Diamond Members

[pre4rep]

We have 28 cruises with RCCL and are still just Diamond members. We have met people with 78 cruises and they are Diamond members. When will they upgrade this program to reflect loyalty levels.for years now they keep saying it is in the works.they have even made it easier to acquire, 3 day cruises and a 2 cruise credit for 12 day cruises Concierge lounges are overcrowded.Embarkation lounges are packed with Platinum and Diamond members

we suggested a few perks that would cost very little Priority delivery of luggage to your cabin. A complimentary night at Portofinos.If you have others post them maybe RCCL will read them and impliment some of them. Continued loyal cruisers need loftier goals and the perks that go with them. remember there are other Loyalty programs out there!.

Respectfully Mike D.

[Sailfish]

I believe Royal Caribbean's loyalty prigram is by far the best and most generous, that's why we keep returning. We have logged in as many cruises on other cruise lines and basically receive little or nothing for our loyalty.

 

We have no where near as many cruises as the original poster does - only 12 with Royal Caribbean, so the benefits are still a novelty. We appreciate them so much, and know no other cruise line offers a special cocktail party, the use of the concierge lounge and other goodies tonumerous to mention here to their most loyal customers.

 

When it comes to cruising, we frequently choose Royal Caribbean when we take into account other cruise lines, mainly because of the benefits extended to Diamond members.

 

I agree for those customers who have logged in many, many cruises (I once met a couple at a Diamond cocktail party who had 100 cruises under their belts) something like a free dinner at Chops, shipoard credit or wine with dinner every night might be an appropriate thank you. But I sure hope Royal Caribbean does NOT take away or reduce our benefits.

 

Suzi

 

 

05 July 2004 Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas

 

21 November 2004 Cruise Aboard Carnival's Pride

 

20 February 2005 Cruise Critic Group Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas

 

 

 

[RaiderSparks]

Mike what keeps you with RCCL? I am young (26) and planning my third cruise, but I don't want to keep cruising with RCCL if I am going to switch to Celebrity or Princess in the future. I want to build up my membership level but I don't want to "waste" cruises if I will eventually "outgrow" Royal Caribbean. My Travel Agent said that by 30 we will be ready for more than RCCL can offer. Other people's unsupervised kids are what scare me about the future of RCCL. And my wife being a teacher prevents us from Cruising in the off season. But besides the crazy kids, I don’t see myself requiring any more luxury. So my question goes back to you. You obviously have the means to “upgrade†your cruise carrier. It’s not like the Diamond benefits keep you coming back. So what is it?

 

Rhapsody June 2003

Sovereign May 2000

[PH8]

I think an upgrade would be nice for those with many cruises.Doesnt have to be a dramatic one....one level up would be nice........used to get upgrades all the time in the "olden" days..

 

 

 RCCL Serenade--5/30--Alaska

 RCCL Jewel--10/28--repositioning

**RCCL SOS-8/27/04** Carnival Miracle-2/13/05**

[superjerryw]

I have to agree that something more should be done for people that have cruised as many times as some of those mentioned. The free dinner in a speciality restaurant sounds like a good idea since everyone likes to eat. Perhaps some free shore excursions, significant discounts on spa services, free drinks with dinner, reserved lounge chairs at the pool, etc.

 

 

Donuts, is there anything they can't do....

[Sailfish]

I'm going to jump in with my comment.

 

I too work in education, but we have a modified year round schedule, allowing us to cruise some off season voyages.

 

My husband and I are in our early 40's and to be honest with you, we do not limit our vacation options only to cruising Royal Caribbean. In fact, as we are both scuba divers, we find ourselves preferring land based dive vacations over cruises any day. But these past few years, cruising has become so inexpensive, that we have just managed to include more cruises in our vacation plans. That may change as prices go up.

 

The truth is, cruise vacations have been so inexpensive, that we seem to have taken more than we ever planned to. That's probably why we have racked up so many in the past 10 years. I'm sure we are not alone.

 

We have cruised with Celebrity, Princess, NCL, Carnival and others, and to be honest, none have ships that even come close to Royal Caribbeans Voyager Class ships. We are a very active couple, so these ships are perfect for us. And like I said earlier, the past guest perks are very nice.

 

Cruising isn't for everyone. I suppose some people might "outgrow" a particular cruise line, but Royal Caribbean's Voyager class ships offer us something the other's don't. We have tried the others and have returned to Royal Caribbean for more.

 

Suzi

 

 

05 July 2004 Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas

 

21 November 2004 Cruise Aboard Carnival's Pride

 

20 February 2005 Cruise Critic Group Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas

 

 

 

[BJane]

I do not agree that as you grow older, you will outgrow RCI. We've been sailing them since 1983 (when we were already well past 30) and are going to see our TA this afternoon to book cruise #31 on them. I am not thrilled about all the unattended kids, but when it becomes too much of a problem I will stop cruising. We also use HAL and it can be a problem there also. It's not the fault of the kids; it's the parents.

[RaiderSparks]

What do the CA coupoons look like for Diamond members? Right now as a gold, I can get $125.00 off per cabin.

 

Rhapsody June 2003

Sovereign May 2000

[Sailfish]

Regarding the coupons in the C&A magazine (I am assuming those are the coupons you are referring to). I don't know their exact value, but since becoming a diamond member, they have been a little better than what we got when we were platinum - about $50 more. I can say that the coupon booklets you get while on the cruise are a lot better than what we got as gold and platinum members. Each of us gets a free 8 by 10 picture coupon, a free foofoo drink in a souvenir glass coupon and 20 minutes of internet credit not to mention other coupons we never use like casino credits and a spa discount.

 

I personally think one of the best benefits, besides the $200/cabin balcony discount you get when you are a diamond member, are the free drinks available in the concierge lounges on certain ships every night (not all have them). Priority boarding and debarking is also a nice perk.

 

Suzi

 

 

05 July 2004 Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Monarch of the Seas

 

21 November 2004 Cruise Aboard Carnival's Pride

 

20 February 2005 Cruise Critic Group Cruise Aboard Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas

 

 

 

[Bookit]

Have to say that it looks soon-to-be (if not already) a plethora of Diamond members. Now that we get credit for booking a suite, we will be a few away credits away (from Diamond) after upcoming cruise. Hardly got to be Platinum!

 

Bookit

[klingoncruiser]

hummm where to start.

 

I wrote a letter on this topic to C@A a few days ago. I have not yet heard back, but expect to. I will post their reply when I do. I was going to start a topic on this and invite RCCL to listen in. It would seem that there are a lot of us that know the obvious. THAT THERE NEED TO BE MORE LEVELS!

 

Thank you pre4rep for starting this one.

 

It is a great incentive to keep on cruisin with a good line with these kinds of inducements. As well said by someone else, it is NOT hard to do 10 cruises now. (I am also a teacher) Perhaps we can help RCCL by suggesting some new incentives for these new levels.

 

I did understand from a C@A person on board last year that they ARE concidering it. With a cruise line with so many first, why not introduce the newest and BEST incentive program?

 

My own thoughts...

every five cruise or 10 after Diamond?

Upgrades on rooms

Free soda cards (sorry, don't drink)

Free tender tickets even if in an inside room

added points to my RCCL card

special steak at dinner (no more ranch steak)

 

Let see what we can do. Maybe we need to get this in front of Fain and/or Williams?

 

I wrestled with reality for years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state, I finally won out over it. (Harvey 1950)

 

Next cruise- Serenade of the Sea to Alaska- July 25. Roll call started!

 

[rmillsap]

Back in February I posted a poll on this question, here are the results:

Poll Question:

Should R.C.I. expand the Diamond Category and if so, how?

 

 

Results (36 votes counted so far):

 

33%

Leave everything as is.

 

11%

Create multi Diamond Categories (Double, Triple and etc) with no additional perks, just for the recognition.

 

56%

Create multi Diamond Categories with additional perks.

 

 

I'd be happy with Double Diamond!!!!!

 

3 Alaska

1 Hawaii

2 Panama Canal

15 Caribbean

Next, Mexico Dec 2004

 

 

[justcruzin85374]

I'd love to see some changes.

RCI has come up with double points for booking suites and 12 nights or longer. Great, but what about the ones with say 20 plus cruises? That too equals lots and lots of $$$ spent. It's kind of like Vegas and the players cards, the more you frequent the casino and gamble the more freebies you get, rooms, food, gifts and so on. (With the hotel/casino you do have to maintain your gambling status to keep recieving offers.)

I think that is sort of how RCI is basing the new double credit on...it cost more for suites and for 12 nights and longer, so these people are rewarded with double credit....But hey doesn't it cost more to cruise 20 - 30 + times too?

 

We're still working our way up to Diamond....just 2 more to go!

 

Soveriegn 92 E. Caribbean

Majesty 95 W. Caribbean

Granduer 97 E. Caribbean

Rhapsody 00 Mexico

Vision 02 Alaska

Radiance 03 Panama Canal

Brilliance 3/29/04

 

 

 

Radiance of the Seas/Panama Canal 10/18/2003

Are we there yet?

 

My bags are always packed!

Brilliance 3/29/2004

[flamboyant 1]

Why can't rccl have a loyalty program more like the airlines. Status based on revenue would be best. Get more points when staying onboard longer and in a more expensive room/suite. I guess there are Diamond members who have paid a fraction of what we forked over to RCCL for our 5 cruises so far.

 

We will be on a 12 night Panama Canal cruise in an Owner's suite in October, how many cruises will be counted towards our RCCL status ?

[ducklite]

Interesting thread.

 

My husband and I are booked in a Grand Suite (might upgrade though) for a three day Bahamas Cruise out of Port Canveral next February, and a seven day Western in the Royal Suite in October, 2005. Figure we'll do another cruise within 2006 (in a suite) which will give us Gold Status.

 

In all honesty, we'll probably qualify for diamond status after four or five cruises based on teh length and type of cabin we book.

 

Does the fact that we did it on four or five cruises make us any less important, or less valuable of a guest?

 

Anne

[Vanilousky]

Only three more and I go to upgrade Diamond Member... I can't wait... WOW

 

<CENTER>

See my Webshots Page....

Adventure of the Seas Again 10/17/04...

</center>

[PH8]

Duck~~3 nights or 7 will equal the same......if you book a suite on any,you get double credit........12 or more nights will also give you double.........

 

Think you're confused with the C&A though........

 

1-4 completed cruises=gold

5-9 completed cruises=platinum

10 or more =diamond

 

so if you do all those you say,you'll be platinum,not gold...

 

 

 RCCL Serenade--5/30--Alaska

 RCCL Jewel--10/28--repositioning

**RCCL SOS-8/27/04** Carnival Miracle-2/13/05**

[happydaz]

I spoke to a representative at the Crown & Anchor customer service number on Monday. I asked her about this very subject. Her response was that there is something in the works for members with 25 cruises or more. It's only in the talking stages but they're working on it. Hopefully this is true.

 

Betty

[CSW]

RaiderSparks,

 

Sounds like your salesperson is grooming you to

leave the mass market for higher end (more expensive) cruise lines. That's all well and

good as long as you want to go there. Prices

now being what they are, you may want to shop

different lines while the prices are deflated.

You'll then be able to decide what price you're

willing to pay for factors including ambience,

convience, destination, etc. My guess is the

loyalty programs will be used as a tool for

competition and may change as time and conditions change. For me, the loyalty program

comes in last, but I do find it somewhat important. Happy cruising over the years!

 

CSW

[pcur]

RaiderSparks, I just got my magazine yesterday, and the maximum Diamond level coupon is $225 off for the cabin, which is pretty good in my opinion. One of the $225 coupons is good for the Brilliance Transatlantic, which is already at a good price. The Trans cruises are cheaper because they have more sea days.

 

DH and I started with RCI when we were in our 20's. Strayed to land vacations in the Caribbean, went to a few other lines when RCI was too pricey, and came back again. Our last one was #15 on RCI. It would be nice to bump up for each 5 additional cruises.

 

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[Woodywoman]

I appreciate all the "perks" given by RCI. I agree with the person who said the concierge rooms are getting full and will continue to at a larger pace since more credits are given for junior suites and higher and 12 day cruises. I have a couple of ideas about the concierge club situation: 1) Maybe free mini-bars in your room with a variety of soft drinks and liquor, wine and beer would remedy the overcrowded concierge lounge. 2) It may even be better if you could leave the lounge with your drink. 3) A questionnaire is sent to you asking what you would like in your room with a list to choose from (wine, beer, liquor or a variety), and is there when you arrive.

 

I also agree that additional "perks" should be given at the higher levels: 20, 30, 40+.

[w&k]

Don't forget to get the onboard credit for owning stock! That's a real goodie.

 

What exactly is a 'concierge room' and how do I find it on the ships?

 

It would be nice if we could combine cruises for RCCL and X as well.

 

I'm platinum, almost to diamond...

 

Wendy

RCCL Sovereign May 10 '04

X Zenith Nov 21 '04

[pcur]

Concierge Clubs are on the

 

Voyager

Explorer

Adventurer

Navigator

Radiance

Brilliance

Jewel

Mariner

Serenade

 

It's usually located on one of the upper decks (8 or 9), and has:

 

personalized stationary

continental breakfast

hors d'oeuvres and petit fours at happy hour

honour bar

reserved time for ice skating and rock climbing

preferred reservations for Portofino's and shore excursions

preferred appointments for salon and spa

tickets for the ice show

movies and CD's to check-out

pre-ordering of wine for dinner

private parties arrangement

faxing and copying services

use of the ship's portable phone

 

Peggy - RCI since 1973

[Todd320]

Wondering what the concierge club is like on the voyager class ships? We just got off the Serenades royal suite and it was great and the congeries club was nice with big windows. We met several nice couples in the club and that made it a fun experience.

 

Todd

 

 

Norway 7/87

Inspration 01/99

Galaxy 01/00

Ocean Princess 10/00

Ocean Princess 12/00

Enchatment of the Seas 04/01

Dawn Princess 10/01

Dawn Princess 12/01 14 days

Explorer of the Seas 08/02

Spirit 01/03

Adventure of the Seas 02/04

Serenade of the Seas 04/04

[Cruising Fool]

Todd: We were on the Mariner in December and the Concierge Lounge is up front toward the elevators and smack dab in the middle of the ship. No nice windows. Just frosted glass so that the other passengers can't see in.

 

Marianne

Royal Caribbean - 23

Carnival - 11; NCL - 9

Princess - 4; Costa - 2

Disney - 1; Celebrity - 1

Other now defunct lines - 18

 

Until Our Jewel of the Seas Canada/NE Cruise

 

 

Until Our Radiance Thanksgiving Cruise

Until Our Brilliance Christmas Cruise