Elite program changes: no free internet!!

[tuggers]

Andy, you are so right. And look at my signature and see how many days I'm booked for on X!

Having said that, I am now more open to exploring other options because I no longer feel the 'love'. That is for anything to do with management, not on ship. On ship, they treat you great!

I still will do X but I am just more open to other options.

[BobN]

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.

 

Why would anyone want to flame you for your truthful insight to the cruising life. My criticism is that Celebrity has always advertised that their customers are the best advertisement thay have, but when it comes to showing their appreciation for your loyalty it is nonexistent. They have made it almost imposible for your travel agent to show their appreciation for your repeat busisness, in spite of this lack of respect for their repeat customers I still choose to sail on their ships as the crew performs well above any of the other lines that I have cruised on that are still in busisness.

 

3 days till Summit to Hawaii

 

BobN :) :)

[phillipahain]

As Elite members of Celebrity we long since voted with ourr feet and moved to Princess

They value loyalty a lot sooner and free Internet is incredibly valuable to me when i am the other side of the world from my family

 

Also Celebrity simply do not go anywhere exciting at all

 

Same old

 

Carribean

Med

Baltic

 

Sorry Celebrity but much as i liked you i am gone

[C 2 C]

I am now more open to exploring other options because I no longer feel the 'love'. That is for anything to do with management, not on ship. On ship, they treat you great!

 

I still will do X but I am just more open to other options.

 

That's the way I feel. I am going to treat X the same way. I'm just another passenger and they're just another cruise company. Their onboard staff is great; their mangement and reaction to any issue is dismal. My love affair with the Celebrity experience is sated. It's time to play the field.:cool:

[ParrotTops]

Princess has unlimited free internet after only 5 cruises...

[caviargal]

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:

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Their perks are worthless, IMO.

 

RCI gives Diamond and D Plus great perks so I just do not understand why X doesn't get it! I do not and will not use of these things but do use free internet minutes and love the free photo on RCI, as well as the free drink, etc.

 

What a shame really...

[superjerryw]

I guess the real question is whether the benefits for the RCI Crown & Anchor program will be downgraded as well.

[C 2 C]

I guess the real question is whether the benefits for the RCI Crown & Anchor program will be downgraded as well.

 

We will be on Voyager April 29th and Galaxy B2B May 6 and 22.

This will be a real test to see how much Celebrity food and service compares to RCL. If all goes well we will be cancelling our Century crossing in October for the RCL crossing in November. We noted the decline in Celebrity food quality in our November B2B on Summit. Food is becoming less of an issue with us and only crew excellence keeps us with X. We have just been given a free upgrade from inside to balcony on Voyager. We have never had an upgrade in 37 cruises with Celebrity. Add the perks that RCL offers and the state of total denial we are getting from Celebrity customer relations and we are eager to jump ship.

[hermang]

I will agree with everyone who said that RCCL's C&A Diamond level has it over Elite any day and that is sad. Particularly since we are being "forced" into 10 day + cruises with the demise of the 7 day we enjoyed this year. BUT I don't cruise X just for the free internet minutes considering how slow the internet is. The Casino coupons yes. And I could care less about the Xpeditions discount because they don't apply. I do think we need to let management know what we think ( Give em a big Raspberry). It worked this winter when they fooled around with the Connie itineraries and when enough people complained we got St.Kitts back.

 

Loyalty programs - especially on the airlines are a joke because half the time they are blacked out inless you are willing to use rulebusters.

 

I would also agree that X needs to get more creative on their itineraries.

 

On the other hand - we get our $100 on board credit as a Shareholder every cruise which is worth a heck of a lot more than a few internet minutes.

[Spender Nui]

I will agree with everyone who said that RCCL's C&A Diamond level has it over Elite any day and that is sad. Particularly since we are being "forced" into 10 day + cruises with the demise of the 7 day we enjoyed this year. BUT I don't cruise X just for the free internet minutes considering how slow the internet is. The Casino coupons yes. And I could care less about the Xpeditions discount because they don't apply. I do think we need to let management know what we think ( Give em a big Raspberry). It worked this winter when they fooled around with the Connie itineraries and when enough people complained we got St.Kitts back.

 

Loyalty programs - especially on the airlines are a joke because half the time they are blacked out inless you are willing to use rulebusters.

 

I would also agree that X needs to get more creative on their itineraries.

 

On the other hand - we get our $100 on board credit as a Shareholder every cruise which is worth a heck of a lot more than a few internet minutes.

 

You'd also get that $$$$ on board credit on RCCL.

[Lsimon]

I agree that we love our Celebrity cruises and would go on them regardless of the frequent cruiser program. A cruise is its own reward, and we like Celebrity a lot!

 

With that said, it sure would be nice that if Celebrity has a Captains Club program at all that they should offer some true rewards rather than just make it a program for advertising goods and services. The coupons received had very little value. And the magazine doesn't do much for me except for the coupons which are sometimes (although not often) of value. Again these are more marketing than rewards.

 

Turning around again, there are a few nice things on board such as the tours and cocktail parties - although frankly we don't participate in these very often - mostly because they've happened to conflict time wise with other things we've done on our last couple of cruises.

[florisdekort]

Is this whole threat whining about $7,50 ?! Amazing.

[Host Kewlguy]

Is this whole threat whining about $7,50 ?! Amazing.

 

Floris, it's not JUST the internet minutes. It's many little things which add up to a big thing. When loyal repeat customers feel unappreciated they will look elsewhere. That goes for any business or cruise line.

[tuggers]

Floris,

The $7.50 is just a symbol. To point out how little they are doing for us. To point out that they are doing nothing to show loyalty to valued passengers. Etc, etc, etc.:)

[cruising with marti]

Who really cares about free INTERNET minuets, I sure don't, I do not cruise to waste my time on INTERNET dribble:p

Now having said that, I do agree that X does a poor job on CC elite perks.

Phil

[jukeboxy]

Who really cares about free INTERNET minuets, I sure don't, I do not cruise to waste my time on INTERNET dribble:p

 

Now having said that, I do agree that X does a poor job on CC elite perks.

 

Phil

Phil you don't deserve anything but Marti does she is sweet.

[ocngypz]

Who really cares about free INTERNET minuets, I sure don't, I do not cruise to waste my time on INTERNET dribble:p

Now having said that, I do agree that X does a poor job on CC elite perks.

Phil

 

 

I care about free internet! Staying in contact my wth clients while I am cruising is vital to my wallet! Last cruise, my internet bill was over $100 and that was after deducting my $7.50! There are times I just can't wait to get to shore and use an internet cafe. Most of the time I do have to use my own laptop because of the proprietary software loaded. So it's just not a matter of checking emails.

 

On my last cruise, the only Elite benefits I used were the internet minutes and my $12.00 from the casino. I didn't get off in Grand Cayman, and chose not to tender into Coz until about Noon. I by-passed the wine blending, galley tour and backstage tour because I have done them time and time and time again. BORING!

 

Now, if Celebrity would just give the same benefits as awarded to members of Crown & Anchor, we would be talking about something tangible. It just doesn't make any sense that with 31 cruises on Celebrity, being recognized as Diamond Plus on RCCL (I only have 6 actual cruises with RCCL) I receive better benefits than on the line I have really sailed the most.

[cruising with marti]

Phil you don't deserve anything but Marti does she is sweet.

 

 

Jerry that was pretty harsh, I guess you forgot, Who loves you baby:D but your right about marti, she does does deserve me:cool:

OCG, most of us do not cruise to conduct business, however if you can not afford the cost of conducting business while on a cruise, may I suggest that you might consider another line of work:)

Phil

[Andy]

Phil ... I KNOW you were kidding, but there are plenty of us who MUST stay in touch with the office while on Vacation. As much as I wish I didnt have to stay in touch.... I manage a great deal of client money, and as we know, the stock market wont stop because I am on a Cruise :).

 

I totally love what I do, but the big downside is, that its nearly a 24/7 responsibility now... that is, if you care about your clients, and I sure do.

[excitedofharpenden]

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.

No flames from me Roy. I feel exactly the same way you do. If the Celebrity cruising experience doesn't match up to my expectations or the value of what I am paying for is no longer there, that's when I'll go somewhere else. Until then, I'm happy.:) Perhaps Celebrity know my loyality (or lack thereof) and are just reciprocating. Perhaps I'm just a cynic.:confused:

 

Phil

[Moeve]

These are still only rumours right??? Why not wait and see what the whole new package is going to be all about before we start screaming bluebloodymurder. If when the revamp is over and it is really worse than it has been up to now then we can still all go after the X marketing dept. and encourage them to rethink their plans.

[donnaw]

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'.

 

Sounds like there are more take aways than new benefits! As Select on X and Platinum on "P", I'm thinking that this will send my focus over to "P" where there are actually some very nice loyalty benefits. It would apear that Elite is nothing to look forward to and if it comes to a draw P will win. Takes more cruises on P but much better program once there. Actually, at Platinum, there is unlimited free internet access (off peak).

 

Seriously hope they rethink this. Wonder if they are fishing for a reaction?

[C 2 C]

These are still only rumours right??? Why not wait and see what the whole new package is going to be all about before we start screaming bluebloodymurder. If when the revamp is over and it is really worse than it has been up to now then we can still all go after the X marketing dept. and encourage them to rethink their plans.

 

No this booklet was introduced on Galaxy already.. I quoted the CC poster who was onboard when it was implemented.

[reklawr]

Hi Phil, Thanks for your point of view.

It's amazing to me that we get so incensed over $7.50 or $12 in internet minutes or some free bingo cards. People are spending thousands on a cruise and if $12 tips the scale to go to another line, I’d be very surprised. We don’t make the decision to spend thousands on a cruise lightly and if $12 was an issue, I’d be thinking that money must be too tight and we better stay home and save some more. The piddly little elite issues never gets factored in.

When Celebrity doesn’t provide the product I want….I’m outta here. But right now Celebrity provides the product we like with or without the coupons or internet minutes.

 

Right now the RCL stock is up today a buck and a half so I’m :D :D :D

[floridacruisers]

Sounds to me like the bean counters are doing the marketing. Nothing worse than ticking off your best customers. If this is straight from marketing, what were they thinking, or I should say, not thinking.