My Opinion Regarding Upgrades

[luvscruising2007]

CatGirl Thanks for posting the written policy. For those of us who are not Diamond+ we had not seen it. From reading it, there seem to be some restrictions on this upgrade. It doesn't seem to be an automatic thing at all and you must request it directly or through your TA. Not all upgrades would be eligible. But again I could be misinterpreting.

[GMoney]

A few hundred Diamond Plus members? That's good information to

know. Thanks.

I do book what stateroom I am comfortable in--Owner's Suites so

there is no room for an upgrade. On my upcoming cruise I booked a

Grand Suite so this was the first time that I was entitled to an upgrade. At 21 days out there were 3 OS's available so my chances looked really good but slowly the OS's disappeared. At 14 days there was one left. I did not get it. Yes, I'm ticked.

 

You didn't get the upgrade because you didn't qualify. There have to be 3+ available rooms in the category 14 days before the sailing.

[hoytarchery999]

A few hundred Diamond Plus members? That's good information to

know. Thanks.

I do book what stateroom I am comfortable in--Owner's Suites so

there is no room for an upgrade. On my upcoming cruise I booked a

Grand Suite so this was the first time that I was entitled to an upgrade. At 21 days out there were 3 OS's available so my chances looked really good but slowly the OS's disappeared. At 14 days there was one left. I did not get it. Yes, I'm ticked.

 

if you already had a grand suite why would you be ticked most people dont even have a suite now come on.

[CAT GIRL]

You didn't get the upgrade because you didn't qualify. There have to be 3+ available rooms in the category 14 days before the sailing.

 

I have heard this and I've also heard 3 suites total in any catagory

qualifies. Different answers from different reps. I really want to

know if that final OS went due to an upgrade or a purchase. I have

no problem if it was someone more qualified than me. I just want the

process to be fair.

[MAZANDSTEVE]

You get what you pay for , whats the problem?

[GMoney]

I have heard this and I've also heard 3 suites total in any catagory

qualifies. Different answers from different reps. I really want to

know if that final OS went due to an upgrade or a purchase. I have

no problem if it was someone more qualified than me. I just want the

process to be fair.

 

That's very well said.

[Lynnees]

if you already had a grand suite why would you be ticked most people dont even have a suite now come on.

 

And when you start paying for your own cruises, instead of your parents and you have reached D+ you will perhaps then have a right to an opinion on others.

[setsail]

I have heard this and I've also heard 3 suites total in any catagory

qualifies. Different answers from different reps. I really want to

know if that final OS went due to an upgrade or a purchase. I have

no problem if it was someone more qualified than me. I just want the

process to be fair.

 

How do you know its not fair? Because someone here says so? Lots of D+ are not CC members, how do you know RCCL does not upgrade some of them? Its a ship with only so many cabins. Lets hear from someone who has surveyed every D+ on RCCL cruises before we speculate weither RCCL is not doing upgrades.

[cruisePRN]

Here you go:

Under Crown and Anchor Society Diamond Plus Benefits:

"Cruise Planning Benefits...

(in addition to Diamond benefits)

Stateroom upgrades (on cruises 5 nights or longer based on availability within 14 days of departure date)

 

This is in writing in the benefits package that diamond plus members are sent.

 

Thanks for digging that up, now everyone can read what we already know. If you call C and A they will confirm this.

[hoytarchery999]

And when you start paying for your own cruises, instead of your parents and you have reached D+ you will perhaps then have a right to an opinion on others.

 

i can still have an opinion regardless if i pay for my own cruises or not you know. why should i not have an opinion?:rolleyes:

[Lynnees]

i can still have an opinion regardless if i pay for my own cruises or not you know. why should i not have an opinion?:rolleyes:

 

Your right, you should have an opinion but your opinion needs to take into account everything and that includes your own position.

 

You really have no right to pass an opinion on someone who has earned a perk and has paid a lot of money to do so until you are in a similar position.

[hoytarchery999]

Your right, you should have an opinion but your opinion needs to take into account everything and that includes your own position.

 

You really have no right to pass an opinion on someone who has earned a perk and has paid a lot of money to do so until you are in a similar position.

 

ok last thing like others asked on this thread where does it actually say that anyone is entitiled to an upgrade people on here have searched theyre site and have found nothing ive never heard of it until this thread.

[cruisePRN]

ok last thing like others asked on this thread where does it actually say that anyone is entitiled to an upgrade people on here have searched theyre site and have found nothing ive never heard of it until this thread.

It has been posted several times, look at #111 you just refuse to accept the fact because you are not entitled to it and seem to resent those of us that are. I'll chalk that up to your being a teen age and we all know a teenager knows everything :rolleyes:

[hoytarchery999]

It has been posted several times, look at #111 you just refuse to accept the fact because you are not entitled to it and seem to resent those of us that are. I'll chalk that up to your being a teen age and we all know a teenager knows everything :rolleyes:

 

ok so its posted but i still did not see in ANYWHERE. and maybe we are not entitled to it yet but we still got an upgrade and didnt ask for it:p. and also no i dont think i know everything and where did i say that i knew any of the benifits i said i dont know i wasnt sure where it said that so yea dont know where you come up with i know everything.:confused: now i need to go out and shoot bow alittle its been good having this 5 day break from school too bad it has to end today.:(

[Richn49]

When you get your Diamond Plus kit there is a welcome letter. On the

back of it says "Crown & Anchor Society Diamond Plus Benefits"

 

Stateroom Upgrades: Offer applies to Diamond Plus members only. Members must have 24 or more cruise credits to qualify for an upgrade. Upgrades are offered only on cruises of five nights or longer. Offer varies by ship and sailing dates, with certain restrictions. Upgrades are subject to availability within 14 days of departure; Diamond Plus member and their travel agents can contact a Loyalty Specialist within that timeframe if upgrade is available. To be transferred to a Loyalty Specialist for benefits and service call xxx-xxx-xxxx and press X at anytime during the greeting message. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 9am-11pm: Saturday and Sunday 10am-8pm (ET). Offer not vaild on Christmas or New Year's sailings. Upgrades may be requested only from a standard inside stateroom to a standard outside stateroom, a standard outside stateroom to a balcony/veranda stateroom, or a balcony/veranda stateroom to a suite (Royal Suites are not included in this offer). Offer may be withdrawn at any time and connot be ocmbined with any other upgrade offers or certain restricted fares.

 

 

So, that is what is in writing. Along with details about the Special Amenity, Behind the scenes tours and VIP theatre experience, Milestone Gift, Access to Loyalty Specialist, Single Cruise Fare Reduced (49 cruises),

and 100th Cruise Credit Complimentary Cruise.

 

 

Thanks for finding this D+ statement and for posting it! It kinda sums up everything that CRUSEPRN states.

 

If they offer it - then offer it, don't keep it quiet!

[ivycruise]

Thanks for finding this D+ statement and for posting it! It kinda sums up everything that CRUSEPRN states.

 

If they offer it - then offer it, don't keep it quiet!

Well, except for the specific number of available rooms, some here have posted that they've heard it's 3. But nothing specific mentioned in the policy. Seems as if that could be a "mystery" number based on whom you speak with at C&A.

 

The rest of the policy can be somewhat vague. "Offer varies by ship and sailing dates, with certain restrictions."...What? Seems as if you have to call to see if you even have a chance.

[gagirl7143]

I was told at the D+ desk that there have to be at least 5 cabins available before any are offered to be up graded!

[psupa]

Regardless of whether it's justified, when I sail in May on Rhapsody if there are more then 3 cabins in the next category available and RCL does not honor their promise to upgrade me as a D+ I will book my fall cruise with a different (Princess)cruise line. The only recourse I have is to take my money elsewhere.

I cruised Azamara in January, will be cruising RCL to Alaska in May and am looking to book the Panama Canal out of Ft. Lauderdale in November. I am a bread and butter customer AND I always book an outside cabin or balcony not a cheapie cabin.

 

What exactly is a cheapie cabin. I book them all the time. Different strokes for different folks.

[dennbr9]

I think they should give the upgrades to people who do not ask for it over those who feel they are "entitled".

 

People who believe they are "special" really irritate me. IMHO of Course.

 

If you want the larger cabin, book it or live with your choice. Then if you were upgraded you could be pleasantly surprised instead of somewhat "bitter".

 

Something nice about the Princess method of Random selection. People on that site are really thrilled when they get one and probably is a good marketing ploy also. Like the lottery. Maybe RCI should change? Sure that would really upset you.

[cruisePRN]

I think they should give the upgrades to people who do not ask for it over those who feel they are "entitled".

 

People who believe they are "special" really irritate me. IMHO of Course.

And your point is ???/

You don't believe a company should have a reward program? When a company has a reward program they need to honor it, it's quite simple. Nobody feels entitled, they Earned a perk, just like frequent flier miles or redeemable certificates from using their RCL Visa card.

[B-May]

Loyalty programs were invented so people will be loyal to the product and should be entitled to the perks of the program. It's only fair. Those D+ members who have done 24+ cruises (and not inherited them) should be entitled to their upgrades, esp. when it's a written policy. I'm only gold but will become platinum 1/2 way through my 14 nt cruise next month and will have to wait until the following cruise to receive the benefits of a platinum member. And I totally understand that.

 

However, I booked this upcoming cruise 1.5 years ago in a D2 category at an incredible rate. I have since found a roomie for the trip and would love to upgrade to a JS as there were many cancellations when final payment was due but the prices are way too high when compared to what we paid. I've never seen the upgrade fairy and would love a visit (as we all would). My roomie had called C&A with some concerns with regards ports of call that may or may not be cancelled and at the time asked about upgrades. She was told that it would be noted on our file that we would be interested. The rep did say that some people hound them and of course I'm sure there's a black x on their files. The rep was not able to explain how they decide on upgrades but they take in loyalty, etc., and the fact that our cruise was booked so far in advance could be an advantage but I'm not holding my breath! I will enjoy my first balcony and be glad that I'm finally sailing. I have been on other RCCL cruises since this booking. I even had to cancel a trip 6 days from sailing due to a family medical situation and received no refund and didn't expect one. And of course even if you are paid in full you must actually take the cruise to qualify for the credit.

 

I understand other lines, esp. HAL actually ask you if you are willing to upgrade as many people have their "fave" cabins and don't want to be moved and that's totally fair. You should book a category/cabin you want and not expect an upgrade.

 

I guess what I'm saying is that those in D+ should expect their upgrades without having to ask having been such loyal followers. With today's sophisticated computer programs it should be an easy thing for any cruiseline to track a member's status. As for the rest of us it can be frustrating when others below you get upgraded to a suite when it's their first or second cruise or someone who gets a "last minute deal" and then also gets upgraded when you have been waiting so long for the same cruise. There seems to be no rhyme nor reason to how upgrades are chosen but those in D+ should be in the front of the line. Loyalty should be rewarded.

[mndk]

I personally don't mind loyal customers reaping the stated rewards, but I think there should maybe be some caveats. For instance, if I (not yet D+) pay for a JS and a D+ books an oceanview or regular balcony stateroom and gets upgraded to a GS or OS over me, then I'm the one who feels a little bitter. Certainly any D+ who booked a JS (regardless of the price pais) should have preference over me for upgrades, but I think they should generally stick to the one-class upgrade. If you're D+ and really want a GS, then book a JS and cross your fingers.

 

Also, I think that once a D+ receives an upgrade, they should go to the end of the D+ line as far as upgrade eligibility. Before anyone screams about the inequity and that they earned their place in line, here's a different explanation: You're D+ w/ 30 cruises. Let's say I'm D+ w/ 24 cruises. If we both continue to cruise with the same frequency, you'd always get an upgrade before me (and possibly take the last one). Assuming the "few hundred" D+ number to be true and with many D+ receiving upgrades on each cruise, it wouldn't take long to reclaim your place in line... I'm just saying that all D+ should probably have a shot at an upgrade at some point, not necessarily always the top cruiser regardless of whether they got an upgrade two weeks ago and I haven't had one for years (for example). Hopefully that makes sense. There just, at times, seems to be an overriding sense that people generally want things to be restricted so that newbies can't get as much (or as often) as long as the old-timers are grandfathered in.

[GXmanDC]

And your point is ???/

You don't believe a company should have a reward program? When a company has a reward program they need to honor it, it's quite simple. Nobody feels entitled, they Earned a perk, just like frequent flier miles or redeemable certificates from using their RCL Visa card.

 

cruisePRN, you said that you were entitled to this in the very first post.

 

I don't really care about cabin upgrades, all three cruises I've been on were totally sold out so I doubt anyone was upgraded. However, I am a frequent flyer and at the highest tier for two airlines. I understand upgrades in that context. What bothers me is the tone of the posts. You get upgrades. I think you should be happy when you do. Upgrades are not yours, you aren't entitled to them. I've had middle seats in the back of the bus despite my elite status. If getting a premium room is that much of a priorty, you should buy it.

[critterchick]

I personally don't mind loyal customers reaping the stated rewards, but I think there should maybe be some caveats. For instance, if I (not yet D+) pay for a JS and a D+ books an oceanview or regular balcony stateroom and gets upgraded to a GS or OS over me, then I'm the one who feels a little bitter. Certainly any D+ who booked a JS (regardless of the price pais) should have preference over me for upgrades, but I think they should generally stick to the one-class upgrade. If you're D+ and really want a GS, then book a JS and cross your fingers.

 

American Airlines will upgrade a Platinum Aadvantage member who bought a deeply discounted ticket before they will upgrade me, a non-premium member. It's a reward for "loyalty" (which in this context I take to mean having historically spent a lot of money onboard). The D+ upgrades, to the extent they exist, do the same thing - reward somebody for their long term spending pattern, not somebody who is in the early stages of their cruising careers.

 

And I don't think that one is eligible for a D+ upgrade from a JS to a GS or OS. Even though a JS isn't a "real" suite, I believe that it's considered a suite for D+ suite upgrade purposes. Oh, my head hurts just from typing that!:eek:

 

Also, I think that once a D+ receives an upgrade, they should go to the end of the D+ line as far as upgrade eligibility. Before anyone screams about the inequity and that they earned their place in line, here's a different explanation: You're D+ w/ 30 cruises. Let's say I'm D+ w/ 24 cruises. If we both continue to cruise with the same frequency, you'd always get an upgrade before me (and possibly take the last one). Assuming the "few hundred" D+ number to be true and with many D+ receiving upgrades on each cruise, it wouldn't take long to reclaim your place in line... I'm just saying that all D+ should probably have a shot at an upgrade at some point, not necessarily always the top cruiser regardless of whether they got an upgrade two weeks ago and I haven't had one for years (for example). Hopefully that makes sense. There just, at times, seems to be an overriding sense that people generally want things to be restricted so that newbies can't get as much (or as often) as long as the old-timers are grandfathered in.

 

I disagree. First of all, the odds that we will sail on the same ship at the same time are pretty small, so the proposal is interesting but perhaps would have no practical effect.

 

And I think that, in this case, the old timers have every right to hang onto what they've earned. I have no issue with Gerald what's his name (the most travelled RCI cruiser with well over 200 credits) bumping me out of the upgrade on a regular basis. He's earned it, as far as I'm concerned.

 

I've never gotten an upgrade on RCI - we usually book a JS and on ships where there aren't a lot of full suites available (Monarch & Radiance class ship), so they've sold out in what appears to be the normal course of business. Them's the breaks.

[reallyitsmema]

American Airlines will upgrade a Platinum Aadvantage member who bought a deeply discounted ticket before they will upgrade me, a non-premium member. It's a reward for "loyalty" (which in this context I take to mean having historically spent a lot of money onboard). The D+ upgrades, to the extent they exist, do the same thing - reward somebody for their long term spending pattern, not somebody who is in the early stages of their cruising careers.

 

And I don't think that one is eligible for a D+ upgrade from a JS to a GS or OS. Even though a JS isn't a "real" suite, I believe that it's considered a suite for D+ suite upgrade purposes. Oh, my head hurts just from typing that!:eek:

 

 

 

I disagree. First of all, the odds that we will sail on the same ship at the same time are pretty small, so the proposal is interesting but perhaps would have no practical effect.

 

And I think that, in this case, the old timers have every right to hang onto what they've earned. I have no issue with Gerald what's his name (the most travelled RCI cruiser with well over 200 credits) bumping me out of the upgrade on a regular basis. He's earned it, as far as I'm concerned.

 

I've never gotten an upgrade on RCI - we usually book a JS and on ships where there aren't a lot of full suites available (Monarch & Radiance class ship), so they've sold out in what appears to be the normal course of business. Them's the breaks.

I agree with you, the D+ with the highest cruise credits should get the upgrade and then go down the line. My husband travels a lot for business and only flies United. He is a United 1K, flew more than 100,000 miles with United last year, which allows him to be upgraded to first class frequently. There is no way he should take one upgrade and then go to the back of the line to let someone with only 25k miles get the upgrade.