Celebrity to home port Equinox in Port Canaveral

[Charles4515]

7 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

Hummm, if true, that sucks.   Thanks for the information.

 

BTW, I thought you were ignoring me.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate this info.  I must have misunderstood those that kept telling me/us, here, that RCCL and X were the same company, which they are both a part of the same mothership and share each other's points.  I've got to remember, "Trust but verify".  

I am only ignroing you on that one thread on that one topic which I won't mention which was getting out of hand, 

 

There is a benifit to their programs reprocity but the points don't combine and the benefits are different. 

Edited August 16, 2023 by Charles4515

[doghog]

2 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

Hummm, if true, that sucks.   Thanks for the information.

 

BTW, I thought you were ignoring me.  Don't get me wrong, I appreciate this info.  I must have misunderstood those that kept telling me/us, here, that RCCL and X were the same company, which they are both a part of the same mothership and share each other's points.  I've got to remember, "Trust but verify".  

It's true. C&A points and CC points do not go with you. If you are Diamond or higher you will be Elite with Celebrity. If you are Elite or higher with Celebrity you will be Diamond on RC. We like the differences and similarities between RC and Celebrity. 

[Ret MP]

11 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I am only ignroing you on that one thread on that one topic which I won't mention which was getting out of hand, 

 

There is a benifit to their programs reprocity but the points don't combine and the benefits are different. 

Got it and I did just look into the FAQ and it is as you stated.  

[Ret MP]

12 minutes ago, doghog said:

It's true. C&A points and CC points do not go with you. If you are Diamond or higher you will be Elite with Celebrity. If you are Elite or higher with Celebrity you will be Diamond on RC. We like the differences and similarities between RC and Celebrity. 

Ya, I'm all about earning points and perks.  This means that I would be diluting my point earning between two cruise lines.  I don't want to do that.  In October I'll be 72.  I've got to earn as many points as I can, it's a race to the finish LOL.  <sorry if that was a little morbid.  But, I'm a very very realist>  But, I'm in damn good shape for the shape I'm in!

[doghog]

1 minute ago, Ret MP said:

Ya, I'm all about earning points and perks.  This means that I would be diluting my point earning between two cruise lines.  I don't want to do that.  In October I'll be 72.  I've got to earn as many points as I can, it's a race to the finish LOL.  <sorry if that was a little morbid.  But, I'm a very very realist>  But, I'm in damn good shape for the shape I'm in!

We like to sleep around. 😁 Variety is the spice of life.

[Ret MP]

12 minutes ago, doghog said:

We like to sleep around. 😁 Variety is the spice of life.

[doghog]

1 minute ago, Ret MP said:

Not loyal to any one cruise line. 

[Ret MP]

4 minutes ago, doghog said:

Not loyal to any one cruise line. 

Ya, I kinda figured that.  Just wasn't sure about the "we like sleeping around" part.  I was going to gift you, on your next cruise, a pineapple.  LOL

[volcam98]

8 hours ago, BecT said:

Hmmm.....  I'm happy about the move to Port Canaveral but we are booked on Equinox in January 2025 for our cruise to Antarctica out of Buenos Aires.  Something doesn't seem right. I guess more changes are coming if this is correct. 

I don't like the direction that seems to be indicated by this decision. My wife and I were booked on Equinox for the 1/18/25 South America/Antarctica cruise round trip from Buenos Aires. So much for planning ahead! What this decision tells me is that Celebrity is moving away from unique itineraries and is instead opting for middle of the road, predictable itineraries. I checked on alternate destinations on Celebrity's website, but I could not search for anything past August 2024. I received e-mail messages from both my travel agent and Celebrity. The e-mail from Celebrity was patronizing and amounted to insincere propaganda. I have been loyal to Celebrity, but I am seriously questioning if my loyalty has been wasted. 

[volcam98]

6 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

Celebrity is dumbing down their itineraries more with this move but I don't think Celebrity is the best cruise line for lifetime cruise to Antarctica. One of the Expedition type cruise lines where you land on the continent in a zodiac would be a lot better. 

I agree with your assessment after looking at several options other than a large cruise ship like Equinox. Perhaps the relocation of Equinox from South America to Port Canaveral is a blessing in disguise. Despite being very disappointed about my booked cruise being canceled, I am resolved to find a better option and move on.

[NutsAboutGolf]

I don't think this is a bad thing, feels like RCG is leveraging its RCI influence over to X with many recent moves

[Corriegr]

11 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

Celebrity is dumbing down their itineraries more with this move but I don't think Celebrity is the best cruise line for lifetime cruise to Antarctica. One of the Expedition type cruise lines where you land on the continent in a zodiac would be a lot better. 

It actually practical for everyone to be able to do an expedition cruise both in terms of cost and also practicalities for people such as my wife who would never be able to manage doing the landings . This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this continent

[Charles4515]

3 hours ago, Corriegr said:

It actually practical for everyone to be able to do an expedition cruise both in terms of cost and also practicalities for people such as my wife who would never be able to manage doing the landings . This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this continent

There are other cruise lines that do similiar itineraries. Holland America, Princess, I believe Royal Caribbean. You might look into those. 

[tfred]

16 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

Celebrity is dumbing down their itineraries more with this move but I don't think Celebrity is the best cruise line for lifetime cruise to Antarctica. One of the Expedition type cruise lines where you land on the continent in a zodiac would be a lot better. 

Expedition ships are a big growth area with a big price tag associated with it. Bigger ships cant give you the same experience as a smaller ship (zodiacs) and have to charge less 

[BecT]

9 hours ago, volcam98 said:

I don't like the direction that seems to be indicated by this decision. My wife and I were booked on Equinox for the 1/18/25 South America/Antarctica cruise round trip from Buenos Aires. So much for planning ahead! What this decision tells me is that Celebrity is moving away from unique itineraries and is instead opting for middle of the road, predictable itineraries. I checked on alternate destinations on Celebrity's website, but I could not search for anything past August 2024. I received e-mail messages from both my travel agent and Celebrity. The e-mail from Celebrity was patronizing and amounted to insincere propaganda. I have been loyal to Celebrity, but I am seriously questioning if my loyalty has been wasted. 

That was the same cruise we were booked on also. It was a bucket list cruise for us.  We are tentatively rebooked for a February 2024 sailing on Eclipse to Antarctica but I don't think it's going to work for us.  While we're retired my brother is not and getting that much time off from work with such little notice for him is proving a bit difficult.  We really like the Celebrity product and wanted this cruise to be memorable so we had their top suite reserved. I do agree with you that Celebrity is moving in a different more mainstream direction, but with that said we are also not loyal to any cruise line so we're looking at other options.   Out of 40+ cruises this is our first cancelled one.  I guess we're lucky that we hadn't booked flights and hotel yet.  

 

I didn't read the email but my husband did. Try not to let it get to you too much. Go explore other cruise lines and you might find some new ones you like but try not to size them up against Celebrity though. I am sailing on Carnival more now that I live 30 minutes away from the Mobile port. When I board I adjust my expectations so I'm not disappointed when I can't find cloth towels in the public restrooms! 😝 Might also be time for me to check out Virgin Voyages. 

[RedIguana]

7 hours ago, NutsAboutGolf said:

I don't think this is a bad thing, feels like RCG is leveraging its RCI influence over to X with many recent moves

When Royal took over Celebrity there were too many similarities between the two lines. Royal is going the amusement park ship style and downgrading some to compete with Carnival. Celebrity is downgrading a little and taking over Royals slot, especially for the 40+, traveling with no kids or adult kids, age demographic.

[cruisegirlppp]

20 hours ago, Charles4515 said:

 Royal's loyalty program is better than Celebrity's, you won't  get the same benefits but on the other hand Celebrity is a somewhat better cruise line. 

IMHO, this is the most succinct, and accurate, summary of the difference in the loyalty programs.

[PTC DAWG]

20 hours ago, hcat said:

Eq is a great ship.

.Maybe  they are trying to pull families from the Disney vacation crowd .

 

. I think some one of the itins include the Coco Cay  fun park.. We would pass on Labadee..been there, done that and too close to Haiti proper..

One trip to Labadee…I really enjoyed the laid back feel.  We all like different things.. 🙂

Edited August 16, 2023 by PTC DAWG

[Ipeeinthepools]

Moving to port Canaveral is a move to get more families with kids onboard.  No thanks, I’ll find other options.

[doghog]

13 hours ago, Ipeeinthepools said:

Moving to port Canaveral is a move to get more families with kids onboard.  No thanks, I’ll find other options.

Or a move to get those that live in the PC area that don't want to drive to Fort Lauderdale and Miami onboard. Royal Caribbeanization. 

Edited August 17, 2023 by doghog

[Charles4515]

2 minutes ago, doghog said:

Possibly. Or a move to get those that live in the PC area that don't want to drive to Fort Lauderdale and Miami onboard. 

I think getting more families onboard is most likely. First Coco Cay itineraries and now this. Vaping in the casino. 

[doghog]

14 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I think getting more families onboard is most likely. First Coco Cay itineraries and now this. Vaping in the casino. 

All part of Laura's Royal Caribbeanization.  IMO, also what I've posted. I like the idea of another Florida embarkation port. 

Edited August 17, 2023 by doghog

[Knights on the Beach]

46 minutes ago, doghog said:

Or a move to get those that live in the PC area that don't want to drive to Fort Lauderdale and Miami onboard. Royal Caribbeanization. 

 

38 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I think getting more families onboard is most likely. First Coco Cay itineraries and now this. Vaping in the casino. 

 

I don't vape and my kids have kids of their own. My husband and I typically cruise alone or with other adult friends or family. We do however live in Cape Canaveral just about 2 miles from the port. We have not cruised on Celebrity yet because we prefer not to drive to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale - it's just too easy for us to cruise from Port Canaveral.. We're definitely looking forward to trying out Celebrity!

[phoenix_dream]

1 hour ago, doghog said:

Or a move to get those that live in the PC area that don't want to drive to Fort Lauderdale and Miami onboard. Royal Caribbeanization. 

Are there really that many people who are so concerned about driving that they would rather not sail (or would sail their non-preferred line) because they won't drive 4 hours rather than 2 or less?  Geez. Considering how far many of us travel to cruise I am just flabbergasted if that is the case.

[nich3cats]

We are very sad as we were on a bucket list Antarctic cruise for Feb 2025. Can not move it to 2004. I have had way too many Caribbean cruises so I will be looking at other cruise lines to book.