Permanent change to lounge access?

[Mick B]

Sorry, my comment about the pool hogs was a poor attempt at humour.

 

However, I do believe they published some literature somewhere stating that anything left unattended on chairs for more than 30 minutes would be removed and taken to the towel station for collection. So in effect, unless that is just bull on Royal's part, then I would actually image they would have someone available to carry out just such an action.

 

Anyway, back to the Crown Lounge, I do feel a bit sorry for the Diamond members who may lose out on the HH perk depending on capacity. One of the reasons for limiting the available space in there is partly due to RCI limiting the amount of Pins in the CL and therefore moving them into the Crown Lounge. 

 

I think a better way to handle this on ALL ships on ALL sailings (since they know how many C&A members Diamond and above will be onboard) is to simply allow everyone in the Crown Lounge and also open up a overspill nearby like they do on ships like the Anthem where they open up part of the Music Hall next to it, or on ships where the Viking Lounge is adjacent.

 

Its not like RCI are saving anything as everyone has to use their drinks vouchers to obtain a drink now.

 

The whole point of benefits is to not only award repeat cruisers with loyalty, but to also make them feel special and part of something. It isn't nice if you are given it but then find out you can't have it during a particular cruise, but you could have had it if you had gone a week earlier or later when the numbers were lower etc.

 

If you are like me, I didn't cruise to get to D+, my wife and I cruised because we liked what RCI did for us with food and shows etc and also to visit certain ports where we only wanted to visit for a few hours and not stay. Getting to Diamond and then D+ was a bonus, and a very nice one too. 

 

Sadly, at some point in time, unless RCI start changing the way points are kept/accrued, then more and more perks will probably be removed for Diamond and D+ folk. I get that and that's why I enjoy to the max what I can currently get. What I don't like is finding out once on board that certain things you were promised in advance are suddenly removed for the duration of that cruise only.

Can anyone remember when they started limiting access to the CL for D+ members when too many Pins or Suite guests were sailing that cruise. Well in the end they axed D+ members' entry to the CL full stop - so if that's anything to go by then you know what may happen soon. Really hope it doesn't come to that.

 

Mick.

 

[deliver42]

As long as they don't stop the free drinks for Diamond and up, I'm a happy camper. I don't care about the Crown Lounge.

[cargopilot]

The free drinks might enter the realm of talk soon enough.

[BND]

They already use overflow areas even with restricted access.  On Jewel, the entire VCL was used as overflow and at times in the evening, there were no seats open.

[bonsai3s]

1 hour ago, Mick B said:

 

Can anyone remember when they started limiting access to the CL for D+ members when too many Pins or Suite guests were sailing that cruise. Well in the end they axed D+ members' entry to the CL full stop - so if that's anything to go by then you know what may happen soon. Really hope it doesn't come to that.

 

Mick.

 

 

Back in the day, they had an "exclusive section" for breakfast for Diamonds.

 

Who still remember the days without the Diamond Lounge? Beer, wine, and peanuts served.

 

* Things changed, we adapted. Genuinely love the vouchers...you can use it anytime, at any bar, mdr, wj, theater, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, at Coco Cay and Labadee...you can even share it. 

 

* I must admit, back in the day, when Happy Hour meant = trying to get hammered for 3 hours...it was fun just people watching. Fondest memory was of a passenger ringing a mini-cowbell every time she wanted a drink...it worked, the bartenders came. 

[Billy Baltic]

12 minutes ago, bonsai3s said:

Fondest memory was of a passenger ringing a mini-cowbell every time she wanted a drink...it worked, the bartenders came. 

Pity they didn’t come with a cattle prod. 

[Billy Baltic]

1 hour ago, cargopilot said:

The free drinks might enter the realm of talk soon enough.

At current prices, IMO, it’s one of the main reasons RC have returning customers. 

[Mick B]

Some of my funniest moments were watching everyone try to race from the life boat drill when it was at around 4pm all the way up to the Diamond Lounge which was normally up on deck 14 or there abouts, all trying to get a lift and then trying to get a seat before the drinks came out. Then watching various people start to give the bartenders $5 to get their drinks first, then watching others do the same until the bartenders could no longer bring everyone who gave them $5 their drink as quickly as before as a result. It became quicker to nip out to the bar in the Viking Lounge which was normally empty but with a bartender and get your drink there and bring it back into the lounge.

 

Now other than the nice view from the old Diamond Lounges and free drinks (you could not only cram down you before dinner, but also take to dinner, and return after dinner if you had time to have some more, and even take them to a show), one of the many other good things I found by entering the lounge during HH was to meet people who had travelled more than me and had already been to places we were now going to, and therefore through conversation with them, learn things about the upcoming ports and things to do there and also to avoid. 

Oh, yes, and the nibbles to keep you going for an hour or so before dinner too.

 

I was Diamond when I learned a fair bit from D+ and Pins about things at ports that RCI did not always tell you about.  It will be a shame for any Diamond members not to be allowed access to the lounge to mingle with more seasoned travellers who may be able to assist them with things to try and do in the ports of call that may result in spending less money than what RCI is charging or to avoid trying to do something that may result in missing the ship.

The getting to know and learn from each other whilst on board can be invaluable and I learned so much and I have shared so much too with anyone that I meet who asks.

 

Sadly for most, getting the free drinks at any bar at any time (which they can also share with family/friends without breaking any rules) will probably be seen as a better option than the limited selection for just a few hours. But remember even the old way was far better than what I believe most other cruise lines offered their loyal customers.

 

Mick.

 

Edited February 8 by Mick B
spelling

[SUgwoz]

2 minutes ago, Billy Baltic said:

At current prices, IMO, it’s one of the main reasons RC have returning customers. 

Agreed, but if that is the only reason people are cruising with Royal and don't care for the product otherwise. Then it seems like those cruisers would probably be happier when they get the push to go on a cruise line that better fits what they want. 

[Billy Baltic]

3 minutes ago, SUgwoz said:

Agreed, but if that is the only reason people are cruising with Royal and don't care for the product otherwise. Then it seems like those cruisers would probably be happier when they get the push to go on a cruise line that better fits what they want. 

For us it’s one of the main reasons. If we lost diamond drinks we’d definitely be quicker to try the opposition. As it is we probably will next year. We obviously like the RC product but not at current price and service combination. 

[cruisegirl1]

15 hours ago, BND said:

Where exactly does Icon not cost more?  LOL.  We have no interest in Icon for many reasons and cost is way down the list.  You do know that most all of the time, things like changes to status/access come true, right?  I remember right before we hit D+ that there was talk of no more CL access and then, poof, it happened.  Just one of many.  It's coming.

Of course, on many sailings, Pinnacle members don’t have concierge/suite  lounge access either. 

m

[Mick B]

Hi,

Yes, although we didn't cruise to get to D+ status, we are there now and this does make a massive difference to choosing a cruise.

 

We live in the UK and another cruise line that sails from Southampton is P&O. Late last year P&O had a deal on where they were offering a 14 night cruise to the Canaries in October/November 2025 for around £800pp, yes that's right £1600 for the two of us.

Two things came into play here, firstly we would have to buy our own drinks and secondly the weather at that time of the year would be cold with probably rough seas around the Bay of Biscay.

 

So, on day 1 of RCI releasing their 2025 catalogue, we saw a 12 night Canaries cruise on the old Indy which came in at around £1000 more than P&O. This would probably put a lot of first time cruisers off the RCI cruise.

But firstly, it is in May 2025 when the weather and seas are much much better, but wait for it...

The 5 free D+ drinks per day at $14 each x 12 nights x the 2 of us comes in at $1680 worth of alcohol which WILL be consumed. Not sure what the pound verses the dollar currently is, but as long as we get those sort of perks we are not going to bother with another cruise line. I am sure Royal know this and for now will continue to offer those perks.

 

Another reason why we are choosing to do a cruise only holiday in 2025 is due to the high cost of air travel in the UK plus the extra cost of overnight foreign hotel stays and dining out costs too.

 

When you actually think about it, cruising is still great value when you think of all that you get for your money - providing you choose the right cruise at the right time on the right class of ship.

 

Mick.

 

[BND]

9 minutes ago, cruisegirl1 said:

Of course, on many sailings, Pinnacle members don’t have concierge/suite  lounge access either. 

m

Something I mentioned in a previous post except that now it's limited to a certain number (top 20 or 30) instead of not allowing them at all.

[Tatka]

25 minutes ago, Billy Baltic said:

At current prices, IMO, it’s one of the main reasons RC have returning customers. 

 

Not for us. We see many advantages in product and choices out of Northeast.

 

And we have extensive experience with many other lines so we have idea what they provide. We get pretty close prices by booking well ahead.

[Joebucks]

What a first world problem. "I'm only getting free beverages however I'd like them. They haven't figured out a way to let me sit in this room I absolutely must be able to sit in!"

[Tree_skier]

As @firefly333 mentioned I'm just 2 cruises away from D+ so this isn't going to be an issue for me for much longer but I still don't want to see any changes.  If there are so many D, D+, and P's that capacity is challenged I can understand it but I hope that it stays the way it is and limits are only placed on it when necessary.  

 

With regards to the comments that they are likely to make some change with drink vouchers that is something I highly doubt.  The vouchers were implemented as a covid era accommodation but then made permanent.  Had they wanted to reduce or eliminate them they would have done so as Covid restrictions were removed.  Royal is smart enough to know that the vouchers give them a substantial competitive advantage with their past cruisers.  Many people are going to be hesitant to change brands for the sake of that benefits.  It cost Royal just a few dollars per drink but passengers view its value at $14 per drink.  That a substantial benefit.  

[BND]

4 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

What a first world problem. "I'm only getting free beverages however I'd like them. They haven't figured out a way to let me sit in this room I absolutely must be able to sit in!"

Someone is missing the point.

[Tree_skier]

47 minutes ago, Billy Baltic said:

For us it’s one of the main reasons. If we lost diamond drinks we’d definitely be quicker to try the opposition. As it is we probably will next year. We obviously like the RC product but not at current price and service combination. 

A friend of mine is currently on a Princess cruise through the Panama Canal.  He's been texting me his complaints about the downgraded food and service.  It seems I can't escape CC complainers even when I'm not on CC.  I think the cuts and changes are a universal thing.  

[doghog]

6 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I'm just 2 cruises away from D+ so this isn't going to be an issue for me for much longer but I still don't want to see any changes.

Where does it stop? We lost the Concierge Lounge (ships that still had them) a few years ago. No biggie to us as we preferred the DL. But I get it for those that liked the old CLs and were upset about that elimination.  My concern is who's next. All D+ or just D+ with less than 340 CAS points? That would be an issue for us. But does RCI or RCG really care? 

[Tree_skier]

3 minutes ago, doghog said:

Where does it stop? We lost the Concierge Lounge (ships that still had them) a few years ago. No biggie to us as we preferred the DL. But I get it for those that liked the old CLs and were upset about that elimination.  My concern is who's next. All D+ or just D+ with less than 340 CAS points? That would be an issue for us. But does RCI or RCG really care? 

I agree, I don't want to see anymore benefits scaled back.  I appreciate the benefits and even if I don't lose access since I turn D+ soon I don't want anyone else to lose what they have been looking forward to.  It a balancing act that Royal is walking trying to provide a decent service.  With the success of the C&A program more people have become loyal and correspondingly increased the numbers.  The increased numbers created a challenge.  They can open the doors and let anyone in but what does that do to service levels. They have to manage their success somehow.  In this instance, diamond restrictions during high number cruises, is a reasonable accommodation. I can't see how they can manage it any other way.

[doghog]

1 minute ago, Tree_skier said:

I agree, I don't want to see anymore benefits scaled back.  I appreciate the benefits and even if I don't lose access since I turn D+ soon I don't want anyone else to lose what they have been looking forward to.

Agree. That's why I'm so vocal about it. We made Diamond with RC and Elite with Celebrity before the reciprocal program. IMO, that program added to the bloated CAS and CC program numbers. I can also think of a few very unpopular ways to control the numbers for both programs. Off my soap box. Cheers. 🍻

[restasured]

11 hours ago, Mick B said:

Sorry, my comment about the pool hogs was a poor attempt at humour.

 

However, I do believe they published some literature somewhere stating that anything left unattended on chairs for more than 30 minutes would be removed and taken to the towel station for collection. So in effect, unless that is just bull on Royal's part, then I would actually image they would have someone available to carry out just such an action.

 

Anyway, back to the Crown Lounge, I do feel a bit sorry for the Diamond members who may lose out on the HH perk depending on capacity. One of the reasons for limiting the available space in there is partly due to RCI limiting the amount of Pins in the CL and therefore moving them into the Crown Lounge. 

 

I think a better way to handle this on ALL ships on ALL sailings (since they know how many C&A members Diamond and above will be onboard) is to simply allow everyone in the Crown Lounge and also open up a overspill nearby like they do on ships like the Anthem where they open up part of the Music Hall next to it, or on ships where the Viking Lounge is adjacent.

 

Its not like RCI are saving anything as everyone has to use their drinks vouchers to obtain a drink now.

 

The whole point of benefits is to not only award repeat cruisers with loyalty, but to also make them feel special and part of something. It isn't nice if you are given it but then find out you can't have it during a particular cruise, but you could have had it if you had gone a week earlier or later when the numbers were lower etc.

 

If you are like me, I didn't cruise to get to D+, my wife and I cruised because we liked what RCI did for us with food and shows etc and also to visit certain ports where we only wanted to visit for a few hours and not stay. Getting to Diamond and then D+ was a bonus, and a very nice one too. 

 

Sadly, at some point in time, unless RCI start changing the way points are kept/accrued, then more and more perks will probably be removed for Diamond and D+ folk. I get that and that's why I enjoy to the max what I can currently get. What I don't like is finding out once on board that certain things you were promised in advance are suddenly removed for the duration of that cruise only.

Can anyone remember when they started limiting access to the CL for D+ members when too many Pins or Suite guests were sailing that cruise. Well in the end they axed D+ members' entry to the CL full stop - so if that's anything to go by then you know what may happen soon. Really hope it doesn't come to that.

 

Mick.

 

Just got off the Harmony and right their in the stateroom was the letter, Diamond's not allowed between 5 and 8 pm.  Which for me was not a huge deal.  I am Prime as well and put a lot of money into the RCCL coffers and get drinks while in the casino.  I typically use my coupons for the shows or sitting in a lounge listening to the Guitar or Piano.  I do like the Caps and the Latte's though in the Crown Lounge.  We still a few more cruises to get to Diamond+ but should get there this year or the first part of next year.  It does make feel just a little bit more special when you aren't told you are welcome in the Crown Lounge.

[restasured]

7 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

I agree, I don't want to see anymore benefits scaled back.  I appreciate the benefits and even if I don't lose access since I turn D+ soon I don't want anyone else to lose what they have been looking forward to.  It a balancing act that Royal is walking trying to provide a decent service.  With the success of the C&A program more people have become loyal and correspondingly increased the numbers.  The increased numbers created a challenge.  They can open the doors and let anyone in but what does that do to service levels. They have to manage their success somehow.  In this instance, diamond restrictions during high number cruises, is a reasonable accommodation. I can't see how they can manage it any other way.

Really don't believe it would be that difficult.  All the ships I have been on have venues that are very close to the Crown Lounge and could easily be transformed between 5 and 8 daily into an overflow lounge.  A set up for coffee and a pastry bar would not be difficult to roll in. And just put a monitor at the entrance with a sign saying Diamond and above.

[restasured]

On 2/7/2024 at 8:39 PM, BND said:

I never get coffee in the lounge.  I don't like the options.  I'd rather pay for what I actually like.

More for me.  I like the options.

[BND]

19 minutes ago, restasured said:

More for me.  I like the options.

Yes, because that's how it works.