Fair to not receive Crown & Anchor points?

[critterchick]

You only get points for COMPLETED cruises.

 

You get points when you step onboard. I have never heard of anybody being docked points for leaving a cruise early due to a medical or family emergency. Given that a partial completion earns full points, I have to say that I tend to agree with OP that it isn't fair not to award the points if the person has paid in full. But life isn't fair, so it is what it is.

 

OP - "fairness" has nothing to do with it. RCI promulgates the rules - period. It's like a rich person winning the lottery. Is that "fair?" "Fairness" has nothing to do with it.

 

OP is entitled to voice his/her opinion that s/he thinks that something isn't fair.

That doesn't meant that it will change.

[tserface]

The discussion is fun, but I suspect you are right. There is no good reason for it to change because the number of occurrences is so low that there's not much reason for it to change.

 

Still... opinions are what make Cruise Critic interesting.

 

Tom

 

OP is entitled to voice his/her opinion that s/he thinks that something isn't fair.

That doesn't meant that it will change.

[Desertbelle]

I took my whole family, 11 of us, on a cruise. I paid for everyone, but I only got 11 C&A credits for myself. I would have loved to have gotten all 121 points for myself, after all I paid for them, but rules are rules. Not worth getting upset over. :)

[Debde]

If they gave points for paying think about this ... the Majesty often goes on sale for $119 ... I'd love to book a single supplement interior cabin. Pay $300 and get 8 points without ever leaving home.

 

If someone is willing to pay $300 for some points, it's so sad they deserve to get them!!

 

Besides. What do any of you care if someone pays a hefty fee to get to some stupid level. If Joe Shmoe wants to give RC lets say..... 15K just to be Diamond-why would you care anyways.:confused: Heck-I'd take your money!!:p remember-I can also change the program at any time. :eek:

[Debde]

I took my whole family, 11 of us, on a cruise. I paid for everyone, but I only got 11 C&A credits for myself. I would have loved to have gotten all 121 points for myself, after all I paid for them, but rules are rules. Not worth getting upset over. :)

 

Hey. You are so on to something now!! I'd be Pinnacle already!!!:p

[LetsGetWet!]

I took my whole family, 11 of us, on a cruise. I paid for everyone, but I only got 11 C&A credits for myself. I would have loved to have gotten all 121 points for myself, after all I paid for them, but rules are rules. Not worth getting upset over. :)

Can I be in your family?? :D

[Desertbelle]

Can I be in your family?? :D

We are up to 19 now.....so no more of those trips unless a fairly huge chuck of rich drops into my lap! :eek:

[papaflamingo]

Ok, I admit I stopped reading the posts on page 3. So I may be repeating someone. But here's my two cents. Fair is whatever the person writing the rules say it is. It's a "loyalty program." They don't have to do it at all. They can change it anytime an in anyway they want. It gets you "freebies" for sailing on them. Honestly, Royal Caribbean, or any other cruise line, owes you nothing. If you don't like them, you can find another cruise line to sail. So Royal Caribbean offers what is generally considered the best loyalty program in the industry. Look at all the others. You don't get anything like on Royal Caribbean. And it works. I like Royal, but I want to try other cruise lines too. But when I look at the cost savings for D+ cabin discount, the use of the Diamond or Concierge lounge, priority boarding and debarkation, priority for MDR seating, etc. it keeps me coming back.

We cancelled a cruise for a death in the family. Luckily we had insurance, but I didn't get the points. We took our son's on a couple of cruises. I paid for both of them on one cruise and both of them and their significant others on another. That was the equivalent of 6 cruises. Yet they got the points, not me.

So be it. It is the way it is. It isn't about "fairness," it's about how the program is set up. The rules are clear. Don't take this wrong, but really if you don't like it, then don't cruise on Royal. If enough people bolt, they'll change the program. My guess, no one will bolt.

[The_Big_M]

But just paying your $2000 for the trip is not all the revenue RCI is getting. By not going RCI did not make any money for specialty restaurants, alcohol beverages, casino and other on board spending. For what our sea pass charges are sometimes, we could have taken one or two other people with us on the cruise. By completing the cruise you have truly "earned" those points. I think the policy "should" remain as it is.

 

Yet some people go on board and don't do any spending.

 

RCL get the revenue 'for free' in effect, since they can then re-book so I think you've actually proved the opposite argument. RCL get a lot more bonus from giving this up then the alternative, so the points are well deserved.

[LetsGetWet!]

Yet some people go on board and don't do any spending.

 

RCL get the revenue 'for free' in effect, since they can then re-book so I think you've actually proved the opposite argument. RCL get a lot more bonus from giving this up then the alternative, so the points are well deserved.

 

papaflamingo stated it well. The OP and supporters can whine as much as they want to, but it's RCCL's loyalty program, they set the rules, it's considered the best loyalty program in the industry, and he has two choices - accept their rules or walk away from RCCL & try to find a different line with a program he likes better. And on that, good luck! Basically, end of discussion, barring further whining.

 

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[Dajbman22]

Although I still stand by my point about how the mass market cruising industry derives its profits from on-board sales much more than cruise fares, thus I can see why RCI sees fully paid cancellations would not earn points, the more I think about it, the more it seems to just benefit RCI to take the hit and give the C&A points (at least if requested).

 

The reason is their policies already allow for some people to accrue a vast number of points without actually being on-board more than one night (and potentially never step foot on a RCI ship). How, you ask?

 

Well take my fiancee as an example. I already am currently well into Emerald status (about two cruises away from Diamond), thanks largely to my parents when I was a teenager. In fact, not only have I never given a dime to RCI of money I personally earned until a few weeks ago, I have only spent 20 nights on board RCI ships, thus my status is already highly inflated based on my parents' trips while I was in college an unable to cruise with them. My fiancee has never stepped foot on a RCI ship, but since we cohabitate (and she will be married to me by the time we cruise) she will get bumped to the same level I am (mainly from essential nepotism) at the end of our honeymoon. She will have spent a total of 7 nights on board, and be a short Bahamas cruise away from Diamond. If we take a weekend trip to Foxwoods' MGM area and sign up for M-Life, she could be Emerald with me the day we hop on board (without her ever being at sea on RCI ever).

 

What is my point? There are ways, however rare and context-specific, (without even trying to "game" the system) for people to rack up a large number of C&A points without actually cruising (or spending a dime), so is paying for a cruise and backing out last minute for a legitimate reason, really that much worse?:confused:

[fisher joe]

I know for a fact that if you pay for a hotel stay and do not check in you do not get and credits from their loyality program.

[LetsGetWet!]

Although I still stand by my point about how the mass market cruising industry derives its profits from on-board sales much more than cruise fares, thus I can see why RCI sees fully paid cancellations would not earn points, the more I think about it, the more it seems to just benefit RCI to take the hit and give the C&A points (at least if requested).

 

The reason is their policies already allow for some people to accrue a vast number of points without actually being on-board more than one night (and potentially never step foot on a RCI ship). How, you ask?

 

Well take my fiancee as an example. I already am currently well into Emerald status (about two cruises away from Diamond), thanks largely to my parents when I was a teenager. In fact, not only have I never given a dime to RCI of money I personally earned until a few weeks ago, I have only spent 20 nights on board RCI ships, thus my status is already highly inflated based on my parents' trips while I was in college an unable to cruise with them. My fiancee has never stepped foot on a RCI ship, but since we cohabitate (and she will be married to me by the time we cruise) she will get bumped to the same level I am (mainly from essential nepotism) at the end of our honeymoon. She will have spent a total of 7 nights on board, and be a short Bahamas cruise away from Diamond. If we take a weekend trip to Foxwoods' MGM area and sign up for M-Life, she could be Emerald with me the day we hop on board (without her ever being at sea on RCI ever).

 

Your fiancee will have her own C&A number, which will be linked to yours to allow her to share your status. She'll start earning additional points as the two of you cruise. But should you (heaven forbid) ever separate or divorce, I believe her point total & level would revert to only the points she had actually earned on cruises she went on.

 

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[Dajbman22]

Your fiancee will have her own C&A number, which will be linked to yours to allow her to share your status. She'll start earning additional points as the two of you cruise. But should you (heaven forbid) ever separate or divorce, I believe her point total & level would revert to only the points she had actually earned on cruises she went on.

 

Even if that is so, not to make it sound this way, but she is essentially marrying into my parents' (not even my) C&A points (even if in the real world that has exactly zero bearing on her decision). I almost feel like that is a more morally corrupt system than if someone in OP's situation got the points for their nights. That was my only point.

 

If things don't work out, though, I will remind my lawyer about her C&A points, though :rolleyes:.

 

 

As an aside:

This is by no means anything against the C&A system as a whole. Actually C&A is the reason we are even taking RCI for our Honeymoon... I had basically been converted to NCL by our cruise to Bermuda in '09, until our friends started talking about their honeymoon (which they currently are on) on the Jewel of the Seas, and I decided to see just how many C&A points I had from my 3 past cruises out of pure curiosity... and was floored at how many I had (thanks to the aforementioned same-household policy) and then at how the C&A discounts actually made RCI more affordable than NCL at the balcony cabin level. I still consider C&A the best, and most fair, rewards system at sea... just pointing out my slight guilt at how its policy unduly benefits me and my loved ones, but can still hurt others even more "loyal" to RCI than I am.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Dajbman22
Added aside about how C&A is still the best rewards program at sea regardless

[The_Big_M]

papaflamingo stated it well. The OP and supporters can whine as much as they want to, but it's RCCL's loyalty program, they set the rules, it's considered the best loyalty program in the industry, and he has two choices - accept their rules or walk away from RCCL & try to find a different line with a program he likes better. And on that, good luck! Basically, end of discussion, barring further whining.

 

Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

 

I haven't seen anyone say it's not RCCL's loyalty program, or they don't make the rules.

 

Those things don't invalidate what was posted.

 

As for the best loyalty program, I think I've heard that said about a fair number of loyalty programs - Carnivals and NCL's excepted. Again, not a definitive argument.

 

And yes, I'm sure he knows what choices he has. Again, that doesn't change the merits of the argument.

 

As for your conclusion, it always says more about the respondent than the OP when any comment that's not rah rah supportive is called "whining."

[papaflamingo]

Even if that is so, not to make it sound this way, but she is essentially marrying into my parents' (not even my) C&A points (even if in the real world that has exactly zero bearing on her decision). I almost feel like that is a more morally corrupt system than if someone in OP's situation got the points for their nights. That was my only point.

 

If things don't work out, though, I will remind my lawyer about her C&A points, though :rolleyes:.

 

 

As an aside:

This is by no means anything against the C&A system as a whole. Actually C&A is the reason we are even taking RCI for our Honeymoon... I had basically been converted to NCL by our cruise to Bermuda in '09, until our friends started talking about their honeymoon (which they currently are on) on the Jewel of the Seas, and I decided to see just how many C&A points I had from my 3 past cruises out of pure curiosity... and was floored at how many I had (thanks to the aforementioned same-household policy) and then at how the C&A discounts actually made RCI more affordable than NCL at the balcony cabin level. I still consider C&A the best, and most fair, rewards system at sea... just pointing out my slight guilt at how its policy unduly benefits me and my loved ones, but can still hurt others even more "loyal" to RCI than I am.

 

You make a couple of great points... There are people out there that don't think a spouse should get equal status. There are people out there that think anyone you cruise with, especially a cabin mate, should get use of Diamond lounges, etc. There are people out there that think if you are in a "Gold Card" Suite, and your kids are in an inside cabin, that the kids should get Concierge Lounge privileges. And an argument (some not really very strong) can be made for each. My son and daughter-in-law cruised with us last New Years. They did not get my status. If he had been a minor, he would have. That's the rules, so be it.

But the best point you make is this: "Actually C&A is the reason we are even taking RCI for our Honeymoon" That is exactly the reason the rules are as they are. It's a "Loyalty Program." It's designed to drum up business. And as you said, a significant portion of the revenue comes from on board spending.

I work for a major airlines. They do exactly the same thing. Reward those who fly the most with us. Free lounge access, friends and family certificates, priority boarding, free luggage, free upgrades. And, an interesting concept. As an airline pilot, we stay in major hotel chains. They all have "loyalty programs." But I can't get points for my stay because... wait for it.... the airline pays the bill, and it's contracted, cheap rate (sound familiar? Sort of like using someone else's "free cruise certificate?). So, loyalty programs aren't that different.

To the person who thinks they are fairly equal.... if you can, let me know which ones. I haven't found any program that sets up a free, full bar, happy hour. And, by the way, our status transfers to Celebrity. You just don't get the cabin discount, that is based on actual number of Celebrity cruises... I guess that isn't "fair" either.

Edited February 21, 2014 by papaflamingo

[Folk Singer]

The question one more time is- "should" RCI give you Crown & Anchor points if you pay in full?

 

I am not worried about a refund- I understand the policy and that is not the question. RCI has your money, why not get credit? I personally think it is bad policy and bad marketing to do this.

It is also bad policy to try to push another cruise on you less via phone and email less than 24 hours after cancelling your cruise while they act all cheery about it. People that cancel last minute have something serious going on in their life to miss a cruise!

 

side note- you only get points for a completed cruise IF you pay yourself. My parents booked with an agent once, who in turn used her free RC cruise credit, and my parents did not receive cruise credit. Go figure!

 

they should if you pay in full you should get the points.

[Ocean Boy]

If someone is willing to pay $300 for some points, it's so sad they deserve to get them!!

 

Besides. What do any of you care if someone pays a hefty fee to get to some stupid level. If Joe Shmoe wants to give RC lets say..... 15K just to be Diamond-why would you care anyways.:confused: Heck-I'd take your money!!:p remember-I can also change the program at any time. :eek:

 

Imagine the thread that would be started here if right after some paid 15K to become diamond and then RCI scrapped the whole program the next week.:eek:

Edited February 21, 2014 by Ocean Boy

[grand isle joe]

you only get points for completed cruises.

 

bingo!!!!!

[talia-co]

Although I still stand by my point about how the mass market cruising industry derives its profits from on-board sales much more than cruise fares, thus I can see why RCI sees fully paid cancellations would not earn points, the more I think about it, the more it seems to just benefit RCI to take the hit and give the C&A points (at least if requested).

 

The reason is their policies already allow for some people to accrue a vast number of points without actually being on-board more than one night (and potentially never step foot on a RCI ship). How, you ask?

 

Well take my fiancee as an example. I already am currently well into Emerald status (about two cruises away from Diamond), thanks largely to my parents when I was a teenager. In fact, not only have I never given a dime to RCI of money I personally earned until a few weeks ago, I have only spent 20 nights on board RCI ships, thus my status is already highly inflated based on my parents' trips while I was in college an unable to cruise with them. My fiancee has never stepped foot on a RCI ship, but since we cohabitate (and she will be married to me by the time we cruise) she will get bumped to the same level I am (mainly from essential nepotism) at the end of our honeymoon. She will have spent a total of 7 nights on board, and be a short Bahamas cruise away from Diamond. If we take a weekend trip to Foxwoods' MGM area and sign up for M-Life, she could be Emerald with me the day we hop on board (without her ever being at sea on RCI ever).

 

What is my point? There are ways, however rare and context-specific, (without even trying to "game" the system) for people to rack up a large number of C&A points without actually cruising (or spending a dime), so is paying for a cruise and backing out last minute for a legitimate reason, really that much worse?:confused:

 

I thought once a child becomes 18, he/she retains the Crown and Anchor level of their parents at that time but to get to the next level, they will have to earn the point difference between their actual points and the points required for the next level. Perhaps I've not understood the rule or your situation.

Edited February 21, 2014 by talia-co

[Dajbman22]

I thought once a child becomes 18, he/she retains the Crown and Anchor level of their parents at that time but to get to the next level, they will have to earn the point difference between their actual points and the points required for the next level. Perhaps I've not understood the rule or your situation.

 

That is how it is supposed to work according to the fine print, but I was still accruing points until about 20/21 from cruises my parents took. Eventually I did stop accruing, but it wasn't at 18 (although that could be because my parents stopped booking on RCI in favor of Celebrity/Princess at about that time, so its hard to know what the cause was). There is no designation in the C&A system between the 20 points I earned by being physically on a ship, and the rest of the points in my account. This could all be one of RCI's inconsistent enforcement issues, but unless after this next cruise my points drop back down to 27, I believe I start out of the gate with a huge boost.

[talia-co]

That is how it is supposed to work according to the fine print, but I was still accruing points until about 20/21 from cruises my parents took. Eventually I did stop accruing, but it wasn't at 18 (although that could be because my parents stopped booking on RCI in favor of Celebrity/Princess at about that time, so its hard to know what the cause was). There is no designation in the C&A system between the 20 points I earned by being physically on a ship, and the rest of the points in my account. This could all be one of RCI's inconsistent enforcement issues, but unless after this next cruise my points drop back down to 27, I believe I start out of the gate with a huge boost.

 

That sounds great! I only ask because although our two daughters have sailed every cruise with us thus far, they most likely will not be sailing every cruise with us as we reach the Diamond Plus level before they are 18. Anyway, all the best to you and your fiancé!

[Debde]

Imagine the thread that would be started here if right after some paid 15K to become diamond and then RCI scrapped the whole program the next week.:eek:

 

Remember when diamonds got kicked out of the CL. Where do you think I got the figure and thought!!!;) Those same diamonds are spending away to get back in and lordy lou-could it happen again!!:eek:

[PattyG12]

If someone is willing to pay $300 for some points, it's so sad they deserve to get them!!

 

Besides. What do any of you care if someone pays a hefty fee to get to some stupid level. If Joe Shmoe wants to give RC lets say..... 15K just to be Diamond-why would you care anyways.:confused: Heck-I'd take your money!!:p remember-I can also change the program at any time. :eek:

 

they absolutely can change the program but it's silly to award points to someone that didn't sail ... that's all I was trying to say. Points are awarded AFTER someone sails.

[CruisingChick]

So what do you think?

 

You pay in full for a cruise and are unable to go on the cruise

due to illness or injury. You must pay the 100% penalty because you are in the narrow cancellation window, should you at least receive your Crown & Anchor points for he sailing?

 

Seems to me if you pay in full, and have to cancel, you could at least get credit. It is not like they have to expend to wash your towels or feed you!

 

Exact same thing happened to us on Celebrity. I was rushed to the hospital the day before our cruise departed. I was told I was unable to travel for 4-6 weeks.

 

I called, wrote letters, etc. They would not give us our 1 measly Captain's Club credit that we would have gotten if we taken the cruise. They did however send us a future cruise credit for 50% of the cost of the cruise we missed because of the illness.

 

They have the same policy - points only awarded after you have sailed and completed your cruise.

Edited February 21, 2014 by CruisingChick