Ask Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO: Call for Questions for Jason Liberty

[CCAubs]

One of the biggest cruise industry events, Seatrade Cruise Global, is quickly approaching. At the event, cruise line CEOs sit side by side to discuss all things cruising. This year’s panel of esteemed CEOs includes the President & CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Jason Liberty.

 

And he wants to hear from Cruise Critic members. 

 

Do you have a question that you’d love to ask Mr. Liberty? Are you wondering what’s ahead for onboard dining and entertainment? Have thoughts on how Royal Caribbean Group can leverage technology to improve the cruise experience? Do you have questions about the cruise line’s sustainability efforts? We want to hear from you.

 

Share your questions below, and your question might be one asked of Mr. Liberty at this year’s event.

[Cap_D]

Why affirmatively acknowledge and rollout cutbacks / dining changes for RC, but have zero official info about changes to Celebrity (e.g., bologna, and fish fingers being the main dish at the OVC for dinner)?  

[Cap_D]

Just now, Cap_D said:

Why affirmatively acknowledge and rollout cutbacks / dining changes for RC, but have zero official info about changes to Celebrity (e.g., bologna, and fish fingers being the main dish at the OVC for dinner)?  

Does he believe that a bologna bar is competitive with the target customer for Celebrity?  Is it something they modeled in the Innovation Lab?  

We'd also be curious if he regularly eats bologna while on his ships, and vacations?

[NutsAboutGolf]

Has this happened in the past and have changes been made as results to these questions?  I just get the sense he only knows that the food budget was slashed and doesn't care if you miss a certain dish

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

Here's my question for Mr. Liberty:

 

In regards to Infinite Veranda staterooms, is the plan to continue to install these types of verandas in such a large proportion for future Celebrity ships?  I'm aware that there is a reduced ratio of infinite verandas to traditional balconies on the upcoming Icon of the Seas versus the Celebrity Edge class ships. I'm curious whether mixed feedback from passengers who sailed on the Celebrity Edge class ships in these infinite veranda staterooms had an impact on the decision to install a lower ratio for Icon of the Seas.  Some people have even go so far as to avoid the Edge class ships due to the fact that the only traditional balconies available are aft-view sunset verandas and retreat level suites which are both more expensive staterooms.  How have you and your design teams responded to this feedback and what actions have taken place?

 

 

[NutsAboutGolf]

14 minutes ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Here's my question for Mr. Liberty:

 

In regards to Infinite Veranda staterooms, is the plan to continue to install these types of verandas in such a large proportion for future Celebrity ships?  I'm aware that there is a reduced ratio of infinite verandas to traditional balconies on the upcoming Icon of the Seas versus the Celebrity Edge class ships. I'm curious whether mixed feedback from passengers who sailed on the Celebrity Edge class ships in these infinite veranda staterooms had an impact on the decision to install a lower ratio for Icon of the Seas.  Some people have even go so far as to avoid the Edge class ships due to the fact that the only traditional balconies available are aft-view sunset verandas and retreat level suites which are both more expensive staterooms.  How have you and your design teams responded to this feedback and what actions have taken place?

 

 

 

If you seriously ask be sure to mention that CC/AQ (non-suite) lovers have no choice in room type other than to have an IV

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

I missed the time limit for the edit so here's my revised question taking into account @NutsAboutGolf's comment.  Thank you

 

Here's my question for Mr. Liberty:

In regards to Infinite Veranda staterooms, is the plan to continue to install these types of verandas in such a large proportion for future Celebrity ships?  I'm aware that there is a reduced ratio of infinite verandas to traditional balconies on the upcoming Icon of the Seas versus the Celebrity Edge class ships. I'm curious whether mixed feedback from passengers who sailed on the Celebrity Edge class ships in these infinite veranda staterooms had an impact on the decision to install a lower ratio for Icon of the Seas.  Some people have even go so far as to avoid the Edge class ships due to the fact that the only traditional balconies available are aft-view sunset verandas and retreat level suites which are both more expensive staterooms.  In addition, both Concierge and Aqua Class staterooms are only offered with Infinite Verandas on the Edge Class ships.  Folks who want the Concierge or Aqua Class experience but dislike the Infinite Veranda are left with no options onboard these ships.  How have you and your design teams responded to this feedback and what actions have taken place?

[nps001]

One question that I would love to ask.     Is there any consideration to having one combined loyalty program across all brands?    There is not much incentive for me as a loyal Celebrity guest to book Silversea or even RC.   I know the status transfers but it would be great (and be the first brand that I know of) to be able to earn points across all brands.

[NutsAboutGolf]

All cruise lines seem to have resisted automation/tech as they can rely on cheap labor who can work seven days a week.  I would love to be able to do as many things as possible with the app.  Go to a sit down restaurant for dinner?  You're already in the app looking at the menu, you should be able to order from the app.  There are reports of it taking the crew 20mins to take your order

[NutsAboutGolf]

2 minutes ago, nps001 said:

One question that I would love to ask.     Is there any consideration to having one combined loyalty program across all brands?    There is not much incentive for me as a loyal Celebrity guest to book Silversea or even RC.   I know the status transfers but it would be great (and be the first brand that I know of) to be able to earn points across all brands.

 

Unfortunately, I feel its inevitable lifetime status for NEW cruisers will disappear and convert into an annual requalification period like their casino loyalty program and most other travel companies including MSC.  Of course, existing cruisers are grandfathered lifetime status

[Crazy planning mom]

Question for Jason Liberty- are you concerned that as you cutback on food quality and variety, that cruisers will switch to other forms of vacation?

[randomcruise]

Questions for Jason Liberty:

 

Do you understand that some passengers see the recent Celebrity cutbacks as significantly downgrading the experience that Celebrity promoted and that the passengers paid for in full months ago as essentially a bait-and-switch scam that exposes a lack of integrity in the executive level decision making at Celebrity/RC Group?

 

Do you understand that in the future many of those same passengers are going to be very reluctant to trust that Celebrity will actually provide the experience that Celebrity promotes and demands full payment for months before their cruise date?

[Baron Barracuda]

My question is:

 

When cruising resumed even though ships were sailing at reduced capacity and RCL was losing money you attempted to maintain your pre-covid standards in food and service.  Why then with ships  once again sailing at full capacity and profitability returning have you taken actions that seriously degrade the dining experience and angered passengers?  The everyday items on Royal were very popular and downgrading the beef and fish selections on Celebrity which used to be renowned for it's food is tragic.  Plus there is the severe cutback to dinner service in X's Oceanview Care.  If a land based restaurant took these actions while raising prices as well I would take my business elsewhere.

[JDPCruisers]

Questions for Mr. Liberty -

 

Will RC be bringing Celebrity to the new RC Terminal in Galveston? 

 

Will RC be enhancing their itineraries with 10-14 day cruises?

 

And if so, to different ports, i.e. Panama Canel, Central America, etc?

 

Thanks

 

[kearney]

On 2/15/2023 at 4:27 PM, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Here's my question for Mr. Liberty:

 

In regards to Infinite Veranda staterooms, is the plan to continue to install these types of verandas in such a large proportion for future Celebrity ships?  I'm aware that there is a reduced ratio of infinite verandas to traditional balconies on the upcoming Icon of the Seas versus the Celebrity Edge class ships. I'm curious whether mixed feedback from passengers who sailed on the Celebrity Edge class ships in these infinite veranda staterooms had an impact on the decision to install a lower ratio for Icon of the Seas.  Some people have even go so far as to avoid the Edge class ships due to the fact that the only traditional balconies available are aft-view sunset verandas and retreat level suites which are both more expensive staterooms.  How have you and your design teams responded to this feedback and what actions have taken place?

 

 

I thought only Celebrity had IV cabins... surprised Icon of the Seas (RCL ship) would have any

[cachouonacruise]

My question to Mr. Liberty:

 

A lot of the effort made in ship design and on-board experience seems to be extremely focused on Suite guests.

 

Although I understand that suite guests contribute significantly more financially, are you aware that Celebrity's decision to deprive non-suite guests of a forward view venue on Edge Class ships, is making these non-suite guests ( beside the gym) feeling like annoying mosquitoes the cruise line has to endure? 

[Cap_D]

On Edge class, why have so much prime space dedicated to the OVC when you barely serve anything at dinner, and likewise have 3 main dining rooms that sit empty during the day?  Why not at least shuffleboard, flexible outdoor space, another pool, anything other than closed off seating for most the day,?

 

Does he think the Carribean and Mexican beaches are safe and commensurate with what a celebrity passenger would want in a trip? 

 

Why is CocoCay nicer and safer than most (likely all) beaches Celebrity ports at?

 

What is his favorite made in China trinket from one of the ship line owned ports?

 

Does he personally pay U.S. income tax?

 

Would he consider banning Better Midler, Neil Diamond (Sweet Caroline), and Barry Maninlow from the approved songs for the group sing alongs?

 

What is his personal favorite "exotic" cut of meat presently served in the MDR, Blu, or Luminae?

 

What's the useful life and safety record of the Magic Carpet?

 

Why did it take two ship builds to realize that the Sunset Bar on Edge class ships shouldnt be a dull, cramped, afterthought?

 

Are the other captains and officers jealous of the attention given Captain Kate?

 

Would you stay in a land based hotel that hadn't been refreshed in over 10 years and had visible rust on the balcony?

 

Are travel agents entitied or a necessary expense until the target population learns to use the Internet and you upgrade your user experience?

Edited February 17, 2023 by Cap_D

[librarylady19]

Question: why does Royal allow smoking in its casinos (which invariably impacts other areas of the ship negatively) when only 12.5% of the adult population still smoke? Many land casinos ban smoking and still make plenty of money. 
 

2nd question:  why doesn’t Celebrity switch to the more flexible Diamond drink “vouchers” rather than limit Elites to meager drinks list from 5-7 pm?

[mcrcruiser]

What is your cruise lines  future staffing requirements  ? Service  has  suffered  with  the current  numbers of staff   making for a less than satisfactory cruise experience

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

4 hours ago, librarylady19 said:

why doesn’t Celebrity switch to the more flexible Diamond drink “vouchers” rather than limit Elites to meager drinks list from 5-7 pm?

I could get onboard for this. It would also be a big draw for current RC Diamond and above members to sail with Celebrity.

[manmachine]

Is it true that Celebrity Cruises is about to beta test the GO WONDERFULL program?  If so, will it be token-based instead of quarters-based?  Or card s’wipe’ based?  And is it true that Suite guests will be given complimentary access ship wide?

 

How much of this revenue will be

shared with the hard-working crew?

 

 

[Shep_Proudfoot]

On 2/15/2023 at 3:43 PM, NutsAboutGolf said:

 

If you seriously ask be sure to mention that CC/AQ (non-suite) lovers have no choice in room type other than to have an IV

Yep that’s me and that is why I will likely never sail E class. When S-class ships “age out” will Celebrity fall entirely off the list for consideration?

[Nicole&Pete]

Please see my question below for Jason Liberty, I will post the same question on the Princess boards for Josh Weinstein;

 

Environmental Responsibility

 

I understand that cruise lines are exploring the use of different technologies and alternative fuels on newer vessels to reduce environmental impact and newer, larger ships with more capacity does mean less carbon footprint per passenger. However, I would like to challenge what seems to be a scrap old, build new strategy amongst the major cruise lines. 

 

A lot of cruisers love the layout of the smaller and older ships and enjoy the variety of ports they are able to visit, but it seems that older cruise ships are given very little love. They always look and feel tired, dining and other services are often reduced on these ships, much loved card rooms and other public spaces are removed and used for storage or other activities, there is always a lot of rust on balconies and other outside areas and they are hardly ever updated with new furnishings in public areas, new stateroom furniture, new pool towels, new poolside loungers/ lounger cushions, new board games/ snooker and shuffleboard cues/ game pieces etc., new stateroom TVs and new stateroom towels and bedding. Some of this could obviously could easily and cheaply be replaced at any time between dry docks, but this is often not done. When they do get scheduled in for “refurbishment” this is usually used to take away much loved public areas and dining venues for more cabin capacity or for fee dining venues, rather than completing much needed cosmetic refurbishment. It often feels like cruising on an older ship is a downgraded cruise and as a result, cruisers will often opt for or be willing to pay more for a cruise on a larger and newer ship even if they much prefer the layout of the older and smaller ships. I believe an increase in revenues and length of cruising life for older ships could be seen if they were restored to their former glory both in terms of cosmetics and also onboard services.

 

It almost seems as if new ships are built and never restored or refurbished throughout their life, then eventually get scrapped and replaced with brand new ships. I would assume ships are scrapped in an environmentally sound way and materials are recycled, but I can’t understand why the focus is on building new rather than restoring what is already there as surely that is more sustainable? I would be very interested to know if the reduction in pollution and energy savings of newer ships compensates for the environmental impact on waste and use of new materials and resources of scrapping and building new.

[Carried_Away]

Is there a plan to resume the "revolution" of Celebrity's M-class and S-class ships? If so, when?

[Nicole&Pete]

Hello

 

I have a question for Jason Liberty;

Celebrity European Itineraries

 

We would always opt to sail with Celebrity due to the service and food quality, but both this year and last year we have had to opt for sailing on Princess due to the Northern Europe itineraries we wanted to visit. Last year we opted for an Iceland cruise with Princess because the Silhouette was scheduled to be in Reykjavik and Akureyri for too short a time frame to enjoy these ports, which has happened for every Celebrity sailing to Iceland in the last few years. This year we have opted for Princess again to sail to the Arctic circle. Will you look please into more Northern European sailings with interesting itineraries?