Do you Feel X is Cheapening their Product

[ABoatNerd]

26 minutes ago, iandjm said:

Yes the experience is being cheapened massively by all the new charges, reduced dining, poor quality food and service etc. Yet the cost of going on a cruise has increased a lot. Meanwhile Celebrity’s propaganda tells us how upscale they are.  Afraid I’m moving away from Celebrity to Oceania, who on many occasions end up cheaper for a product that is far better.   

You are one of many who have left Celebrity for Oceania, most of my Oceania cruises are full of former Celebrity patrons.

The one thing they all say is the class apartheid on Celebrity was the main driver along with the poor value for $ given Celebrity's ridiculous prices they charge versus the competition. 

Celebrity is not a Premium cruise line, it is the most expensive of the Mass cruise lines, nothing more.

But every cruise line is going to cheapen their product given their debt load. So what they advertise is dubious to be received. 

Each consumer has their own parameters what is their value for money. Enjoy your future cruises.

For me is is driving vacations in North America and Mighty Train trips around the world. 

 

[Arubamoose]

8 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

Make sure to read Oceania boards…

 

I am sure that all the cruise lines are going through the same thing.

 

Heck - the cost of a land vacation has gone up to with a reduction of services provided and staffing shortages.

 

I wouldn't want to be a travel agent now!  (I was one pre-9/11).

[LGW59]

1 minute ago, Arubamoose said:

 

I am sure that all the cruise lines are going through the same thing.

 

Heck - the cost of a land vacation has gone up to with a reduction of services provided and staffing shortages.

 

I wouldn't want to be a travel agent now!  (I was one pre-9/11).

I hear you on that!  I just booked what will be my first trip on Oceania.  There is a bit of chatter on their board about some changes but it is NOTHING like on here.

[davekathy]

18 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Maybe go on the cruise and form your own opinion?

Agree. I would never book our cruises (cruise line, ship, itinerary, etc.) based on others positive or negative opinions and experiences.  

[BazingAu]

20 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Maybe go on the cruise and form your own opinion?

What are you trying to defend here? I already know they are charging for costs that were "included" or "free" at the time of booking. You think that going on the cruise will change my "opinion" about their nickel and diming? "Oh wow, this cruise is so great, Celebrity, please take more of my money!!" Um, no.

ETA - if you read my post, it was specifically about the costs and reduction in things that I considered as part of my decision to book - as in, I can spend my dollars anywhere - and the opportunity costs here matter. It has nothing to do with whether I will have a good time on the cruise or not.

Edited January 9, 2023 by BazingAu

[ABoatNerd]

On 1/9/2023 at 11:46 AM, BazingAu said:

What are you trying to defend here? I already know they are charging for costs that were "included" or "free" at the time of booking. You think that going on the cruise will change my "opinion" about their nickel and diming? "Oh wow, this cruise is so great, Celebrity, please take more of my money!!" Um, no.

ETA - if you read my post, it was specifically about the costs and reduction in things that I considered as part of my decision to book - as in, I can spend my dollars anywhere - and the opportunity costs here matter. It has nothing to do with whether I will have a good time on the cruise or not.

Excellent analysis and summary. You are a savvy consumer and obviously not a "obedient consumer" as I see often on CC. I have cancelled many service providers for not providing the product and services advertised. 

Indeed look around and decide what is the best value for you. I am very glad you question things and do not participate in the Mass Psychosis response that many consumers have. Loyalty to cruise lines is Dead.

[iandjm]

On 1/9/2023 at 2:15 PM, LGW59 said:

I hear you on that!  I just booked what will be my first trip on Oceania.  There is a bit of chatter on their board about some changes but it is NOTHING like on here.

The way Celebrity is you in they will be charging for toilet paper, by the sheet. 

[iandjm]

On 1/9/2023 at 4:46 PM, BazingAu said:

What are you trying to defend here? I already know they are charging for costs that were "included" or "free" at the time of booking. You think that going on the cruise will change my "opinion" about their nickel and diming? "Oh wow, this cruise is so great, Celebrity, please take more of my money!!" Um, no.

ETA - if you read my post, it was specifically about the costs and reduction in things that I considered as part of my decision to book - as in, I can spend my dollars anywhere - and the opportunity costs here matter. It has nothing to do with whether I will have a good time on the cruise or not.

I think you talk about the biggest issue. We book a cruise with certain things included and these have now been taken away before we sail. It’s like ordering a car and it not having half of the features shown in the brochure when delivered.  

[hawkesbaynz]

I have noticed that they have started calling the non-speciality dining ‘Complementary’ as if it is free and they are doing us a favour. A word that has always stuck in my throat like the complementary sweets provided on cheap airlines.

[D C]

8 minutes ago, iandjm said:

I think you talk about the biggest issue. We book a cruise with certain things included and these have now been taken away before we sail. It’s like ordering a car and it not having half of the features shown in the brochure when delivered.  

And SO MANY people act as if that's perfectly acceptable.  Boggles my mind.

[iandjm]

2 minutes ago, D C said:

And SO MANY people act as if that's perfectly acceptable.  Boggles my mind.

Shows how brainwashed people

get. It’s all about principles. 

[BoundForSea]

Based on my TGiving sailing on Summit and from what I’m reading I’ll tell you without a doubt that RCG has narrowed the gap between Celebrity and RCCL. The brands are beginning to assimilate and look very similar as do the passenger demographic. What isn’t narrowing is the prices and the product is becoming watered down. A price in an Iconic suite is close to that of a full Yacht Charter. Veranda and Concierge rooms can run as much as close to 10k$ for two. 

I believe the industry is changing. I’ve heard similar reports about Carnival narrowing the spread in product to Princess. 

 

to receive the product that Celebrity and Premium lines used to be pre-covid I believe you have to step up to a Luxury line like Silver Sea or Azamara (or similar) which to be honest, doesn’t cost too much more than what X is charging for an AquaClass (never mind Retreat)

 

If you’re a customer of X pre-covid and you’re looking for the true X expeirence, I think we (myself included) need to either choose a very specific sailing on an M class (moreso)  or S class in Europe or a theater other than Caribbean, or switch to the semi-Lux lines like Oceania. 
 

just my $0.02. 
 

I’ve read threads over and over on all lines on this board from us the mostly tenured and experienced cruisers complaining about the same thing. There is a temporary wave in cruise travel from newcomers to the field and I believe the lines are positioning themselves for the money grab while the going is good. The newcomers don’t have anything to compare it to, the losses in service or inclusions or even the overall quality of the products. 
 

again YMMV as they say!

Safe and happy sailing gang. 

Edited January 12, 2023 by BoundForSea

[George C]

We totally loved our edge cruise which was only her second post Covid cruise, the fact we. Did a upsell to penthouse helped , about a month ago we did Beyond in sky suite and was disappointed in food and service in Luminae and also food in fine cut restaurant. Entertainment was best we had ever seen on celebrity on recent beyond cruise. Looking forward to our summit cruise in a couple of months in royal suite.

[mcrcruiser]

Try Virgin Cruise lines ,mist every thing included . Really nice ships  all 110,000 tons & even windows in their non smoking casinos  . The TA cruises are incredible value 

[Oceansaway17]

On 1/9/2023 at 9:44 AM, davekathy said:

Agree. I would never book our cruises (cruise line, ship, itinerary, etc.) based on others positive or negative opinions and experiences.  

except that if I hear several of the same complaints about the same ship, I do take notice.

but overall, there is not a perfect ship and right now all cruise lines are still in recovery mode.

Can't wait to see what 2024 and beyond will be like

[JOVERNITE]

We sailed the Equinox Feb 2022 half full. We felt like we were on a luxury cruise! Everything was amazing. Day two no masks required except in the casino and theater. We sail this month on the Equinox. Will try to take the changes in stride.

 

I wonder if we still get free sweets in Cafe al Bacio. So good with a specialty coffee.

[LGW59]

50 minutes ago, Oceansaway17 said:

except that if I hear several of the same complaints about the same ship, I do take notice.

but overall, there is not a perfect ship and right now all cruise lines are still in recovery mode.

Can't wait to see what 2024 and beyond will be like

I guess for me, it would have to be what the specific complaints are about.  There are real world complaints and there are CC complaints.  The lack of a type of cookie, reduced pastry size, increase in daily gratuities, type of OVC pasta, room service charge, furniture design(er), increased beverage cost, and I don't drink alcohol but still worthwhile because I drink tons of sparkling water, smoothies, cappuccinos and lattes which makes the convenience of the bev package well worth it.  Now a unclean ship, horrible service, bad specialty restaurants etc. could change my mind.  Though I would have to experience it for myself and not rely on another individual.  Reading through many (most) of the other lines boards here, there are a myriad of complaints, though none as loud (right or wrong) as RCCL & Celebrity.  

[chrismakris]

We’ve done 2 sailings on X since Covid. One in July on the Silhouette and this past  December on the Solstice. 
 

What I have noticed is that there is a definite cutbacks on certain things, I didn’t notice any drop off in the 2 of the most important things and that was the service and food.  
 

We’ve never done room service and I don’t eat lobster because of an allergy so I can’t respond to those issues. 
 

I have noticed an increase in pricing that is making me wonder whether to continue cruising but since I’ve come to realize that since I will be an Elite Plus after my next cruise I can drop down a category to veranda and with my perks still be way cheaper than an all included package in concierge.

 

Somas long as Service and food remain the same we’ll probably stick with Celebrity. 

[BridgeMates]

2 hours ago, chrismakris said:

Somas long as Service and food remain the same we’ll probably stick with Celebrity. 

 

I agree!  After sending an email yesterday, I too had a phone call from the "executive office" regarding my comments.  I specifically mentioned the possibility of cutbacks in the MDR menus.  We feel the food on Celebrity has been a cut above Princess & Royal C, so to hear they are messing with that does concern me.  Prices on Princess and other cruise lines are better in many cases, so if the food and service isn't a step above, why would I keep booking Celebrity?  New, beautiful ships and port itineraries are pretty much the same.  The representative listened to me reiterate what I had said in my email; however, in the end, she told me they are taking down the complaints, but  "it is, what it is."

Hope the MDR changes aren't set in stone.......we're going on the Silhouette in early April, so we'll soon find out. 🤞

[dodger1964]

15 hours ago, iandjm said:

The way Celebrity is you in they will be charging for toilet paper, by the sheet. 

It is BYOTP

[iandjm]

5 hours ago, BridgeMates said:

 

I agree!  After sending an email yesterday, I too had a phone call from the "executive office" regarding my comments.  I specifically mentioned the possibility of cutbacks in the MDR menus.  We feel the food on Celebrity has been a cut above Princess & Royal C, so to hear they are messing with that does concern me.  Prices on Princess and other cruise lines are better in many cases, so if the food and service isn't a step above, why would I keep booking Celebrity?  New, beautiful ships and port itineraries are pretty much the same.  The representative listened to me reiterate what I had said in my email; however, in the end, she told me they are taking down the complaints, but  "it is, what it is."

Hope the MDR changes aren't set in stone.......we're going on the Silhouette in early April, so we'll soon find out. 🤞

I’ve just spoken to the exec office as well. Same story. The lady kept saying they are pushing ahead with changes anyway and will see what feedback is.  I did suggest for example that higher loyalty club members could receive things like ‘free’ room service as they were the ones that knew that is was once included.  She laughed. Says it all really. 

[iandjm]

7 hours ago, chrismakris said:

We’ve done 2 sailings on X since Covid. One in July on the Silhouette and this past  December on the Solstice. 
 

What I have noticed is that there is a definite cutbacks on certain things, I didn’t notice any drop off in the 2 of the most important things and that was the service and food.  
 

We’ve never done room service and I don’t eat lobster because of an allergy so I can’t respond to those issues. 
 

I have noticed an increase in pricing that is making me wonder whether to continue cruising but since I’ve come to realize that since I will be an Elite Plus after my next cruise I can drop down a category to veranda and with my perks still be way cheaper than an all included package in concierge.

 

Somas long as Service and food remain the same we’ll probably stick with Celebrity. 

Sadly the food and service on the October canaries cruise was poor as they had filled the ship to capacity despite being short of crew. It was not a good experience.  

[Baron Barracuda]

Consider that the major cruise lines have 45 new builds scheduled for delivery over the next few years.  That's more than the current combined fleets of Royal and X.  Unless a large number of older ships are pulled from service and sent to the scrap yard the cruise industry will struggle to absorb the additional capacity.  They can't find enough crew to staff their current ships.   Service will suffer and pricing can't / won't hold up.

[Oceansaway17]

16 hours ago, LGW59 said:

I guess for me, it would have to be what the specific complaints are about.  There are real world complaints and there are CC complaints.  The lack of a type of cookie, reduced pastry size, increase in daily gratuities, type of OVC pasta, room service charge, furniture design(er), increased beverage cost, and I don't drink alcohol but still worthwhile because I drink tons of sparkling water, smoothies, cappuccinos and lattes which makes the convenience of the bev package well worth it.  Now a unclean ship, horrible service, bad specialty restaurants etc. could change my mind.  Though I would have to experience it for myself and not rely on another individual.  Reading through many (most) of the other lines boards here, there are a myriad of complaints, though none as loud (right or wrong) as RCCL & Celebrity.  

i do agree with you very much.  Over on HAL it is the music they talk about the most.

Unclean ships and poor service are a concern.  All the other stuff could be a one off.

But of course my own cabin and my own issues would get my attention while on a ship.

And anything that is not to my liking, I have a responsibility to speak up so they can fix.

toodles

[kidz_rn]

On 1/8/2023 at 3:05 PM, Arizona Wildcat said:

So far the cutbacks have not decreased bookings.  Pretty much everything has gone up in price.  Our various preferred monthly rentals have gone up in price by several thousand dollars a month.

Seems pretty soon the old timers that post on CC will go away and younger cruisers who are new to cruising will take our place.  They never experienced Modern Luxury. 

Totally agree. We love cruising; as aging Baby Boomers, we are not interested in land vacations with all their associated headaches (and gigantic price increases as you mention). The cruising demographics are definitely changing too (Hello Millennials and Gen Z), as someone mentioned here earlier. We have done one Oceania cruise (Alaska 2014) and it was very enjoyable -- only 750 guests onboard! I will have to check out the Oceania board, as someone recommended. 

 

Sailing in 2 weeks on Beyond, b2b. First X cruise since the pandemic. I will go with a glass half-full attitude and see if it fills up all the way  😊