I Look At What Celebrity Cruises Is REALLY Up To. And Why!
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- I look at how Celebrity Cruises is fast changing as a cruise line and the challenges that creates for both existing and new cruisers considering a Celebrity Cruising vacation.
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00:00 Start
01:09 ISSUE #1
02:32 Dining
03:36 Cabins
03:59 Venues
05:00 Activities
05:28 Social Issues
06:17 Dress Code
08:00 ISSUE #2
08:34 Fares
09:16 Luxury
11:45 Class-Based System
You know where you will never see a baby changing room? Viking Ocean Cruises!
I was hesitant about a cruise, thank you for making up my mind. I live in Vegas and choose a staycation.😀
Virgin too never
@@ameliaerin1544you dont know what you are missing. We have cruised in many wonderful places in the world, which we would not have seen without cruising. I.e Japan
Virgin!
Gary, you’ve made me feel old. I love Silhouette and wasn’t taken with Edge. Maybe it’s because I’m 53 and still think I’m young.
We have found Princess the best for us in our 50's-60's.
When they designed an overpriced oceanview room and called in a balcony, they wandered off the edge of reason.
Celebrity realizes the 30-55 range is much more appealing and more money in the long term.
Gary, your age is showing! Join the club. We Senior Citizens, although not being ignored (yet) are having to give way to the next generation which is a natural progression spotted and exploited by Cruise Line marketing executives. The mobile-phone is now an essential part of life (try getting information in Singapore without one). Every cruise line has an APP these days which only serves to flatten the battery in my opinion. Of course it is eco-friendly in that it saves reams of paper and, in consequence, rainforests. Like it or hate it, we have to learn to live with it. Just a long as the next generation don't bring their kids on cruises that I am on!!
Agree on the kids 😂😂😂
Just a note that I got the same request from my waiters on the Royal Caribbean ship. The surveys for people who work in the travel business mean a lot to them. I urge everyone to take the time to fill out the surveys and give deserved reviews. It only takes a couple of minutes and doesn't cost anyway. Everyone at our dining table took a photo of the wait staff names, so we could mention them by name with the correct spelling. This will help them with their assignments and even promotions. - As far as the Celebrity ships, you can look out for sales on off-season. I sailed last month on the Equinox and only paid a ridiculously low fare, especially as I was going solo. It was less than the same type cabin of other regular cruise lines. - I agree with you about the overall experience with the Edge class ships. When Edge came out, they made no secret that they wanted to attract some younger people. Who can blame them? I went on an early sailing of Edge and didn't feel out-of-place being an "oldie". That said, Solstice class is my favorite, but I would sail an Edge class again. I think it's a very good cruise line. - I kind of disagree with you about the people dressing up. There weren't many people that "dressed to the 9s" on the Equinox either. Nobody came in as a slob either, but nowadays, it's just people who enjoy getting dressed up and sometimes getting the nice professional photos taken. I travel by myself and pack as light as possible within reason. I think others feel the same way. Celebrity just calls it 'chic' not formal night, which I like.
While I agree with you in principle, I do not like being constantly reminded by all the staff that we need to rank them a "10 out of 10" so that they can get recognized. Or that we should not bring up a good number of issues with the food in the MDR as they will be punished for it. That basically means that no one is looking for constructive criticism. It is kind of like how a drunk uses a lamp post - more for support than illumination.
@@jlawrence0181 I agree that the separate elements shouldn't be lumped together in a win/lose scenario. However, I want to support the wait staff as much as possible. Our MDR head and assistant waiters and the the sommelier provided superb service - learned what we liked, and were attentive without being overbearing. There is opportunity in the comments sections to call out suggestions.
@@2000konnie I will be going on my first solo cruise on the Apex on 1/14/23. How was your dinner experience dining solo? Did you dine alone or with others? I have a bit of anxiety regarding dinner, since it will be my first time cruising solo. Thanks! 😊
@@Dancer810 Hi. I've been cruising solo off and on for a number of years. I've almost always enjoyed dining with people I don't know. But it is sort of luck of the draw. On my cruise in September on Celebrity Equinox, I was seated in the main dining room with a very nice couple. They had done a lot of cruises and other types of travel. We even had dinner together one night in a specialty dining restaurant. But the reality is that even if you are seated at a table with other people, you may wind up by yourself because of all the restaurant dining options. I don't mind eating dinner alone at all, but it is nice when you meet people who you share interests with and also like to talk to "strangers." I suppose you could talk to the head of the dining room if you have a preference to eat with or without new (to you) people.
I really appreciate your videos. Here is my 2 cents! I sailed on Edge twice with my 81 year old parents and we loved the ship! Its got an upscale, modern design but with a warm and comfortable vibe. While you showed some loud and crowded scenes, we found many unique and beautiful areas around the ship to relax, chill and just enjoy being at Sea. I am a big fan of the Infinite Veranda . If you step out and close the French doors, its just like a real balcony . At night, it becomes extra space in your stateroom with a full wall of glass overlooking the Ocean. And the Magic Carpet? Yes Please!
Love to hear that Celebrity steps up and making their ships also for younger folks and not just for the mature ones. Nowsday, if someone doesn't have or use a smart phone, there are lots other challenges on the land as well, not just on a new ship for switching the lights on and off.
These pragmatic, logistical aspects are so critical to be aware of when considering what type of cruise to book. Thanks so much for this, super helpful indeed.
Regarding most people not bothering to dress up too much on the formal night, I think a lot of people have to wear suits for work anyway and this being their holiday they just like to relax.
Cunard’s Queens remain the ships for formal.
Very few office have people dress up anymore. It's about matching the environment. A lot of these ships are swanky so what's so bad about wearing nice clothes? It doesn't have to be a suit but jeans everywhere is dull and doesn't match the environment in a lot of the nicer areas of ships.
What’s next? Are they going to play some of that new fangled “rock and roll” music the kids listen to these days?
Gary, I'm sure all the cruise lines know about your channel and make sure to notify the crew if you are booked. They will quietly make sure you have the best experience, upgrades and so on. You are booked in best suites with butler, access to premium facilities. What I am getting at, is that you are not having the same experience as the hoi polloi. A first-time cruiser in an inside or ocean-view cabin is going to have a different perception - limited dining options, areas out of bounds, waiting for tenders and disembarking, bad seats at shows, paying for every little extra.
This is not just Celebrity. Maybe you should go incognito with the poors and tell us what you think? Will you get more or less value for your money?
Good shout, but I can’t see how he can book incognito
They’re aiming for an underserved part of the market: under 55s (say) who want a modern cruise experience and a livelier ship, but want a more premium experience over The Big Three. The same market Virgin is chasing, and possibly Princess as well too.
This is me. I'm avoiding the more staid, dead ships. I do have the income to take a nicer cruise or two, if it's not boring 🤷🏾♀️
Yep, that’s me GenX. 51 and grown but I’m not my parents or my grandparents. I’m looking for elegance, refinement and the whimsical vibe appeals to me
We have two completed two trips on Celebrity Edge both times in Sky Suites. The Retreat area is perfect and we loved the food, service and crew. Nothing seemed forced, they are well trained and really care that you are enjoying your cruise. Recently booked Celebrity Beyond for 2023, the ships fit we we enjoy, excellent food and beverage, solid entertainment and professional crew that care. The ships are just amazing.
My wife and I have been long term Celebrity fans. We are in our early 60’s but are active, and engaged in contemporary music and culture. We were on the Edge in February for a short week long cruise and upgraded to the Sky Suite and retreat. We love this ship, and will seek out further cruises on these ships especially if they are itineraries that emphasize time on board. We love the small spaces, especially the Eden area and the feel. We read that one of the design principles was to emphasize the ocean view wherever you were on board and that is clearly part of the experience whether it is sitting on the magic carpet for a drink or sitting in a hot tub. The shows were right up our alley - I get so annoyed sitting in other cruise ship shows and waiting for just one some from this century to be played!
However, as you point out, this ship is NOT for everyone. One person we met hated the fact that the hot tubs are no longer right beside the pool. When we wound out that my mother had booked a cruise on this ship through her travel agent, we immediately told her to cancel it. She is a traditional cruiser - loves the grand dining room experience and the opportunity to sit at the same table every night, refuses to use a smart phone, and would frankly get lost on this ship. Common areas wind and twist and can be confusing - we love that precise design feature because it creates small spaces you stumble across, but for her it would have been a disaster. I am only annoyed that her travel agent booked her on it, because it was the new thing.
Your comments on pricing are interesting, and we will have to see how that goes, but overall as much as we love these ships, it is important that people understand the difference, and understand what they like as consumers.
Thank you as always for your thoughtful reflections.
Anyone who refuses to use a smartphone can lock themselves in their house🙄
@@ameliaerin1544say that when you’re 90 and you don’t have a flying car
Just back from an amazing 12 days on Apex. We were lucky enough to have a Sky Suite and couldn't fault a thing. The service, decor, attention to detail and even the entertainment was above and beyond anything we expected.
We are in our late 50s and would book an Edge class ship again in a heartbeat. Having said that our experience on Solstice class ships has been outstanding as well, and was never noticeably a much older crowd.
Our 12 night cruise in August - Iceland, Ireland, Norway on the Apex felt like every Celebrity cruise we had been on, very lovely. The next cruise was 7 day Norway out of Amsterdam - completely different. Full of families and a different vibe. As it was August and holiday time we anticipated the 7 day itinerary would be quite different and it was. There was not a difference in entertainment nor was the pool deck an issue as it was quite cool. We can travel for longer periods and do see a difference on cruises longer than 7 days.
Lesson pick longer cruises for more traditional cruise shorter cruise if doing multi generational cruise
Thank you for your comment. It was something I hadn’t thought of, and we are in the process of booking a 2 week with a possible 3rd week that for some would be a 1 week cruise.
Yes! Totally agree about the two type. I’ve only cruised on the first type, so very interested in the second type. Sure I’d love it. ❤🎉
Interesting video. Thanks. ☺️🤘🏼
I love Celebrity! My favorite line. I’ve sailed all three classes of ships - Solstice, Millennium and Edge class. The Infinite veranda and a traditional balcony both work for me. I wasn’t surprised or disappointed with the IV because I did my research before booking. As far as “having “ to control everything through the app using your phone… that’s not true. My phone is locked in the safe the entire cruise (I hate carrying it around) and I was able to easily get into my room, control lights and ac with no problems at all. I love all three classes. It’s nice to have choices so you can book what works for you.
I’m in my early 70s and I am in love with Celebrity. I have been on the Edge. I am booked on the Apex and 2 cruises on the Beyond. The food and entertainment is top notch. I went to Alaska just 2 months ago on the Solstice. Lots of benefits are included in the price!
Great video & observations! We’re going on Celebrity Beyond in a few months & I’m looking forward to some of these venues & the entertainment
We just completed our 9 day on Celebrity Beyond on the Italy coast and LOVED IT! we are in our 50s and loved the contemporary look and casualness. Just a clarification .. we did not need to use smart phone at all for room controls. There are still light switches and all that.
Must be nice, but way out of my ball park
I’m excited to go on my first Celebrity cruise on the Beyond. Regarding the cruise price, my Grandmother always said”You get what you pay for.” Carnival is cheaper and it shows.
@@jszap1 You WILL LOVE IT!!! These Edge-class ships are like nothing else in the industry! Since my first Celebrity cruise on Thanksgiving Day 2021, I have become a HUGE Celebrity fan! This past April I sailed on the Edge, and in January 2023 I will be sailing on the Apex...I am stoked! Your grandmother was correct...you do get what you pay for. 😄
Going on my first cruise with Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in January. 3 generations for 2 nights in Australia. I see it as a taster trip to work out if it’s a style of holiday that works for my family. Mum is comfortable because she trusts Cunard and my 9 year old is so excited to be dressing up for dinner.
Enjoy, I love the QE
I'm going on my first cruise (Celebrity Solstice) in January with a group of friends. Your channel has been very helpful with knowing what to watch for and getting ready.
Retreat class has ruined us now! My wife insists now we can only travel that class...but I must admit, our first taste of luxury was a wonderful experience on the Silhouette, especially as the ship was only 33% full - 900 passengers on a ship with a capacity of 2700. Recommended, but pricey. I also loved the all-inclusive nature - no more faffing about with tips and wifi packages etc
Thank you for the "intel" and info! :-) I consider Celebrity my 1st choice of cruise lines. I think I'd enjoy a more classic easier going environment as well. Well wishes for you and yours! 🧡🧡🧡
Very interesting observations, Gary - and as an older traveller myself, they certainly put me off trying one of the Edge-class ships in favour of sticking with the Solstice class, which suits me perfectly!
We are in our late 50’ s. We have come back from Apex. It was stunning and no kids
We much prefer traditional ships and cruising experience. Thanks for telling about this, we will steer clear on these new ships.
Such an informative video!! 🎉👍🏻
Looking very nice. Thank you for sharing.
You have just shown me that I was right to walk away from Celebrity some time ago. I had looked into maybe trying them again but after your review that will not happen. Thanks!
Thanks for the edge review. Good info. Cruising on the edge nov 11.
I appreciate this video. We've only been on the Solstice class and love it but we're entertaining the idea of trying the new ships. I think we'll wait and see.
Thank you, Gary. My husband & I will be taking our first cruise on Celebrity Silhouette. I'm glad to hear about the improved food. I was sad to learn that some things that used to be no extra money are now extra, like gelato.
Cruised on Edge and have done Solstice, I didn’t use my smart phone, had no problem with windows, room temperature. Yes, I could have but didn’t bother. No problem. Loved changing dining rooms. Loved both ships.
Very interesting video. I've been spending a lot of time researching Celebrity cruise ships, thinking I might want to try something different than my usual line, Royal Caribbean. I can see the Edge class is not for me. Thanks for saving me some time in my research! The Infinite Veranda never appealed to me.
Just came off the Beyond and Edge... loved both...not many kids which was the best part!! will be back in 2023
Great update, good information.
Thank you
Your channel has made me want to go on my first cruise within the next year! My tastes are close to yours so your tips and information really have made me want to go on one! Thanks Gary! New subscriber too!
I'm not I inclined to take a cruise, but I enjoy your insights into cruising and how you share your experiences.
Gary superb video in how you explain where Celebrity are looking for the new pound/dollar. In my opinion whilst 66 and like Solstice , you have to admire how Celebrity are forward thinking as none of us live forever. Not yet tried the new ships but happy to do so as still life in me yet .
First, thanks Gary for your superb videos. SO helpful and informative. We had our first ever cruise on the Beyond in June, Med cruise. We absolutely loved it. We have booked on Beyond again for the Western Carribean Jan 2024. We are in our mid-60s, and the mix of guests was spot on for us. Not too young, not too old. This was JUST the kind of cruise we had been hoping for, and was NOT the kind we had feared. We thought the Infinite Balcony cabins were great. And Captain Kate was something else. Celebrity Beyond SO convinced us about cruising, that we have booked four more cruises.
Looking forward to our cruise on the Apex. We have a porthole balcony not an infinite balcony though. My husband is a techie and will love the use of technology in the cabin.
We took a 14 day Australian/New Zealand cruise on Celebrity Solstice in 2018. The area is lovely and this was our bucket list cruise after our retirement. We had sailed on Celebrity about 10 years earlier for a Norway cruise. We felt the service and luxury was so much better 10 years earlier. During our New Zealand cruise, there were no art towels, chocolates on your pillows, or any of those extra special touches. We had gotten a room and it was a little bigger in the area where there’s a little bump out on the side of the ship but it was a little too close to the end of the hallway, and we were hearing the band in the atrium pass the time he wanted to be able to sleep. My husband had some medical issues on the cruise, and I have to say the medical department and the customer service were very helpful during those times. They were so helpful with arranging medical help on board and arranging medical visits on land. Celebrity had been my favorite cruise line but not anymore.
also, I think their ship design and marketing has a very slick/sleek 'contemporary' look that perhaps appeals to people of means that may be in their 30s or 40s. Tbh, Hal's Pinnacle class are really good looking ships too (more traditional exterior, contemporary interior), but I guess they have their niche and aren't really chasing after that younger age group (although we are around 50 and are about to do our 2nd Hal, we liked it. We don't let image stereotype stop us from trying any cruise that fits the timeframe/budget constraints).
HAL does public areas different. They give a bunch of different venues to mingle and enjoy music. Celebrity's Edge ships give tiered areas and limited ones at that in the Grand Plaza martini bar, Club, and Eden. That's it. There are at least 6 different areas on HAL for varied opportunities to mingle, socialize, dance. There are a few small bars on Celebrity Edge but there are on most ships. Thankfully Solstice has a different feel and evolving from other Celebrity ships, not trying to move away as much from other ones and throwing away some popular social areas.
@@benjaminsmith2287 we have another Hal coming up in about 4 months. Our first non-Pinnacle. The sailing was the only one that fit our exact timing/logistics, but we like Hal, it will be great I'm sure.
Once again I think we are different types of cruisers. I went on the Edge and it was the best cruise I have ever taken. Love the modern classy ships and vibe, but not stuffy. Proof that there is a type for everyone
I respect your opinions, and value your input. This particular video especially. From what you described; the Edge Class would not be a good fit for me. It all looks amazing, but I realized how much of the traditional style cruiser I am. These are the type of tips that a traveler truly needs. Thank You.
Great to hear your feedback. Much appreciated. Good to hear this helped. 👍🏻
Hi Gary! As usual, you do a very thorough job! I will be taking my first Celebrity Cruise on the Silhouette in mid-November. I have been on 10 RCL cruises prior. It sounds like my ship will be more of a traditional Celebrity experience. I can’t wait!
Hi Gary. That was a good report and we agree entirely. We have been on the Edge twice (before and post covid) and noticed your observations too. There were significantly more younger people on the Edge class. We think that ship is very glamorous and has the wow factor. We have also been on other celebrity ships and the edge class certainly appears to have a more expensive look and feel and experience.
I disagree the Edge ships look more expensive. The Edge ships are newer and some people would rather go bigger/newer and latest tech than "older" and smaller. That'll last as long as the Edge ships are the newest. But they won't be forever.
Outstanding analysis and presentation. So hard to find discriminating reviews of +'s and -'s of different cruise alternatives (love your analyses of European river cruises!).
We do a LOT of Disney cruises (we don't drink, don't casino, LOVE the care wrto food allergies), but open to other lines, especially if we can find some attractive itineraries.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks. My first Disney video comes out tomorrow.....
I understand and appreciate that shows etc have to change with the target audience. We met an elderly couple on NCL Encore and they were looking for the venue for a Frank Sinatra cover piano player. We helped them find it and they were so thankful. They told us that was their favorite thing but now days it’s been rare to have onboard. Just another reminder that we will all be phased out eventually.
Well, maybe not. There are still people who enjoy piano bars and sing alongs (that aren't Karaoke). Instead of Frank Sinatra it may be singing along to something else. But I think certain activities will be with us for a long time. And I recently went to a jazz bar in New York City and several young people were swing dancing to jazz. And a piano supper club I went to, several people throughout generations were swing dancing to rock from the 50s through 80's. And several old people, I mean mid to upper 70s plus like to do silent disco.
I think Edge messed up the mingle with music areas by making them limited and all tiered. There are really no nice interior lounges on the Edge ships. Martini Bar is almost a lounge but it seems more hotel lobby bar with dance floor than lounge. The Club feels like a sort of dark nightclub. Nothing feels like the Sky Lounge or Ensemble Lounge or Michael's Lounge on the Solstice class ships. That's my biggest issue with the Edge class ships. Public mingle spaces aren't as nice as they should be.
Celebrity are taking a gamble! And welcome to Australia! We can't wait to see you here! 👍👍 Very helpful!
Fabulous Video and much needed.
Thanks for watching, and good to hear. And thanks for being a Channel member and supporting the channel!
We just returned from a Celebrity Edge/Aqua Class trip. Oct 2-14, Rome/Greek Islands/Istanbul. I agree with many of your comments, but some did not apply to our cruise. The Magic Carpet NEVER moved. The Barricade Boy's 9:30pm show was packed. The CHIC dress code was followed in Aqua Class restaurant but not so much elsewhere. We traveled with 5 couples - we had dinner in Cyprus on a Chic night - my husband and I were the only ones in the venue to dress Chic. We saw Hawaiian shirts, t-shirts, jeans, etc. Our group went to the Club almost every night, and we really enjoyed it.
brilliant video. thanks so much.
I appreciate the reviews, like pointing out “differences”, rather that the typical promo video by so many other reviewers.
My wife and I are in our 60's and we are tech savvy so we only cruise on the edge class ships. All the older ships, although "revolutionized", just feel like they are so cut-up like an old house. We also like that were very few children. After all, this is a cruise segment for adults. Thank you for your comments, as I enjoy your channel.
I have been on 3 celebrity cruises, all on the sun it. I loved the feel of celebrity since I am not into the party scene. Love sitting and having beverages with friends while listening to music or seeing a show. I am booked on the Apex for a transatlantic next November and can’t wait. I just hope all the changes don’t turn me off from celebrity.
This honesty sounds perfect for me. A touch of traditional cruising with nods to modernity and more luxury.
If the prices keep on going up the increase in families can’t last too long 😂
I don’t cruise, i wont be cruising. Cruise is not for me, but this man. I watch for the great content, the way the tube is put together, easy to follow, just a very good tube.
Looking forward to our first Celebrity in Nov.We have been on every RCCL ship and now, time for their luxury line.Thank you for the video!
Royal took full ownership of Silversea in July 2020 So one can view Celebrity as Royal's Semi-Luxury Division and Silversea is their Full- luxury Division
Wee just got off the APEX, area 64 years young, and loved the entire experience. Although still many people older than us, there was a good mix to make cruise enjoyable.
Agree. We feel too young to move to the smaller /avg age 80 ships.
Hi Gary, for your partner’s mum, i’d say go Oceania. Oceania deliver a classic “older persons” experience and on our last Oceania cruise we met many return customers, some who’d done 20 cruises, who’d tried SilverSea, Regent etc but kept coming back to Oceania. (I’m 64 y.o. btw.) I agree that the new Celebrity Edge atmosphere does look stimulating and is a refreshing change but definitely for a younger generation.
I never thought of cruising on Celebrity, but if the Edge is like this with a fun, active crowd, I might cruise on it next.
Good comparison. I think the Edge class ships are better suited for the Caribbean and other warm weather leisure destinations, while the more traditional Solstice class and Millennium class ships are better suited for more varied destinations.
Love the new direction.
Thanks Gary for another great analysis full of helpful views. Spot On about Celebrity in my view.
I’m just back from a 12 night cruise on Edge and I agree with your thoughts on the changes happening. I doubt whether I shall cruise again on any of their newer ships for the same reasons, having experienced the Silhouette and Reflection in earlier cruises. The Central Plaza I found uncomfortably noisy and not somewhere I’d like to be anywhere near when relaxing with a drink in the evening. The Eden lounge however in the evening did have some good live music and was a more relaxing place to be. I did find that I was able to manage settings in the cabin using the touchscreen provided. But I didn’t like the dining arrangements at all and service often felt hurried and under a lot of pressure. Pre-booking a table for dinner was essential and was far from straightforward: I heard many complaints about this and the complaints i made to guest services didn’t bring instant results. So in the future I shall confine any cruises I make with Celebrity to their older ships.
Eclipse is doing it's last (?) season in Australia in the upcoming summer, so there's still time to bring your mum-in-law to Oz and experience the traditional Celebrity experience. We're booked on the repositioning cruise next April to Hawaii from Sydney - now that's a trip!
We just had our first Celebrity cruise - 8 nights on Edge in the western Mediterranean in a Sky Suite. The Retreat amenities definitely felt more like a luxury line. We booked 10 months out and picked this particular cruise as the Sky Suite priced about 25% less than the Haven on NCL for a similar 7 night itinerary. We saw few children but we were cruising in late September. Our cruise was only at about 40% capacity so we did miss some of the energy of a full ship. My thought was Celebrity isn’t targeting families as much as other lines in that there is no water park, climbing walls, kids pool and the like. We are older travelers but appreciate a more contemporary experience so Edge was a great experience for us. By the way, Eden was one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had on land or at sea! Thanks for all you do!
You are correct...Celebrity is geared more toward an adult, mature clientele. The cruise line is family-friendly but not family-oriented like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL. That's one major thing I love about Celebrity, and the children you do see on the ship are typically nice and well-behaved as opposed to running around unsupervised all over the ship. Celebrity is just my style! 😄
We love Beyond we are both 76 & love the beyond & will be back October 2023
We are in our late 30s /early 40s, we have booked on Edge in Australia 2023/24 season. We have cruised mostly royal, but feel now we have got to Dimond... we want a different cruise experience. We are excited to try Celebrity edge. It looks fun, but with class. We are taking friends who we took on their first cruise on oasis in 2018, this will be their second cruise - they wanted something more luxurious, less kids. We have both booked the Sunset verandah as we wanted real balcony's, and as a bonus will be our first Aft cabin.
Cant wait... just have a small wait first.
Our first and only cruise (2019) was on Celebrity Edge. I did all my research and was sure that this was the right fit for us. I especially liked the idea of their infinity balconies. But it really didn't work for us. We're in our late 60's, but very modern and youthful. But we couldn't find a quiet place EVER on sea days, no library, no laundry facilities. The food was excellent, but the tours were not good at all, very disappointing. And like you mentioned, we were pressured constantly to give good reviews/ratings. We loved the cabin, it was very luxurious and beautiful. We're thinking in the future we'll likely book Viking or Oceania
Agree - very few places for peace outside of one's own cabin/stateroom.
I cruised on the Edge in March 2019- thought I would love it. (Active 63 year old) While I enjoyed the excellent food, wonderful staff, great pool areas… it felt like the corporate office was trying too hard to be “Edgy”- ALL the ship’s officers are women! Eden’s play features a man in a black dress as Satan! It felt like high school, where the kid trying soooo hard to be cool, becomes completely not. That the Corporate office is now pressuring the staff to ensure the overall experience is rated high in surveys tells me that they are still drinking their own Kool Aid, and are looking everywhere but at their own vision and leadership for areas needing improvement. (And the all female officer pride? Lose it. I want the best “people” as officers - whatever gender, color or ethnicity, provided they’re working TOGETHER, as a team.)
I saw another video where a couple booked a cabin with the infinity balcony. They loved it at first but soon came to dislike it - the controls were noisy if one partner wanted to sleep in, and they could hear the controls of the adjoining cabins. There wasn't really a lot of room to sit, no experience of being in the open air, and the window frame was about at eye level when they were sitting down. The rest of the cabin looked good.
@@anitawinpenny6563 Thanks for mentioning this. The All Female Officers actually puts me off the ship.
Try the Solstice class ships.
Gary, thank you for explaining something that I have been sensing, but not understanding over the past couple of Celebrity cruises that we have taken. I am long time Celebrity Cruiser - while I always want to pick by itinerary, I look at them first (because we have a little bit of status). The sense that they are really created a new focus on service is true across their entire fleet. We have taken to carrying pads of paper around to write down all the names that we encounter!. We are due for our first Edge-class cruise in February, and I really appreciated the comments. I am taking my elderly in-laws, and I hope that I can help them see the value in the changes. We usually do not book suites, and I am not looking forward to the distinctions between "classes" but I will reserve judgement until I have the experience. Thank for your great insights - keep up the great work!
We have 35 Celebrity cruises, mostly on Solstice class ships. We sailed on Edge in January 2019 and I swore that, as long as Celebrity sailed Solstice ships, that's where we'll be. However, we are booked on Beyond in December (a) to see if mistakes on Edge could have been corrected and (b) some variety. On our last cruise, we didn't bother to see Elysium as it would have been our sixth time.
The infinite veranda is a sitting room with a picture window. It is not a veranda at all. The Edge theater was dramatic, but too small. It had fewer seats than Solstice ship theaters. The cruise director was pleading with people to come to the early show as the late show was SRO. That's OK if you can change your dining and don't mind eating dinner after 9:00PM. There was no justification for the Rodeo Drive/Fifth Avenue shopping with T-Shirts priced beyond "indulgence" level. We grew up with Elvis Presley, not Bing Crosby. We are of the Woodstock generation. But people jumping up and down in a caged (netted) area, to strident guitar chords, is to "edgy" for our musical tastes. Those are my strongest memories from almost four years ago. I'll keep an open mind on the Beyond, but we are also booked on Equinox in March. We love Celebrity.
I've been avoiding the Edge class based on what I have heard from friends. They had stated that they wanted to relax in their room and enjoy the balcony after a busy morning in port only to find that their cabin balcony was closed and windows were being cleaned. It was several hours before they were able to open it again and they found this affected their enjoyment o the cabin as they normally would spend a lot of time on their balcony. I have been told to book the Deluxe or Sunset verandah for a more traditional experience, but what I have seen from the décor and such, I am still unsure. Much like your partner, Mark, I prefer the classic style of the cruises and love the refinement.
We’ve been on (I believe) 12 Celebrity cruises on all classes of their ships since the Horizon. I loved all their ships up through Solstice, which were fine but nothing extraordinary. We went on an early cruise on the Edge, and we utterly loathed it. In over 30 cruises, it’s the only one where we were actually looking forward to getting off the ship. They bragged about the “densification” (compacting the public areas in essence) of the ship and that was indeed the case. I completely detested Eden and the fact that the cast from Eden would come out of their lair and annoy customers all over the ship. We hated everything about it: it was a cold, soulless experience and we are young by Celebrity standards. I haven’t been on Celebrity since and don’t really see me going back despite being near the top of the Captain’s Club program and almost always paying for a suite. In your case, I’d say skip it.
@@HEDGE1011 They need to make a new Century class and get rid of their CEO. The Edge isn't a true Celebrity ship, and I mean the Edge class aren't. I'm not against the better theater and upgraded buffet or even the 4 MDR. I think they got carried away with the so-called specialty restaurants in the how special are they? But that tiering of social areas and deleting Sky Lounge, Ensemble lounge, library and so many other areas of the ship and turning the Martini Bar on Solstice from a swanky club feel with, for some reason, juggling bartenders to the bartender ship among other loud events space in the lobby it is on the Edge ships is just in poor taste and makes for a louder ship. The Century class ships were classy and had far more public areas to go into. The Century introduced Michael's and Solstice included it, but not some idiots at Celebrity decided it should go to Retreat passengers only and even redesigned it in one of the Soltsice ships to resemble the boring decor of the one on Edge class ships.
This was very helpful. I sail on the medium size ships. I liked celebrity and will sail again but like you I will go smaller.
Thanks for another informative video, Gary.
When are you planning to come here to Australia?
We had an amazing experience on the Edge a year ago. It was a special birthday celebration and we booked a suite in the Retreat. I dream of being back on that ship. Well worth the price.
We have friends cruising Australia on the Eclipse in February.
Just booked Edge for March 2024 sailing out of Sydney to Hobart. Sounds like it is going to be interesting seeing as we will be 66 and 74 at time of sailing to see if we can get down and boogie with the young'ns. Been on Solstice a couple of times so will be looking for any changes from then. Booked an interior cabin so will be sticking within our own area of course.
celebrity retreat hits a sweet spot for us. but we have also liked Virgin and Viking and even Holland America. Each offers something special.
We went on the Edge and didn’t like it. We didn’t like the infinity balcony, it gets stuffy in the cabin when window is open. And at night when shade is down it feels very closed in. I agree with you as far as the differences. We love the Solstice class and do the Aqua class.
Just got back from a 7 day cruise on Solstice, I noticed a few younger and extremely annoying people in their twenties they were playing there own music by the pool and mast bar even when the ship was playing piped music. Crew didn't do anything about it. I suspect they grabbed a last minute deal as cruise was out of LA. The overall experience was still great. Going on the Edge in November I will be interested to see what that holds.
We are on the Eclipse in Feb for Australia - our favourite Celebrity ship. Fares are moving towards luxury - product still isn't there IMO, and I'm noticing unbundling of those all inclusive packages now - particularly if you find a discounted fare
Had the pleasure to cruise in Retreat Class on Equinox last month. The only bad meal we had in Luminae was something we ordered from the main dining room menu. There is no need to pay extra for specialty dining if you travel in Retreat Class. The meals in Luminae are just as good if not better.
Thank you for the update. I don’t feel that Celebrity offers anything that I want anymore. Good luck to them. I last cruised on Celebrity in 2006.
I preferred Cunard after my Celebrity cruise in 2006. I sailed with them many times until 2019 when Covid started up.
We’re going on BEYOND in Nov.
Cheap sailings to Caribbean.
We’ve been on all the other Edge. Now Beyond 🚢 😮
Very nice!!!!
Fascinating update on a line I've been considering. One thing I'm a bit skeptical about, when I look at Retreat pricing vs the established lux lines like SS, SB, RSSC, then Celebrity seems to come out as more expensive rather than your comment about "when I want luxury without paying as much."
I will have to try an Edge Class ship to see if we like these issues you mention, We are booked on the Apex for Nov 5,2023 from BCN to FLL. Take care and thx for this info.
I am glad this broadens the choices. For me it is simply toooo much. Not in cost, but with visual clutter. It is beautiful but I enjoy a more relaxing type cruise.
As a an elite plus cruiser on celebrity I stopped booking celebrity because of the higher prices in the Caribbean and the too large of ships in the foreign ports I was interested in.
I found a unique US cruise that included Bermuda and booked it when they started dropping to cruise only fares again. The cruise is in May and I’m looking forward to the Celebrity I once knew! Yes, I did previously find good deals in their 321 program but it wasn’t mandatory.
I do find Celebrity has more lectures etc that I enjoy but so did the Azamara which at one point seemed cheaper!
I’m looking forward to returning cruising with Celebrity in May, as I like the smaller ships anyway.
My wife and I and my mother in law are on the Oct 19 23 on the solstice in Australia.
Our experience on Apex earlier this year was very different from yours. We absolutely loved it, much more than Solstice or M Class, and we love those ships too! It was a Baltic cruise in May, most guests were middle aged & older, very few families or children. Thought the dining concept was brilliant, but also loved the entertainment, activities & infinite veranda. Are you sure it wasn’t your itinerary & that it was during school holidays, rather than the fact it was an Edge Class ship, that made your experience different than on S or M class?
I agree. It is fantastic and I think that the average age was about 45-60. It was so much fun. I think when you travel has a lot to do with how many kids you see on the boat. I tend to go off season anyway. It was not as big as RC but it had a much younger vibe than HA that had average age of about 70, long time cruiser. In the Caribbean route, you had no chance of getting an upgrade. By the time you got notice of one and responded within 30 seconds, all the upgrades are gone! Felt pretty unfair to returning sailors who didn't have High rankings or were not the folks that lived on the ships part time. I can't even imagine going back on HA ever again even though it was the first cruise line I used 20 years ago and met folks that had worked on my ship back then! And I don't think that I would do less then celebrity. I think they have just enough things to keep everyone happy without attracting the bottom of the barrel travelers while not costing as much as some of the very exclusive lines that start at 6k for the lowest level rooms.
Just back from a 10 night to Greece on the Constellation. Funny thing was "The Other Guys" (apparently a franchise identical to The Barricade Boys) was the most crowded night in the theater.
I was SO interested in this video. We've been on Celebrity for our last 3 cruises (Millenium class) and have enjoyed it. We're booked later this year on the Apex. I'm not sure about the Infinite Veranda so a 1 wk cruise is probably perfect (I usually shoot for at least a 10 night cruise). I'll report back once we've returned. But I'll surely watch out for what you mentioned. Your videos are always so appreciated - thank you!!
There are other types of balconies.
Love the Edge class ships and infinity cabins. Food offerings were pretty good but preparation is a bit hit and miss in the MDR, outstanding in Eden. Was on an Apex/HAL Rotterdam b2b, Enjoyed both very much. So I guess I enjoy both traditional and avant garde cruising. Or I just enjoy cruising.
Sooooooo sad 😔
I love the edge class. Cruise lines are evolving. The sad thing is the older guests are dying off and cruise lines need to evolve to attract younger clientele on board.
Sorry but young people evolve into older people then into old people. At some point, hooting and hollering and such isn't part of what attracts them. There needs to be a place for young people with different tastes or people who are changing to go. Let RCI and NCL and others have the "younger" clientele. That's not Celebrity is or needs to be. The Edge class is all about bean-counting, anyway.
@@benjaminsmith2287 as someone who sells cruises holiday for a living, I see how the market is evolving. Cunard and HAL still offer exactly what you are stating there, but Celebrity is evolving more into just a 5 star version of RCI ( they are the same company afterall ) and honestly its working for them. Where there primary demograph was 55+ its now 40+ families with a bit of money behind them. They are still not cheap cruises to go on but they were loosing customers to other lines and now they are regianing a customer base
What?
Hey Gary, You rock.
good for them, but I'm not gonna be cruising with THEM..[edit] - the magic carpet sounds like a great idea, tho.