I Cancelled My Journey on the Edge...

[Sunseeker322]

as someone who does many groups I can say feedback is critical to all businesses.  I always pass out a,survey at end of cruise asking what people liked what they didn't what would they like to see more of etc. We truly care about making people happy and without feedback we cannot do that. This is a great informative platform to see what people find and what their opinions are. A place to ask questions you can't find the answer to anywhere.  All this leads to a,better matching of people's needs to the perfect cruise for them.  I doubt you will find a business that doesn't applaud feedback and if you do that's not a good sign. 

[Bo1953]

39 minutes ago, RaynJeffnOhio said:

Another opinion...  We, and every person we talked to aboard Edge, absolutely loved it.  We are seasoned Celebrity loyalists as were others. Some were brand new to Celebrity.  Curiously many we talked to did not know about CruiseCritic, or were simply lurkers.  If you haven’t sailed her yet, remember most people that are happy or satisfied will never post or comment.  Happy sailing to all...

rnj - Thank you for this - as often times many of us who post here (prolifically, sporadically or not at all) believe that only our opinions are the ones which matter, as we may represent the vast majority of passengers on any given ship or sailing.

 

I, for one, had thought many sailings ago, that CC postings was where one could come to find out what most passengers thought and wanted. Was I ever incorrect about that after boarding various ships.

 

IME, most passengers aboard, are happy with X, yes there are a few hiccups here and there but many of us learned about work arounds or fixes to make it better, while aboard. Yes, there are situations where nothing one does can work on-board, so follow up with Corporate is the next course of action.

 

While I do endorse taking all comments (to the greatest degree plausible) seriously here on CC, I do believe those who are actually aboard are the ones which matter most. As we paid for the experience.

 

I would be remiss not to recognize those who have paid for the experience and did not enjoy it, have very valid points overwhelmingly, for them and not necessarily representing those who enjoyed the ship and sailing. Warts and all, as I look to do soon!

 

Thank you again for voicing this, as well, others have too.

 

bon voayge

Edited January 6, 2019 by Bo1953

[Mynki]

On 1/2/2019 at 2:52 PM, TeeRick said:

OK you could just make a newer S-Class ship with the latest in technology, safety and fuel efficiency.  But that is not the entire story as Celebrity designed and built Edge-class with the new features such as IV cabins.  So they obviously did it for a reason other than just advanced technology.  

I'd be interested to know what the cost differences of building E class ships with IV and traditional balconies is. Obviously this will have played a major part in their decision to go with IV. 

I'm in no rush to book one personally as they don't appeal to me, but with an ever increasing number of cruisers I'm sure with Apex and the other two planned E class ships that they're here to stay with this class of ship. 

Edited January 6, 2019 by Mynki

[RaynJeffnOhio]

13 minutes ago, Sunseeker322 said:

I doubt you will find a business that doesn't applaud feedback and if you do that's not a good sign. 

Simply my opinion, as others have theirs.  I never said I didn’t respect feedback, so please don’t put words in my mouth or devalue my opinion.  Thanks for contributing.  

[Globehoppers]

We are scheduled to give Edge a try in February 2019.  Specifically booked the cruise in March 2017 as a quickie 7-day Caribbean.  

 

Some things worth considering, not in any specific order:

 

- Less than 5 percent of "cruisers" are on CC, not a large sample.

- A cruise ship is still a cruise ship. A car is still a car, even when one compares a Dodge to a BMW.

- Only so many ways you can put lipstick on a pig (with deference to Palin).

- Traditions die hard.  Some still believe that "cruising" requires formal dining as was required in First Class on the great ocean liners.

- Change is not always appreciated.  Edge is "edgy" with change.

- Expectations of something vastly different than a similar Solstice class offering are unrealistic.

- Celebrity has made pricing of an Edge (and Apex) cruise stupidly expensive, to include on-board costs.  Same cabin (A2) we booked nearly two years ago is now more than doubled.  Price gouging encourages poor reviews.

 

We are looking forward to our one-week adventure on Edge and approaching it with an open mind.  It will be a change for us from more extended travels to Antarctica, China/Tibet, Australia/New Zealand, weeks in the Swiss Alps, etc.  And note that we would never consider a Carnival cruise of any type to any destination.  

Edited January 6, 2019 by Globehoppers

[vtcruising]

6 hours ago, RaynJeffnOhio said:

Another opinion...  We, and every person we talked to aboard Edge, absolutely loved it.  We are seasoned Celebrity loyalists as were others. Some were brand new to Celebrity.  Curiously many we talked to did not know about CruiseCritic, or were simply lurkers.  If you haven’t sailed her yet, remember most people that are happy or satisfied will never post or comment.  Happy sailing to all...

It’s funny but I did a lot of informal polling in the elevators on the Edge to get a general impression of what people thought of the ship. I would say “how do you like the ship?” and they would say almost invariably “I love it” or “it’s beautiful“. I wanted their overall impression of the ship and their cruise -  I felt like they just weren’t being polite because they almost always started describing things they loved. The ones that had some issues were easy to read - they would give me a look. 

 

A few Cruise Critic people seem to report on every negative detail, and though it’s interesting, people start jumping in - others who haven’t sailed add to it (and sometimes add misinformation) until we are suddenly feeling like this must be a horrible ship, even when many things wouldn’t bother you personally and others are changing as the feedback comes in. 

 

There is a fine line between being informed about things and getting caught up in the minutia. When I think about my last cruises on S Class ships I can think of more than a dozen things I didn’t like (like the orange decor and overbed storage, lawn is often roped off, MDR seems crowded and usually has hurried service, I’m not that impressed with Tuscan anymore and LPC I’ve done and won’t go there again, OVC is not appealing - seems crowded and seating not that comfortable and many more little peeves ), but overall I love the S Class ships and have figured out how to have wonderful cruises despite the things I don’t like. Those things I don’t like are all part of the package now, and being informed, I can work around the things I don’t care for. Thank goodness I didn’t take all the negative feedback to heart about the Silhouette when she first came out or I never would have tried her (but we did and were hooked).

 

Granted, the IV cabin has some shortcomings, but I’ve also spoken to people and seen reviews where it was enjoyed and I think X will likely tweak things a bit. If people don’t like them, but want to keep sailing on the ship, they will work around the IV (like we did and had an amazing time!).  No, there aren’t as many typically-laid out bars/lounges but you may find your “go to” place and love the atmosphere and entertainment, etc. and be happy with the ship overall. 

 

There are a lot of reasons people post here and not all are here to share cruising info  - some are here to meet some other personal need, IMO (luckily the overwhelming majority are helpful, sincere people). Anyway, my message to those going on the Edge (and some have no choice because will lose a lot of money if they cancel) is to take what people say here with a grain of salt (and yes, there are issues that many wonderful posters have outlined here and some could be deal breakers for you so canceling may be the answer, if you can cancel), but for those still going - please do still look forward to your cruise on the Edge. Don’t let the negative comments get in the way of a good cruise. Go with a positive attitude and more likely than not you will have a great cruise, even if this class of ship doesn’t end up being a good match for you. You will still most likely enjoy the adventure of sailing on a new class of ship!! 🙂

 

 

[Presto2]

25 minutes ago, vtcruising said:

It’s funny but I did a lot of informal polling in the elevators on the Edge to get a general impression of what people thought of the ship. I would say “how do you like the ship?” and they would say almost invariably “I love it” or “it’s beautiful“. I wanted their overall impression of the ship and their cruise -  I felt like they just weren’t being polite because they almost always started describing things they loved. The ones that had some issues were easy to read - they would give me a look. 

 

A few Cruise Critic people seem to report on every negative detail, and though it’s interesting, people start jumping in - others who haven’t sailed add to it (and sometimes add misinformation) until we are suddenly feeling like this must be a horrible ship, even when many things wouldn’t bother you personally and others are changing as the feedback comes in. 

 

There is a fine line between being informed about things and getting caught up in the minutia. When I think about my last cruises on S Class ships I can think of more than a dozen things I didn’t like (like the orange decor and overbed storage, lawn is often roped off, MDR seems crowded and usually has hurried service, I’m not that impressed with Tuscan anymore and LPC I’ve done and won’t go there again, OVC is not appealing - seems crowded and seating not that comfortable and many more little peeves ), but overall I love the S Class ships and have figured out how to have wonderful cruises despite the things I don’t like. Those things I don’t like are all part of the package now, and being informed, I can work around the things I don’t care for. Thank goodness I didn’t take all the negative feedback to heart about the Silhouette when she first came out or I never would have tried her (but we did and were hooked).

 

Granted, the IV cabin has some shortcomings, but I’ve also spoken to people and seen reviews where it was enjoyed and I think X will likely tweak things a bit. If people don’t like them, but want to keep sailing on the ship, they will work around the IV (like we did and had an amazing time!).  No, there aren’t as many typically-laid out bars/lounges but you may find your “go to” place and love the atmosphere and entertainment, etc. and be happy with the ship overall. 

 

There are a lot of reasons people post here and not all are here to share cruising info  - some are here to meet some other personal need, IMO (luckily the overwhelming majority are helpful, sincere people). Anyway, my message to those going on the Edge (and some have no choice because will lose a lot of money if they cancel) is to take what people say here with a grain of salt (and yes, there are issues that many wonderful posters have outlined here and some could be deal breakers for you so canceling may be the answer, if you can cancel), but for those still going - please do still look forward to your cruise on the Edge. Don’t let the negative comments get in the way of a good cruise. Go with a positive attitude and more likely than not you will have a great cruise, even if this class of ship doesn’t end up being a good match for you. You will still most likely enjoy the adventure of sailing on a new class of ship!! 🙂

 

 

 

Great post - thanks for the reminder as I am starting to get down hearted about out cabin choice. Have to say the ship looks amazing ….. just remind me of that if they have loud music under my balcony every night !!!

Then again, we could buy Eden costumes and just join in ……………………………………...

[vtcruising]

8 minutes ago, Presto2 said:

 

Great post - thanks for the reminder as I am starting to get down hearted about out cabin choice. Have to say the ship looks amazing ….. just remind me of that if they have loud music under my balcony every night !!!

Then again, we could buy Eden costumes and just join in ……………………………………...

Now that I would love to see!!  😀

[Presto2]

6 minutes ago, vtcruising said:

Now that I would love to see!!  😀

 

We could become as famous on CC as the Polar Bear at Edge's first sail away ;-)

 

Would probably get the sack from work or arrested but hey ho ……………...

 

Our inspiration would be Stargate SG1 ---- do so love our SciFi --- ha ha

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 6, 2019 by Presto2

[renroc13]

We will be going on the March 3rd sailing (just got off 5 weeks on the Eclipse...my favorite balcony.) We have read the reviews and I have not been surprised by what we have read.  During the Q and A with Lisa 2 years ago on The Presidents Cruise I got the answer to my question..."What is Celebrity doing to ensure it stays vibrant as many of its customers (like us) age?" We know other lines that have had problems and suspected Celebrity was going to put a product out that would not be like the things we like most.

I was able to book on a 45 percent off sale I saw 8 months ago as I refused to pay 6000 as they wanted on board when we looked for 7 days out of FLL.  We know what to expect...we are keeping an open mind...we do have an infinity balcony but are not impressed with the chairs and table out there. I love my 1A bump outs!!!

We live in Delray Beach so this is an easy run for us.

Karen

[villauk]

4 hours ago, renroc13 said:

.we do have an infinity balcony but are not impressed with the chairs and table out there. I love my 1A bump outs!!!

We live in Delray Beach so this is an easy run for us.

Karen

 

‘Out’ where? You are still inside the cabin. And I agree, no comparison with a regular 1A on S class. Was your 45% off from a resident or casino rate? Currently, X appear to be offering free cruises on Edge under casino deals according to recent posts on CC.

[Sunseeker322]

We keep checking inventory and pricing for March. No change in inventory still lots of options and cabins , price staying same on all cabins except the insides just went down $50pp. Hopefully the prices will go down so more folks can go 

[angelhelly]

24 minutes ago, Sunseeker322 said:

We keep checking inventory and pricing for March. No change in inventory still lots of options and cabins , price staying same on all cabins except the insides just went down $50pp. Hopefully the prices will go down so more folks can go 

 

We are cruising next week, and the price on the sky suite WENT UP last week.

I think they are trying to maintain the prices high so people book ahead and not wait for deals towards the end.

 

I have counted over 50 stateroom open for our sailing.

[Host Jazzbeau]

8 hours ago, angelhelly said:

 

We are cruising next week, and the price on the sky suite WENT UP last week.

I think they are trying to maintain the prices high so people book ahead and not wait for deals towards the end.

 

I have counted over 50 stateroom open for our sailing.

 

This is what the luxury lines do.  Lowest price at launch, increasing at regular intervals toward sail date – regardless of load factor.  Keeps prices up and encourages early booking.  Longterm, this produces the highest ROI.

[Sunseeker322]

I have seen luxury lines like Silversea and Regent lower their fares to fill the ship as revenue is better when you have more people onboard to offset port charges taxes. Spend money in speciality restaurants, shore excursions, spa, onboard shops, increased tips to supplement wages, wifi and wine package purchases etc. Most of the lines know the cabin is only a portion of the revenue, you need an almost full ship to do well. Celebrity and Holland being premium class and not luxury class don't necessarily attract cruisers with unlimited bank accounts. It's actually smart to do what you have to do to fill the ship . Some folks can't book early because of health or family situations , but once they clear their schedule to go on a cruise they will flock to the more affordable options as a rule. 

[Pennstatedj]

We also have gone thru the same decision process. We first canceled our Jan 20 cruise on the edge and yesterday cancelled our Oct 21 and Nov transatlantic sailings as well. We opted for several sailings on the Reflection, Equinox and Summit. As we listened to people who have sailed we decided it was not worth the price. We are very hesitant that they took away some of the places on the ships we really enjoy like the ensemble lounge and cafe al bacio siting areas. We really enjoy those areas. We do enjoy the martini bar on occasion. I guess when the price comes down we will try it. 

I remember when we did the Solstice maiden voyage and walked into the Sky lounge for the first time we could not believe it. It was nice looking but highly impracticable with all the circus oleigh furniture. Over time they removed it all for furniture that was practical to sit and relax.  At least they are trying, but eventually they got it right. 

 

 

[kearney]

6 hours ago, Sunseeker322 said:

I have seen luxury lines like Silversea and Regent lower their fares to fill the ship as revenue is better when you have more people onboard to offset port charges taxes. Spend money in speciality restaurants, shore excursions, spa, onboard shops, increased tips to supplement wages, wifi and wine package purchases etc. Most of the lines know the cabin is only a portion of the revenue, you need an almost full ship to do well. Celebrity and Holland being premium class and not luxury class don't necessarily attract cruisers with unlimited bank accounts. It's actually smart to do what you have to do to fill the ship . Some folks can't book early because of health or family situations , but once they clear their schedule to go on a cruise they will flock to the more affordable options as a rule. 

I think the problem that Celebrity faces is that they have been able to get prices that are more than double a comparable S class from a portion of the cruising population. But if they were to suddenly drop the price to fill cabins to say equal to S class... think how ticked off the people would be who paid early and double. Is it worth the risk to anger those passengers who can clearly afford the high prices... to fill the ship. In the short term until the image has been set... it is probably better for them to hold tight and hope that over time more passengers will like the whole experience.. then if prices do drop they are still high. Better for them to keep high prices and toss in perks. Think about how profitable the drink packages must be to the cruise line... even OBC... the only perk that costs them... is the gratuities... at least I hope that the money we spend on that goes to the people it is supposed to go to. I think they will be biting their nails but holding firm to higher prices unless they miss quarterly numbers by a big enough margin... and then they will likely say it is the volatile stock market that is keeping customers away... face saving... But we will have to see. I loved the ship would go on it again... but not at the price we paid... which was much less that what they are charging now. Unless they mess up S class we will stick with that

[Oville]

3 hours ago, Pennstatedj said:

. We are very hesitant that they took away some of the places on the ships we really enjoy like the ensemble lounge and cafe al bacio siting areas. We really enjoy those areas. 

 

 

Whoever told you Café al Bacio is not on the Edge is sadly mistaken.  It is very much like the S Class Café but larger.  Also outside the Oceanview Café is Il Secondo Bacio.

 

Enjoy your cruises.

[Bo1953]

10 minutes ago, Oville said:

Whoever told you Café al Bacio is not on the Edge is sadly mistaken.  It is very much like the S Class Café but larger.  Also outside the Oceanview Café is Il Secondo Bacio.

 

Enjoy your cruises.

The continuing saga of 'what someone told them' or 'they gleaned from..' etc... LOL

 

Thanks for your input on this...

 

bon voyage

[bEwAbG]

Except the comment was specifically about the sitting areas...

[cricketgirl]

5 minutes ago, bEwAbG said:

Except the comment was specifically about the sitting areas...

There is a large sitting area at Café al Bacio on the Edge, one can google this and easily find pictures.  I have not yet been on the Edge myself, but many have stated that the sitting area is larger on the Edge than S and M class ships.

[Bo1953]

10 minutes ago, bEwAbG said:

Except the comment was specifically about the sitting areas...

O's comments are still applicable, in any case.

 

bon voyage

Edited January 11, 2019 by Bo1953

[vtcruising]

There are some pictures of the Edge Cafe al Bacio on this link (post # 62) showing a variety of seating areas and styles - the Edge Class al Bacio seating is unique and not the same as S Class, just as S Class is different from M Class. 🙂

 

 

Edited January 11, 2019 by vtcruising

[helen haywood]

I understand the OP's feeling very well.  We, too, cancelled our Edge sailing this month back before the ship had sailed because I decided it was crazy to book a cabin without any information as to whether it was a good location, etc.  Now I'm glad we did so for other reasons.  The Sky Lounge is one of our favorite places.  We would not be booking suites so no beautiful forward venue.  Spending a lot of time on my balcony is another important "need."  Seems I wouldn't have been happy with Edge's balcony cabins either.  I do think the interior of the ship looks beautiful and I think the different dining venues look intriguing.  If the price ever stabilized I might rethink booking in the future but I doubt that will happen!

[Sunseeker322]

7 hours ago, kearney said:

I think the problem that Celebrity faces is that they have been able to get prices that are more than double a comparable S class from a portion of the cruising population. But if they were to suddenly drop the price to fill cabins to say equal to S class... think how ticked off the people would be who paid early and double. Is it worth the risk to anger those passengers who can clearly afford the high prices... to fill the ship. In the short term until the image has been set... it is probably better for them to hold tight and hope that over time more passengers will like the whole experience.. then if prices do drop they are still high. Better for them to keep high prices and toss in perks. Think about how profitable the drink packages must be to the cruise line... even OBC... the only perk that costs them... is the gratuities... at least I hope that the money we spend on that goes to the people it is supposed to go to. I think they will be biting their nails but holding firm to higher prices unless they miss quarterly numbers by a big enough margin... and then they will likely say it is the volatile stock market that is keeping customers away... face saving... But we will have to see. I loved the ship would go on it again... but not at the price we paid... which was much less that what they are charging now. Unless they mess up S class we will stick with that

The way ships handle selling the high end suites is to increase price , but they don't always sell so what is often done is lower category prices are reduced thus giving the options to upgrade , Celebrity told me if anyone sees a lower price after final let them know and we can most likely upgrade them. Another cruise line handles it differently they give an onboard credit for a portion of the difference of new lower price. There is always something to make people happy. There is no reason not to lower the prices because selling the ship out is the main goal with most lines.Also oftentimes they like having higher category cabins available because they can upgrade folks from category they are in , fill the higher end cabins and have more lower end cabins to sell last minute. I became very good friends with ship inventory on multiple lines and paid attention to the way inventory is handled post final payment.