Just back - A few observations

[Clemmnj]

Celebrity is setting the times for embarkation and disembarkation. I follow what they set up. If it’s not enough time then they should alter it to allow for a less rushed transition. As for the hotel comparison, anyone who thinks the entire hotel property isn’t being turned over has never been to Disney during peak times. Disney allows enough time to clean and  outfit each room and I am permitted to stay in my room until check out time without the housekeeper keeping watch with a dirty linen bag. I understand that many, if not most of you are not bothered by Celebrity rushing us off and that’s fine. But Celebrity tells me what time they want me in the MDR for disembarkation and I should be permitted to follow their instructions without being made to feel as if I am in the way and no longer welcome. I found it to be particularly offensive on this past cruise and it was one of many areas in which I feel Celebrity has slipped. 

[Luvcrusn]

10 minutes ago, Clemmnj said:

Celebrity is setting the times for embarkation and disembarkation. I follow what they set up. If it’s not enough time then they should alter it to allow for a less rushed transition. As for the hotel comparison, anyone who thinks the entire hotel property isn’t being turned over has never been to Disney during peak times. Disney allows enough time to clean and  outfit each room and I am permitted to stay in my room until check out time without the housekeeper keeping watch with a dirty linen bag. I understand that many, if not most of you are not bothered by Celebrity rushing us off and that’s fine. But Celebrity tells me what time they want me in the MDR for disembarkation and I should be permitted to follow their instructions without being made to feel as if I am in the way and no longer welcome. I found it to be particularly offensive on this past cruise and it was one of many areas in which I feel Celebrity has slipped. 

The last time we visited Disney not everyone at the resort was checking out the same day with new guests expected in every room the same day and time. People's vacations there started and ended on different days, lasted for different lengths of time. That's a big difference. 

[GoodScout]

My wife and I own a bed and breakfast. We know how long it takes for us from checkout to checkin to turn a room and inspect it to make sure it meets our high standards. If it took less time, we'd adjust the arrival or departure times accordingly. I have no doubt Celebrity does the same. As someone in the industry, I'm always impressed at how quickly and efficiently they turn over 3,000 rooms. 

 

I agree with you that how we say goodbye to our guests is just as important as how we greet them. We tell our team members that we want them to greet our arrivals as if they're a long-last aunt they haven't seen in years; and to say goodbye as if you're going to miss them. Because most of the time, that's exactly how we feel.

 

If you feel like Celebrity gave you the bum's rush, then that's an improvement opportunity* for them.

 

 

 

* - We never say "mistakes" at my business. They're "improvement opportunities."

[Clemmnj]

I still feel that if celebrity needs more time then they shouldn’t assign me a time that doesn’t allow them the opportunity to turn over the room. It seems incredible to me that Celebrity informs the disembarking guests when to leave and informs the arriving guest when to arrive but then I’m supposed to feel bad that that isn’t enough time. The problem seems to be the need to turn over the boat so quickly, which is the mass market hysteria that Celebrity has now fallen prey to and the point of my original post. 

[Clemmnj]

13 minutes ago, GoodScout said:

My wife and I own a bed and breakfast. We know how long it takes for us from checkout to checkin to turn a room and inspect it to make sure it meets our high standards. If it took less time, we'd adjust the arrival or departure times accordingly. I have no doubt Celebrity does the same. As someone in the industry, I'm always impressed at how quickly and efficiently they turn over 3,000 rooms. 

 

I agree with you that how we say goodbye to our guests is just as important as how we greet them. We tell our team members that we want them to greet our arrivals as if they're a long-last aunt they haven't seen in years; and to say goodbye as if you're going to miss them. Because most of the time, that's exactly how we feel.

 

If you feel like Celebrity gave you the bum's rush, then that's an improvement opportunity* for them.

 

 

 

* - We never say "mistakes" at my business. They're "improvement opportunities."

Exactly. Perfectly said.

[scpirate]

On 2/11/2019 at 10:54 PM, jelayne said:

We recently tried of the “premium “ lines.  Small ship & excellent service.  Paid more for a veranda than we paid for a CS.  The dining room was noisy & crowded with 15-30 minute waits to be seated.  Sent back 3 out of 8 dinners, 2 served barely lukewarm and one steak was so tough I couldn’t cut it.  

Ship was dead, entertainment was mediocre.   Crew was outstanding and the officers were very visible, but we were bored on sea days and found, outside of the speciality restaurants, the food was not what we would consider premium-not as good as Blu.  

My point being I think all cruise lines are having to make some cuts.  We talked to some on that cruise who were lamenting about the things that weren’t as good as they used to be.

They have to pay for these new larger ship they are bringing out to outdo each other.so they cut back on things they hope you won't notice.and there are enough newbies to make it worth their while.i have 2 more cruises booked to make my wife happy.(we are taking grand kids along) then I'm through with it I have a boat I have a home just off the lake and I have a motorhome.im good from now on.i like 3 day excursions.we have plenty to do and see close to home.

[miched]

About 12 yeas ago we stayed as a Sandals.  The TA we were using at the time raved  about it as being the best AI with all pemium beverages and etc. so we splurged on a week.   It started out fantastic.  We were picked up in a private limo with AC at the Airport.  Had drinks in the car and had a sit down private check in again being served drinks, and luggage was  delivered to our room.    The host even escorted us to our room.

 

The food was nice but the rest wasn’t much different that any other beach resort.  Cheap low quality drinks served in plastic cups.   There weren’t any butlers or servers taking and serving drinks like the commercials or brochures show and no drinks being served in martini glasses, coconuts or pineapples and etc,.   No drinks with any fancy garnishes.

 

The last day was like we yesterday’s garbage.  We had to carry the luggage to the checkout desk and stand in line.  We asked about the transportation back to the airport and were told to wait outside by the bus stop sign.   No seats, or protection  from the elements.   Naturally the morning 15 minute  rain started.  We waited about 30 minutes and a old dilapidated window less school bus pulled up.  We had to load our own luggage and had a very unpleasant ride to the airport.  A big difference from the first day.  

 

The last morning on a cruise isn’t that bad considering what it could be.

 

happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

 

 

[Clemmnj]

That sounds awful, and yes, the last day on a cruise is not nearly as awful as it could be. But it is not as good as it could be either.

[mfs2k]

I feel bad for Room Stewards who have to totally clean and turn over every guest room between 7am and 1pm. 

 

In most hotels, a housekeeper's shift is approximately 800am to 430pm, with a lunch break.  Housekeepers have to clean about 14 rooms and many of those are stayover rooms which don't require as much cleanup as a room occupied by guest who has checked out.  All guests don't depart at the same time, so they can get a jump on cleaning rooms occupied by guests who have already left. 

 

Ship room stewards work their asses off and they rarely get much of a break.  I'd never want that job.  I could never have done what they accomplish.