To sum up

[B_A_H]

7 hours ago, cruisin from florida said:

I think the rising prices may impact the "new blood." We started cruising in the '80s, and the comparison of land vacation vs. cruise made cruising a no-brainer. As those numbers get closer to each other, the number of new cruisers may decline.

Two things allow the cruise lines to continue to raise prices and pare inclusions and service.  Land-based options and airfare are through the roof now which makes cruising seem like an even better value; even at elevated prices. 

 

The other thing is new cruisers, and there's the potential for lots of them, have no idea that the total for their 7 day cruise will likely be twice what they initially paid.  All the earnings calls for the big three have gleefully pointed out how much higher onboard spend is now and that there's even more opportunity.  I find it hard to believe that Celebrity thinning out MDR options and making them less attractive isn't tied to increasing the use of specialty dining.  Or perhaps I'm just being cynical. 

[xxpinksaltxx]

I think we are in the group " willing to accept changes until the last straw". If I think back at our first cruise in 2012, alot has changed. Brunch in the MDR with ice sculptures, free behind the scenes tours (galley tours were always free), tubs of cotton buds and pads in the rooms (oh the uproar when they were removed), the removal and reinstatement of the turndown chocolates, afternoon tea in the oceanview, Michael's club before it turned to suite passengers only.

 

Next month we will be on our first cruise since covid, we last sailed in 2018. I think we will still enjoy Celebrity. Times are changing, and I work in hospitality myself. If I don't have to cook, clean and worry about how I'm getting from point a to b, or where to go to dinner, I'm happy. For me, it's the demographic that Celebrity attracts that keeps me coming back.