Vaping in Casino on Equinox

[MamaFej]

My husband was born in the last year of the last year of the Baby Boom (1964).

I'm an older Gen Xer, born in 1967.

I have one Millennial son, born in 1995.

I have two Gen Z kids, born in 1999 and 2002.

 

All of us have enjoyed cruising on Celebrity.

Precisely none of us is in favor of indoor smoking or vaping anywhere on a ship (or hotel, theater, museum, office...)

[Ex-Airbalancer]

7 hours ago, hcat said:

marijuana lounge?

 

Would Celebrity then be doing a medical cruise ? 
we get a lot of different marijuana infused creams 

my 93 year old mom takes marijuana oils to help sleep 😉

I wonder what kind of brownies they would have at Al Bacio 😋

 

[TheHawk1]

14 hours ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

I think that Celebrity is willing to let the business from the boomer generation go in hopes they appeal to the younger crowd.

 

2 hours ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Another thing that bothers me as a millenial is the huge amount of emphasis on marketing the Retreat. I get it, you've got a premium product and it's selling well at the moment.  But if you're trying to appeal towards millenials in your marketing, in general they are not the ones with that kind of cash. Heavy marketing of the Retreat can actually diminish the perceived value of the lower level rooms as a decent amount of the ship is off limits to the regular staterooms.

 

Kind of contradicts your theory that Celebrity should just let the boomers go and focus instead on a younger market.  Boomers (and some older Gen X) are the ones who can primarily afford the Retreat, which is a huge cash cow for them. I guess you'll just have to put up with some old folks photo bombing your endless selfies on your next vacation "experience", as the millennials say.

 

[mac_tlc]

18 hours ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Did anyone comment about the addition of verbiage on the Celebrity website on the table games casino page?

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/casino/table-games

It's also on the main casino page.

https://www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/casino

 

Seems like it's pretty much a done deal if they've made the effort to update the website.

 

Here's what it says:

It’s a bustling, smoke-free* gaming environment like no other.

and at the bottom of the page

* In casinos on itineraries where e-cigarette smoking is allowed, there will be visible signage designating the areas for both vaping and non-vaping guests. 

 

While I also think that their mind may be made up, I could read those changes to the website to be referring to the 8 week test on Equinox and Eclipse. The “itineraries where e-cigarette smoking is allowed” is indeed the 8 week test on the two ships. 
 

mac_tlc

[hcat]

Hopfully the vaping  idea will pass...just like many other ill advised marketing gambits.

 

We survived the quasi  X rated sex shop on board when they had pseudo cirque shows ...

 

We survived the decimation of upstairs lounges by installing  lounger beds and curtains of rags hanging all over., blocking  beautiful views

 

Gone are the horribly intrusive slimy, creepy characters deployed in the upstairs lounges to interact  with guests...,,followed by the creepy EDEN characters that roamed the ship annoying everyone.

 

And  GOOP seems gone! Also the late night role playing games..bye bye

 

Wherever they source this whacky stuff..no one seems to know but hope vaping will be over and done with soon!  Vapers can go where the smokers go...to enjoy a vape.

 

They should just focus on providing great cruises, top notch cuisine, live music and classy  service. Leave the " new ideas" to Royal C,

[RummyB]

I'm one of those folks who did send an email to Celebrity's Executive Office.  My concern was not merely changes to menus and the vaping test  (I'm against allowing vaping) , but rather no one was notified in advance of either test.  For those of us that are affected by vaping vapors or cigarette smoke, those vapors travel and "isolating" those who do to a section of the casino is somewhat useless.   

 

So, in my email, I asked if Celebrity would refund those who have already booked if Celebrity allows vaping on their cruise.  After all, that was not the policy when I booked my cruise. The answer: no.  Celebrity hasn't come up with a policy and isn't offering refunds.  

 

Since my next cruise with them isn't until next February, I have plenty of time to cancel and will fight them for the return of my non-refundable deposit if it comes to that.   

 

[the penguins]

2 hours ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Good question. In general, I'm fairly pleased with Celebrity's onboard offerings, but when on the ship I feel like I'm in the minority being in my late 20s. My wife and I would love to meet more people in our age group onboard.

 

The general consensus is that X is a more laid back cruise line that caters to the older crowd. I agree about the more laid back approach, but disagree about catering to the older crowd. This is especially true for the Edge class ships. They literally have a club on the ship.

 

The shows onboard get an A+ in my book for the Edge class. The stage design and special effects are top notch. Eden has a cool vibe, but I don't think the space is utilized to its full potential. S and M class ships are nice, but certainly have a different vibe.

 

Honestly, the itinerary selection is what I see changing the most with Celebrity in the near future. We'll probably see higher volume of 3-5 night Bahamas cruises, maybe even on an Edge class ship. Royal Caribbean is going all in with this and dedicating Utopia, their next new Oasis class ship, to these short Bahamas cruises. I can see Celebrity following suit if bookings are strong.

 

Another thing is I feel the dining onboard is a little dull, even on their newest ships. Steakhouse, bistro, fine dining - boring. I'd like to see them shake it up a bit. More restaurants along the lines of Eden. Make dinner more of an experience than a meal. What about hibachi or a Korean BBQ? Instead of hot dogs and burgers at the mast grill, why not some variety like a gyro shaved meat option or some southern BBQ?

 

I'd also like to see some more variety in the entertainment. Vocalists, dancers, acrobatics, and comedians are fine, but I'd like to see something more. How about a stunt show, psychics/hypnotists, or maybe something risqué like burlesque (18+ obviously). I haven't been on enough cruises to know how much they shake things up fleetwide, but I know there's opportunities for greater variety.

 

Another thing that bothers me as a millenial is the huge amount of emphasis on marketing the Retreat. I get it, you've got a premium product and it's selling well at the moment.  But if you're trying to appeal towards millenials in your marketing, in general they are not the ones with that kind of cash. Heavy marketing of the Retreat can actually diminish the perceived value of the lower level rooms as a decent amount of the ship is off limits to the regular staterooms.

 

All I can say is that I'm intrigued to see what Celebrity does next and I'm certainly not going to eliminate them from my future vacation plans due to them allowing vaping in the casino.  Do I think that it's a wise move? No, and I feel for the people that have health issues regarding being around vapers. 

You make some interesting points but your comments and ideas seem to heavily weighted on the 3 to 5 day Caribbean market.

X is a worldwide brand and in many of those areas (UK, Europe, Middle East, Far East, Australia/New Zealand, South America and Alaska) 3 to 5 nights cruises are never going to be a big attraction.

I agree the entertainment could do with more variety but we have seen hypnotists, late night adult comedy and  burlesque type shows on X. There are clearly logistical difficulties and cost implications in bringing larger headline acts on to the ships. 

Personally we found the current production shows on Silhouette are not anywhere near as good as any of the shows they replaced.

The Speciality Restaurants, which always seem be pretty much fully booked, change or adapt fairly regularly: the Bistro on 5 became a  Sushi restaurant: Quisine has become the La Petite Chef : Cellar Masters is now Craft Social.

Adapt and change yes - but allow vaping anywhere inside the ship or on balconies - no, no no.

 

 

[maiaaya]

For what it’s worth, we are currently on the Equinox and we’ve spent a bit of time in the casino on a few different days this week. I’ve yet to see anyone vaping…

[Georgia_Peaches]

3 hours ago, MamaFej said:

My husband was born in the last year of the last year of the Baby Boom (1964).

I'm an older Gen Xer, born in 1967.

I have one Millennial son, born in 1995.

OMG...this is EXCTLY me!  only my Millennial is a daughter.

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

3 hours ago, TheHawk1 said:

 

 

Kind of contradicts your theory that Celebrity should just let the boomers go and focus instead on a younger market.  Boomers (and some older Gen X) are the ones who can primarily afford the Retreat, which is a huge cash cow for them. I guess you'll just have to put up with some old folks photo bombing your endless selfies on your next vacation "experience", as the millennials say.

 

Valid. Celebrity needs to find that sweet spot that can attract the younger crowd but appeal enough to the older crowd that they are willing to book the pricier rooms.

[Georgia_Peaches]

6 hours ago, NorthStarStateCruiser said:

Good question. In general, I'm fairly pleased with Celebrity's onboard offerings, but when on the ship I feel like I'm in the minority being in my late 20s. My wife and I would love to meet more people in our age group onboard.

 

The general consensus is that X is a more laid back cruise line that caters to the older crowd. I agree about the more laid back approach, but disagree about catering to the older crowd. This is especially true for the Edge class ships. They literally have a club on the ship.

 

The shows onboard get an A+ in my book for the Edge class. The stage design and special effects are top notch. Eden has a cool vibe, but I don't think the space is utilized to its full potential. S and M class ships are nice, but certainly have a different vibe.

 

Honestly, the itinerary selection is what I see changing the most with Celebrity in the near future. We'll probably see higher volume of 3-5 night Bahamas cruises, maybe even on an Edge class ship. Royal Caribbean is going all in with this and dedicating Utopia, their next new Oasis class ship, to these short Bahamas cruises. I can see Celebrity following suit if bookings are strong.

 

Another thing is I feel the dining onboard is a little dull, even on their newest ships. Steakhouse, bistro, fine dining - boring. I'd like to see them shake it up a bit. More restaurants along the lines of Eden. Make dinner more of an experience than a meal. What about hibachi or a Korean BBQ? Instead of hot dogs and burgers at the mast grill, why not some variety like a gyro shaved meat option or some southern BBQ?

 

I'd also like to see some more variety in the entertainment. Vocalists, dancers, acrobatics, and comedians are fine, but I'd like to see something more. How about a stunt show, psychics/hypnotists, or maybe something risqué like burlesque (18+ obviously). I haven't been on enough cruises to know how much they shake things up fleetwide, but I know there's opportunities for greater variety.

 

Another thing that bothers me as a millenial is the huge amount of emphasis on marketing the Retreat. I get it, you've got a premium product and it's selling well at the moment.  But if you're trying to appeal towards millenials in your marketing, in general they are not the ones with that kind of cash. Heavy marketing of the Retreat can actually diminish the perceived value of the lower level rooms as a decent amount of the ship is off limits to the regular staterooms.

 

All I can say is that I'm intrigued to see what Celebrity does next and I'm certainly not going to eliminate them from my future vacation plans due to them allowing vaping in the casino.  Do I think that it's a wise move? No, and I feel for the people that have health issues regarding being around vapers. 

This is a very thoughtful response and I appreciate you taking the time.  My husband and I have often said that we'd rather be the older ones in a younger crowd than be the younger ones in an older crowd. 

I find many of your ideas interesting and have to agree that Celebrity has gotten a little stale in some areas, like food and entertainment.  We haven't been on an E class ship yet but will be on the new Ascent for a back-to-back pre-pre-maiden voyage in November and then again on the Edge to Alaska in May, 2024.  I am looking forward to the vibe and trying new venues like Eden.

 

On our last cruise on Equinox we were in a standard verandah cabin and it was awesome!  I completely agree with you about their branding for the Retreat...it's so heavy that it really makes one feel as though they aren't getting a quality product unless in the Retreat category.  This is false.

 

While vaping is certainly part of current pop culture, I don't think that Celebrity's choice to try (and likely implement) vaping in the casino is necessarily a ploy to attract millennials. Do you?   I could be wrong but I know plenty of millennials who are anti vaping and smoking alike and are just as turned off by the prospect of being in the vicinity of such things as most are in this thread.

 

I totally get and companies must evolve with the times and I don't begrudge Celebrity doing that at all.  At the end of the day, I'd still like to at least recognize the brand we've grown to love and enjoy.

[39august]

It is very obvious per Peaches personal experience on Equinox that there in fact are NO designated areas for vaping. It is allowed all over the casino, so their info is already WRONG.

[dlh015]

2 hours ago, RummyB said:

So, in my email, I asked if Celebrity would refund those who have already booked if Celebrity allows vaping on their cruise.  After all, that was not the policy when I booked my cruise. The answer: no.  Celebrity hasn't come up with a policy and isn't offering refunds. 

IMO, and I am not a lawyer, but someone having a lawyer and having them write a letter to Celebrity explaining the circumstances of the original booking and how the product paid for is not the product being received, should cause them to revisit that (stupid) position. I just don't see how they can offer a product and then change said product after the deal as been inked.

 

But that's me...the guy who expects fair play and honesty in such things...   

[Georgia_Peaches]

7 minutes ago, 39august said:

It is very obvious per Peaches personal experience on Equinox that there in fact are NO designated areas for vaping. It is allowed all over the casino, so their info is already WRONG.

100%...and I just learned from @morpheusofthesea, who is currently giving his observations on his experience on an MSC cruise that has stopped in Grand Cayman, that all bars were open while tendering.  This is relevant because when we were on Equinox just a few weeks ago, we also tendered in Grand Cayman and only one bar (pool deck) was open for the entire port stop.  Celebrity's explanation was that local laws in GC had changed necessitating all the bar closures.  The more likely story is that GC is charging a fee to keep bars open (perhaps per a new law) and Celebrity chooses not to pay said fee.  It's relevant because it's another example of blurring the lines of truth.  Oh we only allow vaping in designated areas while actively playing...NOT...Oh, it's a new law that all bars have to be closed except one while tendering in GC...NOT.

 

IDK, Celebrity...you really have me shaking my head...

[NorthStarStateCruiser]

1 hour ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

While vaping is certainly part of current pop culture, I don't think that Celebrity's choice to try (and likely implement) vaping in the casino is necessarily a ploy to attract millennials. Do you?

Thank you for your comment. I don't agree with the decision to allow vaping in the casino, even in a test environment. I don't know what spurred the decision, but it almost certainly will drive more business away than bring in new. You can't market a product as one thing and then flip the switch just like that. This has been the status quo with Celebrity lately and that certainly has an impact on its customers.

[clojacks]

3 hours ago, maiaaya said:

For what it’s worth, we are currently on the Equinox and we’ve spent a bit of time in the casino on a few different days this week. I’ve yet to see anyone vaping…

You mean all this hysteria may be for naught? I think I stated earlier that it may take a long time for this possible change to affect the experience in the Casino. I firmly believe anyone wishing to Vape on board, and has been able to on other lines, isn’t getting to all of a sudden book 3 cruises with Celebrity. If any change is noticed at all, it will be a slow minor process in my opinion. 

[dlh015]

2 hours ago, Georgia_Peaches said:

It's relevant because it's another example of blurring the lines of truth.

Amen to that!

[maiaaya]

8 minutes ago, clojacks said:

You mean all this hysteria may be for naught? I think I stated earlier that it may take a long time for this possible change to affect the experience in the Casino. I firmly believe anyone wishing to Vape on board, and has been able to on other lines, isn’t getting to all of a sudden book 3 cruises with Celebrity. If any change is noticed at all, it will be a slow minor process in my opinion. 

Exactly! We were just in the casino again….it was very very busy. But again, no vaping! 😉
 

 

 

 

 

 

[the penguins]

7 hours ago, maiaaya said:

For what it’s worth, we are currently on the Equinox and we’ve spent a bit of time in the casino on a few different days this week. I’ve yet to see anyone vaping…

Great news.

Has there been anything in the Daily Planner about vaping being allowed in the Casino ? On a previous cruise  it was headed "Let's Clear the Air".

Thanks and enjoy your cruise.

 

[FeebeeH]

16 hours ago, MamaFej said:

My husband was born in the last year of the last year of the Baby Boom (1964).

I'm an older Gen Xer, born in 1967.

I have one Millennial son, born in 1995.

I have two Gen Z kids, born in 1999 and 2002.

 

All of us have enjoyed cruising on Celebrity.

Precisely none of us is in favor of indoor smoking or vaping anywhere on a ship (or hotel, theater, museum, office...)

Sounds like my family, only I'm the baby boomer & my husband the Gen Xer, 1 child is a Millennial the other a GenZ - and like yourself none of us smoke or vape.  We've been through the heartache of loved ones who've died of cancer to want to smoke or vape.

[maiaaya]

6 hours ago, the penguins said:

Great news.

Has there been anything in the Daily Planner about vaping being allowed in the Casino ? On a previous cruise  it was headed "Let's Clear the Air".

Thanks and enjoy your cruise.

 

I went back to the first daily planner to find it. 
 

And thanks! This is our first Celebrity cruise and we love it! 

[Charles4515]

1 hour ago, FeebeeH said:

Sounds like my family, only I'm the baby boomer & my husband the Gen Xer, 1 child is a Millennial the other a GenZ - and like yourself none of us smoke or vape.  We've been through the heartache of loved ones who've died of cancer to want to smoke or vape.

The millennials in my family don’t gamble. Not only they don’t vape they would not use the casino. 

[PTC DAWG]

Speaking of millennials and gambling, I taught my 30 year old Son and his friend how to play Craps on our last cruise, he's hooked.  🙂

[the penguins]

1 hour ago, maiaaya said:

I went back to the first daily planner to find it. 
 

And thanks! This is our first Celebrity cruise and we love it! 

Is X showing this on the current cruise?

[davekathy]

1 hour ago, maiaaya said:

I went back to the first daily planner to find it. 
 

And thanks! This is our first Celebrity cruise and we love it! 

The last bullet is a big joke.