Any Noticeable Cut backs with Celebrity

[varoo]

Blu and Luminae are very nice additions for passengers in aqua class and suites, but the MDR is now even more crowded and noisy than before.

 

In staterooms, passengers now need to request the ice buckets and water pitchers that were previously provided automatically as part of standard stateroom service.

 

Some new passengers are not even aware that they are available.

 

 

There have been no additions to the loyalty program since 2013..

People have been asking for another loyalty level above Elite Plus, but nothing has been done about it yet.

 

Trays are no longer provided at the buffet, (although the last time we were on the Summit, it still had them, but smaller trays than previously).

 

As mentioned, there have been noticeable cutbacks in the entertainment.

 

[cle-guy]

Blu and Luminae are very nice additions for passengers in aqua class and suites, but the MDR is now even more crowded and noisy than before.

 

 

How can MDR be more crowded now than before?

 

It was originally designed to seat all sailing passengers over 2 seatings. Since it was opened, they have added specialty restaurants and BLU and Luminae. BLU and Lumina basically just reallocated seating from multiple tables to a cluster of tables in a single area. Luminae did see about 25 seats net lost, but when you consider MDR will seat every passenger on the ship over 2 settings. and think about those who do buffet, room service, eat on shore, or specialty and leave their assigned seat open, that means there are more empty seats now than years ago.

[minz56]

.... that means there are more empty seats now than years ago.

 

Indeed - in fact there was a thread not that long ago complaining about the number of empty seats at late traditional dining.

[PoppyandNana]

I just read the latest reviews about Equinox and have to admit I became a bit worried... People seem to be more negative about the service, drink packages and entertainment. We are looking at booking Celebrity for next spring but started to reconsider our choice...

 

We are Elite on Celebrity and love the experience. Been sailing with them since the early nineties. However, they have cut back in a number of areas. By themselves none are deal breakers but collectively they do represent a decline in certain areas. Service and food remain outstanding.

 

Eliminated bread pudding

No more escort to ones cabin

Eliminated mid week gala buffet

Eliminated music in the evenings in the MDR

On several occasions have seen DJ's in place of a band

Much shorter sets for music groups

Quality of musicians and comics have declined

Used to be rolling carts through the buffet at breakfast with coffee service.

 

Probably some others but these come to mind v

Edited August 24, 2015 by PoppyandNana

[Christine Frances]

Blu and Luminae are very nice additions for passengers in aqua class and suites, but the MDR is now even more crowded and noisy than before.

 

In staterooms, passengers now need to request the ice buckets and water pitchers that were previously provided automatically as part of standard stateroom service.

 

Some new passengers are not even aware that they are available.

 

 

There have been no additions to the loyalty program since 2013..

People have been asking for another loyalty level above Elite Plus, but nothing has been done about it yet.

 

Trays are no longer provided at the buffet, (although the last time we were on the Summit, it still had them, but smaller trays than previously).

 

As mentioned, there have been noticeable cutbacks in the entertainment.

 

 

The OP was asking about the "last couple of years". All the things you mention (except for Luminae) would not be "new" changes

[varoo]

MDR is more crowded and noisy because the tables are pushed closer together with less space between them.

 

In many places the space between tables is only a few inches, not even enough space for the waiter to walk between the tables to serve the person sitting on the other side of the table.

 

 

Although the total space may be the same, the utilization is different.

The tables in the MDR are closer together and the tables in Luminae are further apart.

 

 

In fact the M class ships now have even more passengers than they did originally because additional cabins were added when the ships were solsticized.

 

[cruisead]

We've seen a lot of changes, and not all of them good. In Tuscan Grill, they used to have a tray of little bites like melon, sun dried tomatoes, olive tapenade, grilled garlic and mozzarella balls. That's all gone, replaced by just a couple of things that the waiter puts on your plate. Daily activities have been greatly reduced, replaced by an increasing number of "activities" that are income generating. I kept a count on our last cruise, and on the average, out of approximately 85 activities listed in the daily schedule, 48 were potential income generating---art auction, guess the carat weight (gets you into the jewelry store), lots of whatever things that draws you into the spa and things like that. I don't view those things as cruise ship entertainment.

 

Live entertainment has also been reduced. Celebrity is enamoured with having a DJ instead of live bands.

 

Cafe Al Bacio has eliminated the savory sandwiches, and now has only cookies and pastries.

[Christine Frances]

There have also been improvements (at least for us):) The jazz guitarist in the evening at the Sunset Bar, the Gastrobar which we love, taking out the ergomatic wine dispensers and keeping the great selections of wine at Cellar Masters, the picnics and evening concerts on the lawn. We have never had a table for 2 in the MDR as we travel with friends but our experience with food and service is still excellent. Because we don't take part in activities, do trivia etc, don't like a' Cappella groups or harps or string quartets we can't comment on the difference over the last couple of years. But we do enjoy the new changes and are looking very much forward to the New World Bar and the new seafood menu at the Porch:) Nothing is doom and gloom for us.

[PoppyandNana]

We are Elite on Celebrity and love the experience. Been sailing with them since the early nineties. However, they have cut back in a number of areas. By themselves none are deal breakers but collectively they do represent a decline in certain areas. Service and food remain outstanding.

 

Eliminated bread pudding

No more escort to ones cabin

Eliminated mid week gala buffet

Eliminated music in the evenings in the MDR

On several occasions have seen DJ's in place of a band

Much shorter sets for music groups

Quality of musicians and comics have declined

Used to be rolling carts through the buffet at breakfast with coffee service.

 

Probably some others but these come to mind v

 

I forgot a couple of things. Used to get peanuts in the bars. Now you get this horrible chex mix crap. And they eleminatd Michaels Club as a piano bar.

[need2cruisesoon]

We've seen a lot of changes, and not all of them good. In Tuscan Grill, they used to have a tray of little bites like melon, sun dried tomatoes, olive tapenade, grilled garlic and mozzarella balls. That's all gone, replaced by just a couple of things that the waiter puts on your plate. Daily activities have been greatly reduced, replaced by an increasing number of "activities" that are income generating. I kept a count on our last cruise, and on the average, out of approximately 85 activities listed in the daily schedule, 48 were potential income generating---art auction, guess the carat weight (gets you into the jewelry store), lots of whatever things that draws you into the spa and things like that. I don't view those things as cruise ship entertainment.

 

Live entertainment has also been reduced. Celebrity is enamoured with having a DJ instead of live bands.

 

Cafe Al Bacio has eliminated the savory sandwiches, and now has only cookies and pastries.

 

Yes, countless invitations in our cabin mailbox for art shows, Spa sales...after awhile just threw them all away like junk mail you get home.

[purpletequila]

Bar staff/drink waiters.

 

It's pretty bad, or was last year. It will basically be on you to go to a bar and get your drink and once you get there, you'll meet the other 25 people who gave up on wait service and will stand in line together for 15 minutes.

 

But, I am going again this November soooooo......

[jagoffee]

Our February cruise on Reflection failed to have any guest speakers. We were very surprised as there have been some outstanding speakers.

 

The Aqua Spa Cafe was just fine and I often had lunch there. Still outstanding. I remember the salmon, chicken salad, and the fresh fruit desserts. Now I am hungry!

Thank you for the information.

[GUT2407]

They have really cut the Aqua spa cafe to the point where they should just completely shut it down.

 

Whereas in Dec DW loved it.

[GUT2407]

Pillow chocolates.

[janny444]

It is as I thought little cutbacks here and there but all cruise lines are doing the same.

On a cruise earlier this year...not Celebrity...we sat on a table along side a disabled person and parents. The mother mentioned that the cutbacks on that cruise line really impacted on them...especially in the MDR. The disabled person...a grown man... had no arms and she said previously they used to provide straws for him to drink but not now....also they would cut his food up before it was brought to him...not now.

My sister has just returned from another cruise line and one of there cutbacks is to reduce paper use so that now when you order a drink from a bar no paper receipt given.

 

Thank you for all the replies

Edited August 24, 2015 by janny444

[GUT2407]

It is as I thought little cutbacks here and there but all cruise lines are doing the same.

On a cruise earlier this year...not Celebrity...we sat on a table along side a disabled person and parents. The mother mentioned that the cutbacks on that cruise line really impacted on them...especially in the MDR. The disabled person...a grown man... had no arms and she said previously they used to provide straws for him to drink but not now....also they would cut his food up before it was brought to him...not now.

My sister has just returned from another cruise line and one of there cutbacks is to reduce paper use so that now when you order a drink from a bar no paper receipt given.

 

Thank you for all the replies

 

 

I find it hard to imagine that there were no straws.

 

Some ships don't give a receipt if you have a drinks package.

[DYKWIA]

...... The mother mentioned that the cutbacks on that cruise line really impacted on them...especially in the MDR. The disabled person...a grown man... had no arms and she said previously they used to provide straws for him to drink but not now....also they would cut his food up before it was brought to him...not now.

....

 

An incredible decision by which ever cruiseline... you can have an extra starter, bigger portions, an extra piece of steak - but no straw!

 

Really puts the grumbling about chocolates on pillows into perspective doesn't it.

 

My grandmother was registered blind, I remember her telling me that whenever she travelled around the world (60s 70s 80s) she would never have any difficulty finding a waiter / waitress to help cut her food for her, arrange things on the table so she knew where they'd be and so on. It is such a basic service any restaurant or cafe should be able to provide for a customer requiring such assistance.

[janny444]

I find it hard to imagine that there were no straws.

 

Some ships don't give a receipt if you have a drinks package.

 

We shared the table with them but none was provided and the mother said on no occasion were any provided as they used to be as a matter of course.

 

My sister did not have any drinks package

[Corgis mom]

The prime rib on the first night is about as thin a slice as can be. It definitely would not pass muster in a restaurant on land.

 

But...the buffet is better, in my opinion.

[PoppyandNana]

Bar staff/drink waiters.

 

It's pretty bad, or was last year. It will basically be on you to go to a bar and get your drink and once you get there, you'll meet the other 25 people who gave up on wait service and will stand in line together for 15 minutes.

 

But, I am going again this November soooooo......

 

Noticed this as well. Whereas there used to be four waiters in the main lounge now there are two or three.

[bEwAbG]

I find the straw thing a little hard to believe. Every bar on the boat has and uses straws for their cocktails. Did she ask for a straw and they told her "no" or did she just expect the restaurant staff to read her mind? I agree that an excellent server should anticipate this type of need but if a need is not being met, you do have to speak up sometimes rather than sitting there quietly fuming.

 

I was a server in high school and college back in the 90s: we were explicitly taught to not assume someone with a disability wanted extra help or attention, especially if they had companions already with them.

Edited August 24, 2015 by bEwAbG

[Orator]

We are now seeing the "ship within a ship" concept. The Suite passenger, especially those in Celebrity Suites or higher are getting a completely different experience than those in lower category cabins. Just read the glowing reports of those Suite passengers on Cruise Critic and you'll see for them the cruising experience has become better. They are willing and able to pay the higher prices for the enhanced experience.

[CruisingChick]

We are now seeing the "ship within a ship" concept. The Suite passenger, especially those in Celebrity Suites or higher are getting a completely different experience than those in lower category cabins. Just read the glowing reports of those Suite passengers on Cruise Critic and you'll see for them the cruising experience has become better. They are willing and able to pay the higher prices for the enhanced experience.

 

and for those of us that cannot afford to book those suites, or even Aqua Class, we continue to see a decline in Celebrity's overall product of service and food. With cutbacks very, very noticeable, especially when you have been sailing with them for 13 years.

 

I think I would give up all my Elite+ Benefits if Celebrity would go back to being the cruise line it was when we first starting sailing them. At that time they didn't need gimmicks, perks, etc. to fill their ships. The did it with impeccable service, attention to detail and great food for all their customers, not just those paying the higher prices.

 

I still miss intermezzo on formal nights and the classical music in the MDR.

Edited August 24, 2015 by CruisingChick

[TLCOhio]

We are now seeing the "ship within a ship" concept. The Suite passenger, especially those in Celebrity Suites or higher are getting a completely different experience than those in lower category cabins. Just read the glowing reports of those Suite passengers on Cruise Critic and you'll see for them the cruising experience has become better. They are willing and able to pay the higher prices for the enhanced experience.

 

Excellent above points. For our Australia to New Zealand adventure as detailed below, we booked early and had a Celebrity Suite at a cost that was higher, but not too much more given the benefits and added room/comfort. On a 14-day cruise, it worked well for us to have these enjoyable benefits and was very worth it in so many different ways. BUT, the pesky Celebrity computers seem to have adjusted upward some of those prices for a Celebrity Suite and made it not as possible for us to do.

 

For us, we are driven, first, by the ports and parts of the world where we seek to explore. Fortunately, Celebrity has worked to widen their locations and offerings. BUT, our next cruise is from South Africa/Mozambique and Celebrity does not reach, yet, that part of the world.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 116,935 views for this posting.

[jagoffee]

We shared the table with them but none was provided and the mother said on no occasion were any provided as they used to be as a matter of course.

 

My sister did not have any drinks package

 

Do you mean no straw was provided without them asking or are you saying that The Waite refused to provide a straw when asked?

 

What cruise line was your sister on? A little surprising that she was paying for a drink and did not get a receipt.