet if I want it and a louder and "funner" atmosphere if I want it. I find that Celebrity gives me that choice today.

 

Bottomline is that I think Celebrity is simply reacting to the fact that one demographic is being replaced by another as time goes on. Again, sorry if that sounds brutal but it's just numbers.

[ghstudio]

Hopefully this isn't too brutally honest. But technically speaking, as we all get older, our own "demographic" becomes less of a percentage of the growing population. So as we get older, there are more younger people around. And of course, some of us get too old to cruise any more. It's just math.

 

So if there are more 25-50 year olds onboard who like louder music or more of a party atmosphere than 60-80 year olds, Celebrity is going to respond to their feedback more and cater to a younger demographic. I remember 10 years ago comments on here were that Celebrity's entertainment and music was too boring. Now the people who like quiet are complaining that it's too loud.

 

Personally, I'm in my mid-40s and enjoy having a mix of quiet if I want it and a louder and "funner" atmosphere if I want it. I find that Celebrity gives me that choice today.

 

Bottomline is that I think Celebrity is simply reacting to the fact that one demographic is being replaced by another as time goes on. Again, sorry if that sounds brutal but it's just numbers.

 

The demographics of passengers hasn't changed (as you pointed out)....but celebrity has changed. If celebrity hadn't changed, there would not be this thread talking about changes. If celebrity was like it was five years ago, there probably would not even be a thread like this. I'd like the ships to be the way they were three years ago....not the new 'modern luxury' thrust. I haven't gotten older and changed what I want....I want the same as when I was 50....the harsh truth is that celebrity is trying to appeal to an audience they never had...and in the process is alienating some of those who seem to be the majority filling all those cabins.

[bighairtexan]

I'll take this opportunity to apologize to BOB!!!

 

Since the sig usually says BOB and PHYLLIS I wasn't sure whom I was addressing. Hence the S/he and the him/her. I'll remember BOB. (yeah for about 5 min. My brain is currently teflon coated and everything slides right off).

[wvufan]

No harm no foul Big Hair. By the way, I loved your comment about 60 of your new best friends crammed on a bus :D.

 

Hi to Tom47, Jediknight (I am still email buddy with your dad) and cruiseacecat. That was a great cruise on the Connie! Anne, if we hadn't already been booked on the Grandeur with several other couples, we might have jumped on the Century. But, we had driven to Fort Lauderdale twice last year and it was also nice to only have to go to Baltimore. We also had a great time on our cruise, but it would have been great to see you and all the others we knew on the Century. And sing Sea Cruise at the Connections party ;),

 

bar_20, we sold our stock a couple years ago when they started limiting combining Bought it at $6, and got $650 in benefits over time, so we made out very well. Price now is as high as I can ever remember.

 

ghstudio, your points were well made.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

[The_Big_M]

Hopefully this isn't too brutally honest. But technically speaking, as we all get older, our own "demographic" becomes less of a percentage of the growing population. So as we get older, there are more younger people around. And of course, some of us get too old to cruise any more. It's just math.

 

So if there are more 25-50 year olds onboard who like louder music or more of a party atmosphere than 60-80 year olds, Celebrity is going to respond to their feedback more and cater to a younger demographic. I remember 10 years ago comments on here were that Celebrity's entertainment and music was too boring. Now the people who like quiet are complaining that it's too loud.

 

Conversely with the numbers though, there are more in the say "60-80" bracket who have available time than those in the "25-50". So as a proportion of the population it may be smaller, but as a subset the available time to cruise is much greater.

 

Hence, unless those in the younger suddenly become unemployed and cashed up, or leave entitlements skyrocket, the proportion of the older group isn't likely to shrink compared to the younger group.

[beentothere]

A little background. We are Elite Plus, and Celebrity has always been our line of choice. We sailed for 28 nights on Celebrity in the last 6 months. The only other ships we have sailed are RCL and that is mainly due to the proximity of Baltimore. We are in our mid 60s and very active.

 

Well, you would think that Celebrity would love us-but maybe not and maybe they are justified. We consider ourselves savvy and usually take advantage of special pricing or promotions. We always transfer our booking to a TA. Usually prefer ocean view, but are happy with an inside depending on pricing. Occasionally balcony if the price is great. We always research excursions and almost always go independent. Due to our status, we enjoy happy hour each evening and our bar bill otherwise is rarely over $20. Most of that is pop. I might risk $20 in casino-wife none. Never buy more than a few bucks worth at on board shops. Haven't bought photos since our first cruise many years ago. Usually go to specialty once per cruise if there is a "deal." We like my time dining and don't usually do much after dinner. Maybe listen to karaoke or a good entertainer such as Perry. Don't go to clubs and buy drinks often at all. Never use up all our obc.

 

So, although we are loyalists, we may not be making Celebrity happy. I suspect our profile is fairly common. People who love Celebrity but who don't spend a lot. Ironically, it seems that the more that people cruise, the more they learn how to minimize their costs through independent excursions, TAs, etc.

 

It has become obvious that Celebrity is trying to shift to a different demographic. As much as I like traditional Celebrity, I really can't blame them. I don't know if that is an economic necessity or if they are just trying to increase their profits. Many of us have commented that we hope they can attract new customers without radically changing what has drawn us to Celebrity to begin with. I think that is going to be very difficult. One area that has generated a lot of controversy is noise level. Most of us would at least grudgingly go along with loudness at the Martini bar and disco. But, it seems that they have discovered that the Martini bar is their biggest source of revenue and have concluded that they need to spread the party boat all over the ship. That, of course, irritates those who prefer a quiet atmosphere, and we have seen hundreds of posts on that topic alone.

 

It seems to me that they are probably justified in trying to attract new and younger customers and that they hope to do so without alienating the people who have built their business.

 

But, I also think they are really just trying to reinvent themselves and are not quite ready yet to risk losing their loyalists. We're sort of necessary evils.

 

I will still sail Celebrity-at least for now. But I no longer feel as wanted and valued as I once was. Maybe the fact that I have learned how to cruise economically has something to do with that. ;) Maybe we have gotten too smart for our own good.

 

Happy Sails to You

 

OOOEEE :D:D Bob and Phyl

 

But...but.....we are value oriented travelers. We have and have had.

 

For example, we do not purchase suites for the simple reason that the amenities that have accompanied them have been paltry or minimal.

Additionally, the service to issues has been on all cruise lines no better than

minimal. We understand that sometimes there are exceptions, but we are talking about cases where improvements were possible and ignored.

 

So we are talking about situations where some improvement can be

accomplished without major cost or effort. For example on some well

respected line, we purchased 3 next to top level suites (SA). But for

the duration of the cruise we could not be seated before 8:30 in any dining

venue. The three grandchildren, under 10, found the late eating very tough.

They made no effort. On some other cruise line, either sprint or att phones

did not work for the entire cruise! It was always a guess as to which phone

we should take. And they did not understand my anger over not being able

to receive calls to my perfectly working phone that worked on three sister

ships (previously). Particularly when trying to make us aware of my wife's mother about to pass on. They kept claiming the systems worked but could not show me a working phone! So we limit our spending because why not spend it on those who respect us in the morning. On every cruise we have taken with this line the phones have been an issue for six years. Prior to that, not a problem!

 

And it begins....so many very simple things that cost virtually nothing. Relations and management just don't want to make the extra effort when

it was so warranted.

 

been over the hills and not under the waves, just yet

[cruisetrail]

 

It has become obvious that Celebrity is trying to shift to a different demographic. As much as I like traditional Celebrity, I really can't blame them. I don't know if that is an economic necessity or if they are just trying to increase their profits. Many of us have commented that we hope they can attract new customers without radically changing what has drawn us to Celebrity to begin with. I think that is going to be very difficult. One area that has generated a lot of controversy is noise level. Most of us would at least grudgingly go along with loudness at the Martini bar and disco.

 

It seems to me that they are probably justified in trying to attract new and younger customers and that they hope to do so without alienating the people who have built their business.

 

But, I also think they are really just trying to reinvent themselves and are not quite ready yet to risk losing their loyalists. We're sort of necessary evils.

 

 

I've heard this on message bOards but did not see it on the ships.

It's not obvious to me at all.

I don't know how they can shift to new and younger customers?

What changes has been made to the ships?

I don't think that setting music to higher volume is the way to attract new customers.

How are they going to attract me for example?

I have no favorite cruise line.

I am ready to cruise on any ship that I find interesting.

But forgive me, S-Class ships are designed for my gradpa.

If I want a cruise on a comfortable resort ship I will book HAL Signature ship.

If I want a cruise on a more fun/activity oriented ship - I will book RCI Freedom/Oasis class.

Celebrity is not a mix of both. It's neither fish nor flesh.

 

Take time to follow the changes made from the Eclipse to the Reflection.

Which of those changes indicates "attraction of younger customers"?

All the chages do the opposite!

:confused:

Edited March 22, 2014 by cruisetrail

[Montana]

Our first cruise on RCCL was more expensive.for an inside cabin than I just paid for a sky suite on Celebrity. I know that this seems impossible but it is true. We enjoy specialty restaurants and will do tours when something appeals to us. We have introduced our daughter and spouse to cruising and we do different things. We love the entertainment. They frequent the clubs. We will continue to cruise at our comfort level as long as we can. We are elite but may never make plus.

[chelsea_gal]

I think Celebrity is trying to appeal to a different demographics whilst at the same time valuing the loyal customers. Let face it the Elite program and happy hour is very generous. Look at the HAL loyalty program and you will quickly notice the difference. i cannot comment about the increase noise levels. But I will look out then next Celebrity cruise I take. I will say that dont worry or be sorry for be a wise spending cruiser, I believe that Celebrity model allows for different spending levels and their new suite program will give those with more disposal income the opportunity to pay for the little extras that perhaps others are not bothered about. I say each to their own and WVUFAN dont worry about it Celebrity still values you no matter what Cabin you choose

[Tom47]

Bob, you have more fun than 3 people combined! Your posts are well thought out & make sense, never a rant.

 

Tom47, I'm not allowed to sing out loud in public either, but I do....

 

That being said, "let me take you on a sea cruise!" We're on Eclipse on 1 Mar 2015. Melody & Les

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi

I have checked out Mar 1 2015 cruise and it overlaps our Galapagos Mar 13 trip. Galapagos trip(on Liz' bucket list) will be 45th wedding anniversary trip. Another time perhaps.

 

Tom:):)

[NLH Arizona]

I think Celebrity is trying to appeal to a different demographics whilst at the same time valuing the loyal customers. Let face it the Elite program and happy hour is very generous. Look at the HAL loyalty program and you will quickly notice the difference. i cannot comment about the increase noise levels. But I will look out then next Celebrity cruise I take. I will say that dont worry or be sorry for be a wise spending cruiser, I believe that Celebrity model allows for different spending levels and their new suite program will give those with more disposal income the opportunity to pay for the little extras that perhaps others are not bothered about. I say each to their own and WVUFAN dont worry about it Celebrity still values you no matter what Cabin you choose

I think you are correct. Celebrity wants new customers as well as keeping their long time customers. I think they are trying to have a little something for everyone; you can't just have things for one demographic. I remember in years past talking with "younger" cruisers and they would say how boring Celebrity was and it was only for the "old" folks. Seems like Celebrity got the hint and now includes some fun for all their customers. It is too bad that some can't see that Celebrity needs to evolve so everyone can enjoy their cruises too, not just them.

[awhfy]

Tom47, Galapogos is on my bucket list too. Have a great time (FYI, it's our 45th anniversary next year too). Hi to Liz

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[lady_cruiser]

OP - Replace Celebrity with Royal Caribbean and you are probably looking at us. We might drink a Martini in the Diamond Club, no longer buy the cheesy tee-shirts onboard, have been to the same ports so many times that we no longer have any place to tour and only put money into a slot machine if we are participating in a slot pull.

 

But I still feel that the $2000 to $3200 we spend on cruise fare should make the cruise line happy.

 

And we too are in our 60s and are both living on our retirement incomes.

[k9x8]

It is too bad that some can't see that Celebrity needs to evolve so everyone can enjoy their cruises too, not just them.

 

Amen, sister!

 

There have been several threads lately that I find disturbing. If I were thinking about taking a Celebrity cruise for the first time, I'd think twice. It's not X telling me I'm of little value, it's the long timers.

 

Fortunately, this board doesn't reflect the onboard experience.

[Cruising89143]

I think you are correct. Celebrity wants new customers as well as keeping their long time customers. I think they are trying to have a little something for everyone; you can't just have things for one demographic. I remember in years past talking with "younger" cruisers and they would say how boring Celebrity was and it was only for the "old" folks. Seems like Celebrity got the hint and now includes some fun for all their customers. It is too bad that some can't see that Celebrity needs to evolve so everyone can enjoy their cruises too, not just them.

 

Just came off the Reflection and the age group was much younger than I have experienced on other lines so yes X is attracting a younger age group. It was a good mix. Their marketing is working even though a few of the old guard won't admit it. Things change. Either change with them or move on. This woe is me is getting old.

 

By the way music level was fine and again it was a mix of music but late in the evening the Martini bar had the Miami DJ's and the place was packed. People were enjoying themselves. Never had an issue with my ears bleeding from all that loud music we hear so much about.;)

[Cruising89143]

Amen, sister!

 

There have been several threads lately that I find disturbing. If I were thinking about taking a Celebrity cruise for the first time, I'd think twice. It's not X telling me I'm of little value, it's the long timers.

 

Fortunately, this board doesn't reflect the onboard experience.

 

Spot on. Thankfully the attitude displayed here by a few of the old guard is not a representation of the on board experience.

Edited March 23, 2014 by cruisingator2