Rare shipshape sam Posted February 3, 2015 #1 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another current thread states they are leaving Celebrity over the discontinuance of fresh squeezed OJ. It made me wonder what would be the 'straw or straws' that would make me leave or at least try another cruise line. (We have tried other lines and like to sail Celebrity and Royal when price and itinerary are within a range that we can justify paying more based on our value proposition for Celebrity and Royal quality of products/services.) With all the changes of late, my sense is that Celebrity and Royal would lose their value add with us when: 1) I feel there is a class system onboard. Have no problem of private facilities, etc. Just keep them out of 'in your face' locations. So for example, reserved seating in various public venues. So far this has NOT been a problem, but if a show creates overflow of attendees and there are vacant seats being held, that might help sway me. On last cruise, they released reserved seating about 10-15 minutes ahead of show time as I recall. 2) continued cutbacks in food quality/selection unless you pay more. In past have not had a problem with free/included coffee and charging for speciality coffees as an example. On last cruise, one table mate ordered upgraded steak in MDR and we compared steaks and was not too happy with my "free/included" steak with a side by side comparison. 3) raising prices to then include items I don't want. Many of the recent free perks were covered by price increases. Then, having tiers of packages and including only the base/basic in the 'free' perks and at least for me having to then pay more to get the upgraded package that had the drinks I wanted. Above are my quick thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flifish64 Posted February 3, 2015 #2 Share Posted February 3, 2015 If Celebrity started to allow smoking on the balconies and/or in the casino. I really enjoy these two locations when on a cruise and my sinuses clog up when near smoke. I am going to miss the fresh OJ but that just makes me sad. Smoke makes me sick. carol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevnzworld Posted February 3, 2015 #3 Share Posted February 3, 2015 It's the price/ value proposition as Celebrity continues to increase fares and not improve it's product. The menus haven't changed in five years, and are stale. The Oceanview Cafe is an uncivilized madhouse. Prices have increased appreciably. I now sail in suites for the most part, and having just exited a cruise on Oceania today, it's difficult for me to sail in a Sky suite for approximately the same price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PORT ROYAL Posted February 3, 2015 #4 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another current thread states they are leaving Celebrity over the discontinuance of fresh squeezed OJ. It made me wonder what would be the 'straw or straws' that would make me leave or at least try another cruise line. (We have tried other lines and like to sail Celebrity and Royal when price and itinerary are within a range that we can justify paying more based on our value proposition for Celebrity and Royal quality of products/services.) With all the changes of late, my sense is that Celebrity and Royal would lose their value add with us when: 1) I feel there is a class system onboard. Have no problem of private facilities, etc. Just keep them out of 'in your face' locations. So for example, reserved seating in various public venues. So far this has NOT been a problem, but if a show creates overflow of attendees and there are vacant seats being held, that might help sway me. On last cruise, they released reserved seating about 10-15 minutes ahead of show time as I recall. 2) continued cutbacks in food quality/selection unless you pay more. In past have not had a problem with free/included coffee and charging for speciality coffees as an example. On last cruise, one table mate ordered upgraded steak in MDR and we compared steaks and was not too happy with my "free/included" steak with a side by side comparison. 3) raising prices to then include items I don't want. Many of the recent free perks were covered by price increases. Then, having tiers of packages and including only the base/basic in the 'free' perks and at least for me having to then pay more to get the upgraded package that had the drinks I wanted. Above are my quick thoughts. Already moved to Cunard. Reasons: Pretentiousness People swanning about as if they are Celebrity Royality Spa Cafe food downgraded MDR food downgraded Hit/miss service in MDR Dumming down of dress codes The list can go on. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwcruisers Posted February 3, 2015 #5 Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) Am I missing something here: re "upgraded" (for fee) steak in the MDR? :confused: I don't recall ever seeing that on X -- although it's been a feature on RC, for several years now. Is this something new, or just being offered on some ships? from the OP: 2) continued cutbacks in food quality/selection unless you pay more. In past have not had a problem with free/included coffee and charging for speciality coffees as an example. On last cruise, one table mate ordered upgraded steak in MDR and we compared steaks and was not too happy with my "free/included" steak with a side by side comparison. Edited February 3, 2015 by wwcruisers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orator Posted February 3, 2015 #6 Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) Another thread that invites the negative. Ok.my answer: My death would end my Celebrity cruising. I have been treated really well and have met some fine crew along the way. I find that the passenger mix, especially on longer cruises,matches my interests. I recognize that each cruise is a unique experience and there may be some hits and misses along the way. I understand that Celebrity is a for profit business and will adjust according to market trens and conditions. I've tried most of the mass market lines and have found nothing thats a better fit for me. Edited February 3, 2015 by Orator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CallyCruzer Posted February 3, 2015 #7 Share Posted February 3, 2015 1. Smoking on balconies and in casino 2. Getting rid of Aqua/Blu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maggie.1008 Posted February 3, 2015 #8 Share Posted February 3, 2015 When we first cruised with X it was almost all adults. This is what made us stay with X. If it becomes more kid friendly and more like RCL we would go back to the luxury lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare shipshape sam Posted February 3, 2015 Author #9 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another thread that invites the negative.Ok.my answer: My death would end my Celebrity cruising. I have been treated really well and have met some fine crew along the way. I find that the passenger mix, especially on longer cruises,matches my interests. I recognize that each cruise is a unique experience and there may be some hits and misses along the way. I understand that Celebrity is a for profit business and will adjust according to market trens and conditions. I've tried most of the mass amrket lines and have found nothing thats a better fit for me. Hope you live a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallie5446 Posted February 3, 2015 #10 Share Posted February 3, 2015 When our precived value, for the dollar spent, does not match up, to what we expect we should recieve for that $$. We were 'away' and dating around ;) with other lines for 12 years, 2001-2012, mainly RCCL. Then went back and sailed Princess in 2012 before the Reflection in '13, and the Equinox in '14. Bottom line, it would have to be a very drastic change to get us to look elsewhere. We wont and have no need to spend $$ on the uppity lines like Cunard, and Princess ( IOHO) has fallen below this threshold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
20pluscruises Posted February 3, 2015 #11 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another current thread states they are leaving Celebrity over the discontinuance of fresh squeezed OJ. It made me wonder what would be the 'straw or straws' that would make me leave or at least try another cruise line. (We have tried other lines and like to sail Celebrity and Royal when price and itinerary are within a range that we can justify paying more based on our value proposition for Celebrity and Royal quality of products/services.) With all the changes of late, my sense is that Celebrity and Royal would lose their value add with us when: 1) I feel there is a class system onboard. Have no problem of private facilities, etc. Just keep them out of 'in your face' locations. So for example, reserved seating in various public venues. So far this has NOT been a problem, but if a show creates overflow of attendees and there are vacant seats being held, that might help sway me. On last cruise, they released reserved seating about 10-15 minutes ahead of show time as I recall. 2) continued cutbacks in food quality/selection unless you pay more. In past have not had a problem with free/included coffee and charging for speciality coffees as an example. On last cruise, one table mate ordered upgraded steak in MDR and we compared steaks and was not too happy with my "free/included" steak with a side by side comparison. 3) raising prices to then include items I don't want. Many of the recent free perks were covered by price increases. Then, having tiers of packages and including only the base/basic in the 'free' perks and at least for me having to then pay more to get the upgraded package that had the drinks I wanted. Above are my quick thoughts. Wait. What? You can upgrade the steak? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C 2 C Posted February 3, 2015 #12 Share Posted February 3, 2015 What would make you leave Celebrity? That sinking feeling I get every time I see the value of our Canadian dollar heading south. But then again that issue would prevent us from cruising on just about every line. Seems like I'll be researching snow blower prices for next year. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOLDENBONNY Posted February 3, 2015 #13 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another current thread states they are leaving Celebrity over the discontinuance of fresh squeezed OJ. It made me wonder what would be the 'straw or straws' that would make me leave or at least try another cruise line. (We have tried other lines and like to sail Celebrity and Royal when price and itinerary are within a range that we can justify paying more based on our value proposition for Celebrity and Royal quality of products/services.) With all the changes of late, my sense is that Celebrity and Royal would lose their value add with us when: 1) I feel there is a class system onboard. Have no problem of private facilities, etc. Just keep them out of 'in your face' locations. So for example, reserved seating in various public venues. So far this has NOT been a problem, but if a show creates overflow of attendees and there are vacant seats being held, that might help sway me. On last cruise, they released reserved seating about 10-15 minutes ahead of show time as I recall. 2) continued cutbacks in food quality/selection unless you pay more. In past have not had a problem with free/included coffee and charging for speciality coffees as an example. On last cruise, one table mate ordered upgraded steak in MDR and we compared steaks and was not too happy with my "free/included" steak with a side by side comparison. 3) raising prices to then include items I don't want. Many of the recent free perks were covered by price increases. Then, having tiers of packages and including only the base/basic in the 'free' perks and at least for me having to then pay more to get the upgraded package that had the drinks I wanted. Above are my quick thoughts. No Oj or any other food item would make me to change line. Luck of entertainment and luck of service did not make X our favorite line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare shipshape sam Posted February 3, 2015 Author #14 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Wait. What? You can upgrade the steak? That particular comparison was actually on our January Royal Caribbean cruise. Sorry for that confusion. Right now we try to sail Royal and Celebrity only as we are working our way to Elite Plus and Diamond Plus respectfully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orator Posted February 3, 2015 #15 Share Posted February 3, 2015 That sinking feeling I get every time I see the value of our Canadian dollar heading south. But then again that issue would prevent us from cruising on just about every line. Seems like I'll be researching snow blower prices for next year. :( Hi Arno: You actually might need to cut back and only cruise 200 days a year :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenevenpar Posted February 3, 2015 #16 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Already moved to Cunard.:eek: If you already left, why follow Celebrity forum?:confused: That sinking feeling I get every time I see the value of our Canadian dollar heading south. But then again that issue would prevent us from cruising on just about every line. Seems like I'll be researching snow blower prices for next year. :( Because of all your great help, you can borrow mine. :D Here's hoping it does not come to that! Ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drinkspackageexpert Posted February 3, 2015 #17 Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) I will not be swayed from Celebrity. Once my children are a bit older and NEED more to occupy them, I will cruise with Royal alongside Celebrity. I will continue to sail with my Children no matter how negative some people are towards having children on a Celebrity Ship because we love it. Happy Cruising. :D:D Edited February 3, 2015 by drinkspackageexpert spelling correction Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Presto2 Posted February 3, 2015 #18 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I'm just watching the T.V. and an advert has just come on. My answer for the question now must be: If a Celebrity cruise / cruise ship ever resembles what is offered on the Anthem of the Seas. :eek::eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ladylemondrop Posted February 3, 2015 #19 Share Posted February 3, 2015 Another thread that invites the negative.Ok.my answer: My death would end my Celebrity cruising. LOL!!! I love this answer. Me too!! And when I die, I would like my ashes to carry on sailing in an urn (in a suite please with a nice aft view) :D:D:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare shipshape sam Posted February 3, 2015 Author #20 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I will not be swayed from Celebrity. Once my children are a bit older and NEED more to occupy them, I will cruise with Royal alongside Celebrity. I will continue to sail with my Children no matter how negative some people are towards having children on a Celebrity Ship because we love it. Happy Cruising. :D:D We love Celebrity for the more adult/mature relaxation. We also like more lively crowds too, so sail Royal Caribbean. Also sail Royal for the ship experience, depending on the ship. We are looking forward to sailing Royal with our grandkids! I do not see them enjoying Celebrity, but do like in our case, the potential of everyone having a great time and a cruise they want sailing on Royal Caribbean. Also, I think, that many of Celebrity's longer cruise itineraries are a negative to families with kids in school. We took our kids out of school when they were younger, but never for longer than one week.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cle-guy Posted February 3, 2015 #21 Share Posted February 3, 2015 A cozy satin-lined coffin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NLH Arizona Posted February 3, 2015 #22 Share Posted February 3, 2015 (edited) What would make me leave: If I had to prepare and serve my own meals If I had to make up my cabin daily If I always ended up sitting next to a cranky complainer (hasn't happened yet) and hopefully it never will, because listening to someone complain about little things while on a wonderful cruise would drive me crazy My January cruise was jammed packed to the gills, so selfishly I wish some would go to another line. Edited February 3, 2015 by NLH Arizona Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travellerin1984 Posted February 3, 2015 #23 Share Posted February 3, 2015 We like Celebrity but don't have any cruises booked right now. We are trying Oceania because we want to experience a small ship and especially the food. We have liked Blu but the menus are boring after couple of longer cruises. They need to change the menus and the entertainment too. It seems like the staff are working (too?) long hours and are more tired than before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyFire Posted February 3, 2015 #24 Share Posted February 3, 2015 It's the price/ value proposition as Celebrity continues to increase fares and not improve it's product. The menus haven't changed in five years, and are stale. The Oceanview Cafe is an uncivilized madhouse. Prices have increased appreciably. I now sail in suites for the most part, and having just exited a cruise on Oceania today, it's difficult for me to sail in a Sky suite for approximately the same price. Interesting perspective - and perhaps what all the suite-level changes are all about. My pocketbook can't typically afford suite level accommodations on Celebrity and if I look at Oceana prices I would typically end up paying more for in inside or OV stateroom than for my Veranda, Concierge, or even Aqua cabin on X - so I am not likely to make the switch. However, for those who are paying suite-level pricing on X, there is a very real possibility that they would see the options available to them and would switch - or 'jump ship' so to speak. And so perhaps Celebrity's new focus on the 'suite' experience is to try to keep this particular group of customers loyal to X. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chitown12562 Posted February 3, 2015 #25 Share Posted February 3, 2015 1. Smoking on balconies and in casino2. Getting rid of Aqua/Blu. This. Though it makes me shake my head when I think of the phase "Modern Luxury" and think that some of the luxury items are reduced or gone. Do they still use that marketing phase? And yeah I get it. Save money, reduce waste, yeah, yeah. But maybe I'm on vacation and if the cost was higher for my cabin because of flowers, chocolates, and ice in my room and fresh OJ I really wouldn't notice the increase or even care. I pay for AQ and that should show I'm willing to pay a little more for perceived luxuries. Maybe it's a case of the bean counters looking at the Bottomline and not the cruise experience. Maybe they don't know that the flowers are not for me, but my SO and that I always gave her the chocolates. But I guess I can have the ship deliver flowers and bring a box of Godiva's for her pillow.:D To end on a happy note I look forward to my next cruise. The 14 day cruise we've always wanted to take since going on a Celebrity ship. Happy sailing every one. May your days be warm, sunny, and shared with good company. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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