No access to areas occupied by large groups

[cruisemuse27]

just wondering if anyone knows if there is something in fine print that says large groups have priority access to areas on the ship, barring admittance to anyone else?

 

since we are paying for the use of all facilities minus crew, employee, etc , has anyone ever tested the issue of gaining access to an area being used by a large group? that could be very humerous....

 

I know that anyone can come to the religious events posted in the itinerary or others such as friends of dorothy, or AA....

 

I have seen some groups taking up some seminar rooms for business meetings but that certainly has no impact on anyone else....

 

Can anyone tell me what common areas have been taken over by any groups and have prevented others from enjoying them?

[BayAreaBC]

just wondering if anyone knows if there is something in fine print that says large groups have priority access to areas on the ship, barring admittance to anyone else?

 

since we are paying for the use of all facilities minus crew, employee, etc , has anyone ever tested the issue of gaining access to an area being used by a large group? that could be very humerous....

 

I know that anyone can come to the religious events posted in the itinerary or others such as friends of dorothy, or AA....

 

I have seen some groups taking up some seminar rooms for business meetings but that certainly has no impact on anyone else....

 

Can anyone tell me what common areas have been taken over by any groups and have prevented others from enjoying them?

 

I have seen Elite members given preferential access to private functions. This is obviously discrimination. Just because a group pays more money they shouldn't get preferential treatment!

[Phxazzcruisers]

We have been on several cruises where places like the Sky Lounge, different name on different ships, have been closed for a few hours for a Private event, but we never considered it a big deal. We have been to CC parties that are restricted to certain levels and above also. Neither event lasts all night, usually a few hours. I don't think it is a big deal. There are plenty of other bar areas and places for other passengers to go.

Edited December 9, 2014 by Phxazzcruisers

[cle-guy]

There is nothing in fine print that says large groups have priority access to areas.

 

Likewise, there is noting in the fine print that says all passengers have entitlement to use all spaces at anytime on the ship.

 

The fine print basically gives you the right to be transported from point A to Point B. It also even specifically states that meals are not an entitlement under the terms and conditions, and that no guarantee is made as to where you will sleep, that is even though you booked a veranda, they in fact have the right to assign you to an inside cabin across from the galley if they want. Clearly its not int he best interests of the line to take advantage of this policy, but they have the right to do so, and prohibit you from suing.

 

The Celebrity Today each day lists the times each venue is open to the public. Days when groups may take over the space, you will see the times adjusted accordingly in the daily guide.

 

For example, on my Sillie sailing last week, a group took over the AquaPool from 2 to 4 pm on the day that they have Liquid Nightclub set up in there in the evening. The pool would normally close early that day to prep for that activity anyway, likely closer to 4 or 6 than 2.

 

Spaces that are often used are AquaPool, Reflections/Sky Lounge, Theatre and the main pool deck, though often this is done only in the evenings once the pool closes.

 

I look at it as each venue has limited space availability, and when they close for a group, I consider the venue at capacity and look to find another activity for those times it's booked. Those group members have just as much right to use the space as others do, they just took the time to organize it ahead of time when the rest of us did not.

 

As to the question to if you can enter anyway, on this crusie, they locked down 2 of the 4 access doors into the pool area, and had Celebrity Security monitoring access at the other 2 doors, and validating sea pass cards and credentials to aloo access. This is commonly how it;'s done, and enforcement is done.

 

Not really any different than when they close down Sky Lounge for Celebrity Captain's Club Elite cocktail hours and deny access to those without Captains Club credentials, or how they deny access to BLU to those without Aqua Class credentials, or deny access to Michael's without Suite credentials.

 

Cruising attracts groups, it's part of cruising, and part of why ships ware so big hand have so many options to choose from. Groups help keep ships filled, and help keep cabin fares down for us all.

[bouhunter]

just wondering if anyone knows if there is something in fine print that says large groups have priority access to areas on the ship, barring admittance to anyone else?

 

Can anyone tell me what common areas have been taken over by any groups and have prevented others from enjoying them?

 

It can happen - either search online for whatever might affect your particular cruise or just plan on living with whatever might be there......:rolleyes: As far as particular venues go, it will vary with the groups and what the cruise line has set up. It is what it is.

[cruisemuse27]

very informative...thank you everyone...

 

yes it is what it is....

[Iamcruzin]

Micheal's Club is closed off to those of us in steerage or who have not reached a certain Captains Club level. I would consider this a specialty group. Also Cruise Critic members occupy a venue at some point during the cruise.

Edited December 9, 2014 by Iamcruzin

[vulcan1971]

Micheal's Club is closed off to those of us in steerage or who have not reached a certain Captains Club level. I would consider this a specialty group.

 

This really isn't an apples to apples comparison.

 

Anyone that wants to (and with sufficient cash or credit) can book into a suite and partake in the amenities afforded in Michael's Club.

 

Passengers on a ship where a large group has also booked and are not part of the large group cannot partake in the events or venues reserved for the large group.

[dkjretired]

I have seen Elite members given preferential access to private functions. This is obviously discrimination. Just because a group pays more money they shouldn't get preferential treatment!

 

Why not, how about entering into reality.

Edited December 9, 2014 by dkjretired

[cle-guy]

I have seen Elite members given preferential access to private functions. This is obviously discrimination. Just because a group pays more money they shouldn't get preferential treatment!

 

Time to alert the airlines that those paying first class don't have any more right to those seats up front. Or hotels that those paying higher rates for suites don't actually deserve to sleep in them.

[Iamcruzin]

This really isn't an apples to apples comparison.

 

Anyone that wants to (and with sufficient cash or credit) can book into a suite and partake in the amenities afforded in Michael's Club.

 

Passengers on a ship where a large group has also booked and are not part of the large group cannot partake in the events or venues reserved for the large group.

And anyone who books the group cruise can have access to whatever venue is being occupied. Honestly all of us have probably booked a cruise where a group has also booked but have never even noticed. They don't close off venues at peak times. They hold events when the venue would be closed. That includes any Cruise Critic met and greets as well. We forget that even though we are not a group booking we are a group. I have been to some meet and greets where we take over an entire bar during sail away and I have been to meet and greats with close to 200 CC members. On that sailing they were booking specialty restaurants and taking up most of the venue.

[vulcan1971]

And anyone who books the group cruise can have access to whatever venue is being occupied. Honestly all of us have probably booked a cruise where a group has also booked but have never even noticed. They don't close off venues at peak times. They hold events when the venue would be closed. That includes any Cruise Critic met and greets as well. We forget that even though we are not a group booking we are a group. I have been to some meet and greets where we take over an entire bar during sail away and I have been to meet and greats with close to 200 CC members. On that sailing they were booking specialty restaurants and taking up most of the venue.

 

Sounds like we are more in agreement than not.

 

Given all the different types of Cruise Critic gatherings and organized events that I have been to, where the activity was held in part in a public space, I would not categorize them as disruptive or last for a lengthy amount of time.

 

Obviously, I am only speaking to my experience in 8 or 9 cruises.

[Redtravel]

I am sure that you will find some place that makes you happy on the ship? If not, disembark. I have sailed with many large groups on the ships. I have also been a member of such a group. Once in awhile, the large groups gather in a specified room for a private function. They don't close the ship down. Just move on and you will find your spot. Be happy that you are on the ship.

[Sloop-JohnB]

just wondering if anyone knows if there is something in fine print that says large groups have priority access to areas on the ship, barring admittance to anyone else?

 

since we are paying for the use of all facilities minus crew, employee, etc , has anyone ever tested the issue of gaining access to an area being used by a large group? that could be very humerous....

 

I know that anyone can come to the religious events posted in the itinerary or others such as friends of dorothy, or AA....

 

I have seen some groups taking up some seminar rooms for business meetings but that certainly has no impact on anyone else....

 

Can anyone tell me what common areas have been taken over by any groups and have prevented others from enjoying them?

 

Nothing in the fine print that says a Large Group Booking has Priority Access...

 

BUT the fine print does cover YOUR not having access:

 

From Celebrity's FAQs Page - Cruise Contract

 

Section 6 - CANCELLATION, DEVIATION OR SUBSTITUTION BY CARRIER:

 

a) Carrier may for any reason at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or any activity on or off the Vessel, or substitute another vessel or port of call, destination, lodging or activity. Except as provided in Section 6(e) below, Carrier shall not be liable for any claim whatsoever by Passenger, including but not limited to loss, compensation or refund, by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, substitution or deviation.

 

b) In connection with a CruiseTour, Carrier has the same right to cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled activity, departure or destination, or substitute another railcar, bus, destination or lodging or other component of the CruiseTour. Except as provided in Section 6(e) below, Carrier shall not be liable for any claim by Passenger whatsoever, including but not limited to loss, compensation or refund, by reason of such cancellation, advancement, postponement, substitution or deviation.

 

c) By way of example, and not limitation, Carrier may, without liability; (except as provided in Section 6(e) with respect to mechanical failures only), deviate from any scheduled sailing and may otherwise land Passenger and her property at any port if Carrier believes that the voyage or any Passenger or property may be hindered or adversely affected as a result of hostilities, blockages, prevailing weather conditions, labor conflicts, strikes onboard or ashore, breakdown of Vessel, congestion, docking difficulties, medical or life saving emergencies or any other cause whatsoever.

 

[/Quote]

 

Seriously, it becomes more obvious to me every day here on CC just how few people have ever taken the time to read these all important FAQs Pgs & their Cruise Contract

 

FAQs = http://www.celebritycruises.com/frequently-asked-questions

 

Cruise Contract (non Xpedition Sailings) = http://www.celebritycruises.com/media/en_US/pdf/cruise_ticket_contract/Celebrity-Cruise-Ticket-Contract.pdf

 

About 90% of the Questions posted here on CC have their answers found within these two EXTREMELY IMPORTANT documents

 

Ps... Forget about suing the Cruise Line if you are unhappy... self negotiation / mediation is the best you'll ever do... The Cruise Lines have covered their butts well in that regard... See Sections 9, 10 & 11

 

Cheers!

 

EDIT - oops, sorry I copied Section 8 by mistake previously. Meant Section 6... Now corrected

Edited December 9, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[dkjretired]

Time to alert the airlines that those paying first class don't have any more right to those seats up front. Or hotels that those paying higher rates for suites don't actually deserve to sleep in them.

 

Actually going back to the OP, I am sure there is something in the contract that covers this. Celebrity and the parent corporation have too many lawyers on salary, does anyone really think they wouldn't cover something like this. I'm on vacation, don't have great internet access so I can't really research it, but its just common sense that it would be in the cruise contract.

[wallie5446]

just wondering if anyone knows if there is something in fine print that says large groups have priority access to areas on the ship, barring admittance to anyone else?

 

since we are paying for the use of all facilities minus crew, employee, etc , has anyone ever tested the issue of gaining access to an area being used by a large group? that could be very humerous....

 

I know that anyone can come to the religious events posted in the itinerary or others such as friends of dorothy, or AA....

 

I have seen some groups taking up some seminar rooms for business meetings but that certainly has no impact on anyone else....

 

Can anyone tell me what common areas have been taken over by any groups and have prevented others from enjoying them?

 

I did not read most of the comments, because it matters not. There are many places to go and things to do on a cruise ship. Why is it that some just have to feel they must be like a 'wedding crasher' or their cruise is not complete. This is being very very 'petty'.

[Iamcruzin]

Sounds like we are more in agreement than not.

 

Given all the different types of Cruise Critic gatherings and organized events that I have been to, where the activity was held in part in a public space, I would not categorize them as disruptive or last for a lengthy amount of time.

 

Obviously, I am only speaking to my experience in 8 or 9 cruises.

 

Yes I am in agreement with you. I forgot to insert the rolling eye :rolleyes: to detect sarcasm in my reply.

 

Another thing to consider is that the weeks after Thanksgiving leading up to Christmas are traditionally the slowest weeks for cruising. Group bookings are probably very popular during this period do to the lower costs. Also the group may appear to be taking over the ship if the ship is only 75% booked and there is a smaller ratio of non group passengers to the passengers booked as a group.

[tgmtgm]

I did not read most of the comments, because it matters not. There are many places to go and things to do on a cruise ship. Why is it that some just have to feel they must be like a 'wedding crasher' or their cruise is not complete. This is being very very 'petty'.

 

I beg to differ. There are certain times that no other venue is available. Case in point- I cruised several years ago on the Emerald Princess, a ten day voyage. Onboard was a 850+ member group of "bears". On several nights they held themed party's in Skywalker's, the late night dance venue on Princess ships.

 

Myself and other guests became irate when we were denied access to the venue the entire evening on more than one occasion. Technically they were suppose to be done with their private function by 10 p.m. That didn't happen. We complained to guest services, and they basically said tough luck. If you're familiar with Princess, you'll know there is no where to get a drink or have some nightlife after 11 p.m. other than Skywalker's or the casino.

 

So please don't label folks "wedding crasher's" when all we wanted was to be able to use a venue that we paid for and enjoy patronizing. And before anyone suggests that we should have just joined in- they were having a "tighty-whitey white party"- everyone was in their underwear in the nightclub. Sorry, not my cup of tea. :eek: :D

 

Tony

[Iamcruzin]

So please don't label folks "wedding crasher's" when all we wanted was to be able to use a venue that we paid for and enjoy patronizing. And before anyone suggests that we should have just joined in- they were having a "tighty-whitey white party"- everyone was in their underwear in the nightclub. Sorry, not my cup of tea. :eek: :D

 

Tony

 

Yep, We would have been totally out of place in my black compression boxer briefs and DW in her black bra and panties.:)

[NLH Arizona]

i did not read most of the comments, because it matters not. There are many places to go and things to do on a cruise ship. Why is it that some just have to feel they must be like a 'wedding crasher' or their cruise is not complete. This is being very very 'petty'.

+1. There are always enough venues to go to on Celebrity if one is closed for a private function. Edited December 9, 2014 by NLH Arizona

[OCruisers]

+1. There are always enough venues to go to on Celebrity if one is closed for a private function.

 

Per above .... There are normally areas that are closed off for a private function from time to time ... but there are always other places to go. :)

LuLu

[RickT]

I have seen Elite members given preferential access to private functions. This is obviously discrimination. Just because a group pays more money they shouldn't get preferential treatment!

 

Elite members don't pay more, they just cruise more.

[cruisemuse27]

is there another pool? no answer needed....

[RickT]

I beg to differ. There are certain times that no other venue is available. Case in point- I cruised several years ago on the Emerald Princess, a ten day voyage. Onboard was a 850+ member group of "bears". On several nights they held themed party's in Skywalker's, the late night dance venue on Princess ships.

 

Myself and other guests became irate when we were denied access to the venue the entire evening on more than one occasion. Technically they were suppose to be done with their private function by 10 p.m. That didn't happen. We complained to guest services, and they basically said tough luck. If you're familiar with Princess, you'll know there is no where to get a drink or have some nightlife after 11 p.m. other than Skywalker's or the casino.

 

So please don't label folks "wedding crasher's" when all we wanted was to be able to use a venue that we paid for and enjoy patronizing. And before anyone suggests that we should have just joined in- they were having a "tighty-whitey white party"- everyone was in their underwear in the nightclub. Sorry, not my cup of tea. :eek: :D

 

Tony

 

Maybe I've been lucky on X but have had no such problem. I did have a problem on Princess and was basically given the "tough luck" answer (even though what I was complaining about was clearly not allowed per Princess' own rules and never should have been there to complain about in the first place). I've never cruised them since...

 

Yep, We would have been totally out of place in my black compression boxer briefs and DW in her black bra and panties.:)

 

T M I :eek:

Edited December 9, 2014 by RickT

[wallie5446]

I beg to differ. There are certain times that no other venue is available. Case in point- I cruised several years ago on the Emerald Princess, a ten day voyage. Onboard was a 850+ member group of "bears". On several nights they held themed party's in Skywalker's, the late night dance venue on Princess ships.

 

Myself and other guests became irate when we were denied access to the venue the entire evening on more than one occasion. Technically they were suppose to be done with their private function by 10 p.m. That didn't happen. We complained to guest services, and they basically said tough luck. If you're familiar with Princess, you'll know there is no where to get a drink or have some nightlife after 11 p.m. other than Skywalker's or the casino.

 

So please don't label folks "wedding crasher's" when all we wanted was to be able to use a venue that we paid for and enjoy patronizing. And before anyone suggests that we should have just joined in- they were having a "tighty-whitey white party"- everyone was in their underwear in the nightclub. Sorry, not my cup of tea. :eek: :D

 

Tony

 

Tom I am very familiar with Princess, 1st cruise with them in 1992, last was the Ruby in 2012, and we never had a problem finding a bar that had many open chairs after about 10:30:eek:

 

On the Celebrity S-Class ships there are 4-6 watering holes serving drinks into the wee hours.

 

But back to the base comment by the OP, that I find "petty";

 

"since we are paying for the use of all facilities minus crew, employee, etc , has anyone ever tested the issue of gaining access to an area being used by a large group? that could be very humerous...."

 

And I would venture that no one in real life, on ship, would be so brazen to do so. Well at least on a Celebrity ship. Only here on CC. Hence my comment.

Edited December 9, 2014 by wallie5446