Crown & Anchor Program Revisions - join the merged discussions here

[CruiseKeeper]

Oh dear, you have totally missed my point!! Adults shouldn't require rules to have concern for the comfort of others as well as their own!! Don't chair hog - don't drink to excess and disturb others - don't stay for 3.5 hours thus denying others the space to have a drink. This is just the way I was brought up - to also consider others - I didn't need someone to make rules. This is not self-righteous - to older people it is old-fashioned courtesy - something often sadly lacking in today's world.

 

No, adults don't require rules. They don't make them up for others either. There is no guidance on how to use the CL put out by RCI. BTW, I qualify for the senior discount and know of old fashioned, but you can't just make up rules for RCI. When you expect people to abide by the rules you make up and then blame them for their demise of their CL privileges, it is self-righeous.

 

 

I also used the word 'peeved' purposely - its an irritation - rather than something to get worked-up about. I pointed out bad things happening in the world - they're worth getting your knickers in a twist - not the loss of a few drinks, to people who are fortunate enough not to have lost their jobs and can still afford to cruise.

 

I and many others, knew this was coming. I had no idea that Plussers wouldn't be excluded and had already written to RCCL that, when that time came, we would transfer to HAL or Seabourn, where the pace is more sedate:D. Fortunately, we still have the use of the CL, but I am expecting this privilege to be rescinded at any time. But I didn't get worked up about it!! As I said, sugar happens.:p

 

I'm glad you still have use of the CL, I will again soon. Just please don't judge me when I enter at 5:00 or have a second glass of wine. You may feel free to do so also, after all, it's allowed.

[hellosailer]

Perhaps this is because as you know we have a different cancellation policy?

 

Quite a few from the US have posted they have cancelled their RCCL cruises due to new rules starting July 1st..which of course they can do without losing their deposits..unlike here in UK.

 

But will it apply on July 1st?

[rubrrick]

Just an FYI folks the abuse the cruise line speaks of is people bringing in family and friends with them to the CL that do not belong there.

I'm probably going to start something here...but I disagree I don't think suite passengers should receive the privledge of the CL they are basically buying their way in. I am a Diamond Plus and I do have a problem with someone receiving the same amenity just because they are cruising in a suite. I have discussed this with my DSM with RCI so I don't think this will be the end of it. She is the one who told me about the problems with the CL.

 

 

I can remember some years back, I believe that we were Platinum, about to become Diamond, but since first setting foot on an Royal Caribbean ship, we have always cruised in a suite. And, for the most part, mostly in an OS, an occasional RS............and we are just about to experience our first GS........as there were no OS's available when we booked our next cruise.

 

I recall getting a letter from RCCL, thanking us for being suite guests, and letting us know if were to choose a Radiance or Voyager class ship, we would be entitled to the use of their concierge lounge, a perk of consistently being a suite guest.

 

By the time that we tried our first Radiance class, the Jewel of the Seas, the concierge lounge had been opened to Diamond guests as well. As a matter of fact, we have met some wonderful people, that were Diamonds, that we stay in touch with to this day.

 

Today, we are Diamond Plus and still sail in suites, our preferred style of travel. I am saddened that RCCL has taken the stand that they have, and I think that there could have been a better solution to the problem.

 

As others have mentioned, if RCCL is that desperate for immediate change of cash flow, that they are willing to alienate customers that have chosen to stay with them because of building themselves to the next tier, I personally feel that they have cut off their nose to spite their face.

 

I truly believe that there could have been a better solution. I have also known that this may happen as far back as over a year ago.

 

I am a Royal Champion, and I don't have much good to say in the way that Royal Caribbean has chosen to carry out cost cutting measures.

 

Had they chosen......they could have cut the Diamond perks, without making those loyal members feel like they have been stabbed in the back.

 

Rick

[seasearider]

Not correct, I was responding to this statement "There will no longer be a Concierge Lounge for Diamond members in the Crown and Anchor Society! "

 

Another person just backing up my statement in their response:rolleyes:

 

There won't be a "Concierge Lodge" for Diamond members.

[aqhacruiser]

I'm glad you still have use of the CL, I will again soon. Just please don't judge me when I enter at 5:00 or have a second glass of wine. You may feel free to do so also, after all, it's allowed.

 

Yes it is allowed and with My Time Dining, specialty resturants and the Windjammer, people are not held to that 6 or 830 dining time anymore and have more freedom to dine where and when they want and they can now come to the CL anytime between 5-830pm, stay as long or as short of time period as they want and enjoy it on their schedule. With the alternatives offered today the rigid dining times are a thing of the past for those passengers who want the flexibility and the use of the CL reflects that flexibility too:)

[Twice_a_year]

I take umbrage to the remarks that identify those of us who are upset with the reneging of RCI’s CL benefit formally afforded to us Diamond passengers as people who will just miss the “free” drinks.

 

First, let me quantify the total consumption of “free” drinks that we have consumed in the three “Diamond” level cruises that we have been able to enjoy the CL privilege. Since my wife rarely drinks alcohol she consumed one glass of wine in 25 cruising days. I might have enjoyed 40 servings at best. I note the quantity of librations to underscore the fact that this is not the primary consideration when assessing the lost of this benefit. Frankly, I really appreciated this perk and have purchased the higher-level wine package for dinner. (It should be noted that I have ended up coming home with one over priced bottle of wine on two occasions.)

 

It is the availability of comradeship in the CL and the feeling that RCI is treating me special that are going to be missed.

 

I don’t sweat the little things. After all, I understand the need for most to drop prices to compete for new customers. I will just have to accept the fact RCI is exactly like the cut rate cruise lines, airlines, and other businesses that use price as the determination of where I will spend my cruising dollars. I will miss that special feeling that I had with RCI but that is in the past.

[trafficlaw]

I can remember some years back, I believe that we were Platinum, about to become Diamond, but since first setting foot on an Royal Caribbean ship, we have always cruised in a suite. And, for the most part, mostly in an OS, an occasional RS............and we are just about to experience our first GS........as there were no OS's available when we booked our next cruise.

 

I recall getting a letter from RCCL, thanking us for being suite guests, and letting us know if were to choose a Radiance or Voyager class ship, we would be entitled to the use of their concierge lounge, a perk of consistently being a suite guest.

 

By the time that we tried our first Radiance class, the Jewel of the Seas, the concierge lounge had been opened to Diamond guests as well. As a matter of fact, we have met some wonderful people, that were Diamonds, that we stay in touch with to this day.

 

Today, we are Diamond Plus and still sail in suites, our preferred style of travel. I am saddened that RCCL has taken the stand that they have, and I think that there could have been a better solution to the problem.

 

As others have mentioned, if RCCL is that desperate for immediate change of cash flow, that they are willing to alienate customers that have chosen to stay with them because of building themselves to the next tier, I personally feel that they have cut off their nose to spite their face.

 

I truly believe that there could have been a better solution. I have also known that this may happen as far back as over a year ago.

 

I am a Royal Champion, and I don't have much good to say in the way that Royal Caribbean has chosen to carry out cost cutting measures.

 

Had they chosen......they could have cut the Diamond perks, without making those loyal members feel like they have been stabbed in the back.

 

Rick

 

Great Post--and thanks for the support!

[hellosailer]

No-one has said all C&A members drink too much, stay too long etc. Just that a small minority do so and have, to some extent, caused this. They have also brought guests in, knowing its not permitted. I also think that its a combination with RCCL cutting down on costs.

 

I put forward options a while ago to RCCL - I didn't agree with this - I think Princess have it right actually. They have a separate bar in the evening for their 'loyal guests' - its a pay bar, although the special drink is half price. They supply canapes etc. Nice compromise. Princess is not big on the freebies. Although we do find the free internet to be rather useful!!:D

 

However, having said that, its always the minority that spoils things for the majority - and that's what happened here!!

 

Its going to be a bit dull listening to the oneupmanship, instead of having fun with all of our Diamond friends, but we shall just all get together in a different area. On the other hand, the oneupmanship does make us giggle!!

[aqhacruiser]

Oh dear, you have totally missed my point!! Adults shouldn't require rules to have concern for the comfort of others as well as their own!! Don't chair hog - don't drink to excess and disturb others - don't stay for 3.5 hours thus denying others the space to have a drink. This is just the way I was brought up - to also consider others - I didn't need someone to make rules. This is not self-righteous - to older people it is old-fashioned courtesy - something often sadly lacking in today's world.

 

I also used the word 'peeved' purposely - its an irritation - rather than something to get worked-up about. I pointed out bad things happening in the world - they're worth getting your knickers in a twist - not the loss of a few drinks, to people who are fortunate enough not to have lost their jobs and can still afford to cruise.

 

I and many others, knew this was coming. I had no idea that Plussers wouldn't be excluded and had already written to RCCL that, when that time came, we would transfer to HAL or Seabourn, where the pace is more sedate:D. Fortunately, we still have the use of the CL, but I am expecting this privilege to be rescinded at any time. But I didn't get worked up about it!! As I said, sugar happens.:p

 

It's really not about rules written or otherwise, it's about the change in the cruise industry today as people demanded flexibility with dining and that's what they have now. You used to see 6pm seating people in CL at 5pm and leaving at 6pm and 830 seating people would drift in around 7-730. Today passengers are dining where and when they want so they are no longer held to dining times ( Thank God:D) so of course that new flexibility is reflected in the CL as well and that is the "new rule" if you want to call it that today. It's a much more relaxed cruising experience and people are no longer rushed to be in the dining rooms if they opt to dine in the alternatives or choose My Time Dining so they can take their time in the CL if that's what they choose to do. :)

[cruiseorbust]

In just returning from my 15th cruise with Royal Caribbean, I must say there is a lot of controversy regarding the Crown & Anchor status/rewards.

 

In this current economy, I understand why Royal is making some changes to their reward program....not that I like it, but understand! One thing I must say is if people are leaving Royal because of the lack of once rewarded benefits, where are you planning on going that will give you what you once had???

 

My personal feeling is, even with out some of the extras, Royal is still a competitive good product! Now that I said that, let me voice some personal opinions/ideas on what I think happened to get them in there current circumstances, besides the current economy......

 

Wasn't it nice for the people that only did short weekend cruises to receive another credit towards sailings vs people that went for a week?

 

Wasn't it nice for the people that booked an inside cabin, last minute special to get the same credit as those that booked early out and got a balcony cabin or an inside at a much higher price for the same category?

 

Wasn't it nice that just because you live in the same house as someone that has traveled many times with Royal, where you maybe only went once, that you got the same status "just because"?

 

Wasn't it nice that someone who maybe traveled several times with Royal got married to someone that only cruised once...therefore now is the same status as the spouse?

 

How fair was it for the parent that paid for two cabins (one for themselves and spouse, and one for their children in a separate cabin) only got one credit "even though"?

 

How about the Diamond Club person that has been on 15 cruises has to lose rewards/benefits, but the person that booked their first RC suite gets to use the Diamond Club now instead??

 

I could go on, but I think most of you understand what I am trying to say....or at least I hope!

 

Maybe what they should have done is based the loyality reward credits on the amount the first two people in any cabin paid just for the cruise portion? That way, the amount that is actually going to support RC would be valid. Also each person should only earn their own merrits...not "just because". For the family that pays for more than one cabin, they should receive the added cruise amount for the second cabin as well (which would help move them up in status). Or if their children are in the other cabin, then they have the option of giving their child the reward credit.

 

I think if it was based on the true amount of dollars spent, it would be fair.

 

Any thoughts...and please be nice, not ugly in your responses!

[cruisecrasy]

I can remember some years back, I believe that we were Platinum, about to become Diamond, but since first setting foot on an Royal Caribbean ship, we have always cruised in a suite. And, for the most part, mostly in an OS, an occasional RS............and we are just about to experience our first GS........as there were no OS's available when we booked our next cruise.

 

I recall getting a letter from RCCL, thanking us for being suite guests, and letting us know if were to choose a Radiance or Voyager class ship, we would be entitled to the use of their concierge lounge, a perk of consistently being a suite guest.

 

By the time that we tried our first Radiance class, the Jewel of the Seas, the concierge lounge had been opened to Diamond guests as well. As a matter of fact, we have met some wonderful people, that were Diamonds, that we stay in touch with to this day.

 

Today, we are Diamond Plus and still sail in suites, our preferred style of travel. I am saddened that RCCL has taken the stand that they have, and I think that there could have been a better solution to the problem.

 

As others have mentioned, if RCCL is that desperate for immediate change of cash flow, that they are willing to alienate customers that have chosen to stay with them because of building themselves to the next tier, I personally feel that they have cut off their nose to spite their face.

 

I truly believe that there could have been a better solution. I have also known that this may happen as far back as over a year ago.

 

I am a Royal Champion, and I don't have much good to say in the way that Royal Caribbean has chosen to carry out cost cutting measures.

 

Had they chosen......they could have cut the Diamond perks, without making those loyal members feel like they have been stabbed in the back.

 

Rick

 

We can 'chew' this to death and are doing a fairly good job of it :) It makes us feel like we are accomplishing something..

 

So please instead - let's hear yours & others solutions to put to RC to stop the overcrowding in the CL that will please everyone!

 

Yes, I know its impossible....:) but at least u wld have the satisfaction of knowing u made a genuine attempt to solve the problem..

 

Have happy cruisin'!

[NavarreCruiser]

Most people here seem to think that Royal Diamond benefits are far superior to other cruise line loyalty program benefits. Since I am Diamond on RCCL and Platinum on Carnival (Diamond equivalent) for me the main advantage of the Royal diamond package was the concierge lounge.

 

Carnival benefits are as follows with comments:

 

Usefull items from Carnival's program:

 

• Priority embarkation – On the last cruise (after security check) we were escorted to a special room where the paper work was completed then had a Carnival representative escort us to the ship by passing all lines.

• Your personal Guest Service staff – Very attentive – Treat platinum guests extremely well for any issues that crop up – no waiting.

• Complimentary Wash and Fold service – Free laundry service – very nice

• Complimentary $20 dollar entrance to Blackjack or Slot Tournament – Won $1,000 so far

• Petit fours delivered to your stateroom one evening – Very good

 

The rest of carnival's stuff:

 

• Personalized Stationery – Nice but not used

• Canapes delivered to your stateroom one evening – Nice touch but nothing great

• A special Carnival logo item – Similar to C&A gifts

• Guaranteed dining times (Platinum guest and immediate family, up to a maximum of two staterooms) – Never a problem getting one of the best servers

• Guaranteed supper club reservations – No real benefit

• Exclusive "Behind the Scenes galley tour" – Been there done that

• Spa Carnival services priority booking – No real benefit

• Priority tender boarding – Go right to the front of the line.

• Priority debarkation – Special priority tags and first to debark the ship.

Since the key cards are color coded - once any Carnival employee sees the card you get treated special.

 

Royal Caribbean benefits are as follows with comments:

 

Usefull items from RCCL's program:

 

• Discounts on balcony and suites – Unique to RCCL but given the price difference not sure how valuable

• Diamond Lounge on Freedom-Class ships and Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas – When it was all ships this was the one benefit that really interested me – Nothing like this on carnival

 

The rest of RCCL's stuff:

 

• Ultimate Value Booklet – Use one or two of the coupons – Nice touch

• SeaPass Card recognition – Never noticed anything unique

• Recognition at Captains Cocktail/Welcome Party – Same as Carnival

• Quarterly Saving certificates online – Nice but never have used one

• Extra Cruise Credits for suites – Usually book Balcony

• Member Cruises – Never tried – Schedule issues

• Extra cruise credit for a 12-night or longer cruise/cruisetour – nice touch

• Member contests – No idea what this is

• Crown & Anchor Society Desk for membership inquiries – Same as Carnival

• Member-only section on our website – Same as Carnival

• Private departure lounge – Similar to carnival but at Ft Lauderdale waited in same holding area as everybody else

• Priority check-in (where available) – Never seems to help

• Platinum and Diamond Event – Same as carnival

• Robes for use onboard (subject to availability) – Same as Carnival

• A special number to call for pre-cruise benefits, (888) 437-1953 – Same as Carnival

• Receive matching Captain's Club member recognition when you sail our sister lines, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises – Unique to RCCL – Very nice benefit

• Complimentary custom air fee – Similar to Carnival program

• Priority wait list for shore excursions/spa services – Same as Carnival

• Priority departure – Same as carnival

• Diamond Event hosted once per cruise on ships without a Diamond Lounge – Now same as Carnival

• Priority wait list for dining room seating – Same as carnival

 

The point to all this being that with the CL being eliminated the Carnival program is very similar to the Royal program and for me the Blackjack entries, concierge service, and free laundry now tip the balance to Carnival.

 

I sailed several cruises on RCCl just to get to diamond when I would have preferred a different cruise on Princess or Carnival. So the loyalty program worked to get them more business but now I they eliminated the one benefit that I really used.

 

So even though I like the Royal ships better I prefer the special treatment I get on Carnival and Princess. They seem to really value their past cruisers. I will cruise Royal again in the future if the price is competitive but I will no longer pay a premium to sail on their ships. Having sailed both lines multiple times over the past two years they are more similar than different.

 

Eliminating the CL seems like a short sighted business decision that will ultimately alienate their core constituency.

 

Great post. We are in exactly your same boat (pun intended) We were platinum on Carnival and had only 3 RCCL credits. Last year we booked 7 cruise credit sailings with RCCL to achieve diamond status. Now we will still cruise Carnival (close to home ports) and will try Princess for more lengthy and exotic cruises.

[wblynch]

I were the head of the Crown and Anchor Society of RCCL here's the way I would have made the changes and how I would have annouced them:

 

 

==============================================

 

Dear Crown and Anchor Diamond Member,

 

We here at Royal Caribbean appreciate your loyalty over the years by sailing Royal Caribbean. We understand that our customers have many choices available to them when making their vacation decisions and we created the Crown and Anchor society to recognize and reward our most loyal customers.

 

By reaching Diamond level, you are among our most valuable customers and we regard your business in the past and future as the backbone of our success. We also realize that our Diamond and Diamond Plus members commonly introduce their friends and family to Royal Caribbean and we are confident the Royal Caribbean committment to quality and service will keep those new customers coming back.

 

We do value the relationship we've built with our repeat passengers but circumstances had compelled us to make some inconvenient changes in our rewards program. We do hope you understand the need for making these changes and continue to consider us for your future vacations.

 

The changes in the program are as follows:

 

Beginning with sailings departing on or after July 1, 2009 the complimentary happy hour on ships with a Concierge Lounge will be restricted to passengers sailing in our suite cabins of the Grand Suite category and above. We will also continue to invite Crown and Anchor members at the Diamond Plus level to join the Concierge events.

 

Due to attendance abuse in the past, we will upgrade the security system at the Concierge Lounge to ensure only invited guests are admitted.

 

Unfortunately, due to the wonderful success of the Crown and Anchor loyalty program, the number of Diamond level passengers has outgrown our capacity to host them in the Concierge Lounge.

 

We want to continue to express our appreciation to our Diamond members by inviting you to enjoy half price cocktails from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at all venues throughout the ship. Simply present your SeaPass card when purchasing your beverages and the prices will be automatically adjusted. This benefit is limited to 4 beverages per participant, per day.

 

We regret the need to reduce this program but your continued business with Royal Caribbean is vital to our success and our ability to make Royal Caribbean your favorite cruise line.

 

Thank you for your ongoing loyalty to Royal Caribbean International. We hope to see you onboard very soon.

 

 

 

==============================================

[ziggypup]

The bottom line for me is that I can't let things like this get to me. My goal is to enjoy my vacation and not to dwell on little perks. I guess maybe I should have a sour taste in my mouth because I am one cruise credit away from making Diamond.

 

Things like this happen in all business enviroments. I've seen this happen with my local supermarkets. You know as the holidays roll around they give you a free Turkey or some other item if you spend X amount of dollars. Well I've noticed that the X amount has slowly gotten higher. Does that now mean that I am pissed off at that supermarket and will drive somewhere else. For me it is not a big issue, just like the new C/A rules aren't going to give me a ulcer. Either I will deal with it, or cruise with someone else. But I like RCCL and that is my bottom line.

 

Enjoy your cruise, that is the objective.

[balconyonly]

RCCL is not the same line it was years ago when Nordic Empress, Viking etc were still in the fleet. We sailed on Majesty when it was brand new. A midnight buffet every night, the food was far superior to today. The nickle and diming was considerably less, there was a duty free liquor shop on board ( and yes you could take it to your cabin) service was better. I am sure many others know all to well the changes in the last few years.

 

I understand the feelings of many of the diamond members, a benefit has been taken away. Yes I know as many pointed out that they have a right to do that, again I don't disagree but once you give someone a perk based on status don't take it away and still expect loyalty. The airlines found that out very quickly, RCCL will too. We are diamond but we took our last cruise a year ago, we had already decided the nickle and diming was too great. We go to all inclusives now instead and the price is half what we use to spend on a cruise.

 

I must say it was a slog reading through a lot of this ( I only scanned a tenth of the posts at best ) but it is obvious that there are people who feel strongly on both sides. (I discount the RCCL champions as short of screwing them over personally they can't see how RCCL could ever do wrong to anyone)

 

As for the person who doubted how someone could know what is in the new coupon booklets they have obviously never had to have anything major printed. The lead in time is huge, I can guarentee they went through corporate review months ago and have almost certainly gone to print or will very soon if you are getting ten's of thousands for July 1st worldwide. The point being hundreds of people will have already seen them from graphics, marketing etc to corporate and then to the printing company or even some of it's outsourcing subcontractors. I already heard the same stuff on the coupons from the RCCL rep in this area. Which by the way was how I found this thread, they knew I used to look here and they suggested I take a look at the forum to see how everyone was reacting to the C and A changes.

 

Ultimately cruising is a business and sometimes tough decisions have to be made. I just think sometimes you get more credit by telling the truth. Don't tell people about exciting changes that you decided on after customer feedback when obviously it was a business decision to help with falling revenues. Just tell the truth and people will cut you a lot more slack and respect you more for it.

[robmab]

The fact of the matter is that things change. If you go through life believing that you're entitled to something just because you had it once, you're going to waste a lot of time being annoyed when it goes away. Because things are going to change...they just do. So get over it and move on.

[xpcdoojk]

So, if they write a nice letter telling you how important you are, then all is forgiven and you are good to go?:confused:

 

And we wonder why bad politicians keep winning year after year.

 

jc

[wblynch]

So, if they write a nice letter telling you how important you are, then all is forgiven and you are good to go?:confused:

 

And we wonder why bad politicians keep winning year after year.

 

jc

 

Did you understand the replacement of a removed benefit with another (lessened) benefit?

 

Customers can appreciate the reduction of benefits when their loyalty is still recognized and rewarded by other means.

 

If the "problem" is overcrowding in the Concierge or overflow lounges, this addresses the "problem".

 

If the "problem" is cost containment of complimentary cocktails, this addresses that "problem".

 

I offer suggested alterations and am still met with denigrating remarks.

[Cruising Forever!]

Not correct, I was responding to this statement "There will no longer be a Concierge Lounge for Diamond members in the Crown and Anchor Society! "

 

Another person just backing up my statement in their response:rolleyes:

 

Except, as I pointed out (if you're referring to my original post)- the statement I made is absolutely true. Read again the line in the email to C&A members and scroll down. There WILL no longer be a Concierge Lounge for Diamond members. Only Diamond Plus and Suite (who can be people off the streets with NO loyalty to RCCL) guests will have access to the Concierge Lounge.

 

The newly created "Diamond Lounge" is not the Concierge Lounge at all. They use the term "complimentary" happy hour from 5pm to 8:30pm, but they carefully avoid what this means as well. Could be complimentary food. Maybe complimentary drinks. Who knows? Also, if they are doing something remarkable for their Diamond guests (I love the way this downgrade is sold to us in the email as something "we" requested and something wonderful... they didn't even kiss me first. Grown ups will know what I mean.) by providing a "Diamond Lounge" only available from 5pm to 8:30pm, then why not (Nation of Why Not, indeed!) roll this out fleet wide? They certainly were able to put a dopey rock wall on every ship! (ok- I like the rock wall... not my point) Radiance Class ships could easily have this... and again, they already sorta did this for us on Mariner last September.

 

And one other thing- the VAST majority of people going on cruises don't always read Cruise Critic (big mistake). I first heard of this in an email sent to me couched in flowery "aren't we wonderful" for doing this to (I mean, for) you? from Royal Caribbean. If I hadn't read closely, I may have missed the point. I feel very sorry for people in the Diamond level going on a cruise the first week of July who don't know about this! I hope they freak out- I would!:mad:

 

Everyone that's as mad as me about this should stand up at every "Welcome Back" party for C&A members on every ship in the fleet from now on and ask the Nation of Why Not why we can't continue to enjoy this priviledge that we earned?

 

My 82 year old father just wrote to me that he's really upset- he's at 8 completed cruises and he's been trying to play catch up with us so that he could enjoy this perk. Now, instead of just needing two more cruises, he's going to need to complete 16 more! This is garbage- absolute garbage!

[rubrrick]

We can 'chew' this to death and are doing a fairly good job of it :) It makes us feel like we are accomplishing something..

 

So please instead - let's hear yours & others solutions to put to RC to stop the overcrowding in the CL that will please everyone!

 

Yes, I know its impossible....:) but at least u wld have the satisfaction of knowing u made a genuine attempt to solve the problem..

 

Have happy cruisin'!

 

As you say.......let me "chew" on this.......but the essence would be something that Princess has for their Elite members, which would be a special room, and discounted drinks, along with free canapés, for the same time length as the CL is open for drinks.

 

As a suite, and Diamond Plus member, I could choose to be with my Diamond friends in their area, and pay a discounted price for my drinks, which I'm not opposed to doing............or enjoy a free cocktail in the CL.

 

What this allows the company to do, when they decide that there are too many D+, they simply make the statement that D+ get to join D's, and the CL will be used by Suite guests only.

 

I think that is a pretty fair way to keep camaraderie with everyone, and help RCCL in a down market. So the company does not make as much off of liquor, but the point is, that they are not losing money, and the D's have something to tout about, and the company is saving face.

 

This seems like a pretty simple win win situation to me. What say you??

 

I also realise that this does not take into account the use of a concierge. That is something that I need to think about overnight.

Rick

[MBnancy]

I've been reading these posts. We are Diamond Members, and have a JR. Suite booked on our next cruise this fall. Is a Jr. Suite good enough to get you in the Concierge Lounge, or is it only for those in Royal Suites, etc.?

[wblynch]

I've been reading these posts. We are Diamond Members, and have a JR. Suite booked on our next cruise this fall. Is a Jr. Suite good enough to get you in the Concierge Lounge, or is it only for those in Royal Suites, etc.?

 

Sorry, Junior Suites do not qualify. Grand Suites and above. :(

 

Unless you are sailing on the largest ships that do have specified Diamond lounges then your Diamond level qualifies you for invitation.

[emilygrace]

Speaking only for myself, it's not about looking at other cruise lines to find those benefits that C&A has taken away, but now it's no longer worth paying the extra $$$ to cruise RCL and not get those benefits. I didn't mind paying a little more for a cruise when I was getting a little something in return.

 

And it's not about paying or not paying for drinks.....for us it was the USE of the Concierge Lounge, with the cappuccinos and good company, or even solitude at certain times of the day.

[As the ship sails]

Except' date=' as I pointed out (if you're referring to my original post)- the statement I made is absolutely true. Read again the line in the email to C&A members and scroll down. There WILL no longer be a Concierge Lounge for Diamond members. Only Diamond Plus and Suite (who can be people off the streets with NO loyalty to RCCL) guests will have access to the Concierge Lounge.

 

[b']The newly created "Diamond Lounge" is not the Concierge Lounge at all. They use the term "complimentary" happy hour from 5pm to 8:30pm, but they carefully avoid what this means as well. Could be complimentary food. Maybe complimentary drinks. Who knows? Also, if they are doing something remarkable for their Diamond guests (I love the way this downgrade is sold to us in the email as something "we" requested and something wonderful... they didn't even kiss me first. Grown ups will know what I mean.) by providing a "Diamond Lounge" only available from 5pm to 8:30pm, then why not (Nation of Why Not, indeed!) roll this out fleet wide? They certainly were able to put a dopey rock wall on every ship! (ok- I like the rock wall... not my point) Radiance Class ships could easily have this... and again, they already sorta did this for us on Mariner last September.[/b]

 

And one other thing- the VAST majority of people going on cruises don't always read Cruise Critic (big mistake). I first heard of this in an email sent to me couched in flowery "aren't we wonderful" for doing this to (I mean, for) you? from Royal Caribbean. If I hadn't read closely, I may have missed the point. I feel very sorry for people in the Diamond level going on a cruise the first week of July who don't know about this! I hope they freak out- I would!:mad:

 

Everyone that's as mad as me about this should stand up at every "Welcome Back" party for C&A members on every ship in the fleet from now on and ask the Nation of Why Not why we can't continue to enjoy this priviledge that we earned?

 

My 82 year old father just wrote to me that he's really upset- he's at 8 completed cruises and he's been trying to play catch up with us so that he could enjoy this perk. Now, instead of just needing two more cruises, he's going to need to complete 16 more! This is garbage- absolute garbage!

 

The diamond lounge on Freedom class ships and above is not something that has been newly created.:rolleyes: The diamond lounge is EXACTLY like the concierge lounge. It is located on deck 14 on the Freedom class ships and DOES have a concierge, has coffee drinks and breakfast items available same as the regular concierge lounge.:) YOU have access to the diamond lounge 24/7 with your diamond key provided to you in your stateroom.

 

As far as your statement regarding suite guests.........they deserve the concierge lounge. The concierge lounge was originally intented for suite guests only and only later did RCI extend the perk to diamond guests.

[Motorman23]

I can remember some years back, I believe that we were Platinum, about to become Diamond, but since first setting foot on an Royal Caribbean ship, we have always cruised in a suite. And, for the most part, mostly in an OS, an occasional RS............and we are just about to experience our first GS........as there were no OS's available when we booked our next cruise.

 

....edited out by mikeb123....

 

I am a Royal Champion, and I don't have much good to say in the way that Royal Caribbean has chosen to carry out cost cutting measures.

 

Had they chosen......they could have cut the Diamond perks, without making those loyal members feel like they have been stabbed in the back.

 

Rick

 

Dear Rick, I have made a few comments about this whole thing and have been reading the notes from many others on an occasional basis. I truly thank you for saying what you did, it shows that people who have the access to the CL will miss those of us who will be loosing it. This fall my 14 day panama canal cruise on Serenade would have been my first chance to use the CL as a Diamond and now I will not. I guess it is better to have never experience it and lost it then the other ways. Anyways, I appreciate what you said and thank you. I edited out some of the information in your post to make it a little smaller but nonetheless it was all very nice things said.

 

My regards, Mike