Open class experience

[Merriem]

So the next time you are flying coach - take a peak up in Business or First Class. Those people will be lounging in their humungous seats while sipping a free cocktail. They'll be offered a full meal while you get a coke and peanuts. The bathroom upfront is restricted to First Class or Business. Did they only pay for a larger seat? Of course not - they paid for priority boarding, space, better food and a higher class of service - how is that any different than cruising in a suite or in an inside? Right - no difference. You get what you play for. If you want the cheap seats - you don't get the same level of service, you do however all arrive at the same destination. ;)

 

Totally agree! I get so tired of these complainers. They just won't drop it!!!

[msweebee]

I think this will cause a degrade of service for people who eat in the MDR. These ships can only carry so many crew members due to space. Part of the higher end dinning experience is better, more personal service. To get this waite staff has to come from someplace and that place is what's left of the MDR.

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

 

Are you indicating that you think that passengers traveling in suites have not been eating meals in MDR or specialty venues and being served by wait staff in those dining rooms. Or perhaps you believe that they have all meals served in their suites by butler? No matter whether one eats in MDR, Blu, new suite DR or any of the specialty restaurants all passengers are served by wait staff. I don't recall that X is increasing the number of suites and thus needing to accommodate more suite passengers newly created dining room.

 

The only way I can rationalize that your statement has any credibility is that an abundant number of wait staff is standing around waiting for suite occupants to arrive for a meal and in the meantime many or most of the suite passengers have chosen to eat in MDR...... Perhaps I missed something in your post but the same number of passengers still will be served 3 or more meals per day and most likely the crew will remain the same and complaints will continue on lack of service. Personally the only place we have noticed a decline in service is in the MDR (both fixed and select) over the several years for wine service. We attribute that to the increasing number of wine packages sold or "free" and passengers ordering wine by the glass vs bottle.

 

We have almost always upgraded to premium bev package and very frequently select wines that fall above the limit of that package so you are presented a bill for the difference. Like it or not, once an additional tip is added to the check the sommelier(s) are quick to locate you the next evening regardless of ordering by glass or bottle.. Many may find this unfair by their standards but again a case of "you get what you pay for" and that sometimes not being demanding (because you paid good money for your vacation), smiling and being cordial to your servers and an additional gratuity paves the way for exceptional service. All will be served, just some may get better service than others.

 

We found many years ago that a table for 2 gets much quicker and more personalized service than the larger tables (unless you are seated with the Captain of course) from what we have seen when overlooking fixed seating. We do not feel service is any better in any current specialty restaurants (especially Tuscan fleet wide) but frequently there is more hovering. With a large table you better allow 2 hours where a small table can partake in many courses very leisurely in less than 1.5 hour. IMHO, and I apologize if I took your opinion out of context, that "wolf" if being cried in advance of any first hand reports and creates any opportunity for perceived problems much like the "problems" that were going to be created by building a new dining room while ship was in cruise mode rather than dry dock.

[hypercafe]

My point is in a fine dinning restaurant the service is better than a regular restaurant, waiters have fewer tables and take their time talking with you ect. I am guessing the new dinning room will be fine dinning, if so it will require more waite staff per table than the ratio in the MDR. If is the same food, same service what's the point?

 

Sent from my SM-T320 using Forums mobile app

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

 

...People spend their money in which ever way they choose... :p.

 

This is the point which many seem to overlook.

[cruisead]

Non-suite guests can only dine in the suite-only restaurant on a one off basis. They won't be allowed to dine there every evening, even on a pay basis. This was told to us by the Michael's Concierge, and confirmed by the Captain when we dined with him the other evening.

[true45]

Totally agree! I get so tired of these complainers. They just won't drop it!!!

 

 

I think the whole point was that there are huge differences from the cruises where there was a class system, then the days when things became more egalitarian, and now this new system sort of a mix

 

I wouldn't call it complaining at all

I am rolling with the changes and trying to figure out if I want to stay in Cc where I am comfortable or save up for a suite or try another cruiseline. I've done all in the past few years.

 

I do miss the cuisine of Michel Roux which was available to all in the Main Dining Room

I didn't enjoy being relegated in RCCL to a small section we previously enjoyed in the top lounge because although we are frequent cruisers not frequent enough looking up at the derrières climb the wall.

Didn't enjoy being unceremoniously removed from Sky lounge by captains club hostess when our relaxing got in the way of the elites. And when our favorite seats in the loge area of the theater are now reserved.

 

When things change on a cruiseline and things you previously enjoyed are not available to you any longer it is cruise critic forums giving us opportunity to express our feelings and find out what everyone else thinks. I enjoy the discussion and there is always a decision whether to go with the flow of celebrity or not. After a great cruise on silhouette I will stick with celebrity but not redo Aqua.

 

Interesting discussion started by OP and I enjoy hearing about lines I haven't tried yet

[Kevnzworld]

Celebrity is faced with a choice...Sail smaller ships with different levels of service or differentiate the service on large ships. They've chosen the latter.

The smaller higher end cruise lines are all expanding and building new ships...they are attracting customers that might otherwise book Aqua class or suites on Celebrity ships.

Viking will begin sailing it's new ships soon. Seabourn and Oceania each have two new ships under construction to add to their current three new ships...

Regent is building the new Voyager.

Clearly, the higher end customer is where the future revenue growth and profitability lives....so that's where Celebrity is sailing.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

DH and I met quite a few suite passengers on a recent cruise, and were able to spend a little time in Michael's Club as guests. While it was seldom crowded in there that we could see, the people who used it became quite friendly as a group and looked forward to socialising with each other there in the afternoons and evenings. Many of this core group were very rarely seen in any other bar. At ports they were allowed off the ship earlier than other guests and offered the first tenders in the tender ports. If they'd had a separate dining room at that point, they would have rarely been seen in any public venue at all except the show lounge and the queue to re-board the ship at the end of the port calls. They would essentially have been on a separate cruise from the non-suite guests.

 

I'm not completely sure why this bothers me, but it does. Yes, I or anyone else can book a suite if we want to and can afford it. But if I were a suite passenger, I wouldn't want to be so separate from everyone else. For a very similar amount of money, I could have the small-group experience on a small ship. I'd rather do that than be made (or encouraged) to feel that it's "us" and "them", no matter which side of the divide I was on.

 

It is this very ability to enjoy this type of quiet holiday you describe but with access to all the facilities of a large ship that makes Suite Class so attractive. Not every cruiser wants to socialise beyond the pleasantries of a general hello. For my family (and extended family if present), a holiday is to regroup and spend time together, catch up on what each has been doing which we do not normally do on a daily or weekly basis. We go on small group or fully private tours, avoid the big coach tours unless unavoidable. Getting off and on a ship without long waits is an absolute bonus.

 

Some commentators suggest that Suite people want to feel special. This could not be further from the truth. We do not want people to notice us and if we remain unseen, all the better. It is that anonymity whilst still being a large crowd that so appeals. Sounds odd, but that is how we like it. Not everyone wants this and you will always get those who want you to know that they are travelling in a suite. Look at me, aren't I successful. However it is not true of everyone.

 

If Celebrity can pull off Suite Class in the way that they suggest and what your comments allude to, I would be happy to give them repeat business. If not, will just go elsewhere. We sailed NCL Epic in the Haven and this was the experience we had and loved it, but we just did not like the rest of the NCL experience.

Edited February 23, 2015 by Yorkshire-Pudding

[Project_gal]

It is this very ability to enjoy this type of quiet holiday you describe but with access to all the facilities of a large ship that makes Suite Class so attractive. Not every cruiser wants to socialise beyond the pleasantries of a general hello. For my family (and extended family if present), a holiday is to regroup and spend time together, catch up on what each has been doing which we do not normally do on a daily or weekly basis. We go on small group or fully private tours, avoid the big coach tours unless unavoidable. Getting off and on a ship without long waits is an absolute bonus.

 

Some commentators suggest that Suite people want to feel special. This could not be further from the truth. We do not want people to notice us and if we remain unseen, all the better. It is that anonymity whilst still being a large crowd that so appeals. Sounds odd, but that is how we like it. Not everyone wants this and you will always get those who want you to know that they are travelling in a suite. Look at me, aren't I successful. However it is not true of everyone.

 

If Celebrity can pull off Suite Class in the way that they suggest and what your comments allude to, I would be happy to give them repeat business. If not, will just go elsewhere. We sailed NCL Epic in the Haven and this was the experience we had and loved it, but we just did not like the rest of the NCL experience.

 

We do not cruise with family and enjoyed the closer-knit social aspect of Michael's Club on our latest cruise but, otherwise, feel very much the same as you describe. Perhaps it is a more British thing and that is why so many on Cruise Critic do not get it?

Edited February 23, 2015 by Project_gal

[fleckle]

It's probably just my issue.:)

Really not just yours. A lot of people will have the same issue when they travel with friends and/or other family members where some of them want to book suites and others don't.

 

The people who book suites will need to pay the higher suite price that includes the new suite dining room regardless of whether or not they eat there.

 

It will be much the same way that some people who prefer aqua class do not book aqua class when they travel with friends and family members who are not eligible to eat in Blu.

 

It comes down to personal choice, of course, how important dining together is to the parties involved.

 

[uktog]

We do not cruise with family and enjoyed the closer-knit social aspect of Michael's Club on our latest cruise but, otherwise, feel very much the same as you describe. Perhaps it is a more British thing and that is why so many on Cruise Critic do not get it?

 

Indeed, we were brought up in the "if you want it you have to pay for it" mentality where I came from.

 

I don't want to feel special, I just want some peace and quiet and that is what I am paying for, I want a quiet drink not a techno boomed experience, I work a lot of the time surrounded by so many people I just want to have "Marilyn moments" and be alone with my DH for a lot of my vacations.

 

Now times might change, I do like the lively more interactive experience of the non suite environment and I am likely to go down that route if ever I was travelling like friends but for now, just as I tend to fly up front and stay in hotel club rooms, please let me have my suite experience that I have paid for.

 

And please can we stop all those threads, every time we see updates on construction, folks are moaning, we get threads like this started etc etc. Bottom line, its not going to change in the short term, so lets admit it, its a first world problem............and lets all move on

[lisiamc]

It is this very ability to enjoy this type of quiet holiday you describe but with access to all the facilities of a large ship that makes Suite Class so attractive. Not every cruiser wants to socialise beyond the pleasantries of a general hello. For my family (and extended family if present), a holiday is to regroup and spend time together, catch up on what each has been doing which we do not normally do on a daily or weekly basis. We go on small group or fully private tours, avoid the big coach tours unless unavoidable. Getting off and on a ship without long waits is an absolute bonus.

 

Some commentators suggest that Suite people want to feel special. This could not be further from the truth. We do not want people to notice us and if we remain unseen, all the better. It is that anonymity whilst still being a large crowd that so appeals. Sounds odd, but that is how we like it. Not everyone wants this and you will always get those who want you to know that they are travelling in a suite. Look at me, aren't I successful. However it is not true of everyone.

 

If Celebrity can pull off Suite Class in the way that they suggest and what your comments allude to, I would be happy to give them repeat business. If not, will just go elsewhere. We sailed NCL Epic in the Haven and this was the experience we had and loved it, but we just did not like the rest of the NCL experience.

 

Thank you. That is a very logical explanation of why this will appeal to many suite passengers. It's not for me, but now I can see why others will enjoy it.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

We do not cruise with family and enjoyed the closer-knit social aspect of Michael's Club on our latest cruise but, otherwise, feel very much the same as you describe. Perhaps it is a more British thing and that is why so many on Cruise Critic do not get it?

 

I think you are right about the cultural differences and Celebrity strikes as being very international in their clientele. We Brits are more reserved and sometimes take longer to warm to new people. Husband has a global team and says the differences between countries and cultures can be very marked. He spends most of his professional life meeting new people and a holiday is an opportunity to switch off and ignore everyone. As our DS is away at boarding school which is also very busy (there is always something going on), going on holiday is a time to chill out and do nothing. I appreciate that some none-Brits may interpret our behaviour as stand offish but it is not intended to offend.

[Redtravel]

Usually service in most venues is good. Unfortunately, sometimes the service is poor. A few years ago, on the Millenium, we had a bad server. We were in the traditional area. Service was extremely slow,food was cold, and often we were missing ordered items. IT got worse as the cruise went along. One night, it was so slow that we got up and went to the buffet. We ordered and then waited more than an hour for any food. We were hungry. The next time it happened, we asked to switch to Select Dining. Service was excellent, food was hot, and our food came as ordered. It was like I was on a different ship. Now I opt for select dining. Even if I get a bad waiter ( that is rare), I can ask for a different waiter the next evening.

I have had the opportunity to dine with the captain and hotel director on some ships. It is a wonderful experience. Service and food are outstanding. If you are lucky enough to be invited to the captain's table, enjoy it.

[Iamcruzin]

Here is my take on the suite situation.

I have only been on one Celebrity cruise and am currently booked for May 2016. Michael's club was great for taking a picture outside next to the sign with my friend as we are both named Michael. Inside was dark and gloomy and one night as we were about to leave the A Capella group just walked in to sing. We felt bad leaving as we were the only two couples in the bar and we didn't want to be rude so we suffered through the performance. I think that the suite occupants are at a disadvantage. They are entitled to this private venue and they are almost compelled to use it because they paid for it. Yes they are free use the other venues but then what's the point of booking the suite. They are stuck socializing with a limited few and if they are traveling with family and friends who are sailing in other accommodations they will be split up for dinner and drinks. I realize that they can all either dine in the MDR or specialty restaurants but again that defeats the purpose of booking a suite. I don't see any benefit to booking a suite unless you just want the room location and or a larger room or you just want a limited social group setting. I am looking forward to the reviews of the new restaurant. I hope that it's all that they claim it will be.

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

Here is my take on the suite situation.

I have only been on one Celebrity cruise and am currently booked for May 2016. Michael's club was great for taking a picture outside next to the sign with my friend as we are both named Michael. Inside was dark and gloomy and one night as we were about to leave the A Capella group just walked in to sing. We felt bad leaving as we were the only two couples in the bar and we didn't want to be rude so we suffered through the performance. I think that the suite occupants are at a disadvantage. They are entitled to this private venue and they are almost compelled to use it because they paid for it. Yes they are free use the other venues but then what's the point of booking the suite. They are stuck socializing with a limited few and if they are traveling with family and friends who are sailing in other accommodations they will be split up for dinner and drinks. I realize that they can all either dine in the MDR or specialty restaurants but again that defeats the purpose of booking a suite. I don't see any benefit to booking a suite unless you just want the room location and or a larger room or you just want a limited social group setting. I am looking forward to the reviews of the new restaurant. I hope that it's all that they claim it will be.

 

Perhaps this is the cultural differences coming into play. I would not consider it necessary to stay in a room because it is otherwise empty. I do not feel compelled to use a room because it is there either. We book a suite because it is what we want and do not feel the need to justify it. If family is with us, we just book an adjoining one for them as well then there is no issue about who has entry to which ever part of the ship. That is our approach for dealing with extended family. It may not work for others but seems to work for us.

 

I am of the view that some commentators misunderstand that the reasons why people do things may not coincide with theirs and that is ok. This is not intended to be rude but I certainly don't feel the need for validation from others on decisions I choose to make. I can accept that everyone has their own reasons for why they do certain things such as book a suite and that is ok, but equally please accept that my reason may be different. That is one of life's rich tapestry. We are all different and we may need to agree to disagree.

[Iamcruzin]

Perhaps this is the cultural differences coming into play. I would not consider it necessary to stay in a room because it is otherwise empty. I do not feel compelled to use a room because it is there either. We book a suite because it is what we want and do not feel the need to justify it. If family is with us, we just book an adjoining one for them as well then there is no issue about who has entry to which ever part of the ship. That is our approach for dealing with extended family. It may not work for others but seems to work for us.

 

I am of the view that some commentators misunderstand that the reasons why people do things may not coincide with theirs and that is ok. This is not intended to be rude but I certainly don't feel the need for validation from others on decisions I choose to make. I can accept that everyone has their own reasons for why they do certain things such as book a suite and that is ok, but equally please accept that my reason may be different. That is one of life's rich tapestry. We are all different and we may need to agree to disagree.

 

This obviously works for you. However I have read threads where members ask if they can take there children into the new suite restaurant if they are book in an interior across the hall. Those are the folks that I'm referring to. If everyone in the group who is traveling can afford a suite then there is no problem with dining or socializing and you will get the experience that you paid for. I just don't understand all of fuss about segregation of the classes. Michael's was an under utilized venue. Now that some can't use it they all want to go.

Edited February 23, 2015 by Iamcruzin

[Iamcruzin]

This is the topic question of a new thread. This is what I'm referring to when I commented on the disadvantages of being in a suite.

 

"Due sail 8th oct to sail on the Eclipse. two of us are in a celebrity suite.

The other two in sky sweet. Is there anyways they can come into Michael's lounge, for example when we're finishing our drinks and due to go with the diner.

 

Can we sit altogether, and will they also have acces to new restaurant"?

[Ehg]

I have seen in many industries that it is very difficult to make money when your product becomes a commodity. [Notice that Apple sells a small percentage of cell phones but takes home the vast majority of all profit in that industry -- the other vendors are all commoditized; only Apple has distinguished its products so that it can name its price.] Celebrity has been trying to compete with the commodity cruise lines and as a result has had to reduce quality and service to the point that this forum is full of complaints about the cuts. So now they are trying to differentiate themselves by offering the higher level of food and service that people have been clamoring for -- at the price necessary to make it work -- while still offering the commodity version of Celebrity for those who are unwilling to pay more. IMHO the complaints are coming from those who refuse to understand economics and think that Celebrity could provide the prior levels of quality and service at today's commodity prices -- sorry, that isn't possible and won't happen.

 

 

Hear hear

[Yorkshire-Pudding]

This is the topic question of a new thread. This is what I'm referring to when I commented on the disadvantages of being in a suite.

 

"Due sail 8th oct to sail on the Eclipse. two of us are in a celebrity suite.

The other two in sky sweet. Is there anyways they can come into Michael's lounge, for example when we're finishing our drinks and due to go with the diner.

 

Can we sit altogether, and will they also have acces to new restaurant"?

 

I know the thread you are referring to. Now maybe because I have a son with Asperger's Syndrome for whom life is black and white with no grey, I don't subscribe to exceptions being made. If there is a rule stick with it.

 

IMHO, it is unfair to put employees in a position in which they have to disappoint guests because they are following the rules as prescribed to them. What so special about you that you think it does not apply. If you know the answer is no, why ask the question. There will always be those who seem to believe rules do not apply to them and all I can say is let that be on their conscience. It is unfair so why do it. MC may be nice, but there are other bars as I understand it, where a good time can be had by all. Not sailed yet the Martini bar seems to come up as a regular and very popular haunt for many, so meet your friends there and avoid embarrassment. :D

[rockdoctor]

I think this will cause a degrade of service for people who eat in the MDR. These ships can only carry so many crew members due to space. Part of the higher end dinning experience is better, more personal service. To get this waite staff has to come from someplace and that place is what's left of the MDR.

 

Don't think this will happen since I expect the ratio of diners to wait staff will remain constant. I may be wrong but it seems that the ratio is the same in the MDR and Blu. Maybe they get higher tips, but they sure husstle. I'm thinking only one somalliers handled all of BLU and provided great great service. She thought it was a privilege to be assigned there. I would expect the same ratio is the Suite Dining Room.

[jaymebs]

Sure that Michael's Club is open for all after 7 pm??? Celebrity's site do not mention it...

[vulcan1971]

Sure that Michael's Club is open for all after 7 pm??? Celebrity's site do not mention it...

 

 

Michael's Club is a private lounge (24/7) for suites and Zenith members.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone 6 Plus on the T-Mobile 4G LTE Network using Tapatalk Pro

[jaymebs]

Thank you for the information.

But, in this case, where can I find premium malts, scoths and cognacs, if I would to have one? Is it possible to order one of them at the Emsemble Lounge (just outside Michaels Club)?

[jagoffee]

Thank you for the information.

But, in this case, where can I find premium malts, scoths and cognacs, if I would to have one? Is it possible to order one of them at the Emsemble Lounge (just outside Michaels Club)?

 

Yes at the Ensemble lounge and perhaps some at the Passport bar.