Remember when NEW Perks were added...

[EmpressofPurple]

...or when you first learned about them... or how to combine them... make the most of them...

 

Weren't they WONDERFUL?! Wasn't it EXCITING to find a new way to maximize your benefits? Didn't it make you feel like RCI really cared about you, and didn't it make you want to cruise with them even more?!?

 

I do! I really miss those days. It was so much fun to hear about new perks, or find new ways to put various programs together for truly impressive savings and rewards.

 

I remember when I first sailed on RCI (encouraged to try the line thanks to a $99 3rd/4th passenger sale -- I'm sure like many new passengers are being brought in the current 3rd/4th sail free promotion). At that time Princess was my preferred line, and I was moving up in their loyalty program just because I happened to always select their ships.

 

However, I made some GREAT friends on that RCI sailing, and those friendships grew on future sailings and right here on Cruise Critic. And most of those friends almost exclusively sailed on RCI. Many of them were highly cruised already, others were chasing Diamond (which was all you needed back then to get into the CL) -- and I cruised along with them, just to spend time with my friends!

 

As a non-drinker, the CL benefit didn't mean so much to me in terms of savings on my (non-existent) drinks bill, but missing out on it by just a few points before Diamonds were kicked out of the CL hurt, because I LOVED talking with and meeting people who had traveled so widely. I learned so much from them (as I do from these boards) about how to plan for trips, pack, tour, etiquette, tipping, etc., etc.

 

Bit by bit, I have seen various special promotions cut back and back -- not just the list of non-combinable pricing issues, the most recent being the decimation of the NextCruise program -- but also little things like the quality of prizes offered at Trivia... the removal of the health-promoting "vitality chips" (or earlier shipshape dollars) for attending various vitality activities (paid and free gym classes, walk a mile, even dance classes)... yes, even chocolates on the pillows...

 

It was SO MUCH FUN when RCI would introduce these new programs and promotions, and incurred such goodwill from those of us who have become loyal customers. I sincerely hope that they surprise us and start to institute them again, add new improvements to their programs rather than cut them back, etc.

 

Sorry to all of the stockholders and apologists for the corporate "save (or make) money at all costs" mindset... I happen to believe that providing a terrific customer experience is actually the true goal of any company, and money is what they EARN for providing excellent service (not the goal).

 

Yes, it's a bit of an idealistic view, but I hold it for all professions: i.e., a teacher's goal is to impart learning to students, not to work for a paycheck, summers off, the security of tenure -- that's what they EARN for doing a good job and providing a needed service... a police officer's goal is to protect and serve, not to write tickets and seek out extra overtime... a mechanic's job is to fix things, not pad the bill...

 

...surely a businessperson's/corporation's job is not just to maximize profits, but actually to provide a bonafide service and thus develop loyal, appreciative customers! As the old saying goes, the only person who makes money works at the printing press for the treasury... the rest of us make something else, for which service we are paid a salary or otherwise receive payment. In other words -- it's NOT all just about the money!!!!

[EmpressofPurple]

A girl can hope...

 

After all, I didn't "expect" any of these things when I started cruising; it was all new and exciting and delightful to me. All these little extras entranced me and kept me coming back.

 

I didn't view them as "entitlements," just the special luxuries that made cruising so very special and such a different vacation experience.

 

I'm hoping that current marketing mavens at RCI will realize this and institute new delights for the future.

 

(And maybe, just maybe, all of those folks making excuses for their cutbacks will stop howling about the "profit motive" and the "bottom line" being more important than providing the exceptional customer service experience that enables companies to achieve those results.)

 

As I said, a girl can hope...:)

[kruzerci]

Those were the days! We still enjoy their product, but I don't look at them the way I did even a couple of years ago. The recent Nextcruise changes have really been the icing on the cake for us.

 

I feel like at this point it's they've dropped the quality so much that they can effortlessly nickel and dime customers for specialty dining, they've cut back the service to the point that its frustrating going to the MDR (while implementing mandatory gratuities... which is fine... but lets call a spade a spade, its a mandatory service charge!), and what benefits and perks we have just keep on dropping.

 

Like others pointed out on various other threads, minor changes aren't terrible individually, but adding up all the (negative) changes in the past few years, I think the product has gone downhill tremendously. It's all about quantity, not quality now.

[roquejo]

What RCCL management doesn't realize that by cutting back on their next cruise program OBC, they took away a very enticing marketing tool that kept some customers hooked with RCCL in a repeating pattern of by buyng the NCC to take an advantage while they are onboard that effectively sets them to go to another cruise with RCCL...

 

It was effective for me and I managed to buy 2 on separate cruises and set me up for 2 booked cruises for them late this year and early this year..

 

It also caused me to focused more on RCCL and forgot other cruise lines like Princess that has a better overall IT than RCCL.

 

But sadly, that cycle ends here for me and I won't buy any NCC on my next cruise, and will already look to other cruise lines for more choices.

 

Way back around Sept-Oct last year, RCCL's loyalty program was the best in the industry.. non 200% single supplement, double points for singles, $100 OBC even for interior NCC for 7 day cruises, savings certificates, balcony discounts, onboard coupons..

 

So good that I focused on RCCL and planning to get to diamond.. but sadly.. due to the cutbacks, RCCL has loss its advantage.

 

What RCCL don't know is they have competitors. NCL, for instance, has great new ships, and provide a freestyle cruising option, Princess has better IT's than RCCL being voted best overall IT. Their Japan IT's in Asia originating in Tokyo directly compete with RCCL's China and Korea IT's But for me Princess Japan IT is way better because it has a Hokkaido and Russia IT as well as a Kyushu IT which RCCL doesn't...

 

HAL, Princess, and NCL has also better Alaska IT's because they go to Glacier Bay while RCCL has no permits to get there.

 

Since RCCL has lost its loyal advantages due to the cutbacks.. the best approach now is just not to focus on any cruise line but book whoever has better ships or better IT's on your intended destination. That way, you have more options by not focusing on a particular cruise line.

 

Btw, Princess still does not implement 200% single supplements, and they give double points to solo cruisers.. something to think about.

[dirtgirl]

Btw, Princess still does not implement 200% single supplements, and they give double points to solo cruisers.. something to think about.

 

Yes, Princess does implement 200% single supplements; the only difference is that solos don't pay the phantom person's taxes. ;) This is the same with HAL, Norwegian, Carnival, Celebrity...

 

Princess does, as you say, give double points, which is absolutely fair if you're paying double rate. All the lines should do that.

 

Denise - I feel your pain - it is different nowadays than it was on that awesome cruise on the Mariner in '06. ;)

[EmpressofPurple]

My dear Carol -- you know it was cruising with YOU and your awesome friends that kept me on RC for so many years, flying to the west coast to join you on your fast road to Diamond...

 

I know you have branched out since then, especially as you became involved in the cruise industry, but you always touted RCI's advantages (at least until recently)... now of course you are so informed about all the lines and what they have to offer...

 

I'm just hoping that someone at RCI is reading this and realizing what used to draw and KEEP loyal customers is those great, fun perks, programs and promotions -- and reinstate or even IMPROVE them!! Certainly some creative genius in RCI marketing can come up with even more ways to WOW the guests and keep us coming back...

 

Alas, I REALLY agree with rocquejo -- without an NCC in my pocket, I am MUCH more likely to go cruise shopping elsewhere... maybe try out an NCL or HAL, which I've never done... go back to my first love, Princess... even try a Carnival again, I had great fun on them when the kids were young...

 

I'm sure there are similar cutbacks and economies on all the lines, it's just that without a strong loyalty program, I have no reason to stay with RCI anymore. And I'm SURE not going to buy another NCC on my upcoming cruise under the new program rules!

 

(Although I DID printout the NextCruise/OpenBooking page from my Cruise Contract for this cruise, which has the old terms on it... and I'll see if the Loyalty Ambassador can make it work. Doubtful, but worth a try...)

 

Also... as many people state over and over again, CC is a TINY portion of RCI's cruisers. Stop worrying that we "ruined" the perks by sharing our ideas here (i.e., old ideas about taking cash out of the casino, combining benefits, etc.) -- all of us together make up a fraction of the cruising population. I can't believe our offering tips on how to save money or make the most out of what is provided "caused" RCI to do those cutbacks... and if it did, shame on you, RCI!! Rather than let us feel "special" or "in the know," you took away our little "insider secrets"... as I said in my initial post, it's SO MUCH FUN to find out about these perks or how to access them... please create some new reasons for us to keep coming back!!!:D

[time4u2go]

OP, have you considered basically sending your entire first post directly to RCI? Seems like it has some very valid points and concerns.

[roquejo]

Yes, Princess does implement 200% single supplements; the only difference is that solos don't pay the phantom person's taxes. ;) This is the same with HAL, Norwegian, Carnival, Celebrity...

 

Yeah, I knew that, it is called NCF - non commissioned fare, which should only be charged per person.

 

what I meant is RCCL nowadays just multiplies the quoted price by 2 if you do a test booking at their website.. except for some promo sailings that have reduced single supplement.. unless you are a diamond plus member with a very high cruise points.

 

 

so with the new reduced OBC for NCC for RCCL...

 

Princess has now the best value for solo cruisers as they still implement the old way of computing solo fare as well as give double points..

 

As for NCL, regardless if you booked solo or not, as long as you book 9 months out, you get double points..

 

With that, it is no longer that rewarding to cruise RCCL compared to other lines, so loyalty no longer pays as they can just strip benefits just like that...

 

Best approach nowadays is not limiting your choices by just booking with the company that offers the best IT and ship combinations.

[DrD]

...surely a businessperson's/corporation's job is not just to maximize profits' date=' but actually to provide a bonafide service and thus develop loyal, appreciative customers! As the old saying goes, the only person who makes money works at the printing press for the treasury... the rest of us make something else, for which service we are paid a salary or otherwise receive payment. In other words -- it's NOT all just about the money!!!![/quote']

 

Actually a corporation's primary duty is to its shareholders. The basis of the capitalist system is, well, capital. And people don't lend/invest unless they know everything will be done to maximize their return or at least minimize their loss.

 

So customer service is indeed a means to an end when it comes to corporations with investors.

 

Now having said that, I agree with many of your points, and think that perhaps RCCL should do better. Also the examples you used of the professions are not applicable because there aren't any investors.

Edited March 19, 2014 by DrD

[ncsteeler]

Actually a corporation's primary duty is to its shareholders. The basis of the capitalist system is, well, capital. And people don't lend/invest unless they know everything will be done to maximize their return or at least minimize their loss.

 

So customer service is indeed a means to an end when it comes to corporations with investors.

 

Now having said that, I agree with many of your points, and think that perhaps RCCL should do better. Also the examples you used of the professions are not applicable because there aren't any investors.

 

I'm a shareholder and worry about the long term effect of the cut backs. I for one have lost he Wow and our next cruise will likely be with a new line for a change of pace

[UCF_Knight]

Actually a corporation's primary duty is to its shareholders. The basis of the capitalist system is, well, capital. And people don't lend/invest unless they know everything will be done to maximize their return or at least minimize their loss.

 

So customer service is indeed a means to an end when it comes to corporations with investors.

 

Now having said that, I agree with many of your points, and think that perhaps RCCL should do better. Also the examples you used of the professions are not applicable because there aren't any investors.

 

 

A lot of Royal Caribbean's recent decisions seem to be designed for the short term in meeting profit goals over the next couple of quarters instead of thinking about how the decisions will make them miss long term goals which can only be accomplished with customer loyalty.

 

Maybe some execs are sitting on a stack of options which are about to expire and they want to boost the stock up in the short term.

[EmpressofPurple]

So glad to see those last two comments!! It's hard not to be shortsighted when a quick-fix savings is in view (oh my the stockholders demand that we maximize profit)... but worthwhile to take the longer perspective of the goodwill generated and revenue stability guaranteed by a long-term, loyal, repeat clientele (vs. those -perhaps- higher-spending first-timers buying lots of photos, logo gifts, bingo, shore excursions, etc...)

 

I'm sure many high-tier C&A folks also invest in romance/wedding packages, all-inclusive drink packages, high-end suites and cabanas, spa treatments and products, fitness center classes, make large donations at the casino, purchase jewelry and perfume in the onboard shops, and so on... especially if they/we can "save" a bit with our balcony discount, bogo coupons, NextCruise obc, etc. -- makes us feel like we've got more to spend onboard!!

 

Besides, re: the professions -- if a corporation is treated like a person under the law (as it is)... it ought to behave like one!!!:D

[DrD]

I agree with the above, but as I said, only because such behavior helps profits. We can debate long vs short term but fundamentally the concept is unchanged.

 

Like most of us I have investments in retirement accounts, and certainly my only concern is that they grow, not that the underlying companies treat their customers well. In fact like most of us I have no idea what companies are in my portfolio anyway.

 

And this is one of the issues in the modern corporate world, many if not most investors are far removed from the workings of the companies they've invested in. When was the last time you filled out one of your proxy ballots for one of your funds? Thought so.

Edited March 19, 2014 by DrD

[temple1]

When I visit other cruiseline websites I automatically compare the rates to Royal's minus the Balcony/Suite discount. If NCL has a short cruise that compares well in price - there is now no reason to book Royal because for 3 - 5 points I will lose will not get me to Diamond+ very quickly . The Diamond discounts are almost worthless and then the issue with the reduction in the NCC - NCL is looking good for short cruises.

Edited March 19, 2014 by temple1

[EmpressofPurple]

While not in that world (anymore) myself... I do know that there are indeed investors who select their portfolio based on what the companies actually do in the world, not just how much money they make... I recall my father making the hard decision to select new stocks because he didn't like the policies of some of the broker-recommended ones, especially in oil and gas (despite the fact that they could be guaranteed to provide good returns).

 

Remember "divest South Africa"? Choosing where to invest your money can actually effect world change... for the better!

 

Is it REALLY only privately-held companies that care about their workers, their customers, their product, their services, their impact on the environment, worker rights at home and abroad, political structures and policies -- and all publicly-traded companies care about these things ONLY insofar as they affect the "bottom line"??? How did these companies grow large enough (i.e., attract enough customers) to even go public in the first place? By providing a valued/wanted/needed service, of course!!!

[Debde]

 

Sadly-it is. Sit in the board room and read here-like night and day the conversations.

[DrD]

Yes there are "conscience funds" but they are the exception not the rule. and even then a certain return is expected, albeit a bit lower than one could get elsewhere.

 

And I'm not sure that failure to provide sufficient perks would be a criterion. It's not quite the same as apartheid or pollution.

Edited March 19, 2014 by DrD

[EmpressofPurple]

lol agreed, we're talking about two separate things here:)

[kruzerci]

OP, have you considered basically sending your entire first post directly to RCI? Seems like it has some very valid points and concerns.

 

I agree.

 

OP- I think you have valid points, as do the other threads going right now related to this. It can never hurt to make your opinions known to management. In the past, if there is an uproar, they generally have generally addressed the issue.

Edited March 19, 2014 by kruzerci

[temple1]

Unfortunately, many of our economic problems stem from this free market short sighted thinking about profits. Our European competition are looking ahead 5 years where American companies can't see beyond the next quarter. :rolleyes:

 

With that said, I actually sent Mr. Goldstein an email today about the change in Balcony/Suite Discounts. I pointed out some of my recent concerns and issues:

 

Dear Mr. Goldstein,

It seems once again the website has major flaws. Not only is it showing the same balcony and suite discounts for all classifications - Emerald, Diamond, etc. but either Royal Caribbean has either determined to no longer reward loyal cruisers who like to take shorter cruises or the discount is no longer showing on the C&A website. According to some of your phone reps it has been taken away, others are not sure. However, if I go on line and do a mock booking on Enchantment of the Seas, one of my favorite ships I've cruised on 3 times already, it still shows the discount is available.

 

Most of your policies and changes have little impact on me. We were disappointed when the cruise line changed how points were awarded, I was lucky and had enough to be diamond; my sister (who is my frequent cruise partner and helped me to get to diamond was not so lucky and will be several years before she becomes diamond). The most difficult part of that is when we cruise together I do not frequent the diamond lounge because although we share a cabin she is not allowed in the Diamond Lounge. Last year on Independence when we stopped in to get Ice Show Tickets I thought the concierge was going to have her wait in the hall. He was not very friendly to say the least. But, that will not make or break a cruise. The cheapening of the Diamond and Emerald on board saving booklets is not a huge problem either. Most of the discounts were wasted on us. Thing is - these things all add up. When we plan our Panama Canal crossing we will have some tough decisions to make as far as which cruise line we will choose, especially if my sister is not Diamond by then.

 

As you can see, we are still loyal to Royal with 2 cruises booked for this year; but this latest cut is making it more difficult for us to stay loyal for short cruises. I do hope you and the others who make these decisions do not have other similar cuts this year, because we are becoming incredibly underwhelmed with the product - Sliders for dinner in the main dining room? Where are we Applebees?

 

I didn't want this to be a rant email. I just wanted to share my hope that ya'll will put away the hatchet.

 

Regards,

Temple1

C&A #

Edited March 19, 2014 by temple1

[runner2013]

The way I figure it, people want newer, bigger and better than what they originally had. RC like every other line is providing that with bigger ships, more activities on board, more dining optiions etc, but its coming at the expense of the little perks we were used to. You want a mammoth ship with ziplining onboard, sure thing, but you won't be getting a worthwhile on board credit anymore. You want chocolates on your pillow, not anymore. You demanded 16 decks with 8 pools and 20 bars.

Sometimes I feel if we all learned how to make due with just a little less we would all be a little happier. :(

[critterchick]

The way I figure it, people want newer, bigger and better than what they originally had. RC like every other line is providing that with bigger ships, more activities on board, more dining optiions etc, but its coming at the expense of the little perks we were used to. You want a mammoth ship with ziplining onboard, sure thing, but you won't be getting a worthwhile on board credit anymore. You want chocolates on your pillow, not anymore. You demanded 16 decks with 8 pools and 20 bars.

Sometimes I feel if we all learned how to make due with just a little less we would all be a little happier. :(

 

So then if I promise only to book Vision and Radiance class ships, may I have some perks back?:p

 

I don't know if the market has really demanded all of this bigger and better floating amusement park stuff, but RCI has built it and now has to pay for it, which means that we do, too. Cruising is a bargain today compared to our first cruise in 1995 on Nordic Empress ($450pp got you an OV for 4 nights), but I'd rather pay more for my cruise and have the same experience we had up until the mid-2000's. But, at 60 with no younger generations to bring along on a family cruise, I'm not the demographic RCI is after.:( Fortunately, the crew still treats us brilliantly.:)

[setsail]

When I first sailed with rci there were no perks that I can remember, not even from a Ta.

 

So, I will take any and all they want to give me now and be happy

[dirtgirl]

Yeah, I knew that, it is called NCF - non commissioned fare, which should only be charged per person.

 

what I meant is RCCL nowadays just multiplies the quoted price by 2 if you do a test booking at their website.. except for some promo sailings that have reduced single supplement.. unless you are a diamond plus member with a very high cruise points.

 

 

so with the new reduced OBC for NCC for RCCL...

 

Princess has now the best value for solo cruisers as they still implement the old way of computing solo fare as well as give double points..

 

As for NCL, regardless if you booked solo or not, as long as you book 9 months out, you get double points..

 

With that, it is no longer that rewarding to cruise RCCL compared to other lines, so loyalty no longer pays as they can just strip benefits just like that...

 

Best approach nowadays is not limiting your choices by just booking with the company that offers the best IT and ship combinations.

 

I just priced out a Princess sailing.:)

 

Double occupancy: $1138

 

Single occupancy: $1017

 

The only difference is that the solo person does not pay one of the taxes, which happens to be $121.

 

I looked closely at the NCFs. It was $175 pp for the double, but only $280 for the single (logically it should have been $350). BUT, Princess increased the actual cruise fare so that any 'saving' in the lower NCF was made up for in the cruise fare. Clear as mud? ;)

 

So basically, yes, Princess is really only just taking off one tax for a solo passenger, and that is it - same as Royal, Carnival, HAL, Norwegian...

 

Sometimes one can luck out and get a lower single supplement, but that may come at a price perk-wise. Some perks are only for solos paying 200%.

[hellsop]

Perceptions differ...

 

I mean, I'm glad for the new drinks packages, that they're inclusive of tips, and that there's options that go pretty much to *everything* and what isn't in the almost everything gets a discount.

 

I like the new MDR menus, that they're striving for something adventurous, even if it's not always a success. There's some gems of dishes in there, and over time, they'll sort out which they are. If they change that Mojo pork chop, there will be blood on the deck though.

 

I'm 100% behind the gratuity changes made over the past few years, streamlining and automating the process so that it becomes one less thing I have to plan and pay attention to. I've got some ideas that I think would be nice for it, but I'm sure I'd get horrified looks for even mentioning some of them.

 

I *love* the R Bar and the options for specialty dining, even if I don't partake in (all of) them. Others may look at that stuff and think "money grab", I think they wouldn't be nearly as popular as they are if they weren't offering something that apparently a LOT of people want. That people can tailor how they want their cruise experience to be is only to be praised.

 

Stuff like art auctions, jewelry and watch sales, the extensive focus on port-side shopping, bingo and gambling and perqs related to those? Totally uninteresting to me and could vanish without me even noticing it's gone.