Is Celebrity going to Eliminate Butlers on Sky and Celebrity Suites?

[bnurick]

3 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

We had already made the decision to quit booking Celebrity after our 2 Australian cruises in January in SS. The current outrageous Sky Suite pricing has made real premium cruise lines like Oceania and Viking Ocean much more competitive, add in the change in Butler service and that makes them even closer. Our 2 January Edge cruises in Australia in a SS now cost $4000pp more than we booked back in early 2022. I would not have paid the $4000 more when I could have booked a Viking Ocean cruise for the same amount.

Agreed.  We were monitoring the cost per day before we booked our last. My view is RCL debt payments are forcing a further squeeze. The Retreat cost cutting is the current focus as the other amenities have already been trimmed as discussed for months.  DCL did not take on massive debt and we are Disney freaks, so it works well for our needs.  Just did a June Alaska cruise on The Wonder and loved it.  The main dining room food was better than Luminae for what we like (rack of lamb, truffled ravioli, tuna tartare, etc).  Noticed an X cruise I have on a price monitor dropped 40% back to 2022 levels.  I think it will continue, first on the older ships, then the balance of the fleet.  Cruise lines that didn’t take on massive debt might be the near term play.  Keep on keeping on Terry…

[terrydtx]

2 minutes ago, bnurick said:

Agreed.  We were monitoring the cost per day before we booked our last. My view is RCL debt payments are forcing a further squeeze. The Retreat cost cutting is the current focus as the other amenities have already been trimmed as discussed for months.  DCL did not take on massive debt and we are Disney freaks, so it works well for our needs.  Just did a June Alaska cruise on The Wonder and loved it.  The main dining room food was better than Luminae for what we like (rack of lamb, truffled ravioli, tuna tartare, etc).  Noticed an X cruise I have on a price monitor dropped 40% back to 2022 levels.  I think it will continue, first on the older ships, then the balance of the fleet.  Cruise lines that didn’t take on massive debt might be the near term play.  Keep on keeping on Terry…

Our 2025 Oceania Marina cruise of South America for 18 days cost $200pp less than the similar itinerary Sky Suite Equinox cruise for 14 days, for us that was a no-brainer.

[bnurick]

3 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

Our 2025 Oceania Marina cruise of South America for 18 days cost $200pp less than the similar itinerary Sky Suite Equinox cruise for 14 days, for us that was a no-brainer.

And the Equinox never completed The Retreat upgrades. 🙃

[wrk2cruise]

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

Or they could have your team direct you to the Retreat Lounge to pick and choose your PM appetizers and then take them back to your cabin, with a drink of course. This will free up the butlers for many other less important tasks.

 

Isn't this what they did several years ago where you have to go to the lounge for afternoon tea.

[CHEZMARYLOU]

8 minutes ago, wrk2cruise said:

 

Isn't this what they did several years ago where you have to go to the lounge for afternoon tea.

They are still trying to steer you to the lounge. We've cruised 3 times since the restart in upper level suites and each time the butler encouraged us to go to the lounge for afternoon tea. We never pushed it because we either weren't hungry or didn't need the extra calories. We are in an upper level suite in September and will definitely asking for something once or twice just to see the response.

 

@cw2go, I agree with your assessment and could have written it. When they initiated some of these changes that did not have any impact on us I contacted Celebrity every time to voice my displeasure. With the latest vaping test I spoke with an executive team member and voiced my concern that this was indicative of changes that would begin to impact the Retreat experience. How I wish I had been wrong.

[abarn55]

On 7/29/2023 at 10:49 AM, prmssk said:

No, this thread is just about a rumor they might discontinue butler service for lower suites.

Its more than a rumor. I understand that they have already fired a number of Butlers. Check it out with celebrity club concierge.

[terrydtx]

11 minutes ago, CHEZMARYLOU said:

I agree with your assessment and could have written it. When they initiated some of these changes that did not have any impact on us I contacted Celebrity every time to voice my displeasure. With the latest vaping test I spoke with an executive team member and voiced my concern that this was indicative of changes that would begin to impact the Retreat experience. How I wish I had been wrong.

We do not smoke and we do not spend any time in the Casino, but I also sent an email to Celebrity over my displeasure with the vaping test on the 2 ships. My fear is if they go forward, will it stop with the casino, or will other area of the ship be affected like the balconies. 

[zitsky]

6 minutes ago, abarn55 said:

Its more than a rumor. I understand that they have already fired a number of Butlers. Check it out with celebrity club concierge.

Why would the concierge tell us anything?  Or do I misread your post?

[zitsky]

5 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

Paying more for a suite and expecting to get what you pay for has nothing to do with being "elite".  Here's the dictionary definition: "a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society":  I don't think any of us are concerned about this change because we feel we are superior in any ability or qualities!  We just worked hard for our $$ and choose to spend them on cabins we can afford that have more space and more amenities.  When one of those advertised amenities is taken away, with no option to then cancel without penalty or get any compensation, it is an unfair business practice.  Period.

Are you telling me that I am not special?  😂

 

I was mad about the butler changes until I priced a Disney Alaska cruise.  Ouch.  Maybe Celebrity is not so bad after all.  😳

[hcat]

16 minutes ago, phoenix_dream said:

Paying more for a suite and expecting to get what you pay for has nothing to do with being "elite".  Here's the dictionary definition: "a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society":  I don't think any of us are concerned about this change because we feel we are superior in any ability or qualities!  We just worked hard for our $$ and choose to spend them on cabins we can afford that have more space and more amenities.  When one of those advertised amenities is taken away, with no option to then cancel without penalty or get any compensation, it is an unfair business practice.  Period.

anyone recall losing the Elite level lounges on  X so they could become suite lounges.? .or Royal Diamonds losing access to their lounges  so suite guests had e exclusive entry?

 

..  We booked more cruises to reach those perk levels... and then poof ..all of a sudden suites were the new focus!

 

Cruise lines give perks, and shift whenever it fits their bottom line!

 

 Tried the Retreat  but we are happy going back to AQ Class..great food, small dining area and Thermal Suite access.

 

diff strokes fir diff folks!

[PinkSandGirl]

I just thought... How do you think we will meet our Retreat Team?  

 

The new way...A sheet of paper, a door hanger or the app to fill things out and whoever the Team Members will be, they'll just show up and we won't know who they are?  Maybe they will have a meeting for all of us or before we board we'll be given the instructions on how this works.  We'll all have a set boarding time, as a whole group.  As we board, the Butlers will all be lined up (like they are on Chic Nights in the theatre) and we're introduced to the 'Team'.   They may not do a thing.  They could charge us (what we've already paid for) saying we're getting an enhanced experience, plus add gratuity on top of it.  My new way scenarios are in jest but it is something to wonder about.  

 

This is all up in the air but that first day connection when you and the Butler meet, that won't be there.  I can't see how it can be. 

 

Time will tell.

 

🍹

Edited July 31, 2023 by PinkSandGirl

[ChucktownSteve]

26 minutes ago, zitsky said:

Are you telling me that I am not special?  😂

 

I was mad about the butler changes until I priced a Disney Alaska cruise.  Ouch.  Maybe Celebrity is not so bad after all.  😳

Then you'll really love Carnival  🤣

[LMHSRN]

3 hours ago, zitsky said:

I try and try and try but you can’t please everyone.

 

The topic is about butlers and suites.

 

And the banana split was really good and I was joking with the staff but they thought I was serious.

 

Yes I have taken my meds today.

I think you need to reevaluate the dosages because they are obviously not  helping you.

Maybe a DOSE of reality?

[prmssk]

1 hour ago, abarn55 said:

Its more than a rumor. I understand that they have already fired a number of Butlers. Check it out with celebrity club concierge.

I realize you are probably just catching up on this thread but the comment you quoted from me was 2.5 days ago, at which point we did not have confirmation of anything. 

[chemmo]

52 minutes ago, PinkSandGirl said:

I just thought... How do you think we will meet our Retreat Team?  

 

The new way...A sheet of paper, a door hanger or the app to fill things out and whoever the Team Members will be, they'll just show up and we won't know who they are?  Maybe they will have a meeting for all of us or before we board we'll be given the instructions on how this works.  We'll all have a set boarding time, as a whole group.  As we board, the Butlers will all be lined up (like they are on Chic Nights in the theatre) and we're introduced to the 'Team'.   They may not do a thing.  They could charge us (what we've already paid for) saying we're getting an enhanced experience, plus add gratuity on top of it.  My new way scenarios are in jest but it is something to wonder about.  

 

This is all up in the air but that first day connection when you and the Butler meet, that won't be there.  I can't see how it can be. 

 

Time will tell.

 

🍹

You will have a small card in your room (easy to miss) that has a phone number on it that you are told you can ring to get a member of the retreat team…When you ring you will get the message “All of our operatives are busy at the moment, please try later…”

 

[MamaFej]

I'm hoping that the folks who are certain that Butlers are being dismissed will share their sources.

 

I am not saying these folks are wrong, I'm merely saying that I find it extremely surprising. On my 5 2023 cruises and 3 2022 Celebrity cruises, several crew members had their contracts involuntarily extended due to difficulty getting enough staffing. From what we were told, there have been backlogs with getting work visas for new and even previous crew members. Crew have been overworked (even more than usual) due to short staffing. 

 

I wish I remembered all the names of the people who told us these things. I do recall a few, including a Blu host we'd sailed with on two other ships whose contract was extended twice, and who was hoping she'd be released in time for her wedding. 

 

I truly do not understand why Celebrity is getting rid of Butlers, instead of keeping them on the team, allowing for adjusting to a dynamic workload. Even if they aren't keeping them on the team, why not offer them the opportunity to work in places where there are staffing shortfalls?

 

Then again, I don't understand some other things Celebrity does lately. 

[weregoingcruising]

This is the real reason.

[Robert de Beaumont]

Is there confirmation that butlers are eliminated for the Celebrity Suite, as well as the Sky and Aqua Sky Suites (i.e., that Royal Suites are the lowest category that will have a butler)? Apologies if this was answered already. 

[zitsky]

I just called the Retreat concierge.  I mentioned the butler changes, vaping and being relatively new to Celebrity and suites.  The agent referred to both the Retreat Team but also the Concierge and suggested some functions might go to the Retreat Concierge.  I asked, doesn’t that mean there is no butler at all?  She said, again, no there will be a team.

 

I told her I don’t want to get into my next Sky Suite just to see an invitation to the buffet since SS no longer get Luminae or lounge access.

 

😂😂😂😂 

[jelayne]

6 minutes ago, Robert de Beaumont said:

Is there confirmation that butlers are eliminated for the Celebrity Suite, as well as the Sky and Aqua Sky Suites (i.e., that Royal Suites are the lowest category that will have a butler)? Apologies if this was answered already. 

Sky Suites only.  Many have called Celebrity and been told there will be a Retreat Team to handle the Sky Suites.

[ncgolferette]

What is the buffet that folks are mentioning?  

[emmas gran]

18 minutes ago, ncgolferette said:

What is the buffet that folks are mentioning?  

Some people like to confuse with irrelevant comments 

[zitsky]

18 minutes ago, ncgolferette said:

What is the buffet that folks are mentioning?  

Ocean View Cafe now available to Celebrity Retreat customers!!!

 

P.S.  It’s a joke.  I can only handle so much doom and gloom.

[clojacks]

2 hours ago, phoenix_dream said:

Paying more for a suite and expecting to get what you pay for has nothing to do with being "elite".  Here's the dictionary definition: "a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society":  I don't think any of us are concerned about this change because we feel we are superior in any ability or qualities!  We just worked hard for our $$ and choose to spend them on cabins we can afford that have more space and more amenities.  When one of those advertised amenities is taken away, with no option to then cancel without penalty or get any compensation, it is an unfair business practice.  Period.

Phoenix Dream...I'm only quoting you out of convenience, not necessarily because I think my reply is directed at you...it was just a good place to post it...

 

I agree that most suite passengers don't come across as elite, but in retrospect, when was the last time you saw a post from Inside or OV passengers complaining that their cabin steward was late bringing them their new daily towel, or that they didn't think they should have to ride the elevator up 12 floors to get to the buffet. The label of "elite" is probably better than the one that may come across as more accurate when we read thread after thread that goes something like this..."I'm a SS and CS Elite+ passenger and I can't believe that I had to walk up 1 flight to get MY COFFEE this morning because the Retreat team said it would be 10 minutes"...and the label that comes across a little more to mind is bordering on "entitled". I might suggest all of you disrespected Suite passengers start a private group on the other social media site instead of trying to foster sympathy from the 90% of us who will possibly never get to sail in suites.

Edited July 31, 2023 by clojacks

[Georgia_Peaches]

4 hours ago, cw2go said:

I haven't read through all the pages here and I'm sure this has been addressed. In Jan many of the same posters in this thread had very little empathy for those who were losing Free Room Service, Diminished Buffet Offerings and the limited Open Bar Options with Grand Cayman stops. This new change is why I was so supportive of those who felt robbed by those Cut Backs, I didn't personally need to eat in the buffet for dinner to know that this was a slippery slope and that Cel would eventually test the boundaries with Suite Class. I am now just as supportive to those of you who have paid for a service you feel robbed of. This isn't about a dollar figure or class level, this is about paying for what is advertised/promoted and then not receiving it, no matter how much or how little it may be. 

 

It's a shame that this is what cruising has come to. I have Celebrity sailings booked and I now also have booked with Princess, after many years I'm finally opening my eyes to other ships/lines. At this time so many cut backs are being made within all cruise lines that I am more focused on the destinations and port times because I still want to cruise and explore. I love being on the water. Sadly the vibe, food and amenities are non issue, they've taken a backseat in my planning. The cuts Celebrity has implemented has literally cut them from being my Go-To. 

 

This latest change isn't defendable, as weren't any of the others. Attacking each other and excusing Celebrity will only bring on more cuts in the future. 

 

Patty 

Well said, Patty.  I remember the outcry when all those cuts were made and like you, they didn't impact me much.  But a diminished product hurts all of us regardless of who is most immediately impacted.

 

You bring up a refreshed list of changes since January and, in my opinion, none are for the better.  It was only a matter of time before changes were directed toward the  suite life and I guess that time is now here.  

 

Food cuts, buffet offerings, room service charges, vaping in the casino, butler changes...all in a matter of half a year!  We need to keep the list at the forefront...sadly, Celebrity is not the cruise line I fell in love with just a few years ago.