Celebrity Doesn't Want Us Anymore??

[miched]

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.

 

Take a Alaska cruise on Carnival. I never seen so many passengers using walkers, wheel chairs and scooters. My wife and I seemed to be the only two on board that didn't need any of that. The line for those that needed special assistance was useless as it was just about everyone.

 

We tought that if this was Carnival what were the other cruise lines like?

 

Cruise on 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

[Evangaline]

The appeal for me in this effort by Celebrity to tailor its cruise experience to a younger demographic depends on how they go about it. Do date it seems to entail cranking the music up louder. This is more an insult to younger travelers that an appeal.

 

Now if Celebrity changed the music that would be another story. I would be more than pleased to never hear another "oldie but goodie" on a cruise ship. On our last cruise of the Serenade of The Seas, there wasn't a day that went by that someone was not a belting out "Sweet Caroline". Usually it was more than once. It was painful. On Norwegian, there was a big production number involving an impersonation of Tom Jones. PLEASE!!! But as contradictory as this will sound, the 70s Dance Party on Royal is a complete riot. So much fun.

 

I would prefer to hear more chill-out music, Latin fusion and jazz and I can do without bingo, trivia and stupid pool games. I am not part of the 30 something crowd they are hoping to draw in, but I do think that Celebrity can be a sophisticated cruise choice for both younger and older cruisers. Not all people within the younger demographic or the older demographic have the same taste. Celebrity should be able to find commonality as long as they are smart about it.

[Cruise a holic]

The appeal for me in this effort by Celebrity to tailor its cruise experience to a younger demographic depends on how they go about it. Do date it seems to entail cranking the music up louder. This is more an insult to younger travelers that an appeal.

 

Now if Celebrity changed the music that would be another story. I would be more than pleased to never hear another "oldie but goodie" on a cruise ship. On our last cruise of the Serenade of The Seas, there wasn't a day that went by that someone was not a belting out "Sweet Caroline". Usually it was more than once. It was painful. On Norwegian, there was a big production number involving an impersonation of Tom Jones. PLEASE!!! But as contradictory as this will sound, the 70s Dance Party on Royal is a complete riot. So much fun.

 

I would prefer to hear more chill-out music, Latin fusion and jazz and I can do without bingo, trivia and stupid pool games. I am not part of the 30 something crowd they are hoping to draw in, but I do think that Celebrity can be a sophisticated cruise choice for both younger and older cruisers. Not all people within the younger demographic or the older demographic have the same taste. Celebrity should be able to find commonality as long as they are smart about it.

 

I also dislike the loud piped in music on the ships. I would prefer quiet low background music. When at the bars, pool or restaurants, the loud music is annoying and you cannot engage in conversation. I would also like to add the "art auctions" to be removed from the ships agenda.

 

The prints that they sell are good photocopies and I feel people get taken advantage of.

[4774Papa]

Interesting to read the likes and dislikes of fellow cruisers. Evangaline like latin fusion and jazz, but not Neil Diamond. I can handle it all, except rap music.

 

There are as many tastes as people on a cruise and some really like trivia, others like pool games, others don't care for those things.

 

I think the more options on a cruise, especially one with a lot of sea days, the better.

[Gunnerpup]

I think you want a mix. Too many of one generation and things get tilted too much. Nothing is worse than parties until 4am - then everything closing at 7. ;)

[Gunnerpup]

I also dislike the loud piped in music on the ships. I would prefer quiet low background music. When at the bars, pool or restaurants, the loud music is annoying and you cannot engage in conversation. I would also like to add the "art auctions" to be removed from the ships agenda.

 

The prints that they sell are good photocopies and I feel people get taken advantage of.

 

 

I don't mind most of the music, but if I hear that song "Another day over..." on my next cruise I may just have to start drinking.....;) ;)

 

too late!

[Evangaline]

I would also like to add the "art auctions" to be removed from the ships agenda.

 

The prints that they sell are good photocopies and I feel people get taken advantage of.

 

I agree about the "Art" Auctions. My undergrad degree is in Visual Art and I have always found the art thing on cruise ships to be a bit disturbing. I am fairly new to cruising so I do not know how this started, but someone really ought to put a stop to it.

[DancerOT]

Some thoughts on activities....

 

Keep the trivia, but update it! Also, host it in a variety of locations. On my cruise in December, they held it by the pool and we played multiple times (we won too!). However, my cruise this month, I have no idea where it was held and we never played.

 

Jordan Peterson currently plays piano on Summit and I thoroughly enjoyed him last summer. He does it more in a piano bar style and encourages people to sing along and make requests thus giving you that piano bar vibe.

 

Increase the nightlife - add in the piano bar vibe, more deck parties, try to get more people dancing in the club, etc. Last summer, Summit had a "Dancing with the Crew" competition. It was hilarious! It was also so packed that not everyone fit in the venue. More options like these would help to increase getting people out and keeping them out.

 

Comedy! People love good comedy. I love a good late-night show, but if the comedian is strong enough, I like their family friendly shows as well.

 

Update the full productions to include more of what people want to see. I know the cirque experience failed a few years ago, but I believe that was due to poor execution. I have seen aerial arts utilized in the full productions before and it was stunning. The aerial artists also received a tremendous amount of applause. Also, update the themes of the productions. While I love Broadway, they need to do a full compilation including present day Broadway - you can't get stuck in the 80's or 90's. There is some amazing music out there, use it!

 

Bring back the live bands who have a large repertoire of music. More people dance to a live band than a dj. People who dance buy drinks. Drinks = profit.

 

I also think one of the best things I saw on X was also retired. When they did Zumba by the pool last summer, I thought it was brilliant! There were 150 people or so taking the Zumba class each time it was offered plus the people doing it by their loungers. By moving it back to the stuffy gym and charging, people aren't going to participate in the same manner.

 

X has done one thing right in trying to attract a younger cruiser, although I am not certain how well this is being marketing or even available right now with the changes in the Captains Club Program. That one thing being their craft brew selection. It is the best craft brew selection I have seen at sea and is a huge draw to the younger crowd.

 

Lastly, they need an easy late night food option. If you want people to be out late and partying, you need to feed them at the end of it. The line at the pizza place on another cruise line at 4am is insane. But, we are all hungry from dancing for 4 hours and want some food.

 

I personally don't feel that any of these ideas would damper another generation's cruise, but rather provide more opportunities to actively be doing for someone that wants to.

[phoenix_dream]

I found the comments on adding activities to attract teenagers interesting. I love kids, I have taken my son on cruises since he was three, and I never, ever have been 'one of those people' who has posted anti-kids stuff on these boards. Until now I guess.

 

Do we really, really want Celebrity to be adding a bunch of stuff that appeals to teenagers (as in, exclusively, not just activities they can join with their families)???? The thought of that terrifies me:eek:. We brought my son on board when he was a teenager and he is the quiet type so was very satisfied with his laptop with video games and movies, and joining us for things like board games, swimming, and going to the show. I cannot imagine the change in ambiance in the sailing if Celebrity really started catering to that age group and packs of teenagers were roaming the ship. Oh yes, I could. It's called Carnival and I will never sail that line again (for that and so many reasons). Does anyone really believe that encouraging larger and larger groups of teenagers is in any way a good idea on a Celebrity ship?? The teen-age years are by their nature a time of experimentation, rebellion, and finding your own way. Of course there are teenagers who can be well-behaved on cruises. My son was one. But that is one demographic I for one would rather Celebrity not encourage. Wait until they are in their 20's at least....please. Not saying don't give them anything to do - of course they should. But I honestly don't want to sail on a cruise line where teenagers as a whole consider Celebrity a top choice. Yikes.

[NLH Arizona]

I found the comments on adding activities to attract teenagers interesting. I love kids, I have taken my son on cruises since he was three, and I never, ever have been 'one of those people' who has posted anti-kids stuff on these boards. Until now I guess.

 

Do we really, really want Celebrity to be adding a bunch of stuff that appeals to teenagers (as in, exclusively, not just activities they can join with their families)???? The thought of that terrifies me:eek:. We brought my son on board when he was a teenager and he is the quiet type so was very satisfied with his laptop with video games and movies, and joining us for things like board games, swimming, and going to the show. I cannot imagine the change in ambiance in the sailing if Celebrity really started catering to that age group and packs of teenagers were roaming the ship. Oh yes, I could. It's called Carnival and I will never sail that line again (for that and so many reasons). Does anyone really believe that encouraging larger and larger groups of teenagers is in any way a good idea on a Celebrity ship?? The teen-age years are by their nature a time of experimentation, rebellion, and finding your own way. Of course there are teenagers who can be well-behaved on cruises. My son was one. But that is one demographic I for one would rather Celebrity not encourage. Wait until they are in their 20's at least....please. Not saying don't give them anything to do - of course they should. But I honestly don't want to sail on a cruise line where teenagers as a whole consider Celebrity a top choice. Yikes.

In my post, I was suggesting more activities for young adults+, those 18 years and up. I think there needs to be more updated activities for not only them, but for some of us older folks.

 

As far as having teenagers onboard. I really don't have a problem with any age group, as long as they show respect for the other cruisers. I've been on cruises where the adults were the rude ones to cruises where the children were the misbehaving ones. I guess there are some from every age group that can't show respect for others.

[phoenix_dream]

NHL Arizona, I agree with the points you are making, although I would up that age group by about ten years or so, as least as far as attempting to market to or encourage. That said, X definitely should provide at least some activities for everyone.

[NLH Arizona]

NHL Arizona, I agree with the points you are making, although I would up that age group by about ten years or so, as least as far as attempting to market to or encourage. That said, X definitely should provide at least some activities for everyone.

I started with 18, because that is the age of the children the poster was talking about. I don't think Celebrity should or ever would market to teenagers, they don't have the decision power in picking a cruise or the income to purchase one.

[Dick in Falls Church]

I agree about the "Art" Auctions. My undergrad degree is in Visual Art and I have always found the art thing on cruise ships to be a bit disturbing. I am fairly new to cruising so I do not know how this started, but someone really ought to put a stop to it.

 

When passengers stop buying the stuff, the company will stop paying the cruise lines.

[ghstudio]

I am far from the "target audience", but I have to agree with those who say that the current offering really misses the target audience. It's as if folks my age are deciding what younger folks prefer, without much input from younger folks. Clearly, at least to me, the first thing I'd improve is connectivity...my kids who are the exact demographic celebrity is after, live on their phones, their electronics..it's just a part of their everyday life. To me, the fact that celebrity connectivity is still as poor as it is tells a major part of the story.

 

They enjoy live entertainment, be it a band, a singer, a comedian...and I'm not talking about the theater...I'm talking about what you do after 10PM. The shows are aimed at mass market cruisers (sorry if that offends anyone), but the focus is on how can we entertain 2400 people and be done with it. That's not what my kids want..heck, it's not even what I want, but that's a different story.

 

Both of my kids are gourmet cooks (hobby). We've taken them on cruises and their comments about the MDR, etc are politely neutral. If the food was actually good (that means seasoned well and decent quality), that would match their interests.

 

Somehow, celebrity has mixed up a marketing message aimed at more affluent younger folks with a financial group that is cutting expenses and reducing on-board offerings aiming at a good offering for the mass market. Celebrity...the mass market is NOT the affluent younger folks you're marketing to. Your current offering doesn't offer what those affluent younger folks want.

 

Marketing can entice folks to try something once...but then the product has to match the marketing. I think Celebrity has lost sight of that very fundamental reality.

 

Yes, I'm sure more younger folks are cruising on Celebrity today...and I'm sure the numbers are researched to death and appear in internal executive presentations on how well things are going.....but my guess is that you are losing more potential repeat cruisers than you could be gaining if the actual offering met the real wants of your target audience.

Edited July 17, 2014 by ghstudio

[SmokeOnTheWater71]

They could please both age groups make pot legal on ships they will sell a lot more food coffee sweets I've got to go and some sweets.

[SmokeOnTheWater71]

If they want younger cruisers put the new ships in Mexico, Caribbean,they only get 2 weeks off a year they general go on vacations in the summer winter for sking the old ships don't appeal to the younger crowed you need new food items no formal nights a come go dinner area the younger crowed don't like to be herded around.Make the ship 24 hours for everything music food internet if you do that you will run the older generation off they will get their you have your next generation cruisers and the older crowed will go to Med.Dubi,ect.Watch they make these changes then the older generatin will come aboard.

[whataboutport]

The appeal for me in this effort by Celebrity to tailor its cruise experience to a younger demographic depends on how they go about it. Do date it seems to entail cranking the music up louder. This is more an insult to younger travelers that an appeal.

 

Now if Celebrity changed the music that would be another story. I would be more than pleased to never hear another "oldie but goodie" on a cruise ship. On our last cruise of the Serenade of The Seas, there wasn't a day that went by that someone was not a belting out "Sweet Caroline". Usually it was more than once. It was painful. On Norwegian, there was a big production number involving an impersonation of Tom Jones. PLEASE!!! But as contradictory as this will sound, the 70s Dance Party on Royal is a complete riot. So much fun.

 

I would prefer to hear more chill-out music, Latin fusion and jazz and I can do without bingo, trivia and stupid pool games. I am not part of the 30 something crowd they are hoping to draw in, but I do think that Celebrity can be a sophisticated cruise choice for both younger and older cruisers. Not all people within the younger demographic or the older demographic have the same taste. Celebrity should be able to find commonality as long as they are smart about it.

 

I agree with you and esp about the Latin fusion music. We loved the Boleros lounge on Allure and the live Latin music they played there.

 

Only thing I don't agree with is the 70s party. We never attend those. I actually feel bad for the CD crew who have to do that.

[flag fan]

Some thoughts on activities....

 

Keep the trivia, but update it! Also, host it in a variety of locations. On my cruise in December, they held it by the pool and we played multiple times (we won too!). However, my cruise this month, I have no idea where it was held and we never played.

 

Jordan Peterson currently plays piano on Summit and I thoroughly enjoyed him last summer. He does it more in a piano bar style and encourages people to sing along and make requests thus giving you that piano bar vibe.

 

Increase the nightlife - add in the piano bar vibe, more deck parties, try to get more people dancing in the club, etc. Last summer, Summit had a "Dancing with the Crew" competition. It was hilarious! It was also so packed that not everyone fit in the venue. More options like these would help to increase getting people out and keeping them out.

 

Comedy! People love good comedy. I love a good late-night show, but if the comedian is strong enough, I like their family friendly shows as well.

 

Update the full productions to include more of what people want to see. I know the cirque experience failed a few years ago, but I believe that was due to poor execution. I have seen aerial arts utilized in the full productions before and it was stunning. The aerial artists also received a tremendous amount of applause. Also, update the themes of the productions. While I love Broadway, they need to do a full compilation including present day Broadway - you can't get stuck in the 80's or 90's. There is some amazing music out there, use it!

 

Bring back the live bands who have a large repertoire of music. More people dance to a live band than a dj. People who dance buy drinks. Drinks = profit.

 

I also think one of the best things I saw on X was also retired. When they did Zumba by the pool last summer, I thought it was brilliant! There were 150 people or so taking the Zumba class each time it was offered plus the people doing it by their loungers. By moving it back to the stuffy gym and charging, people aren't going to participate in the same manner.

 

X has done one thing right in trying to attract a younger cruiser, although I am not certain how well this is being marketing or even available right now with the changes in the Captains Club Program. That one thing being their craft brew selection. It is the best craft brew selection I have seen at sea and is a huge draw to the younger crowd.

 

Lastly, they need an easy late night food option. If you want people to be out late and partying, you need to feed them at the end of it. The line at the pizza place on another cruise line at 4am is insane. But, we are all hungry from dancing for 4 hours and want some food.

 

I personally don't feel that any of these ideas would damper another generation's cruise, but rather provide more opportunities to actively be doing for someone that wants to.

 

I think these are great suggestions--they seem to me that they would appeal to a younger demographic (20s/30s) while not adversely affecting the cruise experience for older cruisers (50s/60s) (except those who don't want to sail with young people at all).

 

I also want to put my vote in for getting rid of those goldie oldie songs (as a baby boomer (50s) even I am sick of those nostalgic songs from my youth).

 

Another thing to appeal to younger cruisers--more ethics foods. I read an article that all-American restaurants are having to diversify their menus because younger customers want a wide-range of different foods (Mexican, Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc.)--the more food options that meet those needs, the more likely to satisfy younger cruisers (but some basics need to stay on the menu for the older crowd, of course).

 

Of course, I am just guessing what will appeal to the younger group--hopefully, Celebrity is actually asking them (in independent studies, by looking at ships and cruise lines that attract younger people, and through on-ship surveys).

Edited July 17, 2014 by flag fan

[parallax]

If they want younger cruisers put the new ships in Mexico, Caribbean,they only get 2 weeks off a year they general go on vacations in the summer winter for sking the old ships don't appeal to the younger crowed you need new food items no formal nights a come go dinner area the younger crowed don't like to be herded around.Make the ship 24 hours for everything music food internet if you do that you will run the older generation off they will get their you have your next generation cruisers and the older crowed will go to Med.Dubi,ect.Watch they make these changes then the older generatin will come aboard.

 

 

Thanks for speaking for my generation. As part of the younger generation, you have totally missed the mark. Many professionals, especially in the IT world, have usually around a month of vacation time. We are more sophisticated than you suggest and can peacefully coexist with other generations.

[MrJulius]

I hear X are planning an exciting attraction on new builds which is designed specifically for those over 30. It's called "Carousel" and they promise that it will leave everyone over 30 feeling "renewed".

 

 

 

Here's a concept video:

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you don't like this option you can always go over to Princess...they do offer "Sanctuary". You just have to get passed Roscoe Lee Browne. ;)

 

 

Sent from my iPad Mini Retina

[chamima]

I am far from the "target audience", but I have to agree with those who say that the current offering really misses the target audience. It's as if folks my age are deciding what younger folks prefer, without much input from younger folks. Clearly, at least to me, the first thing I'd improve is connectivity...my kids who are the exact demographic celebrity is after, live on their phones, their electronics..it's just a part of their everyday life. To me, the fact that celebrity connectivity is still as poor as it is tells a major part of the story.

 

They enjoy live entertainment, be it a band, a singer, a comedian...and I'm not talking about the theater...I'm talking about what you do after 10PM. The shows are aimed at mass market cruisers (sorry if that offends anyone), but the focus is on how can we entertain 2400 people and be done with it. That's not what my kids want..heck, it's not even what I want, but that's a different story.

 

Both of my kids are gourmet cooks (hobby). We've taken them on cruises and their comments about the MDR, etc are politely neutral. If the food was actually good (that means seasoned well and decent quality), that would match their interests.

 

Somehow, celebrity has mixed up a marketing message aimed at more affluent younger folks with a financial group that is cutting expenses and reducing on-board offerings aiming at a good offering for the mass market. Celebrity...the mass market is NOT the affluent younger folks you're marketing to. Your current offering doesn't offer what those affluent younger folks want.

 

Marketing can entice folks to try something once...but then the product has to match the marketing. I think Celebrity has lost sight of that very fundamental reality.

 

Yes, I'm sure more younger folks are cruising on Celebrity today...and I'm sure the numbers are researched to death and appear in internal executive presentations on how well things are going.....but my guess is that you are losing more potential repeat cruisers than you could be gaining if the actual offering met the real wants of your target audience.

 

I think you may have hit the nail on the proverbial head.

[MicCanberra]

Some thoughts on activities....

 

Keep the trivia, but update it! Also, host it in a variety of locations. On my cruise in December, they held it by the pool and we played multiple times (we won too!). However, my cruise this month, I have no idea where it was held and we never played.

 

Jordan Peterson currently plays piano on Summit and I thoroughly enjoyed him last summer. He does it more in a piano bar style and encourages people to sing along and make requests thus giving you that piano bar vibe.

 

Increase the nightlife - add in the piano bar vibe, more deck parties, try to get more people dancing in the club, etc. Last summer, Summit had a "Dancing with the Crew" competition. It was hilarious! It was also so packed that not everyone fit in the venue. More options like these would help to increase getting people out and keeping them out.

 

Comedy! People love good comedy. I love a good late-night show, but if the comedian is strong enough, I like their family friendly shows as well.

 

Update the full productions to include more of what people want to see. I know the cirque experience failed a few years ago, but I believe that was due to poor execution. I have seen aerial arts utilized in the full productions before and it was stunning. The aerial artists also received a tremendous amount of applause. Also, update the themes of the productions. While I love Broadway, they need to do a full compilation including present day Broadway - you can't get stuck in the 80's or 90's. There is some amazing music out there, use it!

 

Bring back the live bands who have a large repertoire of music. More people dance to a live band than a dj. People who dance buy drinks. Drinks = profit.

 

I also think one of the best things I saw on X was also retired. When they did Zumba by the pool last summer, I thought it was brilliant! There were 150 people or so taking the Zumba class each time it was offered plus the people doing it by their loungers. By moving it back to the stuffy gym and charging, people aren't going to participate in the same manner.

 

X has done one thing right in trying to attract a younger cruiser, although I am not certain how well this is being marketing or even available right now with the changes in the Captains Club Program. That one thing being their craft brew selection. It is the best craft brew selection I have seen at sea and is a huge draw to the younger crowd.

 

Lastly, they need an easy late night food option. If you want people to be out late and partying, you need to feed them at the end of it. The line at the pizza place on another cruise line at 4am is insane. But, we are all hungry from dancing for 4 hours and want some food.

 

I personally don't feel that any of these ideas would damper another generation's cruise, but rather provide more opportunities to actively be doing for someone that wants to.

 

Some great suggestions, I sure hope someone from X is reading this and passing on the info.:D

[Chicago Boy]

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.

 

My partner and I are in our mid to late 70's and cruise once or twice a year on Celebrity and have for years. We have always felt welcome and have always been well treated. We do the longer cruises which seem to attract an older clientele and fewer families. Mostly I think it's because the oldsters have the time and resources to be away for extended periods of time.

[cynbar]

I'm the OP, and I don't want to give the impression that I have ever felt unwelcome on a Celebrity ship, because that is absolutely not the case. But all this has gotten me thinking about what would appeal more to younger cruisers as well as longtime, middle aged or older cruisers like myself. And, I think that the many replies to this thread have raised some possibilities:

 

1) Retain the friendly and efficient vibe of the crew, the high visibility of officers around the ship

 

2) Retain the clean, stylish, modern look of the ships

 

3) Add more live, varied, modern music but avoid blaring techno music in the lounges and public areas

 

4) Improve connectivity, cell phone service, reduce prices or make this a perk. Some cruisers like to disconnect on vacation but I don't and I suspect most younger cruisers don't either

 

5) Decrease or modify formal nights while still keeping a "resort casual" standard --- please, let's not go like NCL with basically no dress code at all

 

6) Keep the smoking policy!!

 

7) Improve the food quality which seems to me to have slipped in recent years, and add more ethnic choices to the longtime menus

 

8) Change the activities to attract varied ages, I liked the suggestions to keep trivia but update the topics, questions, etc

 

9) Sorry, I still like 70s night, it was a big hit with all ages on our recent Reflection cruise.

 

10) More and better late night snacks, that would be popular with anyone around the ship late in the evenings

 

11) Keep or even expand the craft beers, there are many dedicated beer connoisseurs of ALL ages

 

Satisfied, repeat customers and good word of mouth advertising are better than all the marketing slogans out there. And it seems to me that many of the things young cruisers want will also be a hit with the longtime cruisers.

Edited July 21, 2014 by cynbar

[helen haywood]

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