We have never received free tokens. However, on the Crown the machines were working without tokens. We have done three cruises this year and never once received tokens and we are elite.
We were on the Ruby in April. We had received white medallions. When we checked in there was a crew member stationed at check in to put the black sticker on the medallion. She told us that all of the medallions start off white and then the loyalty stickers are applied. A lot of medallions had been mailed before they were ready.
We just got our medallions for the Ruby leaving April 14. We received white ones, but are elite. I like the white better than the black. I too am wondering why...
It does not feel the same. On the Crown in January, we could not get in either time it was offered. On the Ruby in Feb. the line wasn't as long. The breading on the fish was not done. However, after scraping the breading off the fish was good.
When we boarded the Ruby in Feb., we were handed a paper that listed all of the dining venues that were open. The first time in 20 cruises that the crew admitted that the dining room was open!
The dining room was not open on the Jan. 16th sailing on the Crown. First time for us. The crew had to get off for some kind of immigration check. I was told by a server in Horizon court that it was an unexpected check. It was very chaotic in Horizon Court due to lack of crew members.
We just came off a 15 day cruise on the Crown. I agree with everything the OP said. Worst food I have ever had. The best thing we found was the street tacos on deck 15. Trying to get into the main dining rooms were a mess. The app would not take reservations for 5:00 or show the menus. We had to do everything thru the TV. For the people who have had no problems with the app, you cannot know how frustrating it is for it not to work. Some people had not problems and could see menus and reserve a time.