Diamond Plus Experience

[John&LaLa]

We need 2 D,D+ lounges on these big ships to comfortably sit all the relevant members.

If they don't the numbers are unsustainable and the lounge will have to become a D+ lounge only and D compensated by drinks added on their cards that they can use in any bar at any time during the day or night not just D cocktail hours.

I don't get why the 3 drinks would be available all day. I really don't see that happening

 

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[island lady]

I'm assuming that Grandeur layout is identical to Enchantment. I like the VCL

 

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And on EN...I love that the DL and CL are right next to each other. Easy to pop in one or the other that is less busy, or to find an alternate coffee machine that is working in the morning. ;)

[grapau27]

I don't get why the 3 drinks would be available all day. I really don't see that happening

 

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If Diamond are kicked out of a new D+ lounge, having the drinks allowance any time during the day just like the bogof drink etc already on the cards this would make the blow of the loss of the DL to diamond members more palatable imo.

[grapau27]

And on EN...I love that the DL and CL are right next to each other. Easy to pop in one or the other that is less busy, or to find an alternate coffee machine that is working in the morning. ;)

The views from the CL on Enchantment were much better than the DL which overlooked a lounge.

[Milwaukee Eight]

We need 2 D,D+ lounges on these big ships to comfortably sit all the relevant members.

If they don't the numbers are unsustainable and the lounge will have to become a D+ lounge only and D compensated by drinks added on their cards that they can use in any bar at any time during the day or night not just D cocktail hours.

 

 

 

Boy, you complained about adding Suite Lounges and eliminating a Lounge for you but you have no problem forcing out the Diamonds so D+ may have the Diamond Lounge all too themselves. Did you think this way when you were a lowly Diamond?

 

 

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[grapau27]

Boy, you complained about adding Suite Lounges and eliminating a Lounge for you but you have no problem forcing out the Diamonds so D+ may have the Diamond Lounge all too themselves. Did you think this way when you were a lowly Diamond?

 

 

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I am not complaining,i always look for potential solutions and if the Diamond numbers become unsustainable a flexible answer like that would be a compromise.

Anyway you frequent your beloved SL so it would not affect you.

[island lady]

The views from the CL on Enchantment were much better than the DL which overlooked a lounge.

 

Except when the sun is coming in too strong. It gets hot in there and many times the windows are all fogged up. I do like the natural light in there though.

 

Of course on mid winter cruises...it's dark outside by 5:30 anyway. ;)

[Milwaukee Eight]

I am not complaining,i always look for potential solutions and if the Diamond numbers become unsustainable a flexible answer like that would be a compromise.

Anyway you frequent your beloved SL so it would not affect you.

 

 

 

But like your complaints of eliminating a Lounge for D+, you would be doing the same thing to Diamonds traveling in a full Suite. Maybe we like to visit the DL as Suite guests and Diamond members.

 

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[grapau27]

But like your complaints of eliminating a Lounge for D+, you would be doing the same thing to Diamonds traveling in a full Suite. Maybe we like to visit the DL as Suite guests and Diamond members.

 

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I believe what i said about D+ being unfairly eliminated from Harmony SL was right and shouldn't have been done without something back in return.

I personally do not want Diamonds thrown out of the DL but several have posted on here saying they prefer their drinks in other bars.

I have also said previously that if there was 4 drinks each that could be used anywhere on the ship it would be a big inducement to save the DL being to crowded.

If RC are looking at that an option of having those drinks anytime during the day or night rather than just cocktail hours as a trade off for losing DL access for Diamonds could be a win win compromise.

[Milwaukee Eight]

I believe what i said about D+ being unfairly eliminated from Harmony SL was right and shouldn't have been done without something back in return.

I personally do not want Diamonds thrown out of the DL but several have posted on here saying they prefer their drinks in other bars.

I have also said previously that if there was 4 drinks each that could be used anywhere on the ship it would be a big inducement to save the DL being to crowded.

If RC are looking at that an option of having those drinks anytime during the day or night rather than just cocktail hours as a trade off for losing DL access for Diamonds could be a win win compromise.

 

 

 

D+ were never allowed in SL on Harmony unless staying in a Sky or Star Class. You lost nothing on Harmony.

 

 

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[grapau27]

D+ were never allowed in SL on Harmony unless staying in a Sky or Star Class. You lost nothing on Harmony.

 

 

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Your missing that point again.

CL on other RC ships was for suites, Pinnacle and D+.

Now on Harmony the suite lounge has eliminated D+.

I am suggesting potential solutions that people hopefully might like not complaining which is a negative attitude.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Your missing that point again.

CL on other RC ships was for suites, Pinnacle and D+.

Now on Harmony the suite lounge has eliminated D+.

I am suggesting potential solutions that people hopefully might like not complaining which is a negative attitude.

 

 

 

How can something be eliminated if it never was? The SL has always been for Suite Guests and P’s.

 

 

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[DaisyL]

We should just get accustomed to the trend of having a Suite Lounge (suites guests and Pinnacles(?)) and a Diamond Lounge (with overflow areas) and elimination of the Concierge Lounge name. I personally do not see this as a major takeaway from us Diamond+ guests when the Concierge Lounge changes to a Suite Lounge. We can still use the Diamond Lounge (albeit crowded sometimes), the overflow areas, or the 3-drink vouchers (or both!). On Celebrity the suite lounge (Michael's Club) is for suite guests plus Captain's Club Zenith members only. Suite guests can get an alcoholic or other beverage there any time of day or night. Their event for Elite/Elite+ is in a reserved lounge every night.

 

 

We are Emerald and approaching Diamond level soon. What is the 3-drink voucher?

 

 

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[Clarea]

We are Emerald and approaching Diamond level soon. What is the 3-drink voucher?

Diamond level and above C&A members get 3 drink vouchers per evening, which can be used at any bar. They can only be used for the same types of drinks allowed in the Diamond Lounge and only during the same period that the Diamond Lounge is offering free drinks.

[grapau27]

How can something be eliminated if it never was? The SL has always been for Suite Guests and P’s.

 

 

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And on every other RC ship the CL was the suite lounge.

[Candocruises]

Overall RCI has diminished the benefits of remaining "Loyal to Royal" by eliminating lounges, serving the cheapest of wines and alcohol, minimizing support staff and in some cases simply not offering what is listed as a perk for remaining with RCI over the years. We have decided to reduce the number of cruises we intended to take annually and explore other vacation options but will remain open to returning to our original cruising plan if we see a reversal in the current downward trends.

[John&LaLa]

Who remembers when the Delta Sky Lounge admitted Diamond Medallion folks. And then one day it got to crowded and they changed the entrance requirements.

 

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[DaisyL]

Diamond level and above C&A members get 3 drink vouchers per evening, which can be used at any bar. They can only be used for the same types of drinks allowed in the Diamond Lounge and only during the same period that the Diamond Lounge is offering free drinks.

 

 

Thank you Clarea.

What types of drinks are allowed in the DL or voucher?

What is the time period that the DL is offering free drinks?

 

We currently have cruises booked on Grandeur and Anthem.

 

This is certainly something I can look forward to since I don't drink during the day, have 2 (ok,maybe 3 [emoji57]) drinks before our 2nd seating dinner, 1 drink during dinner and 1 or 2 after dinner. This means buying only 2-3 drinks /day and forgo the drink package. Yeah!

 

 

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[wolfganghowell]

Also we tend to have more in common with the frequent cruising guests in the DL. We sometimes find the Suite or Concierge Lounge full of one-time cruisers, or families which don't control their kids behavior since they are on vacation.

 

Just goes to show how we all have different experiences onboard. We have seen the complete opposite - the SL on Liberty has been mainly Pinnacles and less than 10-12 others including ourselves. The few times we walked into a DL on various ships it was crowded and full of complainers so we left quickly.

The SL is a great perk for us - just one of many that we like for suites. The suite perks far outnumber the D+ now but between the two - we've got the best of both worlds.

[actuarian]

Overall RCI has diminished the benefits of remaining "Loyal to Royal" by eliminating lounges, serving the cheapest of wines and alcohol, minimizing support staff and in some cases simply not offering what is listed as a perk for remaining with RCI over the years.

 

The fact is that the numbers of Diamond and Diamond Plus members of C&A has grown dramatically over the 14 years since I first started cruising on RCCL. The company probably should have anticipated this growth but I doubt whether they gave it any thought a decade ago. Now, they are reacting by diluting the benefits, especially at the D+ level. Concierge Clubs are disappearing, Diamond Clubs are becoming overcrowded and D+ members are no longer receiving reserved seats at theaters and ice rinks (although those reserved seat benefits still show up on the C&A web page).

 

I suggest that, instead of diluting benefits, they should restructure the C&A to make it more compatible with the current demographics. IMHO, the following changes are needed:

 

(1) Add a new C&A level at 340 or 350 points (half way to Pinnacle; might as well call it Pinn, until someone comes up with a better name). There are already some added perks at 340 points but it is not a named level. This new level would receive the existing 340 point benefits plus all the reserved seat benefits that were taken away from the D+ level. Pinns should receive a distinctive colored seapass so that they would be easily recognized by the crew members who enforce the reserved seat rules.

 

(2) Convert the existing Concierge Clubs to Suite Lounges. This seems to be the trend already. Since they would then be restricted to people in suites and Pinnacle members, they would no longer be overcrowded.

 

(3) Convert the existing Diamond Clubs to Concierge Clubs. Since they would be restricted to members with at least 175 points, they too would not be overcrowded. People in suites but with fewer than 175 points should be required to use the Suite Lounge rather than the Concierge Club. Pinnacle Members and people in suites with more than 175 points would have their choice of venues.

 

(4) The diamond level would remain at 80 points but it would no longer include club access, just the existing three free drinks at ordinary venues. There are (or soon will be) just too many people who have attained 80 points to accommodate them all at a club without overcrowding. This change may be in the works already, based on some of the other posts here but, if so, it is being kept under wraps.

Edited November 20, 2017 by actuarian

[Milwaukee Eight]

And on every other RC ship the CL was the suite lounge.

 

 

 

You were talking about Harmony. You want the benefit of two Lounges then book a Suite on ships with SL, or book ships with CL’s, or become P.

 

Harmony NEVER had a CL. So how would you lose something you never had?

 

I don’t believe every ship that had CL converted to SL, the location was the same. Oasis converted the VCL to SL/CK.

 

 

 

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[Clarea]

Thank you Clarea.

What types of drinks are allowed in the DL or voucher?

What is the time period that the DL is offering free drinks? ...

Typical drink menu: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=47963885&postcount=12

 

Time period can vary by ship. If the ship has a 6pm early dinner, then the DL free drink period is normally 5pm to 8:30pm.

[grapau27]

The fact is that the numbers of Diamond and Diamond Plus members of C&A has grown dramatically over the 14 years since I first started cruising on RCCL. The company probably should have anticipated this growth but I doubt whether they gave it any thought a decade ago. Now, they are reacting by diluting the benefits, especially at the D+ level. Concierge Clubs are disappearing, Diamond Clubs are becoming overcrowded and D+ members are no longer receiving reserved seats at theaters and ice rinks (although those reserved seat benefits still show up on the C&A web page).

 

I suggest that, instead of diluting benefits, they should restructure the C&A to make it more compatible with the current demographics. IMHO, the following changes are needed:

 

(1) Add a new C&A level at 340 or 350 points (half way to Pinnacle; might as well call it Pinn, until someone comes up with a better name). There are already some added perks at 340 points but it is not a named level. This new level would receive the existing 340 point benefits plus all the reserved seat benefits that were taken away from the D+ level. Pinns should receive a distinctive colored seapass so that they would be easily recognized by the crew members who enforce the reserved seat rules.

 

(2) Convert the existing Concierge Clubs to Suite Lounges. This seems to be the trend already. Since they would then be restricted to people in suites and Pinnacle members, they would no longer be overcrowded.

 

(3) Convert the existing Diamond Clubs to Concierge Clubs. Since they would be restricted to members with at least 175 points, they too would not be overcrowded. People in suites but with fewer than 175 points should be required to use the Suite Lounge rather than the Concierge Club. Pinnacle Members and people in suites with more than 175 points would have their choice of venues.

 

(4) The diamond level would remain at 80 points but it would no longer include club access, just the existing three free drinks at ordinary venues. There are (or soon will be) just too many people who have attained 80 points to accommodate them all at a club without overcrowding. This change may be in the works already, based on some of the other posts here but, if so, it is being kept under wraps.

Thank you, most of these points mirror what i have posted and bar the CL changing to SL they are excellent.

[grapau27]

You were talking about Harmony. You want the benefit of two Lounges then book a Suite on ships with SL, or book ships with CL’s, or become P.

 

Harmony NEVER had a CL. So how would you lose something you never had?

 

I don’t believe every ship that had CL converted to SL, the location was the same. Oasis converted the VCL to SL/CK.

 

 

 

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Thank you Troycahack but i don't need advice on what cabins to book.

[Milwaukee Eight]

The fact is that the numbers of Diamond and Diamond Plus members of C&A has grown dramatically over the 14 years since I first started cruising on RCCL. The company probably should have anticipated this growth but I doubt whether they gave it any thought a decade ago. Now, they are reacting by diluting the benefits, especially at the D+ level. Concierge Clubs are disappearing, Diamond Clubs are becoming overcrowded and D+ members are no longer receiving reserved seats at theaters and ice rinks (although those reserved seat benefits still show up on the C&A web page).

 

I suggest that, instead of diluting benefits, they should restructure the C&A to make it more compatible with the current demographics. IMHO, the following changes are needed:

 

(1) Add a new C&A level at 340 or 350 points (half way to Pinnacle; might as well call it Pinn, until someone comes up with a better name). There are already some added perks at 340 points but it is not a named level. This new level would receive the existing 340 point benefits plus all the reserved seat benefits that were taken away from the D+ level. Pinns should receive a distinctive colored seapass so that they would be easily recognized by the crew members who enforce the reserved seat rules.

 

(2) Convert the existing Concierge Clubs to Suite Lounges. This seems to be the trend already. Since they would then be restricted to people in suites and Pinnacle members, they would no longer be overcrowded.

 

(3) Convert the existing Diamond Clubs to Concierge Clubs. Since they would be restricted to members with at least 175 points, they too would not be overcrowded. People in suites but with fewer than 175 points should be required to use the Suite Lounge rather than the Concierge Club. Pinnacle Members and people in suites with more than 175 points would have their choice of venues.

 

(4) The diamond level would remain at 80 points but it would no longer include club access, just the existing three free drinks at ordinary venues. There are (or soon will be) just too many people who have attained 80 points to accommodate them all at a club without overcrowding. This change may be in the works already, based on some of the other posts here but, if so, it is being kept under wraps.

 

 

 

Interesting thoughts.

 

Who do you think are Royals core cruisers they are trying to attract? P’s, higher point D+, D+?

 

I believe the lower levels and Diamonds as well as Suite Guests (which include all levels) and families are the target market for Royal. I’m sure they appreciate D+ and P cruisers, many of who are also Suite Guests. But if you reduce the perks for lower levels (Diamonds and lower point D+), how is that going to help retain these cruisers?

 

Core cruisers that spend money on cabins,drink packages, Royal Excursions, Casino, Speciality Dining, Galley brunches, ship tours, shopping and other things.

 

 

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Edited November 20, 2017 by Milwaukee Eight