Are RCCL Removing Conceirge Access for Diamond Members? - Opinions please

[grand isle joe]

Exactly.

 

And the sooner the CL is purely for suite passengers the better.

Cheers to you!! Ching Ching!!

[rednancy1]

Royal should take care of all of us. D & D+ because we have been loyal to them & will continue so long as they don't strip everything from us. Suite guest as well, as they spend a lot of money to cruise.

 

What was interesting on the Liberty 2 weeks ago is that they now rope off an area of lounge chairs only for suite guests so they will be able to get a lounge chair.

The pool monitors check ID when they see someone in that section to make sure they are in a suite.

 

That bothers me more than if they eliminated or modified the lounge perk.

 

 

Why should that bother you? :confused: Suite guests pay much more for their cabins and should have some perks.

 

We have never sailed in a GS or above. Just a lowly JS that doesn't qualify for the reserved lounge chair. :cool:

[Debde]

Not all ships have a concierge lounge ... hence the statement. Everything Radiance and above, as well as a few of the Vision class have them.

 

From reading CC of course that is what I have learned on here. Point being-they do not specifically state that so they leave it at their discresion. Why I believe they may be able to make changes by stating 'we never said that'.

It could be quite possible this was a nice perk they decided to add eons ago but now with the huge amount of loyal D andf D+ they need to re-evaluate-hence a possible change.

I look at it this way-if it stated concierge service with access to the private lounge-then it's set in stone. It only states 'service' so they can call that service whatever they want.

See where I'm going.............;)

 

It's just that they always teach you-read the fine print and in-between the lines. To me, IMO a huge grey area. Not black or white here. Like I said-I'm not D and not for some time probably but would be nice to know what you get for sure. The for sure stuff on the websight is a little un clear.:(

[Charles4515]

Why should that bother you? :confused: Suite guests pay much more for their cabins and should have some perks.

 

We have never sailed in a GS or above. Just a lowly JS that doesn't qualify for the reserved lounge chair. :cool:

 

I don't mind suite guests having perks. I mind them roping off public space in front of everyone and restricting it. I would not mind if they made a space and put a wall around it. Don't flaunt it. Like the lounges, their location is discreet. Or the QM2, which I have been on, different classes but discreet.

[isdoo]

I'm not sure what soured you on a whole group of your fellow passengers but your distaste for diamond and diamond plus members seems obvious from your posts. Fortunately, RCI, not you, decides how they will recognize both their suite passengers and those non-suite passengers who are frequent customers. Just as there are some obnoxious diamond and diamond plus guests who seem to delight in flaunting their status, so there are also a few suite guests who seem to think that they are the only ones who deserve special treatment wherever they go on the ship. If the CL becomes a haven only for suite passengers, you will be depriving yourself and others of the opportunity to meet some wonderful people who didn't happen to book themselves into a suite but have some great cruise and life experiences that they could share with you.

 

LOL I have no distaste for these people - I will be one myself soon - however I believe that suite guests should have a lounge to themselves without having to battle past 50 or 100 diamond guests.

 

The OP asked for opinions and I have given mine - I am sorry if it differs from many on this forum - but as a paying guest on RCI and a member of these forums I have a right to say what I honestly feel.

 

Suite passengers probably do not wish to meet others anyway and purely wish to benefit from the lounge that they have paid for and to consult the concierge in peace.

[cruisecrasy]

We have earned our cruise credits with a combination of 3, 5, and 7 night cruises. For those who think it's not "fair" that a 3 night cruise earns a cruise credit, please remember that those are the "rules" as Royal set them up.

 

Would we cancel an already booked cruise because of these various changes? Probably not. But we have a lot of cruising years ahead of us, and the more that the loyalty perks are watered down, the more likely we'll look at other options every time we book.

 

Some folks have said that in hard times, Royal has to cut back. Other businesses are trying to give their customers more value right now, in order to encourage them to spend limited disposable income in tough times. I'm surprised that Royal isn't doing this. If it's really a matter of survival to remove loyalty perks, then it may be time to find cruise lines that are more likely to survive this with their product intact.

 

Every time someone comments about missing something Royal has cut back on, someone always responds with a snarky "Oh, well if _________ is the reason you cruise Royal, then I guess you'll have to find another line."

 

SOME of the reasons we thought a RCCL vacation was special and/or a great value:

1. Chocolates on the pillow

2. Free room service

3. Ship Shape (then Vitality) program

4. Combinability of future cruise OBC and C&A coupons and discounts

5. Ability to bring wine aboard and pay a corkage fee in the dining room

6. Ability to purchase alcohol on board and pay a supplement to take it to our room.

 

Is any one of the above the only deciding factor in choosing to cruise with Royal? No. But keep adding the straws, and the camels back will break.

 

However, just where wld folks go when the 'camels back breaks'? All cruiselines are watching the bottom line carefully & are cutting fares first to encourage cruisers. They all seem to offer some of the same & some different perks and one that seems to be the most popular - 'free drinks' for suite pax, D & D+ members on RCL - isn't even offered on other mid-range cruiselines!

 

IMO, cutting out that perk wld save RCL a lot of money and if they want to stay in business its likely a good idea, one of which I am sure they are seriously considering..then to solve the overcrowding issue immediately simply allow access to a special lounge just to suite pax!

Of course, with no 'free booze' to draw folks in there, the overcrowding issue wld be somewhat slowed but as more & more folks become D & D+ it won't stop it so that issue must be addressed soon!

 

Suite pax numbers remain relatively static so no problem having a dedicated space!

 

Speaking of suite guests, I tend to agree with Canvey - they shld have something special offered to them - and the easiest & likely most popular option is a dedicated lounge...which is basic on another very popular cruiseline I enjoy (no free booze).

 

If they wish to meet others there are lots of places on the ship to do so without folks cramming together like sardines; doesn't sound pleasant to me!

 

RCL has created a real problem for themselves, too many folks becoming D & D+ much too soon and so costs rise hurting RCL & overcrowding occurs, making not just some suite pax unhappy but some D & D+ members also & its getting worse all the time -

Best solution IMO, they count # of days sailed rather than the point system for levels & cld consider also extra points for suite pax (they do spend a huge amt of cash ea cruise & it makes an extra perk for them but costs RCL nothing if they eliminate the booze).

 

Come on RCL - make some decisions - someone take responsibility - can't please anyone by 'dithering' around!!

 

Have happy cruisin' all!

[Debde]

I don't mind suite guests having perks. I mind them roping off public space in front of everyone and restricting it. I would not mind if they made a space and put a wall around it. Don't flaunt it. Like the lounges, their location is discreet. Or the QM2, which I have been on, different classes but discreet.

 

I leave tomorrow for our land based 2009 vacation this year and they rope off an entire section of the beach for Royal Service patrons only!!! An entire section of beach!!!!:eek: :eek:

 

Suite and concierge class traveleres are actually used to things like that. I'm actually surprised with all the chair hogging threads I have read here that RC did not start to introduce this sooner. Something tells me this is on the way.

[dmndlil]

Royal should take care of all of us. D & D+ because we have been loyal to them & will continue so long as they don't strip everything from us. Suite guest as well, as they spend a lot of money to cruise.

 

What was interesting on the Liberty 2 weeks ago is that they now rope off an area of lounge chairs only for suite guests so they will be able to get a lounge chair.

The pool monitors check ID when they see someone in that section to make sure they are in a suite.

 

 

Do they check ID of those in the seats NOT marked for suites to ensure they are not sitting in the wrong spot? You know they are going to sit where they please especially if it is a prime location. Just curious.

[alexkrn46]

I am a Diamond member and have cruised several times in a GS. Other than a larger cabin and some toiletries nothing special is done for this class of passengers despite the hefty ticket price.

 

My last cruise was on NCL, I was in the courtyard villas. All I can say is WOW, I felt very appreciated.

 

If they eliminate Diamond Perks we will probably go on other cruise lines. We are 3 cruises away from Diamond Plus.

[Charles4515]

I leave tomorrow for our land based 2009 vacation this year and they rope off an entire section of the beach for Royal Service patrons only!!! An entire section of beach!!!!:eek: :eek:

 

Suite and concierge class traveleres are actually used to things like that. I'm actually surprised with all the chair hogging threads I have read here that RC did not start to introduce this sooner. Something tells me this is on the way.

 

It is not a good idea to build resentment by flaunting perks. Better to keep them discreet. That includes perks for past passengers. Not being discreet is likely to lose the cruise line customers.

[mommabean]

Agree its one of the bigger costs...however that was cut in half a while back. Someone else knows more details on that...

 

Either way the Concierge will remain...because they can't sell lots of high priced suites on the big ships and take away all of the perks promised and delivered to date. Could they stop D and D+ from using them, sure they could...will they, I sort of doubt it will happen since it is a perk that keeps a lot of folks coming back. Lots of folks have indicated here they would consider other lines if not treated like Royar Returning guests...and at this time I don't think RCCL wants to have to replace more cruisers, even if they spend a few dollars extra on these cruisers...

 

Lets take a step further into cost calcs... I'd venture a guest as folks become D and D+ they likely to waste as much food in WJ as a new guests who have never cruised before...so the extra cost for the free booze is probably offset by less waste in terms of food and other items they some new cruisers want to check out to the fullest extent. Thus, in the end it is very possible its a wash so providing the perks does exactly as aimed, keep folks loyal at no net extra cost to RCCL.

 

I'd also guess many folks drink more in CL than they would if paying for each drink. So cutting off CL drinks for many would not necessarily translate into additional bar revenue for the ship, at least not in direct relation to the amount of drinks no longer served.

 

Now that you mention it, I think this is VERY true. And those who are drinking a little bit more of those free CL drinks are more likely to go and have a really good time in the casino. ;) I just bet those free drinks get paid for in the casino or on a little shopping spree. :D

[mommabean]

We just became diamond members and are cruising the Radiance in April to South America. What is the conceirge lounge? I take it there are free drinks offered? but only certain times? You can get in if you are in a suite (other than JS) correct, but also Diamond & D+ members are to have access? We are going for my husband's 50th birthday and we were looking forward to the extra perks that come with being a diamond member. Also, how do you get your name in hat to have dinner with Captain?

 

Your concierge will be Juan Diego on deck 10 by the centrum. You'll love him. He's funny and friendly. We met him on our Panama Canal cruise in October and look forward to cruising with him again in SA, also in April. Drinks will be served between 5:30 and 8:30 and if there are too many diamond members you'll have access to a diamond lounge in the starquest lounge (viking crown on other ships).

[Charles4515]

However, just where wld folks go when the 'camels back breaks'? All cruiselines are watching the bottom line carefully & are cutting fares first to encourage cruisers. They all seem to offer some of the same & some different perks and one that seems to be the most popular - 'free drinks' for suite pax, D & D+ members on RCL - isn't even offered on other mid-range cruiselines!

 

IMO, cutting out that perk wld save RCL a lot of money and if they want to stay in business its likely a good idea, one of which I am sure they are seriously considering..then to solve the overcrowding issue immediately simply allow access to a special lounge just to suite pax!

Of course, with no 'free booze' to draw folks in there, the overcrowding issue wld be somewhat slowed but as more & more folks become D & D+ it won't stop it so that issue must be addressed soon!

 

Suite pax numbers remain relatively static so no problem having a dedicated space!

 

Speaking of suite guests, I tend to agree with Canvey - they shld have something special offered to them - and the easiest & likely most popular option is a dedicated lounge...which is basic on another very popular cruiseline I enjoy (no free booze).

 

If they wish to meet others there are lots of places on the ship to do so without folks cramming together like sardines; doesn't sound pleasant to me!

 

RCL has created a real problem for themselves, too many folks becoming D & D+ much too soon and so costs rise hurting RCL & overcrowding occurs, making not just some suite pax unhappy but some D & D+ members also & its getting worse all the time -

Best solution IMO, they count # of days sailed rather than the point system for levels & cld consider also extra points for suite pax (they do spend a huge amt of cash ea cruise & it makes an extra perk for them but costs RCL nothing if they eliminate the booze).

 

Come on RCL - make some decisions - someone take responsibility - can't please anyone by 'dithering' around!!

 

Have happy cruisin' all!

 

Personally I prefer the perks on Princess, free internet and laundry to the lounge so if they gave that to Diamond and Diamond Plus I would be happy with that. Or other ways to recognize loyalty. I sure am getting spoiled LOL. I used to just be happy with priority embarkation and disembarkation as a loyalty perk.

 

I have yet to be on a sailing where the CL or DL was overcrowded or near to overcrowded but the solution would be the one they have taken on the Freedom class. Separate lounges.

[negc]

LOL I have no distaste for these people - I will be one myself soon - however I believe that suite guests should have a lounge to themselves without having to battle past 50 or 100 diamond guests.

 

The OP asked for opinions and I have given mine - I am sorry if it differs from many on this forum - but as a paying guest on RCI and a member of these forums I have a right to say what I honestly feel.

 

Suite passengers probably do not wish to meet others anyway and purely wish to benefit from the lounge that they have paid for and to consult the concierge in peace.

 

As I said previously, thankfully Royal Caribbean and not you will decide who they wish to reward with perks. Nice of you to represent the thoughts of suite passengers as to whom they wish to meet or not. Didn't realize that you had been elected to represent their opinions. :rolleyes: As a sometimes suite passenger, you don't speak for me and I doubt that you can readily identify "these people" whom you deem unworthy of sharing the lounge with you.

You are definitely entitled to your opinions just as we are entitled to disagree with them and even to hold them up to ridicule when it seems appropriate.:)

[isdoo]

As I said previously, thankfully Royal Caribbean and not you will decide who they wish to reward with perks. Nice of you to represent the thoughts of suite passengers as to whom they wish to meet or not. Didn't realize that you had been elected to represent their opinions. :rolleyes: As a sometimes suite passenger, you don't speak for me and I doubt that you can readily identify "these people" whom you deem unworthy of sharing the lounge with you.

You are definitely entitled to your opinions just as we are entitled to disagree with them and even to hold them up to ridicule when it seems appropriate.:)

 

I will not ridicule your post - I am sure it will go over your head ;)

[mommabean]

That bothers me more than if they eliminated or modified the lounge perk.

 

This suite lounge guaranteed availablility only bothers me if they allow the chair hogs to continue in other locations. I'd like to see a timer built into all lounge chairs. After 30 minutes the chair should tip it's contents into a pit and the chair hogs can go claim their items in a reservior below. :D Suite guests or otherwise. :rolleyes:

 

Gina

[emilygrace]

I don't care if they eliminate the cocktail hour for Diamond members, since we don't drink much and if we do have a drink once or twice on a cruise we don't mind paying for it. Besides, between the Captain's Welcome Aboard party and the Welcome Back party, not to mention the coupons in the C&A book for a free drink, there are enough opportunities for free drinks.

 

But please let me keep my access to the CL during the day so I can enjoy the peace and quiet and the cappuccinos!

[Bobal]

This suite lounge guaranteed availablility only bothers me if they allow the chair hogs to continue in other locations. I'd like to see a timer built into all lounge chairs. After 30 minutes the chair should tip it's contents into a pit and the chair hogs can go claim their items in a reservior below. :D Suite guests or otherwise. :rolleyes:

 

Gina

 

Love it - best suggestion I've seen on this board for ages :D

[negc]

This suite lounge guaranteed availablility only bothers me if they allow the chair hogs to continue in other locations. I'd like to see a timer built into all lounge chairs. After 30 minutes the chair should tip it's contents into a pit and the chair hogs can go claim their items in a reservior below. :D Suite guests or otherwise. :rolleyes:

 

Gina

 

Hopefully that wouldn't apply to lounge chairs that are occupied by a live person, rare as that can be at times.:D

[mommabean]

Hopefully that wouldn't apply to lounge chairs that are occupied by a live person, rare as that can be at times.:D

 

LOL

 

I meant to say after the chair is EMPTY for 30 minutes. :o

 

NO NO, not with the chair hog IN it. In my opinion it's OK to be a chair hog as long as the hog's backside (or front side if that's the case) is in the chair. :D

 

Gina

[sanjoseca]

My question then is why didn't you head your post something along the lines of: "Concierge Access for Suite Passengers and Diamonds" and assume that your solitary experience on Legend would apply to both suite passengers and diamond members equally.

 

Oh for crying out loud.......why criticize the OP on his choice of words for the subject line? He seems to have had a legitimate question based on his experience and what he was told on Legend. There has been a lot of healthy discussion on this thread about the pros and cons of changing the the C&A program, so his thread has created some value for CC members regardless of the wording of the subject line.

 

Times have changed since 2001 when Concierge Lounge privileges were taken away from Junior Suite passengers and given to Diamond members. There were a few tweaks since then, including extra points earned for suite and longer cruises.....and the minor tweak of creating Diamond + in 2004. In the opinions of many, RCCL needs to change the program to reflect changing times and to control the over crowding issues and what some others think is an inequitable awarding of cruise credits [whether it would be days at sea, fare paid or revamping the number of points awarded for length of cruise]. Healthy discussions by all.

 

While it's true that RCCL makes the rules and manages the perks for the Crown and Anchor Program, which should be obvious to everyone, I think it's inevitable that customers will have their opinions and suggestions regarding the program. To expect them not to suggests to me that we should only use the company controled RCCL web site for our information. Cruise Critic provides an opportunity for all to give their opinions and suggestions.

 

This thread has been a good one, with some great information exchanged, so, I for one appreciate the OP starting it. [Even a little from you, Bill:D]

[booze brothers]

I'm not sure what soured you on a whole group of your fellow passengers but your distaste for diamond and diamond plus members seems obvious from your posts. Fortunately, RCI, not you, decides how they will recognize both their suite passengers and those non-suite passengers who are frequent customers. Just as there are some obnoxious diamond and diamond plus guests who seem to delight in flaunting their status, so there are also a few suite guests who seem to think that they are the only ones who deserve special treatment wherever they go on the ship. If the CL becomes a haven only for suite passengers, you will be depriving yourself and others of the opportunity to meet some wonderful people who didn't happen to book themselves into a suite but have some great cruise and life experiences that they could share with you.

 

Well said Bill. That is exactly how I feel. Mimi

[Rancher Dave]

This suite lounge guaranteed availablility only bothers me if they allow the chair hogs to continue in other locations. I'd like to see a timer built into all lounge chairs. After 30 minutes the chair should tip it's contents into a pit and the chair hogs can go claim their items in a reservior below. :D Suite guests or otherwise. :rolleyes:

 

Gina

 

pretty good idea. Yes I saw some chair hog stuff going on aboard VOTS. I even commented to one of the manager level crew that it may actually be fun to go pull all the towels and toss them in the laundry...he laughed but of course would not participate....neither did I for that matter, but he did say he sees it on a daily basis people having trouble getting chairs because so many reserve for their one use too many chairs with no regard for other users.

 

Oh well...back to CL issue. Someone said Suite pax don't want to meet others...how wrong that idea is...I enjoyed meeting the mix of folks in the lounge. All of the ones I met were very nice as well...and folks were sharing seating areas with strangers to chat and be friendly.

[Debde]

It is not a good idea to build resentment by flaunting perks. Better to keep them discreet. That includes perks for past passengers. Not being discreet is likely to lose the cruise line customers.

 

I absolutly get what you are saying but right wrong or indifferent-suite/concierge class travelers are used to perks like this.

 

I have read all too often on this bb that GS and OS are just a bigger room. Not much 'perks' per say. Stayed in one once. Yes agreed, room size great, robes, slippers the occasional choc. covered strawberries and a plate of snacky food once in a while was great but we're talking thousands of dollars more for a suite. For the passengers that want a suite and all that comes with it-RC has been a little sparse on them.

 

Don't know if I'll be able to swing a suite again ever but if I was the suite type person with an unlimited budget-I might pass RC on by.

[Maraprince]

LOL I have no distaste for these people - I will be one myself soon - however I believe that suite guests should have a lounge to themselves without having to battle past 50 or 100 diamond guests.

 

The OP asked for opinions and I have given mine - I am sorry if it differs from many on this forum - but as a paying guest on RCI and a member of these forums I have a right to say what I honestly feel.

 

Suite passengers probably do not wish to meet others anyway and purely wish to benefit from the lounge that they have paid for and to consult the concierge in peace.

 

 

Whether or not a passenger chooses to book a suite is entirely up to them. But to say that suite passengers do not wish to mix with others either implies that no one else is worthy or that suite passengers are such snobs that you have question why they are on RCL in the first place and not on a more high end line that will treat them royally.

 

If providing free drinks is the best that RCL can do, that is really not such a great perk for non drinkers. As others have stated, cutting back access to the CL will only result in less liquore sales on board since the passengers are only drinking because it is free.

 

Now if RCL would choose to offer daily tea service, free laundry perks, free/reduced internet fees, guaranteed seats at speciality restaurants, special seating for the shows, special return gift, reduced deposits, etc. that would be something worth paying the higher prices for a suite.

 

Other cruise lines are lowering fares to fill up their ships. RCL is not, but they are trying to find everyway they can to lessen their original product. Newbies will not notice but repeat passengers will. Can RCL afford the gamble that there will be enough newbies to fill up their ships and let the repeat passengers be damned? If so, then they will lose a lot more than they gain both in money and reputation. Word of mouth is louder and reaches more potential passengers than any paid ads can. Whoever is "whispering" in RCL's ear (be it the CPA's) is giving them the wrong info. They need every passenger they can get or else they cannot continue to stay in business.

 

 

MARAPRINCE