What's the price/pecking order on upscale/luxury lines?

[Flatbush Flyer]

I enjoyed reading this thread.

 

We are just lonely mass market cruisers.

 

 

 

I was wondering where Cunard falls in this order?

 

 

Hi "lonely mass market cruisers." If "value" is important to you and perceived "cost" is what keeps you from experiencing the premium/luxury lines, you may want to redo your math.

 

In particular, compare lines like Celebrity, HAL and Princess to premium lines like Azamara or Oceania. However, in making that comparison, use "net daily rate" (i.e., considering all cruise related expenses - airfare, beverages, specialties, excursions, gratuities, etc) instead of "cabin cost." You may find yourself changing to "premium" fairly quickly..

Regarding Cunard (never been and probably won't): Assuming they have a casual dining venue (i.e., a buffet), is it self-serve? If so, it's just another mass market line.

IMO, the extremely unsanitary practice of allowing passengers to self-serve a meal in a buffet, or other casual dining venue, is an absolute "deal breaker" when it come to being considered anything more than a mass market cruise line.

[Texas Tillie]

Regarding Cunard (never been and probably won't): Assuming they have a casual dining venue (i.e., a buffet), is it self-serve? If so, it's just another mass market line.

IMO, the extremely unsanitary practice of allowing passengers to self-serve a meal in a buffet, or other casual dining venue, is an absolute "deal breaker" when it come to being considered anything more than a mass market cruise line.

 

I am not familiar with the other "luxury" lines, but the buffets, both the breakfast and lunch buffet in the Lido and the all day buffet in the Bistro on Crystal are self serve. Sorry that you can't consider Crystal as a luxury line. I believe you might be the lone exception to that. :)

 

P.S. There are exceptions - the egg man in the morning, the pasta station and the meat carver at lunch, but it is still basically self serve.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Texas Tillie

[blizzardboy]

Hi "lonely mass market cruisers." If "value" is important to you and perceived "cost" is what keeps you from experiencing the premium/luxury lines, you may want to redo your math.

 

In particular, compare lines like Celebrity, HAL and Princess to premium lines like Azamara or Oceania. However, in making that comparison, use "net daily rate" (i.e., considering all cruise related expenses - airfare, beverages, specialties, excursions, gratuities, etc) instead of "cabin cost." You may find yourself changing to "premium" fairly quickly..

Regarding Cunard (never been and probably won't): Assuming they have a casual dining venue (i.e., a buffet), is it self-serve? If so, it's just another mass market line.

IMO, the extremely unsanitary practice of allowing passengers to self-serve a meal in a buffet, or other casual dining venue, is an absolute "deal breaker" when it come to being considered anything more than a mass market cruise line.

It must have been tough for you in school with with this cafeteria and germ phobia. How have any of the millions served there survived? If they set down a tray of hors d'oeuvres at a party or gathering, do you eat any?

I am razzing you a bit. I don't care for buffets and seldom have ever eaten at one onboard ship.

I would love to explore more of the "luxury lines", i.e. Oceania, but in order to get a king bed I have to shell out $28000 for the two of us for a 12 day cruise, on their "2 for 1" fare no less, and they only have them on two of their ships. Even with coach air included, which I won't fly, and all drinks etc., it's not competitive or desirable.

Edited June 28, 2016 by blizzardboy

[Flatbush Flyer]

I am not familiar with the other "luxury" lines, but the buffets, both the breakfast and lunch buffet in the Lido and the all day buffet in the Bistro on Crystal are self serve. Sorry that you can't consider Crystal as a luxury line. I believe you might be the lone exception to that. :)

 

P.S. There are exceptions - the egg man in the morning, the pasta station and the meat carver at lunch, but it is still basically self serve.

 

 

In looking at Crystal over the years, I had already determined that the "value" is just not there given our means and preferences.

 

Now knowing that their buffets are self-serve (and that there are many more smoking locations on their ships than are available on some other premium/luxury lines) really confirms a "deal breaker" for me. So, whether others consider it a luxury line or not is really irrelevant in my world.

 

And, I trust that I am not the "lone exception" when it comes to avoiding tobacco use and unsanitary food safety practices.

[Texas Tillie]

In looking at Crystal over the years, I had already determined that the "value" is just not there given our means and preferences.

 

Now knowing that their buffets are self-serve (and that there are many more smoking locations on their ships than are available on some other premium/luxury lines) really confirms a "deal breaker" for me. So, whether others consider it a luxury line or not is really irrelevant in my world.

 

And, I trust that I am not the "lone exception" when it comes to avoiding tobacco use and unsanitary food safety practices.

 

The only place smoking is allowed on Crystal inside the ship is the Connoisseur Club (cigar room). There are a few places on the open decks where smoking is allowed. The balconies, the casino, etc. all are smoking free. There may be other lines that are more restrictive, but I'm not aware of them.

 

P.S. The lone exception remark was to your not considering Crystal luxury based on your own definition of luxury.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Texas Tillie

[Flatbush Flyer]

It must have been tough for you in school with with this cafeteria and germ phobia. How have any of the millions served there survived? If they set down a tray of hors d'oeuvres at a party or gathering, do you eat any?

I am razzing you a bit. I don't care for buffets and seldom have ever eaten at one onboard ship.

I would love to explore more of the "luxury lines", i.e. Oceania, but in order to get a king bed I have to shell out $28000 for the two of us for a 12 day cruise, on their "2 for 1" fare no less, and they only have them on two of their ships. Even with coach air included, which I won't fly, and all drinks etc., it's not competitive or desirable.

 

 

Avoiding self-serve food in a closed environment venue that is often challenged by communicable diseases (i.e., a cruise ship), where there may be many hundreds of diners at a time, is hardly the same as food set out at a home party. And it's enough of a concern, based in part on significant food safety research (do a google search), for lines like Oceania to employ extra crew to perform that service function in their casual dining locations.

 

Also (and I know this from a professional lifetime in university executive service), the list of institutions increasingly moving away from self-serve in campus dining venues grows daily.

 

As for the king mattresses: thanks for making my point. Not having them at a price point you can/want to handle is your "deal breaker." So, whether that line is considered "luxury" is irrelevant to you.

 

One more item: though it's really none of my business, why the "no go" on the single beds together with a topper? Oceania's regular cabin beds do make up as a king and the entire assembly is extremely comfortable with no discernible division in the center. (If you think I'm picky about the food, don't get me started on beds and bedding!)

[Flatbush Flyer]

The only place smoking is allowed on Crystal inside the ship is the Connoisseur Club (cigar room). There are a few places on the open decks where smoking is allowed. The balconies, the casino, etc. all are smoking free. There may be other lines that are more restrictive, but I'm not aware of them.

 

P.S. The lone exception remark was to your not considering Crystal luxury based on your own definition of luxury.

 

 

Just googled Crystal's smoking policy. http://www.crystalcruises.com/guidebook/guidelines-and-policies--26 Maybe it came up with an older version but it said smoking allowed in casino and quite a few outdoor locations. On Oceania, it's one pool corner outdoors and one glass enclosure indoors (and e-cigs equally restricted).

 

Doesn't really matter because, as aforementioned, self-serve food on a cruise ship (or any other densely populated, closed environment often challenged by communicable illnesses) is asking for trouble (deal breaker for me). Other cruise lines (e.g., Oceania) recognize this and address it with added personnel.

 

Finally, whether Crystal is luxury or not by my definition is irrelevant since I disqualify it from consideration based on its food safety practices and a lack of "value" given my means and preferences. And that is where I am convinced you will see many like-minded folks.

Edited June 28, 2016 by Flatbush Flyer

[Texas Tillie]

Just googled Crystal's smoking policy. http://www.crystalcruises.com/guidebook/guidelines-and-policies--26 Maybe it came up with an older version but it said smoking allowed in casino and quite a few outdoor locations. On Oceania, it's one pool corner outdoors and one glass enclosure indoors (and e-cigs equally restricted).

 

Doesn't really matter because, as aforementioned, self-serve food on a cruise ship (or any other densely populated, closed environment often challenged by communicable illnesses) is asking for trouble (deal breaker for me). Other cruise lines (e.g., Oceania) recognize this and address it with added personnel.

 

Finally, whether Crystal is luxury or not by my definition is irrelevant since I disqualify it from consideration based on its food safety practices and a lack of "value" given my means and preferences. And that is where I am convinced you will see many like-minded folks.

 

Yes, you certainly did not find an up to date smoking policy on the internet. Just hate it when someone accepts what they read on the internet. You seem to be a person who is picky(that's an understatement), why didn't you go directly to the Crystal site? :cool:

[LHT28]

Yes, you certainly did not find an up to date smoking policy on the internet. Just hate it when someone accepts what they read on the internet. You seem to be a person who is picky(that's an understatement), why didn't you go directly to the Crystal site? :cool:

 

 

Do you have another link to the smoking policy that is up to date?

according to the Crystal site I found they do have a lot of smoking areas

[Texas Tillie]

Do you have another link to the smoking policy that is up to date?

according to the Crystal site I found they do have a lot of smoking areas

 

http://www.crystalcruises.com/guidebook/guidelines-and-policies--26#link306

 

I think the confusion is the listing of the VIP casino. That is the high rollers area. It is a closed area like the Cigar Bar. Since it was put it I have never seen it in use on either ship and I have been on both since then.

[GrJ Berkshire]

Regent is the tops as it is only 700/ 490 passengers, all inclusive, all balcony, all excursions , soft/ hard drinks included. No set seating, limited buffet, yet not tuxedos at sea. Smoking is very controlled, no balcony smoking, a real lack of luxury here from others.

 

Regent also has a no gratuity policy, it's included, so none of the constant signing and shocking end of trip bills.

Equality as well , once out of cabins/ suites no, no go areas or differential treatment as you have on Cunard with almost a class system between top cites and steerage.

Regent may appear expensive, but you get what you pay for, and when everything else is added in its a great deal.

True luxury, Regent, SS Mariner our favourite.

[blizzardboy]

Regent is the tops as it is only 700/ 490 passengers, all inclusive, all balcony, all excursions , soft/ hard drinks included. No set seating, limited buffet, yet not tuxedos at sea. Smoking is very controlled, no balcony smoking, a real lack of luxury here from others.

 

Regent also has a no gratuity policy, it's included, so none of the constant signing and shocking end of trip bills.

Equality as well , once out of cabins/ suites no, no go areas or differential treatment as you have on Cunard with almost a class system between top cites and steerage.

Regent may appear expensive, but you get what you pay for, and when everything else is added in its a great deal.

True luxury, Regent, SS Mariner our favourite.

 

I wonder why they have some of the worst member ratings and reviews I've seen on this site? Remarks like 2 star service at a 6 star price. Their worst ship (Voyager) has a lowly 64% satisfaction rating, the other two, 70 and 71%. A lot of people must disagree with you.

Edited June 28, 2016 by blizzardboy

[geoherb]

Hi "lonely mass market cruisers." If "value" is important to you and perceived "cost" is what keeps you from experiencing the premium/luxury lines, you may want to redo your math.

 

In particular, compare lines like Celebrity, HAL and Princess to premium lines like Azamara or Oceania. However, in making that comparison, use "net daily rate" (i.e., considering all cruise related expenses - airfare, beverages, specialties, excursions, gratuities, etc) instead of "cabin cost." You may find yourself changing to "premium" fairly quickly.

I have done the math and it hasn't worked out for us to take a cruise on anything better than HAL, Celebrity and Princess. I put them on the same level, although my understanding is that Celebrity is trying to move up a notch away from the other two. It appears that way by the pricing I've seen when looking at booking a cruise. (The Celebrity cruise to Alaska that's comparable to our upcoming one on HAL is more than $1,000 more per person for the week.)

[blizzardboy]

I have done the math and it hasn't worked out for us to take a cruise on anything better than HAL, Celebrity and Princess. I put them on the same level, although my understanding is that Celebrity is trying to move up a notch away from the other two. It appears that way by the pricing I've seen when looking at booking a cruise. (The Celebrity cruise to Alaska that's comparable to our upcoming one on HAL is more than $1,000 more per person for the week.)

 

I booked our first Celebrity cruise a couple months ago. If they're trying "to move up a notch" compared to HAL, they sure didn't start with customer service or their website! They are also adept at bait-n-switch advertising. Your also right about their pricing being higher than HAL. If it weren't for the itinerary, I would've already cancelled the booking. That may still happen.

[iheartbda]

I booked our first Celebrity cruise a couple months ago. If they're trying "to move up a notch" compared to HAL, they sure didn't start with customer service or their website! They are also adept at bait-n-switch advertising. Your also right about their pricing being higher than HAL. If it weren't for the itinerary, I would've already cancelled the booking. That may still happen.

Would you explain the bait and switch advertising?

[calliopecruiser]

Assuming they have a casual dining venue (i.e., a buffet), is it self-serve? If so, it's just another mass market line. .

 

I think you're confusing your preferences with the definition of "mass market". They don't have anything to do with one another. One is, as the name applies, used by the masses in the general marketplace. If a company has a more limited market and limited number of customers, it is not in the mass market. That company may not have things that you want (or have things that you don't want), but that doesn't make it a "mass market" offering. I may not like or want a Bentley, but that doesn't make it a mass market make of car; I may think a Mclaren is a dangerous car, but that too does not make it "just another" mass market sports car like the Mazda Miata.

[LHT28]

http://www.crystalcruises.com/guidebook/guidelines-and-policies--26#link306

 

I think the confusion is the listing of the VIP casino. That is the high rollers area. It is a closed area like the Cigar Bar. Since it was put it I have never seen it in use on either ship and I have been on both since then.

It does list more than the VIP casino

Cigarette smoking (includes Electronic cigarettes)

Connoisseur Club

VIP Casino (during play, upon request)

Deck 5, aft, portside on Crystal Esprit

Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity

Deck 11 Aft Crystal Serenity

Seahorse pool area, port side only

Promenade Deck, port side only

 

not sure about Crystal but on another line people did not know port from starboard on the pool or promenade deck & were smoking anywhere they liked

PS your link is the same page from Crystal that Flatbush posted the link for :confused:

[Texas Tillie]

It does list more than the VIP casino

Cigarette smoking (includes Electronic cigarettes)

Connoisseur Club

VIP Casino (during play, upon request)

Deck 5, aft, portside on Crystal Esprit

Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity

Deck 11 Aft Crystal Serenity

Seahorse pool area, port side only

Promenade Deck, port side only

 

not sure about Crystal but on another line people did not know port from starboard on the pool or promenade deck & were smoking anywhere they liked

PS your link is the same page from Crystal that Flatbush posted the link for :confused:

 

Everything listed is outside the ship on decks except the Connoisseur Club and the high rollers part of the casino which is fully enclosed and that is very rarely used. Also, if anyone starts smoking on the wrong side of the pool deck, they will be asked to move. I've never seen anyone smoking any place not allowed. Smoking isn't a problem on Crystal as I HATE smoking and am able to totally avoid it on Crystal.

[LHT28]

Everything listed is outside the ship on decks except the Connoisseur Club and the high rollers part of the casino which is fully enclosed and that is very rarely used. Also, if anyone starts smoking on the wrong side of the pool deck, they will be asked to move. I've never seen anyone smoking any place not allowed. Smoking isn't a problem on Crystal as I HATE smoking and am able to totally avoid it on Crystal.

My point is there is still a lot of areas for smokers compared to other lines

 

I know the cruise lines have to cater to both non smokers & smokers but for me the less areas for smokers the better jmo

 

People should choose a line that tick more boxes for their wants/needs & budget whether it is luxury, MM or whatever they call themselves

[blizzardboy]

Would you explain the bait and switch advertising?

Advertisement:

Book any of our six Suite Class staterooms today—to almost anywhere we sail from June 2016 through April 2018—and enjoy 4 FREE perks* for a total value of up to $2,930*. Also 50% of normal Deposits.

 

I booked an Asian cruise, Abu Dhabi to Singapore in Jan 2108, after their senior suite rep went over the promo etc. When I got my booking receipt the next morning, I'd been charged the full deposit and there were no perks. I called in and they said, "That's a repositioning cruise so exempt from the promo. Celebrity's explanation - If a cruise doesn't start and finish in the same port it's a repositioning cruise.

 

Facts: 1. The ship will have been in Asia a month before our cruise. 2. They run this itinerary back and forth 4 times during the Asian season interspersed with other cruises. 3. They have multiple cruises not ending and starting in the same port in the very competitive Med and Alaskan markets and don't classify them as repositioning. 4. HAL runs back and forth between Singapore and Hong Kong and they don't call those repositioning cruises. Bottom line, they baited me with the promo, then used this bogus, self-serving, and inconsistent classification to exempt it. It took a couple days of hell raising over the phone, but when faced with the above facts, they gave me OBC in the amount of the perks as their system wouldn't let them add them, and refunded half the deposit. I booked a Royal Suite so a couple of the perks were standard amenities for the RS so we weren't talking anyway near what they said the perks were worth on their site, but it got handled. The whole situation didn't come near passing the ethical "smell test".

Edited June 28, 2016 by blizzardboy

[LMaxwell]

I'm still just as lost as I was from the start.

 

Is Crystal above or below Regent? Where do they compare to Seabourn or Azamara, etc.

[calliopecruiser]

I'm still just as lost as I was from the start.

 

Is Crystal above or below Regent? Where do they compare to Seabourn or Azamara, etc.

 

There isn't an "above or below" within groups, in my opinion.....because different people like and want different things. I don't think there's such a thing as a real ranking, only a ranking of groups (i.e. a group of 3-5 different lines).

[LHT28]

I'm still just as lost as I was from the start.

 

Is Crystal above or below Regent? Where do they compare to Seabourn or Azamara, etc.

 

it is where ever you want to place it on your pecking order list

Some people will say Crystal is the best some people will say Regent is the best

It does not matter it is what YOU think is the best for you & your wants/needs

[LMaxwell]

it is where ever you want to place it on your pecking order list

Some people will say Crystal is the best some people will say Regent is the best

It does not matter it is what YOU think is the best for you & your wants/needs

 

Trying to get a grasp of demographics / price points. Which is considered the entry level luxury line, which are top flight. Surely there are differences, trying to find out what they are. Just as there are differences between Carnival and Princess in the mass market field.

[Flatbush Flyer]

I'm still just as lost as I was from the start.

 

 

 

Is Crystal above or below Regent? Where do they compare to Seabourn or Azamara, etc.

 

 

Get a grip! Compare HOW??? Even an overall comparison is impossible if you're weighing criteria differently than I am. As others have said: you really need to try a few lines to determine what is most important to YOU and how the lines then compare. If you can't afford that, at least peruse the CC threads line by line to determine which. "culture" appears to you the most.