World Class Bar & Gastrobar

[yorkyred]

Someone pointed out they might as well add a new level of beverage package above Premium if a decent number of drinks are going to not be included in the package and don't be surprised if we get the intimate package, more money so it's all good. Yes I get the whole choice thing and it's a great excuse for justifying yet another hike in prices and let's be honest there have been a few in a very short period of time. Why don't we just tell it like it is and admit it's going too far and Celebrity needs to take a long hard look at itself and decide if it's wants to alienate itself from many of its loyal customers. People will say if you don't like it use another cruise line, well maybe if Celebrity carry on taking liberties they will.

[Newbury newbie]

Someone pointed out they might as well add a new level of beverage package above Premium if a decent number of drinks are going to not be included in the package and don't be surprised if we get the intimate package, more money so it's all good. Yes I get the whole choice thing and it's a great excuse for justifying yet another hike in prices and let's be honest there have been a few in a very short period of time. Why don't we just tell it like it is and admit it's going too far and Celebrity needs to take a long hard look at itself and decide if it's wants to alienate itself from many of its loyal customers. People will say if you don't like it use another cruise line, well maybe if Celebrity carry on taking liberties they will.

 

These are hard and fast business decisions which is what executives of Celebrity are paid for. I would presume they've weighed up the risks. At the end of the day the people making these decisions live or die by them.

 

I would concede though that some times people can go too far and break things. A couple of dollars on some drinks would seem ok to me though.

Edited April 29, 2015 by Newbury newbie

[MR_T]

Someone pointed out they might as well add a new level of beverage package above Premium if a decent number of drinks are going to not be included in the package and don't be surprised if we get the intimate package, more money so it's all good. Yes I get the whole choice thing and it's a great excuse for justifying yet another hike in prices and let's be honest there have been a few in a very short period of time. Why don't we just tell it like it is and admit it's going too far and Celebrity needs to take a long hard look at itself and decide if it's wants to alienate itself from many of its loyal customers. People will say if you don't like it use another cruise line, well maybe if Celebrity carry on taking liberties they will.

 

 

In the 3-4 years I've been looking at celebrity as far as I can remember they have increased the drinks package once and increased the tips once... And they are going to have a few drinks at one bar that cost an additional $2 + tip each.... Is it really that bad! [emoji57]

 

Yes they have moved certain brands from the classic to the premium package but despite some reports there's still a good choice of drinks in each!

 

Price increases happen in every bar in every country so why should a cruise ship be any different?

[Christine Frances]

In the 3-4 years I've been looking at celebrity as far as I can remember they have increased the drinks package once and increased the tips once... And they are going to have a few drinks at one bar that cost an additional $2 + tip each.... Is it really that bad! [emoji57]

 

Yes they have moved certain brands from the classic to the premium package but despite some reports there's still a good choice of drinks in each!

 

Price increases happen in every bar in every country so why should a cruise ship be any different?

 

I think Celebrity is just moving the cocktail pricing to align with the existing pricing for wine and beer. There has always been the option to pay the difference for as long as the drink package has been out. I would expect to pay an upcharge if I wished a drink with Zacapa rum for example. Or maybe I would not have to. I wish we could get a bar menu:)

[RocketMan275]

I had premium Package on Connie, and ordered the 25 year martini for $15, was billed the $2 uncharge, as expected. And I hated the drink. So I recommend to anyone avoiding it. The 20 year, however was delicious when they had it.

 

Exposing my complete lack of sophistication, what is a 25 year martini? A 20 year? Usually drink martini's but have not heard of these. Neither has google.

[MR_T]

Exposing my complete lack of sophistication, what is a 25 year martini? A 20 year? Usually drink martini's but have not heard of these. Neither has google.

 

 

I'm guessing a celebrity special!

[kevinyork]

I think Celebrity is just moving the cocktail pricing to align with the existing pricing for wine and beer. There has always been the option to pay the difference for as long as the drink package has been out. I would expect to pay an upcharge if I wished a drink with Zacapa rum for example. Or maybe I would not have to. I wish we could get a bar menu:)

 

 

I reckon that within a year, the large Martini's at the Martini Bar are outside of the premium package.

 

 

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[MR_T]

I reckon that within a year, the large Martini's at the Martini Bar are outside of the premium package.

 

 

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There not large martini's there just martini's so why would they?

 

Yet another post to try & stir up the thread again to get more people moaning! [emoji57]

[jagoffee]

I reckon that within a year, the large Martini's at the Martini Bar are outside of the premium package.

 

 

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I do not think that will be true, but in a year we will see if you are correct. Now if I can remember I will check back with you in a year.

 

Celebrity has always had wines, high end liquor, and some special beers above the premium level. A few more should not make too much difference. Now if all the drinks at the World Class Bar are above the limit that would be a problem, but a few not so much IMO.

[groryjm]

I'm guessing a celebrity special!

 

[kenevenpar]

 

Sounds perfectly dreadful :eek:

 

Give me a Bombay Saphire, a little dry vermouth. a twist, and I'm a happy camper!:D

Edited April 29, 2015 by kenevenpar

[cle-guy]

There not large martini's there just martini's so why would they?

 

Yet another post to try & stir up the thread again to get more people moaning! [emoji57]

 

The martini bar menu does have some "mini martini's" priced less than the standard sized martini's. There are like 4 of them, Cosmo, Lemon Drop (i think), classic martini, and I forget the other.

[cle-guy]

Exposing my complete lack of sophistication, what is a 25 year martini? A 20 year? Usually drink martini's but have not heard of these. Neither has google.

 

 

Here's a mention of the 25 year martini - made for X's 25th anniversary. It was some sort of vodka, splash of champagne, and a couple odd liquors served on the old-school wide champagne glass, it was pinkish/orangish in color, and I hated it . It was $15.

Edited April 29, 2015 by cle-guy

[MR_T]

The martini bar menu does have some "mini martini's" priced less than the standard sized martini's. There are like 4 of them, Cosmo, Lemon Drop (i think), classic martini, and I forget the other.

 

 

That wasn't the point I was replying too! I was just saying the martini's aren't large by sale!

Edited April 29, 2015 by MR_T

[louhun88]

I reckon that within a year, the large Martini's at the Martini Bar are outside of the premium package.

 

 

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Better not be I've got the premium package next September!

[gergles]

Better not be I've got the premium package next September!

They almost certainly will be. X has shown with the "World Class Bar" rollout that they simply aren't interested in providing 'all-inclusive' anymore anywhere. There's always a little extra, a little jab to pay just a tiny bit more, and it's everywhere.

 

It's the same as specialty dining which people inexplicably defend to their death -- it's a nickel-and-dime (or in this case, a $3-to-$50) for what should be included. If you buy the top drink package, you should be able to get everything on the menu at any bar on the ship, in my opinion.

 

Sure, if you want to uplevel it yourself to use something more premium, charge for that, but the idea of removing the m-bar and replacing it with one that they get paid for from Diageo and then on top of that that has upcharge drinks... it just doesn't make sense to me, and I'm not going to be happy about it no matter how many people come on here and go "if you don't like it don't drink there :D :D :D :D :D :D" (which is a completely specious argument, btw.)

 

Ultimately, the amount of the upcharge isn't really relevant. (To stem off the next argument of "It's only $3!!!!!11 if you can't spend $3, don't cruise!!!!!!".) It's the friction of having to think about it at all. I'm on vacation. I don't want to be doing math in my head while looking at the menu or stressing about what I'm "allowed" to have. I don't find it fun, and I'm not one of the "I'm on vacation so there's no budget!" types.

[Christine Frances]

Do we know that Celebrity is getting paid from Diageo or is it the same type of contract that they had with Junior Merino?

[SNJCruisers]

There not large martini's there just martini's so why would they?

 

Yet another post to try & stir up the thread again to get more people moaning! [emoji57]

Hate to correct you, but the martinis at the Martini Bar are 8 ounce pours made with premium level liquors such as Grey Goose, Ciroc, etc. The other bars make 5 ounce pour martinis made with classic level stuff such as Stoli or Absolute. The 5 oz pours are also only regular martinis made with vodka or gin as well as cosmos and appletinis.

[SNJCruisers]

Do we know that Celebrity is getting paid from Diageo or is it the same type of contract that they had with Junior Merino?

Can only be inferred that they paid Junior Merino for his liquid concoctions menu and the training of the bartenders at the Molecular Bar, whereas the deal with the World Class Bar is probably paid for by Diageo, using primarily Diageo spirits and is a revenue generator on top of the additional monies added with the $2.00 upcharge on whatever % of drinks.

[Nanatravel]

The martini bar menu does have some "mini martini's" priced less than the standard sized martini's. There are like 4 of them, Cosmo, Lemon Drop (i think), classic martini, and I forget the other.

 

On EQ at the beginning of the month, and the waiter refused to make a smaller Cosmo or Lemon Drop. He said there was no such thing! Now we all know there is with the Martini Flight. He was adamant that if I wanted a Martini during our 10 night cruise, I needed to upgrade my package. This I did and made sure to have at least 2 martini's an evening. I won't upgrade on my 7 night Reflection cruise.

[ghstudio]

On EQ at the beginning of the month, and the waiter refused to make a smaller Cosmo or Lemon Drop. He said there was no such thing! Now we all know there is with the Martini Flight. He was adamant that if I wanted a Martini during our 10 night cruise, I needed to upgrade my package. This I did and made sure to have at least 2 martini's an evening. I won't upgrade on my 7 night Reflection cruise.

 

Welcome to Celebrity where the only thing that's consistent is their inconsistency.

[Christine Frances]

<snip> whereas the deal with the World Class Bar is probably paid for by Diageo, using primarily Diageo spirits<snip>

 

Sorry I am not understanding:confused: What part of the "deal" is paid for? Doesn't Celebrity already stock Baileys, J&B, Smirnoff etc? I would think that X would have to pay Diagao for their trademarked "World Class" name plus train the bartenders to "World Class" standards.

[ghstudio]

<snip> whereas the deal with the World Class Bar is probably paid for by Diageo, using primarily Diageo spirits<snip>

 

Sorry I am not understanding:confused: What part of the "deal" is paid for? Doesn't Celebrity already stock Baileys, J&B, Smirnoff etc? I would think that X would have to pay Diagao for their trademarked "World Class" name plus train the bartenders to "World Class" standards.

 

This is all hypothesis: Diagio may well be paying Celebrity to feature their brands at a special bar...as part of diagio's advertising and marketing. It would be no different than the photographers on board, the art auction, the shops and until recently, the casino, all of which are or in the case of the casino, were franchises that pay Celebrity for the space and likely share some portion of revenue. One clue will be if you see the world class bartenders at any other bars or serving drinks at any other bar on the ship....my bet is you won't....If I'm right, they work for Diagio just as the spa area works for Canyon ranch, not celebrity and the glass blowerswork for the corning museum.

 

But that's all behind the scenes stuff...to you and I, it's just another interesting bar option.

[Christine Frances]

This is all hypothesis: Diagio may well be paying Celebrity to feature their brands at a special bar...as part of diagio's advertising and marketing. It would be no different than the photographers on board, the art auction, the shops and until recently, the casino, all of which are or in the case of the casino, were franchises that pay Celebrity for the space and likely share some portion of revenue. One clue will be if you see the world class bartenders at any other bars or serving drinks at any other bar on the ship....my bet is you won't....If I'm right, they work for Diagio just as the spa area works for Canyon ranch, not celebrity and the glass blowerswork for the corning museum.

 

 

 

But that's all behind the scenes stuff...to you and I, it's just another interesting bar option.

 

 

Thanks that makes sense:) So if we find the regular Molecular Bar Staff working at the bar (who have now been trained in the drink menu by Diagio (which is their forte) what would that mean? I know Diagio is a major distributor of liquor but I thought "World Class" was all about the training of bartenders. I sure hope that they are training X's bartenders but they may be bringing there own.

Edited April 30, 2015 by Christine Frances

[ghstudio]

So if we find the regular Molecular Bar Staff working at the bar (who have been trained in the drink menu by Diagio as per Junior) what would that mean?

 

It COULD mean that they now work for Diagio as part of the deal.