Diamond member activities to be curtailed

[JIMDSB2]

well joe you have a point.. We paid for the cruise and rci delivered as promised.. But rci also made a promise in their loyality program. Yes i am one of those "dopey" people who did take a cruise in reliance of getting to another status... I took cruise #10 jsut to get to diamond in anticipation of my 11th cruise. And again i was "dopey" and took 2 more cruises just to get the points when i was so close to getting diamond plus. Truth be known,yes i have stayed with rci in anticipation of earning points and getting to the various levels. Rci made a promise to reward me for doing so. Otherwise i would have cruised on many other lines. Each one of the other lines look appealing but b/c of rci's loyalty program i stay with rci.

as far as "woopti doooo diamond" i enjoy being diamond plus. I enjoy being a part of something good. Its a great benefit and a great program. I know others feel the same way.:eek:

 

amen !

[grand isle joe]

Truth be known,yes I have stayed with RCI in anticipation of earning points and getting to the various levels. RCI made a promise to reward me for doing so. Otherwise I would have cruised on many other lines. Each one of the other lines look appealing but b/c of RCI's loyalty program I stay with RCI.

As far as "woopti doooo Diamond" I enjoy being Diamond plus. I enjoy being a part of something good. Its a great benefit and a great program. I know others feel the same way.:eek:

 

Well to each their own. If that is your focus than more power to you. I don't know how anyone can judge how good a product RCCL provides unless you have taken competing cruises to use as a yard stick..How can you say RCI is "something good" unless you try something else? Most cruise lines go to the same ports of call but deliver basically the same product with their own twist. Try something else to expand your horizon and who knows...you might like it? If anything it will give you a perspective rather than the myopic vision anchored by a "loyalty program" that fluctuates on the whims of the cruise line. Then again I worked with a guy who ate baloney sandwiches every day for lunch. I guess that takes the mystery out of lunch.:eek: The worlds' your oyster go out and explore!!;)

[dfishner]

Excellent point, and I agree 100%. None of us are happy when benefits are taken away, but some folks tend to forget that at one point, they only had 1 cruise, 2 cruises, 3 cruises, etc. At that level, it certainly isn't perks that keep you coming back. It's the experience of a cruise vacation on a cruise line and on cruise ships we have found to be great.

 

That said, it's human nature to like to be awarded and recognized for repeat patronage. What the perks are doesn't really matter to me, but it does feel good to be recognized as a repeat patron.

 

Oh, and I do not ever remember a luncheon.

 

Actually have been to one luncheon(Freedom) and one breakfast(NOS)

[Kellie Poodle]

Perhaps the way RCCL has gone about "delivering/non delivering" perks at different levels needs to be adjusted.

 

If the CL are too small to accommodate all passengers in that category on most of the sailings, give out discount off of the drinks that can be redeemed at any lounge. Your room key can be coded to do so. This would solve the overcrowding problem and allow you to enjoy a reduced price drink at any bar on the ship.

 

MARAPRINCE

 

That makes too much sense. :D

[Kellie Poodle]

I normally would never flame but for real. I find it quite hard to believe you were turned away from the event mentioned. I would dare say you showed up late and like many of the events held for CA members found it quite well attended and did not want to stand. I have seen this a few times where people show up after event starts and don't see or find any seating and then leave. Call me a cheerleader I guess. Get there 10 minutes before event starts and I wouldn't be here posting my flaming opinion.

 

 

Actually I had heard about the event from table mates who were Diamond and assumed that on this particular cruise, as on others, the Platinums were invited.

 

We called to ask where our invitation was and were told by guest relations that "although you are entitled to the luncheon, we are afraid that there are so many D and D+ members on this cruise, that we can't accommodate the Platinum members". That is when I said that I understood and would accept OBC in lieu of the luncheon. Guest Relations told me I was entitled to the luncheon. Not a Cruise Critic cheerleader.

 

A day later, we received a phone call from guest relations telling us where and at what time the luncheon was being held and to meet outside the door with a named officer who would escort us (and it turned out two other Platinum couples) into the luncheon. I guess the other couples were there for the same reason.

 

I was there. I have no reason to not be truthful.

[Merion_Mom]

Thanks Patti, but I did address RCi can change benefits without notice..its in the word descretionary. :) Again I do believe RCI has contracted with is C&A members. They say cruise often and we'll reward you with certain and advertized perks. RCI does make it clear they can change benefits at any time. However they do that at their own peril as vaction spending is descretionary and the traveler is fickle. I for one love RCI's product but wouldnt hesitate to try another cruise line if RCI stopped it's loyalty benefits. As long as I am rewarded for loyalty I will continue spending my descretionary vacation dollar with RCI. I know full well that either party can stop at any time. But in the mean time I expect RCI to deliver what is says it will.

 

There are people who stop cruising RC because they can't bring on their favorite bottle of wine.

 

There are people who stop cruising RC because their child didn't find any playmates on an off-season cruise. (a thread about a month ago)

 

There are people who stop cruising RC because RC is scanning luggage and taking irons. (a thread from yesterday)

 

There will always be people who come and people who go.

[Merion_Mom]

Patti...good luck getting a correct answer to that question !!!:D;)

The only luncheon I can recall experiencing anything close to that was last years Diamonds in December event where they had a luncheon with a special menu and cocktails for all Diamond/Diamond+ members. This was on Independence. Other D/D+ cruisers last December must have had the same thing on other ships as well.

 

Went on two cruises last December.

 

Two different ships.

 

Nothing like that on either cruise.

[Merion_Mom]

Here is a list of all the coupons in the new book. IMHO they are much improved over what we used to get..

 

Current C&A Ultimate Value Booklet for Gold, Platinum, Diamond & Diamond Plus

 

As far as balcony discounts.......effective June 1, if you book more than 6 months from sailing you do get a better balcony discount.......

 

New OBC Plus Platinum ~ Diamond ~ Diamond Plus Balcony Discounts as of June 1, 2010

 

Trying to counteract the "with the new price drop rules, I'm just going to wait until the last minute to book my cruises!" mentality, don't you think? ;)

[Merion_Mom]

You would stand more chance if you were young, female and cute, and now look you are going to get me flamed for being sexist..... Guilty Your Honor :p:D

 

Would two out of three work? ;) :D

[cruisenfever]

Trying to counteract the "with the new price drop rules, I'm just going to wait until the last minute to book my cruises!" mentality, don't you think? ;)

I would never disagree with you Mom!;)

[Aquahound]

Would two out of three work? ;) :D

 

OMG.....You're a man???!!! :eek: ;):D

[Rockfordcruiser]

Actually I had heard about the event from table mates who were Diamond and assumed that on this particular cruise, as on others, the Platinums were invited.

 

We called to ask where our invitation was and were told by guest relations that "although you are entitled to the luncheon, we are afraid that there are so many D and D+ members on this cruise, that we can't accommodate the Platinum members". That is when I said that I understood and would accept OBC in lieu of the luncheon. Guest Relations told me I was entitled to the luncheon. Not a Cruise Critic cheerleader.

 

A day later, we received a phone call from guest relations telling us where and at what time the luncheon was being held and to meet outside the door with a named officer who would escort us (and it turned out two other Platinum couples) into the luncheon. I guess the other couples were there for the same reason.

 

I was there. I have no reason to not be truthful.

Ok you got me. I'm a cheer leader for RCL. I do need to ask thou? How many with RCL?

[Merion_Mom]

OMG.....You're a man???!!! :eek: ;):D

 

[MrCruzdoggie]

Just heard that RCCL will be phasing out most of the special Diamond and Diamond+ member parties and get togethers, except on the Oasis and Allure, due to space restrictions. On a recent cruise, there was no room for the Diamond people,to sit in their nightly recognition parties. This is a major problem for those of us that have worked to become diamond members. Now there will be very limited recognition. You would think that if they want many multiple voyagers, they would make a better attempt.

 

 

I heard unless you are on the Oasis and Allure we will have to make your bed and cook your own food.............I'm tried of the hype of Oasis and Allure, that why I'm on the Radiance next......................

[Kellie Poodle]

Ok you got me. I'm a cheer leader for RCL. I do need to ask thou? How many with RCL?

 

How many what? Cruises? Enough to be at a higher level than Platinum at this point in time. Does that answer the question?

 

As you can see by my signature, I don't think my C&A status is meaningful enough to be attached to my name.

[swcruise]

We will be Platinum next year and I was looking forward to this xtra party as an additional perk, hope they don't get rid of it by then. If they get rid of the additional perks then the loyalty tiereing between gold and platiunum becomes blurred

[ChipLondon]

Hey at my age, and with my lived in face, one out of three would work :D

 

Would two out of three work? ;) :D

[ChipLondon]

Funny

 

 

 

OMG.....You're a man???!!! :eek: ;):D

[marci22]

Nothing against the party, but it's not that great. They would have to give me obc if they wanted me to go to it.

[Papa T]

For whatever reason I'm addicted to RCCL cruises - and the loyalty program I must admit is part of the addiction. As a D++ the addiction only grows with each cruise - two bottles of wine in the cabin, increased chance for a serious upgrade, and all of the other benefits are the icing on the cake of great ships and good service. So . . . when considering a cruise I always look at RCCL first, then Celebrity. I have found that I only consider other cruise lines for unique itineraries not offered by RCL. I think I may need a 7 step program to break the addiction . . . but I'm in no hurry to get started.

[Debde]

How many what? Cruises? Enough to be at a higher level than Platinum at this point in time. Does that answer the question?

 

As you can see by my signature, I don't think my C&A status is meaningful enough to be attached to my name.

 

Here we can agree!!;)

 

Weather it is 2, 20 or 200 cruises-everyones input counts and believe it or not-I think Royal is very concerned about folks who have only cruised a few times because they would like them to keep coming back. If you have been on 2 cruises-both sucked-the company looses big time. Loyalty counts but don't kid yourself into thinking more cruises merits the company 'care' more about you. They care about the dollar first and foremost.

[grand isle joe]

 

Weather it is 2, 20 or 200 cruises-everyones input counts and believe it or not-I think Royal is very concerned about folks who have only cruised a few times because they would like them to keep coming back. If you have been on 2 cruises-both sucked-the company looses big time. Loyalty counts but don't kid yourself into thinking more cruises merits the company 'care' more about you. They care about the dollar first and foremost.

 

Truer words can never be spoken.;)

[storm1of4]

Well to each their own. If that is your focus than more power to you. I don't know how anyone can judge how good a product RCCL provides unless you have taken competing cruises to use as a yard stick..How can you say RCI is "something good" unless you try something else? Most cruise lines go to the same ports of call but deliver basically the same product with their own twist. Try something else to expand your horizon and who knows...you might like it? If anything it will give you a perspective rather than the myopic vision anchored by a "loyalty program" that fluctuates on the whims of the cruise line. Then again I worked with a guy who ate baloney sandwiches every day for lunch. I guess that takes the mystery out of lunch.:eek: The worlds' your oyster go out and explore!!;)

 

 

Really Joe, more assumptions from ya??? I have cruised on 4 other lines since my first cruise in 1989. In the last 8 years I have tried to stay with RCI...in part for the perks and benefits and because I enjoy RCI's product and I have come to be familiar with it. Yes RCI"s loyalty perks have kept my attention. The work loyality says it all. I believe RCI wants it that way...why else would they have a reward program? I am sure glad you are not running RCI............You have it perfectly wrong.

[storm1of4]

For whatever reason I'm addicted to RCCL cruises - and the loyalty program I must admit is part of the addiction. As a D++ the addiction only grows with each cruise - two bottles of wine in the cabin, increased chance for a serious upgrade, and all of the other benefits are the icing on the cake of great ships and good service. So . . . when considering a cruise I always look at RCCL first, then Celebrity. I have found that I only consider other cruise lines for unique itineraries not offered by RCL. I think I may need a 7 step program to break the addiction . . . but I'm in no hurry to get started.

 

Ditto I am right here with you!:):):)

[storm1of4]

I heard unless you are on the Oasis and Allure we will have to make your bed and cook your own food.............I'm tried of the hype of Oasis and Allure, that why I'm on the Radiance next......................

 

Yes, but read the threads the cruise line can change expectations at any time. Besides from what I read.. people are just happy to be on a cruise. They dont care just happy to be cruising!!! No expectations... Just wooptie doooo I am lucky to be on a cruise!!!