Celebrity Doesn't Want Us Anymore??

[heathluvsing]

As a couple who is 31 and 33 years of age, we never feel like Celebrity is targeting/marketing to us. We always feel like some of the youngest on the cruise. Perhaps it's the locations we choose that bring an older crowd- but we choose Celebrity for the locations, price and quality.

 

Often things aren't catered to our age. The activities seem dated (they struggle to get young people to them). If you want to reach a younger, career oriented crowd, then they should have more cafés on board, a WAY better website and they need to reach a new generation who would rather fly to their destination than cruise their way too it. They should also offer more affordable wifi options. A younger generation loves live music too-- not just digital music.

 

All that to say- they are trying hard but seem to be missing their mark with their target marketing. People who love cruising will always cruise. And those that have a good experience will often cruise again with the same company.

 

 

 

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[flag fan]

Celebrity must not make the same mistake that "Oldsmobile" Did. Both companies wanted more young customers. Oldsmobile ad was "This is not your father's oldsmobile" and had William Shatner and his daughter. The young were not impressed and did not buy. The old were insulted that their loyalty was not valued and also did not buy. Oldsmobile faded away. Celebrity had better hope that by pushing the younger customers they do not alienate their present older customer base. Their current " Modern Luxury" theme tends to overstate their quality. By setting very high expectations, they may not (and the example of our last cruise with them) deliver the quality promised by their slogan.

 

That Oldsmobile campaign was the worst I've ever seen. I don't fault Oldsmobile for trying to get younger people to buy its cars or for trying to change its image (Buick's current campaign in the U.S. is trying to do the same thing--its focused on people not being able to recognize Buicks as Buicks). The problem was Oldsmobile was trying to sell to younger people by using older celebrities--the tagline "This is not your father's Oldsmobile" was used while showing a bunch of old fathers driving Oldsmobile's--ridiculous.

 

Regarding Celebrity, the cruise line needs to appeal to younger cruisers (late-30s and 40s) and I see no problem doing so through things like less formal dressing, more activities (particularly at night), drink packages, more comedy and music. This does not necessarily mean chasing away their current customers (except those who refuse to accept any change--and there is no cruise line that is not changing). The occasional missteps--like obnoxiously loud music, will hopefully change relatively quickly as customers let their voices be heard.

[NLH Arizona]

Regarding Celebrity, the cruise line needs to appeal to younger cruisers (late-30s and 40s) and I see no problem doing so through things like less formal dressing, more activities (particularly at night), drink packages, more comedy and music. This does not necessarily mean chasing away their current customers (except those who refuse to accept any change--and there is no cruise line that is not changing).

You are right, there needs to be a balance. There has to be stuff for the younger cruiser and stuff for the older cruiser. For example, cut the number of trivia games per day (if you are having 2, only have one or if you are having 4, only have 2) in half and use those time periods for activities that younger cruisers (or those that don't like trivia) would like. Freshening up of activities can be done, some might not be happy, but we all have to remember that we are not the only ones on the ship.

[Ma Bell]

You are right, there needs to be a balance. There has to be stuff for the younger cruiser and stuff for the older cruiser. For example, cut the number of trivia games per day (if you are having 2, only have one or if you are having 4, only have 2) in half and use those time periods for activities that younger cruisers (or those that don't like trivia) would like. Freshening up of activities can be done, some might not be happy, but we all have to remember that we are not the only ones on the ship.

 

What activities would you recommend for "younger" cruisers?

[fortinweb]

What activities would you recommend for "younger" cruisers?

 

How about a special dining room where they could all sit together at tables and ignore each other while using their smartphones and tablets? :D

 

Or a tattoo parlor? :)

[texasgirl29]

I'm finding this thread fascinating. As someone who is new to Celebrity, I'll give you my two cents. Demographically speaking, I am 58, my husband is 51, and we have two daughters, 14 and 17. We are able to cruise thanks to the generosity of my in-laws. We have only cruised on Disney and Princess before.

 

My only impression of Celebrity was what I had heard on other boards, that it was expensive. I had seen the ships in port and I thought the big, giant "X" was kinda weird looking. And that "X" must be "X-pensive". Yet, the cruise planned for next summer was a much better price than Disney or Princess, even with the frequent cruiser discounts.

 

I've been reading this board for a couple of months -- a whole lot like the Princess board with mostly older cruisers. Nothing like the Disney boards where everyone is so excited they can hardly stand it.

 

Who do I think they should market to? Everyone! I'm not sure about this "Modern Luxury" slogan -- every time I see "modern" in advertising I think back to 1950s ads in Good Housekeeping. "It's Modern! All Electric!"

 

I think that Celebrity and all cruise lines, with the exception of Disney, ought to be thinking even more down the line at families who are bringing their "future cruisers" with them -- their teenagers. Teenagers grow up, have families, and want to share their experiences with them. My girls certainly will -- for them, vacation means cruising (thanks, Grandma and Grandpa). What is there for an 18-20 year old to do? Too old for teen clubs, too young for the adult pool and the bars. They want to do activities, too. Movies are good, comedians, magicians, game show type of entertainment.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

JoAnn

[Ma Bell]

I'm finding this thread fascinating. As someone who is new to Celebrity, I'll give you my two cents. Demographically speaking, I am 58, my husband is 51, and we have two daughters, 14 and 17. We are able to cruise thanks to the generosity of my in-laws. We have only cruised on Disney and Princess before.

 

My only impression of Celebrity was what I had heard on other boards, that it was expensive. I had seen the ships in port and I thought the big, giant "X" was kinda weird looking. And that "X" must be "X-pensive". Yet, the cruise planned for next summer was a much better price than Disney or Princess, even with the frequent cruiser discounts.

 

I've been reading this board for a couple of months -- a whole lot like the Princess board with mostly older cruisers. Nothing like the Disney boards where everyone is so excited they can hardly stand it.

 

Who do I think they should market to? Everyone! I'm not sure about this "Modern Luxury" slogan -- every time I see "modern" in advertising I think back to 1950s ads in Good Housekeeping. "It's Modern! All Electric!"

 

I think that Celebrity and all cruise lines, with the exception of Disney, ought to be thinking even more down the line at families who are bringing their "future cruisers" with them -- their teenagers. Teenagers grow up, have families, and want to share their experiences with them. My girls certainly will -- for them, vacation means cruising (thanks, Grandma and Grandpa). What is there for an 18-20 year old to do? Too old for teen clubs, too young for the adult pool and the bars. They want to do activities, too. Movies are good, comedians, magicians, game show type of entertainment.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

JoAnn

 

This is a very good point, and one that I've made before. We've taken our children, grandchildren and friends with us on quite a few cruises. Celebrity has provided exactly the kind of activities you describe for many years. If Celebrity loses us, guess who else they'll lose.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Ma Bell

[NLH Arizona]

I think that Celebrity and all cruise lines, with the exception of Disney, ought to be thinking even more down the line at families who are bringing their "future cruisers" with them -- their teenagers. Teenagers grow up, have families, and want to share their experiences with them. My girls certainly will -- for them, vacation means cruising (thanks, Grandma and Grandpa). What is there for an 18-20 year old to do? Too old for teen clubs, too young for the adult pool and the bars. They want to do activities, too. Movies are good, comedians, magicians, game show type of entertainment.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

JoAnn

JoAnn, your thoughts are right on target. The cruise lines, including Celebrity, have to update their activities. There needs to be something for everyone, not just the older generation (which I am one of) and the children. On my last cruise, I didn't see many activities that young adults (by young adults, I'm saying 18 to 30) would be interested in other than some of the shows.

[whataboutport]

Marketing doesn't really matter to me one way or the other. It's the price and itinerary that's most important.

 

I really hate the new-ish Princess ads (Come back new). HATE. That's not going to keep me from sailing Princess again if there is an itin I like at a price I can do. I never thought we'd do X again, thinking it was too expensive, but after looking at the itins, we have one booked. Had nothing to do with their target market.

[Ma Bell]

JoAnn, your thoughts are right on target. The cruise lines, including Celebrity, have to update their activities. There needs to be something for everyone, not just the older generation (which I am one of) and the children. On my last cruise, I didn't see many activities that young adults (by young adults, I'm saying 18 to 30) would be interested in other than some of the shows.

 

What activities would that be. Some suggestions PLEASE.

[texasgirl29]

Off the top of my head, I'd say that young cruisers would enjoy hands on workshops. I just saw another thread about art studio -- there's a place in town where you can learn to paint, step by step -- I think something like that would translate well. Beading, jewelry making, cooking classes. Maybe even some computer classes to learn Photoshop, movie making, how to create an app, getting the most from your camera.

 

Movies. I know they have in-cabin movies but nothing beats sitting in a movie theater. (Disney does first runs of their films the same day them come out in the theater.)

 

Interactive video experiences -- like XBox but more hi-tech.

 

Spa treatments. I know they have this, but it's really expensive! I know my soon-to-be 18 year old would spend hours and hours in the spa if she could afford it. Everyone likes to be pampered.

 

I don't think activities for 18-30 year olds need to be thought of in terms of a singles club -- just things that would appeal to people brought up in the generation of personal computers and smart phones.

 

JoAnn

[boogs]

I had seen the ships in port and I thought the big, giant "X" was kinda weird looking. And that "X" must be "X-pensive".

 

In case you didn't know (and my apologies if you already do):

 

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group. In 1997, Celebrity Cruises Ltd. merged with Royal Caribbean International to become Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The signature "Χ" displayed on the funnel of Celebrity ships is the Greek letter chi, for "Chandris".

Edited July 15, 2014 by boogs

[Ma Bell]

Off the top of my head, I'd say that young cruisers would enjoy hands on workshops. I just saw another thread about art studio -- there's a place in town where you can learn to paint, step by step -- I think something like that would translate well. Beading, jewelry making, cooking classes. Maybe even some computer classes to learn Photoshop, movie making, how to create an app, getting the most from your camera.

 

Movies. I know they have in-cabin movies but nothing beats sitting in a movie theater. (Disney does first runs of their films the same day them come out in the theater.)

 

Interactive video experiences -- like XBox but more hi-tech.

 

Spa treatments. I know they have this, but it's really expensive! I know my soon-to-be 18 year old would spend hours and hours in the spa if she could afford it. Everyone likes to be pampered.

 

I don't think activities for 18-30 year olds need to be thought of in terms of a singles club -- just things that would appeal to people brought up in the generation of personal computers and smart phones.

 

JoAnn

 

Hi JoAnn,

 

All the things you mention have been part of Celebrity's activities for many years. There is a theater that is often used for movies as well. There are some people who post here who admit they haven't ever really been involved in activities but seem to think the activities need to be changed. There have always been activities for a wide variety of ages and interests.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Ma Bell

[caladezi]

Hi JoAnn,

 

All the things you mention have been part of Celebrity's activities for many years. There is a theater that is often used for movies as well. There are some people who post here who admit they haven't ever really been involved in activities but seem to think the activities need to be changed. There have always been activities for a wide variety of ages and interests.

 

The movie theaters have been eliminated from the M class ships. I believe that they remain on the S class. This was a big disappointment for me on our recent Summit cruise.

[MicCanberra]

How about a special dining room where they could all sit together at tables and ignore each other while using their smartphones and tablets? :D

 

Or a tattoo parlor? :)

 

LOL, with TV screens everywhere showing music videos.:D

[MicCanberra]

The movie theaters have been eliminated from the M class ships. I believe that they remain on the S class. This was a big disappointment for me on our recent Summit cruise.

 

They use the main theatre to show movies on the M class ships.:D

[caladezi]

They use the main theatre to show movies on the M class ships.:D

 

Only once or twice per cruise and then not in the evening but during the day when most people as off ship. Nothing like what it used to be.

[texasgirl29]

In case you didn't know (and my apologies if you already do):

 

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group. In 1997, Celebrity Cruises Ltd. merged with Royal Caribbean International to become Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The signature "Χ" displayed on the funnel of Celebrity ships is the Greek letter chi, for "Chandris".

 

No, I didn't know. Thank you for the explanation.

JoAnn

[NLH Arizona]

Off the top of my head, I'd say that young cruisers would enjoy hands on workshops. I just saw another thread about art studio -- there's a place in town where you can learn to paint, step by step -- I think something like that would translate well. Beading, jewelry making, cooking classes. Maybe even some computer classes to learn Photoshop, movie making, how to create an app, getting the most from your camera.

 

Movies. I know they have in-cabin movies but nothing beats sitting in a movie theater. (Disney does first runs of their films the same day them come out in the theater.)

 

Interactive video experiences -- like XBox but more hi-tech.

 

Spa treatments. I know they have this, but it's really expensive! I know my soon-to-be 18 year old would spend hours and hours in the spa if she could afford it. Everyone likes to be pampered.

 

I don't think activities for 18-30 year olds need to be thought of in terms of a singles club -- just things that would appeal to people brought up in the generation of personal computers and smart phones.

 

JoAnn

JoAnn, please let us know what activities your young folks find interesting after your cruise. In my cruises, I really haven't found anything interesting to participate in as far as the activities on Celebrity is concerned. I looked everyday, but nothing of interest. That is why I would suggest that Celebrity freshen up their activities...a little less trivia, etc. and some different activities.

[gek]

...a little less trivia, etc. and some different activities.

 

Nooooo. Trivia has already become marginalised on Celebrity ships and it's one of the activities my teenage daughters look forward to on every cruise. What I think they do need to do is update the trivia and target it to the cruise's demographic. For instance if there are a lot of younger cruisers then have Harry Potter trivia or something similar.

[Cruise a holic]

I've really been enjoying prim8keeper's review and pictures of his recent trip to Bermuda on the Summit, brings back some great memories. But one part caught my eye. He reports that the Captain's Club hostess confirmed that Celebrity is now marketing towards cruisers of his age, he is 31 and his DH is 28. I know it's been discussed before on these boards, but this seemed to be confirmation from an employee of Celebrity. Does this bother anyone else who is, shall we say, a little older than 31? We are longtime Celebrity cruisers, recently back from a Med cruise on Reflection, and we are spenders who book suites or AQ, take shore excursions, and so on. I guess I'm just not sure what to make of this attitude that our business is not what they are looking for.

 

I do not believe everything that one person states as a fact. If you look at the population in general, many people who are in the 50 and 60's are living longer, have extended families and have the money and time to sail. Why would Celebrity not encourage this demographic? I do believe that Celebrity doesn't currently cater to children as does RC, but they do have a good product that can work with families, singles and seniors.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[bar_20]

Although I am way over 50, I would prefer that they target the younger crowd than the people who are so old that they are immobile, have no idea where they are, clog up the ship with their electric carts, and take forever to decide what they want in the buffet line. Sailing with a lot of those folks is depressing - partly because they remind me that I will be them some day.

 

DON

 

You mean like Holland America does.:D My wife and I went to a concert at a Indian casino last week. After the concert was over there were plenty of people in walkers and electric carts leaving the auditorium. I turned to her and said I hadn't seen so many handicap people in one place since our last HAL cruise.

[MicCanberra]

Nooooo. Trivia has already become marginalised on Celebrity ships and it's one of the activities my teenage daughters look forward to on every cruise. What I think they do need to do is update the trivia and target it to the cruise's demographic. For instance if there are a lot of younger cruisers then have Harry Potter trivia or something similar.

A good point about the trivia is that it needs a refresh of questions to suit the many ages and nationalities that play it. So many trivia sessions (not the themed ones) are rooted around the early 1980s version of Trivial Pursuit. This doesn't help the younger demographic or people outside of the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. My point is that there should be a good mix of questions.

[Ma Bell]

I have found that it the last year or so the trivia shave been updated to include a much more diverse set of questions. In fact there have been many more forms of trivia available.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Ma Bell

[wallie5446]

This topic has been a fun read. We took our kids on road trips from Disney World, to Mt Rushmore, down to a sand dune in Colorado, standing in 4 States, a cho-cho train in Tennessee, bats flying at dusk form a cave, charcoal made after white lighting drips thru it, Elvis head stone, and on an on.

 

They are now 37 and 31, their first cruise was in 1993, and they say their best vacation was a cruise. Why we ask? Because we did not have to do anything but watch the water move! We now book an sail for the most number of days at sea, and care less about the activities. Been there and don't care to go back.