Rumors about January C&A changes

[xpcdoojk]

Three drink vouchers are not equivalent to the Lounge Experence! We have made many, many new friends in the lounge. Simply getting a drink at some bar is not the same!

 

Well if this became the reality of the future. There would really be no change. Think about it. Who do you meet at the Diamond lounge? (For the most part) diamonds. Who is going to be sitting in the bars drinking their free drinks? O, yeah diamonds.

 

That said. My skepticism about all of these changes is at about 99%. Diamond lounge with diamonds excluded. That makes a lot of sense to me. Yeah... that's the ticket....

 

jc

[beachnative]

It was reported that 3 drinks in regular bars, but no limit or tracking within Diamond Lounge. Is that not the way it happened?:confused:

 

jc

 

Yes, that is exactly the way it worked……BUT…...

 

One of the problems is that many who decided to sit in the Viking Crown came into the Diamond Lounge and formed a line (often out the door) to get unlimited drinks and take them back to the Viking Crown. This resulted in the bartender/servers assigned to the Diamond Lounge having to mix drinks for those who were sitting in the Viking Crown and severely decreasing the service to those who where seated in the Diamond Lounge. Had the drink vouchers been offered in a higher number it may have prevented the long DL lines.

 

I must highly praise Mel, the Diamond Concierge. She worked almost constantly as a bartender/waiter to help with the pressure on the assigned bar staff. She is FANTASTIC, not just for her service but also for her wonderful personality.

 

 

My experience on past cruises when they opened up the entire Viking Crown as an expanded Diamond Lounge was that service was much better and there were no people lining up in long lines to obtain a drink. My preference is to open the Viking Crown or some other suitable area when overflow space is needed and use the same guidelines as the DL or CL.

 

My experience on the ID was that regardless of the venue we visited during the "happy hour" time we received EXCELLENT service because we tipped nicely on a daily basis starting from day one. Socially, when using the other lounges we felt totally different than we do in the DL or Cl unless we happened to see someone we knew and there were seats available with them.

 

 

There is a lot of merit to the voucher system but there are also problems. Could the system work with some adjustments? Most likely.

 

Would I prefer to sit in one of the regular bars/lounges during the voucher hours? NO because I would not likely meet the FANTASTIC seasoned cruisers who frequent the DL and CL. Over the years I gained an excellent cruising education from those C&A members who were more experienced than I... I would like to continue with the present mode of DL/CL cruising.

Edited November 25, 2013 by beachnative

[Cruising89143]

Well if this became the reality of the future. There would really be no change. Think about it. Who do you meet at the Diamond lounge? (For the most part) diamonds. Who is going to be sitting in the bars drinking their free drinks? O, yeah diamonds.

 

That said. My skepticism about all of these changes is at about 99%. Diamond lounge with diamonds excluded. That makes a lot of sense to me. Yeah... that's the ticket....

 

jc

 

JC I think this has more to do with the drinks than anything else. Many will deny that but the truth is you can meet people anywhere on the ship. You don't need a designated lounge. ;)

[yogimax]

JC I think this has more to do with the drinks than anything else. Many will deny that but the truth is you can meet people anywhere on the ship. You don't need a designated lounge. ;)

 

Sure you can meet people in the casino or the Windjammer or at the Art Auction. That's a given. The vast majority of new friends we have made, however, have been made in the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge or at the Diamond Event. It's much more conducive to conversation and sharing.

 

Conclusion: It's BOTH about the drinks AND the atmosphere of the lounge!

[Don Pedro]

Sure you can meet people in the casino or the Windjammer or at the Art Auction. That's a given. The vast majority of new friends we have made, however, have been made in the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge or at the Diamond Event. It's much more conducive to conversation and sharing.

 

Conclusion: It's BOTH about the drinks AND the atmosphere of the lounge!

 

Well said!

[Cruising89143]

Sure you can meet people in the casino or the Windjammer or at the Art Auction. That's a given. The vast majority of new friends we have made, however, have been made in the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge or at the Diamond Event. It's much more conducive to conversation and sharing.

 

Conclusion: It's BOTH about the drinks AND the atmosphere of the lounge!

 

Fine. We can agree to disagree.

[xpcdoojk]

Fine. We can agree to disagree.

 

Probably for about the 1000th time.:D

 

That said, I remain a skeptic of these changes. If they become reality, is it really a big deal? Only here...:rolleyes:

 

jc

[adam61]

Just my opinion on what I'd like to see as a cruiser who does about 50% suites and will hit diamond on our next cruise...

 

We primarily sail out of Galveston (can't speak for how busy it is at other locations) and the CL can get very crowded and it does really take away some of the "suite" experience having to stand leaning on a wall trying to enjoy a drink and a snack. I would think the most likely change listed in this post is that the CL goes to gold card only (Pinnacle and Suites) to relieve some of the overcrowding.

 

However, this will create add'l overcrowding in the DL. I think offering 2 more options as CHOICES to relieve congestion could work really well. Allow all D and D+ to continue to have full access to the lounge as now, but also load everyone D and above with 3 free drinks vouchers during happy hour times. This should naturally relieve a lot of the congestion as quite a few people would choose to take those free drinks with family, or their favorite bartender, etc.

 

I also liked the idea of discounted drink packages for D and above. The value of the package is already tough to rationalize for many people, adding in the fact you already get free drinks in the DL (or vouchers) makes a full price package a tough sell for D and above. The discounts would serve the double purpose of selling more drink packages to higher tier members, increasing loyalty, and further reducing crowding in the DL.

 

Just the opinion of a lowly Emerald almost Diamond, but I really like the idea of different choices for guests that also solve potential problems.

[rednancy1]

Sure you can meet people in the casino or the Windjammer or at the Art Auction. That's a given. The vast majority of new friends we have made, however, have been made in the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge or at the Diamond Event. It's much more conducive to conversation and sharing.

 

Conclusion: It's BOTH about the drinks AND the atmosphere of the lounge!

 

 

Like

[storm1of4]

Sure you can meet people in the casino or the Windjammer or at the Art Auction. That's a given. The vast majority of new friends we have made, however, have been made in the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge or at the Diamond Event. It's much more conducive to conversation and sharing.

 

Conclusion: It's BOTH about the drinks AND the atmosphere of the lounge!

 

YES YES The CL and DL is a place to share and feel a commonality with other frequent cruises.

I see the bashers and flamers negating the perks and claiming folk shouldn't act "entitled" like its the new word for "liberal" or something.

Well I have cruised exclusively on RC because its a great vacation and expressly for the perks and I have relied on the promises RC made to its frequent cruisers. I continue to cruise and hope to get to pinnacle one day soon and sorry...I have been enjoying the CL now for years and I do feel entitled to be in there while still being very great full and appreciative of RC's continuation of the loyalty program and its benefits.

[Dave85]

Actually I think that it could happen. With Celebrity's updated program, Elite are no longer having their nightly cocktail hour in Michaels Club. The updated program now states a nightly cocktail hour. Even though there is no CL on Celebrity they did reduce and make changes in this area. I can see RCI doing the same thing.

 

We can agree to disagree on that one. Celebrity never had a true equivalent to the dedicated Diamond Lounge -- the Elite HH (having recently experienced it on Silhouette) reminded me more of a Diamond Event with expanded free drink options. Basically the new Celebrity program changed nothing at the Elite level (which I applaud), and moved some of their best customers up to higher tiers (which I also applaud). If we are to read anything out of Celebrity's changes, I would read that nothing major will change to the Diamond level.

 

We shall see! I think D+s getting the boot from the CL is far more likely... which is disappointing as someone relatively close to D+ but I would understand and respect that decision considering how small many of the CLs in the fleet are.

[yogimax]

yes yes the cl and dl is a place to share and feel a commonality with other frequent cruises.

I see the bashers and flamers negating the perks and claiming folk shouldn't act "entitled" like its the new word for "liberal" or something.

Well i have cruised exclusively on rc because its a great vacation and expressly for the perks and i have relied on the promises rc made to its frequent cruisers. I continue to cruise and hope to get to pinnacle one day soon and sorry...i have been enjoying the cl now for years and i do feel entitled to be in there while still being very great full and appreciative of rc's continuation of the loyalty program and its benefits.

 

 

great post!

[Colorado Babe]

I finally received a response from C&A in regards to the rumor circulating about changes and also in regards to my concern that we are going to be Diamond status on the second leg of our B2B in January, see below:

 

Dear Bernadette,

 

Thank you for your e-mail. We apologize for any delay in our response.

 

Recently, the Crown & Anchor Society launched a pilot test program on

Independence of the Seas in which we loaded drink vouchers onto eligible

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members Sea Pass cards. This program supplemented the happy hour experience by providing guests with the flexibility to enjoy complimentary beverages within a larger variety of locations across the ship. It also provided our higher tier members with the freedom to enjoy these beverages outside of the lounge while socializing with friends and family members that may be of a different tier level. All eligible Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members are still able to enjoy unlimited drinks within the Diamond Lounge during the designated happy hour event. Please note that we have not announced any additional ships or sailing dates that will experience this pilot test program.

 

At this time, Royal Caribbean International has not announced any plans to amend or curtail Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club members access to the Diamond Lounge.

 

We encourage you to speak with the Loyalty & Cruise Sales Staff onboard the first leg of your consecutive cruise vacation to ensure that you receive your correct Diamond tier level benefits for the second leg of your consecutive cruise vacation.

 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Our Crown & Anchor Society representatives will be happy to assist you. For your convenience our contact information is provided below.

 

Rory and Bernadette, we look forward to welcoming you, our valued Emerald Crown & Anchor Society members, onboard Liberty of the Seas in January, 2014.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Gerry Strafford

Crown & Anchor Society

[slk230red]

We shall see! I think D+s getting the boot from the CL is far more likely... which is disappointing as someone relatively close to D+ but I would understand and respect that decision considering how small many of the CLs in the fleet are.

 

If D+'s do get booted from the CL, from what I've experienced, the servers in the CL would see a big reduction in cash gratuities. Just my opinion, but I would miss having the option of going to the CL.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

If D+'s do get booted from the CL, from what I've experienced, the servers in the CL would see a big reduction in cash gratuities. Just my opinion, but I would miss having the option of going to the CL.

 

That is a good point about the reduced gratutities the servers in the CL would garner. I hadn't even considered that, though I don't know if it would be a matter Crown and Anchor authorities would consider when and if they are making changes to the C&A program.

 

As a Diamond Plus, I would very much miss the CL on Oasis and Allure. Those ships have a simply fabulous CL. I really woudn't much miss the CL on other ships.

[JillLovesTravel]

I finally received a response from C&A in regards to the rumor circulating about changes and also in regards to my concern that we are going to be Diamond status on the second leg of our B2B in January, see below:

 

Dear Bernadette,

 

Thank you for your e-mail. We apologize for any delay in our response.

 

Recently, the Crown & Anchor Society launched a pilot test program on

Independence of the Seas in which we loaded drink vouchers onto eligible

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members Sea Pass cards. This program supplemented the happy hour experience by providing guests with the flexibility to enjoy complimentary beverages within a larger variety of locations across the ship. It also provided our higher tier members with the freedom to enjoy these beverages outside of the lounge while socializing with friends and family members that may be of a different tier level. All eligible Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club members are still able to enjoy unlimited drinks within the Diamond Lounge during the designated happy hour event. Please note that we have not announced any additional ships or sailing dates that will experience this pilot test program.

At this time, Royal Caribbean International has not announced any plans to amend or curtail Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle Club members access to the Diamond Lounge.

 

We encourage you to speak with the Loyalty & Cruise Sales Staff onboard the first leg of your consecutive cruise vacation to ensure that you receive your correct Diamond tier level benefits for the second leg of your consecutive cruise vacation.

 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us again. Our Crown & Anchor Society representatives will be happy to assist you. For your convenience our contact information is provided below.

 

Rory and Bernadette, we look forward to welcoming you, our valued Emerald Crown & Anchor Society members, onboard Liberty of the Seas in January, 2014.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Gerry Strafford

Crown & Anchor Society

 

Don't you just love Corporate-speak? They could announce tomorrow or never. All we know is they haven't announced.

[Scotty G]

Don't you just love Corporate-speak? They could announce tomorrow or never. All we know is they haven't announced.

 

When you ask a corporation a question you should expect a corporate answer that has been run by their legal office. Did you really think they would let the cat out of the bag?

[Paulette3028]

That is a good point about the reduced gratutities the servers in the CL would garner. I hadn't even considered that, though I don't know if it would be a matter Crown and Anchor authorities would consider when and if they are making changes to the C&A program.

 

As a Diamond Plus, I would very much miss the CL on Oasis and Allure. Those ships have a simply fabulous CL. I really woudn't much miss the CL on other ships.

 

Whatever RCCL is going to do, they are going to do -- whether cruisers like it or not...it will give cruisers something to discuss/argue over.

 

For me, it is simple....until I stop having a Great time on my Royal cruises, I am a 'Royal Loyalist'. The rest will take care of itself.

 

Since I have no control over what Royal does....I can't stress over it, which is exactly what it sounds as if some people are doing.

[Karter]

I guess there could be another possibility that they raise the requirement to use the CL lounge to suites or D++ or higher which is the unofficial designator for 350 - 524 points. This would give more motivation to reach that level as opposed to the added amenity. Or maybe that could be a new official level half way to pinacle. Who knows only time will tell.

 

I do agree with the previous poster that right now the only CLs I would miss are on the Oasis and Allure.

Edited November 26, 2013 by Karter

[JillLovesTravel]

When you ask a corporation a question you should expect a corporate answer that has been run by their legal office. Did you really think they would let the cat out of the bag?

 

ummm….that is exactly what I meant.

[GaryfmCol]

YES YES The CL and DL is a place to share and feel a commonality with other frequent cruises.

I see the bashers and flamers negating the perks and claiming folk shouldn't act "entitled" like its the new word for "liberal" or something.

Well I have cruised exclusively on RC because its a great vacation and expressly for the perks and I have relied on the promises RC made to its frequent cruisers. I continue to cruise and hope to get to pinnacle one day soon and sorry...I have been enjoying the CL now for years and I do feel entitled to be in there while still being very great full and appreciative of RC's continuation of the loyalty program and its benefits.

 

 

Well said. Kudos to you.

I agree 100%. :)

[storm1of4]

That is a good point about the reduced gratutities the servers in the CL would garner. I hadn't even considered that, though I don't know if it would be a matter Crown and Anchor authorities would consider when and if they are making changes to the C&A program.

 

As a Diamond Plus, I would very much miss the CL on Oasis and Allure. Those ships have a simply fabulous CL. I really woudn't much miss the CL on other ships.

 

OH yes me too.......The Oasis class CL is so very nice. WE often choose these ships with the CL in mind. While in there having breakfast or lunch, its so serene. It is hard to believe there are over 5 thousand passengers outside those glass doors!

[Debde]

Well, the beginning of this thread had the words rumors in it. With the celebrity changes to the program, it is very well possible that if C&A does have January changes, they could mirror those changes.

 

fact- celebrity did not add another level in between E+ and Zenith. Maybe that answers the question floating around here about another level in between D+ and Pinnacle.

fact- only Zenith has access to the Celebrity version of the CL

fact-E+ does have a discount to the beverage packages.

 

Let the predictions fly...........................

[Thetrail]

OB's question seemed quite straight forward. He did not scream the question or throw obvious flames.

Yet ironically, Phish, you screamed for him to "CHILL." Are you feeling particularly defensive about your plan? Everybody knows, of course, it is just your idea. I presume the Suite only CL is a crowding issue (or perhaps an exclusivity issue), but are you able to articulate why you care who gets a free drink?

Some folks are so caught up in thier ridiculous for certain "opinions" and how dare you disagree! As many posters here on CC already know that certain posters opinions are worthless banter and pure conjecture, never based on facts.....:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Thetrail]

Is it me or are the posts by Ocean Boy, XPC and Starry a little confusing?

 

Royal Caribbean already gives free drinks to Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Members.

 

Phish was just giving an idea how those drinks should be dispersed. Royal already decided who gets them. They are in the process of changing the way they are dispersed. Already they are experimenting with drink coupons. RCI has altered the way they are giving out free drinks on Celebrity which includes discounted and free drink packages. It is VERY possible they will do the same on Royal Caribbean.

 

Why is Phish getting hammered on this?

Because when someone likes to slam others they in turn are looked on with a critical eye. When someone professes to "be in the know" when in actuality they are not, they are looked at with a critical eye. Open yours and read the posts carefully.:rolleyes::rolleyes: