Elite program changes: no free internet!!

[C 2 C]

I just got off the phone with Captain's Club about the end of the 10 minutes free internet perk. Last week I read this post about Galaxy:

 

We did tell "Marilyn from marketing" (said she was from the home office, just on board for this particular cruise) that we were disappointed with the loss of the 10 free minutes. Besides the bingo coupon, which I did use, everything else was casino match play or acupuncture/spa treatment discounts. She seemed more excited about the glossy cover to the coupon book than the contents (or lack of same). Hope they keep the free T-pool access for "elite" level -- if any T-pools are left by the time we get there -- she said a decision hadn't been made on whether they also would be removed from Galaxy and Mercury as is going to be done on Century (BWAAAAAAAA) ... TR

 

There is now a booklet.. the folder is history.

The only value to me was the 10 minutes free internet.. that perk has gone the way of the Dodo.

New:

20% off internet package.. you buy 100 minutes @ $.75 and get $15.00 off the regular $75.00 price...

3 match play coupons

buy Bingo three pack get a free 3 pack.

20% off golf simulator packages

Free acupuncture seminar

30% off acupuncture package

Art specials

Photo special

Spa special

In port spa special.

 

Let's hear it for Celebrity marketing.

While I was placed on hold at the Captain's Club number... there was a continuous message of the new Freedom of the Seas...

 

As far as I'm concerned there is no value in being a frequent Celebrity cruiser. There are no perks. The suite cruisers get boarding preference, double sailing credits and the likelihood of eating at the Captain's/Officer's table. Elites get the chance of "savings" when they spend on art, photos, spa treatments and golf.

 

The "improvements" to the elite program is upon us. I hope you are impressed.

[Bruin Steve]

Wow!

You know, I just got off the RCCL Monarch of the Seas a couple of weeks ago...and my a number of free perks--(actually double-because they give you a coupon book each) including TWENTY minutes of free internet each...a free photo--ANY SIZE--each, a free gourmet coffee each, a free Ben & Jerry's ice cream (something they otherwise charge for) each, a free alcoholic beverage with free souvenir glass each...plus a bunch of bingo, casino and gift shop discounts...and that was on a THREE-night cruise!

[CruisingChick]

WOW THIS STINKS!!!

 

The only coupon we ever used was the 10 free internet minutes. My 16 year old son is going to be even more upset then I am because now he will not be able to go on the internet.

 

I think it's time to write the head of Celebrity marketing a nice LONG letter.

[CGTNORMANDIE]

The Captain's Club is a joke. It offers next to nothing in perks...now even less. I do not pay any attention to them anymore. It was all over when they decided to let in everyone and drop the $50 fee to join. RCI does it better...go figure!!!

[Andy]

Hi Everyone !

 

If all of this is true, then it is a downgrade, and not an upgrade. The only item in the book, that I thought was of any value, was the 10 free internet minutes, and even that was no big deal. Princess gives their top members UNLIMITED internet. That is the least Celebrity should do.

 

I was hopeful that the rumored benefits changes would be nicely improved, as I feel their loyalty program needs more, not less. Again, if this is true, Celebrity is taking this in the wrong directon. They probably figure they can get away with it, as demand is stong.

 

I wont lose any sleep over it, as I always looked at those items as a bonus.

 

It is really amazing how Celebrity is supposed to be an upgrade to Royal Caribbean, and RCI's loyalty program is much better than Celebrity's. Go Figure.

[C 2 C]

The only item in the book, that I thought was of any value, was the 10 free internet minutes, and even that was no big deal. Princess gives their top members UNLIMITED internet. That is the least Celebrity should do.

 

Strange that on a cruise costing $1,000s that a $7.50 credit for internet became a symbol of the elite program. After years of listening to the coming improvement in the elite program we are left with (drum roll please) nothing.

 

There are too many choices out there competing for my cruise addiction. I have been on 15 Celebrity cruises in the last two years. My next 15 cruises will be used to find a company that will reward me for my obsession.

[cruzin lady]

My husband and I will sail on our first Celebrity sailing--on the Constellation in Sept. We have always heard that Celebrity is so much better than Royal Caribbean. Now we fear we may have made a mistake! We are Diamond status on RCCL and thus Elite on Captain's Club. On RC, repeat sailors are treated like royalty, one of the things that makes one feel really important. Special attention is paid to a person's Crown and Anchor status by anyone seeing your sea pass card. The coupon books are really something we look forward to since they do contain the coupons described above. We always use most of them and look forward to getting them in our cabin the first night. After reading your discussions in this thread, I'm thinking our Sept. sailing may be our one and only Celebrity cruise.:(

 

Cruzin Lady

[BobN]

The latest issue of the Capt. Club Mag. just arrived and they are making a big deal about the luggage valet for leaving the ship they will take care of your bags for a" nominal fee" It seems to me that this should be a perk for the loyal passengers that spend thousands of dollars each year on Celebrity. To date I have not found the Captains club to be of any value, upgrades are worthless as they never apply to the premium cabins and discount coupons are always for a cruise that is undesireable.

 

BobN

[Host Kewlguy]

There is no comparison between the loyalty program benefits of each cruise line. RCCL wins hands down. X doesn't even give their loyal repeat customers a balcony discount such as Royal does.

[Andy]

My husband and I will sail on our first Celebrity sailing--on the Constellation in Sept. We have always heard that Celebrity is so much better than Royal Caribbean. Now we fear we may have made a mistake! We are Diamond status on RCCL and thus Elite on Captain's Club. On RC, repeat sailors are treated like royalty, one of the things that makes one feel really important. Special attention is paid to a person's Crown and Anchor status by anyone seeing your sea pass card. The coupon books are really something we look forward to since they do contain the coupons described above. We always use most of them and look forward to getting them in our cabin the first night. After reading your discussions in this thread, I'm thinking our Sept. sailing may be our one and only Celebrity cruise.:(

 

Cruzin Lady

 

Hi Cruzin Lady !

 

Let me try to make you feel a little better. You have not made a mistake choosing Celebrity. They are a wonderful Cruise Line. While many of us may be unhappy about the direction of how they reward their most loyal passengers, I would still choose Celebrity over most other Cruise Lines. You said you like to feel special.... well, once onboard, Celebrity will do a great job in that area. You are in for a wonderful Cruise experience.

 

Please dont worry, ok ? :)

[Host Kewlguy]

Yes, we may complain. But I'm leaving on Constellation next Friday. :D

[oars]

This is off the subject some but we were booked on the Summit to Hawaii and I came down with Influenza and my husband came down with pneumonia one week before our cruise. Celebrity had our money but we were not able the go on the cruise. When I called about our points that would have put us in the Elite catagory they said we could not get our 3 points. One for CC class, one for length of cruise and one for the cruise. I feel as long as they collected the entire amount of the cruise why not give us the perks.

[Andy]

Yes, we may complain. But I'm leaving on Constellation next Friday. :D

 

Good for you Kewlguy. We are on Constellation in November. Have a great time, and please report back after your Cruise.

[Andy]

This is off the subject some but we were booked on the Summit to Hawaii and I came down with Influenza and my husband came down with pneumonia one week before our cruise. Celebrity had our money but we were not able the go on the cruise. When I called about our points that would have put us in the Elite catagory they said we could not get our 3 points. One for CC class, one for length of cruise and one for the cruise. I feel as long as they collected the entire amount of the cruise why not give us the perks.

 

Hi Oars !

 

Interesting question. Did you receieve any sort of refund from Celebrity via insurance ? Perhaps that is why Celebrity did not wish to credit you. Did you ask to speak with a Captain's Club supervisor ? I would give that a try.

 

I am sorry you did not get to go on your Cruise.

[Host Kewlguy]

Good for you Kewlguy. We are on Constellation in November. Have a great time, and please report back after your Cruise.

 

I surely will. This will be our first transatlantic. Looking forward to it. Plus we were able to book one of those desirable corner FV's three weeks before sailing date.

[CaroleSP]

When we are the Constellation a few weeks ago the CC rep couldn't stop gushing about how all the loyalty perks would be upgraded. It sure doesn't sound very exciting to me. I think I may have to use my Elite status to transfer over to RCL and reap the rewards. On top of everything else, it looks like Celebrity is not planning on doing much with the NE departure ports. I really want to remain loyal, but they are making it harder.

[BobN]

Even though Celebrity does not value its regular customers very highly :rolleyes: they still offer a great cruise even if you are a first time guest. Just three days more until the Summit to Hawaii. :D

 

Happy cruising

[Andy]

When we are the Constellation a few weeks ago the CC rep couldn't stop gushing about how all the loyalty perks would be upgraded. It sure doesn't sound very exciting to me. I think I may have to use my Elite status to transfer over to RCL and reap the rewards. On top of everything else, it looks like Celebrity is not planning on doing much with the NE departure ports. I really want to remain loyal, but they are making it harder.

 

Hi Carole !

 

Ya know, its funny... I was on Century last month, and I heard the SAME things (that the program would be upgraded). That's why I am hoping there are more changes are to come. If what we have read is in fact Celebrity's big plan, I hope they re-think it.

[Andy]

Even though Celebrity does not value its regular customers very highly :rolleyes: they still offer a great cruise even if you are a first time guest. Just three days more until the Summit to Hawaii. :D

 

Happy cruising

 

Hi Bob !

 

Have a GREAT time on Summit. Bon Voyage !

[lysolqn]

On our March 26/April 7 Constellation sailing we received what I guess is now the old CC folder. Sounds like we were among the last to receive the old Elite "rewards" and frankly, we never thought they were worth a hill of beans to begin with! Most were simply enticments (and rather poor ones at that) to get you to spend onboard $$$. Even ten free internet minutes is no biggie since just connecting at sea via satellite often eats up the free time long before you get to do what you set out to do.

We've been CC members for ages - long before membership was free - and can remember when each CC passenger received perks. A while back that was scaled back to one set of CC perks per cabin, not per passenger. Now, while other cruiselines are improving upon their loyalty rewards, Celebrity seems to going the "ice in the winter" route.

Elite perks play no part whatsoever in Celebrity being our cruiseline of choice. The upgrades (downgrades?) made to the Elite perk package mean nothing either way, but what gives? Is it Celebrity's corporate ignorance or arrogance?

[flashdog_1]

Ok, we understand X is not going to give away internet minutes under the new program's coupon booklet instead of folder. BUT

 

Elite members get a 10% discount on Expeditions sailings (Galapagos).

 

Do they not get priority boarding? I swear I've seen a sign for that at the terminal. Is it now just for classic founders?

 

The X website says

 

Classic Level Benefits*

One-Category Upgrade

Complimentary Custom Air Requests

Presailing Specialty Restaurant Reservations

Priority Embarkation (where available) - Founder Classic Members Only

Exclusive Captain's Club Party

Welcome back gift

Onboard amenities including gift with purchase at the Steiner's AquaSpa® by Elemis and certificates for the Celebrity casino and more

Preferential Debarkation (where available) - Founder Classic Members Only

Reunion Cruises

Online Newsletter

Additional sailing credit on itineraries of 12 nights or more (maximum of three sailing credits per sailing)

Additional sailing credit for booking a Concierge Class stateroom or Suite (maximum of three sailing credits per sailing)

 

* Must sail once with Celebrity Cruises

 

Select Member Benefits

Private Cruise Event for Select and Elite Members

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Priority Status for Shore Excursion Waitlist

Senior Officer's Cocktail party

Private Onboard Cruise Consultation

Cabernet Blending Seminar

Complimentary Wine Tasting

Opportunity to enroll in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society program at the Platinum Level

Plus all Classic Member Benefits

 

Elite Member Benefits

Tender Service

Private Shipboard Departure Lounge with Continental Breakfast

Invitation to Captain's or Officer's Table

Waitlist for Dining Room Seating

Complimentary use of Thalassotherapy Pool on Century-class ships

Opportunity to participate in our exclusive online cruise advisory panel

Opportunity to enroll in Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society program at the Diamond Level

Plus all Select and Classic Member Benefits

[cruisePRN]

Did they keep the prioity tender service for Elite members? That's worth more to me then 10 minutes internet which is barely enough time to connect to the web.

[tuggers]

If anyone wants to write:

etaaffe@rccl.com

Ellen Taaffe Sr Vice President, Marketing

I think this is who would be the appropriate person to contact to get information about what is the REAL deal on the new 'perks'.

[reklawr]

We chose to cruise on Celebrity for the ambiance, for the quality and beauty of their ships, for the food and for the service they provide.

Never once, in chosing a cruise did we even think about what select or elite members get on X versus RCCL or any other cruise line for that matter. That never comes into the decision making process when chosing a cruise. I don't need coupons or elite folders to cruise with Celebrity. We do Celebrity because we thoroughly enjoy the cruise experience they sell.

 

If no free internet tips the scale for you...look elseware. Or call them and complain. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

 

Loyalty is a thing of the past. Companies have no loyalty to their employees and employees have no loyalty to thier companies. If you like it ....buy it. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Brand loyalty is no different.

 

Celebrity sells their ships, service, and food. Elite member lists are feel good things. They have never had any real monetary value that would persuade anyone to chose Celebrity. If you don't feel good, do something that makes you feel good.

 

Geeez ......:o

 

I have to run....I'll log back on this evening and you can flame me all you want.

[goouchjac]

Hi Cruzin Lady !

 

Let me try to make you feel a little better. You have not made a mistake choosing Celebrity. They are a wonderful Cruise Line. While many of us may be unhappy about the direction of how they reward their most loyal passengers, I would still choose Celebrity over most other Cruise Lines. You said you like to feel special.... well, once onboard, Celebrity will do a great job in that area. You are in for a wonderful Cruise experience.

 

Please dont worry, ok ? :)

Hi Andy,,,very true what you say,,,but having said that I still feel the perks on RC are much more that X, we are founder members on Xcc and is so true that when you had to pay to join it was "special",,,still love X and do feel special, but again the perks on RC, including the $200.off we got on our Jan. sailing was apleasant surprise.:)