Pinnacles on-board

[island lady]

11 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Not that it makes a difference to me since I am 550 miles away from Pinnacle but I am just curious... When you access the SL during HH do you have to use your vouchers?  And what about the wine and beer that is on offer from 11 to 11 on Oasis class ships.  Does that require a voucher as well or are treated like suite passengers and get the free drinks on top of your 6 vouchers?  

 

 

 

Only suites (GS and above)  pax get the freebie (now really cheap rot gut stuff) from 11 -11.  And cocktails from 5-8 freebies are also for suite's guests only.   Pinnies...not in a suite have to use vouchers...and with with six vouchers per person per day,  IMHO...have enough to sustain them.  😉 

[RFerrington]

Our experience has been mixed with whether or not the server actually uses a voucher for your drink or not.  We bat about 500 with this rule.  While technically [non-suite] Pinns must use a voucher for any beverage at any time in the SL/CK, we are generally “charged” a voucher about half the time.  I think tipping probably affects that number (not that it should) but that’s about the way it’s been working for us.

Edited May 11 by RFerrington

[cruiseboy89130]

47 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

I think tipping probably affects that number - You are overestimating your bribe!

Edited May 11 by cruiseboy89130

[Engineroom Snipe]

Very interesting discussion. I doubt I would ever make Pinnacle in my lifetime. I do enjoy my present Loyalty Perks but there is so much more to see outside of cruises. If I had a cruise point for every time I have camped in a forest, I would be double Pinnacle.

 

Again, a very lively discussion as I sail away on a future cruise, be it Royal or other.

 

I am sure that each cruise line has a similar discussion regarding their loyalty program.

 

Regards to all.

[cruisegirl1]

17 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

Not that it makes a difference to me since I am 550 miles away from Pinnacle but I am just curious... When you access the SL during HH do you have to use your vouchers?  And what about the wine and beer that is on offer from 11 to 11 on Oasis class ships.  Does that require a voucher as well or are treated like suite passengers and get the free drinks on top of your 6 vouchers?  

 

 

Pinnacle members not staying in a suite are required to use vouchers. Suite guests, regardless of crown and anchor designation, receive the complementary drinks.

m
 

[bucfan2]

10 minutes ago, cruisegirl1 said:

Pinnacle members not staying in a suite are required to use vouchers. Suite guests, regardless of crown and anchor designation, receive the complementary drinks.

m
 

That is exactly how it appears on paper. Real world experiences may vary. 

[twangster]

I was batting .500 on Allure in the SL for drinks (small sample size).  

 

I went in assuming vouchers would be used and didn't try to manipulate the situation.  The closest bars to me were the pool bars and I didn't want wine in a pool bar plastic glass so I went to the SL so I could get wine in a glass to enjoy on my balcony.  I presented my gold card.  He asked my cabin #, checked a list and said I wasn't on the list for complimentary drinks.  I replied no problem, use a voucher.  

 

First time he did use a voucher.  Next two glasses he didn't.  Another day he did.  For the four drinks I obtained in the SL over the 3 days only two were vouchered.  I didn't use all six of my pinnacle drinks so it's somewhat a moot point.  I'm also Prime in casino but never had to use that to go over my six.  

 

I think it's more work for the SL bartenders so sometimes they let it slide.  YMMV.

 

The SL was nearly empty during my visits.  If I recall there were 26 pins on board.  I ate in CK on day one only.  It was the most tasteless filet I've ever experienced in CK.  Oh well, can't be great everytime time.

[island lady]

11 hours ago, Engineroom Snipe said:

Very interesting discussion. I doubt I would ever make Pinnacle in my lifetime. I do enjoy my present Loyalty Perks but there is so much more to see outside of cruises. If I had a cruise point for every time I have camped in a forest, I would be double Pinnacle.

 

Again, a very lively discussion as I sail away on a future cruise, be it Royal or other.

 

I am sure that each cruise line has a similar discussion regarding their loyalty program.

 

Regards to all.

 

Cruising is only one venue for us.  We also combine many stays at VRBO rental homes around the country, and have finally sold our last motorhome a couple of years ago, after 16 years of indeed...camping around the country.  

 

There is no need for us to travel just one way.  

 

And with the RCI cutbacks and trending to "mega theme park" ships....we are booking with others lines.  

 

And never say never...that is what I learned.  Figuring we would never, ever reach Pinnacle...though now indeed we are "double Pinnacle".  😉   

[island lady]

5 minutes ago, twangster said:

I was batting .500 on Allure in the SL for drinks (small sample size).  

 

I went in assuming vouchers would be used and didn't try to manipulate the situation.  The closest bars to me were the pool bars and I didn't want wine in a pool bar plastic glass so I went to the SL so I could get wine in a glass to enjoy on my balcony.  I presented my gold card.  He asked my cabin #, checked a list and said I wasn't on the list for complimentary drinks.  I replied no problem, use a voucher.  

 

First time he did use a voucher.  Next two glasses he didn't.  Another day he did.  For the four drinks I obtained in the SL over the 3 days only two were vouchered.  I didn't use all six of my pinnacle drinks so it's somewhat a moot point.  I'm also Prime in casino but never had to use that to go over my six.  

 

I think it's more work for the SL bartenders so sometimes they let it slide.  YMMV.

 

The SL was nearly empty during my visits.  If I recall there were 26 pins on board.  I ate in CK on day one only.  It was the most tasteless filet I've ever experienced in CK.  Oh well, can't be great everytime time.

 

There were 29 of us on Allure this week for the 4 night.  Same experience pretty much for us. 

 

Did you have Richard (he is new) or Barington for your bartender in the SL?  Richard is great, and so funny to listen to him be in awe of the ship and the company.  🙂 

[TeeRick]

IMO Royal should just keep the suite amenities for paying guests and have separate loyalty benefits for non-suite Pinnacles.  Mixing the lounge and dining benefits and areas is often confusing as this thread details.

 

Some suggestions:

All Pinnacles on board should have their own loyalty lounge with free drinks 5-8 and no coupons required.  This could be the current Crown Lounge.  The D+ and D members could use it outside these hours.  Or maybe newer ship designs could include a designated Pinnacle Lounge or Pinnacle Club with a Loyalty Ambassador/Concierge.  The Pinnacle numbers and rate of increase will justify this.  As well as their loyalty.

 

Coastal Kitchen should be for suite guests only and the JS guests need better access (like Luminae on Celebrity for all level of suites).  Pinnacles could get substantial Specialty Dining discounts, or get a number of free vouchers to Specialty Dining.  

 

As a D+ on Royal, I would be happy with these changes.  I am ok with my 5 vouchers at any lounge and have no need for the HH in the Crown Lounge.  I will use the suite areas like CK and SL when I sail suites and pay for them.

[Kbonner]

My 5 cts for the TA on Oasis last week. 282 Pinnacles, 825ish D+

Now, the suite lounge and CK were closed to Pins except the top 30. Those Pins that wanted to meet up during social hours had been forced to use the crown lounge. The extra Pin lounge Music Hall/Dazzles was not provided as a dedicated lounge anymore. 

Diamonds were ousted during social hours from crown lounge. So, a mere 1100 D+ and Pins had to fight for a seat in the crown lounge. The crown lounge has a seating capacity of 42!!!!!

That is what shoreside Miami instructed the ship management.

Pins were also expelled from Suite&Pinnacle sun deck. We checked many times and the sun deck was always EMPTY. Management also replied that it is an order from shoreside.

W/r to JS into CK: we were JS and Pin and when we understood that we have access to CK it was too late to make reservations at day 2. They accommodated us in between at 5:00pm.

Unfortunately we had to knock and beg each time at the entrance door because the seapass cards for JS and Pins do not open the door. 

 

[island lady]

This Pinnie does not feel forced to enter and hang out in the Crown Lounge.  We usually avoid it...too many politics and not worth the crowd and seat saving.  Coffee in the morning yes (though still would have to get there very early).  But cocktail hour...umm..no.... if it is crowded.  Though there is one D+ couple that we happily would visit with in there...and the "Dog" knows who he is.  😄  

 

Since we have to use our vouchers in there anyway....we enjoy "bar hopping" around the ship to use them.  We like "getting out and about" and it works for us.  😉 

[doghog]

1 hour ago, island lady said:

This Pinnie does not feel forced to enter and hang out in the Crown Lounge.  We usually avoid it...too many politics and not worth the crowd and seat saving.  Coffee in the morning yes (though still would have to get there very early).  But cocktail hour...umm..no.... if it is crowded.  Though there is one D+ couple that we happily would visit with in there...and the "Dog" knows who he is.  😄  

 

Since we have to use our vouchers in there anyway....we enjoy "bar hopping" around the ship to use them.  We like "getting out and about" and it works for us.  😉 

Thanks. We also enjoy your company. 🍷 

[island lady]

7 minutes ago, doghog said:

Thanks. We also enjoy your company. 🍷 

 

Ahhh...sure wish we were sailing with you two again.  🙂  

[Another_Critic]

On 5/13/2024 at 3:10 AM, Kbonner said:

My 5 cts for the TA on Oasis last week. 282 Pinnacles, 825ish D+

Now, the suite lounge and CK were closed to Pins except the top 30. Those Pins that wanted to meet up during social hours had been forced to use the crown lounge. The extra Pin lounge Music Hall/Dazzles was not provided as a dedicated lounge anymore. 

Diamonds were ousted during social hours from crown lounge. So, a mere 1100 D+ and Pins had to fight for a seat in the crown lounge. The crown lounge has a seating capacity of 42!!!!!

There were 1024 D+ on the Oasis TA.  So 1024 + 282 = 1306 potential passengers for 42 chairs.

[cruisegirl1]

On 5/12/2024 at 8:31 AM, TeeRick said:

IMO Royal should just keep the suite amenities for paying guests and have separate loyalty benefits for non-suite Pinnacles.  Mixing the lounge and dining benefits and areas is often confusing as this thread details.

 

Some suggestions:

All Pinnacles on board should have their own loyalty lounge with free drinks 5-8 and no coupons required.  This could be the current Crown Lounge.  The D+ and D members could use it outside these hours.  Or maybe newer ship designs could include a designated Pinnacle Lounge or Pinnacle Club with a Loyalty Ambassador/Concierge.  The Pinnacle numbers and rate of increase will justify this.  As well as their loyalty.

 

Coastal Kitchen should be for suite guests only and the JS guests need better access (like Luminae on Celebrity for all level of suites).  Pinnacles could get substantial Specialty Dining discounts, or get a number of free vouchers to Specialty Dining.  

 

As a D+ on Royal, I would be happy with these changes.  I am ok with my 5 vouchers at any lounge and have no need for the HH in the Crown Lounge.  I will use the suite areas like CK and SL when I sail suites and pay for them.

We had 8 pinnacles on my cruise last week.  2 of us never went to  any lounge, so  NO need to have a lounge for maybe 6 passengers. 

 

When Royal created  Pinnacle evening events because Ps were not allowed in the  lounges ( ex - about 150 Ps on Wonder)  attendance at the evening event was dismal.  Seems many wanted lounge access  and decided  a separate event was not good enough.  The events were discontinued.    

 

I can't answer for anyone but I know that cheap complementary drinks for hours will not lure me to a lounge.  I want specific brands and am more than willing to use a voucher for it  or pay a premium to have it.  I don't want cheap free booze.  I didn't drink it before the 6 daily vouchers and I'm not likely to start now. 

 

P's have use of a Diamond/crown concierge already.  Again, not very ship has hundreds of Ps.

 

The issue isn't Ps.  Take a  look at the list of cruisers at any given C&A event and see the huge numbers of D/D+.  Then so many make their boyfriend/girlfriend  of the month  a D and that person retains  that status for ever. 

 

Maybe we don't need and C&A  lounges at all?  Use vouchers for your drinks, meet others at venues around the ship.  I speak from experience that it is possible  to have a wonderful cruise experience and not  use any C&A/Suite lounge for evening use.  Full disclosure, I may pop in to get some decal espresso to use for an espresso martini.  

 

M 

 

 

[TeeRick]

31 minutes ago, cruisegirl1 said:

We had 8 pinnacles on my cruise last week.  2 of us never went to  any lounge, so  NO need to have a lounge for maybe 6 passengers. 

 

When Royal created  Pinnacle evening events because Ps were not allowed in the  lounges ( ex - about 150 Ps on Wonder)  attendance at the evening event was dismal.  Seems many wanted lounge access  and decided  a separate event was not good enough.  The events were discontinued.    

 

I can't answer for anyone but I know that cheap complementary drinks for hours will not lure me to a lounge.  I want specific brands and am more than willing to use a voucher for it  or pay a premium to have it.  I don't want cheap free booze.  I didn't drink it before the 6 daily vouchers and I'm not likely to start now. 

 

P's have use of a Diamond/crown concierge already.  Again, not very ship has hundreds of Ps.

 

The issue isn't Ps.  Take a  look at the list of cruisers at any given C&A event and see the huge numbers of D/D+.  Then so many make their boyfriend/girlfriend  of the month  a D and that person retains  that status for ever. 

 

Maybe we don't need and C&A  lounges at all?  Use vouchers for your drinks, meet others at venues around the ship.  I speak from experience that it is possible  to have a wonderful cruise experience and not  use any C&A/Suite lounge for evening use.  Full disclosure, I may pop in to get some decal espresso to use for an espresso martini.  

 

M 

 

 

Not sure what ship you were on but 8 Pins is a lower number.  Anyway the point I was trying to make was to have separation from the suite passengers and amenities to avoid all confusion.  Unless of course the Pins are also in a suite.

[jean87510]

6 minutes ago, TeeRick said:

Not sure what ship you were on but 8 Pins is a lower number.  Anyway the point I was trying to make was to have separation from the suite passengers and amenities to avoid all confusion.  Unless of course the Pins are also in a suite.

I read your idea and agree completely.  My feeling is anyone who pays for a suite should be the only person in a suite lounge.

 

I am not sure how other lines handle this.  I know I never saw Black/Diamond status in the YC on MSC.  I think if you don't pay for the suite, you shouldn't go in the lounge.  JMO.

 

Mind you I'm just a D+ and probably will never make the P status.

[doghog]

7 minutes ago, jean87510 said:

I read your idea and agree completely.  My feeling is anyone who pays for a suite should be the only person in a suite lounge.

 

I am not sure how other lines handle this.  I know I never saw Black/Diamond status in the YC on MSC.  I think if you don't pay for the suite, you shouldn't go in the lounge.  JMO.

 

Mind you I'm just a D+ and probably will never make the P status.

Celebrity allows non suite Zeniths to us the Retreat Lounge/Michaels Club. 

[little britain]

The OA TA crossing was handled very badly by the C&A team in board. 
We are NPE ( not pinnacle enough) to be allowed into CK, however it was like a game of Chinese whispers on board. Some people said we got one free speciality coffee ( which they usually do on top heavy cruises) but others said they were getting 2pd. Never any official notification from C&A.

 

Then on about the 3rd day of the cruise another whisper went around that the NPEs were going to be allowed into CK for 2 nights.  I went straight up to book, to get ahead of the rush as I ( and others) naturally expected this would be formally announced by the C&A guys at the Pin lunch. Which it wasn’t. 
I met some other NPEs on the last day and they had no idea about the 2 day access. And boy, were they furious! 😡 

 

And having to stand outside CK waiting to be let in like a poor relation is frankly embarrassing. 

[TeeRick]

1 hour ago, doghog said:

Celebrity allows non suite Zeniths to us the Retreat Lounge/Michaels Club. 

Yes but there are far fewer Zeniths than Pins.  And as far as I am aware, non-suite Zeniths do not use the suite restaurant (Luminae).

[jean87510]

1 hour ago, doghog said:

Celebrity allows non suite Zeniths to us the Retreat Lounge/Michaels Club. 

Makes sense as they are the same company.  

[jean87510]

1 hour ago, little britain said:

The OA TA crossing was handled very badly by the C&A team in board. 
We are NPE ( not pinnacle enough) to be allowed into CK, however it was like a game of Chinese whispers on board. Some people said we got one free speciality coffee ( which they usually do on top heavy cruises) but others said they were getting 2pd. Never any official notification from C&A.

 

Then on about the 3rd day of the cruise another whisper went around that the NPEs were going to be allowed into CK for 2 nights.  I went straight up to book, to get ahead of the rush as I ( and others) naturally expected this would be formally announced by the C&A guys at the Pin lunch. Which it wasn’t. 
I met some other NPEs on the last day and they had no idea about the 2 day access. And boy, were they furious! 😡 

 

And having to stand outside CK waiting to be let in like a poor relation is frankly embarrassing. 

It almost makes one wonder if it's really worth the aggravation on a vacation.  

[bucfan2]

2 hours ago, jean87510 said:

I read your idea and agree completely.  My feeling is anyone who pays for a suite should be the only person in a suite lounge.

 

I am not sure how other lines handle this.  I know I never saw Black/Diamond status in the YC on MSC.  I think if you don't pay for the suite, you shouldn't go in the lounge.  JMO.

 

Mind you I'm just a D+ and probably will never make the P status.

Couldn't agree more.  We are approaching p status (albeit a bit gingerly, as we no longer sail RC exclusively).  Not even sure why the suite lounge/ck/etc was ever offered based on status.  'Want it, then pay for it' seems like common sense to us.

Edited May 14 by bucfan2

[doghog]

2 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Yes but there are far fewer Zeniths than Pins.  And as far as I am aware, non-suite Zeniths do not use the suite restaurant (Luminae).

Just providing an answer to the question, who Celebrity allows in their suite lounge. Lost the perk for awhile and now are allowed back in.