New Celebrity Bundle Pricing (Go! Big, Go! Better, Go! Best)

[Calebo]

Interesting to see how popular this will become or if it will actually turn past customers away.

 

 

I think that's dependent on what kind of price increases we see, there are so many variables to this kind of pricing. We have booked for next February, we had specific rooms in mind as there are a bunch of us, we all received the drink package, plus we booked before the Canadian dollar tanked.

I know the price has gone up drastically since that for us Canadians.

I will do the numbers tomorrow, but don't think we'll be touching our reservations.

[Iamcruzin]

I would bet money that Celebrity already upped their prices on website before the announcement came out. They know people will check out prices before and after July 6. I did :p Not sure if I will like this or not. I think I will feel that I am for sure paying for other people's perks.

 

 

I checked as well for Caribbean 2017. The prices did look high but I'm not as familiar with Celebrity pricing like I am with Princess. I have been tracking Bermuda for the past two years and created a spread sheet for the time period that I was interested in. Bermuda 2017 isn't out yet so this will be interesting to see.

[insidecabin]

Unfortunately this may be the driving force that makes insides more desirable and maybe more popular than in the past. I can see the price going up just based on supply and demand.

 

Interesting view you lock into the itinerary at the lowest cost and wait for the deal.

 

If insides sell out it moves people to bundles to lock in.

 

Until there is a financial penalty for cancel any booking is just a potential booking and a deposit on account.

 

Offer seriously good rates with a penalty and see what the take up is.

 

Would mess up U.S. insurance costs for cancel for any reason.

[iSailor]

Why do these new prices not include transatlantic and transpacific cruises? Does anyone know?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Too many sea days:D:D:D

[4774Papa]

Transatlantic/Pacific cruises offer some (if not all) of the lowest per diems of any itinerary due to their nature. Because of this, they also attract a high number of past passengers who are already entitled to significant perks based on their status. So the cruise line isn't going to offer things like complimentary drink packages on sailings already bargain-priced. The theory of not discounting a discount or "double dipping" if you will.

Yes, TAs are cheaper considering the length of the cruise, but X has jacked up the prices on TAs.

 

Our first TA was on Infinity in 2013 and a balcony for a 12 day cruise was about $800. Prices for same now range from $1200 and up now.

[insidecabin]

The problem with TA cruises for most lines is they are dead head.

 

They are used to relocate when cheaper than flying.

Used as one ways for long visits again flying is the comparison.

 

There is no money in TA cruises without ports :)

 

A themed trip might work but no line seems to have tried that yet.

 

The northern routes with Iceland get good money but have to do them in Sept.

[Iamcruzin]

Interesting view you lock into the itinerary at the lowest cost and wait for the deal.

 

If insides sell out it moves people to bundles to lock in.

 

Until there is a financial penalty for cancel any booking is just a potential booking and a deposit on account.

 

Offer seriously good rates with a penalty and see what the take up is.

 

Would mess up U.S. insurance costs for cancel for any reason.

 

Unless the cruise is last minute I don't think people would risk losing a deposit if they had to book 18 months out for a low price. Plus there is no guaranty that the price won't drop lower. I have read that rooms are booked and canceled at least 8 times before the ship sales. Look how many threads just on the Celebrity board inquire about changing room categories or up sales. Some even cancel and rebook to get a better deal.

[knittinggirl]

I checked our Panama Canal cruise, and it's gone up $1,000 per person since the last price drop in March.

[grandgeezer]

I checked our Panama Canal cruise, and it's gone up $1,000 per person since the last price drop in March.

 

These huge price increases are meaningless unless 1) you would have paid the higher price, or 2) you could sell it for the higher price.

[ptrpanpens]

The problem with TA cruises for most lines is they are dead head.

 

They are used to relocate when cheaper than flying.

Used as one ways for long visits again flying is the comparison.

 

There is no money in TA cruises without ports :)

 

A themed trip might work but no line seems to have tried that yet.

 

The northern routes with Iceland get good money but have to do them in Sept.

 

TA cruises are not dead head although they do have alot of sea days. But most have at least 4-5 ports, some more. The Reflection TA for example visits 7 ports.

 

IMO They are a bargain especially if booked or upgraded after final payment.

[knittinggirl]

These huge price increases are meaningless unless 1) you would have paid the higher price, or 2) you could sell it for the higher price.

Just saying the price jumped. Don't know if it's in preparation for the Go Big Promotion.

 

Since all these Wow and 123 Go promotions, we've noticed fewer price drops. Usually, they "throw in" the extra perks, and the cruise fare jumps too.

 

I've done a screen shot of our Panama Canal cruise, and we'll see what happens to its prices tomorrow.

Edited July 5, 2015 by knittinggirl

[nedward]

It had better not be!!! Elite Plus needs more perks not less. Well maybe not more but different. I don't need all those laundry coupons take those back and give me something I can use and the coupons for discounts on the specialty restaurant and beverage packages are a joke.

 

What you DO need is a new CC class called "Entitled Plus":D

 

Reds Ned

[jagoffee]

I agree, it was never part of the equation for me either. It does seem a bit ridiculous that we will now be required to pay more for extras that we don't want or need because they were supposed to be a reward for our many years and dollars spent with Celebrity.

 

Isn't included gratuities one of the options? Therefore no reason to be forced into a different option or more than one.

[Ma Bell]

Isn't included gratuities one of the options? Therefore no reason to be forced into a different option or more than one.

 

It remains to be seen how much they raise prices to cover inclusions. We always get gratuities covered by our travel agent. As always we just have to see whether the price of the cruise and cabin we like are worth the cost. They have been very clear about why they are doing this and it isn't to make it more reasonable for the customer. There are other cruise lines and vacations available and I'm sure they wouldn't miss any one of us if we were to take our business elsewhere. Eventually the market will decide if it works or not.

Edited July 5, 2015 by Ma Bell

[gimletgal]

It had better not be!!! Elite Plus needs more perks not less. Well maybe not more but different. I don't need all those laundry coupons take those back and give me something I can use and the coupons for discounts on the specialty restaurant and beverage packages are a joke.

 

Not all of us use all of the extra amenities that are provided to Elite Plus. Some like the laundry coupons (especially for longer cruises), some don't. Some use the casino coupons, some don't. Some prefer a Beverage Package because they drink at other times than just the Elite Happy Hour, and want to use other venues to drink their beverages of choice. Some like the Specialty coffees, some don't. Some like the provided internet minutes, some don't. I could go on and on.

 

There is something there for everyone to pick and choose what they want to use. To want something taken away, just because you do not use it, doesn't make sense.

 

There is an old saying: "You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but not all of the people all of the time."

 

To me, Celebrity has the most generous frequent cruiser program in the industry. I'm just thankful that they have one and, for the most part, it works.

[wwcruisers]

They have been very clear about why they are doing this and it isn't to make it more reasonable for the customer. There are other cruise lines and vacations available and I'm sure they wouldn't miss any one of us if we were to take our business elsewhere. Eventually the market will decide if it works or not.

 

My thoughts, exactly! :cool:

[jerseyaxn]

I booked a cruise today and tomorrow I'll check to see if it's a better deal .im really interested to see since it's in a group

[bob278]

A lot of good points made here.

 

I was quite surprised at how open Celebrity was about the goals of the program.

 

“We needed to completely change what’s going on,” Ritzethaler told Tolkin. “Our guiding principles were to give consumers ultimate choice, raise APDs (average per diems) and make it easy.”

 

Notice that there is nothing in that quote about saving their customers money but it is rare that a company so openly admits that a new program was aimed at increasing revenue. It also does not include the reason travel agencies are strongly in favor (they get a higher commissionable fare).

 

I suspect most of us will find a way to blend the new structure with our benefits and continue to find value for our travel dollars. For those who can't, there are many alternatives and I suspect there will be very few people who stop cruising altogether.

 

Any loyalty program needs to be recognized for what it is: a marketing tool to encourage repeat business while keeping the costs for that effort as low as possible. To give everybody exactly what they want would be next to impossible and clearly too expensive. They spent a lot of time to devise a list of amenities that would appeal to the broadest audience while minimizing costs. That is what a well run business should do.

 

But it also needs to be appreciated for being free. They don't have to give any perks at all. Too many people feel entitled and don't appreciate what amounts to a gift (and don't bother to tell me you "earned them with your loyalty"). You should have been cruising with Celebrity (or any line of your choice) because you got value and pleasure for your money, not because they give you free internet or drinks. The money you save on those perks is a small percentage of your total cost and it doesn't make sense to use that as a major part of your cruising choices.

 

Having said that, it is always disappointing to see something you have been getting diminished in value. In my opinion, it would be good business to revamp the Captain's Club perks to supplement rather than duplicate the new inclusive program. They would not incur unreasonable costs (in my opinion) to replace some of the duplicated items with others such as

• additional OBC on cruises longer that 12 days
  
• complimentary specialty dining (maybe 1 night per 7 days?)
  
• changing the Elite drink benefit to 3 daily vouchers for all but the most expensive drinks ship-wide
  

 

There are many more possibilities that could generate a very lengthy thread on just that topic. But I tried to list a few that should have broad appeal, not just to me (in fact, I don't drink so any drink perks are pretty much wasted on me but they are very important to the majority).

[ISABELLA]

I think other lines are going to follow celebrity s lead .Msc already has something similiar.Ncl is flirting with bundling.I think this pricing is here to stay

 

Unless Celebrity gets too greedy and people will start looking at other cruise lines. I think people willing to pay much more to a point for a similar cruise/ experience. Time will tell.

[PoppyandNana]

These huge price increases are meaningless unless 1) you would have paid the higher price, or 2) you could sell it for the higher price.[/quote

 

How do you sell a booking and to whom do you sell it to? Does a private party write you a check?

[PoppyandNana]

It remains to be seen how much they raise prices to cover inclusions. We always get gratuities covered by our travel agent. As always we just have to see whether the price of the cruise and cabin we like are worth the cost. They have been very clear about why they are doing this and it isn't to make it more reasonable for the customer. There are other cruise lines and vacations available and I'm sure they wouldn't miss any one of us if we were to take our business elsewhere. Eventually the market will decide if it works or not.

 

Is your TA a brick and mortar agency or an online company? Seems like an awful generous rebate unless you are paying more for your cruises than what is available with the larger online outfits that specialize in groups.

[gsu_paintballer]

These huge price increases are meaningless unless 1) you would have paid the higher price, or 2) you could sell it for the higher price.[/quote

 

How do you sell a booking and to whom do you sell it to? Does a private party write you a check?

 

You could do that, and then call in and do a name change.

[4774Papa]

Some good points here.

We need to look at the big picture. However, the new policy appears to complicate my normal analysis on the bottom line price.

 

Forcing me to accept a drinks package that I don't want is a problem. Ultimately I am going to pay for the unwanted drinks packages unless X leaves me with a choice. If they provide options that are close to equal in value, like prepaid grats and generous OBC, I would live with that.

 

I will still do the math and come up with a bottom line and compare with other cruise lines that may keep the traditional pricing structure.

 

My loyalty to Celebrity is not fickle, X is still our cruise line of choice, but if the best value, price and other consideration is another cruise line, then we may go elsewhere.

[midwestchick]

I booked a cruise today and tomorrow I'll check to see if it's a better deal .im really interested to see since it's in a group

 

 

I did the same thing. But, mine is not in a group.

[MicCanberra]

Some good points here.

We need to look at the big picture. However, the new policy appears to complicate my normal analysis on the bottom line price.

 

Forcing me to accept a drinks package that I don't want is a problem. Ultimately I am going to pay for the unwanted drinks packages unless X leaves me with a choice. If they provide options that are close to equal in value, like prepaid grats and generous OBC, I would live with that.

 

I will still do the math and come up with a bottom line and compare with other cruise lines that may keep the traditional pricing structure.

 

My loyalty to Celebrity is not fickle, X is still our cruise line of choice, but if the best value, price and other consideration is another cruise line, then we may go elsewhere.

 

Agreed, if all things are equal, including the itinerary, timing and cost (total cruise costs) I will cruise X as they are my preferred line. If the costs blow out that may put other lines into the picture.:D