Changes at Celebrity

After returning from our latest annual Celebrity cruise to the Caribbean on the Eclipse (we have been every year with them since 2004), I feel inclined to give my view on the various changes we have seen. We were not aware that they have dispensed with the Formal nights (Dec 15 apparently) so packed the usual black tie in the luggage. The replacement ‘Evening Chic’ is more or less, wear what you like, which was disappointing. Celebrity say that you can wear Black Tie or jeans and a sweater, which is a mish-mash of styles. Other changes we have seen are charging a fee for the popular Zumba dance classes, which were previously enjoyed by many for free on the pool deck each day. I don’t know anyone who participates nowadays. The baked alaska parade on one of the last nights in the Dining Room, where the guests have the opportunity to cheer on their waiters and sommelier, who have looked after them during the cruise has now ceased. Celebrity now have a Dining Room for suite guests (Luminiere) in addition to Aqua Class (Blu), with the result that less people seem to be using the main Dining room. The reduction in the meal portion size, which is fine for us, may also be a reason for fewer people using this restaurant and possibly going to the buffet restaurant. The Specialty restaurants were never busy and from day one we were offered 20% discount on the regular price, which indicates that guests are not prepared to pay the stated high price. This year we struggled to find a bottle of wine in the Murano restaurant under $50, plus 18% of course. I cannot fault the ship or the crew, hence awarding 5 stars for the individual categories but as someone who knows Celebrity well and has seen various changes which we don’t consider a positive step, I have given them an overall 4 as the experience felt diluted compared with previous cruises which we couldn’t fault.