Offers received from Club Royale (Royal Caribbean)

[somerandomidiot]

Forgot to mention that CR also treats those "free cruise or money towards another" certs as a discount on your cruise rather than a cash payment (like the rebates were when you applied them as a payment). So if you have your cruises assigned to a TA for secondary perks you might see a reduction in those perks. A discount affects the TA's commissions whereas a cash payment doesn't. I had to have the CR rep clarify it for me because the cert's value of 750 really isn't 750 if your TA is going to reduce your OBC perk due to the reduction in price. With the cash rebates, the TA just applied it as they would any other payment. It reduced the price without affecting the commission.

Edited March 30, 2016 by somerandomidiot

[Daghis]

Forgot to mention that CR also treats those "free cruise or money towards another" certs as a discount on your cruise rather than a cash payment (like the rebates were when you applied them as a payment).

Is that new, or has it always been that way?

 

When I sailed in October in a comped balcony cabin that we upgraded to a grand suite, I was told that as far as Crown & Anchor was concerned (whether we'd still get double points), the fare was paid in full, just by someone else. (We did get our double points for that cruise.)

 

This became specifically relevant, though, because we received a 20% future cruise certificate from that cruise. I was expecting that they'd base it off 20% of what we paid, but they instead based it on 20% of the full price of the suite. It made for a rather nice chunk of credit to be applied to our subsequent cruise.

[Happy Bee]

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Casino_Cruises_Itinerary.pdf?ecid=em_5262642&rid=675335677&emsc=&empf=&emct=&lnkid=EVENTS_CASINO

 

also

 

got offer free balcony on particular sailing from now to June 30, 16 or $ for any sailing thet not on this list also until June 30 need to sail.

 

and

 

last they said that they allow still cash rebate until new program is nor rolled during this transition period.

[somerandomidiot]

Is that new, or has it always been that way?

 

When I sailed in October in a comped balcony cabin that we upgraded to a grand suite, I was told that as far as Crown & Anchor was concerned (whether we'd still get double points), the fare was paid in full, just by someone else. (We did get our double points for that cruise.)

 

This became specifically relevant, though, because we received a 20% future cruise certificate from that cruise. I was expecting that they'd base it off 20% of what we paid, but they instead based it on 20% of the full price of the suite. It made for a rather nice chunk of credit to be applied to our subsequent cruise.

 

On the phone when I asked for clarification, the CR rep confirmed that it was now a discount (which would affect the TA's commission) rather than a cash payment (which doesnt affect the TA's commission) like it had been in the past.

 

In your situation, I don't think it would matter since it sounds like the whole process was internal.

[BEENSAILING]

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Casino_Cruises_Itinerary.pdf?ecid=em_5262642&rid=675335677&emsc=&empf=&emct=&lnkid=EVENTS_CASINO

 

also

 

got offer free balcony on particular sailing from now to June 30, 16 or $ for any sailing thet not on this list also until June 30 need to sail.

 

and

 

last they said that they allow still cash rebate until new program is nor rolled during this transition period.

 

Hi Alla-

Rebates are not cash back at cage. you can apply rebate to future cruise you are paying for to lower a price. which if you get a free cruise you also cannot use cash rebate for cash at cage.

 

and try to see if you can find out info on, for example, Navigator Holiday cruise in December. or August wine lovers. they are not booking those... even though they are on the list.

[PompeySailor]

Is that new, or has it always been that way?

 

When I sailed in October in a comped balcony cabin that we upgraded to a grand suite, I was told that as far as Crown & Anchor was concerned (whether we'd still get double points), the fare was paid in full, just by someone else. (We did get our double points for that cruise.)

 

This became specifically relevant, though, because we received a 20% future cruise certificate from that cruise. I was expecting that they'd base it off 20% of what we paid, but they instead based it on 20% of the full price of the suite. It made for a rather nice chunk of credit to be applied to our subsequent cruise.

 

 

As like your experience Marc,

We have always received the double C&A points regardless of how booked or if an upgrade was thrown in.

 

The key is that minimum amount of $1 on your invoice

From my understanding if it is 100% free and a $0.00 balance on invoice then you would not receive the double C&A points.

 

Anyone can chime in and correct me if this is not so anymore, as CR seems to be more diluted than powdered water:eek:

[PompeySailor]

Hi Alla-

Rebates are not cash back at cage. you can apply rebate to future cruise you are paying for to lower a price. which if you get a free cruise you also cannot use cash rebate for cash at cage.

 

and try to see if you can find out info on, for example, Navigator Holiday cruise in December. or August wine lovers. they are not booking those... even though they are on the list.

 

 

We applied rebate to future cruise, just last week.

Conditions were that the cruise had to have been booked before the magical date of March 15th 2016.

We are sailing Nov 2016 just for reference.

 

The CR rep did confirm with their supervisor before applying, new invoice reflecting deducted amount, this was then emailed out instantly.

 

The deductibles were shown as line items

YHP5-CASINO SLOTS

YHP6-CASINO TABLE

Not divulging amounts, but what we earned was duly applied.

 

Happy Days!

[itching2cruiseagain]

We had booked a cruise on the Empress, through Club Royale, because it was a slot tournament cruise. When we called today to ask about something else, I wanted to verify that both hubby and I had entries. The rep said she can't find either of us listed for the tournament.

I had looked the list of tournament cruises and noticed that the week before our August cruise there is a slot tournament cruise and wanted to switch it. (We booked that cruise March 15th so we wouldn't lose our rebate) She said she saw that it is listed, but she can't book on it yet. She said she would get back to us within 24 hours for both issues. It is very frustrating.

They said they wanted to be transparent with the new program, yet the program seems more confusing and less friendly to higher play.

[Daghis]

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Casino_Cruises_Itinerary.pdf?ecid=em_5262642&rid=675335677&emsc=&empf=&emct=&lnkid=EVENTS_CASINO

 

Thanks for sharing that link!

 

I see that there's a slot tournament on a cruise on Liberty of the Seas the week before I'm sailing on her! Bummer!

Edited March 31, 2016 by Daghis

[itching2cruiseagain]

Update: The May 28, 2016 Empress, the 15K slot tournament has been cancelled. They said there weren't enough reservations for the tournament. As for the Aug 21 on the link someone posted, it is there but they can't really put us in there yet. They switched our cruise same room and everything and as soon as the tournament is opened up within the next month, he will add our names to it.

[Bronx12]

I emailed Club Royale to inquire about the new program and here is a portion of the reply email:

 

All offers and comps are based off of your last 12 months of play on our ships. Offers are either sent via email or direct mail, depending on the promotion, and will include different items from free spa treatments to free rooms.

The new Casino Loyalty program is a tier based system so you will know what type of offer you have before you even call us to set up a cruise. The information on which tier you will be placed in, and how many points to get to the next tier will be mailed to you around the end of April.

Edited March 31, 2016 by Bronx12

[PompeySailor]

The information on which tier you will be placed in, and how many points to get to the next tier will be mailed to you around the end of April.

 

Is that April 2016 or 2017:)

Looks like the carrot they are dangling on when we will be emailed has been extended by a bigger piece of string ;)

 

On a side-note

Just snagged an RS for 2018 on AOTS 50% off with some very nice CR discounts.

 

Very happy wife and daughter:cool:

 

Happy Days!

[PompeySailor]

Thanks for sharing that link!

 

I see that there's a slot tournament on a cruise on Liberty of the Seas the week before I'm sailing on her! Bummer!

 

 

Marc,

You might want to take a look at the prices through CR for spring break 2018 on Adventure.

Very good prices on all Suites.:)

 

Not on any of the CR flyers, but as an out layer, some good deals.

Granted you have to factor in flights to San Juan, but good deals to be had

[OTownNick]

Marc,

You might want to take a look at the prices through CR for spring break 2018 on Adventure.

Very good prices on all Suites.:)

 

Not on any of the CR flyers, but as an out layer, some good deals.

Granted you have to factor in flights to San Juan, but good deals to be had

 

What date of sailing?

[PompeySailor]

What date of sailing?

 

Nick,

March 10th (Saturday-Saturday) out of San Juan

 

Plenty of JS, GS and OS remaining, RS is gone though:D

 

Happy Days!

[Daghis]

You might want to take a look at the prices through CR for spring break 2018 on Adventure.

Very good prices on all Suites.:)

Thanks for the pointer!

 

After reading your suggestion, I thought I'd call Club Royale to see whether there was better pricing for the Oasis cruise I already have booked for the same week as your Adventure cruise. (Will that be the second time that we'll be cruising the same week on different ships? :))

 

Unfortunately for me, I forgot that I had already asked them about Club Royale pricing and it turns out that it hadn't changed since I asked them previously ($100 less, but I lose the $100 NextCruise onboard credit).

 

I did ask to see whether they had heard from the ship about my play two weeks ago, and they said that they still hadn't gotten anything from them. I think they were a bit surprised that it hadn't come in; they suggested perhaps they were just really busy in the casino onboard this week. :rolleyes:

[PompeySailor]

Thanks for the pointer!

 

After reading your suggestion, I thought I'd call Club Royale to see whether there was better pricing for the Oasis cruise I already have booked for the same week as your Adventure cruise. (Will that be the second time that we'll be cruising the same week on different ships? :))

 

Unfortunately for me, I forgot that I had already asked them about Club Royale pricing and it turns out that it hadn't changed since I asked them previously ($100 less, but I lose the $100 NextCruise onboard credit).

 

I did ask to see whether they had heard from the ship about my play two weeks ago, and they said that they still hadn't gotten anything from them. I think they were a bit surprised that it hadn't come in; they suggested perhaps they were just really busy in the casino onboard this week. :rolleyes:

 

You're welcome Marc,

Spring breakers Hey! Once DD leaves for Uni, we will have more of the year to choose from, limited for next 4 years like so many:)

 

I am sure our paths will cross on the same sailing in the future.

Pretty much spring break and Thanksgiving for us for now

 

We got our amounts back I think 6 days after we got back, and applied straight away to next cruise.

2 weeks does seem a long time, hopefully they will have sorted soon for you.

No other news to report back at this time

 

Have a great weekend

Happy Days!

[Denversail]

I received a free balcony cert on my Liberty cruise 3/27. It had a sail by date of 9/6. We didn't want to cruise until Oct. I called CR and at first they said I couldn't use it on a sailing after that date. I started inquiring on casino rates for the Oct Allure cruise we wanted to take. She put me on hold and came back and said she got approval for me to use it. Got a great deal. We are very happy. BTW... They still had not received any record of my play from my Liberty cruise.

[itching2cruiseagain]

We sailed on the Independence April 9, 2016. We had spoken to Club Royale before leaving and they said they no longer give a rebate, but we would earn what they called on-board credit. the host told us the same thing. he said it was less paperwork because it wouldn't be cash in the casino, but if you take cash out in the casino, it would go to your on-board account, essentially being the same thing. My husband and I both earned balcony certificates on that cruise. I called Club Royale today and their reply, sorry, we are not going to do that. There is no rebate or on-board credit unless it was earned before March 15th. Wow!!!! I am so over Royal Caribbean. We will go on our earned cruises, but we won't play very much. We'll save our play money for their competitors and the casino near our home who are both transparent and truthful about their program.

Prior to this they said our play is very high and we will like the new program, we will be in the top tier and will enjoy all the new benefits. Unless they come up with something better we will not spend very much money in their casinos.

[svillager]

I am leaving on a cruise this weekend, and another one next month, both on Anthem. I have been Club Royale VIP until now.

 

If I understand the posts that I have been seeing lately, the only thing that my slot play will earn me on both cruises are the cruise certificates which need to be cruised by 9/6, which I can't use.

 

Does this sound right ? If so, why should I play in the casino ?

 

Anyone cruise recently - preferably Anthem?

 

Svillager

[itching2cruiseagain]

I am leaving on a cruise this weekend, and another one next month, both on Anthem. I have been Club Royale VIP until now.

 

If I understand the posts that I have been seeing lately, the only thing that my slot play will earn me on both cruises are the cruise certificates which need to be cruised by 9/6, which I can't use.

 

Does this sound right ? If so, why should I play in the casino ?

 

Anyone cruise recently - preferably Anthem?

 

Svillager

 

I am asking the same question. Basically all you can earn are more cruises. One of their reps told me they are allowing you to use certificates until the end of the year. I would take that with a grain of salt as they keep changing their minds. I just got an email back from them which I will post shortly

P.S. Please tell the host on the Anthem, Shirley, hi and woo-hoo from Rochelle and Harvey. She is great host and alot of fun.

[itching2cruiseagain]

Thank you for contacting Club Royale. We apologize for any miscommunication regarding the nature of our new program. It would never be our intent to cause you such concern that you would sever your cruising relationship with us. We are currently in transition from our discontinued rebate program to our new benefit program, and current policies are subject to change at any time.

 

We will send out notification to all Club Royale members once the new program has been finalized. Moving forward, I would encourage you to contact the Casino Department when planning your next cruise. We always want to provide our guests with the best offer possible and the Club Royale team is dedicated to helping our members find the most beneficial package for them.

 

While our members will no longer be earning rebates, we have recently introduced a number of exclusive promotions and further expanded our reward options, including future cruise comps and deep cruise fare discounts. These offers are sent out based upon your onboard play from your most recent cruise.

 

In addition to the certificates you received on your recent cruise, I am currently showing a number of invitations for the two of you, for various complimentary staterooms and tournament entries through the 4th quarter of this year. For example, you both have our Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 tournament offers. If you where to combine your two offers (offer codes QT341 and QT342) you would be entitled to a JS on all of these sailings:

 

10K Slot Tournament - Grandeur of the Seas - 7/21/16

15K Slot Tournament - Enchantment of the Seas - 7/25/16

10K Slot Tournament - Liberty of the Seas - 8/14/16

10K Slot Tournament - Liberty of the Seas - 10/2/16

15K Slot Tournament - Independence of the Seas - 11/28/16

 

If you have not been receiving offers from Club Royale please call us so that we can verify your contact information.

 

We hope this explanation has helped to clarify your current benefits and ease some of your concerns regarding our upcoming program. If we can be of further assistance, or when you are ready to book your next cruise vacation, please don’t hesitate to contact us toll-free at 1 888-561-2234. Our Club Royale agents are available from 8:00am to 10:00pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday and Sunday (Eastern Standard Time).

 

Thank you for contacting Royal Caribbean’s Club Royale.

 

Regards,

*****************

Club Royale, Casino Operations

Royal Caribbean International

Azamara Club Cruises

(P) 888.561.2234

[svillager]

Thanks for the confirmation. I have spoken to CR on the phone and basically they have confirmed what your email says.

 

Problem for me - I already have cruises booked for the remainder of the year and I really can't do any of the ones that they have offered.

 

All my cruises are October or later, so using the certificate value doesn't look like it's an advantage.

 

I guess I will find out shortly, but I'm definitely not feeling the love.

 

I have 4 cruises coming up in the next few months (or only 2, if they cancel more Empress sailings, LOL) and it is doubtful, IMO that the new program rules will be in effect for any of them.

 

I may spend more time at the pool than the casino on these, if it becomes pointless perks.

 

And I will forward your greetings to Shirley.

[OTownNick]

I'm in agreement with the above posts. I plan on visiting the casino for MAYBE an hour on Friday night but win lose or draw im not returning the rest of the cruise..I can't use any free cruise certs and there's no incentive to play. In fact, I believe my sudden DROP in play may get their attention more.

 

I noticed the email reply posted above indicated "based on the play of your most recent cruise". In that regard, nothing's changed. Maybe time to check out Celebrity

[2004corvette]

hello to all....

 

have been sailing RC for a few years and are nearing "D+" status and often receive Military discounts when available just last year was introduced to the CR program.

 

currently am using a TA specializing in various cruise line casino programs.

 

last 2 cruises both 5 nighters (October 2015 and January 2016 on Brilliance of the Seas) dropped about $5k per cruise mostly playing BJ ($50+/hand) and Roulette ($50/spin) normally in casino 2-3 hours per visit was given free drinks/a spa treatment for my lady/a comped specialty restaurant dinner.

a couple of question and any feedback is appreciated....

 

when one receives a future cruise certificate is that for only me the gambler or does that include my lady who gambles about $100 per night ?

 

so if comped a free room/suite with the exception of any excursions we may book what other charges/fees (taxes/port charges etc.) would i be responsible for ?

 

lastly should i deal directly with CR or continue to use my TA ?

reason for this question ~ thru TA booked a 9 day July 2016 cruise aboard Grandeur and was told by TA that from my previous cruise i was getting a substantial discount ($3100) for an OS which sounded like a great deal although no OBC.

i then did a dumby booking on my own and found that with our current "D" status and a military discount available that the TA CR discount was basically the same price.

 

after reading this entire thread i am thinking that i will obtain our "D+" status and start looking at other cruise lines that SEEM to have a more generous well established casino programs in place.

Agree ~ Disagree am i right in my thoughts ?

 

thanks in advance for your thoughts and replies,

 

Scott