Celebrity Cruises Responds to Passenger Backlash

[@tomsunday]

Best Cruise Tips: kzbin.info/aero/PLAMELD7KEuK7l-FyGZnPrnJuHUy6Vh44c&si=S0w8MiechfvI0kGp

[@gowithgid3274]

I was on that cruise. The sign lasted about four hours before it was taken down to the delight of us sitting in el Bacio. The power of social media! Celebrity just announced their tips from the "All-Inclusive" perk will be removed beginning Oct. 3.

[@tomsunday]

I'm pleased that Celebrity has reconsidered their decision, and I hope you had a fantastic cruise on the Equinox. I have a voyage planned on that ship at the end of September. I've been informed about the removal of the all-inclusive package. Currently, I am in the process of collecting all pertinent information, which I'll be sharing in my upcoming video, slated for release this Thursday or Friday. After assessing the data, it's evident that the elimination of the all-inclusive offering could greatly impact those sailing in the Retreat. This is bound to provoke strong reactions from many individuals. I'm hoping that there's some aspect I might not be aware of, and once I've gathered all the specifics, I'll provide you with a comprehensive breakdown. Thank you for engaging in this conversation, and for subscribing! Cheers!

[@edwardbarreto8410]

Thanks Tom. We are going on our first Celebrity cruise on Summit next month and your videos are very informative. Looks like lots of changes happening there!

[@tomsunday]

You're very welcome, Edward! I'm glad to know that you're finding the videos to be of help. I actually had the pleasure of sailing on the Summit just last month. It's truly a fantastic ship. I have a variety of videos planned that will offer you a detailed look at the rooms, dining options, and other experiences from my journey. If you happen to have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I'll do my best to answer. Wishing you an incredible time on your upcoming cruise. Upon your return, I'd greatly appreciate hearing your thoughts. Cheers!

[@jrm2515]

If what you mentioned about paying for all meals, is more than speculation, I'll be spending my money at land all-inclusives. Cruising would be a sail on a ship with a room to sleep in. All-inclusives have a lot more to offer i.e. multiple restaurants to choose from, all your drinks, lots of activities and a large room to sleep and relax in, all for free. No brainer.

[@tomsunday]

Agreed, it would be a no brainer. However this is definately a speculation. I will report as soon as we have any news on it.

[@renatewilkinson974]

Great video, thank you. I am going on 3 Celebrity cruises between October and December and again looking forward to my cruises. Your videos a short and precise, getting right the the point. The best on KZbin.

[@tomsunday]

Thank you very much for your kind words, Renate! Your feedback truly brightened my day. Rest assured, I am committed to putting in the effort and ensuring you stay well-informed. Keep an eye out for my next video, which is scheduled for release this Thursday or Friday. It sounds like you have an incredible lineup of cruises planned between October and December! What an exciting way to spend your time. I'll be aboard the Equinox at the end of September and the Ascent at the start of December. Perhaps our paths will cross on one of these voyages, giving me the opportunity to greet you in person. Until then, wishing you smooth sailing and joyful adventures. Cheers!

[@butalina]

Celebrity is making a HUGE MISTAKE...Not including tips in their not so all inclusive package...Many people will go to guest relations on board and customize their tips leaving many crew members not seeing a dime..also going back to envelopes to just some of the crew members you see like the Cabin Steward, Waiter and Busboy leaving out everyone else who works behind the scenes...It all boils down to stiffing passengers even more to pay even more. ...WHEN DOES THIS NONSENSE STOP. This president won't be happy till the Celebrity brand is trashed and turns it into Royal Caribbean....

[@tomsunday]

I am shocked at their decision making skills. This has got to be one of the worse moves I have seen in a very long time. I am working on a video as we speak. I have so much to say about this. It will be out tomorrow afternoon. Unbelievable.

[@butalina]

@@tomsunday Your the best Cruise vlogger around bro... Funny neither the President or her executive officer made any mention of this in our conversations, Not that I am important to them, I was hoping they would be totally honest with me..mentioning all the reversals, But not their continued cuts..I will go into my cruise on Sept 21 - 30th with an open mind and remebering their trip of a life time comments....But I have a bad taste in my mouth...it seems like something new is being thrown at us every other day...Do they not realize that they will be trashed on all social media site like Cruise critic and so on...

[@tomsunday]

@@butalina Thank you for your kind words, Mark! I really appreciate them. You should keep an open mind and try to enjoy your hard earned vacation. I very much agree with you about this. Their moves do not make an sense. Even mathematically speaking. I will break my thoughts down in tomorrows video. I am very disappointed in them.

[@josephkessel2276]

This is great news. I am scheduled to sail on the Equinox in early September and I was saddened when you first posted your video regarding the surcharge for cookies and the loss of the chocolates and canapés. These little touches being reinstated is going to make my Aqua class voyage feel like the upscale experience it is supposed to be. I'm glad Celebrity came to their senses.

[@tomsunday]

I agree with you, Joseph! This is good news. I am also sailing on the Equinox at the end of September and looking forward to it very much. Aqua should be a great experience for you. Don't forget to check out the Persian Garden. I would love to hear your feedback once you return. Cheers!

[@Peakibooo]

I am on the celebrity apex right now. We are in the celebrity suite of the retreat. Our butler is almost non existent. No little evening treats or canapés. We did get turndown service, with chocolates on our pillow last night, which is our first night. I ordered room service for breakfast as I’m dealing with serious jet lag (a 9 hour time change from Vancouver to Amsterdam) and I was shocked that our butler dropped the breakfast tray off on the table and left, leaving us to serve and separate the tray. He didn’t even pour the coffee, not sure if it’s celebrity’s new policy, or a lousy butler. Took us 5 hours to meet him yesterday, so far has only done one of the 2 simple requests we asked for. He had said, it was his first day on this ship. He came in yesterday on a new contract…. Well not my problem… if you have raised through the ranks to butler in the retreat, you should know better.. I found dinner in luminae to have many options, the lobster and something else was additional, but we didn’t have that anyway. I’d be more upset if salmon was additional instead of lobster, which it isn’t. The ship is gorgeous, all of the staff we encountered have been friendly and wonderful. Should our butler get his sea legs today, I’ll be very happy, and to be frank, our 2 requests for him are small and almost nonexistent, (we asked for a bottle of wine, and 2 beer for our fridge) so I’m pretty surprised that we received the wine but not the beer. Oh well, I can’t let the small stuff ruin my vacation

[@tomsunday]

Thank you for sharing your experience on aboard the Apex. It's the only Edge class ship I haven't sailed on. I am a bit shocked at your Butler situation. Normally they are very good. Let me ask you a question about Luminae. I am a little confused about your statement when it comes to lobster. Are you saying that Luminae is charging extra for Lobster?

[@williamwatson689]

Being new to your channel I like your style and consice delivery of information valuable to cruisers.

[@tomsunday]

You're very welcome, William! I'm delighted that you enjoy my approach and find the videos helpful. I'm dedicated to upholding this level of commitment and ensuring that I deliver the most current information to you. The next video is scheduled for release on Thursday or Friday. Looking forward to connecting with you then. Cheers!

[@corinnecastrillon9635]

Now get them to restore Butlers to Sky Suites. People paid for a suite expecting ALL benefits and they take them away with NO NOTICE. I have 4 cruises booked and leave on first one in 45 days. If my service isn’t the same I may be canceling the other 3 to go to Oceania. Thank goodness Cookiegate & vaping have been reversed! Keep up the great videos, I enjoy them.

[@tomsunday]

Thank you for your kind words, Corinne! I am glad you enjoy the videos. I agree with you, removing the butler service without any notice is unacceptable. They should at least offer something to the people that booked prior to this change. I am really interested in hearing about your experience. Celebrity mentioned that the "Retreat Team" will be a more efficient way to serve guests. However, I feel like its a cost cutting measure since the higher suites still get a personal butler. Please share your feedback once finish your first trip. I sincerely hope you have a fantastic time. Cheers!

[@butalina]

The return of butlers will not happen...Many people have stated they love the new dedicated suite team...

[@tomsunday]

@@butalina Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Mark!

[@annemarieoconnor8689]

Spot on !. We disembarked from Apex on 21st Aug.23 Very disappointed and even a bit shocked with all open dining. Repetitive menus laced with cheap food i.e. rock fish, flank steak, pork chop, and pasta with 5 tiny pieces of chicken hiding within. Definitely pushing "Foodie" guests to their expensive restaurants. Beautiful ship and excellent crew.

[@tomsunday]

I'm truly sorry to hear about your disappointing dining experience, Anne Marie. I very much agree with your points. I've recently sailed on the Edge, Beyond, and Summit, and I couldn't agree more about the state of their main dining room menus. It's becoming increasingly clear that if you want to truly enjoy your meals, you have to opt for specialty dining.

[@lazydayhorsefarm]

WOW! It's so nice to hear some positive news about Celebrity. I can't imagine them taking away the all the included dining but nothing really surprises me these days in the cruise world. Only time will tell. Thank you again for keeping us informed on what's going on in the world of cruising. You are one of my favorite cruise youtubers out there.

[@tomsunday]

Thank you very much for your kind words - they truly brightened my day! I'm happy to hear that you're finding the videos enjoyable and informative. Rest assured, I am dedicated to providing you with the latest updates and will continue putting in the effort to make sure you stay in the loop. Look out for the next video, which is scheduled for release this Thursday or Friday. I'm excited to connect with you then and continue our discussions. Cheers, and a big thank you for subscribing!

[@butalina]

Thank you Tom so very much... The Menu is here to stay... The added up charge (their reasoning) is because they don't normally offer those items more then once, But does not explain why the 2nd Lobster is not free while the 2nd Lobster is free in Blu on the Last Chic night and why Beef Wellington is gone forever. Filet Mignon is on the Menu in Blu and not in the MDR.....The smaller menu is to cut down on waste so they say. As I stated, they promised me a cruise that will be very memorable...but is it because I was so outspoken ?...what is good for one is good for all I say..

[@tomsunday]

Thank you, Mark! I very much appreciate your passion for cruising. It's great to see our community growing and I am happy you are part of it. I look forward to hearing about your next cruise. Hopefully Celebrity makes everything right and you have a blast! Btw, the discord server will be ready in less than 1 month. I will post about it as soon as it available and look forward to more conversation. Cheers!

[@butalina]

​@@tomsundayI downloaded discord...But have no idea how it works...😅

[@tomsunday]

@@butalina don't worry. It's really easy and I will help. You will get very familiar with it as soon as you join a server. If you wanted a crash course, here is a good KZbin tutorial. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXuUdIB9jd-hfNksi=KWwI97ivjc_soMas

[@tomsunday]

Here is another good video with more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHQlZScgtRkmJosi=lm8SvEWeKRCX0oHx

[@butalina]

@@tomsunday I will wait for you...I am not the techiest person around..😂😂

[@joannbrackney6542]

Just came off 21 days on the Celebrity Apex. Great to hear they have pulled back on a few possible changes. I will be writing as well as to our severe disappointment in the reduced number of entree choices in the main dining room, and that they have too many chicken dishes and salmon. They also did not have their delicious French onion soup every night as they have always had in the past. This is very difficult when on a ship for 21 days. The menu gets very old.

[@tomsunday]

Thanks for your insights, Joann! I noticed the same issue on the Summit. I sailed on it last month and saw no french onion soup at all. I wonder why this is the case. I am sorry to hear about your disappointments in the variety of the menu in the main dining room. I very much agree with your feedback. By the way, did you happen to notice whether the filet mignon has been removed from the menu as well? Many passengers are commenting that the filet is no longer available, not even on the last formal night. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Cheers!

[@joannbrackney6542]

@@tomsunday Filet is on for an extra charge. I don’t remember it being included before? I know prime rib was and you used to have lobster 2 nights but now only one. We are Celebrity Elite and I love Celebrity but the menu was a serious disappointment. The chicken roulade tasted the same as the chicken Kiev that tasted like another chicken dish. Turkey one night and Turkey parm one night. Very inexpensive meals. Even the soup choices weren’t great. Salmon every single night. I wrote this on the card they leave in the room and in the survey they send after the cruise. I’m hoping they get a lot of feedback and put back a couple more entree choices. My friend had one dish 5 times because there was nothing else of interest to her. Better choices in the buffet.

[@butalina]

@@joannbrackney6542 Lobster was never offered on two nights, only on the 2nd formal night...But a 2nd Lobster was always offered. Now the 2nd Lobster is only available in Blu free of xharge on Lobster night....and I suppose Lumine. Also note the ONLY time the Lobster was good and I am going all the way back to the start of Celebrity back in 1990 was in 2015 when Captain Kate announced on the Summit while sailing the New England Canada itinerary, while docked in Portland Maine Celebrity was bringing one entire Lobster for every passenger on board..All the other times, Lobster served on cruise lines are not very good...But I guess it is the principle not the quality.

[@tomsunday]

​@@joannbrackney6542 I completely agree with your feedback. I experienced the same issue on my 7-day cruise. I can only imagine how monotonous the menus must feel during a 21-day voyage. I'm truly sorry to hear about your disappointment. Your decision to share this feedback with Celebrity is commendable. More passengers need to vocalize their dissatisfaction. I echo your sentiment regarding the buffet - it's disheartening that some feel it's a better option than the main dining room. Celebrity should take this as a serious concern. It's evident that the dining room menus appear designed to steer passengers towards specialty dining. Your insights will be a vital addition to my next food review. I'll also ensure that this screenshot reaches the Food and Beverage Directors at Celebrity. This situation is far from acceptable. Thank you for sharing, Joann. I genuinely value this conversation.

[@sherylgenco6044]

Thanks for this update. Celebrity is going to lose customers soon with these experiments and removals to the experience. Good news that some of the options and no vaping are back.

[@tomsunday]

You are most welcome, Sheryl! I am happy to finally report some good news. I hope they keep this up. As soon as we have more information, I will let you know. Cheers!

[@peterjones3712]

It’s amazing how quickly the former stellar brand image of Celebrity is being systematically dismantled through haphazard budget cuts and amateur attempts or no attempts at communication of these changes.

[@tomsunday]

Very well said. I could't agree more. Short sighted business decisions that ruin a hard earned reputation.

[@jus1red]

Thanks Tom. The bad news is that they gave back choc chip cookies but for bookings made after 1 October 2023, gratuities are no longer included in “all included” and similar changes to Aqua and Suites. Just announced by the Travelling Gamblers who are on Equinox and have had confirmed in writing and by Future Cruises Manager on board.

[@tomsunday]

Im glad you enjoyed the video. Yep, Celebrity actually sent mail to anyone who had Aqua/Retreat booked about this change. There are lots of details involved. It seems to be bad news for anyone in Retreat. I am working out the details and will talk about it in the next video.

[@bally_malone8]

Perhaps they can put up blue flashing lights to let Cruisers know where the best early bird dinner specials can be found.....Will cruisers be allowed to bring their own food onboard?

[@tomsunday]

Interesting idea! The cruise lines try to push you towards paid venues. Im sure that bringing your own food will not be allowed. However, I can imagine someone bringing their own groceries on board. 😂 Btw if you have any questions regarding early bird dinner, I can help. It's one of my favorite meals of the day.

[@richardswanson708]

Tom, please get to the bottom of the tip no longer being included in the "all inclusive package." As it is now it forces people to "automatically" tip the overworked and under paid crew. But by deleting the tip inclusion, the net result will allow some cheap skate passengers to stiff the crew. which is not fair to the crew or the ones that actually tip well. This new policy would have the effect of the crew subsidizing Celebrity ticket price.

[@tomsunday]

Hello Richard, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your genuine concern for others is both rare and refreshing in today's world. From my understanding, the changes to tips do not affect the employees directly. Passengers who opt for the all-inclusive package will still have the daily tips added to their onboard account, unless they choose to pay them upfront. This process will be similar to how others pay for tips when selecting cruise-only rates. I'm not entirely certain if it's possible to entirely remove tips from the equation. There might be exceptions, such as if a passenger visits guest services with specific complaints about the service. Please do correct me if I've misunderstood any of these details. Your input is valuable.

[@e92miami]

After reading this comment section I can see why Virgin won all the awards this year.

[@tomsunday]

Fellow BMW owner. E92 M3?

[@terminator7832]

We just completed 10 days cruise from Arub with Celebrity Summit. The Main dining room is total disappointment and they use low quality ingredients and low-quality foods for their customers. Main dining room is total disappointment, they use powder for their watery soup base, such as for clam chowder, and pasta fagioli, they are unacceptable. They also use baby meatless mussels, baby shrimps and baby scallops, they try save money, or they may need a new chef. Coffee and the powder Creamer, * one star, just lack of taste and lack of aroma, they taste so bad Shrimp scampi dish is a joke, 1 star * they put four baby shrimps on top of the yellow sauce, they all them shrimp scampi, need to learn the real scampi receipt, Prime rib and sirloin steak *** three stars, they just served them as cafeteria style standard Watery Pasta fagioli soup * one star, it tasted is so bad, they should use diced potatoes, not potato starch, need to get to use real potato, need improvement with for the new receipt. Watery green pea soup , taste so bad, they use green pea powder for soup base, need to use real green peas for soup base. Need improvement with for the new receipt. Shrimp cocktail ** two stars, they use Baby shrimp as shrimp cocktail Chicken breast * one star overcooked. Toast chicken * one star overcooked Lemon pepper chicken * one star overcooked Seafood orzo * one start cook with baby mussels with no meat, baby shrimp and scallop, need to be improved. Sautéed salmon grill salmon * one start on top of pasta, * one star, need to learn sautéed receipt, not just grill the salmon and put it on top of pasta, need to lean understand Sauteed the Salmon, need to be improved. Mushroom tempura, they breaded the mushrooms with sauce. it is not crispy tempura style fry mushrooms. Grill sirloin steak with gravity, need to be improved. We just completed 10 days cruise from Arub with Celebrity Summit. The Main dining room is total disappointment and they use low quality ingredients and low-quality foods for their customers. Main dining room Coffee and the powder Creamer, * one star, just lack of taste and lack of aroma, they taste so bad Shrimp scampi dish is a joke, 1 star * they put four baby shrimps on top of the yellow sauce, they all them shrimp scampi, need to learn the real scampi receipt, Prime rib and sirloin steak *** three stars, they just served them as cafeteria style standard Watery Pasta fagioli soup * one star, it tasted is so bad, they should use diced potatoes, not potato starch, need to get to use real potato, need improvement with for the new receipt. Watery green pea soup , taste so bad, they use green pea powder for soup base, need to use real green peas for soup base. Need improvement with for the new receipt. Shrimp cocktail ** two stars, they use Baby shrimp as shrimp cocktail Chicken breast * one star overcooked. Toast chicken * one star overcooked Lemon pepper chicken * one star overcooked Seafood orzo * one start cook with baby mussels with no meat, baby shrimp and scallop, need to be improved. Sautéed salmon grill salmon * one start on top of pasta, * one star, need to learn sautéed receipt, not just grill the salmon and put it on top of pasta, need to lean understand Sauteed the Salmon, need to be improved. Mushroom tempura, they breaded the mushrooms with sauce. it is not crispy tempura style fry mushrooms. Grill sirloin steak with gravity, need to be improved.

[@tomsunday]

Thank you so much for sahring your feedback! This is extremely helpful to everyone considering booking their cruises with Celebrity.

[@debbiehenderson4821]

Awesome news on vaping! Going on Celebrity Eclipse in May and was worried about all the smoke! Thank you as well to Mark- & Celebrity for listening to its passengers! We will cruise again with them in the near future!! Thank you for keeping us up- dated 🛳🛳🛳🛳🛳

[@tomsunday]

You're very welcome, Debbie! I'm delighted to hear that you're finding these updates enjoyable and informative. Stay tuned for another update coming your way this Thursday or Friday. It's definitely encouraging to see Celebrity making positive changes, and I'm with you in hoping that they continue down this path. Your interest and support are truly appreciated. Cheers!

[@nancyneal5377]

Celebrity was just testing the waters with something as small as cookies. It is better to raise the price of the cruise, than cut their quality. We all know fuel and food prices have increased alot, so I understand, but cruising is still the best overall experience. Some people want things to be the way they were, but those days are over. Just be greatful that we had a luxury vacation, for minimal money.

[@ericericson3535]

I know the cruise industry has been going through some tough times financially after two years of no business, but charging for pizza and cookies? I wonder if the genius who thought New Coke was going to be a game changer is now working for Celebrity. I know it's not Celebrity, but Princess should have been charging for Alfredo's all along! It's a casual restaurant on the same idean as Salty Dog Pub! Having worked in food service marketing for over thirty years, one thing you learn is NEVER eliminate a service you provided before. Thanks for the clarification, how many cookies does it take to buy a cruise ship anyway.

[@tomsunday]

You're very welcome, Eric! Thank you for sharing your insights and perspective on this matter. I completely agree with your viewpoint. It's quite surprising that Celebrity didn't anticipate the significant backlash when they removed a service. As you pointed out, most marketing professionals are well aware of this potential reaction. It's a bit perplexing that Celebrity seemed to have missed the mark in gauging their customers' reactions. Nevertheless, I truly value your input and our discussion. Cheers!

[@brunkerj]

I don't buy the speculative guessing about a move to paid restaurants. Not at all. There are many personality types that will automatically jump to the very extreme in what 'might happen' and turn it into 'what is going to happen'. Also, the 'slight of hand' guess doesn't seem valid to me. All the changes get posted to social media almost immediately. The changes that are for sure, like dropping included gratuities, are the ones that concern me. I'll keep watching, and look forward to my May cruise in a Celebrity Suite. But I won't be booking 2025 without comparing to Silversea, Seabourn, Viking Ocean, and a few others.

[@tomsunday]

Dropping the gratuities for Retreat guests is unacceptable. There are more changes coming your way. I have a video dropping today that will detail all that we know so far. I would like to hear your feedback once you watch it.

[@stevenkukene9970]

Wondering if this is a smoke an mirrors trick similar to RCI’s pizza experiment. Distracting passengers with pizza or cookies prices, backtracking while raising specialty dining prices, etc. Nickel and dime much?

[@tomsunday]

Agreed, Steve. A lot of people are thinkiing the same thing you are. I have a video coming out tomorrow that will expand on this a bit more.

[@dresadin]

Celebrity has announced a number of, imo, very negative changes over the last 24 hours. Looking forward to hearing from you about these changes. At this point, if you are a premium cruiser (the Retreat) why would you bother. Move to a luxury/ultra-luxury line for the same price and much better service and quality, imo.

[@tomsunday]

I am in shock about some of their recent business decisions. This one has got to be one of the worst I've seen in a long time. I am running the numbers and recording a video about it as we speak. It will be out tomorrow morning. Thank you for watching. I have so much to say about this I dont even know where to start. This is just unbelievable. Can they be any more disconnected from their base? :/

[@jabbathehut656]

Was on Beyond last June. It was fabulous. I couldnt complain about anything. Well maybe the Infinite veranda. Whats concerning is the constant chatter about changes, and theres usually no smoke without fire. Br careful here folks, we call this gaslighting in the UK. They make a big issue out of something relatievly minor, whilst doing much more major stuff in the background. I can almost guarantee this is happening here.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

They are actually sliding Celebrity under Royal as an experience.

[@tomsunday]

I can't understand their logic.

[@butalina]

CANAPES have been reinstated in AQUA CLASS...But you must request them....

[@tomsunday]

New development? This is good news!

[@butalina]

@@tomsunday Yes it is...also I have done this...tip the Cabin steward $20 and you can get Shrimp every day delivered as a Canape....waiting for word on the Chocolate.

[@EdwardTCBlake]

2:59 when did red and white striped hipster overalls become fashionable for shirtless white guys?

[@tomsunday]

I was actually wondering if anyone would catch that detail. Good eyes! This was filmed aboard the Celebrity Beyond during spring break. The ship was completely booked, hosting a vibrant and youthful crowd. Frankly, it was quite fascinating to witness such a diverse mix of passengers. I must admit, the cruise was an enjoyable and entertaining experience!

[@gowithgid3274]

One thing going for the ship is it has Lewis, one of their best cruise directors. He keeps thing fun.

[@tomsunday]

That is so true! I LOVE Cruise Director Lewis! I had him on the Edge last year, and he was fantastic.

[@tomsunday]

Same here! I also met him on the Edge. Him and Captain Tasos together made my cruise.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

Big deal. They gave back the cookies and took away the gratuities from All In.

[@tomsunday]

Very good point, Melvin! I am working on that video now. It seems this is bas news for people in the Retreat.

[@Beachdudeca]

Given the cruise price it was stupid to charge for cookies

[@tomsunday]

I very much agree with this. It sends the wrong message to their customers. In fact, I honestly think they should have offered it for free on the last formal night. This could have been really good PR and would make a lot of people happy.

[@gowithgid3274]

Got your reply about being on the ship. I'm back on Sept. 16..hope that's you date.

[@tomsunday]

I'll be on the 8-night sailing that starts on September 30th. Unfortunately, it looks like I will miss you by just two weeks. That's a bit disappointing; I would have loved the opportunity to say hello. But who knows, maybe our paths will cross in the future!

[@oldguy9078]

Cruise lines are going to have to charge more in order to make up for the two year loss during the lockdown we all know that it is going to cost more to cruise that's a given, so if they increase the cost of your cruise to make up for the loss by higher cruise fares or if they start charging for things that used to be free we will have to pay for it either way. Bottom line is get ready it's going to cost more to cruise no matter how they do it.

[@tomsunday]

You present a compelling argument. If payment is necessary, a moderate adjustment in cruise fare pricing would likely be received more favorably (which, incidentally, has already occurred with nearly a 30% fare increase). This approach of adding extra charges on top of fare increases is being perceived by cruise passengers as a covert strategy to extract more money from them. Celebrity needs to change their approach. Otherwise people will just go to Oceania, Azamara and so on.

[@butalina]

I brought this up to the President and Executive officer... I mentioned many loyal passengers don't mind paying a bit more for the same service and quality known for Celebrity...But what we don't like is paying more and implement cuts as well...Charge more but keep the same standards..they logged all my thoughts and displeasure while on the phone with them.

[@fabulousfreddyisready]

Actually, we don't have to pay for them either way.... oldguy9078....🙄 This old guy and his wife will spend their hard earned money elsewhere. Bottom line the two year covid BS affected everyone.

[@michaelmorton4974]

Finally some good news!

[@tomsunday]

I hope they keep this up!

[@band3513]

good news on the cookies, but they will keep trying to charge for crap so keep complaining.

[@tomsunday]

Very good news! I 'm genuinely hopeful that I can keep delivering more positive updates about Celebrity Cruises. Look out for the next video, set to be released on Thursday or Friday. I'm eager to continue our conversation in that video. Thank you for your ongoing interest and support!

[@farab4391]

I wouldn’t be upset if they got rid of the included dining rooms and made the buffet bigger and better. Then if you want to go for restaurant experience, go to a specialty restaurant

[@tomsunday]

Do you think they would lower the prices if they were to cut the dining out completely? Keep in mind avereage specialty restaurant on Celebrity is more that 55 dollars per person/per visit.

[@farab4391]

@@tomsunday no, I’m just hoping they won’t increase prices anymore. Their cuts have never been about lowering prices, it’s been about cutting services while still increasing prices. So all I was saying is that I would be happy without included restaurant dining, since I’m sure that must cost quite a bit more than the buffet, as long as they would stop cutting the buffet service and make it a bit more special which would cost less than the savings on not having restaurant service. All I want is good food with a wide selection, I don’t care that I have to dish it up myself. STOP CHARGING ME MORE WHILE GIVING ME LESS. Give me good food and drink included and I’ll be happy!!! They’ve made what was supposed to be a very simple formula, very complicated 🤷‍♂️

[@pullcarsmelly8051]

Call me a cynic Tom, but last time they threatened pizza and reversed, they increased the cost of specialty dining options instead, in some cases, by over 40%. Waiting for some other shoe to drop on celebrity, after the cookie thing. I could be wrong, but I'm a petty man who likes to be right. So, I'm getting this comment in, under the wire!:) Adopting a "wait and see"........

[@tomsunday]

I believe this strategy is quite effective. Employing a "wait and see" approach is a good idea, and I appreciate your experience and valuable insights. There's absolutely nothing wrong with sharing your opinion. I very much enjoy our discussions. It's true that Celebrity has been implementing numerous changes, and unfortunately, most of them haven't been favorable. I am just happy to finally report some positive news. Such occurrences have been rare in the past months. I share your optimism that things might change, but, as you rightly mentioned, adopting a "wait and see" stance is the wisest course of action.