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Diamond plus no longer getting to skip the line when boarding?

Oneluckywoman
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dodgestang

dodgestang

Posted
Posted (edited)

As a 'new' cruiser (the boat ride I took in Aug was the first one I was on in 18 yrs or so and this was the first one with a family) I find I am actually torn a bit.

 

I understand the benefits of priority boarding/leaving at the beginning/end/shore excursions and I happened to be in a position so I could pay for suite levels.

 

On our first outing we got to the port in Baltimore and I was put right into the main security line like everyone else...luckily we had got there early so it was only 20 minutes or so to get through scanning...then after security walked up into the suite line, checked in, and got on the boat.  Walked around with our back packs till they formally opened up the room and overall had a great time.  After the initial disappointment with the security line everything seemed okay.  Even had the kids wear swim clothes under normal clothes so they were in the pool by like 11am day 1 (this seems to amount to what key gets you? and it sounds like D+ as well now?)

 

Flash forward to Dec when I took the same boat, same room.  This time I had the concierge calling me on the phone, meeting me at my car, walking us through/past the security check in line, doing all out counter paperwork while we walked through the metal detectors, hurried us onto the ship from the lower crew gang way so we didn't have to walk up the long twisty and annoying ramps and took us right to our room at 9:50am and settled us in.  Which seemed significantly better than the last trip as far as suite benefits go ;).

 

Both experiences were overall wonderful times and had obvious benefits as I saw people standing in lines a lot both to get on and off....people were lining up to get off in Miami 2 hours before we even docked....

 

So I can see the frustration of long time cruisers who worked their way up in the points system to 'earn' certain perks and benefits from long time patronage; but at the same time as the new guy...I really do like the idea of being able to pay and receive that type of treatment. 

Edited by dodgestang
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parrotfeathers

parrotfeathers

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15 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

So I can see the frustration of long time cruisers who worked their way up in the points system to 'earn' certain perks and benefits from long time patronage; but at the same time as the new guy...I really do like the idea of being able to pay and receive that type of treatment. 

 

Since it is available to you, there is nothing wrong with you taking advantage of the perk.   It will take me more years than I have left  to go from my present level (D) to D+.  But, like you, I understand their position also.


Celebrity is the only line I have been on in a suite that actually had anyone escort me to my room upon check in.  Never experienced it on RCL, but I think they do that if you are Star class and above.  And since it costs more, it is well deserved.

 

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grapau27

grapau27

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33 minutes ago, parrotfeathers said:

 

Not funny, but maybe RCL will figure out a program similar to the key to let you have it back.  And it will only be an exclusive perk for D+.  Flowrider lessons included of course.

 

As a D+ regularly sailing in Europe we have always skipped the regular security queue but as you good folks from the US are experiencing this it might or might not filter over here.

As I have said previously the perks from Diamond 80 points and Pinnacle 700 is minimal and something RCI would do well to look at.

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iuki

iuki

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3 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Will do.  We are starting to see refunds for tips and port charges get applied to our onboard account.

 

There is one refund of $28.05 that I can't figure out.  

That’s quick service.  Happy for you and Laura.  RC is really stepping up to the plate. 👍

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Milwaukee Eight

Milwaukee Eight

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1 hour ago, grapau27 said:

As a D+ regularly sailing in Europe we have always skipped the regular security queue but as you good folks from the US are experiencing this it might or might not filter over here.

As I have said previously the perks from Diamond 80 points and Pinnacle 700 is minimal and something RCI would do well to look at.

What would you suggest Royal do?

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bilyclub

bilyclub

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Back when they threw the D's out of the Concierge Lounge there were was tremendous uproar on here because back then there were only Diamond Lounges on the Freedom Class and I'm not sure all 3 were even built be then.  The backlash caused Royal to start the Diamond Event and eventually add Diamond Lounges to new builds and at drydocks on those already in the fleet.  I don't see the same furor about getting kicked out of the priority security line. Perhaps that's a good thing for a unlisted perk. The real battles are on the horizon.   Bayley seems to a bottom line guy, unlike Goldstein  who valued repeat cruisers as a steady source of income.

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grapau27

grapau27

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Posted (edited)
47 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Now I would pay to see Graham hanging 10 on the Flowrider. 

I have moderate arthritis in my hips and knees so sorry to disappoint plus

I don't think their boards are heavy enough to get 10 toes hanging over the edge anyway.

Edited by grapau27
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Ourusualbeach

Ourusualbeach

Posted
Posted (edited)
2 hours ago, grapau27 said:

As a D+ regularly sailing in Europe we have always skipped the regular security queue but as you good folks from the US are experiencing this it might or might not filter over here.

As I have said previously the perks from Diamond 80 points and Pinnacle 700 is minimal and something RCI would do well to look at.

A free cruise is a minimal perk?  Not to mention free internet, access to the suite lounge.

Edited by Ourusualbeach
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grapau27

grapau27

Posted
Posted
46 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

What would you suggest Royal do?

That is up to their well paid marketing people to come up with ideas.

We use Speciality restaurants most of our cruise so I would like 1 free Speciality meal each per Cruise for D+.

300 points D++ = 2 free speciallity meals.

500 points D+++ = 3 free Speciality meals.

700 points Pinnacle.

Suite lounge for Suites only.

Upgraded Loyalty lounge for P and D+.

4 free drinks at any bar at any time of day for Diamonds.

On our last cruise a 3 night on Independence we went to Boleros and Champagne bar only and used our free drinks vouchers there before going to Giovanni's.

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grapau27

grapau27

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18 minutes ago, Ourusualbeach said:

A free cruise is a minimal perk?  Not to mention free internet, access to the suite lounge.

Sorry,to clarify 81 points - 699 points there is minimal extra perks.

Yes a free Cruise for Pinnacles is well deserved.

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SRF

SRF

Posted
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3 hours ago, dodgestang said:

I understand the benefits of priority boarding/leaving at the beginning/end/shore excursions and I happened to be in a position so I could pay for suite levels.

 

On our first outing we got to the port in Baltimore and I was put right into the main security line like everyone else...luckily we had got there early so it was only 20 minutes or so to get through scanning...then after security walked up into the suite line, checked in, and got on the boat. 

 

Very strange.  I have sailed out of Baltimore 3 times on Grandeur.  Every time in a full suite.

 

Each time, when coming into the building, they asked for the SeaSail pass, and directed us to the suite line for security.

 

You weren't in a Junior Suite the first time were you?

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dodgestang

dodgestang

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1 minute ago, SRF said:

 

Very strange.  I have sailed out of Baltimore 3 times on Grandeur.  Every time in a full suite.

 

Each time, when coming into the building, they asked for the SeaSail pass, and directed us to the suite line for security.

 

You weren't in a Junior Suite the first time were you?

Royal Suite both times. 

 

Perhaps it was because I still print in blank and white and/or the guy running the front door and telling you were to stand couldn't read 😉

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GHarkness

GHarkness

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Posted
On 11/6/2018 at 7:15 AM, villager70 said:

That is correct. boarded our lasts 14 cruises or so  and last week. On indy,majesty,many on freedom, Oasis,Allure

Yep, the SetSail says "suite."  Doesn't say "low class suite," just suite.  I've done exactly the same for the past, well, ever since they started letting Suites board first.

Obviously if it changes, something different will happen.

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Ocean Boy

Ocean Boy

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9 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

So you feel D+ should be able to access the Suite and Pinnacle access line?  Do you also feel D+ should have access top the Suite Lounge?

I feel D+ should be able to access the Suite, Pinnacle and D+ access line just like it was in the past. I can only say the same thing so many ways. How many ways, and times,  can you ask the same question?

 

I could not care any less about the suite lounge. D+ never had access to it so there is no past president for having access now.

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dodgestang

dodgestang

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5 hours ago, Ocean Boy said:

I could not care any less about the suite lounge. D+ never had access to it so there is no past president for having access now.

Which lounge are you talking about?  D+ has access to concierge lounge according to CAS documentation

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Clarea

Clarea

Posted
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4 minutes ago, dodgestang said:

Which lounge are you talking about?  D+ has access to concierge lounge according to CAS documentation

 

I believe OB said the Suite Lounge, which is different than the Concierge Lounge.

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