Go Stupid, Stupid-er, Stupid-est. My offer to you...

[brfan]

I have a good TA. I have 4 future Celebrity cruises booked. 3 were booked last January while cruising and transferred to my TA. 1 was booked during a good deal in May with free tips, $600 air credit, and OBC from TA. When making final payment on an upcoming cruise, my TA asked me what I thought of the BBB. I don't think it is good for me. TA said that he has been getting fewer Celebrity bookings. Many loyal Celebrity cruisers have jumped to other lines. The BBB is the most recent perk promotion. What will be the next promo?

 

I didn't think BBB was a promo but a new way of pricing?

[cle-guy]

I didn't think BBB was a promo but a new way of pricing?

 

It is both, it's just that the cost of the promotion is now more obvious than it used to be.

 

But for the purposes of adding perks, it is a promotion and therefore can negate having other perks.

 

This proves out in that you can take BBB or you can book a resident or senior fare, you can't do both.

 

The cost to add BBB is less than the cost to add the individual components to a booked reservation, therefore it is a promotional offer.

[Sandy1975]

I thought with the 1-2-3 or PYP promotions you had the option NOT to get it and get your cabin at a lower price. But with BBB I don't see that option unless you wait for Senior, Resident, Military rate or Exciting Deal promotion.

 

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I could have sworn when I was looking at cruises with the 1-2-3 and PYP it gave me an option to pick the price with the promotion or pick the lower price with out the promotion.

 

Yes you had the option to opt out and pick pricing without perks.

 

I had the 11.15 on the Silhouette sailing priced using a "group rate" and adding the Go Big perk. The price difference was around $525 (in the past, the difference would be around 200 so it seems like they are adding more of the "value" in the go big pricing). The group rate cabin was a 2D while the one with the Perk was a GTY. So the question here was, would I really drink over $500 during 7 days (water/coffee/etc). When we didn't have the perk, my husband and I would spend around $200 for 7 days so the answer is a big No.

 

When I was ready to give up on my November sailing, I decided to give 1 more look but using one of the big box stores and I found something that to me is valuable. For less than the 2D price I mentioned above, I would get a 1B Cabin, beverage perk and various other events. I would additionally get some OBC. That to me is more like the pricing I used to pay under the 123 (or maybe better because I have about 6 additional events included). Now the problem is that my husband might have a conflict with work!!! Urgh!!! At least I have till month end to cancel.

 

So I guess what I am trying to say is that with this promotion / new pricing you need to look really hard to find something.

Edited July 31, 2015 by Sandy1975

[brfan]

It is both, it's just that the cost of the promotion is now more obvious than it used to be.

 

But for the purposes of adding perks, it is a promotion and therefore can negate having other perks.

 

This proves out in that you can take BBB or you can book a resident or senior fare, you can't do both.

 

The cost to add BBB is less than the cost to add the individual components to a booked reservation, therefore it is a promotional offer.

 

But at the moment isn't BBB a permanent thing, with no end date (outside of the end date of cruise availability)? Promos usually only last a short period of time (eg. a couple of weeks or months). I was just thinking, based on some comments, that if people are thinking they'll wait a couple of months when BBB ends and maybe something new replaces it, may be disappointed. The way things are right now they may have to wait until the new deployments come out later this year/next for rest of 2017/18 to see if BBB will continue.

 

I'm also wondering if Celebrity is thinking that with BBB they won't need to bother with any new promotions (other then the Tuesday sale)?

[CathyCruises]

It's not all bad news!! The October 3rd Silhouette Med sailing made the Exciting Deals for this upcoming week, $1599 for a balcony. No perks with those deals, as we know.

 

The only thing is, you can book that cruise today for $1549 WITH Go Big.

 

I"m not sure who they think they're fooling. . .

[bjarrett7]

That is a good deal for a balcony with a drink package. When's the cruise maybe I will come with you. :p

 

 

January 10th-17th- western Caribbean on Silhouette. It really is a great deal! [emoji41]

[cle-guy]

But at the moment isn't BBB a permanent thing, with no end date (outside of the end date of cruise availability)? Promos usually only last a short period of time (eg. a couple of weeks or months). I was just thinking, based on some comments, that if people are thinking they'll wait a couple of months when BBB ends and maybe something new replaces it, may be disappointed. The way things are right now they may have to wait until the new deployments come out later this year/next for rest of 2017/18 to see if BBB will continue.

 

I'm also wondering if Celebrity is thinking that with BBB they won't need to bother with any new promotions (other then the Tuesday sale)?

 

123 went on nearly endlessly for almost 2 years, taking but a week or 2 off here and there or making very simple modifications to it. I honestly can't think of any period since mid 2013 it wasn't on offer (at least for the USA).

 

As I noted in a former reply, BBB is no different than the original 123 where you got 1 perk for booking - that's exactly what the BIG! option here is, only difference, is we can now interpret the cost to add the extra perks under the promotion.

 

What I am thinking is BBB has to end at some point, as Celebrity has stated (via live chat) they are looking to enhance onboard internet, and offer packages for social media. Once that hits people won't see any value in the unlimited internet if they can pay $9.99 a day to access their social sights.

 

RCL just announced earnings today, stock is at literally its all time high due to it. They have indicated they are very happy since their marketing efforts have given them an extraordinary number of advanced 3rd and 4th Q bookings. This tells me we will likely SOON see an end to any and ALL promotions until the 2017-18 season goes on sale, as they have few cabins left to sell, and can get standard fares for those that remain.

 

The promotions are working, people are not leaving. Occupancy was up over 2% last Q - ships are sailing at and above published capacity.

Edited July 31, 2015 by cle-guy

[kenevenpar]

I just changed from a HAL large inside cabin western Caribbean itinerary for a Celebrity 2D balcony. Both cost $899 both included beverage packages. One was the Eurodam the other was the Silhouette. Same dates and nearly the same itinerary... Though I would give Celebrity the edge for itinerary. I think that's a pretty good deal!

 

Also do not forget that Hal, and others, limit the number of beverages under their plans.

[jagoffee]

It is both, it's just that the cost of the promotion is now more obvious than it used to be.

 

But for the purposes of adding perks, it is a promotion and therefore can negate having other perks.

 

This proves out in that you can take BBB or you can book a resident or senior fare, you can't do both.

 

The cost to add BBB is less than the cost to add the individual components to a booked reservation, therefore it is a promotional offer.

Are you suggesting or saying that most if not all cruises now offer a resident or senior rate? That would be new based on my experience.

Thanks

[offnoncruiser]

January 10th-17th- western Caribbean on Silhouette. It really is a great deal! [emoji41]

 

Jan 3rd Silly Eastern Caribbean is $899 as well.

 

BTW, I've already seen a few online TA's (including a big box TA) that are offering "base" prices for some (but not all) cruises, with the GoBBB pricing delta being anywhere from $200-600+ per cabin. So there are opportunities to get a cruise at less than promotional rate prices and not be force to pay for anything you don't wat

[PumpkinPatches]

Rather than getting lost in the thread that is already nearing 1,000 posts, I thought I'd start this new one...

 

We've already discussed how little sense the cost of the perks makes...

And I've long ago opined on how much worse it is for those of us in "Elite Plus" who get free pre-dinner drinks, free specialty coffees and 200 minutes of free internet anyway--further diluting any value to those perks...

 

But here, I just want to say something about the gross stupidity of Celebrity's presentation of these "Great Deals". They are letting you know they are screwing you. It's right out there, blatantly on their web page.

 

I recently returned home from my Galapagos cruise on Xpedition...and they unrolled this thing while I was gone...So, I finally got the chance to sit down and check out whether my options are improved or not on the two Celebrity Cruises I have booked for the coming year...

 

So, I first went to my March Silhouette cruise--7-night Caribbean...

It shows a price of $1249 for a balcony cabin--same as when I booked with the 123Go...I originally took the Drink package as the slightly better option (remember, for me, it's only really covering drinks I have outside of my free pre-dinner drinks and free coffees)...So, for me, this is really no change...

 

So, I thought, what about those "Go Better options"? Well, here is where it gets a little silly--It states "Add Go Better for only $105 per person...They offer, for example, "Free Gratuities". Well, for this 7 night cruise, those gratuities are worth only $90.65! ($12.95 per day pp)...So, with much fanfare, they are telling me that, for a mere $105, they will give me a perk worth a whole $90.65???

 

Why would anyone ever take that option?

 

But, at least it's somewhat hidden--You have to do the math to see what you've been offered...

 

But, then, I went to my July Spain/Portugal cruise...

There, when you go through the same exercise, you get to that perks page and, plain as day, they give you THIS option:

 

"$150 pp to spend onboard

Upgrade for only $195"

 

They are not even hiding it there...

They flat-out say "Pay us $195 and we'll give you back $150 in on-board credit!"

 

That is incredibly audacious!

 

Picture a big sign in your local Department store advertising "$150 Gift card now on sale for only $195"...

 

For anyone who thinks they are getting a great deal on this promotion, I'm making this one-time offer: Send ME $195 and I will send you $150 back...No strings attached...

In fact, I will do this with no limit...You can send me $390 and I will give you $300...and on from there in whatever multiples you wish...

And this offer is not for any nonrefundable credit...I will give you your perk in perfectly legal US Cash--that you can spend anywhere and in any fashion you wish.

 

 

LOL good one!

 

I thought the 123go offer was great.... no extra fees to upgrade or anything. I booked my cruise onboard so I got extra OBC and I got to pick 2 perks for booking a Europe cruise. But this Go Big, Better Best promo is ridiculous. I don't think X thought this one through...

[offnoncruiser]

January 10th-17th- western Caribbean on Silhouette. It really is a great deal! [emoji41]

 

Jan 3rd Silly Eastern Caribbean is $899 as well.

 

I've already seen a few online TA's (including a big box TA) that are offering "base" prices for some (but not all) of their cruises, with the GoBBB delta prices being anywhere from $200-600+ per same category stateroom. So an opportunity to book without being forced to get a perk that you don't want.

 

And please correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you get cash out from the casino for the 5% charge using ANY type of OBC? After the usual onboard purchases of t-shirts, sunscreen, and maybe an excursion that's not available on our own, I'll gladly pay the 5% to not be forced to purchase something onboard that I don't want.

[ChucktownSteve]

LOL good one!

 

I thought the 123go offer was great.... no extra fees to upgrade or anything. I booked my cruise onboard so I got extra OBC and I got to pick 2 perks for booking a Europe cruise. But this Go Big, Better Best promo is ridiculous. I don't think X thought this one through...

 

I agree with you on the 123go offer (I booked two of them) however I disagree with you regarding the BBB. I believe X thoroughly thought this through (howz that for alliteration?) and will reap beaucoup profits from it. (buying more stock on a dip)

 

Don't you know anyone who buys cars at sticker on the lot? I suspect there are more people that will take this BBB on face and think they're getting a no brain'er deal...which is actually what they're getting. :D

 

I believe that most general cruisers are not as savvy as Cruise Critic folks and won't know they're getting hosed. Which is what X is hoping for.

Edited July 31, 2015 by ChucktownSteve

[teecee60]

 

RCL just announced earnings today, stock is at literally its all time high due to it. They have indicated they are very happy since their marketing efforts have given them an extraordinary number of advanced 3rd and 4th Q bookings.

 

The promotions are working, people are not leaving. Occupancy was up over 2% last Q - ships are sailing at and above published capacity.

 

As a stockholder, this makes me VERY happy! As a paying passenger on X and RCCL, maybe not so much. :o

 

 

I"m not sure who they think they're fooling. . .

 

As proven by the above post from cle-guy, RCCL/Celebrity is obviously being VERY successful in fooling a LOT of people. :eek:

 

It remains to be seen if the bargain fares WE are used to, will still be available to shrewd shoppers in the future. ;)

 

 

The last comment by ChucktownSteve in his above post is spot on!

Edited July 31, 2015 by teecee60

[BruceMuzz]

I agree. Have their bean counters lost the ability to count? Do they think we're stupid?

 

 

 

 

When dealing with the general travelling public, one should never ask, "Do you think we are stupid?" The person answering that question might just tell you the truth.

 

Every day of the week, I meet people who:

-Want me to turn on / turn off the wave making machine in the swimming pool

-Packed their passport in their suitcase and need it to check in

-Packed all their clothes in their suitcase and have nothing to wear ashore

-Have no idea the name of the ship or cruise line, or where the cruise is taking them

-Complain that the people in this foreign country do not speak English

-Complain that the people in this foreign country do not accept US Dollars

-Refuse to give their passport to local officials "because I am American / Australian / Canadian / British"

-Ask me what altitude we are sailing at

-Want to know what time the whales show up

-Want to know which side of the ship the whales will be on

-Ask which currency they need for Alaska or Hawaii

-See the Hawaii state flag on the ship's mast and ask why we are flying the Union Jack

-Take a shore tour in China and complain about all the Chinese people hanging around

-Complain that it rained / didn't rain on the Rain Forest tour

-Complain that it rained and they got wet on the snorkeling excursion

-Want to have more shore time and suggest that the Captain make the ship go much, much faster to the next port

-Bring a charcoal grill and fishing pole to use on their balcony

-Try to check in with loaded hand guns in their possession

-Ask if this elevator / staircase goes up or down (yes, they do ask)

 

 

The list goes on and on. Many people leave their brains at home when they travel.

[CruisingChick]

. Many people leave their brains at home when they travel.

 

I believe that they don't have any to begin with.

[ChucktownSteve]

Richard Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said in the interview that the no discounting 10, 20, 30 days out is working well to protect the people who bought early. So don't only expect it to continue but they're expanding it to not discount 40 days out. The non discount philosophy went into effect four months ago.

 

I believe that's why you're seeing the high prices on the Xciting deals and the pricing on the BBB.

 

So lets see if what he says is what he does or its all rhetoric.

Edited July 31, 2015 by ChucktownSteve

[CruisingChick]

Richard Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said in the interview that the no discounting 10, 20, 30 days out is working well to protect the people who bought early. So don't only expect it to continue but they're expanding it to not discount 40 days out. The non discount philosophy went into effect four months ago.

 

I believe that's why you're seeing the high prices on the Xciting deals and the pricing on the BBB.

 

So lets see if what he says is what he does or its all rhetoric.

 

My Bermuda cruise in May on Summit was $499 per person for an inside which we booked April 22nd for May 24th cruise. My upcoming cruise on Summit for 14 nights to Canada/New England which I just booked Monday 7/27 for 9/6 was $1,499. How is that not discounting? Prices are lower than when they initially opened for booking.

 

I just checked next week's Exciting Deals. 10/4/2015 New England/Canada cruise on Summit $1,099 per person for an inside.

Edited July 31, 2015 by CruisingChick

[bjarrett7]

Jan 3rd Silly Eastern Caribbean is $899 as well.

 

 

 

I've already seen a few online TA's (including a big box TA) that are offering "base" prices for some (but not all) of their cruises, with the GoBBB delta prices being anywhere from $200-600+ per same category stateroom. So an opportunity to book without being forced to get a perk that you don't want.

 

 

 

And please correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you get cash out from the casino for the 5% charge using ANY type of OBC? After the usual onboard purchases of t-shirts, sunscreen, and maybe an excursion that's not available on our own, I'll gladly pay the 5% to not be forced to purchase something onboard that I don't want.

 

 

Saw that one but I did Eastern Caribbean last January and wanted to change it up a little! Plus the Western Caribbean has 4 ports. I heard that was really nice!

[CathyCruises]

Richard Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said in the interview that the no discounting 10, 20, 30 days out is working well to protect the people who bought early. So don't only expect it to continue but they're expanding it to not discount 40 days out. The non discount philosophy went into effect four months ago.

 

I believe that's why you're seeing the high prices on the Xciting deals and the pricing on the BBB.

 

So lets see if what he says is what he does or its all rhetoric.

 

That's helpful info. Since final payment is 75 days out, that still leaves a minimum of a month for prices to be adjusted before that 30 to 40 day window occurs. It sounds like what he saying is there's going to be no drastic last minute cuts for people booking just a few weeks out.

[ChucktownSteve]

My Bermuda cruise in May on Summit was $499 per person for an inside which we booked April 22nd for May 24th cruise. My upcoming cruise on Summit for 14 nights to Canada/New England which I just booked Monday 7/27 for 9/6 was $1,499. How is that not discounting? Prices are lower than when they initially opened for booking.

 

I just checked next week's Exciting Deals. 10/4/2015 New England/Canada cruise on Summit $1,099 per person for an inside.

 

Yes but your 7/27 purchase was outside his 30 day no discount period at the time. Fain indicated that WILL be expanding to 40 days out.

 

My ocean view category on the 9/6 sailing is not available however if today I wanted to get an inside gty I can save $235/pp but I'd have to give up the free classic liquor, free grats and the $100 X OBC. That doesn't sound like a discount to me. :D

[BecciBoo]

So last Nov. on Reflection, we took advantage of the 123GO offer in order to get all the perks listed on this page: Pd grats, Classic Bev., $250 OBC for Reflection(which we spent entirely on Reflection to book the Alaska cruise {$250deposit}) and $300 OBC for the Alaska Cruise. That's $550 OBC on both cruises.

 

Here is our conf. for our C1 aft cabin for Alaska (had to do a Concierge and wanted the middle of the aft):

 

Here is the fake booking I just did, same date, same ship, same room with one perk only. Classic Bev.

 

I'm absolutely a moron with math. But I think I got a good deal on last season's offer. Not so good with the new big/bigger/biggest!

 

Difference between the two is $659.02 and that amount does not include my savings on pd grats, the $250 OBC on Reflection we spent nor the $300 OBC coming up on Solstice. RIGHT?????:o

 

I can get a C3 for the same price we paid but we wanted the specific location of the C1 we booked. And I'd only get Classic Bev.

Edited August 1, 2015 by BecciBoo

[vivi9909]

My Bermuda cruise in May on Summit was $499 per person for an inside which we booked April 22nd for May 24th cruise. My upcoming cruise on Summit for 14 nights to Canada/New England which I just booked Monday 7/27 for 9/6 was $1,499. How is that not discounting? Prices are lower than when they initially opened for booking.

 

I just checked next week's Exciting Deals. 10/4/2015 New England/Canada cruise on Summit $1,099 per person for an inside.

 

What are these "Exciting Deals" that I see mentioned here from time to time? Is it for US only? Or customers who book directly with them?

I am a regular X cruiser, Captain's Club Member, they have my e-mail address and they send me ads from time to time but I don't receive these Exciting Deals or Tuesday Specials.

[Tangocherie]

What are these "Exciting Deals" that I see mentioned here from time to time? Is it for US only? Or customers who book directly with them?

I am a regular X cruiser, Captain's Club Member, they have my e-mail address and they send me ads from time to time but I don't receive these Exciting Deals or Tuesday Specials.

 

Exciting deals are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays or for Captain's Club Members on Mondays. Celebrity usually announces these weekly specials on the web late Thursday or Friday. You can Google Exciting deals Celebrity Cruises or try the following address: http://www.creative.rccl.com/Sales/Exciting_Deals/XcitingDeals_cel_tues.pdf

 

They are priced in both $US and $CAN. Happy cruising!

Edited August 1, 2015 by Tangocherie

[cle-guy]

Are you suggesting or saying that most if not all cruises now offer a resident or senior rate? That would be new based on my experience.

Thanks

 

No, just saying that when special fares are open, they are not combinable with perks, as these are tules that perks follow.