Diamond and diamond plus status

[John&LaLa]

Has anyone heard rumors about royal changing the numbers to get to diamond and diamond plus. A friend of mine just got off the enchantment and she said everybody was talking about them upping the numbers to get to diamond and diamond plus because there are so many diamonds

 

Just off Enchantment myself, it was crowded. But I heard nothing about changing levels. But I did hear Cuba mentioned for Empress. :D:eek:;)

[HappyCampers3]

The principal of the matter is, level is not just something you can buy into without cruising. RCCI says if you want to be this or that (level) you must sail x amount of nights, one way or another. So people fall for the bait. They invest the money to cruise the amount of nights RCCI requires, then just about the time you are about to reach whatever level it may be, the rules change. Their marketing department is not stupid (at least we hope not), they know what's on the horizon by looking at cruise history and the numbers. Yes, there are those that cruise regardless of the perks, but there are many (more) who cruise because they are trying to reach the next level for the perks. Just like shopping at Kohl's....the more you buy the more Kohl's dollars (or Kohl's bucks?) you get. It is like dangling the carrot and just about the time you think you have it...YANK!!

[riredsox]

What they need to do is stop the cross over between Celebrity and Royal! That would save the lounges on both lines. :cool:

[cincicruisers]

Over the past year there has been a lot of talk about the diamond lounge being super crowded. They loaded the drinks on the card to help with crowds. IMO they will eventually take away the diamond lounge and throw in an award in place of the lounge. Just a thought

[Cuizer2]

You make a valid point, the last change, since I have been involved was when they changed from cruise count to cruise days. I'll be there are a bunch of Florida Diamonds who made it via 10 3 day cruises. :D

 

Does having too many Diamonds really cause any problems for Royal?

 

1) It does if you want to get into the Diamond lounge.

 

2) We seem to have similar join dates.

[Cuizer2]

Just off Enchantment myself, it was crowded. But I heard nothing about changing levels. But I did hear Cuba mentioned for Empress. :D:eek:;)

 

Are you a Packer fan also?

[Cuizer2]

Over the past year there has been a lot of talk about the diamond lounge being super crowded. They loaded the drinks on the card to help with crowds. IMO they will eventually take away the diamond lounge and throw in an award in place of the lounge. Just a thought

 

You mean something like this ...

 

[Cabansail]

I will never ever be a Diamond. This whole "status" thing which seems to permeate these discussions is really putting me off. Our first cruise will be in a couple of weeks and it will most probably be our only cruise. Have learned a lot so far to prepare, some of it has been good and I can see the appeal, but a lot of stuff has left me cold. having said that we may get on board and find the impressions we have from here are not accurate and then would be back. One of the things which irks me is the class system on status levels and feeling like we are boarding as steerage passengers and an under class and made to feel we should grovel to our betters.

[BekkaW]

I will never ever be a Diamond. This whole "status" thing which seems to permeate these discussions is really putting me off. Our first cruise will be in a couple of weeks and it will most probably be our only cruise. Have learned a lot so far to prepare, some of it has been good and I can see the appeal, but a lot of stuff has left me cold. having said that we may get on board and find the impressions we have from here are not accurate and then would be back. One of the things which irks me is the class system on status levels and feeling like we are boarding as steerage passengers and an under class and made to feel we should grovel to our betters.

 

I've read a few of your posts and it seems that you are coming to cruising with a pre-set attitude about a lot of things. I have heard few things so ridiculous as your last sentence, but I'm sure that will be a self fulfilling prophecy for you, as you are so determined to hate cruising!

[Cabansail]

I've read a few of your posts and it seems that you are coming to cruising with a pre-set attitude about a lot of things. I have heard few things so ridiculous as your last sentence, but I'm sure that will be a self fulfilling prophecy for you, as you are so determined to hate cruising!

 

I am not determined to hate it, quite the opposite. Some of it does sound quite nice and will concentrate on those aspects.

 

What I am saying is that there is a perception that there is a definite class system on board these ships. I do understand that you get what you pay for and as such I tend to book Business Seats for long haul flights now as over the 24hr+ journey the extra comfort is worth the cost. We have booked a suite on this cruise for the same reason. If there were extra facilities for the level paid for then that is not a problem. That does not seem to be the way the system works and it has evolved into the class system which is widely discussed on these boards.

 

I am sure that RCI has engineered this to try to get people to keep booking and it probably works for many. To me it is pushing me in the opposite direction.

[cruisegirl1]

I will never ever be a Diamond. This whole "status" thing which seems to permeate these discussions is really putting me off. Our first cruise will be in a couple of weeks and it will most probably be our only cruise. Have learned a lot so far to prepare, some of it has been good and I can see the appeal, but a lot of stuff has left me cold. having said that we may get on board and find the impressions we have from here are not accurate and then would be back. One of the things which irks me is the class system on status levels and feeling like we are boarding as steerage passengers and an under class and made to feel we should grovel to our betters.

 

I hope that you enjoy your cruise. It looks like you have read a lot and will be well prepared. Perhaps to make you feel better, there is MUCH more talk about C&A status here than on board. There may be lots of chatter here, but in reality cruise critic devotees make up a very tiny portion of cruisers. We are able, but rarely use the dedicated lounges in the evening. We much prefer the various bars or other venues to get a drink. We do chat with a few folks and the majority are on their first cruise or perhaps have a few cruises under their belt and there is generally NO talk of any C&A status and most have never heard of Cruise Critic.

 

You shouldn't feel inferior to anyone because of any C&A status. With that said, RCCL is starting to distinguish between high level suite passengers and the rest. I suspect one will see significant differences in what suite passengers receive and what all others get.

 

Please enjoy the cruise and don't let anyone ruin it for you

 

M

[Cabansail]

Thanks for that. I am hoping what you say is correct. We will not be in the bars as we have decided that while we do like a drink we cannot justify the inflated prices, so will socialise in other places.

[cincicruisers]

You mean something like this ...

 

 

Woo Hoo sign me up!

[jnojr]

I will never ever be a Diamond. This whole "status" thing which seems to permeate these discussions is really putting me off. Our first cruise will be in a couple of weeks and it will most probably be our only cruise. Have learned a lot so far to prepare, some of it has been good and I can see the appeal, but a lot of stuff has left me cold. having said that we may get on board and find the impressions we have from here are not accurate and then would be back.

 

Why not just go and have fun, instead of, "Oh, I just know this is gonna suck, I haven't been yet but I'll never go again, I hear people say things and now I'm all upset..." Good Lord!

 

One of the things which irks me is the class system on status levels and feeling like we are boarding as steerage passengers and an under class and made to feel we should grovel to our betters.

 

Do you get upset when people pay tolls to zip past you on the freeway, too?

 

Those who pay more SHOULD get more, including priority! I've boarded as "steerage", and I've boarded as a priority suite guest. Either way, I have a great time! I prefer to be first in line, skip past the lines, etc. I have preCheck so I can skip the silly "security" lines and most of the nonsense at the airport. But when I do that, I'm not taking anything away from you. If that's important, then pay the freight and do what's required, and you can be "elite" too!

[Cabansail]

Do you get upset when people pay tolls to zip past you on the freeway, too?

 

Has never happened to me, but would not worry me at all.

 

Those who pay more SHOULD get more, including priority! I've boarded as "steerage", and I've boarded as a priority suite guest. Either way, I have a great time! I prefer to be first in line, skip past the lines, etc. I have preCheck so I can skip the silly "security" lines and most of the nonsense at the airport. But when I do that, I'm not taking anything away from you. If that's important, then pay the freight and do what's required, and you can be "elite" too!

 

Yo have missed the point. Yes I have booked a suite. Yes I buy Business seats on planes. I pay for the services I want. I am talk about the status class system which seems to exist. As said previously it may not be as evident on the ship as it is here. I hope not.

 

Anyway sorry for bumping into your sacred cow :D

[cruisegirl1]

Thanks for that. I am hoping what you say is correct. We will not be in the bars as we have decided that while we do like a drink we cannot justify the inflated prices, so will socialise in other places.

 

Reminder - you are permitted to bring 2 standard bottles of wine (per cabin) on board.

 

enjoy

M

[BND]

I will never ever be a Diamond. This whole "status" thing which seems to permeate these discussions is really putting me off. Our first cruise will be in a couple of weeks and it will most probably be our only cruise. Have learned a lot so far to prepare, some of it has been good and I can see the appeal, but a lot of stuff has left me cold. having said that we may get on board and find the impressions we have from here are not accurate and then would be back. One of the things which irks me is the class system on status levels and feeling like we are boarding as steerage passengers and an under class and made to feel we should grovel to our betters.

 

We all started with zero points, yet I don't know anyone who felt they were in steerage. Don't be too sure that you won't cruise again. It's a bug that bites and won't let go. Most people who cruise once, do it again. I think you're reading too much into a few posts by individuals who love to play the "class warfare" thing. You'll learn which ones they are after you read more threads. Most people you meet onboard, you will have no idea what their status is.

[JMG]

I hope that you enjoy your cruise. It looks like you have read a lot and will be well prepared. Perhaps to make you feel better, there is MUCH more talk about C&A status here than on board. There may be lots of chatter here, but in reality cruise critic devotees make up a very tiny portion of cruisers. We are able, but rarely use the dedicated lounges in the evening. We much prefer the various bars or other venues to get a drink. We do chat with a few folks and the majority are on their first cruise or perhaps have a few cruises under their belt and there is generally NO talk of any C&A status and most have never heard of Cruise Critic.

 

You shouldn't feel inferior to anyone because of any C&A status. With that said, RCCL is starting to distinguish between high level suite passengers and the rest. I suspect one will see significant differences in what suite passengers receive and what all others get.

 

Please enjoy the cruise and don't let anyone ruin it for you

 

M

 

Well said! I agree! You might see a little preference given to Suite Passengers. The initial stages of boarding are often done by Suite, Pinnacle, and then C&A tier levels but that lasts a few minutes and it is done.

 

Enjoy your cruise! Do not let C & A levels get in your way! There will be many first time cruisers like yourself. YOu found CC and hopefully you have learned some useful information that will make the cruise more enjoyable!

[BND]

FWIW, I know there are replies now, but this forum is huge. I think there is probably 200 members who have birthdays today. As one of the newest Diamond members, (haven't cruise yet as Diamond) I'm following with interest, but will read a few replies the comment (more) ;)

 

Oh, I understand the forum numbers thing. My point was usually someone chimes in after just a few posts with the rumor(s) they heard from their second cousins' neighbors daughter's boyfriend whose uncle told him that his dentist's housekeeper's best friend's son is a waiter on RCI something or other and he said...

 

We missed D by one cruise in the last conversion when they added Emerald. We were D for three years and this upcoming cruise will be our first at D+. We did it by taking 7+ day cruises (some 10-12 days) and have met many who did it by cruising 3-4 day trips out of FL, where they live. That's what really elevated the numbers of D and above, so they "fixed" it a few years ago, but obviously it wasn't enough. We enjoy the benefits, but it's gotten really crowded on most sailings.

[denatravels]

We all started with zero points, yet I don't know anyone who felt they were in steerage. Don't be too sure that you won't cruise again. It's a bug that bites and won't let go. Most people who cruise once, do it again. I think you're reading too much into a few posts by individuals who love to play the "class warfare" thing. You'll learn which ones they are after you read more threads. Most people you meet onboard, you will have no idea what their status is.

 

 

There were two people on my last cruise that I met (they were not together) that I found to be horribly obnoxious about status. Everyone else I came across over two weeks on Liberty was great. I book an inside cabin, and while this may not get me "royal treatment" I'm fine with how I'm treated by most staff. And the majority of the passengers are fine (although I have not attained diamond status-- I heard the lounge can be a little bit of a status hunt).

[John&LaLa]

Are you a Packer fan also?

 

Took me a while on that, the Avatar. That was for the GA FL game. Not a Packer fan, really don't follow NFL.

[clott]

Almost at diamond plus as well which is why I brought the subject up after she told me this

[John&LaLa]

I will never ever be a Diamond. This whole "status" thing which seems to permeate these discussions is really putting me off. Our first cruise will be in a couple of weeks and it will most probably be our only cruise. Have learned a lot so far to prepare, some of it has been good and I can see the appeal, but a lot of stuff has left me cold. having said that we may get on board and find the impressions we have from here are not accurate and then would be back. One of the things which irks me is the class system on status levels and feeling like we are boarding as steerage passengers and an under class and made to feel we should grovel to our betters.

 

Maybe you should protest and get in the Steerage line even though you qualify for the upper tier line. Please let us know, you seem like a lot of talk on these matters. Take a stand for the unwashed masses.

 

FWIW, the Steerage line was shorter than D+ line when we boarded

[Big_G]

Maybe you should protest and get in the Steerage line even though you qualify for the upper tier line. Please let us know, you seem like a lot of talk on these matters. Take a stand for the unwashed masses.

 

...or pitch a tent in the DL with a sign that says 'Occupy [insert ship name here]'

[Cabansail]

I am not worried which queue and will probably join the steerage passengers. I will be able to pat their chickens while waiting. :D

 

Will make sure I am wearing a hat too to pay respect to those in the other lines if they have their lapel pins.