Crown Lounge - Diamond Entrance During Happy Hour

[Mick B]

Hi,

I think I posted on another thread about my suspicion (and its just that), that a new tier will come in at 340 points and possibly called "Crown"  and in by doing so, anyone not at that level will either be barred from the Crown Lounge during HH or barred full stop.

 

Yes, I know some people are not bothered as long as they get their drinks vouchers elsewhere (which in some cases may be in a better venue), but it was always nice to meet new people and share some of our stories and ideas about what we were going to do at the next port etc.

 

When I first became Diamond 10 years ago, I went to the DL during HH and met lots of people who had many years of travel and cruising experience and learnt more from them about the ships and the ports of call than from anywhere else. Now, when I meet some new D members who are in need of some advice, I am able to help them where I can, and in the comfort of the old DL during HH was always a good place to have a conversation as I have bad hearing, so loud music venues make listening very difficult.

 

I have only been cruising since 2008 so I am not really aware of what went on before that, but I have seen a few things removed on my cruises since. The bridge tour for D+ has gone and become part of a paying scheme since Covid. Yes, I have done it and probably once you've been on one bridge, they are probably all the same, but RCI could have made the scheme so you get just 1 tour when turning D+ instead.

 

Little, by little, things get removed or incorporated into something else.

 

I remember back in 2019 as I was turning D+ during a cruise, I asked the Concierge in the DL on the Anthem if I could be grandfathered in to the CL on Deck 12 as I was on a 12 night cruise and turned D+ on the first day, but was told No. He did say he could escort me up there during the day to take a look around, but asked me why I wanted to go in it when I had access to the DL. I told him for the view. Never bothered going in the end. I booked a room on deck 12 for my next trip on the Anthem in 2021 just to be near the CL but was then told on boarding day that D+ would not have access during that cruise due to the number of Ps and Suites guests. The last time I was on the Anthem in 2022, D+ were not allowed full stop.

 

So, how long will it be before D and D+ are not allowed in the Crown Lounge at all?

 

Mick.

 

[Harrisonkid]

I do think it's poor customer service when RCCL offers you a Frequent cruiser benefit then slowly takes it away. I am Diamond on Royal and the DL open /not open to me is a frustration but it's not the end of the world   I now cruise other lines based on where the ship is going and what type of ship it is. To us Rccl is now a family line competing with Carnival.(it use to be a step above) My hope is that RCCL  strives to do better but the big ships on little trips indicates that my hopes will not be realized

[TeeRick]

12 hours ago, roupa said:

As a D+ and casino prime, I appreciate the perks but fail to see the need to visit the “elitist” HH in the crown lounge.  I love the Viking crown lounge for its view day and night, its peaceful atmosphere, a cocktail, and music. Beverages and snacks are abundant ship wide.   I truly enjoy getting to know/make new friends, but the HH conversation seems too focused on comparing / competing #s of cruises and how many comps received.   Too much one-upmanship competition for me!

By the way, some “crown lounges” are now in one-window or windowless rooms. 🥴

Why elitist?  Just loyalty members of similar cruising experiences swapping stories.  An easy way to start a conversation and make some new cruise buddies.

[doghog]

5 hours ago, Mick B said:

Hi,

I think I posted on another thread about my suspicion (and its just that), that a new tier will come in at 340 points and possibly called "Crown"  and in by doing so, anyone not at that level will either be barred from the Crown Lounge during HH or barred full stop.

 

Yes, I know some people are not bothered as long as they get their drinks vouchers elsewhere (which in some cases may be in a better venue), but it was always nice to meet new people and share some of our stories and ideas about what we were going to do at the next port etc.

 

When I first became Diamond 10 years ago, I went to the DL during HH and met lots of people who had many years of travel and cruising experience and learnt more from them about the ships and the ports of call than from anywhere else. Now, when I meet some new D members who are in need of some advice, I am able to help them where I can, and in the comfort of the old DL during HH was always a good place to have a conversation as I have bad hearing, so loud music venues make listening very difficult.

 

I have only been cruising since 2008 so I am not really aware of what went on before that, but I have seen a few things removed on my cruises since. The bridge tour for D+ has gone and become part of a paying scheme since Covid. Yes, I have done it and probably once you've been on one bridge, they are probably all the same, but RCI could have made the scheme so you get just 1 tour when turning D+ instead.

 

Little, by little, things get removed or incorporated into something else.

 

I remember back in 2019 as I was turning D+ during a cruise, I asked the Concierge in the DL on the Anthem if I could be grandfathered in to the CL on Deck 12 as I was on a 12 night cruise and turned D+ on the first day, but was told No. He did say he could escort me up there during the day to take a look around, but asked me why I wanted to go in it when I had access to the DL. I told him for the view. Never bothered going in the end. I booked a room on deck 12 for my next trip on the Anthem in 2021 just to be near the CL but was then told on boarding day that D+ would not have access during that cruise due to the number of Ps and Suites guests. The last time I was on the Anthem in 2022, D+ were not allowed full stop.

 

So, how long will it be before D and D+ are not allowed in the Crown Lounge at all?

 

Mick.

 

My Magic 8 Ball says, cannot predict now. 🙄🎱

[roupa]

Yes, TeeRick, I agree with you about conversion starters etc. (port and excursion info), but I still find the #of cruise competition and status claims to be all about bragging rights.

In dinner, casino, bar conversations I can get great cruise info as well as new friends.
 

[island lady]

6 hours ago, Harrisonkid said:

I do think it's poor customer service when RCCL offers you a Frequent cruiser benefit then slowly takes it away. I am Diamond on Royal and the DL open /not open to me is a frustration but it's not the end of the world   I now cruise other lines based on where the ship is going and what type of ship it is. To us Rccl is now a family line competing with Carnival.(it use to be a step above) My hope is that RCCL  strives to do better but the big ships on little trips indicates that my hopes will not be realized

 

You are not alone.   For that last 20 years...we have been loyal to Royal.   Yes, you are starting to lose benefits as an over 80 point Diamond...and myself as being a Pinnacle for while now ....am losing benefits as much as you are.  Pinnacles are now the "Red Headed Step children" on RCI.  

 

And I am also now booking other lines.  😉 

[doghog]

3 hours ago, roupa said:

Yes, TeeRick, I agree with you about conversion starters etc. (port and excursion info), but I still find the #of cruise competition and status claims to be all about bragging rights.

In dinner, casino, bar conversations I can get great cruise info as well as new friends.
 

We've been going to the DL/CL during HH for many years and not once was a tier level ever brought up. Like you brining up the fact here you are D+ and casino prime. Who cares! BTW, I disagree with your statement, "the “elitist” HH in the crown lounge". 

Edited March 5 by doghog

[island lady]

37 minutes ago, doghog said:

We've been going to the DL/CL during HH for many years and not once was a tier level ever brought up. Like you brining up the fact here you are D+ and casino prime. Who cares! BTW, I disagree with your statement, "the “elitist” HH in the crown lounge". 

 

Yeah, you don't look too "elite" to me....mostly just plain old Duck Tape Dave.  😄 😄  Happy to do cheers with you and Kathy anytime we get the chance when you two good friends are on board!  🥂

[mo&fran]

From reading this thread, it seems the only erosion of benefits is the about the access to the lounges and the coffee machine in the morning. I don't drink coffee , and since we have the vouchers, we rarely go in the lounge anyway unless we need to see the concierge, access is no big deal.

Since we turned Pinn about a year and a half ago, I have loved the faster boarding, breakfast in Chops, and free internet. We still get a bunch of wine and water, which we got as D+ anyway. I often do not  even use up my extra free drink.

[firefly333]

12 hours ago, Mick B said:

Hi,

I think I posted on another thread about my suspicion (and its just that), that a new tier will come in at 340 points and possibly called "Crown"  and in by doing so, anyone not at that level will either be barred from the Crown Lounge during HH or barred full stop.

 

Yes, I know some people are not bothered as long as they get their drinks vouchers elsewhere (which in some cases may be in a better venue), but it was always nice to meet new people and share some of our stories and ideas about what we were going to do at the next port etc.

 

When I first became Diamond 10 years ago, I went to the DL during HH and met lots of people who had many years of travel and cruising experience and learnt more from them about the ships and the ports of call than from anywhere else. Now, when I meet some new D members who are in need of some advice, I am able to help them where I can, and in the comfort of the old DL during HH was always a good place to have a conversation as I have bad hearing, so loud music venues make listening very difficult.

 

I have only been cruising since 2008 so I am not really aware of what went on before that, but I have seen a few things removed on my cruises since. The bridge tour for D+ has gone and become part of a paying scheme since Covid. Yes, I have done it and probably once you've been on one bridge, they are probably all the same, but RCI could have made the scheme so you get just 1 tour when turning D+ instead.

 

Little, by little, things get removed or incorporated into something else.

 

I remember back in 2019 as I was turning D+ during a cruise, I asked the Concierge in the DL on the Anthem if I could be grandfathered in to the CL on Deck 12 as I was on a 12 night cruise and turned D+ on the first day, but was told No. He did say he could escort me up there during the day to take a look around, but asked me why I wanted to go in it when I had access to the DL. I told him for the view. Never bothered going in the end. I booked a room on deck 12 for my next trip on the Anthem in 2021 just to be near the CL but was then told on boarding day that D+ would not have access during that cruise due to the number of Ps and Suites guests. The last time I was on the Anthem in 2022, D+ were not allowed full stop.

 

So, how long will it be before D and D+ are not allowed in the Crown Lounge at all?

 

Mick.

 

It's been a while since D+ was allowed in the concierge lounges. Maybe I just wasnt aware of it when I turned D+, though I'm not even sure when that was, I saw it during covid and paid more attention, but dont remember the concierge lounge being a perk since covid? 

 

Though I'm sure others on here know when D+ was cut from concierge lounge. 

[island lady]

1 hour ago, mo&fran said:

From reading this thread, it seems the only erosion of benefits is the about the access to the lounges and the coffee machine in the morning. I don't drink coffee , and since we have the vouchers, we rarely go in the lounge anyway unless we need to see the concierge, access is no big deal.

Since we turned Pinn about a year and a half ago, I have loved the faster boarding, breakfast in Chops, and free internet. We still get a bunch of wine and water, which we got as D+ anyway. I often do not  even use up my extra free drink.

 

Good for you...but need...coffee...need coffee.  And I prefer the lounge coffee over the "other alternatives".  😉  

 

 

 

 

 

[Another_Critic]

1 hour ago, firefly333 said:

It's been a while since D+ was allowed in the concierge lounges. Maybe I just wasnt aware of it when I turned D+, though I'm not even sure when that was, I saw it during covid and paid more attention, but dont remember the concierge lounge being a perk since covid? 

 

Though I'm sure others on here know when D+ was cut from concierge lounge. 

Email sent 12/12/2022.  Official ban for sailings departing on or after 12/16/2022. 

 

Prior to the official ban, there were sailing specific bans depending on top-tier counts. 

 

Dear Diamond Plus Members,

 

As we reflect on 2022, there is so much to be thankful for. Our full fleet is back in service and our ships are once again bustling with happy guests making memories that will last a lifetime.

 

The Crown & Anchor® Society continues to grow as we welcome new members each day and existing members continue to sail. And while we are excited for the growth of our program, we must remain mindful of our onboard operations to ensure that we continue to deliver the award-winning experience you know and love.

 

One of the published benefits of Diamond Plus members has been access to the Concierge Lounge on ships that lack a Suite Lounge, including:

 

• Quantum of the Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Ovation of the Seas
• Radiance of the Seas
• Brilliance of the Seas
• Serenade of the Seas
• Jewel of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas
• Grandeur of the Seas
• Enchantment of the Seas
• Rhapsody of the Seas
• Vision of the Seas

 

Access has been largely based on guest count and lounge capacity levels, which are assessed on a voyage-by-voyage basis. Due to high counts of top-tier members on most sailings, we have had to limit access to the Concierge Lounge altogether.

 

As a result, we have made the decision to standardize Concierge and Suite Lounge access across the fleet. This means that beginning on sailings departing on or after December 16th, 2022, both Concierge and Suite Lounge access on all ships will be limited to eligible Suite guests and Pinnacle Club members only. This change is reflected on our updated Member Benefits Grid.

 

Sincerely,

 

Crown & Anchor Society