Is there NOTHING positive about Celebrity any more? (Threads Merged)

[K.T.B.]

I've lost count over how many threads I've read the past few days about how bad Celebrity is now. Poor food quality, buffet is terrible, specialty restaurants are not so special, rusty ships, bad customer service, etc., etc., etc. I'm expecting to see comments from people complaining that they got 1 ounce less champagne in their glass when they boarded....

 

Can anyone seriously point out something, anything, positive about Celebrity? The two cruises I've taken I definitely enjoyed them quite a bit and I look forward to the next one. Whatever problems/complaints I did have certainly won't stop me from sailing on Celebrity again. Overall, I love the experience Celebrity gives you.

 

Someone else must have a positive experience they can mention, right??

[ghstudio]

wait a minute...do I really get 1 oz less champagne when I board?

[TWELVEOHONE]

The last cruise I had with Celebrity the food was very good much better than some other ships I have sailed.

But what really stood out was the service not only with the crew but the officers.

Edited May 19, 2014 by TWELVEOHONE

[JEDIKNIGHT]

I’ll write my review within the next 48 hours.

 

There’s tons of positive things in a Celebrity Cruise.

[ghstudio]

Celebrity has some significant pluses:

 

1- no smoking policy

2 - no PA announcements of events every 10 minutes

3 - Good choice of food options

4 - sushi bar in the evening

5 - Very friendly crew and officers

6 - Good entertainment options

7 - Good passenger space in public space

8 - few lines anywhere

9 - comfortable beds and clean cabins

 

That's a start of things important to me

Edited May 19, 2014 by ghstudio

[JEDIKNIGHT]

There should be NO “free” champagne, period. They could save what, $2000 per cruise every week for every ship? I hope the free champagne goes away. As someone who drinks NO alcohol, I question why that should be built into my fare. I’ll be sure to write in my comment card : No free champagne please.

 

Want not, waste not. Also, certain religions are offended by free champagne.

 

So don’t just reduce it by an ounce. Reduce it by 100%. The complainers will complain no matter what.

[NLH Arizona]

Celebrity has some significant pluses:

 

1- no smoking policy

2 - no PA announcements of events every 10 minutes

3 - Good choice of food options

4 - sushi bar in the evening

5 - Very friendly crew and officers

6 - Good entertainment options

7 - Good passenger space in public space

8 - few lines anywhere

9 - comfortable beds and clean cabins

 

That's a start of things important to me

I'll agree with all but #4 (don't like sushi) LOL!

 

And will add.

 

10. Wonderful passengers cruise with Celebrity

11. Great amenities in Aqua, Concierge and Suite cabins

12. Fantastic loyalty/rewards (Captain's Club) program

[firstplacechef]

You can get OJ in place of the sparkling wine. Besides, If it costs 2000, I don't think you'll notice a less than 1.00 charge on you're cruise, IMHO

[ghstudio]

I'll agree with all but #4 (don't like sushi) LOL!

 

And will add.

 

10. Wonderful passengers cruise with Celebrity

11. Great amenities in Aqua, Concierge and Suite cabins

12. Fantastic loyalty/rewards (Captain's Club) program

 

13 - somewhat refined activities: no hairy or wet teeshirt contests, etc.

14 - casino with no smoking allowed

15 - unobtrusive shipboard photographers

16 - excellent with dietary restrictions and handicapped passengers

17 - indoor only mandatory lifeboat drill

[Andy]

Hi Kevin,

 

With all due respect to our wonderful community members, (and IMO), I think the bulk of what's going on, is an overreaction. Sure, there are some things which have some of us a bit concerned, but overall, Celebrity continues to offer a WONDERFUL cruise experience. The overall experience remains stellar, and their officers & crew are amongst the best I've ever experienced.

 

If I didn't feel this way, we wouldn't have about 10 future cruises booked. Counting our entire family, we probably have about 20-25 Celebrity cruises booked, as my family almost always sails with us.... so that's a lot of bookings !

 

I think it's just that so much is happening so fast, that it's getting folks confused, and it's tough to see what's ahead. I remain hopeful that all will be fine. I think the best thing, would be for Celebrity to tap on the brakes a bit, and evaluate the recent changes, before moving forward at such a rapid pace.

 

I'm not panicking, and continue to have faith in Celebrity !

Edited May 19, 2014 by Host Andy

[Phxazzcruisers]

I'll agree with all but #4 (don't like sushi) LOL!

 

And will add.

 

10. Wonderful passengers cruise with Celebrity

11. Great amenities in Aqua, Concierge and Suite cabins

12. Fantastic loyalty/rewards (Captain's Club) program

 

1-9 were not added from the previous quote, but we definitely agree with all 12 points. Celebrity and Azamara are our cruise lines of choice. They have always provided us with an awesome cruise experience

[Aquahound]

Can anyone seriously point out something, anything, positive about Celebrity? The two cruises I've taken I definitely enjoyed them quite a bit and I look forward to the next one. Whatever problems/complaints I did have certainly won't stop me from sailing on Celebrity again. Overall, I love the experience Celebrity gives you.

 

Someone else must have a positive experience they can mention, right??

 

I don't even know where to begin with this one. I guess I'd start with 2 words....Solstice Class! Nuff said on that one.

 

Besides having the most beautiful ship class at sea, I also think Celebrity has some of the best passengers. Of course there are exceptions, but for the most part, my X cruises always seemed to have very well behaved and much less rude passengers than other lines. Not once on a X cruise have I felt like they were handing out free cruises at the local prison.

 

I love their specialty restaurants, love the Nutella crepes at Bistro on 5, love how all the balconies have tall tables, love the decor. The list goes on and one but above it all, I LOVE the smoking policy!!!!!!

[FortyNinerLiz]

Hi Kevin,

 

With all due respect to our wonderful community members, (and IMO), I think the bulk of what's going on, is an overreaction. Sure, there are some things which have some of us a bit concerned, but overall, Celebrity continues to offer a WONDERFUL cruise experience. The overall experience remains stellar, and their officers & crew are amongst the best I've ever experienced.

 

If I didn't feel this way, we wouldn't have about 10 future cruises booked. Counting our entire family, we probably have about 20-25 Celebrity cruises booked, as my family almost always sails with us.... so that's a lot of bookings !

 

I think it's just that so much is happening so fast, that it's getting folks confused, and it's tough to see what's ahead. I remain hopeful that all will be fine. I think the best thing, would be for Celebrity to tap on the brakes a bit, and evaluate the recent changes, before moving forward at such a rapid pace.

 

I'm not panicking, and continue to have faith in Celebrity !

 

I absolutely and totally agree. They may have done too much too fast.

[gold1953]

There should be NO “free” champagne, period. They could save what, $2000 per cruise every week for every ship? I hope the free champagne goes away. As someone who drinks NO alcohol, I question why that should be built into my fare. I’ll be sure to write in my comment card : No free champagne please.

 

Want not, waste not. Also, certain religions are offended by free champagne.

 

So don’t just reduce it by an ounce. Reduce it by 100%. The complainers will complain no matter what.

 

if we take away everything that some people or religions don't partake in then how about pork? What about those who are against all animal products. Everyone needs to look after themselves.

I think the chocolates on the pillow are a waste of money but some like it

[gi_pam]

Celebrity has some significant pluses:

 

1- no smoking policy

2 - no PA announcements of events every 10 minutes

3 - Good choice of food options

4 - sushi bar in the evening

5 - Very friendly crew and officers

6 - Good entertainment options

7 - Good passenger space in public space

8 - few lines anywhere

9 - comfortable beds and clean cabins

 

That's a start of things important to me

 

 

Ditto most of that! Especially the sushi and no announcements!

 

We liked Blu (food, service, atmosphere), the crew, the ship did not feel crowded, the pool area was lovely, the classic alcohol package was just fine for me, new loungers last week, embarkation and disembarkation were smooth...

 

I have no complaints actually.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[NLH Arizona]

I absolutely and totally agree. They may have done too much too fast.

I would rather them do all changes at once, instead of piecemealing them. I would have done them all January 1st, if that is the beginning of Celebrity's fiscal year.

[OCruisers]

Gosh, Kevin (the OP), hear you. You'd think there was nothing positive about Celebrity any more from many of the recent posts. :rolleyes:

Fortunately, others of us know better! :)

LuLu

[NLH Arizona]

Gosh, Kevin (the OP), hear you. You'd think there was nothing positive about Celebrity any more from many of the recent posts. :rolleyes:

Fortunately, others of us know better! :)

LuLu

Yes we do. That is why I have two more cruises booked with them.

[mr bluetoon]

But its not real champagne.....just joking...i'll get me coat:D

[NLH Arizona]

13 - somewhat refined activities: no hairy or wet teeshirt contests, etc.

14 - casino with no smoking allowed

15 - unobtrusive shipboard photographers

16 - excellent with dietary restrictions and handicapped passengers

17 - indoor only mandatory lifeboat drill

18 - best French onion soup on the planet

[drychi]

I agree with Host Andy's comment. I have enjoyed my previous Celebrity cruises and am looking forward to my next Celebrity Cruise in January, 2015.

I continue to believe the real value of Cruise Critic is in the specific tips it offers to make your cruising experience better, not necessarily constantly debating individual opinions about each poster's individual experience with each detail of their personal cruise.

[hcat]

Hi Kevin,

 

With all due respect to our wonderful community members, (and IMO), I think the bulk of what's going on, is an overreaction. Sure, there are some things which have some of us a bit concerned, but overall, Celebrity continues to offer a WONDERFUL cruise experience. The overall experience remains stellar, and their officers & crew are amongst the best I've ever experienced.

 

If I didn't feel this way, we wouldn't have about 10 future cruises booked. Counting our entire family, we probably have about 20-25 Celebrity cruises booked, as my family almost always sails with us.... so that's a lot of bookings !

 

I think it's just that so much is happening so fast, that it's getting folks confused, and it's tough to see what's ahead. I remain hopeful that all will be fine. I think the best thing, would be for Celebrity to tap on the brakes a bit, and evaluate the recent changes, before moving forward at such a rapid pace.

 

I'm not panicking, and continue to have faith in Celebrity !

 

I agree w/Andy...we will take our next few cruises and see for ourselves. However, the loud DJ that greeted us on Silho less than a yr from our first Silho cruise really was a shocker and a big change. Besides service, food and the overall positive experience to date on X, music is an important factor for us .should be able to enjoy it and not need to escape from it..

 

But we have heard things have improved on many ships and Celeb is listening and reacting to comments and reacting in a customer sensitive way. My only agenda is to have good cruising and not watch Celeb turn into just another party boat,

[wallie5446]

Overall, I love the experience Celebrity gives you.

 

It seems that everytime I say something close to this, I get corrected by someone:D Count us in!

[celebrityprincess]

I've lost count over how many threads I've read the past few days about how bad Celebrity is now. Poor food quality, buffet is terrible, specialty restaurants are not so special, rusty ships, bad customer service, etc., etc., etc. I'm expecting to see comments from people complaining that they got 1 ounce less champagne in their glass when they boarded....

 

Can anyone seriously point out something, anything, positive about Celebrity? The two cruises I've taken I definitely enjoyed them quite a bit and I look forward to the next one. Whatever problems/complaints I did have certainly won't stop me from sailing on Celebrity again. Overall, I love the experience Celebrity gives you.

 

Someone else must have a positive experience they can mention, right??

 

I just returned from 2 weeks on the Summit and while on board, booked my next cruise. I love the Summit. I thought the buffet was fine. They repeated a lot of things each day, but I wasn't going to eat everything in one day anyway. I would choose one thing one day, another option the next day, etc. The food in the main dining room was very good. The service was wonderful. Our waiter became our brother for the week. He had a wonderful sense of humor and worked very hard to describe the menu each night and give his recommendations. Our food was so hot when he brought it to the table we couldn't always eat right away. Our cabin steward was wonderful. She was a tiny little thing and we wondered how in the world she managed to do some of the work, but she did. And she was friendly. So yes, there are people who have had a positive experience on Celebrity. I was traveling with 5 other people and they all feel the same way. The Summit is older and is showing a little wear and tear, but it's clean and has charm. I always leave the Summit with "warm fuzzies" and can't wait to go back.

[jelayne]

19. Best French fries.