Celebrity Cruises was once firmly established as a premium “Modern Luxury” line—where crisp service, high-end cuisine, and all-inclusive perks set it apart. You and many other loyal cruisers have long favored suites and retreat-level travel aboard their ships. But in recent years—particularly post-COVID—subtle cost-cutting and shifting priorities have begun to chip away at that reputation.

📉 Eroding Suite-Class Value

Many travelers report growing dissatisfaction with diluted suite-level amenities—especially within The Retreat. Guests note that butler service now seems limited or even delegated to stateroom attendants rather than offering personalized attention. Some cruisers have reported that their onboard credit was reduced without explanation or restitution—a move that damages long-term trust.

Packages once marketed under the “Modern Luxury” umbrella now feel more price-driven. You’ve noticed that onboard credit has been eliminated for suite guests in many cases, even when paying a premium price for Retreat accommodations. This shift leaves a bad taste, especially for returning guests accustomed to more inclusive value.

👎 Food & Dining: From Premium to Just OK

Post-COVID, the quality of meals aboard Celebrity has been a frequent gripe:

• Blu restaurant, once a hallmark of wellness-focused sophistication, now has fewer menu options and inconsistent quality.

• Guests aboard both Solstice- and Edge-class ships report cramped buffet areas, slow service, lukewarm meals, and dated environments.

• The main dining room experience, once refined, has slipped into inconsistency—food may still be plentiful, but not particularly memorable. Several travelers describe the service as rushed and overextended.

Overall, while food remains a highlight in theory, in practice, it’s no longer reliably premium. Guests used to an elevated standard are noticing.

💰 From “Always Included” to A La Carte Everything

Celebrity once leaned heavily into its “Always Included” campaign, emphasizing that Wi-Fi, drinks, and gratuities were bundled into the cruise fare. That promise has quietly receded.

In its place is a more traditional cruise model: base fares advertised as low as possible, with a range of upcharges—often pushed through constant upselling onboard and pre-cruise. Specialty dining, drink upgrades, shore excursions, and even some internet services now cost more than they did just a few years ago.

This pricing pivot puts Celebrity in closer competition with large, mainstream lines rather than maintaining the aspirational space it once comfortably occupied. For long-time guests accustomed to a higher-end experience, the shift is palpable—and disappointing.

🎙️ Traveler Sentiment: A Mixed Bag

• Longtime suite cruisers feel increasingly sidelined. Public spaces once open to all are now being cordoned off for premium access. While some enjoy the exclusivity, others sense a growing divide.

• Service across the fleet feels more transactional and less personal. Crew members are still doing their best, but they’re often stretched thin, and it shows.

• For guests who haven’t cruised with Celebrity before, the experience may still feel modern and stylish. But those with past cruises as a benchmark often express concern that the brand’s heart has shifted.

One traveler summed it up: “Celebrity used to feel like an escape. Now it just feels like they’re trying to sell me something at every turn.”

🛳️ Your Perspective & Alternatives

You’ve sailed in suites for years and know what to expect—and what’s now missing. From the loss of OBC to changes in the consistency of butler service, it’s no longer meeting the standard that brought you onboard in the first place. And with the overall vibe shifting from curated to commercialized, it’s understandable you’ve looked elsewhere.

Lines like Explora Journeys, Azamara, and Viking Ocean are now better aligned with the travel experience you’re looking for. These lines emphasize true inclusivity, personalized attention, and thoughtful luxury. Shore excursions, Wi-Fi, drinks, and even laundry are often bundled. And most importantly, the atmosphere is calm and guest-focused, not constantly buzzing with upsells.

✅ Final Take

Celebrity Cruises still offers a good experience—but it’s not the same one it used to be. While some ships, itineraries, and cabins still shine, many elements that defined the brand’s identity have softened or disappeared.

Here’s a snapshot:

For new guests, Celebrity may still feel premium. But for seasoned cruisers like you who remember the golden years of “Modern Luxury,” the contrast is hard to ignore.

🧭 Recommendation

If you’re seeking smooth, inclusive experiences that respect your time and spending, shifting your loyalty to other lines makes sense. Explora Journeys, Azamara, and Viking Ocean are catering to travelers who want service without having to ask twice, quality that doesn’t need to be explained, and pricing that reflects the total experience—not just the cabin.

Celebrity still has potential—but for those of us who remember its finer days, it may be time to look elsewhere for consistency, comfort, and connection.