Thank you, Zach! It speaks a lot that you, being such a fan of Celebrity, are even done with them. This price gouging of solo cruisers is ridiculous. I had just recently started cruising Celebrity, going on one with my mother, and enjoyed it. I was considering booking a solo cruise and discovered the overcharging. I wonder how long it will be before they eliminate the loophole of booking with a 2nd person who then no-shows. I moved on to Princess, getting a very reasonably priced solo cruise on their newest Sun Princess ship next January 2025.
I'm going on my first solo cruise in April and it is with Celebrity. I bought my cruise almost a year ago. I am really looking forward to it. I have bought excursions, drink package, and select dining. I agree with you on the difference between solo cabins and double occupancy. The new rates are ridiculous. My next cruise will be with Virgin Voyages.
Thank you, Zach for representing us! I am a solo traveler and have been saving up to go on a Celebrity cruise for that "luxury" experience. I hope they re-think this policy. Ridiculous! I am voting with my wallet....NO TO CELEBRITY!
I, too, am a solo traveler. The premium cost of solo traveling on a cruise has been one of the reasons why I’ve been reluctant to go this decision by the Celebrity Cruise line cruise shows that this will only get worse as each unit within the cruise ship has to show a profit (bar, spa, recreational activities, shore excursions, dining, etc.).
Just got off Equinox last week and we are done with Celebrity until the CEO Laura is gone. Raised drink prices (unannounced) a couple of weeks before our cruise. Everything is now more expensive. The crew work their tails off but CEO Laura was right with me reaching into our pockets every nautical mile. No lobster, smaller portions and higher fees for everything. Keep it up CEO Laura. There are many great options other than Celebrity.
What up Zach, I never sailed on Celebrity cruise before but was considering going on the Beyond but thanks to your video, I will NOT. I myself am a solo cruiser so I don’t think that’s fair to penalize us solo travelers especially when cruises are already way to expensive. FYI, I watch a lot of your videos.
While not a solo cruiser, I will say NO to cruising Celebrity, in solidarity. Ridiculous price hikes are unacceptable. Thanks for the heads up, Zach. Happy Cruising, til next time. Sea ya 🛳
I've been a loyal Celebrity customer for almost 2 decades. And from my experience over the last 2 years, I'm moving on for many of the reasons Zach mentions here. And I'm not a solo cruiser. It's the extra fees, the redundant entertainment across all ships (how many times can I see the martini bar show?!?), watered down drinks, decreased service, lower food quality, decreased amenities, and more. As others have said here, I think it's the new CEO. I've seen videos of her talking about the changes and she's completely out of touch with her customer base and at times flat-out lies about what's going on. Good bye Celebrity. Moving on to other lines.
Oh mate; it is so refreshing to see a cruising RUclipsr call out the bullshit some of the cruise lines have been pushing. We both have such huge respect for your brutal unfiltered honesty. Nice work. Keep it up 👍
I'm just here to be honest. I've never tried to get anything for free nor have I received any cruise for free. I'm glad you appreciate that and will always try to keep a high measure of integrity in my work here.
As a solo cruiser that does 5-6- cruises per year I am with you on the ban on Celebrity. No more. I think NCL is on the right track when it comes to catering to solo travelers.
Agree. I am going my first solo cruise in October on Apex. I have a problem with this concept. Solo cabins are already priced at ridiculously prices. Punish the person who want more space and want travel alone. This does not make sense. It’s greed.
I think the solo supplement is very unfair when you consider that some families of 4 would go for the price of 2 as kids tend to sail free. Seems like there is inequity for the solo traveller.
@@unclebenny2003 The tip is for service across the ship, not related to food. Port fees are mandated by the ports/local government, not controlled by the cruise line.
Thanks for this. I thought it was just me or some sort of a glitch. I’ve been on three celebrity cruises in the last 18 months as a solo traveler. Noticed the service quality declined significantly in 2023 from what I experienced in 2022. And price gouging and nickel and diming was over the top. A noticeable effort to separate more of my cash from me while on the cruise. Things that used to be included are now an extra charge. The included package no longer exist in the same form so you’re paying much more to the day for the same level of service and Wi-Fi and drinks package Cost much more than just a while ago. Will certainly make me think twice and consider other cruise lines rather than just going with Celebrity
Not only have the package prices gone up a lot, but gratuities are no longer included! Celebrity now charges for gratuities as a stand-alone fee, and the drinks and Wi-Fi are now sold as a package; the three things are no longer bundled together, as they used to be. 🤮🤮🤮
I've DREAMED of any cruise with Celebrity EDGE but after all the terrible press, I chose to book my first solo cruise with Enchanted Princess and paid $2500 for 7 days which includes Princess Plus and a balcony cabin on Aloha deck. Next? Virgin, here I come! Love your content!
I was looking at this ship too. I’ve never sailed on Princess and it’s hard taking the plunge and trying something new. I’ll have to watch some RUclips reviews.
@@joen4088 This was a last minute booking for me and my first... I did seem high to me as well but I was charged full price + Princess Plus + 2nd quest +Enchanted Princess costs more since its so new? If you sail that cheap YOU need a RUclips channel!!!! To help newbies like me!! :)
@@rita2534 Enchanted Princess is probably the closetst thing to an EDGE class ship on Celebrity, in my humble opinion. It looks modern but classic princess style. I had to sail with them because I'm "joinging" family but Princess was still in my top 3. Living in Fort Lauderdale makes choosing "easier".
You nailed it, Zach. Preach, brother! Celebrity is a part of Royal Caribbean Group and Royal Caribbean cruise line has been doing this to solo cruisers for while. Yep, time to venture out and try different cruise lines!!
Just canceled a May cruise because of this. My sisters and I like to cruise but can’t share rooms. We need our space! We had a blast on the Constellation out of Tampa and boy did we spend! When I go with my husband we hardly spend anything extra. He doesn’t drink anything but water so it makes no sense to get packages. I drink very little when I’m with him. I don’t shop, do specialty restaurants, Spa services. We’re just interested in the ports. I’m done Celebrity 😢
This is also a disaster in PR for X. This is one of a series of changes they made without getting ahead of the messaging. It’s as if they didn’t think people would notice.
I saw this the other day. The theory is that that are charging the solo cruiser not only the supplement for the room, but also the food and activities! That’s a load of crap to me!
Seriously to me it feels like discrimination! What a bunch of bs! I feel like I’ve found a home with NCL solo cabins. Their CEO decided to expand the solo program to every ship and also add other kinds of cabins! I cruised on the Bliss in November and it was fantastic. NCL also has a solo lounge they have a espresso machine, snacks, around the clock and also solo get togethers. I was so impressed!
Agree 100%! They have made it pretty clear they are not interested in our demographic and don’t really want us on their ships - we are not their target maker and they don’t want our business. That’s fine, we will go elsewhere.
It really is so wrong. I’m a solo cruiser most of the time, and this is breaking my will to go back to celebrity. I’m on ascent this next week and have one more booked, but if things don’t change I’m done. Princess it is!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I agree and they have been my go-to for the past five that I did. However, I notice some things changing with them too. Hopefully, they will not get as extreme as Celebrity or MSC--I once was going to try them out but because I was solo, they wouldn't even let me book a room, let alone charge me double. When I called, the agent had no hesitation in telling me what you pointed out: "we won't sell you a room because we would be losing out on people who drink and go to the casino". Hmmm... in a implicit way, I guess non-drinkers and non-gamblers are frowned upon by that cruise line. MSC might have changed but I haven't bothered to even consider them after that.
I cruise with celebrity regularly and on their loyalty programme. I have not cruised with anyone else but this is disgusting. Just because I am solo does not mean I need to be discriminated against. Will not be booking again after my July cruise- will try Norwegian. Hope celebrity see all these comments. Thank you for raising it.
Zach - I heard on my last cruise that our prepaid gratuities were not being share with the crew? That’s criminal if true. CEO must go. She’s killing what was one of the best cruise brands. More people are leaving. Great job Laura Hodges. Great job!!
Yes, it’s true about the automatic 20% gratuities. A dining room maitre d’ told me that the restaurants needed to get a 9 or 10 review from passengers or all of that money goes to the company. Absolutely vile.
Of course it does not go to the crew and that applies to all cruise lines well especially IS cruise lines. Do you really think they are going to give all that money away to their Asian crews?
Agree with you 100%. We have two more booking’s remaining which we paid for a year ago and after that we are done with Celebrity based on our past two cruises and all of the nickel and dime shenanigans. We have looked at Virgin and at land based. We did a spreadsheet for a side by side with a land based 7 day vacation for a all inclusive premium resort including gratuities, Wi-Fi, all food including premium restaurants and premium drinks. The resort also included excursions and limo bus transport to and from airport. It was $2,175 LESS than Celebrity cruise and was about 97% identical. Cruises are out of control and the time has come to say good bye.
Agreed! I am voting with my pocketbook too. I have one cruise this year with Celebrity, booked last year. I will not book with Celebrity again unless they change their ways. Now I am reviewing other lines who will hopefully be loyal to me as I make future cruise plans. I'll find your videos helpful as I search for my next vacation cruise options.
The whole “solo’s aren’t paying as much is BS.” These cruiselines are offering so many incintives for companions to travel that there’s almost no universe where they are spending more than a Solo travelers. Cruiselines reguarly have half off or free deals for the 2nd person, they offer even bigger discounts for 3rd and 4th passengers. Half off or free airfare, etc. Most of These 2nd passengers aren’t spending $700 - $1,000 in dining and excursions! Plus the fact that Solos usually din’t get price breaks on the PP rate either.
Zach - thanks for posting. We are heart broken and love Celebrity. The new CEO is awful and on a recent back to back they increase wine prices when my favorite wine was covered on the first cruise but not covered on the second. CEO needs to go now! We got two more cruises booked with them and then are done as well . 😢Such a waste of a great cruise line!
We have two more cruises booked with Celebrity, but we probably will be trying either other cruiselines, or stop cruising for a while. Prices are off the charts for EVERY cruiseline. Insurance and air are no different. A $5K cruise two years ago now costs $10K.
As much as I love Celebrity, I will never book on them again as long as they charge solo cruisers more than what they charge 2 people! They need to wise up! NCL is courting solo cruisers by opening up even more rooms to them without even the normal 100% single supplement.
Everything you said! I'm a solo cruiser withe 5 past cruises on Celebrity but this is the most customer-unfriendly policy ever! After my upcoming cruise on Edge (booked at a good price before this bonehead policy) no more! Doesn't Celebrity realize we have choices? They need to get over themselves.
Not anymore. I just got a solo cruise out of Tampa for around 700$. 7 nights but it is an inside cabin. When you can get 100 per night including taxes it is a tremendous deal. You gotta look at the older ships to get deals for solo cruisers.
COULDN’T AGREE MORE!! Not a solo cruiser, BUT having just sailed on the Apex & the Ascent w/my wife in the Retreat, (loved both cruises BTW) we feel that the ramped up gouging culture as of late by Celebrity is out of hand! Between the sharply increased fares and the obvious paring of services and declining value, like no longer having gratuities included and butler services now being provided by the “Retreat team” (read that to be primarily the poor overworked cabin stewards) it truly time to send a clear message with our wallets!! We have been Celebrity fans for years. This trend really saddens us but we will be spending our hard earned dollars elsewhere if this trend continues.
Celebrity is sending a message for sure. It has been hard to see the cuts over the past few months and using the shutdown loses as the reason. They will continue to push whatever they can from the consumer for maximum profits. Thats business and I get it. However, what consumers can do is not book with them, sending a clear message that enough is enough. Unfortunately for solo cruisers, there are still enough people waiting to get on these ships, that Celebrity feels they will book any cabin, boycotted by a solo cruiser. It's a gamble on their part. Let's see how that pans out for them!! If I was a solo cruiser, I would book Norwegian and Virgin exclusively. They LOVE Solo Cruisers!!
I agree with you totally. Unfortunately, however, there are more than enough families and couples who want to cruise on Celebrity that the lack of solo cruisers won't really make a difference. I just came back on Feb. 25 from a 7-night cruise on the Ascent, and it was FULL TO CAPACITY! It seems people are cruising like there's no tomorrow! 😳
Zack thank you!!! I’m a very frustrated solo cruiser who was loyal to Celebrity for years. The two cruises I took this past year was so disappointing: the food quality has decline and too many kids allowed to run around in bars and family time in the solarium for entire day! Noisy !!! And yes the over charged. I moved to Virgin Voyages and I’m not looking back.
I was on apex nov 2023 in conceriege class. Let me tell you: understaffed everywhere : no bar floor service, cold food at MDRs with long waits, : shabby furniture in Eden: my cabin furniture was filthy!!!
Total agree. My last cruise in Celebrity in October. I paid $500 more than the total another couple paid for both of them on the same cruise. What the heck? I was in a solo cabin! That’s ridiculous!!
I found it intriguing how random individuals supported Celebrity Cruises' choice to increase prices for solo travelers on the Facebook posts, attributing it to a year-long 75% off 2nd guest sale and blaming IT. It's amusing that, after a short 2~ weeks of bad PR, an email from the executive team in a Facebook group revealed a reversal of the decision to charge more than the usual 200% by the end of next week. And I agree, many of the people she wants to throw off the ship, were the same people that were sailing during the restart, putting down multiple deposits for future cruises when they needed the cash. They were the ones that were posting and sharing how safe cruising was during the restart. She’s 100% that leader that beats people down and then offers a cookie and expects you to be soooo thankful that you even got a cookie.
I agree with both of you. We've cruised Celebrity exclusively and the old CEO started this trend but the new CEO is taking it to an extreme level... She's lost our business!
Sorry to hear this is happening to the solo cruiser on Celebrity, Zach. We are also getting frustrated with Celebrity with their constant price gouging. Good luck with your future travels regardless of your cruise line of choice. We will continue to follow you on your adventures in cruising. Cheers!
I am sailing on the ascent in a couple weeks and booked last spring. I wanted solo but it worked out to $200 cheaper for solo. I booked double occupancy just out of spite. Told the rep for $200 I can ask someone on the street if they want to cruise. SO many options for vacation and pretty soon ppl won't have any money. Seen this before. Book a double but don't buy drink package and don't pay tips. Then go solo... That will send a message.. although I do agree with you, singles get the short end of the stick everywhere, especially no tax breaks.
This is very disheartening. I was really hoping to be a first time solo cruiser with Celebrity this year - but I will NOT pay more than double the price of a double occupancy. That's ridiculous. I'd rather just have a great staycation at home.
"The math ain't mathing" ... and the coffee comes out the nose. 😂😂😂 I was expecting this. Good job! Give 'em hell! I'll share this with fellow solo travelers. Thanks and keep up the great work.
I've now read several posts in regards to how much celebrity hates solo travelers with an intense passion and does not welcome them at all on their ships. People need to absolutely boycott this disgrace of a cruise line and not sail on their ships.
I will NEVER book a new sailing on Celebrity since I am a solo cruiser! It is hard enough to pay the double rate as a solo cruiser and I am not made of money. I will stay witj Princess or any other cruise line!
Wow! I have a lot to say about this video, but I'll try to limit it to a couple things. I hope Celebrity looks at your comments too. We are Royal Caribbean users and just finished our 4th cruise with them earning Platinum status. We were considering our next booking being with Celebrity to try out a new experience. So we don't want Celebrity to be just like Royal. We would just sail Royal if that was the case. We always sail as a couple or family so we are not affected by the solo cruiser issue, BUT I am not happy about this either. Once a company starts to mistreat a segment of its CUSTOMERS (we are not consumers), it has demonstrated that it will mistreat any and all of its customers. We were even looking at Celebrity Cruises last night, but now I'm not so sure. I've heard a lot of good things about Princess and before this video I wouldn't have considered anything but Celebrity/Royal. But now...
Thank you for this. I have been a solo cruiser on Celebrity for over 10 years. For the past year, all they have done is peeved me off with all the changes they have made. I cruised with them this past November on Beyond and noticed a big reduction in service. Now with this solo pricing strategy, I'm thinking I'm pretty much done with them. My next cruise might be on Virgin, or I may also look into some of the luxury offerings.
Just had a very disappointing cruise in The Retreat on the Beyond. The price did not match the experience. The food was average at best in Luminae and the lack of quality service was evident. Past loyalty doesn't rate as they are moving on to new cruisers and knowing they have enough lemmings that will continue to book. I am voting with my wallet and have booked three upcoming cruises with other lines. Zach I agree with your observations.
I’ve stayed in one of the solo rooms on the Norwegian Prima and really liked it. The room was small, but it was very nice and I liked the private lounge as well.
Thank you for making this video! I am sailing on a Celebrity cruise at the end of January in a standard infinite veranda room. I’m paying the fares of two people occupying the room, which I can understand. I refuse, however, to pay more than that.This will therefore be my last Celebrity cruise. Celebrity may not mind that loss, but I will actively discourage others from sailing on Celebrity. Celebrity should mind that!
I noticed this as well when doing some mock bookings. Thought something was wrong at first, but started hearing others talk about it. Needless to say, I will happily be avoiding Celebrity and RC for that matter.
Wow - this is so disappointing to see my favorite cruise line screwing solo cruisers. I'm on Apex to Norway Fjords in July, thank goodness I booked it long ago as otherwise I would not be affording it. I was lucky to get a solo cabin though. I was hoping to continue my cruising with Celebrity, but obviously they just aren't understanding how to market to the solo cruising community. Big loss of revenue in future if they don't figure it out soon.... Keep up the great solo cruise content, you are an inspiration for my travels! 😃
I'm with you Zach. Your Celebrity reviews tempted me but I also noticed rising costs. I'm going on NCL Prima to Iceland 15 day transatlantic in April. $2100 with drinks and 3 other perks!
Fire the CEO and CFO. I cruise with my wife but often we don't spend a single penny more on the ship other than the included amenities. So what is this MANDATORY spending edict from Celerity. I concur with vote with our pocket book.
Good for your Zach! Thank you for creating this! I have had many viewers and clients say the same thing. They do not even want me to present them Celebrity as an option. Celebrity loyalists have been complaining for months regarding Celebrity's new leadership reducing services and decreasing the quality of everything.
Thanks for making this, Zach! The more people who can voice their disgust with the POOR business decision that was made, the better. Maybe Celebrity will be smart and listen, then change their pricing. Ridiculous. We were so excited for our November 2024 cruise (like you, booked LONG ago), and will have to say that it will be our first and only cruise. Celebrity messed up!
I went on my 1st celebrity cruise last year, am going on the Edge this year, and on the Reflection in 2025. I have checked the price for my reflection cruise and for a single person the cost is about $2400 for inside room vs $1900 for couple. I’m pretty disgusted by Celebrity and will find another company to cruise with going forward if they continue to gouge us solos.
We hear you and we are with you and every solo cruiser out there. We love the Edge class but refrained to book any cruise with them lately because of the exploding total cost. Glad to hear you are not putting up with this "robbery".
I am going on Celebrity Beyond 10 day Southern Caribbean cruise in February. I have a solo veranda all inclusive for $2700.00 booked in 2022. This will probably be my last cruise with them also. I have a Norweigan Viva solo cruise also upcoming and will probably stay with them. Hope Celebrity gets the message. Too bad since they seemed to be solo friendly with there solo cabins.
I just checked single vs double booking on Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas. Same thing, single was than the double fare. Not by as much as you showed on Celebrity but still! 😢 It's actually worse than you reported because you only pay tax and port fees for one. Look at the subtotal and you'll see the real single supplement.
I've posted this on several posts on Facebook. I hope Celebrity pays attention. I've now been on two Celebrity cruises. Apex and Edge, with Silhouette and Ascent booked. We've enjoyed The Retreat immensely. We pay more but find value in our purchase. We take our adult daughter with us in her own cabin. She also enjoys Celebrity, but we may 'change our course' in the future. I'm very disappointed to note the fares for solo travelers are often more than a cabin for two people sailing in an inside, or even veranda cabin. On an Ascent cruise I just booked and inside cabin for two is about $2100. If I book that exact same cabin for one, it's more than $2700. Seems like a gouge to me. One Vlogger, Zach the Traveling Man has done a video and I hope Celebrity pays close attention to what he has to say and how I'm feeling. While many other lines are welcoming solo cruisers with open arms, Celebrity seems to be taking an opposite stance. Please reconsider your pricing structure in this regard. I don't want to go in search of a new cruise line.
Not a solo cruiser, but since hearing about the crazy prices for cruising solo, my cruising friends and family have decided to no longer do any cruising with Celebrity. So we're done also.
This is terrible! Thank you for relaying this information, Zach. I love your videos. I’m booked on the Reflection this May (my first Celebrity cruise), but I now know not to get too comfy with Celebrity.
I had booked a Celebrity cruise while on a cruise at the future cruise desk, when they still made offers. If I booked the same cruise now it would cost me at least $1,000 more, no Tips incl and No onboard spending. Which I have $650 of onboard spending, all inclusive drinks/wifi/tips. I am not booking with them now that they have taken this all away.
I totally agree with you Zach. I am due to sail on Celebrity Edge in February but luckily on this cruise I have a friend who will join me. Thanks for raising this issue.
Zach! I remember you love the Apex. I totally understand. We lost our butler on our last cruise. But guess what? The butler was there in the hallway, with his hand out, when we were looking for our cabin guy to hand him an additional gratuity. We did not tip the butler. He never did anything for us.
I'm with you Zach. My wife and I have one booked in May. It's her first and it looks like it will be our last. I will be interested in hearing about solo options on other ships. The thing is that I really like a good drinks package, and HAL, Princess, Cunard, MSC and P&O have limited packages and Virgin has no package at all. That leaves NCL as the last one standing. Maybe I'll try Princes. They seem to do will around the British Isles, and a 15 bev limit isn't so bad when I can go ashore and have a few pints in a pub at lunch.
Why on earth would any solo traveler pay these prices, especially for Aqua or Retreat rooms, when you could go on a small upscale or luxury line that includes far more dining options, excursions, drinks, etc.?
Excellent video Zach. We've been loyal Celebrity cruisers and made Elite after our last cruise in September 2022. We haven't sailed with them again since then because 2023 prices for UK travellers rose substantially and 2024 are even worse, with the onboard experience diminishing daily. We've also noticed some absolutely ridiculous routing being proposed when looking at flights by celebrity, eg Manchester to Rome. We've flown direct multiple times on the daily Jet2 service, but celebrity wants to route us via DOHA adding 13 hrs to the flight time!!! They're simply not delivering what they're promising and this policy for solo cruisers is nothing less than discriminatory. They're only interested in new to cruise retreat guests with masses of cash to spend onboard (income in excess of $100k). Looking elsewhere for the forseeable future, and I'm a shareholder (currently) as well as a formerly loyal guest.
Thanks Zach, wanted to let you know we are with you. My wife and I really liked Celebrity and subscribed with you because of your love for the product also. We also have two cruises with Celebrity for 2024 that we booked in 22. We will keep them both and will get Elite status after the second but that will be it for us. In 2025 we are going land based and don't plan to book Celebrity again until CEO Laura is gone. What a way to ruin a great brand..
Zach, what Celebrity is doing to solo cruisers is disgusting! I’ve done probably 8 or 9 on Celebrity, including an expensive one to the Galapagos, but refuse to book another unless they reverse this ripoff against solo cruisers!
Just did a random price check on Celebrity US site for 9 nights on Equinox from Barcelona in a sunset veranda stateroom, $6,551 for a solo $4,631 for 2. Maybe they have a booking glitch, that’s an insane difference.
Thanks Zach! We'll really miss your dedication to Celebrity.... We don't cruise solo, but we're also anxious about our perception of "nickel and dime'ing" and we sent an email to LHB - response indicates wine program will be "revamped" mid-year and "right-sized" fleet-wide by end of month... ...three booked cruises with Celebrity. ...we shall see... Hopefully the marketing department thinks these things through a bit better.
Thanks for speaking up, Zach. I was part of an online discussion about this, and suddenly there were dozens of comments about this. I have Sailed with celebrity many, many times. The atmosphere on the ships has changed, the heavy handed management style has problems. I feel like im being panhandled every moment im on board. My next 2 cruises are with Princess, but i booked a Japan cruise on celebrity after that. It was expensive on the Millenium…an older ship that isnt my favorite. Maybe there are better alternatives
I’m sailing Carnival for the first time since both Royal and Celebrity have gotten so expensive for solo. I don’t mind paying a premium, but when it’s more expensive for 1 to cruise than 2, there’s a problem.
I’ve sailed with Celebrity on several cruises. - NO MORE! I do not believe they value my business any longer. Trying out Oceania, and Cunard…. Byron bye Celebrity
My husband and I are elite on Celebrity . While there are two of us, I'm not sure we will be using Celebrity after the cruises we already have booked. We've enjoyed sailing with them because they didn't nickel and dime you. However the changes being made for the solo cruiser and charges for all has made me rethink who we will be sailing with. #Celebrity get your act together and revert to the classy line that you were abd not the money grabbing monster you have become.
So agree! Not Elite yet, but was looking forward to building a long relationship with the brand after our 1st cruise with them in 2022. The "Always Included" set them apart from other lines I've cruised with before. Liked it so much we booked our next cruise with them on Beyond later this year. Treated ourselves to a Sky Suite - then they did the bait and switch by deleting Butler Service. Now they've dropped gratuities from Always Included. Now they're over pricing for solo travelers? Even though I usually travel with others, I was looking forward to enjoying a solo cruise with them at some point. Even if I don't, if you wouldn't value me when I was single, don't expect my money now that I'm not. I understand how corporate America works, but this is just bad business decision after another. Bad leadership is driving away good customers. RCL leadership, when will you realize you need to change course??
Total price gouging and discrimination to try to get more than double from a solo. Already paying double---ok we suck it up. But more? What about the fact that we pay double but there is only one person eating all the included food , only one person using water for showers, less towels, less wear and tear on the cabin and we are paying double but add to the ambiance and experience of others because it is one less body filling elevators, bars etc etc. Are they going to start charging extra for people that don't drink because they don't make as much off them or if they don't use specialty restaurants or buy the junk in the overpriced stores? This is way worse than cookie gate and they backed off that pretty quick. Essentially what they are doing is turning their back on what other lines see as a growing market .One thing I learned in business---no sense spending a ton of money attracting new clients if you are pushing loyal clients out the back door. Maybe they will come to their senses but the good news is there is lots of product out there for the consumer including other travel options besides cruising.
It's so bad now! 😢 Luckily I get good interline deals working with an airline. I'm going on my first VV next Friday! Excited about that. Anyway safe travels!
Zach - Thanks for the video. I think it is actually worse than you are saying since the port fees and taxes don't get charged for the second passenger, so you are giving Celebrity the benefit of not having those fees in your calculation. In your first example, the fare is actually $850 more for a solo, and in the second example the per person fare goes from $1334 to over $3900 - almost 3 times the fare! I have a cruise planned for this fall, but I too may be looking to possibly sail elsewhere.
I noticed the same thing. He didn't even account for taxes and fees, which are only charged for the one passenger, so you're right. The example is actually much worse.
Agree 100%. We have been loyal to Celebrity and Royal but the nickel and dime mentality needs to change. We usually book a suite due to the Gratuities being included in the price. Now celebrity removed that perk. They are going to drive us to another cruise line.
I am glad you did this video. You are the true voice of the single cruiser. I never understand why cruise lines believe 4 people in a room is better. Recently, I looked into booking with Celebrity, but found the same price gauging issue on any of the cruises I researched. Instead of Celebrity, I went with NCL and I am excited to try a cruise line who values solo travelers like myself.
Your videos are great. I always see them, but this one is the best one because I think just like you, when I first travel on Celebrity I love it (I had been in six celebrity cruises in two years) but now with this changes and some others that I don’t like it, I will no longer travel with Celebrity
Agree, I am a solo cruiser and I’m staying away from Celebrity. Royal Caribbean has been doing the same thing for a while. The Royal Caribbean group is biased against solo cruisers.
I am so glad to see this video. I have been so frustrated over the last month that their solo pricing for Celebrity has increased, more than double for some sailings. It is ridiculous of what they’re charging at this point. 100% agree celebrity is price gouging soul travelers. I do have a cruise booked un celebrity for this July, but that will be my last cruise with celebrity unless they change something with their solo pricing. It actually cost more to stay in a single, infinite veranda for one person, then two people at double occupancy in a regular Infinite veranda.
I agree with you Zach, I am already booked on a Celebrity cruise this year, this will be my first and last, after I sail on Celebrity this year, there are too many options for Cruising,
Way to go Zach! They all need to be called out. I’m paying more as a solo on Icon than my two friends in the same type of inside cabin. They are doing it because they can. I’m surprised I haven’t been cancelled because they would rather have two people in my room. That’s the corporate world today. It’s just ridiculous. Thanks for putting this out there.
As we say in Aus 🇦🇺 good on ya mate! I’ve got 3 upcoming cruises with Celebrity and am cancelling all … turning up the “privilege meter” ain’t working Celebrity! Most of us are just hard working people, saving our money to enjoy your product and the turnaround in the offerings, value for money and constant changes without informing guests is out of touch. They’ve lost me. I’m checking out Princess, NCL and HAL. Laura, sit up and take notice. Zach, as always telling it like it is! Keep up the good work mate 🇦🇺🙏
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I just unsubscribed to emails from Celebrity. I’m a solo cruiser, taking 3 to 4 cruises a year. They want me to pay 200%+? Forget it
Thank you, Zach! It speaks a lot that you, being such a fan of Celebrity, are even done with them. This price gouging of solo cruisers is ridiculous. I had just recently started cruising Celebrity, going on one with my mother, and enjoyed it. I was considering booking a solo cruise and discovered the overcharging. I wonder how long it will be before they eliminate the loophole of booking with a 2nd person who then no-shows. I moved on to Princess, getting a very reasonably priced solo cruise on their newest Sun Princess ship next January 2025.
I'm going on my first solo cruise in April and it is with Celebrity. I bought my cruise almost a year ago. I am really looking forward to it. I have bought excursions, drink package, and select dining. I agree with you on the difference between solo cabins and double occupancy. The new rates are ridiculous. My next cruise will be with Virgin Voyages.
Thank you, Zach for representing us! I am a solo traveler and have been saving up to go on a Celebrity cruise for that "luxury" experience. I hope they re-think this policy. Ridiculous! I am voting with my wallet....NO TO CELEBRITY!
Amen!
Yes me too.
You think cruising is luxury? 😂 any vacation that is all inclusive is defacto NOT luxury.
I, too, am a solo traveler. The premium cost of solo traveling on a cruise has been one of the reasons why I’ve been reluctant to go this decision by the Celebrity Cruise line cruise shows that this will only get worse as each unit within the cruise ship has to show a profit (bar, spa, recreational activities, shore excursions, dining, etc.).
Cunard and Saga treat solo cruisers like kings and queens. I think Regent and Oceania do a good job too if you can grab a promo deal.
Just got off Equinox last week and we are done with Celebrity until the CEO Laura is gone. Raised drink prices (unannounced) a couple of weeks before our cruise. Everything is now more expensive. The crew work their tails off but CEO Laura was right with me reaching into our pockets every nautical mile. No lobster, smaller portions and higher fees for everything. Keep it up CEO Laura. There are many great options other than Celebrity.
I was on Equinox over Christmas and we got lobster. I wonder why your cruise didn’t? I was on a four day sailing.
What up Zach, I never sailed on Celebrity cruise before but was considering going on the Beyond but thanks to your video, I will NOT. I myself am a solo cruiser so I don’t think that’s fair to penalize us solo travelers especially when cruises are already way to expensive. FYI, I watch a lot of your videos.
While not a solo cruiser, I will say NO to cruising Celebrity, in solidarity. Ridiculous price hikes are unacceptable. Thanks for the heads up, Zach. Happy Cruising, til next time. Sea ya 🛳
Appreciate the solidarity!
I've been a loyal Celebrity customer for almost 2 decades. And from my experience over the last 2 years, I'm moving on for many of the reasons Zach mentions here. And I'm not a solo cruiser. It's the extra fees, the redundant entertainment across all ships (how many times can I see the martini bar show?!?), watered down drinks, decreased service, lower food quality, decreased amenities, and more. As others have said here, I think it's the new CEO. I've seen videos of her talking about the changes and she's completely out of touch with her customer base and at times flat-out lies about what's going on. Good bye Celebrity. Moving on to other lines.
Oh mate; it is so refreshing to see a cruising RUclipsr call out the bullshit some of the cruise lines have been pushing. We both have such huge respect for your brutal unfiltered honesty. Nice work. Keep it up 👍
I'm just here to be honest. I've never tried to get anything for free nor have I received any cruise for free. I'm glad you appreciate that and will always try to keep a high measure of integrity in my work here.
As a solo cruiser that does 5-6- cruises per year I am with you on the ban on Celebrity. No more. I think NCL is on the right track when it comes to catering to solo travelers.
Virgin was very good to my friend who was on alone for a 5 night cruise!
I spoke with a lady in her 80’s who cruises exclusively solo on NCL and she loves NCL.
@@JDCUSAgood to know. Thank you. I’m giving it a shot
Agree. I am going my first solo cruise in October on Apex. I have a problem with this concept. Solo cabins are already priced at ridiculously prices. Punish the person who want more space and want travel alone. This does not make sense. It’s greed.
I think the solo supplement is very unfair when you consider that some families of 4 would go for the price of 2 as kids tend to sail free. Seems like there is inequity for the solo traveller.
Soooooo true
I still have to pay the daily tip for my infant son to eat food we brought for him. That doesn’t seem fair either. Taxes and port fees too.
@unclebenny2003 can't you remove gratuities
Great point!
@@unclebenny2003 The tip is for service across the ship, not related to food. Port fees are mandated by the ports/local government, not controlled by the cruise line.
I’m a solo cruiser and couldn’t believe it until I checked the cost……wow unbelievable
Thank you for being our voice!
I priced Celebrity as a double and a single for a 2024 trip. After I saw the outrageous difference I booked my first Princess cruise.
Thanks for this. I thought it was just me or some sort of a glitch. I’ve been on three celebrity cruises in the last 18 months as a solo traveler. Noticed the service quality declined significantly in 2023 from what I experienced in 2022. And price gouging and nickel and diming was over the top. A noticeable effort to separate more of my cash from me while on the cruise. Things that used to be included are now an extra charge. The included package no longer exist in the same form so you’re paying much more to the day for the same level of service and Wi-Fi and drinks package Cost much more than just a while ago.
Will certainly make me think twice and consider other cruise lines rather than just going with Celebrity
Not only have the package prices gone up a lot, but gratuities are no longer included! Celebrity now charges for gratuities as a stand-alone fee, and the drinks and Wi-Fi are now sold as a package; the three things are no longer bundled together, as they used to be. 🤮🤮🤮
I've DREAMED of any cruise with Celebrity EDGE but after all the terrible press, I chose to book my first solo cruise with Enchanted Princess and paid $2500 for 7 days which includes Princess Plus and a balcony cabin on Aloha deck. Next? Virgin, here I come! Love your content!
Exactly!
I was looking at this ship too. I’ve never sailed on Princess and it’s hard taking the plunge and trying something new. I’ll have to watch some RUclips reviews.
$2500 for 7days!! Much too high. I routinely cruise for $1200-1500 in balcony
@@joen4088 This was a last minute booking for me and my first... I did seem high to me as well but I was charged full price + Princess Plus + 2nd quest +Enchanted Princess costs more since its so new? If you sail that cheap YOU need a RUclips channel!!!! To help newbies like me!! :)
@@rita2534 Enchanted Princess is probably the closetst thing to an EDGE class ship on Celebrity, in my humble opinion. It looks modern but classic princess style. I had to sail with them because I'm "joinging" family but Princess was still in my top 3. Living in Fort Lauderdale makes choosing "easier".
You nailed it, Zach. Preach, brother! Celebrity is a part of Royal Caribbean Group and Royal Caribbean cruise line has been doing this to solo cruisers for while. Yep, time to venture out and try different cruise lines!!
Amen!
I am with you all the way. We (Solo) cruisers must be a big market, especially as we age. I love CElebrity but no more.
Just canceled a May cruise because of this. My sisters and I like to cruise but can’t share rooms. We need our space! We had a blast on the Constellation out of Tampa and boy did we spend! When I go with my husband we hardly spend anything extra. He doesn’t drink anything but water so it makes no sense to get packages. I drink very little when I’m with him. I don’t shop, do specialty restaurants, Spa services. We’re just interested in the ports. I’m done Celebrity 😢
This is also a disaster in PR for X. This is one of a series of changes they made without getting ahead of the messaging. It’s as if they didn’t think people would notice.
They deserve the backlash they are receiving for the many PR disasters they have had lately. Such a shame!
I saw this the other day.
The theory is that that are charging the solo cruiser not only the supplement for the room, but also the food and activities!
That’s a load of crap to me!
Seriously to me it feels like discrimination! What a bunch of bs! I feel like I’ve found a home with NCL solo cabins. Their CEO decided to expand the solo program to every ship and also add other kinds of cabins! I cruised on the Bliss in November and it was fantastic. NCL also has a solo lounge they have a espresso machine, snacks, around the clock and also solo get togethers. I was so impressed!
Agree 100%! They have made it pretty clear they are not interested in our demographic and don’t really want us on their ships - we are not their target maker and they don’t want our business. That’s fine, we will go elsewhere.
How is the food and quality of rooms etc compared to celebrity? I’m looking for which one to switch to as a frequent solo traveler
The food was good and the rooms were very nice on Encore when I sailed her last year. I have those videos on my channel.
Thanks for standing up for us!
It really is so wrong. I’m a solo cruiser most of the time, and this is breaking my will to go back to celebrity. I’m on ascent this next week and have one more booked, but if things don’t change I’m done. Princess it is!
Princess is certainly a great alternative. And a much better value, from my recent experience.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan I agree and they have been my go-to for the past five that I did. However, I notice some things changing with them too. Hopefully, they will not get as extreme as Celebrity or MSC--I once was going to try them out but because I was solo, they wouldn't even let me book a room, let alone charge me double. When I called, the agent had no hesitation in telling me what you pointed out: "we won't sell you a room because we would be losing out on people who drink and go to the casino". Hmmm... in a implicit way, I guess non-drinkers and non-gamblers are frowned upon by that cruise line. MSC might have changed but I haven't bothered to even consider them after that.
I cruise with celebrity regularly and on their loyalty programme. I have not cruised with anyone else but this is disgusting. Just because I am solo does not mean I need to be discriminated against. Will not be booking again after my July cruise- will try Norwegian. Hope celebrity see all these comments. Thank you for raising it.
Zach - I heard on my last cruise that our prepaid gratuities were not being share with the crew? That’s criminal if true. CEO must go. She’s killing what was one of the best cruise brands. More people are leaving. Great job Laura Hodges. Great job!!
Yes, it’s true about the automatic 20% gratuities. A dining room maitre d’ told me that the restaurants needed to get a 9 or 10 review from passengers or all of that money goes to the company. Absolutely vile.
Of course it does not go to the crew and that applies to all cruise lines well especially IS cruise lines. Do you really think they are going to give all that money away to their Asian crews?
Agree with you 100%. We have two more booking’s remaining which we paid for a year ago and after that we are done with Celebrity based on our past two cruises and all of the nickel and dime shenanigans. We have looked at Virgin and at land based.
We did a spreadsheet for a side by side with a land based 7 day vacation for a all inclusive premium resort including gratuities, Wi-Fi, all food including premium restaurants and premium drinks. The resort also included excursions and limo bus transport to and from airport. It was $2,175 LESS than Celebrity cruise and was about 97% identical. Cruises are out of control and the time has come to say good bye.
Totally agree! No more cruises until it turns around, and becomes cost effective again.
What resort was that? Sounds great.
Exactly. When I heard about it I decided I would never cruise with them Often times I sail solo. As you said for what? It's all greed.
Agreed! I am voting with my pocketbook too. I have one cruise this year with Celebrity, booked last year. I will not book with Celebrity again unless they change their ways. Now I am reviewing other lines who will hopefully be loyal to me as I make future cruise plans. I'll find your videos helpful as I search for my next vacation cruise options.
The whole “solo’s aren’t paying as much is BS.” These cruiselines are offering so many incintives for companions to travel that there’s almost no universe where they are spending more than a Solo travelers. Cruiselines reguarly have half off or free deals for the 2nd person, they offer even bigger discounts for 3rd and 4th passengers. Half off or free airfare, etc. Most of These 2nd passengers aren’t spending $700 - $1,000 in dining and excursions! Plus the fact that Solos usually din’t get price breaks on the PP rate either.
Exactly!
Great point
Numbers don’t lie, Celebrity does
Zach - thanks for posting. We are heart broken and love Celebrity. The new CEO is awful and on a recent back to back they increase wine prices when my favorite wine was covered on the first cruise but not covered on the second. CEO needs to go now! We got two more cruises booked with them and then are done as well . 😢Such a waste of a great cruise line!
It’s sad what is happening to Celebrity. After our Cruise in March we won’t be back. I feel bad for Celebrity loyal’s
We have two more cruises booked with Celebrity, but we probably will be trying either other cruiselines, or stop cruising for a while. Prices are off the charts for EVERY cruiseline. Insurance and air are no different. A $5K cruise two years ago now costs $10K.
As much as I love Celebrity, I will never book on them again as long as they charge solo cruisers more than what they charge 2 people! They need to wise up! NCL is courting solo cruisers by opening up even more rooms to them without even the normal 100% single supplement.
Everything you said! I'm a solo cruiser withe 5 past cruises on Celebrity but this is the most customer-unfriendly policy ever! After my upcoming cruise on Edge (booked at a good price before this bonehead policy) no more! Doesn't Celebrity realize we have choices? They need to get over themselves.
Not anymore. I just got a solo cruise out of Tampa for around 700$. 7 nights but it is an inside cabin. When you can get 100 per night including taxes it is a tremendous deal. You gotta look at the older ships to get deals for solo cruisers.
COULDN’T AGREE MORE!! Not a solo cruiser, BUT having just sailed on the Apex & the Ascent w/my wife in the Retreat, (loved both cruises BTW) we feel that the ramped up gouging culture as of late by Celebrity is out of hand!
Between the sharply increased fares and the obvious paring of services and declining value, like no longer having gratuities included and butler services now being provided by the “Retreat team” (read that to be primarily the poor overworked cabin stewards) it truly time to send a clear message with our wallets!!
We have been Celebrity fans for years. This trend really saddens us but we will be spending our hard earned dollars elsewhere if this trend continues.
Celebrity is sending a message for sure. It has been hard to see the cuts over the past few months and using the shutdown loses as the reason. They will continue to push whatever they can from the consumer for maximum profits. Thats business and I get it. However, what consumers can do is not book with them, sending a clear message that enough is enough. Unfortunately for solo cruisers, there are still enough people waiting to get on these ships, that Celebrity feels they will book any cabin, boycotted by a solo cruiser. It's a gamble on their part. Let's see how that pans out for them!! If I was a solo cruiser, I would book Norwegian and Virgin exclusively. They LOVE Solo Cruisers!!
I agree with you totally. Unfortunately, however, there are more than enough families and couples who want to cruise on Celebrity that the lack of solo cruisers won't really make a difference. I just came back on Feb. 25 from a 7-night cruise on the Ascent, and it was FULL TO CAPACITY! It seems people are cruising like there's no tomorrow! 😳
@@Dancer810 Agreed! I was on the Reflection a few weeks ago and they were booked solid weeks before sailing.
Zack thank you!!! I’m a very frustrated solo cruiser who was loyal to Celebrity for years. The two cruises I took this past year was so disappointing: the food quality has decline and too many kids allowed to run around in bars and family time in the solarium for entire day! Noisy !!! And yes the over charged. I moved to Virgin Voyages and I’m not looking back.
I was on apex nov 2023 in conceriege class. Let me tell you: understaffed everywhere : no bar floor service, cold food at MDRs with long waits, : shabby furniture in Eden: my cabin furniture was filthy!!!
WOW@@mjm2253 . Apex isn't even that old. Disturbing to hear....
We heard this recently it was sooo shocking!! 😳 We love Celebrity but this is not acceptable to treat loyal solo cruisers like this… 😢
Total agree. My last cruise in Celebrity in October. I paid $500 more than the total another couple paid for both of them on the same cruise. What the heck? I was in a solo cabin! That’s ridiculous!!
I found it intriguing how random individuals supported Celebrity Cruises' choice to increase prices for solo travelers on the Facebook posts, attributing it to a year-long 75% off 2nd guest sale and blaming IT. It's amusing that, after a short 2~ weeks of bad PR, an email from the executive team in a Facebook group revealed a reversal of the decision to charge more than the usual 200% by the end of next week. And I agree, many of the people she wants to throw off the ship, were the same people that were sailing during the restart, putting down multiple deposits for future cruises when they needed the cash. They were the ones that were posting and sharing how safe cruising was during the restart. She’s 100% that leader that beats people down and then offers a cookie and expects you to be soooo thankful that you even got a cookie.
Agree. She is terrible!!!!
Is the cookie free, tho?
I agree with both of you. We've cruised Celebrity exclusively and the old CEO started this trend but the new CEO is taking it to an extreme level... She's lost our business!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan totally forgot about Cookiegate! I guess they would be the same price as grandma used to charge 🤣
@@ZachtheTravelingMan 2 bucks or no cookie
Sorry to hear this is happening to the solo cruiser on Celebrity, Zach. We are also getting frustrated with Celebrity with their constant price gouging. Good luck with your future travels regardless of your cruise line of choice. We will continue to follow you on your adventures in cruising. Cheers!
I appreciate that. :)
They should be ashamed for starting this. I won't be going with them unless they reverse this policy.
I am sailing on the ascent in a couple weeks and booked last spring. I wanted solo but it worked out to $200 cheaper for solo. I booked double occupancy just out of spite. Told the rep for $200 I can ask someone on the street if they want to cruise. SO many options for vacation and pretty soon ppl won't have any money. Seen this before. Book a double but don't buy drink package and don't pay tips. Then go solo... That will send a message.. although I do agree with you, singles get the short end of the stick everywhere, especially no tax breaks.
This is very disheartening. I was really hoping to be a first time solo cruiser with Celebrity this year - but I will NOT pay more than double the price of a double occupancy. That's ridiculous. I'd rather just have a great staycation at home.
Totally agree with you. The price simply cannot be justified.
Try Princess or Virgin I like them both for solo travel
@luvtravel6207 thanks! I've been hearing good things about both of those lines
"The math ain't mathing" ... and the coffee comes out the nose. 😂😂😂
I was expecting this. Good job! Give 'em hell! I'll share this with fellow solo travelers. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Thanks for watching!
I've now read several posts in regards to how much celebrity hates solo travelers with an intense passion and does not welcome them at all on their ships. People need to absolutely boycott this disgrace of a cruise line and not sail on their ships.
I will NEVER book a new sailing on Celebrity since I am a solo cruiser! It is hard enough to pay the double rate as a solo cruiser and I am not made of money. I will stay witj Princess or any other cruise line!
Wow! I have a lot to say about this video, but I'll try to limit it to a couple things. I hope Celebrity looks at your comments too. We are Royal Caribbean users and just finished our 4th cruise with them earning Platinum status. We were considering our next booking being with Celebrity to try out a new experience. So we don't want Celebrity to be just like Royal. We would just sail Royal if that was the case. We always sail as a couple or family so we are not affected by the solo cruiser issue, BUT I am not happy about this either. Once a company starts to mistreat a segment of its CUSTOMERS (we are not consumers), it has demonstrated that it will mistreat any and all of its customers. We were even looking at Celebrity Cruises last night, but now I'm not so sure. I've heard a lot of good things about Princess and before this video I wouldn't have considered anything but Celebrity/Royal. But now...
Thank you for this. I have been a solo cruiser on Celebrity for over 10 years. For the past year, all they have done is peeved me off with all the changes they have made. I cruised with them this past November on Beyond and noticed a big reduction in service. Now with this solo pricing strategy, I'm thinking I'm pretty much done with them. My next cruise might be on Virgin, or I may also look into some of the luxury offerings.
Just had a very disappointing cruise in The Retreat on the Beyond. The price did not match the experience. The food was average at best in Luminae and the lack of quality service was evident. Past loyalty doesn't rate as they are moving on to new cruisers and knowing they have enough lemmings that will continue to book. I am voting with my wallet and have booked three upcoming cruises with other lines. Zach I agree with your observations.
WOW. We have an upcoming cruise in the Retreat on Beyond. I'll be so mad if they don't fix this before the summer.... New CEO definitely needs to go.
I’ve stayed in one of the solo rooms on the Norwegian Prima and really liked it. The room was small, but it was very nice and I liked the private lounge as well.
Thank you for making this video! I am sailing on a Celebrity cruise at the end of January in a standard infinite veranda room. I’m paying the fares of two people occupying the room, which I can understand. I refuse, however, to pay more than that.This will therefore be my last Celebrity cruise. Celebrity may not mind that loss, but I will actively discourage others from sailing on Celebrity. Celebrity should mind that!
I noticed this as well when doing some mock bookings. Thought something was wrong at first, but started hearing others talk about it. Needless to say, I will happily be avoiding Celebrity and RC for that matter.
Wow - this is so disappointing to see my favorite cruise line screwing solo cruisers. I'm on Apex to Norway Fjords in July, thank goodness I booked it long ago as otherwise I would not be affording it. I was lucky to get a solo cabin though. I was hoping to continue my cruising with Celebrity, but obviously they just aren't understanding how to market to the solo cruising community. Big loss of revenue in future if they don't figure it out soon.... Keep up the great solo cruise content, you are an inspiration for my travels! 😃
I'm with you Zach. Your Celebrity reviews tempted me but I also noticed rising costs. I'm going on NCL Prima to Iceland 15 day transatlantic in April. $2100 with drinks and 3 other perks!
Fire the CEO and CFO. I cruise with my wife but often we don't spend a single penny more on the ship other than the included amenities. So what is this MANDATORY spending edict from Celerity. I concur with vote with our pocket book.
Good for your Zach! Thank you for creating this! I have had many viewers and clients say the same thing. They do not even want me to present them Celebrity as an option. Celebrity loyalists have been complaining for months regarding Celebrity's new leadership reducing services and decreasing the quality of everything.
Thanks for making this, Zach! The more people who can voice their disgust with the POOR business decision that was made, the better. Maybe Celebrity will be smart and listen, then change their pricing. Ridiculous. We were so excited for our November 2024 cruise (like you, booked LONG ago), and will have to say that it will be our first and only cruise. Celebrity messed up!
I went on my 1st celebrity cruise last year, am going on the Edge this year, and on the Reflection in 2025. I have checked the price for my reflection cruise and for a single person the cost is about $2400 for inside room vs $1900 for couple. I’m pretty disgusted by Celebrity and will find another company to cruise with going forward if they continue to gouge us solos.
We hear you and we are with you and every solo cruiser out there. We love the Edge class but refrained to book any cruise with them lately because of the exploding total cost. Glad to hear you are not putting up with this "robbery".
I am going on Celebrity Beyond 10 day Southern Caribbean cruise in February. I have a solo veranda all inclusive for $2700.00 booked in 2022. This will probably be my last cruise with them also. I have a Norweigan Viva solo cruise also upcoming and will probably stay with them. Hope Celebrity gets the message. Too bad since they seemed to be solo friendly with there solo cabins.
I just checked single vs double booking on Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas. Same thing, single was than the double fare. Not by as much as you showed on Celebrity but still! 😢 It's actually worse than you reported because you only pay tax and port fees for one. Look at the subtotal and you'll see the real single supplement.
I've posted this on several posts on Facebook. I hope Celebrity pays attention. I've now been on two Celebrity cruises. Apex and Edge, with Silhouette and Ascent booked. We've enjoyed The Retreat immensely. We pay more but find value in our purchase. We take our adult daughter with us in her own cabin. She also enjoys Celebrity, but we may 'change our course' in the future. I'm very disappointed to note the fares for solo travelers are often more than a cabin for two people sailing in an inside, or even veranda cabin. On an Ascent cruise I just booked and inside cabin for two is about $2100. If I book that exact same cabin for one, it's more than $2700. Seems like a gouge to me. One Vlogger, Zach the Traveling Man has done a video and I hope Celebrity pays close attention to what he has to say and how I'm feeling. While many other lines are welcoming solo cruisers with open arms, Celebrity seems to be taking an opposite stance. Please reconsider your pricing structure in this regard. I don't want to go in search of a new cruise line.
Thanks Zach, I am a solo cruiser on Celebrity and have been willing to pay the double cabin price, but going over that just doesn’t sit right with me.
Not a solo cruiser, but since hearing about the crazy prices for cruising solo, my cruising friends and family have decided to no longer do any cruising with Celebrity. So we're done also.
This is terrible! Thank you for relaying this information, Zach. I love your videos. I’m booked on the Reflection this May (my first Celebrity cruise), but I now know not to get too comfy with Celebrity.
I had booked a Celebrity cruise while on a cruise at the future cruise desk, when they still made offers. If I booked the same cruise now it would cost me at least $1,000 more, no Tips incl and No onboard spending. Which I have $650 of onboard spending, all inclusive drinks/wifi/tips.
I am not booking with them now that they have taken this all away.
I totally agree with you Zach. I am due to sail on Celebrity Edge in February but luckily on this cruise I have a friend who will join me. Thanks for raising this issue.
We have had 17 cruises with Celebrity and they have priced us out.
There are people who don't book anything other than what is included with the cruise. They are not doing specialty restaurants
Thank you!!!
Zach! I remember you love the Apex. I totally understand. We lost our butler on our last cruise. But guess what? The butler was there in the hallway, with his hand out, when we were looking for our cabin guy to hand him an additional gratuity. We did not tip the butler. He never did anything for us.
I'm with you Zach. My wife and I have one booked in May. It's her first and it looks like it will be our last. I will be interested in hearing about solo options on other ships. The thing is that I really like a good drinks package, and HAL, Princess, Cunard, MSC and P&O have limited packages and Virgin has no package at all. That leaves NCL as the last one standing. Maybe I'll try Princes. They seem to do will around the British Isles, and a 15 bev limit isn't so bad when I can go ashore and have a few pints in a pub at lunch.
Why on earth would any solo traveler pay these prices, especially for Aqua or Retreat rooms, when you could go on a small upscale or luxury line that includes far more dining options, excursions, drinks, etc.?
Good point. I need to look into some of those for the future.
Exactly
Excellent video Zach. We've been loyal Celebrity cruisers and made Elite after our last cruise in September 2022.
We haven't sailed with them again since then because 2023 prices for UK travellers rose substantially and 2024 are even worse, with the onboard experience diminishing daily.
We've also noticed some absolutely ridiculous routing being proposed when looking at flights by celebrity, eg Manchester to Rome. We've flown direct multiple times on the daily Jet2 service, but celebrity wants to route us via DOHA adding 13 hrs to the flight time!!!
They're simply not delivering what they're promising and this policy for solo cruisers is nothing less than discriminatory. They're only interested in new to cruise retreat guests with masses of cash to spend onboard (income in excess of $100k).
Looking elsewhere for the forseeable future, and I'm a shareholder (currently) as well as a formerly loyal guest.
Thanks Zach, wanted to let you know we are with you. My wife and I really liked Celebrity and subscribed with you because of your love for the product also. We also have two cruises with Celebrity for 2024 that we booked in 22. We will keep them both and will get Elite status after the second but that will be it for us. In 2025 we are going land based and don't plan to book Celebrity again until CEO Laura is gone. What a way to ruin a great brand..
It's such a shame!
Zach, what Celebrity is doing to solo cruisers is disgusting! I’ve done probably 8 or 9 on Celebrity, including an expensive one to the Galapagos, but refuse to book another unless they reverse this ripoff against solo cruisers!
As a first time cruiser this hits home. I will never sail with Celebrity Cruises! Thanks for the heads up!!
Just did a random price check on Celebrity US site for 9 nights on Equinox from Barcelona in a sunset veranda stateroom, $6,551 for a solo $4,631 for 2. Maybe they have a booking glitch, that’s an insane difference.
Thanks Zach! We'll really miss your dedication to Celebrity.... We don't cruise solo, but we're also anxious about our perception of "nickel and dime'ing" and we sent an email to LHB - response indicates wine program will be "revamped" mid-year and "right-sized" fleet-wide by end of month... ...three booked cruises with Celebrity. ...we shall see... Hopefully the marketing department thinks these things through a bit better.
Thanks for speaking up, Zach. I was part of an online discussion about this, and suddenly there were dozens of comments about this. I have Sailed with celebrity many, many times. The atmosphere on the ships has changed, the heavy handed management style has problems. I feel like im being panhandled every moment im on board. My next 2 cruises are with Princess, but i booked a Japan cruise on celebrity after that. It was expensive on the Millenium…an older ship that isnt my favorite. Maybe there are better alternatives
I think it was so sly the way they were charging because nobody did the comparison and now everyone has caught on
I’m sailing Carnival for the first time since both Royal and Celebrity have gotten so expensive for solo. I don’t mind paying a premium, but when it’s more expensive for 1 to cruise than 2, there’s a problem.
Zac I’ve been waiting for your opinion on this (as a fellow solo traveler) love your channel since the beginning ❤
I appreciate that!
I’ve sailed with Celebrity on several cruises. - NO MORE! I do not believe they value my business any longer. Trying out Oceania, and Cunard…. Byron bye Celebrity
My husband and I are elite on Celebrity . While there are two of us, I'm not sure we will be using Celebrity after the cruises we already have booked. We've enjoyed sailing with them because they didn't nickel and dime you. However the changes being made for the solo cruiser and charges for all has made me rethink who we will be sailing with. #Celebrity get your act together and revert to the classy line that you were abd not the money grabbing monster you have become.
So agree! Not Elite yet, but was looking forward to building a long relationship with the brand after our 1st cruise with them in 2022. The "Always Included" set them apart from other lines I've cruised with before. Liked it so much we booked our next cruise with them on Beyond later this year. Treated ourselves to a Sky Suite - then they did the bait and switch by deleting Butler Service. Now they've dropped gratuities from Always Included. Now they're over pricing for solo travelers? Even though I usually travel with others, I was looking forward to enjoying a solo cruise with them at some point. Even if I don't, if you wouldn't value me when I was single, don't expect my money now that I'm not. I understand how corporate America works, but this is just bad business decision after another. Bad leadership is driving away good customers. RCL leadership, when will you realize you need to change course??
Just book for two, no show the second person, port and taxes refunded. Voila same price as if booked single.
Total price gouging and discrimination to try to get more than double from a solo. Already paying double---ok we suck it up. But more? What about the fact that we pay double but there is only one person eating all the included food , only one person using water for showers, less towels, less wear and tear on the cabin and we are paying double but add to the ambiance and experience of others because it is one less body filling elevators, bars etc etc. Are they going to start charging extra for people that don't drink because they don't make as much off them or if they don't use specialty restaurants or buy the junk in the overpriced stores? This is way worse than cookie gate and they backed off that pretty quick. Essentially what they are doing is turning their back on what other lines see as a growing market .One thing I learned in business---no sense spending a ton of money attracting new clients if you are pushing loyal clients out the back door. Maybe they will come to their senses but the good news is there is lots of product out there for the consumer including other travel options besides cruising.
It's so bad now! 😢 Luckily I get good interline deals working with an airline. I'm going on my first VV next Friday! Excited about that. Anyway safe travels!
Zach - Thanks for the video. I think it is actually worse than you are saying since the port fees and taxes don't get charged for the second passenger, so you are giving Celebrity the benefit of not having those fees in your calculation. In your first example, the fare is actually $850 more for a solo, and in the second example the per person fare goes from $1334 to over $3900 - almost 3 times the fare! I have a cruise planned for this fall, but I too may be looking to possibly sail elsewhere.
I noticed the same thing. He didn't even account for taxes and fees, which are only charged for the one passenger, so you're right. The example is actually much worse.
Agree 100%. We have been loyal to Celebrity and Royal but the nickel and dime mentality needs to change. We usually book a suite due to the Gratuities being included in the price. Now celebrity removed that perk. They are going to drive us to another cruise line.
I am glad you did this video. You are the true voice of the single cruiser. I never understand why cruise lines believe 4 people in a room is better. Recently, I looked into booking with Celebrity, but found the same price gauging issue on any of the cruises I researched. Instead of Celebrity, I went with NCL and I am excited to try a cruise line who values solo travelers like myself.
Your videos are great. I always see them, but this one is the best one because I think just like you, when I first travel on Celebrity I love it (I had been in six celebrity cruises in two years) but now with this changes and some others that I don’t like it, I will no longer travel with Celebrity
Agree, I am a solo cruiser and I’m staying away from Celebrity. Royal Caribbean has been doing the same thing for a while. The Royal Caribbean group is biased against solo cruisers.
I am so glad to see this video. I have been so frustrated over the last month that their solo pricing for Celebrity has increased, more than double for some sailings. It is ridiculous of what they’re charging at this point. 100% agree celebrity is price gouging soul travelers. I do have a cruise booked un celebrity for this July, but that will be my last cruise with celebrity unless they change something with their solo pricing.
It actually cost more to stay in a single, infinite veranda for one person, then two people at double occupancy in a regular Infinite veranda.
I have three cruises in 2024 but I’m not booking any more cruises with them.
I agree with you Zach, I am already booked on a Celebrity cruise this year, this will be my first and last, after I sail on Celebrity this year, there are too many options for Cruising,
Way to go Zach! They all need to be called out. I’m paying more as a solo on Icon than my two friends in the same type of inside cabin. They are doing it because they can. I’m surprised I haven’t been cancelled because they would rather have two people in my room. That’s the corporate world today. It’s just ridiculous. Thanks for putting this out there.
As we say in Aus 🇦🇺 good on ya mate! I’ve got 3 upcoming cruises with Celebrity and am cancelling all … turning up the “privilege meter” ain’t working Celebrity! Most of us are just hard working people, saving our money to enjoy your product and the turnaround in the offerings, value for money and constant changes without informing guests is out of touch. They’ve lost me. I’m checking out Princess, NCL and HAL. Laura, sit up and take notice. Zach, as always telling it like it is! Keep up the good work mate 🇦🇺🙏