Rumors about January C&A changes

[KittyCat1Million]

hhmmm..........why? There are not that many Pinnacles. :confused:

 

But years ago when Diamonds no longer got access to the CL there were much fewer D+ as well. But now D+ are growing at a rapid pace, with much help in the recent past from Diamonds in December and other incentives put out by the company. It only makes sense that the rate of Pinnacles will grow as a result.

 

It makes much more sense to have a TRUE Concierge Lounge (Suite Guests) and a dedicated Loyalty Lounge to reward Loyal Customers. And leaves open the possibility that some of the Pinnacles and D+ who truly want the CL access will consider booking suites.

 

Also, I think it only makes sense that there will be a Loyalty level created at

some point between D+ and Pinnacle. Or change the level points. Emerald

and Diamond are so close. That has always intrigued me.

 

I have a thought that the Platinum and Emerald levels might be expanded and they might increase the points it takes to reach Diamond and Diamond Plus. Gold, Platinum, Emerald and Diamond levels are so close together point wise, then it takes over double to get to D+ and an astronomical difference to Pinnacle.

 

My thinking goes along these lines: (Pure Speculation of course!!!)

 

Gold then Platinum at current point level to obtain

Emerald becomes what Diamond is now (starts at 80 points)

Diamond becomes what D+ is now (starts at 175 points)

D+ starts at 350 points

and Pinnacle remains the same as now

 

Big question would be grandfathering of course.

[TwitterCruise1]

See my post this afternoon.... As far as we're concerned no one is getting booted.

 

The only people who are getting their panties in a bunch are those who for some reason feel like a small part of them would die if something like a bonus (NOT AN ENTITLEMENT) like access to the diamond lounge went away, thus taking away their sense of status.

 

First world problems, really.

 

The precious diamond lounge is not changing.

[Debde]

hhmmm..........why? There are not that many Pinnacles. :confused:

 

Hey, if the newest ships are getting Pinnacle lounge's, maybe Royal knows what the future holds with rapid growth of this level that in time they will have/need a private lounge!! This level is growing and quicker then they thought I'm thinking.

[ChipLondon]

So according to you, The Pinnacle Members who are the most loyal of all should no longer be allowed to enjoy an early evening drink with friends that they have made over many cruises, just because their friends might be D or D+. What a nice person you are :rolleyes:

 

 

While we were on the Independence using the "Trial Policy" there was much discussion of this WITH ONE ADDITION: PINNACLE SHOULD THEN NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE D/D+ LOUNGE.

[cruisenfever]

While we were on the Independence using the "Trial Policy" there was much discussion of this WITH ONE ADDITION: PINNACLE SHOULD THEN NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE D/D+ LOUNGE.

Why? Then you might as well exclude all Gold Card Holders from the DL since there will always be more Suite Guests on board than PC Members.:D And Suite Guests are allowed in both lounges if they are Diamond or above.

[LMaxwell]

They would not dream of taking anything away from Pinnacle members. Why on Earth would anyone think that changes to the program would mean a reduction for the top tier? It makes absolutely no sense.

[critterchick]

It makes much more sense to have a TRUE Concierge Lounge (Suite Guests) and a dedicated Loyalty Lounge to reward Loyal Customers. And leaves open the possibility that some of the Pinnacles and D+ who truly want the CL access will consider booking suites.

 

According to Richard Fain, half of the Pinnacles already book full suites, which I suspect is why they were so willing to give us the gold card. And if things are mostly separate but equal (OA and AL being notable exceptions), then I don't think "only" having access to the DL would be any incentive to pay a thousand or more for CL privileges at all.

[mommabean]

They would not dream of taking anything away from Pinnacle members. Why on Earth would anyone think that changes to the program would mean a reduction for the top tier? It makes absolutely no sense.

 

As it is PC gets very little more than D+. All I can think of is gold card seating by the pool on the few ships that have it. And a free formal night pressing if one remembers to ask. Is there anything else I can't think of?

[KittyCat1Million]

According to Richard Fain, half of the Pinnacles already book full suites, which I suspect is why they were so willing to give us the gold card. And if things are mostly separate but equal (OA and AL being notable exceptions), then I don't think "only" having access to the DL would be any incentive to pay a thousand or more for CL privileges at all.

 

I don't think so either. And Oasis and Allure CL's, while very nice are not really all that. We prefer the D Lounge on those ships anyway. I just think Royal can't rock the boat of the Suite guests and when we have been on Oasis and Allure in the summer the CL's were pretty full, especially during the happy hour. They don't want the suite guests coming in and never being able to find a chair. As a D+ myself I totally understand and expect to lose access to the CL in the near future.

[cruisenfever]

Over 400 now with more to be joining the club.

 

On the ID there were 16 Ps and on the Brilliance repo twice that.

 

They would take up valuable space in the DL if D+ were not allowed into the CL.

Let's see. There were approx. 164 C&A Members that had 100+ cruise credits or more when PC was first introduced on January 21, 2011. There are now approx. 500+.....an increase of approx. 340 in 3 years as of January, 2014. Not much of an increase per year IMHO considering that there are 7 million C&A Members.

Edited November 20, 2013 by cruisenfever

[cruisenfever]

As it is PC gets very little more than D+. All I can think of is gold card seating by the pool on the few ships that have it. And a free formal night pressing if one remembers to ask. Is there anything else I can't think of?

From a letter sent out to all PC Members on November 11, 2011 from Betsy O'Rourke

 

On more than one occasion in the past months since we launched the Pinnacle Club, I have been asked why the Gold SeaPass card is for Suites only. I am pleased to announce that after careful analysis and consideration, for cruises beginning on or after November 19th, Pinnacle Club members will receive Gold SeaPass cards - even those of you not sailing in a Suite. With this Gold SeaPass card you will now enjoy a few more benefits, including:

• Priority tender on select cruises
  
• VIP pool deck seating where available
  
• Private seating for breakfast and lunch in specialty restaurants on Voyager and Freedom class ships (also can be found on some Vision, Radiance and Voyager class now)
  
  
• Mattel board games available to order from the Concierge
  
• Access to Labadee Cabanas+
  
• Personalized Port & Shopping Guide referrals
  
• Complimentary luggage valet and onboard checking service with select airlines*
  
• Personalized departure escort when visiting our ports-of-call**
  
• Complimentary pressing service on formal night***
  

* Only ship fees are waived - this is available in select port and with select airline carriers .

**Available for tendering ports only. Guests will be escorted off the ship only. This isn't available all the time and up to the discretion of the concierge.

***Only Formal Wear outfit will be pressed for Formal night only.

+ Rental Fee applies

 

 

Edited November 20, 2013 by cruisenfever

[beachnative]

So according to you, The Pinnacle Members who are the most loyal of all should no longer be allowed to enjoy an early evening drink with friends that they have made over many cruises, just because their friends might be D or D+. What a nice person you are :rolleyes:

 

Wow, that was an interesting comment. My post certainly brought the Ps out.

 

There are certain Ps that have been wishing and stating on this forum for D+ to be booted from the CL….one of whom referred (in an old thread) to D+ in the CL as Walmart cruisers. One of the very top Ps even told us on a cruise that they couldn't wait to see the D+ kicked out of the CL.

 

I didn't say that I supported that move or restricting Ps to the CL, I said that some of the people who were having to deal with the "Trial Policy" on the ID were saying it.

 

As for me, I don't really care what Miami does. The "Trial Policy" worked well enough that it satisfied my needs, adding another level wouldn't bother me, and forcing Ds to only use of vouchers wouldn't bother me. I enjoy meeting new people and chatting in whatever lounge I allowed to enter.

 

This is not meant to be a P bashing….overwhelmingly, the Ps we call friends are fantastic people.

[KittyCat1Million]

Let's see. There were approx. 164 C&A Members that had 100+ cruise credits or more when PC was first introduced. There are now approx. 500+.....an increase of approx. 340 in 3 years as of January, 2014. Not much of an increase per year IMHO.

 

Or another way of putting it is Pinnacle has more than tripled in membership in 3 years. That is actually a pretty big increase. So at that rate in another 3 years it will be 1500+ then in 3 more years they will be at 4,500+. That is a lot of pinnacles!

[cruisenfever]

Or another way of putting it is Pinnacle has more than tripled in membership in 3 years. That is actually a pretty big increase. So at that rate in another 3 years it will be 1500+ then in 3 more years they will be at 4,500+. That is a lot of pinnacles!

The increase in PC members averages about 100-150 new members per year. It could be less per year or it could be more. 1500 per year is a very high number IMHO.

Edited November 20, 2013 by cruisenfever

[KittyCat1Million]

The increase in PC members averages about 100-150 new members per year. It could be less per year or it could be more. 1500 per year is a very high number IMHO.

 

But that will change depending on the increase of D+. Need to look at the whole picture. At one time being Diamond was pretty special and being D+ was a select group. Not the case anymore.

[nelblu]

The increase in PC members averages about 100-150 new members per year. It could be less per year or it could be more. 1500 per year is a very high number IMHO.

 

I wonder if the intro of the new points/credit system and the elimination of the DID will slow the growth. I also wonder how many of the P's are children who in essence inherited the tier due to their parents.

[Clarea]

I wonder if the intro of the new points/credit system and the elimination of the DID will slow the growth. I also wonder how many of the P's are children who in essence inherited the tier due to their parents.

Children cannot inherit Pinnacle status. Only significant others can get their partner's Pinnacle status.

[critterchick]

But that will change depending on the increase of D+. Need to look at the whole picture. At one time being Diamond was pretty special and being D+ was a select group. Not the case anymore.

 

I think that there were quite a few D+ who were already almost to Pinnacle when the level was created. Now that they are making it, I wonder how many other D+ have a realistic chance, or even the desire, to get there. Or will move on to other lines once they do.

 

The extra benefits of Pinnacle are nice, but not so nice that they would keep us away from other lines that have lovely ships and in some cases better itineraries. Princess has nicely put some great ships in our back yard, and we are perfectly happy to be "mere" Elites on their ships a few times a year if it means driving instead of flying. We are looking at more "adventure" trips before we're too old to participate fully in them, too. I suspect that we are not alone, although I haven't a clue how many people want to try new stuff and how many just want to be the big fish in the RCI pond.

[nelblu]

Children cannot inherit Pinnacle status. Only significant others can get their partner's Pinnacle status.

 

Thanks,

[KittyCat1Million]

I think that there were quite a few D+ who were already almost to Pinnacle when the level was created. Now that they are making it, I wonder how many other D+ have a realistic chance, or even the desire, to get there. Or will move on to other lines once they do.

 

The extra benefits of Pinnacle are nice, but not so nice that they would keep us away from other lines that have lovely ships and in some cases better itineraries. Princess has nicely put some great ships in our back yard, and we are perfectly happy to be "mere" Elites on their ships a few times a year if it means driving instead of flying. We are looking at more "adventure" trips before we're too old to participate fully in them, too. I suspect that we are not alone, although I haven't a clue how many people want to try new stuff and how many just want to be the big fish in the RCI pond.

 

I never even looked to be D+, it seemed unattainable, but here I am well past the points needed for D+. Pinnacle doesn't interest me, but given my cruising history I am not so sure it is unattainable anymore. I don't think I am a big exception.

 

We are lucky of course, we have the means and the vacation time to cruise a lot and take many other vacations as well. When we retire, we will have that much more time. We have cruised on other lines as well as Royal. Had we only cruised Royal or only taken cruises for our vacations we would be much

further along the loyalty chain. But that was never our goal and it isn't now.

 

I am just saying what seems unattainable for many now (becoming Pinnacle) may become much more common than most of us think. This is why a company likes Royal needs to think long term, down the road so to speak and take care of things now. I think with the debacle several years back when the Diamond level was denied access to the CL they may have learned a valuable lesson.

 

That is why I and others think something is coming. And losing access to the CL for D+ and possibly Pinnacle members makes real sense in the long haul.

Edited November 20, 2013 by KittyCat1Million

[not2old]

D+ and P's in the larger lounge, Suites in the smaller lounge. D's on the outside looking in. Sorry :(

Obviously you feel entitled for whatever reason and the $%#@ with the poor Diamonds "left outside looking in". Wait! didn't that happen once before?

[ChipLondon]

Wow that is interesting, when we turned P in April this year we were number 328/9 and were told the increase was about 80 per year, so if your numbers are correct, the growth has ben much higher than C&A management expected :)

 

The increase in PC members averages about 100-150 new members per year. It could be less per year or it could be more. 1500 per year is a very high number IMHO.

[CVU]

Obviously you feel entitled for whatever reason and the $%#@ with the poor Diamonds "left outside looking in". Wait! didn't that happen once before?

 

Yep, we were ousted after 1 cruise as D, out of the CL.

[cruisenfever]

Wow that is interesting, when we turned P in April this year we were number 328/9 and were told the increase was about 80 per year, so if your numbers are correct, the growth has ben much higher than C&A management expected :)

When we achieved PC in August of 2012, we were numbers 219/20. As you can see, from the time you achieved PC from when we did the number had increased by 109/110. And that was within 9 months.

[FLSteve11]

But years ago when Diamonds no longer got access to the CL there were much fewer D+ as well. But now D+ are growing at a rapid pace, with much help in the recent past from Diamonds in December and other incentives put out by the company. It only makes sense that the rate of Pinnacles will grow as a result.

 

It makes much more sense to have a TRUE Concierge Lounge (Suite Guests) and a dedicated Loyalty Lounge to reward Loyal Customers. And leaves open the possibility that some of the Pinnacles and D+ who truly want the CL access will consider booking suites.

 

Also, I think it only makes sense that there will be a Loyalty level created at

some point between D+ and Pinnacle. Or change the level points. Emerald

and Diamond are so close. That has always intrigued me.

 

I have a thought that the Platinum and Emerald levels might be expanded and they might increase the points it takes to reach Diamond and Diamond Plus. Gold, Platinum, Emerald and Diamond levels are so close together point wise, then it takes over double to get to D+ and an astronomical difference to Pinnacle.

 

My thinking goes along these lines: (Pure Speculation of course!!!)

 

Gold then Platinum at current point level to obtain

Emerald becomes what Diamond is now (starts at 80 points)

Diamond becomes what D+ is now (starts at 175 points)

D+ starts at 350 points

and Pinnacle remains the same as now

 

Big question would be grandfathering of course.

 

I don't see that big a drastic change. Particularly as the benefits for Emerald are really nothing more then Platinum except the welcome basket in the room and $25 for the balcony discount