Crown & Anchor Diamond Plus cutbacks continue!

[cruisegirl1]

2 hours ago, princesstori said:

 

There were several Pinnacle members who gathered in there each night filling half of the lounge for the full happy hour. Leaving shortly to grab a quick bite in the windjammer then returning to the lounge. 

 

How would you know the comings and goings of those in the lounge unless you spent the entire time there.   Also, how do you know the passengers were not suite guests?  

 

Thx 

m

[frank808]

3 hours ago, Nashna said:

We are sailing on our first MSC cruise next January.  We will also be earning 5000 points.  Since we would only cruise in the Yacht Club, the 5% discount means a lot more to us.  I am just over long lines, getting up at 7:00am to reserve a lounge chair and the WJ crowds.  

Well I can assure you will not have long lines except to board(even then it is relaxing).  No chair hogs or needing to reserve a lounger as there are more than enough loungers available.  Also the pool attendants will set up the chairs and bring you pool towels for your use.  Then butler will bring you your preferred drink if they know you or ask what you would like to drink.  Bar and buffet are steps away on the pool deck.  

 

We went to what MSC calls their windjammer a few times and loved the pizza.  Service was also very good for drinks in buffet.  What surprised me is that MSC did not confiscate any liquor you brought onboard from port shopping.  Make sure to tell your room steward to stock your mini bar with what you like to snack and drink.  We loved the pringles, peanuts, water and vodka for myself.

 

Enjoy your adventure in the yacht club.

[CruiseKeeper]

6 hours ago, twangster said:

 

If popcorn was free the hot tubs would be full of it.  It would be all over the deck, in the carpet and in the elevators. 

 

The charge is strictly to prevent that.

 

I don’t mean to sound rude, please don’t take my comment that way.  

 

They dont sell popcorn for 2.95 to keep it out of the hot tubs.  They do it for the money.  Strictly.   

[xpcdoojk]

12 hours ago, nelblu said:

 

 

Wonder if anyone has C&A benefits from 15-20 years ago and compare to the present offerings.  Bet the amenities are much more valuable today than in past years.

Basically, there was no great benefit for having those higher levels back in the day.  The diamond lounges only started appearing on ships around the time of the Oasis launch, as far as I can remember.  I remember going to the nightly diamond event on the Monarch around that time.  Free wine and snacks.  25% discount as I remember on a cocktail.  Now, I can hang in the DL and have as many cocktails as I like plus free wine and beer.  There was a time when there was no Suite Lounge and the concierge lounge which is very much like the diamond lounge was more common, now suite lounges are replacing the CL, but Diamonds and D+ can still go to the diamond lounge.  It seems RCI is wanting two tracks to extra perks on the big ships.  That said, I did the Symphony TA this fall and as a D+ I felt like RCI treated us very well indeed.  

 

Unless someone can point to something new, I don’t think the system is exactly in the toilet.  But then some people can’t seem to ever forget that they could go into the CL and those no longer exist, and they can’t get over it.  Sail more and make pinnacle or sail P&O and don’t bother us any more.  I am good with either of those options.😈

 

JC

[xpcdoojk]

7 hours ago, cementhands said:

I thought it was heaven when we finally got to diamond. Just got off the Grandeur and enjoyed the diamond lounge nightly. Never used all 3 drinks separately. Not big drinkers. But it feels great getting back a benefit. Similar experience on Visions transatlantic October 2018. Not overly crowded but enjoyable. Lots of waitstaff.

We are on our way to diamond plus. Hopefully RCL continue to cater to the loyal customers. We’ve enjoyed many different cruise lines but RCL has really the best loyalty program. On Celebrity we’re elite separately. I loved the free laundry and dry cleaning.

I only hope RCL provides more Zumba and stretch classes in centrum. My wife might want to go back to Princess as they cater to a more active fun crowd. It’s hit or miss on RCL.

On Visions transatlantic we felt the pain from so much dancing with Talita Leone. A good pain. So we could eat more. Grandeur had great food but not the activities of former Grandeur cruise or Anthem and Visions. We lost weight on those.

 

You might want to try one of the newer bigger ships.  The ship you were on is hardly typical of RCI in the year 2019

 

jc

[Mikew0805]

10 hours ago, twangster said:

 

If popcorn was free the hot tubs would be full of it.  It would be all over the deck, in the carpet and in the elevators. 

 

The charge is strictly to prevent that.

Who told you that? That makes no sense at all. If that was the case, you would see pizza all over the deck, in the carpet, in the hot tubs, and in the elevators. CCL has free popcorn during shows, and the popcorn is not all over those places. 

 

 

[HBE4]

17 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Are we already there?

 

 

Nope. It's been 100 post since then and this thread is still going strong.

 

Edited February 18, 2019 by HBE4

[mugtech]

On 2/17/2019 at 12:01 AM, Board_Shorts said:

 

Michael. Please don't feel you have to explain yourself to anyone, especially here, to people who spend what honestly seems like 24 hours a day on this forum.

 

I'll never understand why they are so condescending? Or post messages that contain no information, like the one you're responding to, just demeaning words which seem to have the sole purpose of making others feel inferior.

 

It wasn't common knowledge to me, so THANK YOU for posting.

 

It doesn't matter whether I'm D+ or Gold. I still learn new things every time I visit this forum. If it wasn't for people like you fighting through the insulting words, bullying, and some very dark, even 'creepy' (sorry, but it's true) members ugly replies. I'd have been long gone.

 

Thanks for keeping the very weak, but still faintly shining memories of fun and laughter and the original spirit of this forum (admittedly now on life support) just about alive, for me at least.

Right, mets123 has done 224 posts in almost 15 years.  Does not qualify as a 24 hour a day nag.

[nelblu]

8 hours ago, xpcdoojk said:

Basically, there was no great benefit for having those higher levels back in the day.  The diamond lounges only started appearing on ships around the time of the Oasis launch, as far as I can remember.  I remember going to the nightly diamond event on the Monarch around that time.  Free wine and snacks.  25% discount as I remember on a cocktail.  Now, I can hang in the DL and have as many cocktails as I like plus free wine and beer.  There was a time when there was no Suite Lounge and the concierge lounge which is very much like the diamond lounge was more common, now suite lounges are replacing the CL, but Diamonds and D+ can still go to the diamond lounge.  It seems RCI is wanting two tracks to extra perks on the big ships.  That said, I did the Symphony TA this fall and as a D+ I felt like RCI treated us very well indeed.  

 

Unless someone can point to something new, I don’t think the system is exactly in the toilet.  But then some people can’t seem to ever forget that they could go into the CL and those no longer exist, and they can’t get over it.  Sail more and make pinnacle or sail P&O and don’t bother us any more.  I am good with either of those options.😈

 

JC

 

Thanks, that is the way I recall.  I remember when we became Ds on the Radiance sail, we were so excited to be able to attend certain functions.  I can still see this engineering contraption as you entered the room that the D event was held.  It was comprised of rails with ping pong sized balls that went around, up & down.  Again, also getting only wine, soda, & water along with pretzels & nuts.  Nothing like the goodies that is served today in the DL.

 

Also, one of the event(s) that has been de-based is the repeat & upper tiers events.  Used to be able to get some nice hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Was able to learn various facts that I could use for future planning--now it's plain blahs with the CD or Loyalty Ambassador doing most of the talking and learning nothing, other than celebrating long time loyal RCL customers.

[SRF]

15 hours ago, rimmit said:

 

That depends how much time they spend in the casino. LOL.

 

The comp  cabins the casino loyalty program gives out probably make them the most cash.

 

And that is why they give casino perks. 😄

[island lady]

17 hours ago, Captain Billy Bob said:

It was crowded every night and other guests were waiting for seats every night.

 

Which ship?  Was there an overflow?

[island lady]

17 hours ago, frank808 said:

B2b on serenade and did not get the tray of cookies which is all right by us as we dont eat them.

 

D+ still have access to CL and reserved seating in the theatre.

 

OP, we cruised Freedom about a year ago and D+ had access to CL.  Also had reserved seating in the theatre and ice show.  Although the signs did not say this but when I showed card was welcome to be seated there.  Did your ask the loyalty ambassador why there was no access to CL and reserved show seating?  It is still a perk listed in C&A so I would be very interested in the loyalty ambassodors response.  There was no reserved seating in Giovannis or Chops for D+ guests but there was for suites and P members last year.  When was the last time you were able to sit in there with the suites as a d or d+ member not sailing in a gs or higher?

 

I have not seen less d+ perks than were stated in the t&c except for the welcome cookies which I do not eat anyhow.

 

They are left over cookies from the WJ on the previous cruise, I think a couple of nice slices of spam would be much preferred.  😄 

[island lady]

17 hours ago, cello56 said:

One thing that I think should be pointed out, and I am not trying to be mean or petty about it. People keep lumping Diamond and Diamond Plus in together as if they are almost the same. Keep in mind that Diamond starts at 80 points - probably only 11 cruises or so. Diamond Plus stretches from 175 points all the way up to 699! Very big difference there between 80-174 and 175-699! I too see the writing on the wall for the Diamonds. I see them being limited to their three drinks each evening at bars throughout the ship. I honestly think that that would be fair and equitable given the number of nights of loyalty and the number of Diamonds on each cruise. 

 

We too have seen the problem with certain cruisers taking over lounges late in the afternoon and not leaving until late dinner starts. They always seem to be the heavy drinkers too! Perhaps this behavior is going to see us being limited in how many drinks they will serve us in the Diamond Lounge/Concierge Lounge? 

 

Agree...but as I see it...RCI is actually the worst one to lump D and D+ together...hence the crowding in the DL now that the CLs are being torn out/renamed SL for Suites and Pinnacles only.  😞 

Edited February 18, 2019 by island lady

[island lady]

16 hours ago, frank808 said:

On serenade and they have a d and above entrance line in mdr breakfasts.  Sat you by the buffet and had coffees available.  That was about the only difference between reg and d section.  Reg seating got to be near the windows though to see the ocean as you eat.

 

I remember that also now that you mention it...we have not been on Serenade for years, but am waiting for 2021 spring cruises to come out...assuming Serenade is still doing the 11/10 cruises.  

Enjoyed the same set up on EN earlier this month.  

[island lady]

16 hours ago, Lady Hudson said:

 

I guess the other thing I am unclear on is that some say cruising is “cheaper” than staying home and that is why so many cruise so often.  I honestly don’t see that.  Many of our homes expenses continue when we cruise.  Certainly our home food costs don’t equal the daily cruise cost.  At the port we have to pay a daily parking fee.  We cruise because we like it — not because we are trying to live our retirement years “on the cheap”.   Katherine

 

Totally agree, and there is no way it would be cheaper to cruise than to stay home.  If you still maintain a home in between cruises...you are still going to have bills.  Can always tell when it's cruising season...my Visa bill is double/triple than non cruising season.  😮 

[4774Papa]

Just don't take away the Happy Hour.

[island lady]

16 hours ago, twangster said:

Recently on Vision.  The CL is being restricted to Pinnacle and Suites based on how many are booked for each cruise.  Despite CL access being listed as a benefit of D+ they will refuse D+ entry to the CL at their discretion.  I had a polite conversation with CL Concierge regarding this and he informed I'll be okay since I'm solo and Pinnacles were down on that sailing but he was refusing D+ on the previous sailing.  

 

If D+ can be denied access to the CL (stated benefit), then there is no reason why D can't also be denied access to the DL when the numbers of higher elite warrant it.  

 

Good point.  They are doing the same thing sporadically on Rhapsody also, now that the new concierge Kumar is in the CL.  

Edited February 18, 2019 by island lady

[island lady]

12 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

How would you know the comings and goings of those in the lounge unless you spent the entire time there.   Also, how do you know the passengers were not suite guests?  

 

Thx 

m

 

Exactly...I sail in suites 90% of the time.  😉 

[Ocean Boy]

18 hours ago, twangster said:

 

If popcorn was free the hot tubs would be full of it.  It would be all over the deck, in the carpet and in the elevators. 

 

The charge is strictly to prevent that.

The same way the charge at Johnny Rocket's is to keep the kids out? People around here come up with their own theories and then present them as fact.

[island lady]

1 hour ago, nelblu said:

 

Thanks, that is the way I recall.  I remember when we became Ds on the Radiance sail, we were so excited to be able to attend certain functions.  I can still see this engineering contraption as you entered the room that the D event was held.  It was comprised of rails with ping pong sized balls that went around, up & down.  Again, also getting only wine, soda, & water along with pretzels & nuts.  Nothing like the goodies that is served today in the DL.

 

Also, one of the event(s) that has been de-based is the repeat & upper tiers events.  Used to be able to get some nice hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Was able to learn various facts that I could use for future planning--now it's plain blahs with the CD or Loyalty Ambassador doing most of the talking and learning nothing, other than celebrating long time loyal RCL customers.

 

Upper tier parties eliminated on 3/4 night cruises now.  IMHO I miss those, thought they were good PR for newer C&A members.  

[twangster]

3 minutes ago, Ocean Boy said:

The same way the charge at Johnny Rocket's is to keep the kids out? People around here come up with their own theories and then present them as fact.

 

Back when Johnny Rockets was free they would do 1,700 guests at lunch with a 2 hour wait.  That led to a charge being imposed to manage crowds.  The original charge was $3.25.    #Alternatefacts

[Ocean Boy]

1 minute ago, twangster said:

 

Back when Johnny Rockets was free they would do 1,700 guests at lunch with a 2 hour wait.  That led to a charge being imposed to manage crowds.  The original charge was $3.25.    #Alternatefacts

So now it take $9.95 to accomplish the goal.....

[Ocean Boy]

14 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

Exactly...I sail in suites 90% of the time.  😉 

That is why it is not cheaper for you to cruise than to stay home.😉😁

[TeeRick]

19 hours ago, cruisegirl1 said:

Just a quick comment about the charge for popcorn. 

 

One of of our favorite laughable issues is that a passenger can order as many lobster tails as he/she wants but later that night RCCL will charge them $2.50 for 10 cents worth if popcorn. 

 

Enjoy 

m

When you go to a movie on land the popcorn is at least $6.  

[twangster]

Just now, Ocean Boy said:

So now it take $9.95 to accomplish the goal.....

 

That's just an idiot tax.  Source: Me, the idiot who paid it on Indy after skipping JR for a few years.