change of internet benefit for diamond and diamond plus

[happicruzer]

My CL experience on Harmony with 140 Ps and Oasis with around 35 Ps -

 

As long as I, a suite guest arrived after 5.30, I might get a seat. Getting a drink meant walking to the bar and asking for a glass of wine - it was obvious the Ps received service due to the pin they wore. DL on the other hand has always had wait staff circulating.

 

CK reservations were made via concierge precruise - otherwise no availability to anyone (at least suite guests from chatter in the CK) as it was fully booked by afternoon after sailing date.

 

CK dining staff served as drink waiters and dining waiters. Half way through dinner, I learned to go to the bar to ask my waiter for a glass of wine. Forget about coffee and dessert. One P kept his elbow in action for the two hours I was at dinner, each and every evening - he was being served attentively by a waiter that had little or no interest in this suite guest, the reason we couldn’t get that desert or coffee.

 

On the other hand - Traveling Celebrity and Princess Club Class, superb service by all staff.

 

Oh yes, on Celebrity, Michaels Club is open to both suite guests and Zenith. Luminea, the private suite dining room, is open only to suite guests. An almost nightly event for Elite and above is held with canapés and limited drinks.

 

Princess Club Class dining area is open to M1-Club Class and Suite guests, no Elite (some ships are near 45% elite). The evening event has nice snacks but you pay for your drink.

 

Celebrity and Princess provide a suite experience to cruisers who do not get shoved aside by - and I quote - Pinnacles, our most valuable cruisers. I heard that phrase too many times on the Harmony cruise - what was I? Chopped liver? FYI, I’m also over half way to Pinnacle but my business was not worthy.

 

Must admit, thoroughly loved our last HAL Euordam cruise, but there **** and suite benefits sincerely lacked.

 

I won’t spend the dollars RCI now wants for a suite because the value, in my eyes, isn’t there. Crowding is a huge issue, refusing to provide the little stuff promised even if just shampoo, soggy cookies for a welcome back - not what it used to be.

 

If I ever get RCI to reestablish my C&A account, I may book a bargain basement RCI cruise in between my upcoming cruises. We like the ice shows, most of the shows, but been there seen that. It’s actually nice to see what else is offered on the high seas.

Judy

[Ocean Boy]

It was a slam directed at me regarding Shareholders profits. What wrong with that? Without Shareholders you have nothing. Quit taking care of us and watch how long it takes for Royal to plummet. What does anyone have against profitability of a Public company. Royal is not private. MB and Mr Fain report to us. Not C&A members. I just said the likelihood of Royal giving D and above 5 drinks on SeaPass is Zero. The likelihood of taking away a Revenue Space for a Diamond Lounge or Concierge is Zero.

 

As a loyalty member and a shareholder, I would like Royal to offer packages and deals for loyal. Better discounts on DX. Better discounts on VOOM. Discounts on Excursions.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

I highly suspect that you are not the only person on these boards who owns RCI stock. And I also suspect there are a few C&A members in the stock owning group as well.

 

And you are correct, it is unlikely that they will take away a revenue producing space in order to create a new lounge. The trend lately for RCI seems to be taking away public space to jam in more cabins.

[LMaxwell]

Shopping brisk onboard, most excursions full, huge crowd at Park West, lots of drink packages, lots of photographs, most all the Speciality Dinning booked, casino packed last two nights.

 

 

How do I get into those management meetings? Is that an extra cost tour?

[ONECRUISER]

Actually I’m not old. But you still haven’t answered my questions. Another example. They had a 5% ROA recently which is good but it certainly isn’t anything obscene. You put up billions of your money to build the biggest most innovative ships in the world and see if you dont want a solid return on your investment. investors expect a return on their investment just like with any company. You do realize they are a for profit compnay and not a charity.

 

If you cruise on them just for a few drinks each night we’ll then what can I say. Most if not nearly all cruise on royal because they like the product and find good value in it. If they didn’t they would go elsewhere. This whole royal is an evil robber Barron is ridiculous. It is a competitive market, not a monopoly. They just have one of the best products and can command streams of revenue you don’t like or they seek to control costs as all companies do. That doesn’t make them greedy. It makes them smart.

Agree. Been on other lines, I like Royal. Cost to cruise lot cheaper then when I started 30 yrs ago not even taking inflation into it. Definitely cheaper then a week at Disney World...

[ONECRUISER]

Well said. Finally some real news. They have the highest profitability in their history currently.

Yes, good for them!

[Biker19]

Is this the week of dueling D perk post whoring threads?

[Milwaukee Eight]

My CL experience on Harmony with 140 Ps and Oasis with around 35 Ps -

 

As long as I, a suite guest arrived after 5.30, I might get a seat. Getting a drink meant walking to the bar and asking for a glass of wine - it was obvious the Ps received service due to the pin they wore. DL on the other hand has always had wait staff circulating.

 

CK reservations were made via concierge precruise - otherwise no availability to anyone (at least suite guests from chatter in the CK) as it was fully booked by afternoon after sailing date.

 

CK dining staff served as drink waiters and dining waiters. Half way through dinner, I learned to go to the bar to ask my waiter for a glass of wine. Forget about coffee and dessert. One P kept his elbow in action for the two hours I was at dinner, each and every evening - he was being served attentively by a waiter that had little or no interest in this suite guest, the reason we couldn’t get that desert or coffee.

 

On the other hand - Traveling Celebrity and Princess Club Class, superb service by all staff.

 

Oh yes, on Celebrity, Michaels Club is open to both suite guests and Zenith. Luminea, the private suite dining room, is open only to suite guests. An almost nightly event for Elite and above is held with canapés and limited drinks.

 

Princess Club Class dining area is open to M1-Club Class and Suite guests, no Elite (some ships are near 45% elite). The evening event has nice snacks but you pay for your drink.

 

Celebrity and Princess provide a suite experience to cruisers who do not get shoved aside by - and I quote - Pinnacles, our most valuable cruisers. I heard that phrase too many times on the Harmony cruise - what was I? Chopped liver? FYI, I’m also over half way to Pinnacle but my business was not worthy.

 

Must admit, thoroughly loved our last HAL Euordam cruise, but there **** and suite benefits sincerely lacked.

 

I won’t spend the dollars RCI now wants for a suite because the value, in my eyes, isn’t there. Crowding is a huge issue, refusing to provide the little stuff promised even if just shampoo, soggy cookies for a welcome back - not what it used to be.

 

If I ever get RCI to reestablish my C&A account, I may book a bargain basement RCI cruise in between my upcoming cruises. We like the ice shows, most of the shows, but been there seen that. It’s actually nice to see what else is offered on the high seas.

Judy

 

 

 

This is our third day on Harmony and we haven’t found the CL yet?

 

Actually, the DL tonight around 8 was very crowded with maybe 10 Free seats. I was surprised with limited amount of Diamonds onboard.

 

What type of Suite were you staying in? We make our CK dinner reservations with the Concierge pre cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Milwaukee Eight]

I highly suspect that you are not the only person on these boards who owns RCI stock. And I also suspect there are a few C&A members in the stock owning group as well.

 

And you are correct, it is unlikely that they will take away a revenue producing space in order to create a new lounge. The trend lately for RCI seems to be taking away public space to jam in more cabins.

 

 

 

That’s it, correct. I have never said I want perks taken away but some of these ideas will NEVER fly ( more Lounges, more Free drinks on SeaPass).

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[ReneeFLL]

Again, NOT a chance. I’ll buy you a drink package if they do. Not saying it wouldn’t help. Royal is not going to do it. What they are likely to do is give you a discount on the drink packages. Maybe better than today’s current offerings. That would be our choice. Their reasoning, if you want to drink, buy the package.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Just what position do you hold at Royal that you know this for a fact? As for the discount on the drink package that might be good for some if it's big enough. For others it won't be because some people don't drink enough to make it cost effective even with a big discount.

 

First there are too many of us and now there are just a few. Which way is it? And unless you can show that there is less shopping, empty excursions, no drink packages, little specialty dining, and empty casinos on cruises where there are more upper C&A members your observations mean little.

(y) He doesn't really know. It's whatever suits him at the time.

 

So, many of you seem to indicate that Royal and Royal Caribbean International shouldn’t make a profit? Or give a good return to the Shareholders knows nothing about running a business or company. It’s the Shareholders that VOTE, not the loyalty members. So, let’s just cruise without regard to the viability to sustain the company. See how that works.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We aren't saying they shouldn't make a profit otherwise they would be out of business so I don't know where you are getting that from. Many people have said they are or will be looking at other cruise lines. Shareholders can vote all they want, but passangers can vote with their $$$$. Now just where would the shareholders be without the passengers money and what would they be voting on? The more benefits that are taken away the more the passengers will look elsewhere. Sooner or later it might just bite them in the butt for being to greedy.

[topnole]

This is our third day on Harmony and we haven’t found the CL yet?

 

Actually, the DL tonight around 8 was very crowded with maybe 10 Free seats. I was surprised with limited amount of Diamonds onboard.

 

What type of Suite were you staying in? We make our CK dinner reservations with the Concierge pre cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

There is no CL. The SL is in the same big room as the CK.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Just what position do you hold at Royal that you know this for a fact? As for the discount on the drink package that might be good for some if it's big enough. For others it won't be because some people don't drink enough to make it cost effective even with a big discount.

 

 

 

 

 

(y) He doesn't really know. It's whatever suits him at the time.

 

 

 

 

 

We aren't saying they shouldn't make a profit otherwise they would be out of business so I don't know where you are getting that from. Many people have said they are or will be looking at other cruise lines. Shareholders can vote all they want, but passangers can vote with their $$$$. Now just where would the shareholders be without the passengers money and what would they be voting on? The more benefits that are taken away the more the passengers will look elsewhere. Sooner or later it might just bite them in the butt for being to greedy.

 

 

 

I guess you will sailing elsewhere. I don’t work for Royal, as a Shareholder, Royal works for me.

 

I didn’t like the idea of removing the internet perk. However, I would have been happy had they offered me the package at a better discount. VOOM is overpriced IMO. Royal has a captive audience onboard, do it their way or no way. I believe Royal prime customers had changed since the creation of C&A. Many with high loyalty status are no longer Royals target cruisers.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[topnole]

Just what position do you hold at Royal that you know this for a fact? As for the discount on the drink package that might be good for some if it's big enough. For others it won't be because some people don't drink enough to make it cost effective even with a big discount.

 

 

(y) He doesn't really know. It's whatever suits him at the time.

 

 

We aren't saying they shouldn't make a profit otherwise they would be out of business so I don't know where you are getting that from. Many people have said they are or will be looking at other cruise lines. Shareholders can vote all they want, but passangers can vote with their $$$$. Now just where would the shareholders be without the passengers money and what would they be voting on? The more benefits that are taken away the more the passengers will look elsewhere. Sooner or later it might just bite them in the butt for being to greedy.

 

Sorry to say but recent results suggest passengers like what they are getting. Personally I love my perks but I am realistic and realize this is a game of numbers and something will have to give at some point. It is like the Soc security situation. Population demographics will bankrupt it if it doesn’t change. It is a numbers game for C&A too. You can’t treat millions of people like VIPs at bare bones pricing.

[topnole]

I guess you will sailing elsewhere. I don’t work for Royal, as a Shareholder, Royal works for me.

 

I didn’t like the idea of removing the internet perk. However, I would have been happy had they offered me the package at a better discount. VOOM is overpriced IMO. Royal has a captive audience onboard, do it their way or no way. I believe Royal prime customers had changed since the creation of C&A. Many with high loyalty status are no longer Royals target cruisers.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Bingo. Your last sentence is the winner. Some High tier C&A are in denial on this one. They think paying 500 for a week on Oasis drinking free drinks makes Royal money. Lol.

[Milwaukee Eight]

There is no CL. The SL is in the same big room as the CK.

 

 

 

I know that. Lol

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[topnole]

I know that. Lol

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Didn’t realize you were joking. Lol. But it could be easy to miss if you are used to oasis and allure with the big beautiful bar in the middle. I seriously have way more bar space in my house than the Harmony SL bar. Lol.

[topnole]

My CL experience on Harmony with 140 Ps and Oasis with around 35 Ps -

 

As long as I, a suite guest arrived after 5.30, I might get a seat. Getting a drink meant walking to the bar and asking for a glass of wine - it was obvious the Ps received service due to the pin they wore. DL on the other hand has always had wait staff circulating.

 

CK reservations were made via concierge precruise - otherwise no availability to anyone (at least suite guests from chatter in the CK) as it was fully booked by afternoon after sailing date.

 

CK dining staff served as drink waiters and dining waiters. Half way through dinner, I learned to go to the bar to ask my waiter for a glass of wine. Forget about coffee and dessert. One P kept his elbow in action for the two hours I was at dinner, each and every evening - he was being served attentively by a waiter that had little or no interest in this suite guest, the reason we couldn’t get that desert or coffee.

 

On the other hand - Traveling Celebrity and Princess Club Class, superb service by all staff.

 

Oh yes, on Celebrity, Michaels Club is open to both suite guests and Zenith. Luminea, the private suite dining room, is open only to suite guests. An almost nightly event for Elite and above is held with canapés and limited drinks.

 

Princess Club Class dining area is open to M1-Club Class and Suite guests, no Elite (some ships are near 45% elite). The evening event has nice snacks but you pay for your drink.

 

Celebrity and Princess provide a suite experience to cruisers who do not get shoved aside by - and I quote - Pinnacles, our most valuable cruisers. I heard that phrase too many times on the Harmony cruise - what was I? Chopped liver? FYI, I’m also over half way to Pinnacle but my business was not worthy.

 

Must admit, thoroughly loved our last HAL Euordam cruise, but there **** and suite benefits sincerely lacked.

 

I won’t spend the dollars RCI now wants for a suite because the value, in my eyes, isn’t there. Crowding is a huge issue, refusing to provide the little stuff promised even if just shampoo, soggy cookies for a welcome back - not what it used to be.

 

If I ever get RCI to reestablish my C&A account, I may book a bargain basement RCI cruise in between my upcoming cruises. We like the ice shows, most of the shows, but been there seen that. It’s actually nice to see what else is offered on the high seas.

Judy

 

The harmony TA had over 300 pinnacles. Our CL suite was very expensive. The SL/CK was horribly crowded which made it impossible for the staff. It was impossible just to get a water with dinner. Forget ordering dessert. That would take forever. That kind of stuff that makes everything else just bad.

 

Met with guest services manager to discuss the issue and he agreed they really seriously failed the suite guests on that voyage. He said he had multiple conversations with the home office on the issue. I was clearly not the only one to alert him to the issue. I asked for nothing from them but I can tell you I did feel valued after my meeting with him.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Didn’t realize you were joking. Lol. But it could be easy to miss if you are used to oasis and allure with the big beautiful bar in the middle. I seriously have way more bar space in my house than the Harmony SL bar. Lol.

 

 

 

The DL is not much better. It was packed at 8, loud too but the views were great (another joke about the views). Maybe 10 seats around the wall with no tables were available. I don’t get it still, why go to a tiny hole in the wall with no view when there are so many other unique bars with entertainment. And the entertainment is free.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[actuarian]

I do not believe that 3 lounges were EVER the intent. They just didn't update the deck plans.

 

If they had not updated the deck plans, they would have still shown the old Diamond Club on deck 6 overlooking the Royal Promenade. However, they briefly released deck plans in 2014 that showed that old club converted to new cabins, a new Diamond Club on deck 4 and retaining the Concierge Club on decks 11 but with the upper level on deck 12 converted to a specialty restaurant. Those plans were released only very briefly before they were replaced by the plans that were actually implemented.

[Milwaukee Eight]

The Lounge thread was shut down. I suspect because it became a person letter writing thread between two people.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[nelblu]

That’s it, correct. I have never said I want perks taken away but some of these ideas will NEVER fly ( more Lounges, more Free drinks on SeaPass).

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

IMHO, over the years, the D benefits have improved. I remember that only wine and soda and some nuts was available in the D lounge and beer, etc was at a cost.

 

On Allure last week, the DL, at least from 4:30-6:00pm, was basically empty. If it wasn't for kids being allowed in, it would have looked like a ghost town.

 

At least on Oasis class, the happy hour has been extended to specialty restaurants and the MDR.

 

From as a shareholder viewpoint, I liked what I saw. Next cruise staff was so busy that I could not get any decent time. On last night they were open past 9PM. They even had a rep. in the D lounge to assist those looking to book cruises-very smart on their part.

 

The casinos, bars, photo, tours, etc were quite active & busy. On one of our tours to Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay (St Marten) had 5 busses full, and the dock was like a zoo with all of the Paxs waiting on their tours.

[Powersboyee2]

The Lounge thread was shut down. I suspect because it became a person letter writing thread between two people.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

Thank goodness! Yes, that was getting real old. I’m sure this will suffice to take it place for those involved tho lol

[Milwaukee Eight]

Thank goodness! Yes, that was getting real old. I’m sure this will suffice to take it place for those involved tho lol

 

 

 

You mean you think the personal letter writing between two people will begin here? I hope not. They should exchange phone numbers.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[topnole]

IMHO, over the years, the D benefits have improved. I remember that only wine and soda and some nuts was available in the D lounge and beer, etc was at a cost.

 

On Allure last week, the DL, at least from 4:30-6:00pm, was basically empty. If it wasn't for kids being allowed in, it would have looked like a ghost town.

 

At least on Oasis class, the happy hour has been extended to specialty restaurants and the MDR.

 

From as a shareholder viewpoint, I liked what I saw. Next cruise staff was so busy that I could not get any decent time. On last night they were open past 9PM. They even had a rep. in the D lounge to assist those looking to book cruises-very smart on their part.

 

The casinos, bars, photo, tours, etc were quite active & busy. On one of our tours to Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay (St Marten) had 5 busses full, and the dock was like a zoo with all of the Paxs waiting on their tours.

 

Interesting and different take. Yes some of the D benefits have actually improved. This doesn’t get mentioned much. The 3 drink vouchers in particular is a benefit we really love.

[Ocean Boy]

Interesting and different take. Yes some of the D benefits have actually improved. This doesn’t get mentioned much. The 3 drink vouchers in particular is a benefit we really love.

I like the drink vouchers also. I never go near the DL during happy hour. I also rarely go through all three drink vouchers.

[nelblu]

I like the drink vouchers also. I never go near the DL during happy hour. I also rarely go through all three drink vouchers.

 

Same here, but having the flexibility to get a coke, etc. in addition to a beer & wine is good. Bought a diet coke for my wife after the happy hour and with a $1 tip it cost me over $5.;p

 

Wonder if anyone has a inventory of benefits accrued by tier say 10-15 years ago vs. today's offerings.