"ALWAYS INCLUDED" PERHAPS CELEBRITY SHOULD RETHINK THIS ONE

[wrk2cruise]

It's not really their fares and promotions that are that confusing.  It's the website and it's inability to show them clearly.  Now if you look at the same fare structures on some of the leading TA sites it's much easier to navigate.

[canderson]

3 hours ago, jg51 said:

.

What "Celebrity wants" is not what it is going to get ...

because the public finds "a higher all inclusive fare structure" (and even halfway measures) to be unacceptable (confusing and unjust).

.

"the public"?  A rather large assumption that you, Pappa, Penguins and a couple of others are truly representative of what, the majority?

 

I understand your issue, and appreciate the angst (if not the repetition of it), but has is occurred to you that for a majority, the current AI program's perks actually work out for us?

[4774Papa]

2 minutes ago, canderson said:

"the public"?  A rather large assumption that you, Pappa, Penguins and a couple of others are truly representative of what, the majority?

 

I understand your issue, and appreciate the angst (if not the repetition of it), but has is occurred to you that for a majority, the current AI program's perks actually work out for us?

Does it matter if the majority favor AI or not?  If X allowed the flexibility of choice, everyone would be satisfied.  Currently, a significant number are not satisfied.

[nocl]

3 hours ago, jg51 said:

.

What "Celebrity wants" is not what it is going to get ...

because the public finds "a higher all inclusive fare structure" (and even halfway measures) to be unacceptable (confusing and unjust).

.

All depends if Celebrity decides that they can make the jump to a single price structure with inclusions.  If they do then the choice is simple book the one offered fare or sail with another line. Celebrity has wanted to move from mass market to premium for a while, and the sale of Azmara opens up thst niche in the RCL cruise lines.

[blueboro]

Personally love the fact I can get perks like drink package and pre-paid grats...one of the main reasons we continue to sail on X.  Even with these included we have found, thru our travel agent, X is still competitive, many times less expensive, than other lines without perks.  As long as there is flexibility in booking options I am happy.

[Jeremiah1212]

5 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

Does it matter if the majority favor AI or not?  If X allowed the flexibility of choice, everyone would be satisfied.  Currently, a significant number are not satisfied.

 

http://www.carnival.com 

[PTC DAWG]

1 minute ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

http://www.carnival.com

Exactly…instead, some prefer to stay here and Ramble On..

 

Which is a great song, by the way..

[canderson]

4 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

Does it matter if the majority favor AI or not?  If X allowed the flexibility of choice, everyone would be satisfied.  Currently, a significant number are not satisfied.

I'm sure it does to Celebrity, but my objection was only to JG51's use of the words "the public".  It would be hard for me to extrapolate from the most vociferous in a CC forum to either "the public", or even "significant".  I don't think any of us can realistically do that.

[PTC DAWG]

9 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

Does it matter if the majority favor AI or not?  If X allowed the flexibility of choice, everyone would be satisfied.  Currently, a significant number are not satisfied.

Significant number..Got a link? Other than a few cantankerous posters here?  
 

 

[mfs2k]

9 minutes ago, 4774Papa said:

Does it matter if the majority favor AI or not?  If X allowed the flexibility of choice, everyone would be satisfied.  Currently, a significant number are not satisfied.

I don't think that's true.  Most people figure it out eventually and choose to go the AI route or the "Simply sail" route. Those who have post-booking regret, didn't do their homework. 

[Spif Barwunkel]

So, is it as simple as “take it or leave it”? If the bottom line, that final figure suits your head, your heart and your wallet, what difference does it make how the fare is structured and presented? All things being equal in my booking and yours, with the Always Included feature, why should you care if we are paying the exact same price even though you don’t drink alcohol or use WIFI on vacation? But I do. As long as one feels that the money spent reflects the product value received, all is well. Or is it?

 

In the many threads pertaining to Celebrity’s AI, each one seemed to fade away with the same two thoughts. Proponents feel that all is well, pay the price or go elsewhere. Opponents say, it is unfair chicanery, why should I pay for what I don’t use.

 

This is still a hot topic and perhaps a bit overworked. However, and relating back to my Topic Title, is it incumbent on Celebrity to initiate a “fix-it” project regarding its pricing system when many feel that the booking process is addled and cumbersome? Do we go on and on until something better comes along, or do we once again fade to black…for good?

 

There has got to be some mighty fine business minds out there. Perhaps some mighty fine pricing schemes, as well. All in the best interests of all concerned, of course. Website notwithstanding.    

Edited October 29, 2021 by Spif Barwunkel

[ChucktownSteve]

2 hours ago, mfs2k said:

I’m happy with a higher, all-inclusive fare structure. For the last 15 years our vacations have either been cruises or All inclusive resorts. My personal preference is not to have to think about drink prices, dining guest checks, tips and WiFi surcharges. Judging by the popularity of all-inclusive vacations, I’m not alone. It’s not for everyone but it works for me. 

 

Then you should be happy with Azamara and Regent. The food and service is far superior to Celebrity's. The smaller ships get to go to ports where Celebrity ships can't dock.

[Jeremiah1212]

17 minutes ago, mfs2k said:

I don't think that's true.  Most people figure it out eventually and choose to go the AI route or the "Simply sail" route. Those who have post-booking regret, didn't do their homework. 

 

I do have it on record, right now approximately ~81/82% of bookings are under an AI rate. This also does not include Casino Rates which are a good chunk of that remaining 18%. If "the public" is so upset about it, they are still making final payments in spite of their dissatisfaction. Perhaps "the public" and 4 disgruntled posters here are not one in the same. 

[the penguins]

52 minutes ago, blueboro said:

Personally love the fact I can get perks like drink package and pre-paid grats...one of the main reasons we continue to sail on X.  Even with these included we have found, thru our travel agent, X is still competitive, many times less expensive, than other lines without perks.  As long as there is flexibility in booking options I am happy.

I agree with your statement "as long as there is flexibility.....", there used to be that on all itineraries now only on a very few.

 

[LGW59]

59 minutes ago, canderson said:

I'm sure it does to Celebrity, but my objection was only to JG51's use of the words "the public".  It would be hard for me to extrapolate from the most vociferous in a CC forum to either "the public", or even "significant".  I don't think any of us can realistically do that.

JG51...nuff said

[the penguins]

1 hour ago, canderson said:

"the public"?  A rather large assumption that you, Pappa, Penguins and a couple of others are truly representative of what, the majority?

 

I understand your issue, and appreciate the angst (if not the repetition of it), but has is occurred to you that for a majority, the current AI program's perks actually work out for us?

I have never claimed to represent the majority.

Have said repeatedly that we don 't object to AI prides as an option.

We are not trying to avoid tipping and I have long argued for tips to be included  in the basic price which is what Celebrity does in the Australian/New Zealand market.

The difference between us is that we want choice. 

[canderson]

10 minutes ago, the penguins said:

I have never claimed to represent the majority.

Never said you did.  JG51 seems to believe that some of you do, however.

[zitsky]

17 hours ago, middlehaitch said:

@gregahoy, look at the bottom right of the image you posted. There is the *, which is on the posted rate, showing the cost of taxes and fees. It is your extra sentence, albeit a very small extra sentence.

 

Cheers, h.

 

Thank you for pointing this out.  I suppose some will say the text is too small.  If I'm buying something and the price doesn't seem right, I would probably call the company and ask.

[Dolebludger]

We are great fans of real AI cruises. We had been cruising Regent for the past 20 years until we took a music cruise on X in what was then called a Celebrity suite in 2017. We liked it so much that we booked an Alaska cruise for 2018 onboard in a Royal suite, and it was just great. Of course, along came the pandemic and we have remained on land since. But with conditions easing (we hope) we have started looking for a cruise. Trying to put one together on X’s web site is just too confusing. What we will do is to call our TA, tell him what we want on X, and ask him for a price. If it is AI as to drinks, WiFi, and tips at the right price, we’ll take it if Covid restrictions aren’t too restrictive (or scared) at that time.

[the penguins]

1 hour ago, Jeremiah1212 said:

 

I do have it on record, right now approximately ~81/82% of bookings are under an AI rate. This also does not include Casino Rates which are a good chunk of that remaining 18%. If "the public" is so upset about it, they are still making final payments in spite of their dissatisfaction. Perhaps "the public" and 4 disgruntled posters here are not one in the same. 

Perhaps Celebrity's view would be of interest. The following are 2 quotes from Marie Kirk from the Celebrity Engagement Center based in Wichita in a follow up email following her phone call to me:

"AI pricing is generally higher"

"We appreciate that not everyone wants or needs a full beverage package or WiFi access, so we are working to address that".

If anyone wants to put their points direct you can email:

celebrityengagementcenter@celebrity.com

[Spif Barwunkel]

2 hours ago, mfs2k said:

I don't think that's true.  Most people figure it out eventually and choose to go the AI route or the "Simply sail" route. Those who have post-booking regret, didn't do their homework. 

I would ask, how much "homework" should one have to do? I gotta say, when spending a lot of money I much prefer to have my options served up as clear and as concise as possible. I deserve that, do I not? Don't make me stagger and stumble in order to avail myself of what it is you are offering. That is if you want to keep me as a customer.

[zitsky]

2 minutes ago, Spif Barwunkel said:

I would ask, how much "homework" should one have to do? I gotta say, when spending a lot of money I much prefer to have my options served up as clear and as concise as possible. I deserve that, do I not? Don't make me stagger and stumble in order to avail myself of what it is you are offering. That is if you want to keep me as a customer.

 

There are people who can help you figure this all out.  They are called travel agents.

[Spif Barwunkel]

2 minutes ago, zitsky said:

 

There are people who can help you figure this all out.  They are called travel agents.

Not sure that is true in all cases, Mr. Z. If it were, for some AI would not be a concern. Besides, most folks can do anything a TA can do, except hand out OBC and provide group rates.

[zitsky]

35 minutes ago, Spif Barwunkel said:

Not sure that is true in all cases, Mr. Z. If it were, for some AI would not be a concern. Besides, most folks can do anything a TA can do, except hand out OBC and provide group rates.

 

Ok so let's say not using a TA.  Will X give you *any* kind of documentation before you make a deposit?

[mfs2k]

52 minutes ago, Spif Barwunkel said:

I would ask, how much "homework" should one have to do? I gotta say, when spending a lot of money I much prefer to have my options served up as clear and as concise as possible. I deserve that, do I not? Don't make me stagger and stumble in order to avail myself of what it is you are offering. That is if you want to keep me as a customer.

I prefer to explore options including booking on the website and through an OTA. When I did this last week I discovered savings via a TA but then I discovered I qualified for an even better casino rate. I wouldn’t have found any of this out if I didn’t do my homework. But if you don’t care about the best prices and lowest costs for this size purchase then just buy the cruise you see and enjoy your vacation.