What would make you leave Celebrity?

[villauk]

That's one of the best reasons of all.

 

You can't see the world by sticking exclusively to Celebrity cruises and would miss out on so much if you did that because there are too many wonderful places to see in this world where Celebrity cruises don't go.

 

Even when Celebrity cruises do go where you want, they may not go there at the right time for you.

 

Right now we are talking about taking another trip to Hawaii. As much as we love Celebrity cruises, we do not take Celebrity to or from Hawaii because we want to be there at the height of the whale watching season, when Celebrity ships do not go there.

 

 

One place I would return to, especially Maui :). Ka'anapali Beach holds a special place in our memories :).

 

We do take land holidays as well as cruises ;).

[Gordoncruickshank]

Excellent, Exactly..., but it's been over five years that nothing has changed, not just the two years that you've been on Celebrity.

Kevin

What starts as refreshing eventually becomes stale. We noticed when we did fairly quick cruise in the Ruby and Emerald princess that the ships were the same and the entertainment wS as well.

 

It is not limited to Celebrity

 

Gordon

[handyrandi]

I booked the concierge sweet just for OJ!!! I am so sad...guess I'll downgrade to an inside cabin :(.

 

All kidding aside I am excited to be experiencing my first cruise next year. I chose Celebrity because we wanted a large ship experience that didn't appear to focus on families travelling with children. And no I'm not knocking those of you who travel with children, we just wanted a ship that would have less of them :)

 

Call me crazy but I am excited about formal night, I can't wait to get all dressed up just for dinner. There's something very romantic about the whole idea. I don't understand why anyone would want to detract from that. But that's just me!

 

Having never cruised before, I know nothing about how Celebrity used to be or how it is changing whether it be for the worse or better...I guess in this instance ignorance truly is bliss!

[phoenix_dream]

What's wrong with moaning? By definition of critic, as in Cruise Critic, it's a person who forms opinions and gives them. It doesn't say no negatives allowed. I, like almost everybody else paid for their cruise, it wasn't given to us/them. That gives us the right to voice our opinion if the product we paid for doesn't live up to our expectations. If it doesn't agree with yours, who cares?

Maybe they should add a blog called Celebrity Cheerleaders so all the pom pom wavers can live happily ever after. Until then, I will praise them when they exceed my expectations and let people know when they don't. The first 11 cruises was great, the last three were just all right, in our opinion.

 

I agree 100%. I am a loyal Celebrity cruiser (Elite+ level) and I do not hesitate to mention what I love about Celebrity. At the same time, if there is something I do not like I am not going to just back off and suck it up without saying anything because after all it's a business, and they need to make money, and we are so lucky to be able to cruise and on and on. All of these are of course true, but a critic compares both good and bad. In my mind that is being an informed consumer and helpful critic, not a complainer because sometimes you don't like something.

 

So to the original question - what could cause me to move on from Celebrity? I think at this stage of the game, it would be only if comparable mid-level cruise lines provided a better product; or if Celebrity prices continue to rise so much that they come close to what I would spend on a luxury line. Celebrity has cut a lot over the years but overall they still provide the best product for the price based on what I personally enjoy in a cruise line. What I love now remains their service and their overall ambiance of classy relaxation. What I dislike now is their strong emphasis on suite passenger satisfaction only. I do not object to people paying a lot and getting a lot. But hey, Celebrity, remember the rest of us?? I'm starting to feel like the middle child here.

[soxfan2013]

If there was no fresh OJ available.

[TeaBag]

I booked the concierge sweet just for OJ!!! I am so sad...guess I'll downgrade to an inside cabin :(.

 

All kidding aside I am excited to be experiencing my first cruise next year. I chose Celebrity because we wanted a large ship experience that didn't appear to focus on families travelling with children. And no I'm not knocking those of you who travel with children, we just wanted a ship that would have less of them :)

 

Call me crazy but I am excited about formal night, I can't wait to get all dressed up just for dinner. There's something very romantic about the whole idea. I don't understand why anyone would want to detract from that. But that's just me!

 

Having never cruised before, I know nothing about how Celebrity used to be or how it is changing whether it be for the worse or better...I guess in this instance ignorance truly is bliss!

The first cruise is always very special. Sometimes I wish I could see cruising again through the first timer's eyes. You have chosen a great cruise line and may you be happy with it for a long time.

[TeaBag]

I love Celebrity. What would make me leave? I'm not a suite passenger, but I am a concierge class passenger. When the Celebrity experience for non-suite passengers becomes an afterthought to Celebrity, I'll move on. We're not there yet, and I'm hopeful that once the buzz subsides on the flurry of new suite perks they will remember that the other levels produce quite a bit of revenue as well.

 

Well said. I am getting a bit fed up with all the fuss over suite passengers who are a relatively small minority. I find it annoying that they will still have access to Blu even thought they have their own private dining room. I have read where Blu diners have had to wait to dine because of the influx of suite passengers. That should be in the past now that they have their own dining room. It will be interesting to see how it goes. We might not yet be an afterthought to Celebrity but I'm afraid we're getting closer.............

[Leviathan2772]

All in all, X has offered me what I need from a cruise. However, if some things left, I'd be off to another cruise line.

1) Drink packages req'd for both people in the cabin - wife doesn't drink enough.

2) Too many children. No need for screaming kids everywhere.

3) No Mex Riv cruises - off to Princess for that already.

[blindrid]

The BIG things that would definitely make me switch:

 

1. If they allowed Smoking in more places.

2. If they started charging for the MAST GRILL Burgers :D

3. If the prices keep going up the way they are

 

The smaller things which may make me switch:

1. Silly new dining changes like dynamic dining

2. Rude staff that were not corrected (However I must say I've never had a rude person on a cruise except for 1 in the casino)

 

Great place for CC. IMHO, if they make smoking more restrictive, I will not book with them. And yes, I've had rude staff. It's a trade off isn't it?

 

Have a good evening.

[cruiseacecat]

The inability to get around on my own, or death. Otherwise, I am going to be there as often as I can.

[English Tim]

We rarely choose a specific cruise line, just looking at when we can go and what is available. We usually cruise in Europe, so generally pay a bit more, but have enjoyed every cruise we have been lucky enough to go on, be it Carnival, Princess, Regent, Azamara, Celebrity or Seabourn.

 

Each line is different, but the service is always outstanding.

 

The only aspect that would make me think again is price. Azamara are a great line to sail with, but IMHO they are doing more nickel and diming and have increased the basic cost, leading us to try other premium lines.

[Project_gal]

Well said. I am getting a bit fed up with all the fuss over suite passengers who are a relatively small minority. I find it annoying that they will still have access to Blu even thought they have their own private dining room. I have read where Blu diners have had to wait to dine because of the influx of suite passengers. That should be in the past now that they have their own dining room. It will be interesting to see how it goes. We might not yet be an afterthought to Celebrity but I'm afraid we're getting closer.............

 

But are not Aqua Class passengers a "relatively small minority" as well? At least suite passengers pay more. I have read how Aqua Class can be less expensive than Concierge Class or Balcony on some sailings.

Edited February 5, 2015 by Project_gal

[jveevers]

Why would I leave ?

 

1.. If I felt that prices had risen to unacceptable level. (We all have different thoughts on what is acceptable)

2... If the number of kiddie cruisers is above 5% (tried Carnival once, 25% kids.

3..... Stop having Pecan Ice Cream

4......When my funds dry up or I have been everywhere (but then I would stop cruising altogether)

5......If my wife cannot come with me (no fun on your own)

6... If they stop serving alcohol (been to Dubai, many hotels are dry).

 

Re. Number 5.. ummm brb

[DYKWIA]

We really enjoyed our first cruise last year on Celebrity but we are seeing some massive price rises on similar cruises in the Med this year and not many longer itineries. £5000 - £6000 for a Cat D balcony (not including airfare) just seems a crazy price to us and not good value. We can afford it but - c.w. what that money can buy in terms of a two week holiday and new experiences it doesn't make sense doing a repeat or similar holiday at that price. We've spotted 30-40% price increases in a year on certain Med Cruises!

 

Offers of "Free" drinks packages are of little interest to us as I'm a very light drinker and my wife is teetotal. Reduced deposits, again not really a major incentive to book. We are holding off booking and hoping to see some of those prices come down when the offers finish. More short itineries (and less 14 day itineries) and less time in ports are also things that wouldn't appeal. We didn't understand why they were leaving at 1800hrs when sometimes they only needed to cover 50 miles or so that night. The risk of doing two shorter b2bs and getting the same menu and shows one week after the next doesn't appeal to us.

 

My wife is much more brand loyal than I am. I had hapilly consider other cruise lines if I felt they met our needs, my wife would definitely prefer to stick with Celebrity.... so I guess Celebrity it is!

[jveevers]

We really enjoyed our first cruise last year on Celebrity but we are seeing some massive price rises on similar cruises in the Med this year and not many longer itineries. £5000 - £6000 for a Cat D balcony (not including airfare) just seems a crazy price to us and not good value. We can afford it but - c.w. what that money can buy in terms of a two week holiday and new experiences it doesn't make sense doing a repeat or similar holiday at that price. We've spotted 30-40% price increases in a year on certain Med Cruises!

 

Offers of "Free" drinks packages are of little interest to us as I'm a very light drinker and my wife is teetotal. Reduced deposits, again not really a major incentive to book. We are holding off booking and hoping to see some of those prices come down when the offers finish. More short itineries (and less 14 day itineries) and less time in ports are also things that wouldn't appeal. We didn't understand why they were leaving at 1800hrs when sometimes they only needed to cover 50 miles or so that night. The risk of doing two shorter b2bs and getting the same menu and shows one week after the next doesn't appeal to us.

 

My wife is much more brand loyal than I am. I had hapilly consider other cruise lines if I felt they met our needs, my wife would definitely prefer to stick with Celebrity.... so I guess Celebrity it is!

How many days, 14? That must be some cruise at £5000 + for a Balcony

We have a 14 day booked , Med, August, Equinox. Now it cost AUD $7000 which is about GBP3500. That is a C2 Concierge. It included all 3 perks, so I think it is a good price. Does yours include land content or something?

[DYKWIA]

All based on 2 pax, no flights, possibly includes 123 but it isn't clear on website - last checked about 48 hours ago.

 

The end of August 2 week sailing from Southampton (Eclipse) to the Med has been hovering between £4300 and £5000 (GBP!!) for a few months - this is outside school holiday times. We paid about £2900 for a guaranteed balcony on this cruise last year (got a 1C). I think it's the only Med cruise the Eclipse is doing this year (It's mainly doing Northern Europe and Canaries)

 

There is a 14 day Constellation cruise (mid August, so more likley school holiday time) that has been just over £6000 for a while.

 

There is a much cheaper one on the Equinox from Istanbul to Barcelona for about £3000 that looks like a good itinery and much better value.

Edited February 5, 2015 by DYKWIA

[Gordoncruickshank]

Some of the mid summer prices are astonishing in the Med which is why we don't go there then. When we go it is around £3700 for AQ including all the extras Luke beverage package etc

[DYKWIA]

Yup, just rchecked the prices now £6300 (about USD10,000?) for an entry level balcony room on the July 14 night Med cruise on the Constellation, £4900 on the Eclipse sailing AND no mention of any promotions.

 

And at this price you don't even get freshly squeezed Orange Juice!:D

 

Orange Juice won't make me leave but these prices will!

Edited February 5, 2015 by DYKWIA

[laslomas]

Things that would make me leave Celebrity?

 

I enjoy the dressing up for formal nights, so would hate them to disappear or become less frequent.

 

I love a decent pot of tea in Café Al Bacio, so if that changed I would really struggle without my cuppa.

 

MDR food is still good, but now that they are producing more and more so called exceptional food for other locations, no effort seems to go into MDR any more and it is heading towards mediocre in my opinion. After all if the MDR produced amazing food all the time the other locations would suffer, especially the ones with a cover charge.

 

I worry that Celebrity is heading towards a two class cruising environment. 'Suite' and 'Others'. Even though 'others' are the majority I have not noticed any thought being put into any improvements or new ideas for the majority of cruisers.

 

I love the ships, they are wonderful, its the other niggly bits that would make me leave.

[HeatherC430]

The only thing that would make me leave Celebrity is if there was an increased presence of children onboard. We like that it has a more "adult" feeling, and that you rarely see children onboard.

 

If they did away with the freshly squeezed oj onboard, I'd be disappointed though! Real disappointed...:)

[Iamcruzin]

We have commitment issues and are not ready to be married to one cruise line. Since we don't have the time or unlimited funds we don't get to cruise that often, so we are still playing the field. Personally I feel that we are in a better position than those who have settled down because we are never disappointed. We haven't found one line that offers it all. Since the top tier of any of the loyalty programs are so out of reach for us we can't be seduced and hooked. It seems like Celebrity is changing but since we don't have a long term relationship nothing bothers us because we don't have a clue about the good old days.

 

At this time in our lives Celebrity seems to offer the best value for our dollar. We usually sail in an ocean view but the all inclusive package has made it affordable for us to book CC class. The one thing that I noticed on this board is that there are a lot more negative threads started by long time Celebrity passengers about the slightest cut back than on the Princess board. When the ship stops sailing to the places that we want to go, at a price that we can afford, that's when we move on. I don't book a cruise for fresh orange juice. I can get that at home for far less money. I'm not going to stay married to one line just for the sake of the kids. In this case kids being free internet or laundry.

 

While it's nice to be informed about changes, which is why I follow Cruise Critic, I just don't appreciate all of the final straw threads filled with empty threats of departure.

Edited February 5, 2015 by Iamcruzin

[richsea]

The reason for our staying with he EC is the fact that it is one of the few ships gust do 14 night cruises. If you are doing anything in the Caribbean it is 2 days to get anywhere u less you do Western. If you b2b you end up with too many sea days.

 

OT, but you may want to try sailing a b2b out of San Juan,only 2 sea days out of 14.

[melsuli]

Not sure 'leave' is the correct verb since I'm not related or employed by Celebrity.

 

As a consumer of anything I'll continue to use a product for as long as it comes up to my standards.

[blueboro]

I love Celebrity. What would make me leave? I'm not a suite passenger, but I am a concierge class passenger. When the Celebrity experience for non-suite passengers becomes an afterthought to Celebrity, I'll move on. We're not there yet, and I'm hopeful that once the buzz subsides on the flurry of new suite perks they will remember that the other levels produce quite a bit of revenue as well.

 

Given that hope, I expect to be a Celebrity cruiser for many years to come.

 

Amen to that! Seems to be happening right now while they are constructing the new suite dining room. Most all available space in specialty restaurants on our 2/13 Equinox cruise has been reserved for suite guests who can dine there all 10 nights at no cost. This is not the way to treat the other 95% of passengers who are made to feel they are not worthy. I have been on 8 X cruises, I know less than most of you, but if this is the way they begin treating non-suite guests I am gone.

[BosoxI]

Yup, just rchecked the prices now £6300 (about USD10,000?) for an entry level balcony room on the July 14 night Med cruise on the Constellation, £4900 on the Eclipse sailing AND no mention of any promotions.

 

And at this price you don't even get freshly squeezed Orange Juice!:D

 

Orange Juice won't make me leave but these prices will!

 

 

I'm with you. I wanted to take the Dalmatian Coast cruise out of Venice in August. Fat chance, the prices are ridiculous. I'll probably rent a car and do it the right way in a cooler season, but I am amazed at what people will pay. We like X, but it's not worth the cost on some cruises.