C&A program outdated?

[grapau27]

Or, the other reality is that most lines, including RCI are starting to put out a more premium offering on board. Suites with additional services, private lounge, specialty dining included. I am willing to pay for a premium product. I don't necessarily want to spend all my time cruising the same line over and over and over again. So I would rather pay for the premium product than continue to chase some silly status and thereby limit my vacation options.

RC are introducing more new ships and updating current ships to give a superior experience.

The itineraries and ships are excellent and the added top tier benefits make it irresistible to go anywhere else

[grapau27]

Agree...I no longer have a CL to go to on Oasis class. :( Why should suites guests, that have not attained Diamond level, have access to the Diamond Lounge which is already too crowded being the single lounge now for D's and D+ that are not in suites?

If D+ were allowed in the SL I would welcome suite guests into the DL as a reciprocal arrangement.

[grapau27]

Why do you continue to degrade our preferences? I'm not chasing a "silly status", I happen to like the product. You can do what you like, but how I travel is not silly.

 

After 30 cruises, I still have many ports and ships to explore on RCI. Any status that I have attained is certainly welcomed, and benefits me financially.

Totally agree.

They are being disrespectful to a lot of people with their comments.

[grapau27]

Whoa! Easy there.... I'm not degrading YOUR preferences, I'm saying it isn't for me. I don't want my vacation plans to be dictated by the pursuit of some loyalty tier. I'm not saying you do- heck I don't even KNOW you! But read enough here, and it is clear that a LOT of people do exactly that.

 

Maybe try decaf?:rolleyes:

I think it is yourself who needs the decaf.

You can do whatever you want but you have lost goodwill by belittling other people.

[leisuretraveler223]

The tone is still there. Maybe YOU should reread your posts. Try decaf, LOL, yet another example of your tone.

 

Lots more I would love to point out, but I'm really busy chasing a silly status.

 

The fallacy here is that you think there is "tone" in the written word. "tone" in the written word is created by the reader. It is you that has decided that I must be presenting this information with a certain tone, not I. However, I will admit that I too am guilty of this. My "Try decaf" comment was in response to the obviously irate "tone" in which I read your comment. So, that one is on me. But you gotta own it as well!:D

[grapau27]

The tone is still there. Maybe YOU should reread your posts. Try decaf, LOL, yet another example of your tone.

 

Lots more I would love to point out, but I'm really busy chasing a silly status.

Nice reply.

By belittling people for enjoying our benefits they have lost the discussion.

[Milwaukee Eight]

It's only nicer than the former DL. Unless visiting friends why would a Star passenger go there?

 

Personally I feel that the DL is a loyalty lounge, so they would need to be Diamond C&A members to access. Do you know if there cards opened the door?

 

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

 

 

Hypothetically.... let’s just say a inside on a 7 day is $1000. 9 cruises later, they are Diamond. That’s $9,000 to Royal

 

A Star Class Cruiser , spend $15-25,000 on one 7 night cruise.

 

Whose deserves loyalty perks more? Four Star Class cruises and its tipping towards a $100k.

 

Royal should switch to a revenue based system.

 

 

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Edited August 1, 2018 by Milwaukee Eight

[Milwaukee Eight]

If D+ were allowed in the SL I would welcome suite guests into the DL as a reciprocal arrangement.

 

 

 

Not an enticing trade for most Suite Guest.

 

 

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[mom2tcdx2]

I can say honestly that no cruise line has such fantastic perks that has caused me to be loyal to one or another. I have 3 on Disney, and MSC, 4 on Princess, so far only one on Royal (and 2 more booked), 5 on NCL and 11 on Carnival (and 2 more booked)

 

Guess overall I have been more loyal to Carnival, though for their pricing and frankly I have never had bad service on one of their cruises. Though I do finally reach Platinum with my next cruise - so with that I get priority boarding and then a laundry service that is a reasonable perk (since it is a 14 day cruise). They also do a gathering, where honestly the free drinks are pretty awful.

 

I am doubtful that I will ever get to any high category with Royal as often I find their pricing can be out of my range. Though we will see if sailing on the Allure gets me to determine they are worth the higher cost.

[leisuretraveler223]

I think it is yourself who needs the decaf.

You can do whatever you want but you have lost goodwill by belittling other people.

 

It is an interesting subculture here.

 

I did not belittle you or any specific person. I don't know any of you. I spoke of MYSELF. I have no desire to focus my vacation plans on obtaining what is to ME, a silly status. That's about ME, not you or anyone else.

 

I would never begrudge someone making choices that work for them. But I often read people here who are singularly focused on obtaining a status, and I don't get that. I guess if it works for them, so be it. But I am still allowed to think what I want of it.

 

People react like I'm some how insulting their children. It's not worth the emotion and vitriol you all produce in return.

[Milwaukee Eight]

It is an interesting subculture here.

 

 

 

I did not belittle you or any specific person. I don't know any of you. I spoke of MYSELF. I have no desire to focus my vacation plans on obtaining what is to ME, a silly status. That's about ME, not you or anyone else.

 

 

 

I would never begrudge someone making choices that work for them. But I often read people here who are singularly focused on obtaining a status, and I don't get that. I guess if it works for them, so be it. But I am still allowed to think what I want of it.

 

 

 

People react like I'm some how insulting their children. It's not worth the emotion and vitriol you all produce in return.

 

 

 

I am not a big fan of Royals status levels and how they are obtained. However, I don’t think I would call them silly. The majority seem to depend on them. That’s fine with me. Calling them silly I suspect might be the issue.

 

 

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[grapau27]

Hypothetically.... let’s just say and inside on a 7 day is $1000. 9 cruises later, they are Diamond. That’s $9,000 to Royal

 

A Star Class Cruiser , spend $15-25,000 on one 7 night cruise.

 

Whose deserves loyalty perks more? Four Star Class cruises and its tipping towards a $100k.

 

Royal should switch to a revenue based system.

 

 

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Diamond is 80 points so they would need 12x7 nights in inside cabins so £12,000 to Royal.

I understand what you are saying regarding the cost of Star Suites but as there are only around 65 Suites on Harmony and around 2000 other cabins RC need the loyalty of repeat customers to help fill their ships.

[grapau27]

Not an enticing trade for most Suite Guest.

 

 

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A lot of people praise the comaradery and friendliness in the DL so maybe more than you think would think it a good trade.

CK would still be a Suite, Pinnacle exclusive.

[Milwaukee Eight]

Diamond is 80 points so they would need 12x7 nights in inside cabins so £12,000 to Royal.

I understand what you are saying regarding the cost of Star Suites but as there are only around 65 Suites on Harmony and around 2000 other cabins RC need the loyalty of repeat customers to help fill their ships.

 

 

 

Sorry about my bad math. 11.7 or 12 night inside for 80. ($12,000).

 

But still, a Star Class passenger is more than likely to exceed $12000 especially on one 7 night if other $$ are considered.

 

Why wouldn’t it be fair to everyone if loyalty/rewards are distributed based on $ spent with all Royal?

 

Many so called loyal to Royal seldom spend a dime with Royal on excursions, onboard tours, wine/beer/liquor rating events, Speciality Dinning, Casino, Park West, Spa, gift shops, photos, Drink Packages and so on....

 

Why not 1 PT per $1000 spent with Royal (doesn’t include Taxes, Port fees, gratuities).

 

Who do you think Royal should reward???

 

 

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[rt1092]

Everyone has their own idea about the worth of the different C&A levels. It didn't bother me one bit till we reached the 500 point level. Before that we never thought we would become pinnacle, we just hoped they would put something between D+ and Pinnacle.

After getting to 500 points the goal became attainable. So we cruised as much as we could. To get to Pinnacle. We love to cruise so it wasn't hard to take. We reached Pinnacle in April 2018. And as of this moment we have at least 19 cruises (7 nights and longer) between now and Dec 2019. no longer chasing points, just enjoying them.

The star class people want and are paying for premium service. As pinnacles we seem to get the same service (other that the genies, but we know the ropes for the most part). And we too have paid for it. The Pinnacle badge is the most expensive piece of jewelry. I'll ever own. But you really don't do anything to earn it, other than spend money.I figure it cost us $250,000 or so. And we have enjoyed almost every minute it took to earn the level.

[rt1092]

Sorry about my bad math. 11.7 or 12 night inside for 80. ($12,000).

 

But still, a Star Class passenger is more than likely to exceed $12000 especially on one 7 night if other $$ are considered.

 

Why wouldn’t it be fair to everyone if loyalty/rewards are distributed based on $ spent with all Royal?

 

Many so called loyal to Royal seldom spend a dime with Royal on excursions, onboard tours, wine/beer/liquor rating events, Speciality Dinning, Casino, Park West, Spa, gift shops, photos, Drink Packages and so on....

 

Why not 1 PT per $1000 spent with Royal (doesn’t include Taxes, Port fees, gratuities).

 

Who do you think Royal should reward???

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

If you think about it for a minute the person that spends exorbitant money on a single cruise usually only cruises once a year or less. And the amount of people willing to spend that much is limited. The person perhaps retired, living in Florida. Can and do fill the ships. If you put it on a dollar spent basis for loyalty points. The ships would be sailing with empty cabins (which they are not).

Royal has an awful lot of cabins to fill. So they have to cater to a wide swath of customers.

[Domino D]

Hypothetically.... let’s just say a inside on a 7 day is $1000. 9 cruises later, they are Diamond. That’s $9,000 to Royal

 

A Star Class Cruiser , spend $15-25,000 on one 7 night cruise.

 

Whose deserves loyalty perks more? Four Star Class cruises and its tipping towards a $100k.

 

Royal should switch to a revenue based system.

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I think this is going to happen for sure, it's just when. However, I still doubt even this will happen until either revenue drops, or high end membership out paces revenue growth. From a company standpoint, there is no need to fix what is not broken.

 

To answer your question, both deserve perks. Many of the long term Diamond and up members take multiple cruises a year, and to your point, $10,000 spent is $10,000 spent (annually), regardless of whether it comes in 1 cruise or 4. Depending on their profit modelling, it may be more valuable to sell 4 cabins on low occupancy cruises, than to sell a single Star Class on Christmas week.

 

I think there may be an annual qualifier as well as a lifetime. I would not be surprised to see some benefits tied to lifetime spend, and different ones tied to annual spend. This will allow long term loyalists to get their traditional benefits, and yet design other benefits to generate new loyalty in top spending cruisers.

 

Both deserve rewarding, and in a revenue based program both will get it.

[Domino D]

...we have at least 19 cruises (7 nights and longer) between now and Dec 2019. no longer chasing points, just enjoying them.

 

 

The star class people want and are paying for premium service. As pinnacles we seem to get the same service (other that the genies, but we know the ropes for the most part). And we too have paid for it.

 

Amen, both are equally important as they fill a need for Royal. Base Business and High Profit Premium business. A company can not succeed without both.

[Milwaukee Eight]

A lot of people praise the comaradery and friendliness in the DL so maybe more than you think would think it a good trade.

CK would still be a Suite, Pinnacle exclusive.

 

 

 

I believe most Suite Guests shared the opinion with Royal that they would like an area AWAY from some members of high level status ( D+ P wannabe). 90% of D+ are probably great and wonderful people but we have found a few that frequent the CL can be quite obnoxious. Yes, I’m sure Suite Guests do the same thing. Just haven’t seen it. The people I’m talking about speak over others and insist that everyone knows their point level, how many cruises they have, how many times they meet Super Mario, how many times they had dinner with the Captain and so on. They are the first in the lounge. They eat dinner in the WJ after the lounge quits serving drinks. I’ve even overheard some indicating that the CL was their lounge?? Have you meet many like this. Give them unlimited drinksCatch my drift....

 

Not to mention the crowds in the CL.

 

 

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[Domino D]

If D+ were allowed in the SL I would welcome suite guests into the DL as a reciprocal arrangement.

 

Sounds a little Socialist....

 

Good evening sir hope you an yours are well.

[grapau27]

Sorry about my bad math. 11.7 or 12 night inside for 80. ($12,000).

 

But still, a Star Class passenger is more than likely to exceed $12000 especially on one 7 night if other $$ are considered.

 

Why wouldn’t it be fair to everyone if loyalty/rewards are distributed based on $ spent with all Royal?

 

Many so called loyal to Royal seldom spend a dime with Royal on excursions, onboard tours, wine/beer/liquor rating events, Speciality Dinning, Casino, Park West, Spa, gift shops, photos, Drink Packages and so on....

 

Why not 1 PT per $1000 spent with Royal (doesn’t include Taxes, Port fees, gratuities).

 

Who do you think Royal should reward???

 

 

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Yes I could get extra points that way because we do spend money on board.

Why not,

1 point inside cabin.

2 points outside cabin.

3 points balcony cabin.

4 points JS.

5 points Sky Suite.

6 points Star Suite.

Double points for single occupancy.

[Milwaukee Eight]

If you think about it for a minute the person that spends exorbitant money on a single cruise usually only cruises once a year or less. And the amount of people willing to spend that much is limited. The person perhaps retired, living in Florida. Can and do fill the ships. If you put it on a dollar spent basis for loyalty points. The ships would be sailing with empty cabins (which they are not).

 

Royal has an awful lot of cabins to fill. So they have to cater to a wide swath of customers.

 

 

 

This week on Oasis

 

Diamonds 300

D+ 90

P 15

 

Ship holds 6000+ based on double occupancy. 400 Diamond and above are certainly not filling this cruise.

 

Pinnacles earned everything they get and deserve it. I don’t recall a single cruise we have been on where the Diamonds and above totaled more than 600. Even last years Presidents Cruise was around 500 total. I hear this years the P’s alone might be 400. Lol

 

We know lots of friends that sail Star Class multiple times a year. I have family that are P and they sail a ton and often in SC.

 

What about those that normally book a balcony? Their cabins generally cost more than insides on deck 2/3. Maybe they might want to be recognized for this???

 

 

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[Domino D]

This week on Oasis

 

Diamonds 300

D+ 90

P 15

 

Ship holds 6000+ based on double occupancy. 400 Diamond and above are certainly not filling this cruise.

 

Pinnacles earned everything they get and deserve it. I don’t recall a single cruise we have been on where the Diamonds and above totaled more than 600. Even last years Presidents Cruise was around 500 total. I hear this years the P’s alone might be 400. Lol

 

We know lots of friends that sail Star Class multiple times a year. I have family that are P and they sail a ton and often in SC.

 

What about those that normally book a balcony? Their cabins generally cost more than insides on deck 2/3. Maybe they might want to be recognized for this???

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

You do realize, their point being right does not equate to your point being wrong?

[Don Pedro]

Hypothetically.... let’s just say a inside on a 7 day is $1000. 9 cruises later, they are Diamond. That’s $9,000 to Royal

 

A Star Class Cruiser , spend $15-25,000 on one 7 night cruise.

 

Whose deserves loyalty perks more? Four Star Class cruises and its tipping towards a $100k.

 

Royal should switch to a revenue based system.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Considering the capabilities of their IT folks and their current challenges I don't see this happening. But look at the point system Michael Bailey put in motion over at Celebrity where the cabin category is the basis of the points awarded. That is a program that is already up and running and would put both cruise lines on identical programs. Not advocating it - just saying.

[rt1092]

I believe most Suite Guests shared the opinion with Royal that they would like an area AWAY from some members of high level status ( D+ P wannabe). 90% of D+ are probably great and wonderful people but we have found a few that frequent the CL can be quite obnoxious. Yes, I’m sure Suite Guests do the same thing. Just haven’t seen it. The people I’m talking about speak over others and insist that everyone knows their point level, how many cruises they have, how many times they meet Super Mario, how many times they had dinner with the Captain and so on. They are the first in the lounge. They eat dinner in the WJ after the lounge quits serving drinks. I’ve even overheard some indicating that the CL was their lounge?? Have you meet many like this. Give them unlimited drinksCatch my drift....

 

Not to mention the crowds in the CL.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

It seems you must not have been on the same ships as me. For the most part Suite guests are fine but a lot of times they have obnoxious children.

Case in point. We were in the elevator a suite guest and his child (5 or 6 years old) get in. The child proceeds to hit every button in the elevator. My wife tells him nicely "honey you shouldn't do that" . The father then tell my wife "my child can do whatever he wants".

Some Pinnacles are stuck up and don't associate with others below them. But they are a small minority.

As far as "Super Mario" goes you can't find a more friendly and hospitable person anywhere.

If they get to the lounge before you. You need to get there earlier. Don't blame them.

If they eat dinner in the windjammer it's by choice. The MDR and Coastal Kitchens are open after the lounge closes.

As far as talking a lot goes. Whom would you want an opinion from? Someone who has experience or someone that has none?

The things "you" dislike about the conversations are precisely. What a lot of experienced cruisers talk about. And I hope they will never stop.