KKMurphy2

I feel the large ships are so crowded on sea days that I truly try to avoid them. I am concerned that this is all they seem to be building and selling off the small ones. We are on Harmony in March during spring break week and I have already succumbed to the fact that I will see very little pool time - especially since no solarium pool and it will be crammed with kids.

Or start trying other cruise lines. I have been curious to see what other lines are like lately but since we've become diamond the drink perks (which are just right for us now) make it too tempting to stay with RC. If this diamond perk goes away and only diamond plus and above have access, I will definitely try other lines. Not saying I won't sail RC anymore but there will be nothing to keep me loyal. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one thinking this and I'm also pretty sure RC doesn't want to risk upsetting all of those diamond members.

I am convinced they don't care. They are making Diamonds so fast, there is someone else to take my Diamond Plus spot. ;p

Nothing, because it was not combinable with Crown and Anchor Discount

So sad that it took us so long to become D+ and ever since then we are starting to ask was it worth it for the perks we were promised a long time ago when joining C&A?

 

Those of us that are D+ should not have lost anything in the change of perks...no reason to demote us now down to a DL...those of us that have been loyal should be treated just as "sweet/suite".

I think you have verbalized my feelings very well. But I suppose it is like changes through the years. I remember Filet in the main dining room and flaming baked Alaska at the table side, mints on the pillows, etc. etc. I just wonder where it is headed. I tried one Carnival cruise and truly disliked it. But I think RCCL is more and more like that experience every year. The main example of this is not a show every night (unless you count Love and Marriage as a show). I just booked my Harmony entertainment and again 6 options for a 7 night cruise.

I did not mean to be argumentative nor judgemental and I am sorry I came across that way. I actually meant what I said, that I appreciate the clarification, I've read over and over about meeting people in the lounges and always been confused as to why this is not possible elsewhere and had not considered the desire to meet a smaller number but then have a strong likelihood of seeing the same people night after night to develop a relationship.

That's all.

I'm glad you enjoy the lounges. I'll continue to enjoy them on cruises when they are not overflowing and happily enjoy my drink coupons otherwise. I manage to run into people many times over the course of a cruise lounge or no lounge, but it is more sporadic and I can appreciate maybe not for everyone.

Thanks for the explanation! I appreciate your input. :)

There is no such thing as a Diamond Plus Lounge.

Pardon me, I meant the Concierge Lounge (which was for Diamond Plus members) vs the Diamond Lounge.

:)

I agree that comment was not nice. I agree with your post it was not belittling or sounding like you ever wanted to flaunt your status. The lounge is a perk and not a status flaunt. I don’t know why some people think that enjoying cl is about flaunting the status. My husband and I also enjoyed the option of cl in the past. The service was more personal and the atmosphere in the cl lounge was more intimate. On our last cruise the diamond lounge was packed and was hard to find a seat. The waitstaff was overwhelmed and could hardly keep up. There were not even plates for the food they displayed because they could not bring them out fast enough.

It’s not about just getting a drink it’s about enjoying the company and atmosphere . For us it’s a big part of our cruise experience. We really enjoy going to the lounge before dinner to unwind. We always preferred concierge lounge because it was always calmer.

Thanks for verbalizing the way I feel. I would enjoy meeting you on a cruise someday. :)

Interesting--thanks for clearing that up some. So basically, you are only interested in meeting a handful of new people and hten developing a relationship with them over a longer time frame with teh daily meet up?

What truly is your problem and why do you want to be argumentative and judgmental of me? I cannot meet 2000 people that are on a cruise ship, and if I go to one lounge (let's pick the Schooner bar), the same people do not go every night. We have had a lovely time on our cruises, going to the Diamond or Diamond plus lounge and visiting with people every night. Yes, it is easier to develop a relationship with people in such a setting. Just like we make friends with our dining table mates and always request the large table for the set time at dinner. Egad! These people might not even be crown and anchor members. But it is the consistent conversation over the cruise that builds the relationship.

I'm always surprised when I see people struggle to strike up and make conversations in venues other than the status lounges. I'm not sure what we do differently that this goes so differently for us.

 

Hands down, our favourite things about cruising is the other peopel we meet. Even on less status popular cruises where the lounge is a calm and inviting place, we find we meet far more people who are friendly and wanting to chat in other venues---we were just on the Freedom TA (which did set up overflow lounges for both D+ and D). We went into the lounge twice, on one of those occasions we chatted for a short while with a couple, but theys quickly headed out to dinner. Meanwhile, we met MANY wonderful people (of all status levels, but lots of D and above since that was a kanjority of the ship) while dining at Chops and Sabor, at Trivia, waiting in lines for ice shows, etc----easy peasy to strike up conversations and then plan onm etting up nightly at Schooner, etc.

I strike up conversations everywhere and meet great people at trivia for example, but I think it is the consistency of the "same time" and "same place" situation that the Diamond lounge provides that makes it easier.

Bit of a contradiction there, being able to enjoy the diamond lounge. But you were not able to go the concierge lounge. Sound as though the Diamond lounge is only good for when your unable to flaunt your status, have you posted in this thread yet https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2561567 :halo:

I am not flaunting my status. I do not wear my pin, I don't have a sign. I have cruised multiple times and enjoy the experience. I don't care what lounge I am in; I just want the relaxing experience that the list of perks said I receive. I don't know what your problem is, but my comments were straight forward and not belittling. Don't introduce your mean self to me anytime soon. Thanks. :cool:

We were on the Liberty last week and since we can no longer go to a concierge lounge, we went to the Diamond Lounge. Disappointed! We arrived at 5 and there was not a place to sit. There was no service. You had to stand in a line, sometimes out the door to get a drink. This clogged up the area where the snacks were served.

I realize I will get lip from some of you about "head out to a lounge and get my drinks". But being able to enjoy the Diamond Lounge has been one of my most favorite experiences on a cruise ship. We meet some couples the first night or two and enjoy the lounge and other activities the rest of the cruise. I have stayed in touch with many couples from our past experiences. When going to the Schooner or another location, it is not as easy to make those friendships.

We have been on the Freedom class numerous times, but this time I felt the crowds in the Windjammer and the public areas. Is it because of the additional rooms (and therefore people) after dry dock?

Cruising is one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life! I am all for change, but frustrated with some of the progression that Royal has made in the past 5 years.

You may agree or disagree, and these boards are for great debate and discussion - so let's discuss and not belittle. I am not an entitled individual - I work 60 hours a week to be able to enjoy the play time. I am just truly disappointed in my experience. We had a Celebrity cruise in April and it was still fantastic!!!!

Good day! We are traveling 3 generations in October on Liberty and would like some recommendations of ship shore excursions due to the fact that we don't want to cart down carseats at this time. Anyone have fun with smaller children?

Thanks for the info!

I still think everyone should slam them with emails. And for those of us in the diamond plus category, there is no answer. We have to inquire on board as to whether there is a charge. So I assume this is only for in room consumption.

Dear Mrs. Murphy:

Thank you for your email. We apologize for the delay in our response.

We apologize for any frustration caused by the implementation of a corkage fee. As your ultimate satisfaction is important to us, we remain undaunted in our commitment to excellence. We continually evaluate our products and services to identify areas in which we may improve. Candid feedback from our guests is an important part of this process. We would like to assure you that all of our guests’ feedback is important and is reviewed by our management teams. As such, we have forwarded your comments to our operations team for their internal review and thank you for taking the time to email us with your feedback.

Please be advised, guests may request a corkscrew to use for opening bottles in their staterooms. If the wine is then consumed in the stateroom, no charge will be incurred. However, if the wine is moved to a public area, even if uncorked elsewhere, the charge will be applied.

For more information regarding your free wine for being Diamond Plus and if the corkage fee will be enforced, please inquire once onboard.

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime aboard the Anthem of the Seas. You will not believe your eyes, whether you are taking in an immersive performance rich with light and sound in Two 70°, experiencing a thrilling free-fall at sea with RipCord by iFly, or lifting to new heights as you ride 300 feet above sea level in the North Star. All of these activities and more are included, along with the must-haves from our Oasis class ships such as the FlowRider ® and the Rock Climbing Wall. Your adventure begins the moment you step aboard the Anthem of the Seas.

Mrs. Murphy, thank you for choosing Royal Caribbean International. As a Diamond Plus Crown & Anchor guest we appreciate your continued loyalty and look forward to welcoming you aboard the Anthem of the Seas in September.

Sincerely,

Jesse Krichbaum

Royal Caribbean Customer Support

-----------------------------

 

 

To the poster who claimed that a few ruined it for all, I disagree (and would like to see your evidence to the contrary). RCI simply cannot track which of the 6-7 bottles we get on a cruise (two of our own, three amenity bottles and often a gift or two on the more generous ships) are consumed in our stateroom or in a public place.

 

 

 

How do you get three amenity bottles? We are Diamond Plus and receive one per cabin. Just curious. :D

When did they switch to New Amsterdam vodka?

We are bringing extended family in October including an almost 4 year old and 2 year old. The youngest should be potty trained at that time, but in case not, are there any areas that allow swim diapers on this ship? Thanks for the info!

That's what the Hotel Director told us last June. In fact, there was some sort of UV light that was needed for sanitation, and it stopped working, so he had to close that area.

I was just thinking of how many drunk, lazy guests fail to get out the pool to use the bathroom. I wish the UV light would go off in the adult pool!

Information on Elite events and location will be in your Suite. There is no dedicated lounge like there is on Royal. That being said, generally the cocktail hour is 5-7 in the Sky Lounge. The breakfast is in a speciality restaurant-often Tuscan.

 

There is no cocktail hour on embarkation day or on the evening of the Senior Officers event.

The last Celebrity cruise we were on, which was Reflection about 2 years ago, they did have the cocktail hour every night. We are traveling Silhouette in April. Has this changed?

I have a friend who is Diamond on RCCL. She was traveling with a recent "companion" and told Royal she needed him to be Diamond or she would cancel. He became an instant Diamond member.

Our best friends are engaged. The male was Diamond on RCCL. He wanted to add his fiance to Diamond for our recent Jewel cruise. He was told, "I'm sorry, but you can't do this until you are married." My friend threw out the words "domestic partner" and they backtracked, apologized and immediately made her Diamond. The rules are absolutely not consistent.

Thanks for sharing. Another reason I have ditched this RCCL visa card. Too many rules. I went with the Barclay card because I get 2% back on all travel including excursions booked outside royal, hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc. and of course cruises on all lines. I know there are many others that I could have chosen and they all are much better. I would get rid of this card as fast as I could.

I fully respect your opinion with the one exception of this part. As a couple (whether gay or straight) I reserve the right to be affectionate with my husband in public, and saying this is a strictly gay thing is patently incorrect.

 

Regardless,I'm glad you had a good time, and glad you got to have some good stimulating conversations!

 

 

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I do not want to see this from gay or heterosexual couples. A sweet kiss or holding hands are fine. But when I am watching people "make out" and start fondling in public, they need to go back to their room.

I assume this goes for the Lawn Club Grill on Celebrity, also?????

The last time we were in Falmouth, we hung out at the port. But thanks to a lot of OBC, we are looking for a ship's excursion. My husband nor I want to go on "a long bus ride." Does anyone know anything close to the port that we will not infest too much of our time in transportation? Thanks for the information!

We are on the Silhouette in April. Is it possible to use mobile passport for their terminal too?

So sad to hear. My favorite port on our cruise last year! So much history, it just amazed me. I sure hope it returns because I would love to go back.