Why do people get irritated with Diamond/+ members for not waiting in line as much?

[uksimonusa]

While the documents show boarding time as 2pm, anyone who has sailed out of Florida ports and other departure ports or reads these boards with any regularity, knows that boarding "normally" begins before noon. We have been onboard as early as 11:15 am. The 2pm boarding time is sort of a CYA disclaimer that RCI uses to limit complaints in the event that there are unfortunate delays in clearing the ship after its previous cruise. :)

 

My post was in reply to the quoted post, which gave the impression that RCI should provide tents and shade for the people who ignore the boarding times and arrive early. I know that early boarding is the norm in Florida, but it is becoming increasingly common for disembarkation to be delayed in Miami and boarding times to be later than in the past. Hence the CYA disclaimer and no tents:D

[suvicki]

Does this mean there will be a linch mob when me and my disabled hubby get early boarding?

[prc]

While boarding Voyager two weeks ago for it's final Galveston R/T, they actually did have a separate security line for D/D+, with it's own staff, metal detector, and x-ray table. It allowed us to get thru security with one person ahead of us versus the 75 to 100 people in the regular line. There was also a 400 or so person line for the checkin desk(s). The P/D/D+ checkin line was only about 3 deep. These two "perks" were clearly marked and offered, so I made full use of them!

 

Some people are funny though. The CL lounge on Voyager is not marked, and appeard as a frosted door with a magnetic card reader on it. Many times, people would stop and wonder what it was, as it had no markings. There was one lady I noticed more than once, who would stand and look out over the railing, waiting for someone to come along wondering what it was, then she would run over and say "excuse me", then swipe her card and go in! The first time I happened to see this, I waited for a few minutes, and she actually came out immediately and repeated the process over and over! After enjoying the show the 4th time in about 5 minutes I chuckled and went on my way! I guess it was no fun to go in if no one was there to see her do it...

[jerin]

I have no problem with people like prc who take the courtesy when it's extended and uncomplainingly go along when it's not.

 

When we sailed in a suite (and therefore paid for the privelege of similar courtesies), we heard several Captain's Club Elite/Diamond+ people make disparaging remarks and complaints about 'the masses' and who had long whining laundry lists of what else they felt the cruise line should be giving them were pretty rude and uncalled for. One of our outspoken CC friends (D+ and Elite) actually got fed up and addressed one of them directly about it.

 

It's given us great fodder for joking between us about slumming it, as we went for economy with an oceanview on deck 3 for our up coming 'tide us over' cruise, but the sense of entitlement and elitism some of them had was rather appalling. We've switched too much between X and RCCL and even tried another line, so we don't have enough credits yet on any one line to qualify for anything special.

[Oville]

That's not true, some airports have dedicated security lines that are just for upper tier members of the airlines' frequent flyer programs, or people sitting in business class. You don't have to line up with the huddled masses if you qualify.

 

Are you telling me that TSA employees are manning security check points for elite passengers only. Wow, what a hugh waste of our tax dollars.

[Don Pedro]

Are you telling me that TSA employees are manning security check points for elite passengers only. Wow, what a hugh waste of our tax dollars.

 

We do know that there are special TSA screening lines for first-class passengers at LAX. But, if it is any consolation there was more than enough traffic to keep them busy. We suspect this type service is the exception and not the rule and to our knowledge it is not available at either DFW or MIA.

[critterchick]

We do know that there are special TSA screening lines for first-class passengers at LAX. But, if it is any consolation there was more than enough traffic to keep them busy. We suspect this type service is the exception and not the rule and to our knowledge it is not available at either DFW or MIA.

 

MIA has a special security line for first class passengers, too.

[babyher]

I believe if you have paid for or racked up enough trips to qualify for whatever special perks are offered, than by alll means use them. However there is no need to be rude or pushy about and it certainly doesn't mean you deserve any better treatment other than the perks you have earned.

If there is a shorter line for your status, you you'd be crazy not to get in it and breeze through. If you have the use of a nice air conditioned lounge to wait rather than stand in the hot sun, you would be crazy not to take advantage of that. If there is a special room you can have a drink, or eat a meal, hey have at it, you paid for it.

 

But it certainly doesn't give you the right to walk all over the ship and expect everyone to make the sign of the cross when you walk by because you have a certain colored card.

 

 

Haven't earned any VIP status yet while cruiseing (I am working on it though :)), but years ago my boss at the time, and good friend was in the ultra exclusive high rollers club at a Las Vegas casino.

 

I was lucky enough to be his guest a few times and I will certainly say it was quite nice. It does make it hard to go back to being "one of the masses" *LOL*

 

Of course he "paid" for all these priviliges with what he was spending at the tables. but I was just along for the ride , so It was all gravy for me *LOL*

[mediator]

We always bypass the embarkation photo... just walk on by...

 

I seriously tried that our last cruise on the Mariner. The photographer said "I had to". I said excuse me.. he said do you plan on buying any photos while on board? I said probably. Then he said he had to take a picture in order for the other ones to be correct. (forgive me, because I forget the exact wording, but it seemed like that first picture was the "header" for something. But, I was really surprised by his insistence, and then questioning about my intentions about purchasing. So, that's what we did.

[sanjoseca]

I seriously tried that our last cruise on the Mariner. The photographer said "I had to". I said excuse me.. he said do you plan on buying any photos while on board? I said probably. Then he said he had to take a picture in order for the other ones to be correct. (forgive me, because I forget the exact wording, but it seemed like that first picture was the "header" for something. But, I was really surprised by his insistence, and then questioning about my intentions about purchasing. So, that's what we did.

 

That doesn't make any sense at all because they never attach names to pictures that they take and sell. Don't you hate it when an employee just lies to get you to do something? I pass the photographers by all the time because I'm ugly and no one wants my picture anyway.....NEGC has the same problem.

[RetireeWannabee]

I seriously tried that our last cruise on the Mariner. The photographer said "I had to". I said excuse me.. he said do you plan on buying any photos while on board? I said probably. Then he said he had to take a picture in order for the other ones to be correct. (forgive me, because I forget the exact wording, but it seemed like that first picture was the "header" for something. But, I was really surprised by his insistence, and then questioning about my intentions about purchasing. So, that's what we did.

Sounds like horse hockey to me. I'd say no and keep walking.

[Coralc]

I have no opinion about special lines or not, if there is one we use it, if there isn't we wait. :) I think it's funny that this thread was started over delayed embarkation in San Francisco.....have you ever SEEN the cruise ship terminal in San Francisco? :D It's a REALLY old warehouse. It has concrete floors, unpaneled walls, no elevators or escalators. There is no lounge, there aren't even any chairs for waiting in. Those people waiting outside, weren't missing anything inside. The terminal facility is really sort of an embarassment to an otherwise gorgeous city. :)

[PhoenixCruiser]

We do know that there are special TSA screening lines for first-class passengers at LAX. But, if it is any consolation there was more than enough traffic to keep them busy. We suspect this type service is the exception and not the rule and to our knowledge it is not available at either DFW or MIA.

 

It is available at the Denver Airport. Even though we don't qualify I think it is a good benefit.

 

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[Oville]

It is available at the Denver Airport. Even though we don't qualify I think it is a good benefit.

 

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I assume it is available by the airline and not the airport. Perhaps it's something the different carriers pay extra for. I'm aware there are different check in lines, I've never seen a separate security check.

[w&k]

We're diamond and will get our D+, if RCCL will bring some good ships and routes back to Florida and the Caribbean :(

 

Anyway, we had to wait outside for about an hour on our X Galaxy trip this spring in San Juan - there were some serious delays. Being Floridians, we weren't worried in the slightest, but some of our more elderly passengers were having a hard time in the heat and humidity. At least there was a large overhang and shade.

 

On most of our trips, we have had either my Mom, his parents, or both along, and both of our Moms both used wheelchairs. The most amazing thing I ever saw was in Port Canaveral. Some folks (northeastern by the accent) gave us a set of nasty looks and remarks as we went straight to the head of the check-in line after going through security. We had six folks in our group: 2 Platinum, 4 Diamond, with two in wheelchairs. That was just plain rude.

 

Unfortunately, RCCL has seen fit to remove all the good (small) ships and good (long) itineraries next year, so we're heading over to Princess for 14 days in the southern Caribbean out of FLL. Back of the line for us there, as I only have one with them!

 

I would love to stay with RCCL, but 7 days on a giant mega ship going to the same 'ol, same 'ol just isn't my idea of a great vacation. Particularly at the prices for the new ships. If I want to be jammed in with thousands of rabid tourists, I can always go to Orlando. ;)

 

Wendy

[Merion_Mom]

I assume it is available by the airline and not the airport. Perhaps it's something the different carriers pay extra for. I'm aware there are different check in lines, I've never seen a separate security check.

 

I saw one at Gatwick.

[mediator]

Sounds like horse hockey to me. I'd say no and keep walking.

 

We are going on the Mariner in August. IF we don't want our picture taken, I will say that and keep walking and see what happens. This will be a good test. I am not kidding you about my previous posts and 'having' to take a picture.

[dirtgirl]

There was a separate security line at LAX. I was in the cattle call one.:rolleyes:

[JHCB]

We just sailed Liberty out of Miami. We are just Platinums (just three to go before we get to Diamond).

 

We waited with others in a very short line outside.

We went right up to check-in through the Priority Check-In (no line)

We then waited in an extremely long line to get our picture take for our SeaPass card and to go up the escalator. This took well over an hour.

 

What is up with that? I don't ever remember waiting that long to board the ship after we checked in.

 

So much for priority check-in. That was nothing. Even the regular check-in did not look bad. But that 2nd line to go up the escalator, was terrible. I don't think anyone knew what they were doing. It was confusion.

 

There, my 1st complaint about RCI.

[sea-cruise]

If I want to be jammed in with thousands of rabid tourists, I can always go to Orlando.

 

 

I saw one at Gatwick.

 

OMG!!! I was getting sleepy sitting here, skipping over posts. I missed the quote that Merion Mom was referring to, and thought she was answering the one above. ROFLMAO!!!! Now I'm wide awake!

[curley23]

Almost all major airports have a separate security checkpoint line for first class passengers, for any airline. All you do is show them your boarding pass. It is a great feature, and nice perk for first class passengers. After all, they pay quite a bit more, so why not get something else for your money, other than a few free drinks and a nicer seat.

As far as the ship, if they have the perk, and you have the status, whether you earned it, or rode the back of someone else, use it if available, but just try not to be be a snot about it.

[snausman]

We do know that there are special TSA screening lines for first-class passengers at LAX. But, if it is any consolation there was more than enough traffic to keep them busy. We suspect this type service is the exception and not the rule and to our knowledge it is not available at either DFW or MIA.

 

 

Yes, it is available at MIA and ORD and DEN and SJU. You only know about it if you are looking for it or if you are told about it. And the only reason I know about them is my DH flies everywhere for work. If you want the locations just ask.

 

Laura

[billylen]

I remember when I told my son he was D+ he looked at me and said, "ok". In other words he was not impressed. What impressed him is the opportunity to take another cruise!

 

I would hope that anyone that has ever met me on a cruise never thought for one second what my status is, or catorigized me as a snob because I cruise a lot. Do I take advantage of the perks, you bet! Is C&A a society or marketing tool? It's actually both (or has become both), but as a marketing tool it is effective because I keep coming back.

 

My point is and I have seen it a few times, It does not really matter if you have cruised once or 50 times, you still put your pants on one leg at a time and while I agree that if you have joined a club, or acheived a certain level in business or through travel you are entitled to the perks; that should never mean that you lose your humanity in the process.

 

I hope my son never looses sight of that...(me either)

[HighlandCruzer]

We do know that there are special TSA screening lines for first-class passengers at LAX. But, if it is any consolation there was more than enough traffic to keep them busy. We suspect this type service is the exception and not the rule and to our knowledge it is not available at either DFW or MIA.

 

Actually, DFW and MIA both have elite and first/business class security lines. I know DFW has them in Terminal D, as I have used it when flying to London last year. Term. A and C have them as well but I'm not sure when they are open. I used one in Term A before but last month on a flight to Chicago, it was closed.

 

MIA has them on Concourses D and E.

 

AA VIP lines are located in DFW, MIA, Chicago-Ohare, Boston, LAX, and NY-LaGuardia.

[LuckiStac13*Majesty*]

We just sailed Liberty out of Miami. We are just Platinums (just three to go before we get to Diamond).

 

We waited with others in a very short line outside.

We went right up to check-in through the Priority Check-In (no line)

We then waited in an extremely long line to get our picture take for our SeaPass card and to go up the escalator. This took well over an hour.

 

What is up with that? I don't ever remember waiting that long to board the ship after we checked in.

 

So much for priority check-in. That was nothing. Even the regular check-in did not look bad. But that 2nd line to go up the escalator, was terrible. I don't think anyone knew what they were doing. It was confusion.

 

There, my 1st complaint about RCI.

 

JHCB:

 

Was the ship late in clearing? That sounds weird that you had to wait all that time to board once you checked in. I gotta say though--there's no way around that SeaPass line.....were you waiting to get the WElcome Aboard photo as well? Sometimes that holds things up. YOu mentioned you're platinum--you should still have access to the Chairman's lounge in Miami if you guys ever sail out of Miami again. Just an FYI if you didn't know.