RCCL new Diamond Lounge Policy?

[BNBR]

Just kick the diamonds out of ALL the lounges.....I don't care!:halo:

 

:')

 

I was having a discussion with the solarium bartender on Harmony a few months back. After he got done done bashing the welds, we started discussing transatlantic cruises. He mentioned its loaded with diamonds, and totally implied how awful it was. I think even the crew would happily kick the diamonds out of all the lounges.

 

Wait... Oh dang. I get it now. The diamond lounge! They did literally kick the diamonds out of the lounges without them even knowing. Lol. Bravo RCI, bravo. Someone at corporate deserves a raise.

 

I could just picture the discussion at this meeting... "we need to figure out a way to keep these peope away from the general population"... "how about a tiny little lounge"... "who would go there, Bob, there is lounges all over"... "what if we put free food in there"... "Bob, there is free food all over the ship"... "but that isn't special exclusive free food"... "Bob, you aren't getting these peope to smash into a tiny little lounge for free finger foods on a cruise ship"... "hold my diet Coke. And watch. They'll be complaining about it in cruise critic, too!"

Edited January 21, 2018 by BNBR

[Missusdubbya]

I seriously don't get the status in Royal. It's virtually nothing. I find myself reading the perks every couple of months, just trying to figure out exactly why everyone here keeps talking about trying so hard to get status. I seriously don't get it. You get virtually nothing. Hopefully people have a sense of humor with my posts on the topic.... But in all seriousness, I do read the perks every so often, just trying to understand the draw, and I'm absolutely baffled by it.

 

 

 

Dude, hours of free drinks with your buddies. Hours of them. Every day. Like a wedding reception EVERY DAY.

 

And a balcony discount, which saved me $400 aud on my next cruise.

 

Not sure how much simpler to explain it to you?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Merion_Mom]

Not having a special lounge and a few free happy hour well drinks is "stiffing" loyal cruisers? Or is it the free use of a used robe? ;p

Used robe? Like the used sheets you sleep in and the used towels you employ in the bathroom? And the used flatware and china in the dining venues?

 

<smh>

[kernow]

"Refuse", no. I'd treat it like any other lounge or bar. I seriously don't get the status in Royal. It's virtually nothing. I find myself reading the perks every couple of months, just trying to figure out exactly why everyone here keeps talking about trying so hard to get status. I seriously don't get it. You get virtually nothing. Hopefully people have a sense of humor with my posts on the topic.... But in all seriousness, I do read the perks every so often, just trying to understand the draw, and I'm absolutely baffled by it.

I didn't reply your other posts because it was clear to me the you were just being a wind-up merchant (if you understand that term in the US):D.

If you are really being serious now and think the loyalty perks are worth 'virtually nothing' then I think most people would disagree with you. The lounges are very nice, as you say just like any other lounge or bar but the big difference is that I'm not paying $12 a drink. Sometimes the lounges are busy but that to me is also a plus, it means that we have to go up to someone already sitting at a table and ask if we can join them. We've made many new friends this way some of whom we still keep in touch with and cruise with. I understand that some people wouldn't like this and just want a quiet drink on their own so go and find an empty bar and use your drink vouchers, still a nice perk.

 

In saying all this, we are not blindly loyal to Royal, we cruise other lines often because we like the variety but we've never found anyone that has a loyalty scheme as good as C and A.

 

I asked this earlier in the thread and no one replied, so to those threatening to leave if the benefits change, where will you go that will offer you more?

 

Julie

[Thorben-Hendrik]

Perhaps if you read more posts you would realise that you may be so wrong.:D

;p:halo:

[grapau27]

No, just an RCI hater.

I agree plus plenty of other words we could use too.

[grapau27]

Diamond Plus here, always a balcony, occasionally a junior suite, always specialty restaurants, coffee card, casino, shore excursions, bingo & occasionally something from the gift shop. So we do not do cheap cruises as referred to to get points. We do 5-6 cruises a year (not all on RCL) now that we are retired & can afford these cruising vacations.

Well said,some people are wind up numpties on here.

[grapau27]

What makes you think "most" people get the drink packages? I usually cruise with large groups, and there are only a handful of people in each group that buy the drink packages.

 

 

 

 

WOW! Stereotype much? How exactly do you know what all diamonds "usually do?" While there may be some who are smug, and some who brag about how little they spend, there are PLENTY who don't use the diamond lounges, always book balconies or higher, purchase drinks and excursions, etc.

I agree, some people seem to get pleasure in winding people up and talking rubbish.

[grapau27]

Perhaps if you read more posts you would realise that you may be so wrong.:D

I read plenty of posts and he is anti tipping as well.

I try and refrain from slagging him off and was trying to be diplomatic, personally i think he is trouble.

[grapau27]

Are you sure?

Would a hater start a thread about RCI upcoming deployment?

I would question his motives.

[grapau27]

Is that how you Brits spell nuisance? 😉

 

 

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

He is a nuisance but Novice is a new or first time at anything.

Graham.

[grapau27]

Have you seen his posts? Despite sailing RCI regularly, he rants against RCI in just about every thread, especially tipping threads.

I agree.

As D+ if i met him in the DL we would leave and go to the CL.

[grapau27]

Such a preposterous post.

 

 

 

 

Most probably feel it is not worth the time to respond to BNBR’s absurd post.

Totally agree,some people post nonsense.

[grapau27]

"Refuse", no. I'd treat it like any other lounge or bar. I seriously don't get the status in Royal. It's virtually nothing. I find myself reading the perks every couple of months, just trying to figure out exactly why everyone here keeps talking about trying so hard to get status. I seriously don't get it. You get virtually nothing. Hopefully people have a sense of humor with my posts on the topic.... But in all seriousness, I do read the perks every so often, just trying to understand the draw, and I'm absolutely baffled by it.

So unlimited $15 glasses of wine are nothing?.Really?.

[grapau27]

:')

 

I was having a discussion with the solarium bartender on Harmony a few months back. After he got done done bashing the welds, we started discussing transatlantic cruises. He mentioned its loaded with diamonds, and totally implied how awful it was. I think even the crew would happily kick the diamonds out of all the lounges.

 

Wait... Oh dang. I get it now. The diamond lounge! They did literally kick the diamonds out of the lounges without them even knowing. Lol. Bravo RCI, bravo. Someone at corporate deserves a raise.

 

I could just picture the discussion at this meeting... "we need to figure out a way to keep these peope away from the general population"... "how about a tiny little lounge"... "who would go there, Bob, there is lounges all over"... "what if we put free food in there"... "Bob, there is free food all over the ship"... "but that isn't special exclusive free food"... "Bob, you aren't getting these peope to smash into a tiny little lounge for free finger foods on a cruise ship"... "hold my diet Coke. And watch. They'll be complaining about it in cruise critic, too!"

Lol i find your rubbish comments laughable.

[dagunny]

I read this thread and see there is quite an argument going on because people like to pull each other's chains.

 

 

The Diamond Lounges are a great getaway from the masses. If you like to read, you can hide in them where it is generally quieter than the common areas.

 

 

Obviously, there is the coffee machine, where many suck down gallons of various coffee products.

 

 

The snacks and happy hour are nice amenities, but more so is the conversation you may foster with guests that like to do the same thing you do. Swap war stories and gain knowledge on how to maximize your cruising experience through such a diversified international group is always the draw.

 

 

Our main loyalty to RCCL is because of these areas of opportunities. We have found many new friends as well as know who to stay away from.

 

 

The Concierge Lounge is much better as only D+, Pinnacle, and Suites are allowed access. These are generally the serious cruisers and discussions are more relevant topics of interest.

 

 

The Suites Lounge on the Oasis class ships is better yet. Pinnacles and Suite (GS and above) are allowed. Exclusivity – you bet. There is also the Coastal Kitchen, which in my often traveled opinion, is probably the best restaurant afloat. We have traveled many times on most of the other lines but this is far better. Suite lounges get beer and wine 11 to 11 plus the happy hour for snacks and hard liquor. What a nice high-end continental breakfast in the mornings. Or, you can walk across the floor to the Coastal Kitchen for breakfast.

 

 

Deck 17 forward gives a private area where deck chairs and towels are always available as well as a private bar. One does not have to “check out” a towel.

 

 

The Concierges in all lounges are usually top notch and will take care of getting you excursion tickets without having to wait in lines. They have menus and will book dinner reservations and set up parties in your suite.

 

 

How about those reserved seats and not having to make online reservations for shows on oasis class?

 

 

The missus really likes the L’Occitane products as the upgraded toiletries.

 

 

Getting on and off without negotiating the long lines is a another welcome attraction.

 

 

For those that whine – you are probably a wannabee and resent the amenities because you have not yet achieved the point in life where the little things make the difference in the quality of the cruise. Please enjoy other cruise lines so we can enjoy ours.

 

 

We usually get GS or better, perhaps a JS now and again, and never less than a balcony or we don’t cruise. We don’t get drink packages as we generally have only two drinks before dinner or a glass of wine. The 3 bottles of wine we get cover any dinner we may opt for, specialty or not. The BoGo covers the specialty restaurants, should we desire to go – but never if a Coastal Kitchen is on board.

 

 

We take a carry-on and backpack and utilize the free bag of laundry each gets per cruise.

 

 

Oh yeah, a free cruise when Pinnacle is reached and each 350 points thereafter.

 

 

While this melds the benefits and various lounges, they go hand-in-hand.

 

 

 

Simply put, we don’t want the nonsense aura that non-serious cruisers give off ranting and raving about benefits they don't have, hence the lounge sanctuaries.

 

 

We paid our dues over 18 years and now reap the benefits, often, usually at least monthly.

 

 

Life is fantastic and as long as Royal stays Loyal to Me, I will stay Loyal to Them! I love retirement.

[Thorben-Hendrik]

I agree.

As D+ if i met him in the DL we would leave and go to the CL.

No worries even as a D+ I do not see why I would want to meet you and since you have your face all over internet it is so easy to avoid you.....;p

You will have a much harder time!:D:p

[grapau27]

Dude, hours of free drinks with your buddies. Hours of them. Every day. Like a wedding reception EVERY DAY.

 

And a balcony discount, which saved me $400 aud on my next cruise.

 

Not sure how much simpler to explain it to you?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Exactly, great post.

[grapau27]

I didn't reply your other posts because it was clear to me the you were just being a wind-up merchant (if you understand that term in the US):D.

If you are really being serious now and think the loyalty perks are worth 'virtually nothing' then I think most people would disagree with you. The lounges are very nice, as you say just like any other lounge or bar but the big difference is that I'm not paying $12 a drink. Sometimes the lounges are busy but that to me is also a plus, it means that we have to go up to someone already sitting at a table and ask if we can join them. We've made many new friends this way some of whom we still keep in touch with and cruise with. I understand that some people wouldn't like this and just want a quiet drink on their own so go and find an empty bar and use your drink vouchers, still a nice perk.

 

In saying all this, we are not blindly loyal to Royal, we cruise other lines often because we like the variety but we've never found anyone that has a loyalty scheme as good as C and A.

 

I asked this earlier in the thread and no one replied, so to those threatening to leave if the benefits change, where will you go that will offer you more?

 

Julie

He probably has no friends by the things he posts here.

RC are the best thats why we are D+.

We get 7.5% off everything although it only kicks in once obc is used up on P&O.

[grapau27]

I read this thread and see there is quite an argument going on because people like to pull each other's chains.

 

 

The Diamond Lounges are a great getaway from the masses. If you like to read, you can hide in them where it is generally quieter than the common areas.

 

 

Obviously, there is the coffee machine, where many suck down gallons of various coffee products.

 

 

The snacks and happy hour are nice amenities, but more so is the conversation you may foster with guests that like to do the same thing you do. Swap war stories and gain knowledge on how to maximize your cruising experience through such a diversified international group is always the draw.

 

 

Our main loyalty to RCCL is because of these areas of opportunities. We have found many new friends as well as know who to stay away from.

 

 

The Concierge Lounge is much better as only D+, Pinnacle, and Suites are allowed access. These are generally the serious cruisers and discussions are more relevant topics of interest.

 

 

The Suites Lounge on the Oasis class ships is better yet. Pinnacles and Suite (GS and above) are allowed. Exclusivity – you bet. There is also the Coastal Kitchen, which in my often traveled opinion, is probably the best restaurant afloat. We have traveled many times on most of the other lines but this is far better. Suite lounges get beer and wine 11 to 11 plus the happy hour for snacks and hard liquor. What a nice high-end continental breakfast in the mornings. Or, you can walk across the floor to the Coastal Kitchen for breakfast.

 

 

Deck 17 forward gives a private area where deck chairs and towels are always available as well as a private bar. One does not have to “check out” a towel.

 

 

The Concierges in all lounges are usually top notch and will take care of getting you excursion tickets without having to wait in lines. They have menus and will book dinner reservations and set up parties in your suite.

 

 

How about those reserved seats and not having to make online reservations for shows on oasis class?

 

 

The missus really likes the L’Occitane products as the upgraded toiletries.

 

 

Getting on and off without negotiating the long lines is a another welcome attraction.

 

 

For those that whine – you are probably a wannabee and resent the amenities because you have not yet achieved the point in life where the little things make the difference in the quality of the cruise. Please enjoy other cruise lines so we can enjoy ours.

 

 

We usually get GS or better, perhaps a JS now and again, and never less than a balcony or we don’t cruise. We don’t get drink packages as we generally have only two drinks before dinner or a glass of wine. The 3 bottles of wine we get cover any dinner we may opt for, specialty or not. The BoGo covers the specialty restaurants, should we desire to go – but never if a Coastal Kitchen is on board.

 

 

We take a carry-on and backpack and utilize the free bag of laundry each gets per cruise.

 

 

Oh yeah, a free cruise when Pinnacle is reached and each 350 points thereafter.

 

 

While this melds the benefits and various lounges, they go hand-in-hand.

 

 

 

Simply put, we don’t want the nonsense aura that non-serious cruisers give off ranting and raving about benefits they don't have, hence the lounge sanctuaries.

 

 

We paid our dues over 18 years and now reap the benefits, often, usually at least monthly.

 

 

Life is fantastic and as long as Royal stays Loyal to Me, I will stay Loyal to Them! I love retirement.

Fantastic post and it totally blows away the cynicism of some on here.

You are the type of positive person that anyone would love to chat to in the loyalty lounges.

[grapau27]

No worries even as a D+ I do not see why I would want to meet you and since you have your face all over internet it is so easy to avoid you.....;p

You will have a much harder time!:D:p

I have nothing to hide,i don't sit anonymously on a computer winding people up.

Any photos are post connected only.

If people do recognise me thats great because they are cruisers who love RC and the DL and a good way of introduction to DL friends.

[Flatbush Flyer]

I read this thread and see there is quite an argument going on because people like to pull each other's chains.

 

 

The Diamond Lounges are a great getaway from the masses. If you like to read, you can hide in them where it is generally quieter than the common areas.

 

 

Obviously, there is the coffee machine, where many suck down gallons of various coffee products.

 

 

The snacks and happy hour are nice amenities, but more so is the conversation you may foster with guests that like to do the same thing you do. Swap war stories and gain knowledge on how to maximize your cruising experience through such a diversified international group is always the draw.

 

 

Our main loyalty to RCCL is because of these areas of opportunities. We have found many new friends as well as know who to stay away from.

 

 

The Concierge Lounge is much better as only D+, Pinnacle, and Suites are allowed access. These are generally the serious cruisers and discussions are more relevant topics of interest.

 

 

The Suites Lounge on the Oasis class ships is better yet. Pinnacles and Suite (GS and above) are allowed. Exclusivity – you bet. There is also the Coastal Kitchen, which in my often traveled opinion, is probably the best restaurant afloat. We have traveled many times on most of the other lines but this is far better. Suite lounges get beer and wine 11 to 11 plus the happy hour for snacks and hard liquor. What a nice high-end continental breakfast in the mornings. Or, you can walk across the floor to the Coastal Kitchen for breakfast.

 

 

Deck 17 forward gives a private area where deck chairs and towels are always available as well as a private bar. One does not have to “check out” a towel.

 

 

The Concierges in all lounges are usually top notch and will take care of getting you excursion tickets without having to wait in lines. They have menus and will book dinner reservations and set up parties in your suite.

 

 

How about those reserved seats and not having to make online reservations for shows on oasis class?

 

 

The missus really likes the L’Occitane products as the upgraded toiletries.

 

 

Getting on and off without negotiating the long lines is a another welcome attraction.

 

 

For those that whine – you are probably a wannabee and resent the amenities because you have not yet achieved the point in life where the little things make the difference in the quality of the cruise. Please enjoy other cruise lines so we can enjoy ours.

 

 

We usually get GS or better, perhaps a JS now and again, and never less than a balcony or we don’t cruise. We don’t get drink packages as we generally have only two drinks before dinner or a glass of wine. The 3 bottles of wine we get cover any dinner we may opt for, specialty or not. The BoGo covers the specialty restaurants, should we desire to go – but never if a Coastal Kitchen is on board.

 

 

We take a carry-on and backpack and utilize the free bag of laundry each gets per cruise.

 

 

Oh yeah, a free cruise when Pinnacle is reached and each 350 points thereafter.

 

 

While this melds the benefits and various lounges, they go hand-in-hand.

 

 

 

Simply put, we don’t want the nonsense aura that non-serious cruisers give off ranting and raving about benefits they don't have, hence the lounge sanctuaries.

 

 

We paid our dues over 18 years and now reap the benefits, often, usually at least monthly.

 

 

Life is fantastic and as long as Royal stays Loyal to Me, I will stay Loyal to Them! I love retirement.

 

 

 

Well thought out and nicely written opinion except for one statement:

"...There is also the Coastal Kitchen, which in my often traveled opinion, is probably the best restaurant afloat."

Per many travel and epicurean publication reviews that distinction most often goes to Oceania cruise line's collection of dining venues (curated by no less than Jacques Pepin).

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[John&LaLa]

I agree.

As D+ if i met him in the DL we would leave and go to the CL.

I'd love to chat with him one day. People are generally fascinating

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

[Milwaukee Eight]

I agree.

As D+ if i met him in the DL we would leave and go to the CL.

 

 

 

What about the ships with a SL and no CL? Would you stay in the DL for the FREE drinks? [emoji23]

 

 

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[island lady]

Good price

We have Oasis next week in a hump balcony with $150 OBC for under $1,400. Plus due to our C&A level we eat in CK, more than enough alcohol for no cost, free internet, free photos, priority everything, speciality lunch, etc...

 

Not ready to bail just yet.

 

Forgot to ask, can you use the leftover drink coupons on your next cruise?

 

I used a RCL 10 punch card over three weeks on Oasis this fall. Still have one punch left.

 

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Forums mobile app

 

You better not bail...after all you two went through to become fresh new baby Pineapples!! :o:confused::') Besides that Laura would probably shoot you!! :o