Lisa Lutoff-Perlo and X's new direction

[boscobeans]

I get it, but these are just not things that I would seek out as a reason to book a vacation with one Co over the other.

 

My wife works for Hyatt Hotels and the item that has to be replaced the most are the cheap pens that only have enough ink to last 3-4-5 uses. But to some I guess it is a big deal and makes or breaks their vacation.

 

 

 

The absence of any of the following is in NO WAY a maker or breaker for us when we book a cruise, it is just a reflection of what we first encountered and got us hooked.

 

UNIMPORTANT-TRIVIAL-NO BIG LOSS- ?? Possibly but would this same type of cruise really be out of the realm of new or younger cruisers?

 

From the minute you stepped on the ship it was a different world to us at first.

 

Much of the following or the lack there of is a result of having less and less staff in most of the service areas of the ship.

------------

Mimosas or sparkling wine along with a white gloved staff member who would take your carryons and escort you to your stateroom.(staffing)

 

Your stateroom WAS ready when you boarded. (staffing)

 

Yes crappy, but functional, pen, postcards and note paper.

 

The unexpected but sometimes useful Cotton swabs, cotton balls, sewing kit, shower cap and the assorted Elemis or other branded niceties.

 

A Godiva chocolate treat along with a note detailing the next day's weather and other minor anouncements on you pillow at turndown.

 

Live music during dinner.

 

Every room had ice and water pitchers.

 

The MDR was more of an event with waiters that had a few extra minutes to make sure you got salad dressings, condiments and other minor details.

 

MDR bread and dessert selection was much better and the desserts were displayed on a tray so you could see what your waiter was describing.

 

Formal nights had white glove service and the MDR was dressed accordingly.

 

The specialty restaurants on the ships that had them supplied a lot more than just better food and provided a very memorable experience after a three hour meal with true hand service where all dishes were exposed at the same time and many were prepared at the table.

 

You almost never had to search for the bar or wine staff in the MDR although they were not obtrusive.

 

There seemed to always be someone doing something in the area of your stateroom who knew you by name and on our first few cruises we were amazed at how often a steward would be there to open our door.

 

Waiters in the buffet would find you a table and in the beginning when they had trays they would carry them for anyone who needed the help.

 

There were plenty of waiters around and rarely did you need to get up for another drink.

 

ONCE AGAIN, the absence of any of the above doesn't make or break our plans, if if did we wouldn't have been on 22 cruises since our first with Celebrity in 2001.

 

OMO

 

bosco

[RealNorwegianCruiser]

Looking forward to try Celebrity for the first time in September. My wife and I am in our 30s, she is staying at home/studying and I got a job as a CEO in a midsize NGO in Norway. Of course we got debt, but we also got good enough income to handle it... We been cruising twice a year since 2009, mostly with Royal Caribbean (once with NCL). Now we feel its time to try something else - before we need a year and a half break (guess why :) ..) away from cruising.

 

Sorry to say to the OP: Celebrity speaks clearly to us though their marketing. And so far we like what we see.

[wallie5446]

ONCE AGAIN, the absence of any of the above doesn't make or break our plans, if if did we wouldn't have been on 22 cruises since our first with Celebrity in 2001.

 

OMO

 

bosco

 

Bosco, I totally agree.

 

But in comparison to our RCCL Freedom in 2011, and Ruby Princess in 2012 cruises, Celebrity even with all these changes were heads above them in 2013,14,& 15.

EW

[TomTN]

Bosco, I totally agree.

 

But in comparison to our RCCL Freedom in 2011, and Ruby Princess in 2012 cruises, Celebrity even with all these changes were heads above them in 2013,14,& 15.

EW

 

Yep, I guess it is a matter pf personal taste. I'll add HAL and NCL to that list. All four cruise lines are decent, but for my money X gives me more of what I am looking for.:)

[ChucktownSteve]

I just got off the phone with my TA takin' care of bizness. During the conversation I lamented about the direction of Celebrity. She told me a lot of her customers have been saying the same things and that I should write Celebrity. HA! I told her they'd never care. Queen Lisa has her own agenda direction and nothing I say will affect that.

 

How many of you feel the same way?

[boscobeans]

I just got off the phone with my TA takin' care of bizness. During the conversation I lamented about the direction of Celebrity. She told me a lot of her customers have been saying the same things and that I should write Celebrity. HA! I told her they'd never care. Queen Lisa has her own agenda direction and nothing I say will affect that.

 

How many of you feel the same way?

 

+1

 

bosco

[neverbeenhere]

Write a letter, put a $5 into the envelope, hope for the best.

[ChucktownSteve]

Write a letter, put a $5 into the envelope, hope for the best.

 

I'd rather get 2.5 domestic beers at my local watering hole during happy hour with that $5 bill. :D

[WestCoastFlyer]

The absence of any of the following is in NO WAY a maker or breaker for us when we book a cruise, it is just a reflection of what we first encountered and got us hooked.

 

................

 

ONCE AGAIN, the absence of any of the above doesn't make or break our plans, if if did we wouldn't have been on 22 cruises since our first with Celebrity in 2001.

 

OMO

 

bosco

 

I agree that these are the things that got us hooked on cruising with X. However given that pricing continues to rise, the lack of these things is going to change our plans. We have discretionary income and will not use it for a lower quality product.

 

Lisa, please make X stand out from the rest again. We will all stay, be back, and invite others to join us - regardless of age.

[20pluscruises]

I just got off the phone with my TA takin' care of bizness. During the conversation I lamented about the direction of Celebrity. She told me a lot of her customers have been saying the same things and that I should write Celebrity. HA! I told her they'd never care. Queen Lisa has her own agenda direction and nothing I say will affect that.

 

How many of you feel the same way?

 

I do

[ChucktownSteve]

Sorry to say to the OP: Celebrity speaks clearly to us though their marketing. And so far we like what we see.

 

I truly hope that your expectations haven't been a result of marketing over promise and under deliver. But only you will know once you try Celebrity. I've myself preferred under promise and over deliver as a nice surprise . I used to find that on Celebrity and found that on Oceania and hopefully Azamara.

Edited July 20, 2016 by ChucktownSteve

[TomTN]

I just got off the phone with my TA takin' care of bizness. During the conversation I lamented about the direction of Celebrity. She told me a lot of her customers have been saying the same things and that I should write Celebrity. HA! I told her they'd never care. Queen Lisa has her own agenda direction and nothing I say will affect that.

 

How many of you feel the same way?

LOL

Have you tried other lines?

If you have and like them more than X stay with them until you are dissatisfied. All of the mainstream lines are cutting back.

Things change. We can discuss the reasons, but it is basically that cruise lines need to fill ships.

Much of this discussion is about who has money, and who can afford to book a cruise. That is a very long and detailed topic despite what our (US) politicians tell us.

[bayonnejoe]

The absence of any of the following is in NO WAY a maker or breaker for us when we book a cruise, it is just a reflection of what we first encountered and got us hooked.

 

UNIMPORTANT-TRIVIAL-NO BIG LOSS- ?? Possibly but would this same type of cruise really be out of the realm of new or younger cruisers?

 

From the minute you stepped on the ship it was a different world to us at first.

 

Much of the following or the lack there of is a result of having less and less staff in most of the service areas of the ship.

------------

Mimosas or sparkling wine along with a white gloved staff member who would take your carryons and escort you to your stateroom.(staffing)

 

Your stateroom WAS ready when you boarded. (staffing)

 

Yes crappy, but functional, pen, postcards and note paper.

 

The unexpected but sometimes useful Cotton swabs, cotton balls, sewing kit, shower cap and the assorted Elemis or other branded niceties.

 

A Godiva chocolate treat along with a note detailing the next day's weather and other minor anouncements on you pillow at turndown.

 

Live music during dinner.

 

Every room had ice and water pitchers.

 

The MDR was more of an event with waiters that had a few extra minutes to make sure you got salad dressings, condiments and other minor details.

 

MDR bread and dessert selection was much better and the desserts were displayed on a tray so you could see what your waiter was describing.

 

Formal nights had white glove service and the MDR was dressed accordingly.

 

The specialty restaurants on the ships that had them supplied a lot more than just better food and provided a very memorable experience after a three hour meal with true hand service where all dishes were exposed at the same time and many were prepared at the table.

 

You almost never had to search for the bar or wine staff in the MDR although they were not obtrusive.

 

There seemed to always be someone doing something in the area of your stateroom who knew you by name and on our first few cruises we were amazed at how often a steward would be there to open our door.

 

Waiters in the buffet would find you a table and in the beginning when they had trays they would carry them for anyone who needed the help.

 

There were plenty of waiters around and rarely did you need to get up for another drink.

 

ONCE AGAIN, the absence of any of the above doesn't make or break our plans, if if did we wouldn't have been on 22 cruises since our first with Celebrity in 2001.

 

OMO

 

bosco

 

DW and I have been sailing Celebrity since 1995. Our first cruise was the Century when it was brand spanking new. Ironic that I should post today with Celebrity announcing a return to the Caribbean in the summer. Finally! Do I miss the Celebrity of 20 years ago? Absolutely. Is there anyone who sailed with them back then who doesn't? Many have said that Celebrity should go back to this level of service, food, and entertainment. Could they? Sure. Could they do it at the prices they charge now? Absolutely not. So I guess we are all left with a choice. Stick with Celebrity (who DW and I are still very loyal to), and accept what they offer us, or branch out and try the other mass market lines, or bite the bullet and move up to the premium lines. I totally understand that for many of us (DW and I included), that this last option does not fit in our vacation budget. So we will continue to enjoy Celebrity, who we feel still gives us a pretty good vacation experience.

[neverbeenhere]

You also have the option to lobby for changes that you prefer. Acceptance is one 10th of the law.

Edited July 20, 2016 by neverbeenhere

[Mr&MrsBee]

What a pleasant change. $15 for rice and fish; no more of that dreaded valet service; 3 granny smith apples for the 2 of us; afternoon savories soggy chips and 3 olives (not the vodka); no response from the dedicated concierge concerning my questions. Yes this is Modern Luxury. Why would I want anything else?

[FLSteve11]

I truly hope that your expectations haven't been a result of marketing over promise and under deliver. But only you will know once you try Celebrity. I've myself preferred under promise and over deliver as a nice surprise . I used to find that on Celebrity and found that on Oceania and hopefully Azamara.

 

Well you're not going to get the same promise/expectations on Celebrity as the other two. They're in a different class of cruise lines (and certainly a different class of price points, they're like double the price in general, if not more!)

[tine-tine]

Tine Tine, if you are a foodie you are going to love Oceania. I have been on most of the luxury lines and Oceania dining is the best at sea. Hope you are going on the Riviera or the Marina their 2 larger ships. I would go on Azamara rather than go on their smaller ships. They are the same ships but better CC Perks go with Azamara. I am back on O Riviera in October and can`t wait. No noise at the pool, plenty loungers, all 4 specialty dining rooms are free. They let you bring on any liquor you want. Plus I have $600. OBC. Enjoy

 

Thank you Maggie, i was wondering if the food would be as good as they say considering Celebrity also lay claim to that accolade! Anyway, moving cruise line is a bit like moving house, a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, that being said 'you will not know until you go!' I have trawled the posts on Oceania and they are not so verbose as the Celebrity crowd so it is difficult to get insider information as there are no threads on hints/tips etc.

 

We probably will cruise Celebrity again if the price/itinerary is right and will give Azamara another go as the line has changed considerably since we sailed on the early version.

 

Celebrity appears to be on a race to the bottom and hopefully the only way from here will be up!

[DYKWIA]

Celebrity seem to fiddling around with many of the itineraries, cutting ports, increasing sea days and slowing their ships down which I find disappointing.

 

I've recently been looking at a Celebrity Eclipse cruise from Southampton to the Canaries and I was trying to work out why this doesn't seem a good an itinerary as I'd hoped for....

 

These used to be typically 14 nights and now have been reduced to 13 and next year will be 10 nights. They now also include an overnight in Lisbon - but the ship is only in port for about 25 hours, so after a night on board it's probably the equivalent of a 14 hour stay

 

I compared it with a Royal Caribbean Canaries Cruise at roughly the same price and time of year

• Celebrity - 13 nights v RC 14 nights
  
• Celebrity - 5 Ports v RC 9 ports
  
• Time to Vigo (first port of call for both ships) celebrity arrives 7am after 2 full days at sea , RC 8 am after 1 full day at sea
  
• Overall %time on ship / at sea - Celebrity approx 83% vs RC 71%
  

 

I know there are other factors when compairing cruises - but looking at the itinerary The RC Cruise just seems a better cruise - more ports, more time in ports and it looks like their ships are travelling faster - 3 nights to Vigo is ridiculous

[ChucktownSteve]

Well you're not going to get the same promise/expectations on Celebrity as the other two. They're in a different class of cruise lines (and certainly a different class of price points, they're like double the price in general, if not more!)

 

Yes I understand that. I look for value. I don't expect Celebrity to deliver the same product as O & AZ. However with the Celebrity price increases and cutbacks plus promotions on the other two lines, you can find a good cruise at a little more than the X price. That makes them a better value in my book.

 

Itinerary + value + service / perks & benefits = a great cruise. That's my equation.

[FLSteve11]

Yes I understand that. I look for value. I don't expect Celebrity to deliver the same product as O & AZ. However with the Celebrity price increases and cutbacks plus promotions on the other two lines, you can find a good cruise at a little more than the X price. That makes them a better value in my book.

 

Itinerary + value + service / perks & benefits = a great cruise. That's my equation.

 

It's definitely a good equation! *grin* We basically follow the same idea (which is why our cruises get spread out a bit over lines), though with a tween we tend to stick more to the family lines.

 

The tough issue is the expectations part, as the value can go up and down because of that (and why things like Carnival and NCL cruises can be great fun, as you don't expect as much on them and so they over deliver a lot of times. Doesn't mean they're better lines though)

[K.T.B.]

DW and I have been sailing Celebrity since 1995. Our first cruise was the Century when it was brand spanking new. Ironic that I should post today with Celebrity announcing a return to the Caribbean in the summer. Finally! Do I miss the Celebrity of 20 years ago? Absolutely. Is there anyone who sailed with them back then who doesn't? Many have said that Celebrity should go back to this level of service, food, and entertainment. Could they? Sure. Could they do it at the prices they charge now? Absolutely not. So I guess we are all left with a choice. Stick with Celebrity (who DW and I are still very loyal to), and accept what they offer us, or branch out and try the other mass market lines, or bite the bullet and move up to the premium lines. I totally understand that for many of us (DW and I included), that this last option does not fit in our vacation budget. So we will continue to enjoy Celebrity, who we feel still gives us a pretty good vacation experience.

 

The thing is though, for the amount of money being spent, I personally don't just want a "pretty good vacation experience". if you're pleased with such an experience, that's just fine. I, however, am not.

 

IMO, I can get a fairly similar experience sailing with Carnival now and spend a lot less money.

[CruisingChick]

But if one is a first timer why would they think to ask for something that is not there?

 

Exactly, that's what I meant when I said if you were first time cruiser you would not know these things were provided in the past so you would not think to ask. That's why I suggested Celebrity put a card in the stateroom that says these items available upon request.

 

Sorry if I was unclear in my post.

 

I know people who always bring their own stuff but if you have been sailing Celebrity for years and have gotten use to always having them provide things it is a bit of a disappointment when those things disappear.

[Swampbabe]

The thing is though, for the amount of money being spent, I personally don't just want a "pretty good vacation experience". if you're pleased with such an experience, that's just fine. I, however, am not.

 

 

 

IMO, I can get a fairly similar experience sailing with Carnival now and spend a lot less money.

 

 

 

I just booked Reflection for April 8 for less money than Carnival Magic. Balcony cabin, drink pkg, and 400 OBC. I find Celebrity to be a very different experience, especially the passenger mix. I doubt I ever cruise Carnival again, I know my husband won't.

[BrendaJ]

Yes I understand that. I look for value. I don't expect Celebrity to deliver the same product as O & AZ. However with the Celebrity price increases and cutbacks plus promotions on the other two lines, you can find a good cruise at a little more than the X price. That makes them a better value in my book.

 

Please let us know when you find O & AZ for "little more than the X price". Doing a quick search on a site that allows easy comparison, I looked for the absolutely cheapest price per night for itineraries in two regions:

 

Caribbean:

X = 74

O = 140

A = 137

 

Baltic:

X = 135

O = 257

A = 256

 

And that is for the cheapest cabin. Some of those old A and O ships have inside cabins less than 150 square feet, and their verandahs come at a very steep price.

 

For the difference in cost, I'd have pretty high expectations. I'm not saying I didn't think my three Azamara cruises were great, and they certainly have interesting itineraries, but for the price, I think I get much better value on Celebrity.

[ChucktownSteve]

Please let us know when you find O & AZ for "little more than the X price". Doing a quick search on a site that allows easy comparison, I looked for the absolutely cheapest price per night for itineraries in two regions:.

 

Have fun in the cheapest cabin. I know all cabin categories arrive at port the same time. Most of our cruises used to be "the cheapest." However the deals aren't necessarily in that category. We now enjoy the better quality categories and perks. Celebrity is still a good value. But as I've said, with them raising prices over the next couple of years, they're getting closer to the cost of other lines.

 

I wait for a promotion that is too irresistible to entice me to book so your comparison is irrelevant as it regards me.

Edited July 20, 2016 by ChucktownSteve