Concierge program for Gold and above SSS members

[Threechicks]

There was a rumour (never confirmed) that the new concierge program would not affect SSS members who were Gold and above. I assumed that meant that we would receive the extra time for booking excursions and dining room reservations. I am Gold and just booked a cruise in Cat G for May 3, 2012. I received the standard 6 months for excursions and 75 days for reservations. In other words no exceptions for Gold and up if booking below the E category. This is not a major concern for me. I am just offering this as information for those who are assuming they will be included no matter what level they book.

[DaveFr]

Hopefully, Regent still intends to allow priority excursion and restaurant booking for Gold and above. The first date anyone can use priority booking would be on or about August 6th. It may be that their computer system has not been updated yet to reflect priority booking for Gold and above. I also wonder if the 2012 change from Signatures to a new specialty restaurant is contributing to the delay.

 

Dave

[Travelcat2]

The computer seems up to date for us. We're sailing November 8, 2012. Just checked "My Account" on the Regente website and it shows a date for booking excursions 240 days out. The booking date for dining was only 60 days. . . . not sure is this is correct under the new plan. Anyway, although we are Gold.. . . we are also in a concierge level suite.

[Threechicks]

I was also booked on the November 8, 2012 cruise in an E level (Concierge) and my account showed the extra time given for booking excursions and dining reservations. Based on this and my new booking it is clear that SSS levels have no bearing on the Concierge program. Sorry TC - I had to cancel the November cruise. Elsie

[Travelcat2]

Since Mark Conroy stated in an email that was posted on CC that Gold and above would not be affected by the concierge program, perhaps he will make a statement for us. Does anyone recall who that email was sent to and/or which thread it was posted on?

[mariners]

Threechicks, thanks for posting this information.

 

TC2, I believe it was Dreps (sp?) who posted that he had received the response from Mark Conroy.

[rallydave]

Threechicks, thanks for posting this information.

 

TC2, I believe it was Dreps (sp?) who posted that he had received the response from Mark Conroy.

 

Also, don't believe a copy of the e-mail was posted, just the statement that the e-mail came from Conroy and he thought it was a good idea. Have to believe that nothing will change under the concierge program until an announcement and that isn't necessary for another 6 weeks or so until the 240 booking date for excursions for concierge and above.

 

Personally, don't believe there will be any changes or they would have been announced by now. Making a program like concierge that is meant to be a perk just doesn't make sense if it covers 80% or so of the ship.

 

My guess is that the extra days for excursions and dining reservations will go away for concierge and the rest of the program will remain. No info for that guess, just my own gut feelings.

[Travelcat2]

Threechicks, thanks for posting this information.

 

TC2, I believe it was Dreps (sp?) who posted that he had received the response from Mark Conroy.

 

Thank you. I just learned that he (Dreps) has heard more from Mr. Conroy. Apparently something will be issued in writing - soon I hope. Don't need people cancelling cruises when they will be protected by being "Gold and above"

 

Threechicks: When this comes out in writing, can you rebook the cruise?

[DaveFr]

I think Mr. Spock would be dumbfounded by the messages in this thread. :D The illogic of it all. :D

 

IMHO, the fact that the computer system reflects the priority booking dates for the formally announced Concierge Program while not reflecting priority dates for a not yet formally announced Gold and above program, does not necessarily prove that the Gold and above program for non-concierge passengers does not exist. It may only prove that Regent does not make changes to its computer system until formally announcing a new program.

 

Dave

[Threechicks]

Sorry TC and other posters. I didn't make myself clear. Cancelling the November 2012 cruise had NOTHING TO DO with the Concierge program. Another matter came up which meant I had to rearrange my travel plans. I was covered for that cruise as I was in CAT E. It was a new cruise for May 2012 on the Voyager that I just booked in CAT G that showed me that I was not in the Concierge program eventhough I am Gold.

[Threechicks]

Dave, you have made a good point. It may still happen. I am happy with the cruise I have booked and don't intend to lose any sleep over whether or not I am in the Concierge program. I posted my experience for information only.