Celebrity's mistake with the new overnights

[wallie5446]

After 100 post has it not dawned what is really going on?

 

A few Country's have decided to jack up the port fees, RCCL is calling their bluff and taking their ships loaded with our $$$ to be spent somewhere else which wants us cruisers there. It has nothing to do with saving fuel as the bounced ports are not the farthest point out, nor requiring a large change to the pattern.

Ok Mr jack up the fees country, see how much shopping your citizens can still do without the $$ left behind by 2500-5000 of our passengers every week.

[janewe]

Where did you hear that or are you speculating? I don't find what you write as being plausible. Why, in the case of two Islands within a few miles of each other, would one jack up their Port fees to makes themselves non competitive? They would have been warned they would lose the business, I don't buy this.

 

It would appear the vast majority do not want to lose an Island which is completely contrary to Celebrity's position on people wanting over nights. It would be nice if Celebrity came clean and told us the exact reason for us losing one of the Islands to spend two days in another. We are the customers, surely we matter.

[chamima]

Where did you hear that or are you speculating? I don't find what you write as being plausible. Why, in the case of two Islands within a few miles of each other, would one jack up their Port fees to makes themselves non competitive? They would have been warned they would lose the business, I don't buy this.

 

It would appear the vast majority do not want to lose an Island which is completely contrary to Celebrity's position on people wanting over nights. It would be nice if Celebrity came clean and told us the exact reason for us losing one of the Islands to spend two days in another. We are the customers, surely we matter.

 

 

 

Wow, what an interesting concept! :rolleyes:

[wallie5446]

Where did you hear that or are you speculating? I don't find what you write as being plausible. Why, in the case of two Islands within a few miles of each other, would one jack up their Port fees to makes themselves non competitive? They would have been warned they would lose the business, I don't buy this.

 

It would appear the vast majority do not want to lose an Island which is completely contrary to Celebrity's position on people wanting over nights. It would be nice if Celebrity came clean and told us the exact reason for us losing one of the Islands to spend two days in another. We are the customers, surely we matter.

 

Wow, what an interesting concept! :rolleyes:

 

Why else would they pull up anchor and sail away? Just to tick us off? PLEASE! Totally plausible, and it happens at ports all over the world all the time.

 

And even in Shareholder meetings we are never told by any Co we hold in our 401k or a mutual fund exactly how the operate their business.

Edited June 2, 2015 by wallie5446

[K.T.B.]

It's all about the money. Celebrity will save on Pilot fees, Port charges and oil /gas. In addition, they will get more revenue from excursions in Curacao than in Bonaire. I still have not received an email on the changes, read about it on a roll call. Changing the goal posts this late in the game, while they can legally do it, is not appreciated. It would appear, other than the usual Celebrity boosters, that I am not alone in my opinion.

 

They won't save on port fees. It's a daily cost, not a one time cost. So anyone expecting a refund on those, sorry!

[C 2 C]

Why else would they pull up anchor and sail away? Just to tick us off? PLEASE! Totally plausible, and it happens at ports all over the world all the time.

 

It does not happen all the time otherwise there would not be so many threads and posts about this change. If a cruise is not selling well one can expect changes and cancellations. These cruise itineraries were selling well as sold. I would like to see the stats that Celebrity claims were the basis of switching because they were asked....

 

But then again there are lies dam* lies and statistics....

 

Celebrity has never chimed in to prove or substantiate the claim.

 

The ticket contract is meaningless and everyone takes it on good faith that services will be delivered as promised

Note this little gem that we all agree to:

 

3. No undertaking or warranty shall be given or shall be implied as to the seaworthiness, fitness or condition of the Vessel or any food or drink supplied on board.

[wallie5446]

It does not happen all the time otherwise there would not be so many threads and posts about this change. If a cruise is not selling well one can expect changes and cancellations. These cruise itineraries were selling well as sold. I would like to see the stats that Celebrity claims were the basis of switching because they were asked....

 

But then again there are lies dam* lies and statistics....

 

Celebrity has never chimed in to prove or substantiate the claim.

 

The ticket contract is meaningless and everyone takes it on good faith that services will be delivered as promised

Note this little gem that we all agree to:

 

Arno I don't expect them to 'chime in' on how they chose to make their business decisions.

[Hawkstar33]

I think our change is lousy...Losing Costa Maya for Overnight Categena....Cartegena is a very busy place in the day...I don't see us staying on land after dark...I felt an uneasy feeling from the minute we got off the ship, walked past the beautiful peacocks, and dealt with the back stabbing, buddy stabbing, tour drivers...Our guide was good but he and his partner were sketchy, to say the least, as the tour went on ...When he told us that he could get us whatever we wanted, drugs etc, and he was in his 60's, that was it for my wife....Asking for a tip after he took us to each place we wanted to visit was even more disturbing...My friend bought his wife an emerald and he wanted a cut for saving him money because he took us to the emerald factory..Our tour ended up visiting mostly places where this old sharpie got a cut for bringing us there, from the shop owners...Bottom line is I'm a big guy that did not feel overly safe there in the day, so overnight there stinks....Crazy to say I feel safer with the Mexican drug cartel, over this place

[gimletgal]

It does not happen all the time otherwise there would not be so many threads and posts about this change. If a cruise is not selling well one can expect changes and cancellations. These cruise itineraries were selling well as sold. I would like to see the stats that Celebrity claims were the basis of switching because they were asked....

 

But then again there are lies dam* lies and statistics....

 

Celebrity has never chimed in to prove or substantiate the claim.

 

The ticket contract is meaningless and everyone takes it on good faith that services will be delivered as promised.

 

Arno - I suspect since the overnights in Europe & Asia have seemed to work out well - and were already in place when the cruises were booked - Celebrity decided.....why not the Caribbean???

 

According to their "news" post:

 

"Guests and travel agents love our overnight program in Europe, Asia and around the world, and their feedback has been amazing. This demand led us to revisit our current Caribbean itineraries and add even more overnights in one of the most beautiful places we sail to each year," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "With more overnights in the Caribbean than any other cruise line, we are offering our guests an incredible, unrivaled experience. They can enjoy the destination like a local before returning to our stylish, modern luxury ships."

 

Unfortunately, they did not poll their passengers to see if this was something they truly wanted. Cozumel, Cartagena, St. Maarten and Curacao do not strike me as places one would necessarily want to "overnight"!

 

As they say, it is what it is, and I guess if we don't like it, we just don't book those cruises?

[K.T.B.]

Arno - I suspect since the overnights in Europe & Asia have seemed to work out well - and were already in place when the cruises were booked - Celebrity decided.....why not the Caribbean???

 

According to their "news" post:

 

"Guests and travel agents love our overnight program in Europe, Asia and around the world, and their feedback has been amazing. This demand led us to revisit our current Caribbean itineraries and add even more overnights in one of the most beautiful places we sail to each year," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "With more overnights in the Caribbean than any other cruise line, we are offering our guests an incredible, unrivaled experience. They can enjoy the destination like a local before returning to our stylish, modern luxury ships."

 

Unfortunately, they did not poll their passengers to see if this was something they truly wanted. Cozumel, Cartagena, St. Maarten and Curacao do not strike me as places one would necessarily want to "overnight"!

 

As they say, it is what it is, and I guess if we don't like it, we just don't book those cruises?

 

I would only want to stay overnight at Cozumel. My wife and I have a friend who lives there, so not having to rush away would be nice.

[chamima]

Arno I don't expect them to 'chime in' on how they chose to make their business decisions.

 

Arno - I suspect since the overnights in Europe & Asia have seemed to work out well - and were already in place when the cruises were booked - Celebrity decided.....why not the Caribbean???

 

According to their "news" post:

 

"Guests and travel agents love our overnight program in Europe, Asia and around the world, and their feedback has been amazing. This demand led us to revisit our current Caribbean itineraries and add even more overnights in one of the most beautiful places we sail to each year," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "With more overnights in the Caribbean than any other cruise line, we are offering our guests an incredible, unrivaled experience. They can enjoy the destination like a local before returning to our stylish, modern luxury ships."

 

Unfortunately, they did not poll their passengers to see if this was something they truly wanted. Cozumel, Cartagena, St. Maarten and Curacao do not strike me as places one would necessarily want to "overnight"!

 

As they say, it is what it is, and I guess if we don't like it, we just don't book those cruises?

 

 

 

Wallie

I think Beth hit the nail on the proverbial head.

This is just a misguided business decision based on making an erroneous connection between two things that aren't the same.

Sometimes new CEOs feel the need to "shake things up" a bit to show how innovative they are and what a wise decision it was to hire them.

Sometimes they should just not try to fix things that weren't broken. :(:rolleyes:

[janewe]

It's not too late for Celebrity to say sorry and admit they made a mistake. Who hasn't made a mistake in their lifetime? "We have listened to our customers, the people that drive our business and we will revert back to our original schedules omitting overnights".

[Cindy]

It's not too late for Celebrity to say sorry and admit they made a mistake. Who hasn't made a mistake in their lifetime? "We have listened to our customers, the people that drive our business and we will revert back to our original schedules omitting overnights".

 

That would actually really annoy me. I didn't care one way or another...my eliminated port of Costa Maya was one I've been to multiple times, and it's also frequently missed because of wind/water conditions. However, since Celebrity announced the change, I've contacted all my tour operators to reschedule everything, and I've also worked with my guide in Cartagena to create an evening excursion. I don't want to have to change everything again:rolleyes:, but I also think that once this was announced and published there was probably no turning back.

 

I wonder what kind of feedback they're getting from non Cruise Critic people?

[chamima]

It's not too late for Celebrity to say sorry and admit they made a mistake. Who hasn't made a mistake in their lifetime? "We have listened to our customers, the people that drive our business and we will revert back to our original schedules omitting overnights".

 

 

When I suggested that to the nice young woman who called me about my email she didn't dismiss that possibility. (She certainly didn't make any promises but she also didn't say that there was no chance.)

 

I spoke to a friend we're cruising with yesterday who is EXTREMELY upset about losing Bonaire from our itinerary and I told her that I actually still hold out hope that Celebrity will find a way to save face but still admit their mistake and give us back our original itinerary.

[Cindy]

I just posted a poll asking cruisers who were actually affected if Celebrity did contact them prior to the change as they advertise and if they actually prefer the overnight to the cancelled port.

 

Posters who vote are recognizable by clicking on the number of the vote count.

 

My issue is not the overnight but the way Celebrity is telling us that we asked for the change even though we booked because of the itinerary.

 

While I answered no, I wasn't contacted on your survey, I did receive a very lengthy port survey a few months ago in which I indicated I was in favor of overnights. I remember several people talking about the survey, and I wonder if that's what Celebrity is referring to?

[chamima]

That would actually really annoy me. I didn't care one way or another...my eliminated port of Costa Maya was one I've been to multiple times, and it's also frequently missed because of wind/water conditions. However, since Celebrity announced the change, I've contacted all my tour operators to reschedule everything, and I've also worked with my guide in Cartagena to create an evening excursion. I don't want to have to change everything again:rolleyes:, but I also think that once this was announced and published there was probably no turning back.

I wonder what kind of feedback they're getting from non Cruise Critic people?

 

 

As I still haven't heard anything about the change from anywhere but on here I would venture to guess that most of them have no idea yet that there's been any change.

[Cindy]

As I still haven't heard anything about the change from anywhere but on here I would venture to guess that most of them have no idea yet that there's been any change.

 

I received an e-mail from Celebrity on Monday -- a good week after I was notified by Cruise Critic!:rolleyes::eek::rolleyes:

[yellowhat]

..wow..what a hot topic..surely every cruise line/timeshare owner/financial planner is reading in great $$ interest..Celebrity delivering over 2000 potential customers (some unhappy) to their doorstep...a captive audience

 

..Celebrity has published dates, times and locations where the sophisticated entrepreneurs can offer 'special' evening tours..

 

...for just $10 a couple..climate controlled (with security) bus tour to local casino, nightclubs, bistros.. $90 package for $10 with seacard ID..

 

If would be even funnier if another cruise line started 'overnights' at the same ports...'Come and visit OUR ship's bars, bistros, entertainment venues..just show your seacard..welcome to my liar

 

Disclaimer: Just booked one of the last real 10 nighters: Dec 11 2015 Eastern Caribbean..what a deal..Thank you X

[Hlitner]

We posted elsewhere about our puzzlement. Let me explain. On some cruises they have eliminated Bonaire and replaced it with an overnight on Curacao. This just does not make a lot of sense and we would love to know X's thinking. The two ports are only about 50 miles apart and with an overnight cruise uses relatively little fuel since the ship can cruise at a very low speed. By doing an overnight in Curacao (not the place we would choose for an overnight) the ship is losing the onboard revenue from their Casino (which we assume must remain closed) not to mention some drink revenue.

 

As to port charges and fees, this should not be an issue since this is simply passed along to the passengers. So why are they doing this in Curacao? One wonders.

 

Hank

[rjrpar]

Why do so many posters play cost accountant and worry about cruise line revenue. Most cruise companies are very profitable, they don't need your help. Did you ever consider that the feedback from customers suggests that overnights are desired to enhance the experience of being in the Caribbean to enjoy its nightlife?

[hcat]

Caribbean nighlife...not that safe in many ports! We.ll be staying on the ship....maybe a good night to sit out on our balcony...unless it is facing shipping containers.

 

sorry for those who lost Belize...beautiful nature, wildlife, Mayan ruins, rivers, reefa

also sad for those losing Dominica...unspoiled, beautiful falls, pools,gardens, scenic local , Indian culture....

 

glad we still have Bonaire on our cruise...for now!

[wallie5446]

Did you ever consider that the feedback from customers suggests that overnights are desired to enhance the experience of being in the Caribbean to enjoy its nightlife?

 

Hummm, you got me to thinking.

 

Many on these boards have been saying for a number of years that Celebrity has been trying to change their target passenger, with loud music, ect, with a different on ship experience, it has not happened.

 

So, maybe this is how they think they can get the younger more 'hip' passenger that won't roll up the carpet at 10:00 :eek:. Hummmm, now there is an interesting concept.

[cruiseJMO]

Did you ever consider that the feedback from customers suggests that overnights are desired to enhance the experience of being in the Caribbean to enjoy its nightlife?

 

I never put my input in, but that's what I've been looking for 😊. I just want a night, maybe two...the rest cruising.

 

I gotta stop following this thread now.

[terrierjohn]

Over-nights don't really interest us, as my wife uses a wheelchair we prefer to dine on board, and sightseeing at night is a bit pointless, but for those that do fancy them I suppose it adds something to the cruise.

Out of interest our 2016 Baltic cruise now has an overnight in Copenhagen, but it arrives and sails mid day so only 2 half days in reality. Now back in 2013 we did the same cruise, arriving in Copenhagen late morning and sailing at mid night, and we also did a full day in Helsinki which has now been dropped.

So why have we lost a full day port and only gained an extra 12 hours in Copenhagen, 8 of which we will be in bed???? I much prefer to sail overnight when I'm asleep and there is precious little to see.

Edited June 4, 2015 by terrierjohn

[janewe]

In our case we have lost Bonaire to spend a mid week overnight in Curacao.

 

For those thinking there will be a hopping bar scene they may be sorely disappointed if my experience from living and working there for over four years many years ago is still the case. Curacao is not New York or an exotic European Port. I never wandered around late at night there for safety reasons. Having said that, I would not be walking around the big City here on my own at 2 am either. Before the change we were set to sail at 11 pm giving enough time for those who wanted to go out for a meal. I really don't think you need to pack your dancing shoes to go out to a glittering Night Club, if there is one now. It would be great if Celebrity gave us the real reason for dropping Bonaire as it's very clear the vast majority as per the Poll are very unhappy about this.